116 from Boston, now living HEADQUARTERS, September 5, 1777. n
MY DEAR SISTER-It is extremely disagreeable that our situa
tion is such that we are debarred the pleasure of seeing each other, quarly
A little social conversation in the epistolary way adds much to the
pleasure when now and then an opportunity offers in which we can
write more freely. Miss, whom I fell in company with this
morning at breakfast, has very politely offered to convey a letter im-
mediately to your hands. So good an opportunity I could not let
pass without acquainting you of my and your other friends being in
a state of health which renders them happy.-Joe and his lady live
in the old Mansion House as happy as heart can wish. Hetty and
Abbey are their companions. A few families which are genteel and
a clever make up an agreeable circle. I spent five months with them,
which I shall count among the number of my happy days-Hetty
and myself used frequently to ramble where our sister Sally had been
before and with
us,
much we wished for her good company. Hetty
says she should be as happy as this world could make her, if her sister
and friend (Peggy) was with her. They, I have reason to suppose,
would be equally pleased in her comp'y. Whose fault has it been
that they are not altogether, now at Wethersfield? This I leave
with you to answer. This I can with truth say-no pains on my
part have been wanting-witness my former letters when at Cam-
bridge.
That
Busy imagination yet paints to me a future day when we shall
meet and spend many social, friendly hours together. Be it so. I
wish it most fervently. Of this be assured-that the Sons of Amer-
ica will reign Masters of the Land which God gave them. The
combined powers of Europe can only distress, not conquer her free
born sons. Of this I trust Britain is, or soon will convinced,
I must stop my pen; it leads me to a subject which I did not intend
to mention. Rest easy, my friend and sister, on my account, it is
in the cause of virtue and country and the rights of man, I am en-
gaged in, and He who ever has in the greatest dangers preserved me
can continue his protection. If I fall, it shall be gloriously. Re-
member me with the warmest affection to Mr. Jack, Miss Peggy and
other friends if such there are who may enquire after your friend
and Bro.
13
S. B. WEBB.
Mr. Jack W. is at or near Peeks-kill in health.
N
To John tuingron, Murchant My.
HORSENECK, 14 Sept., 1777.
DEAR JACK-I wrote my sister a few days since by a young 2 Folio 78
lady from this place, which I doubt not she has ere this received.
I have now the satisfaction to acquaint you, your many friends in
this state are in high health and spirits. The bearer, Lieut. Fan-
ning (a prisoner who is now returning to his confinement) is a very
honest, clever lad-any civilities shown him will be doing that which
will oblige me. I would wish, my friend, to speak to you in the old
familiar way, but it must not be at present. Love, esteem, &c., has
in no degree varied from what it formerly was for you, my good sis-
ter, and my worthy friend Peggy. Assure them of it and tell them
I wish most fervently a speedy and happy meeting.
Tell our old friend Sherry my compliments await him-and-← believe me with the utmost sincerity your affectionate friend and
P.S. I would say—rather desire you never to run away--but agam if I did Mr. Loring or some other gentleman would destroy my
FLAT BUSH, 17th July, 1778. Ms. Lai.
SIR-During our captivity and residence on this Island we are happy in having received, and are willing to acknowledge, the politest treatment from the Gentlemen of the British Army. It frequently has been otherways with ill-natured Refugees and Inhabitants of illiberal sentiments. These we have ever tho't beneath our notice. An instance has now arisen however which I am now obliged to communicate to you, of an officer under your immediate command, deviating from the character of a Gentleman in a way which I am confident will not be justified by you.
Capt. Drakeford, of the 26th, last evening came to the Quarters of a Mr. Helm, Lt. in the American Army, a prisoner of war now on his Parole, and without the least provocation insulted him with the most abusive language, after which, in a most ungentlemanlike manner, forced the cockade from his hat, collared and pushed him from the stoop on which he was standing. Mr. Helm's situation. prevented his retaliating either by word or action, thinking it a more
proper way to obtain satisfaction by laying the matter before his su-
periors. At his particular request I have taken the liberty of writ-
ing you on the subject.
With due Respect I am sir,
SAM'L B. WEBB, Col.
American Army.
General Leslie, Flatlands.
DEAR BROTHER:-After leaving you yesterday we jogged slowly
along, like Darby and Jon, saying nothing, but much thinking.
This parting with friends is very disagreeable. I always comfort
myself with the pleasing idea we part to meet again.
lodged at Hedden's, 21 miles from Boston, and came on here
this morning to Breakfast, where I met Mr. Stoddard from New
London, who informs me that a prize brig arrived there last Wednes-
day, taken by the Hancock, Beaver and little Cromwell. She was
from Halifax for New York laden with fish and and about 700 oyl
bushels of Irish potatoes. He says' is reported the Delaware
frigate is taken by the Boston and Confederacy.
Hetty would write, but wishes to push on before the heat of the
day. She joins me in an affectionate remembrance to you and f
family, and to our friends at Ten-Hills.
In haste, I am yr affec. B'r,
To Josefth Barrell &
WETHERSFIELD, Sunday, July 11th, 1779.
DEAR BROTHER:-Our sister and myself arrived here Thursday last after a warm, disagreeable ride, and found our friends in a state of Health, but the whole Country in an uproar. The enemy, about 2,000 under the infamous Governor Tryon, have been at New Haven. They took possession of the Town on Monday last, there being only about 100 of the militia to oppose them, The young men of the Roman
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Town and the Collegians behaved gallantly, aud fought them as long
as it could be of service. In the action we lost about 20 of that
number. On Tuesday they embarked, after plundering the Town
and burning a few stores, went over to East Haven and burnt all
the Buildings next the shore. From this they took shipping and
went for Fairfield, where they landed, and took possession without
opposition, the militia being dismissed after the Enemy embarked
at New Haven, under an Idea that they had returned to N. York-
and the Harvest suffering. At 12 o'clock Thursday night they sent
a Flag to the Inhabitants who had collected on the Heights out of
Town, acquainting them if they would come in, give up their arms,
swear allegiance to George the Third, the Town should be preserved.
They returned for answer that the Town was but a secondary object,
and that they should never submit to the Government of Britain's
Tyrant. The Enemy went immediately to plundering, and at seven
o'clock set fire to the Town which now remains a heap of rubbish.
This Village was large and as beautiful as any in this State. The
buildings large and elegant. To add to the misfortune, the Inhab-
itants had not time to remove any of their property, so that many
reputable worthy families are reduced from a state of affluence to
Poverty. Thus are these wretches, the Servants and Slaves of
George the Third, burning defenceless Towns and waging War
against innocent Women and Children-1 Child of three years old
was taken from the arms of its mother and thrown into the flames,
and the mother, to stop her shrieks, knocked down with a musket.
A man who was taken prisoner, being an old Countryman, was rolled
in a sheet bound fast, the sheet wet with rum and set fire to. In
this situation, just before he expired, our people found him. Sev-
eral negro servants, who were left to take care of their master's
property, were burnt alive for attempting to extinguish the fire.
Indeed, my friend, this last excursion of theirs has been marked
with more savage cruelty than before known, for which, may God
reward them. I am happy to tell you it has had a very good effect
on the people, the Tory and Timid Whig now join in determining
to take arms
with their Virtuous Countrymen and swear revenge.
I have never seen the people so universally ready to take the Field
since the Lexington Battle. This morning an express informs that
4,000 of the Enemy have marched from Kingsbridge and had got as
far as Horseneck. The fleet under Tryon with 2,000 are still in the
sound, so that it appears they are determined to burn all our Sea
coasts. The militia far and near are under marching orders, and
wait but the signal to move. Two Brigades of Continentals are on
the march from Hudson river; I wish they may have it in their
power to meet the British. They give out they intend to penetrate
into the Heart of this State; I wish most fervently they would
attempt it, but I rather fear they will not go far from their shipping.
Let me hear from you respecting Penobscott. I intend in a day or
two to proceed to Head Quarters; my absence from this will not be
long; on my return you shall hear from me. My love is with
Martha and Abby and your little ones-something of the same
nature hovers about Ten-Hills. Kiss them all for your friend and
very affectionate Brother,
Monday Morn'g.-We are just informed the Enemy have burnt Norwalk. I fear it's too true. Inclosed you have an order drawn by my Br. on . Babcock for £1,000 Law. M'y, which, if paid, Credit to my acc't against my share of the Washington and Gates-le. should it not be paid, Let me know and I will forward the money the first safe conveyance. New London Harbour remains blocked up. The Carolina news has lost all credit. Was there ever such a hum run thro' the Continent?
To Mis Barrell WETHERSFIELD,
Monday, 13th June, '79.
MY DEAR SISTER:--I wrote Hetty a few lines last.evening and now have only time to say, I hope to set off for Providence the last of this or beginning of next week. After I have done my business with the Regiment I shall very eagerly take my flight to Boston, to see my long absent friends, when I shall have chat enough for you. Remember me to your good husband, who I never know, but hope" Jaw soon to be acquainted with. Abby, I think, will conclude to go with me and spend a few weeks with you, as Hetty is to accompany me back.
Adieu, and believe me,
Very affectionately, 92/31
SAM'L B. WEBB.
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