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Major Benjamin Tallmadge's Letter.

HEADQUARTERS, TAPPAN, Sept. 30th, 1780.

DEAR SIR-I must acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 12th and 16th inst.; am sorry I did not receive them in season, that I might have had the pleasure of seeing you on your way to New Jersey. Benton has gone into New York with the horses, etc., agreeable to your request.

You have doubtless heard before this of the rascally conduct of Arnold. He has gone to the enemy, where I think his misery, which must ensue, will be complete. Poor Andre, who has been under my charge almost ever since he was taken, has yesterday had his trial, and tho' his sentence is not known, a disgraceful death is undoubtedly allotted to him. By Heavens! Col. Webb, I never saw a man whose fate I foresaw, whom I so sincerely pitied. He is a young fellow of the greatest accomplishments, and was the Prime Minister of Sir Harry on all occasions. He has unbosomed his heart to me, and indeed, let me know almost every motive of his actions so fully since he came out on his late mission that he has endeared himself to me exceedingly. Unfortunate man! He will undoubtedly suffer death to-morrow, and tho' he knows his fate, seems to be as cheerful as if he was going to an assembly. I am sure he will go to the gallows less tearful for his fate, and with less concern than I shall behold the tragedy. Had he been tried by a Court of ladies, he is so genteel, handsome, polite a young gentlema that I am confident they would have acquitted him.

But enough of poor Andre, who, tho' he dies lamented, falls justly. I am happy to find he has wrote to Sir Henry Clinton, in which letters he speaks highly of our treatment towards him, and takes off the idea of his being under sanction of a flag when he was taken, which has been told by Arnold to Sir Harry, that our conduct in punishing him might be censurable. I think his letter to General Clinton will effectually ruin Arnold with the enemy.

Jos. Smith, an accomplice with Arnold, I also bro't on with me; he is now under trial.

Of news we are entirely bare. I conclude we are so taken up with the agreeable prospect of connubial life that you can hardly pay attention enough to read a letter from your friend—a man who would not risk anything for such a Banker would deserve never to

be happy. All must approve your choice; but you only will be benefited by the bargain. God bless you, and if I believed she remembered me as well as I do her, I would send her a thousand compliments.

To your Sister Hetty please make my compliments, and to any person of my acquaintance.

Col. WEBB.

In haste, believe me

Your friend and most
Obedient servant,

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

Major Benjamin Tallmadge's Letter.

TOTOWA, November 4th, 1780.

MY DEAR SIR-Capt. Webb this moment informs me that there will be an opportunity to send you a line to-morrow.

Since the new establishment of the Army has come out in general orders the head officers of the different lines have been very busy fixing upon those who command new regiments for the war. The provision for the retiring officers is so ample that I am sorry to say there seems to be an emulation among our Eastern officers who shall go home rather than who shall continue in the service.

After the great pains General Washington has taken to provide some honorable compensation for those officers who retire, for their past services and sufferings, such a requital would wound him very sensibly. However, there is a check upon them, that no one can retire with the benefits promised until the new regiments are completely officered.

I am this afternoon informed that the field officers of the Connecticut line have been together, and that Col. Wyllys, Col. Swift, Col. Webb, Col. Meigs and Lt. Col. Sherman are proposed as the commanding officers of the new regiments. Was I to give you my opinion, I should advise that you immediately repair to camp, for the purpose of assisting in completing the arrangements. There are many things, such as the rank of a regiment, the field and other officers arranged, &c., &c., which would be well worthy your attention. I am informed this day by some of our officers just exchanged that you are at length liberated. I hope it may

be true.

I intended, when I crossed the North River, to have rode as far as Princeton before I returned, and of course I should have called on you. A letter from the General of this day, on particular business, obliges me to return to-morrow.

It is said there is another embarkation taking place destined to Virginia.

Col. Sheldon is very honorably acquitted. You will see his whole trial in print.

Please to make my compliments to Mrs. Webb and your dulcinea, if she remembers me.

In a few months, according to custom, I shall expect to hear by line from you. In the interim,

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DEAR COLONEL :-I received your favor of this day, and was very sorry that I could not have the pleasure of waiting on you with Mr. Shaler, by reason of attending the General. Since I saw you have waited on General Prescott and Colonel Campbell and mentioned your affair. You may depend on it, they are inclined to serve you. Colonel Campbell acquaints me that he has received no answer from Sir Henry Clinton as yet, but every day expects one, and nothing can be done till then. Nothing could afford me greater pleasure than your company in the Flag, which will most probably sail on Monday or Tuesday next, and will endeavor, if possible, to see you before we sail. Am very busy now in packing up Govornor Franklin's things.

I am, Dear Colonel,

Yours, &c.,
E. TUDOR.

Col. WEBB.

P. S.-Have sent you the machine, and hope it will fit. If it should not suit, return it and have it altered.

General Thompson's Letter.

GRAVESEND, April, 1779. D'R WEBB-I would have gone to Flatbush to see you this morning, but am disappointed in getting a horse.

I have sent some letters which were intended to go by Captain Ivan to Philadelphia; but as I am told he will not be permitted, must beg you to forward them by the first Flag to Elizabeth

town.

I am sorry Ivan is not allowed to proceed, as I am certain the supply of cash will not then be so large, nor will it arrive so soon without a person sent on purpose for it.

I thank you for all the good news, and your care in procuring such intelligence, and

I am, Dear Sir,

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ᎠᎡ . -Received yours on the 29th inst., and am most cheerfully ready to give every assistance in my power towards facilitating the raising a regiment which you are appointed to command, but it is not in my power or of the Council of Safety to give you orders for receiving the ten pounds additional bounty granted by the State to the eight battalions to be raised here; and that, indeed, was done in conformity to the other States in New England. You will be sensible, no doubt, that if this bounty were given to the regiment you are about to raise, their encouragements would be superior to the eight battalion men who enlist only for three years, as I understand yours will have the encouragement of 100 acres of land, which the others will not, unless such as enlist during the The land may make more impression on some than the ten pounds. Hope you will succeed in your attempt, and I am, Sir,

war.

Col. S. B. WEBB.

Your humble serv't,
JNO. TRUMBULL.

Colonel Trumbull's Letter.

HEADQUARTERS, 15th April, 1782.

DEAR SIR :-The salmon came, and in excellent order. His Excellency requests your acceptance of his best thanks for the favor. The General and lady are this day engaged to drive with my Lord Stirling, on the other side of the river, and upon an invitation given last week. The gentlemen of the family who will be at home will be very glad to see you. If you come you will be so good as to stay till to-morrow, when his Excellency will be home. Your most obd't serv't,

J. TRUMBULL,

Hump. has gone with the General.
Col. S. B. WEBB.

A. D. C.

Colonel Trumbull's Letter.

HEADQUARTERS, 13th June, 1782.

DEAR SIR :-The General is this day at the Point, so I cannot decide for his accepting your invitation any further than 'tis very probable he will attend your feast on that day, and will doubtless be glad of a good dinner.

Myself you will probably see if circumstances will admit. Some of the family will, without doubt, attend the General particular. I cannot determine.

I am,
Yours most devotedly,

J. TRUMBULL,

A. D. C.

N. B.-General Lincoln is with us, and will come with the General if he attends you.

Colo. WEBB.

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