Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.047

Author/Creator: Cleaveland, Samuel (fl. 1774)

Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts

Type: Autograph letter signed

Date: 9 December 1774

Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 30.5 x 19 cm.

Summary of Content: Writes to his friend that he thought crossing the Atlantic would be his only difficulty but he has encountered many in the colonies and finds ”but little rest here, its my fate to finish my career in an active speer of life.” He does not believe the colonies will ever be obedient to Great Britain. States that the congresses here are breeding rebellion and that Britain has to be on guard. Reports that they were hindered in every respect when trying to find quarters for the British troops. Describes in detail an assassination attempt on his life. A villain apprehended him in the street, snatched his sword, and attacked him. He was badly wounded. The man was seized by other men. The villain stated he thought he was a different officer. Sends his regards to Beague’s family. Cleaveland was a British officer.

People: Cleaveland, Samuel, fl. 1774., Beague, John, fl. 1774.

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Full Transcript: My Dear friend, I flattered my self crossing ye Athlantic would have been the only difficulty I should have mett with in this Quarter of the Globe, but I find but little rest here, its my fate to finish my Career in an active speer of life, these restless Spirrits [struck: here] furnish us with too many reasons to think that they will ever pay that Obediance to the Laws of Great Britain that she has a right to Expect, and must make use of corrosive measures to enforce, the Provincial congress and likewise the Grand congress w:ch was lately held at Philidelphia, where every Province on this continent sent their delegates breaths nothing in their resolves but rebelion, this oblidges us to be on our guard and prepare, though at the same time we are not under the least apprehension of any Attempt, for we know them well we have mett with every difficulty and insult from these Republicans, and have shewn no resentment, but the time will come when I hope a few of the leaders heads will atone for it; it was with the greatest difficulty [2] we could procure Quarters for the Troops, they found means to hinder all Artificers from Assisting us; prevented Bricks and timber from coming into Town and Burnt the straw for use of the Soldiers in Camp, however we found means to hire Warehouses &c and we quitted the Camp the 16th of November and are tolerably Quarter’d, the Scarborh and Asia men of Warr are arrived, and the others are daily Expected, but the wenter seems to be set in, and entering the harbour is uncertain but my friend after so many dangers I have mett with in life, the hand of Providence never shewed me his mercifull protection more then in protecting me from being Assassinated, a Villian followd me up the street and took an oppertunity to snatch my Sword from my side, immediately snapped a pistol at my head wch missed fire, another flashed in the pan, he made several Cuts at my head, at last he had neer done for me, I received a most Violent Blow and Cut a cross my Ear and the back part of my neck, it Stunned me but fortunately the blade of the Sword came flat so that the Wound was not deep but a great contusion, notwithstanding above forty of the Towns [inserted: men] were present he was suffered to go out of Town, but some people of more humanity sent after him and had him secure he is now [inserted: in] Gaol, declares he took me for another officer, lett me now tell you a more pleaseing Account which that my Dear Sam is very well at Quebeck his Colonel who brings this [3] to England gives me a most Excellent Charactr. of him, he is to be here in the Spring,, I hope your self and family enjoys good health may you continue so is the sincere wishes of , Dr Sir, your most Obedt, Boston Humble Servant, 9th Decembr 1774 Sam.l Cleaveland, P S, Beg my complimts to M.rs Beague, and your Son, , [address Leaf], To, John Beague Esqr., At Skilgate, near Dulverton, Somers:tshire, , [docket], Rec.d this the 16th Jan 1775, , , [docket], 9th Xber 1774, Coll Cleavelands , Letter from Boston an Accot of his, being Assisinated by a Horrid Vilain, 3d Letter from America

Keywords/Subjects: Military History, Revolutionary War, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Global History and US Foreign Policy, Congress, Continental Congress, Assassination, Weaponry, Injury or Wound

Sub Era: Road to Revolution

LOC Search Terms: United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775., Massachusetts--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775., United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--British forces., American loyalists.