leaving Philadelphia; but I have frequently heard that a man without any business, is the most busy man in the world. This I give as one reason why I have not written you since my return. But the principal reason is truly this,-that my brother, as I suppose, had given you all such intelligence as would be necessary, amusing, or worth paying postage for. But as it seems you desire I should write, I risk the chance of its being acceptable or amusing, and wish I may find anything to say that may meet with the wished-for approbation, and I take this early opportunity, for fear I may not have leisure again between this and next post. My continual uneasiness and anxiety on account of my Sisters, who are now in Boston, has determined me to pay them a visit, and if some unforeseen incident does not prevent, I intend setting off the last of this week. I shall take Newport, Providence, &c., in my way; and will, if anything new or interesting occurs, write you from each place; but more particularly, from the present seat of noise and confusion-say Boston; the true situation of it and of the fortifications which are now erecting at the only entrance of that large capital. My brother seems more at ease about our sisters, than you, (by your letter) or I do. May all his conjectures be right. That "they are as safe there as here," is my most fervent wish; but much I fear. On the first hostility, such as blood shed by the Troops in Boston, this Colony will most undoubtedly, be immediately under arms and march for Boston. The Light Infantry at Middletown, to which I for two years belonged, have now a very fine stand of arms which I purchased for them in New York, on my return home from Philadelphia. They have given me an invitation to make one of their number, should any emergency demand their appearance in the field; which, with my whole heart I shall readily accept, if occasion offers. But Heaven forbid we may ever arrive at such an unhappy Crisis! But all have drawn their arms; and myself among the rest. On my return, I personally waited on Mr. Davenport at Stamford, and upon the Selectmen of every Town which I passed through, in that county; and have the pleasure to inform you, that the Spirit of Liberty, which has so long been buried in silence, seems now to rear its head. Fairfield has had a meeting, and entered into good and spirited resolves; and they are now collecting grain for Boston. Greenwich, I am informed, and Stratford, are doing the same; the latter I am uncertain of. Mobs, which I fancy you judge ruinous to all good government, will be opposed by every true Son of Liberty in this Colony. Other methods may be adopted more effectual to quiet our very few remaining enemies. A reason, and I think a very good one, is given, that all such riots should be stop'd in their first growth, viz., "A day may come, and in all probability soon will, unless a redress of our grievances can be obtained, that we may be as destitute of all Law and Civil Government, as Massachusetts now is." Then, if mobs are allowed to take hold of persons and private property, dissensions will follow; and we soon should be, instead of a United, a broken Body. These are the principles our warmest friends adopt; and as I before hinted, I think them sound. Our Assembly met on Thursday of this week. Many plans, &c., &c., are formed for our Militia; the best I have seen is by Mr. Hosmer, with, I suppose, the help of some military genius of that. town; and he strongly wish'd you to meet him there, to push forward the plan. Some few remonstrances I hear, are to be thrown in; but I hope not to be noticed. Permit me, Dear Sir, to ask whether a letter from Col. Dyer, Mr. Sherman and yourself, on this subject, to some of your friends, Members of the Assembly, or the Council, &c., (as there is not a possibility of your being present), would not be of service? I am not the only one that thinks it would. But as I am a young, and consequently, an inexperienced politician, I shall for the present, drop the subject, and leave it to better judges and more experienced men; tho' young as I am, [twenty,] I shall ever maintain my principles; which I think, are justly fixed. Letters, which you mention to have sent by a private hand to New York, for the Thursday's Post, are not yet come to hand; I hope not stopp'd by but I think not improbable, as all parties are on the lookout. The safest conveyance seems to be by post. Should anything new come to hand, I shall mention it. My most respectful compliments await on the gentlemen of the family, Mr. House, Mrs. Trist, and Miss Levy. To Mr. Furguson I shall write "The most Important Man,"-if time before I go. I am, with most dutiful respects, Dear Sir, Your very affectionate friend and most humble servt., SAM'L B. WEBB. WEDNESDAY, 12th. By Mr. Belding, who goes on to the Assembly this morning, I forward this to New Haven. Joe would write you; but yesterday and the day before were field days. Two companies of Foot and the Troop are in the field, which my Brother was obliged to attend; his respects to you; says he shall write you next post. I would, as I have promised, write Mr. Furguson, but time will not allow me at present. Copied 이 Am, as above, yours affectionately, SAM'L B. WEBB. 2 Folio 38 Silas Deane to Sam'l B. Webb. sions, and regulations sent after you by public authority.-I know not whether I shall attend the Congress or not, If not, I Design to be with you, immediately after the rising of the Assembly. I lc. fear you will march too fast; be calm, patient, Determined; and remember the Dignity of your Character; which is no less than the patriot fighting for his insulted Country and his murderd Friends; which is the highest honor to which human Nature can rise. I have no Time to add save my Compliments to all Friends. I am, wishing you the best protection. S. DEANE. Yours &c., Silas Deane to L't. S. B. Webb. PHILADELPHIA, June 29th, 1775. DEAR SAM'L:—I wrote you this Day acknowledging yours of the 7th & 12th instant. Mr. John Adams wrote a Letter to you Roman 2/1 ༨ my Pray by the same, and inclosed one to his Friend, Cand Washington, recommending you to his Notice. These I trust you have received. Gen'l Gates, a long experienced officer, now joins you, and does me the Favour of giving you This. I have spoke of you to this Gentleman, and now urge it upon you, to regard whatever instruction you may gain from him & General Lee, in your profession, as coming from persons whose judgment and experience, render them Oracles for youth in your Situation. If you can see, or send to Your Sister,* tell her my heart bleeds for her every hour. may obtain if possible, her Dismission from that Devoted Town & a safe residence in the Country. I am hurried beyond measure in Congress, and in keeping up my extensive Correspondence; but will soon write you at large. By no means form such Connections, either in the Country or Camp, as will tend in any respect, to Draw you from Your Duty in Camp. Page 19. S. D. PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 1775. DEAR SAM'L:-The Bearer Mr. Chas. Craig, is a Lieut. in a Comp'y of Riflemen, & he being a Stranger in the Army, I recommend to you to Notice, and introduce to the Gentlemen of your Corps; which I am sure you will take the greate pleasure in 2 doing, as he comes to share with you the common danger of your S/ glorious exertions in our Common Cause; and indeed the Cause of Mankind in general. I have received no letter in answer to any of mine, tho' I have wrote by every opportunity since the departure of Gen'l Washington, as well as previous thereto. This makes me conclude your Letters must have miscarried; for I never can be *The sister alluded to was Mrs. Simpson, subsequently Mrs. Barrell, whose husband was extensively engaged in commerce, in Boston; and who, after the affair at Lexington, was not permitted to leave the city. He died in Boston while occupied by the British; and his widow subsequently married Joseph Barrell, a distinguished merchant of Boston, of the firm of Barrell & Gray. It was one of their vessels, commanded by Capt. Gray, which discovered the mouth of the Columbia River; and upon that discovery, was based our claim to Oregon and the Northwest; which claim was confirmed by Treaty with Spain, and our title recognized to latitude 49° north. lieve, for your, as well as my sake, that you are unmindful of Me. Let your next, relieve me from the least doubt on this head. I have nothing new worth sending so far. I sent you a Book; hope you received it. Write me particularly by the next post, which will encourage me to continue more at large a Course of Letters consequent on what I entered upon in my first, & afterward hinted at by Gen'l Gates. I am wishing you success equal to the justice, & extent of the Cause. My Dear Sam'l, Yours affectionately, Silas Deane to Mrs. Deane. S. DEANE. PHILADELPHIA, June 22, 1775. Omit MY DEAR: This will be handed you by his Excellency, General Washington, in company with General Lee, and retinue. Should they lodge a night in Wethersfield, you will accommodate their horses, servants, &c., in the best manner at the tavern, and their retinue will likely go on to Hartford. We this moment, received advice of a battle at Bunker's Hill; but the account is very confused. It is said to have happened on Saturday last, and the news arrived here this morning. I have wrote you so lately and so particularly, that I have nothing in the small way to add; and of business, I dare not think other than is before me. May God preserve us! I am, my Dear, Yours, &c., Mr. Mifflin, of whom I have often spoke, is a Major in the militia here; and is Aid-de-Camp, as I hear, to the General; is my particular friend, and I am happy in the thought, that you will be able to return some of the many civilities I have received from him in this city. If ever there was true spirit and patriotism in man, he possesses them. Inclosed is more of North Carolina composition. I gave your compliments to them, and told them of your opinion of Caesar, at which we laughed very heartily. Col. Joseph Reed, A. D. C. to Washington, to Col. Sam'l B. Webb, when recovering from his wound received at the battle of White Plains. |