No. 17.

To Joseph Barrell

PROVIDENCE, Tuesday Morning, 6th July, 1779.
DEAR BROTHER:-I congratulate you on the arrival of a large
and valuable prize ship, laden with provisions and goods, at New
London, taken, 'tis said, by the Revenge and the two little privateers,
the Washington and Gates. This I think will more than clear the
first cost of our shares, and I wish they may be further successful.
I set off from this in half an hour and intend reaching Wethersfield
on Thursday evening, or Friday morning, from whence you may
again hear from me. The Philadelphia paper of the 23d ulto.
confirms the account of the defeat of the British before Charlestown.
A gentleman is arrived there who was in the action, and says when
he left they were nearly surrounded, about ten miles from the town.
'Tis unaccountable we have no regular express from that quarter.

General Washington has ordered Glover's Brigade from this to
join him on Hudson river with all possible dispatch, and seems con-
fident the enemy mean to attack him.

Tell Sally and Abby God bless them. Hetty's love to you all. Did you kiss the ten Hills' lasses for me as you promised? Did you double it with my favorite? Sweet girl, I wish I was there to take that duty off your hands.

your

Remember me to all, and write at your house, and believe me

Joe Webb, Esq.

to the circle

Affectionate Brother,

SAM'L B. WEBB.

No. 18. To mm. Barrell.
Mrs.

2 Folic 80

WETHERSFIELD, Monday evening, cable)

Aug't 9th, 1779.

MY DEAR SISTER-When I left you in Boston you had my promise that I would frequently write you, 'Tis not for want of inclination that there has been so long a period in which you have not heard from me. I was at home but a few days before my business required my attention at headquarters, from which I returned yesterday evening much fatigued and yet uncertain when I may call myself a freeman. However, my present prospects are such that I live in hopes it will be speedy. When that happy hour arrives 'tis more than probable you may see me in Boston, and if nothing happens more than I now know I shall take Hetty with me.

not

Curious movements in this world. Mr. Early suffered the priest at Hartford to tell his people that he intended marriage with the Wid? Church. It surprised us all. You, we are told, are equally surprised with a manoeuvre at Ten-Hills. This is a strange world we live in. I for my part wish them much fun together, but am sorry for our friend Bob. I think he must be unhappy. Remember me to them all.

I was one night at our friend, Doct'r Johnson's, on my return.

Found the family as usual. Much inquiring about you. Sally says y/
she intends paying you a visit some time in the Fall. They have

been very unhappy with the insults of the Common people, but the

Doct'r has at last taken the oath of allegiance to the United States,
and people of all ranks seem pleased with it. I presume if he acts
with decision he will soon be in great favor, and indeed is a most
amiable member of society.

Have you seen Maj'r Harnage since I left you? I am sorry I Call on had not time to tell him before I left Boston. Should you see him, present my compliments.

Mr. Riley sets off this day. By him I intend writing your better half and our Sister Abby, which obliges me to be short with this. Indeed, had I more time I should not have to add but that I am sincerely and affectionately your Friend and Br.,

Mrs. Barrell:

To Barull so any. 1779, p. 349

2 Folio 87 82

Copul

To frs. Barrell

SAM'L B. WEBB.

WETHERSFIELD, Dec. 11,

1779.

mon than

MY DEAR BROTHER:-After an absence of near six weeks, a
long journey, much trouble and expense to the tune of £700 Law.
m'y, Fam again at the old mansion almost worn out with riding. </
For my pains I have obtained liberty to continue out on Parole; no
exchange altho' I have offered two Lieut. Colonels and a Major out
of the Corunna Certificate. It seems determined that I am to re-
main in this very unhappy situation, and which way to turn or what
to do I know not.

=

Looking over your letters to my brother during my absence I find you frequently mention the settling our accounts with the agents of the Washington and Gates. When at home scarcely a day passed but

I pressed them to let me know the state of accounts; as often they
promised, but none has yet appeared. The fact is these new made
gentry know not how to dispatch business were they ever so much

disposed, Neither of them could make out their accounts to be un- I've

derstood. However, have pressed them so hard they have at length
hired a man who is preparing their books for a settlement. They
shall have no peace till it's done, after which if nothing happens you
will be troubled a few days with my company in Boston. I am
happy and congratulate you and Sally on the addition to your
family. You ought to be thankful as the times are that there were
not two or three.

The powder condemned. My first essay in the speculating line. Ill luck seems to stick close to me. One satisfaction is, I did not dip so deep as some others.

Jos. Barrell, Esq.

No. 20.

WORCESTER, Monday Evening,
Jan'y 24, 1780.

MY DEAR BR.:-We arrived here about six this evening from
Learned's at Watertown, we lodged last night, occasioned by our
horses falling into Cambridge River, the particulars of which no
doubt you are acquainted with as Erskine and Livingston were both
with us. I think it fortunate I saved my horses.

The extreme cold has made this day's ride very disagreeable.
The roads some part of the way are tolerable, others wretched indeed.
My horses were worried more than the whole jaunt down. However
I intend being at Wethersfield by Thursday noon, perhaps sooner.

The happy hours we have pass'd at your house made us all dull
at parting. We feel sensibly your great attention while in town,
and wish by more than words to convince you how ready we shall be
on all occasions to acknowledge your goodness.

How

My hurry made me forget to send to the whitesmith for that
instrument he made; the scoundrel promised to send it up.
ever as it is a matter of much importance I must beg you will get it
and forward it carefully bound up by the first conveyance. The
price is four hard dollars which I'll forward you the first opportu-
nity. Let me beg you not to forget it.

I could wish Mr. Otis to enclose me the keys of the Canteen in
a letter, as it may not be safe to have them come together.

material

2 Folio So.

Jack and I have been complaining the whole day and but now have found the cause. Being so accustomed to drink a large proportion of wine every afternoon, it's become absolutely necessary we should break off by degrees, otherwise a weakness of the nerves, a headache, and a number of &c.'s, &c.'s, &c.'s will follow, therefore we have ordered Otis' cork drawn. * * *

Well, half an hour is gone and in that time three bumpers each-our nervous complaint quite gone, even without the inward or outward application of a drop of Gin. Our toast was to Otis, to whom we are indebted for the Good Creature; another to our Boston friends in general, and the third to one of the dear little girls which nearly stole my heart. Who is it but the lady with whom you and I drank tea, and heard an enchanting tune on the harpsichord accompanied with the voice. The idea alone makes my heart bound and go Pitta, Patta-the song was not unlike The Knife. Oh, Barrell, if you see that dear little girl, at least kiss her once in my name, and say for me all that your lively imagination could suppose I should say for myself was I present. Faith, I think it a fortunate circumstance I left town so soon. Come, Jack, fill the other Bumper and give us a lady-Five to one, the Rope walk. Well, upon my word, I've won the bet; but Jack swears he's not in earnest. Well, my friend, by this time I fancy you'll be tired of my tattle.

Aus. un Barrell volume, 3 Fby, 1780.

Copud

Eane

Kiss [rest of letter torn off. ]
Jos. Barrell, Esq.

No. 21.

To Joseph Barrill

Wethersfield, Sunday
Erming, 18 July, 1780

Broome

DEAR BARRELL :--Your letter of the 6th instant is with me,
and we have since been waiting a private conveyance to write you
particularly, which has not yet offered. I write now only to in-
form you that B. Deur, J. Browne, J. Wright Merrills and my-
self embark on Thursday next on board the sloop Gates for
Newport with a view of seeing the French fleet and army and
passing a little time tête a tête with our friends. If you, Joseph
Barrell, with half a dozen other clever fellows from Boston, will a
take it into your heads to meet us there, you'll make us happy, and
I haven't a doubt you may find some business in the speculating /
way which will make it worth your while; as I am told there are is
many goods come out in the fleet. Don't hesitate; come if possi-

ble. We shall stop in at New London, and probably it will be
Friday or Saturday before we reach Newport.

Whether you come or not write me to that place by the post.
Remember all single letters to me come post free, therefore never
be afraid of writing. My love to Sally, Joe, Hannah, and the
circle with and about you. Let me see you at Newport, when you
shall see how much and with what friendship

No. 22

I am your aff. Bro.

SAM'L B. WEBB.

To Jesign Barrell

WETHERSFIELD, Sunday, 13th August, 1780.

DEAR BARRELL-I am ashamed that I have not written to you since my return from Newport. However I do not think myself more blameable than you are as two or three of my letters to you remain unanswered. Have you received the one I wrote you from Newport? I have urged and begged brother Jog to proposed write you the letter you postponed, but he says it will not yet do ;

A

J

he intends it soon, as we have obtained the largest part of the
things. Do, my dear brother, for all our sakes keep this matter in
a proper train; you will hear particularly from my brother on the
subject soon.

I have wrote a line to Col. Cary which I'll thank you to send him. I am going to Hartford after Church, and shall leave this to be forwarded by some private hand as it's not worth postage ; that is one reason I have not wrote you more frequently. No such excuse will answer for you, as all single letters come to me post free.

From June to September you would have had the plague of Hetty's and my company, had it not have been for that damnable affair; as it now is, I am under the necessity of getting off for the southward in about a fortnight, and if Hetty's health will permit, I intend she shall accompany me, which I think will be better for her than to go to town this warm season; but tell Sally she must not scold me. I will certainly consent that Hetty should be with her the winter, her company will then be more necessary. I will write both to you and to her before I go. God bless you both and