Middletown, where we procured Joseph Johnson to attend them, and discharged their former interpreter, who was unfit for their service. I have been much indisposed with a violent cold, which has brought me to spitting blood, and I am yet unwell, but hope to weather out this the severest attack I ever experienced from a cold. Our General Assembly have passed an act to punish person unfriendly to the liberties of America, which I have enclosed to Mr. Trumbull. Our delegates must come home notwithstanding all the endeavors of their friends; but Mr. Deane, being Chairman of the Naval Committee, will be detained there. The widow will be uppermost with you yet. You tell her man is the ruling God, but I believe Venus comes in for her share. Oh you sly dog! Do you think to blind me with your "old Buts, your balls, shells, &c. No, no, Sam, I have not been in the oven. for nothing. However, make yourself easy, the widow is safe and sound. If any idle dog attacks her in your absence I'll send you word, or drive him off. I wish fortune may for once play fair, and you may meet what you hope for, but be prepared for a disappointment. It may happen. This long silence about the matter forebodes no good. You write me for two volumns of Enkeh's History. I never saw but one here, and that your mother sent for. One volume of Knox's Journal is here, and shall be sent by the first opportunity. Your advice about Middlebrook politicians is not good. Do you think from my knowledge of that noble animal, the horse, I can do anything with such devlls? No, no! You have injured the whole species of horses-ask pardon of them, from the General's best horse down to the poor old cart horse in Cambridge. I don't wonder your horse puts your head in the ditch. Why do you think the beasts will carry you when you disgrace them by such comparisons? L. Cr has set up a pin and stocking manufactory, and puts in a memorial to the late Assembly for the loan of £1,000 without interest for two years, has not succeeded. He has two girls in ye pin business, but I believe they will make legs io all the stockings. This rain will spoil our sport, and I fear yours. I am coming to Cambridge as soon as my health will allow me. In the interim make my eompliments agreeable to all friends, and believe me, dear Sam, Col. WEBB. Your friend and JERE WADSWORTH. Captain J. Wadsworth to James Flaherty. NEW LONDON, Dec. 10th, 1772. DEAR SIR-This will be handed you by Mr. Samuel Webb, who is to touch at the Mole on his way to Jamaica. This is his first trip to the West Indies. He is a young gentleman of fortune and character, and I shall be particularly obliged to you for your friendly advice, and have no doubt you'll readily give it. I hope shortly to take you by the hand as I sail in company with the bearer. The schooner Sally, John Barnes, brings you a horse. I hope she will be there as soon as this. I intend to go to St. Marks if the matter appears well when I arrive at the Mole. I have a fine cargo of horses in the brig, Sam, only waiting for a wind. If Barnes arrives before me give him your best advice and assistance. Pray inquire thoroughly into the affair of Depresardy's permission. In utmost haste. I am, Dear Sir, Your most humble serv't, Thomas Wizzell's Letter. PHILADELPHIA, May 19th, 1790. DEAR GENERAL-I have this moment heard of an opportunity of transmitting to your friendly care the copy of the contract for the President of the United States. I have taken the liberty to leave to your kindness the trouble of sealing the packet, as you will observe it contains a note to the President, which you will be so obliging as to retain or reject, as shall appear most respectful in your better judgment. Shall I likewise trouble you with copies for Colonel Humphrey's, Mr. Lear and Major Jackson? The two former gentlemen, with the President, subscribed at Alexandria, in Virginia. Major Jackson's copy is already paid for. I have the honor to forward by this conveyance your own copy, and respectfully entreat you will instruct Beny & Rogers, my publishers in New York, with respect to the subscribers your friendship procured for me. The printed list will ascertain the number. With the best wishes for your health, which I hope is established. I am, Dear Sir, Gen'l S. B. WEBB. Your most respectful and obedient ser'v, THOMAS WIZZELL. John Winslow's Letter. NEW YORK, 16th December, 1778. SIR-Lest you should not have received a letter which I wrote you a few days ago, I will write you again to acquaint you that the Commander-in-Chief is pleased to comply with your request, and has given you permission to send to your brother in Connecticut for hay and oats for the use of your horses. Whenever you write for them, and will send your letter to me, I will inclose a permit signed by one of the General's aides-decamp. SIR-At your solicitation, Lt. Andrew Boyd will be sent out in exchange for an officer of the 71st Regiment, who is come in, and beg to trouble you with a pass for him to come into this city to-morrow, which please to forward to him. D'R SIR-I shall endeavour to obtain Leave from Gen'l Robertson for you to come to Town the first opp'y I have of being with him. Serg't Ballentine who came in. here with your Brother had Leave to go from hence to Phila. by Land, whether he ever got there I have never heard, & should not some Person have been sent out from thence in Exchange for him. I shall send out a person from hence. I wish they without would form more generous sentiments of us, & not be quite so scrupulous. I am sorry your brother should fall under any censure in this matter. I have no opportunity of getting any English or Country Newspapers or Magazines. Should I be able to get any, you shall have them. No further news from Mr. Loring since I last saw you, & I know of no person that is going to Connecticut. When I do, I shall let you know, all your Letters were forwarded by Capt. Manly & Mr. Smith. I am, Col. SAM'L B. WEBB, Your friend & hum'l Serv't, Com. Pres. John Winslow's (D. C. P.) Letter. NEW YORK, 28 March, 1778. SIR-I have laid before Gen'l Robertson your letter to me, & beg to acquaint you that the Gen❜l objects to your sending your servant out, but that if you will write out an order for your horses to be brought to the Bridge, your servant shall have leave to go there to receive them. The Gen'l does not choose you should go out on Parole at present as a General Exchange is now negotiating. CONNECTICUT HUTTS, 1st Dec., 1781. DEAR COLONEL :-Some weeks since I wrote you by Belden, which letter I expected would have found you at W'f'd, but Lieut. Strong informs us that you arrived there but a few days before he saw you, from which I fear you must have had a long and tedious passage. He likewise brings the melancholy news of the death of your Lady, whose amiable character, without the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, I find sufficient to interest me in the affliction of her friends, whose grief must be exceeding great. But the sorrows of one possessed of the most susceptible feelings, and in that near connection which you had but lately formed, must be such as will require every virtue to support. For me to suggest the propriety of an humble submission under the most afflicting events, or endeavour to alleviate your present sorrows, while reminding you that those virtues and desirable accomplishments, which so greatly endeared your departed friend, are sufficient grounds to believe that they have attended her to those happy mansions, where only they would receive their reward,-would be improper as unnecessary, since the same disposition which inclined you to form the connection which is now dissolved will lead you to such reflections as are becoming the occasion of your sorrows. But lest I should increase that grief which I would wish to soften, I will only add to this melancholy letter, that I most cordially share with you, in your present affliction and my sincerest wishes that your sorrows may receive every consolation which the sincerity of your grief can admit-and am with sincere friendship & esteem. Y'r humble serv't, S. WILLIAMS. |