Wayne, Anthony (1745-1796) to Abraham Robinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01154 Author/Creator: Wayne, Anthony (1745-1796) Place Written: Ticonderoga, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 October 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes just as the British are approaching Fort Ticonderoga for an attack. "I have just time to inform you that the Enemy are approaching - the shattered remains of our fleet arrived last night." Eleven of the sixteen ships were lost, as well as two hundred men. "The whole body of the Enemy are now within two hours march of us - and we expect to see them every moment." Promises that "the contest will be warn and bloody - they out number us - but if we are too die - we are enough - and if to conquer the few men the greater than of Honor." Says he is sending Robinson's brother away, across Lake George, because he is unwell and unfit for the coming battle. "Whilst I am writing the Sentinels anounce the Enemies approach - I must mount my horse and advance to attack them - Remember me to Sister Sally...take care of my helpless family - & farewell my dear friend and brother - perhaps forever." Written just after the American fleets defeat on Lake Champlain. Though Wayne did engage the British under Sir Guy Carleton, no direct attack was made on the fort until later in the war. Written at Fort Ticonderoga.
Abraham Robinson was Wayne's cousin.
Feby Octr 14th 1776
Dear Brother
I have just time to Inform you that the Enemy are Approaching-the Shatter'd Remains of our fleet arrived last night-being only five out of Sixteen two of the Eleven are taken and Nine blown up or burnt.- Genl. Arnhold who Commanded Arrived at two OClock this morning- he left 200 men (saved out of the wrecks of five our Vessels) on the Other side of the lake from this-a Desasterous event
The Whole body of the Enemy are now within two hours march of us-.and we expect to see them every moment-The Contest will be Warm a[text loss: nd] bloody-they out number us-but if we are to die-we are enough-and if to Conquer the fewer men the Greater share of Honours.
Your Brother is unwel, I am just sending him across lake George-this is no place for him in his present Condition.
Whilst I am Writing the Sentenals announce the Enemies Approach-I must mount my horse and Advance to Attack them-Remember me to Sister Sally-and your old mother-tell her I have provided for the Safety of her son at all events-the [C illegible] push me for time-take care of my helpless family-& farewel my Dear friend and Brother-perhaps forever-
I am your's &Ca
Anthony Wayne
[address leaf]
To
Abraham Robinson Esqr.
favour'd of to be left at
Liet Letts Mrs Penrose's
Philadelphia
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