Walker, John (1744 - 1809) to George Weedon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06500.01 Author/Creator: Walker, John (1744 - 1809) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 June 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Hears that Weedon has been called back into service. Feels the war is going well and expects a favorable outcome. "Let it not be said that Virginia was exceeded by any" other state. The British burned Springfield, then retreated to Elizabethtown. Expects them to attack West Point next, but thinks America will soon "be prepared for them at all points." Wonders "where in the name of Heaven are the Monsieurs (the French) all this time."
John Walker served as an extra aid to George Washington during the Revolution, and later became a United States Senator from Virginia.
George Weedon was a brigadier general in the Virginia militia.
Philada 27th, June 1780~
Dear General ~
I received with great pleasure your Favr. of the 16th Inst: & should have been very happy to have seen you at Fredsburg.
Before this reaches you, you will no doubt have heard of your being call'd into Service, this I am sure will be agreeable to you, & may you under your Country that service she stands in need of & that which I know you wish to do. - Our affairs 'tis true are critical, but an adverse stroke is now & then necessary to rouse us to Action. Our resources are undoubted by sufficient & we want but exertions to work out our Salvation: We are now roused & I hope the work will be finished before we fall into another fit of the Lethargy. I think your scheme for [2] recruiting our Army, an excellent one, & wish with all my Soul it were adopted, This & the neighbouring States are straining every nerve to bring the present Campaign to a happy Conclusion; let it not be said that Virginia was exceeded either in Zeal or Exertions by any one of them. Virginia has so distinguished herself in former times no less trying, that now, the more is expected of her. The Enemy have burn't Spring field, but were so rough by handled that they thought it prudent to return with a quick Step to Elizabeth Town. 'Tis generally thought their next object will be West Point but should they delay their operations a little longer I think we shall be prepared for them at all points. Where in name of Heao'n are the Monsieurs all this time? we heard at [3] their sailing from Brest the 9th. of April.
Where ever the service of your Country may call you I shall always rejoice to hear from you & shall not fail to answer your Letters. -
I have not yet seen the Packet of the Day but intend to inclose you one & to it refer you for the news. Remember me cordially to all Friends & believe me to be
My Dear General
Yours Sincerely
Jn. Walker
[docket]
1780
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