Ward, Henry (fl. 1765-1775) to his sisters
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01412.37 Author/Creator: Ward, Henry (fl. 1765-1775) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 December 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 20 x 16 cm Order a Copy
Writes that he has begun taking garlic and honey for health. Also writes that some supplies had come in including gun powder, muskets, wine, brandy, and coffee. States that he is concerned by the lack of interest among the troops in Cambridge. However, Massachussetts and New Hampshire plan to send a combined total of 5000 troops to march to Cambridge. Addresses letter on address leaf to Mrs. Isabel Marchant.
Providence Decemr. 8th 1775
Dear Sister,
As I have so good an Opportunity by Col. Babcock I set down tot write to you although I have nothing to write now, scarce any Ideas. - I began to eat a large Clove of Garlick Twice a Day [struck: at] on the 29th. October, and, in Consequence of a Case Dr. Franklin told me of, about a Week afterwards I began to eat Honey also, of which I have used about 2 lb per Week. The Benefits I have received from it hath been very great; not having obliged to set up one whole Night since, and bargain general tolerably fit for Business in the Day-Time. I must make an Apology for not writing to you offner from the Urgency of publick Business which requires a greater Application to the Pen than my perfect State of Health will admit - Our Brother hath been punctual in his Correspondence with me and I know must have the most anxious Concern to hear from the Colony; Yet I have not been able to write to him the Two last Posts. I should be glad to know how often you hear from him, and whether he sends you the Papers from Philadelphia. In Case he doth not I believe I can furnish you with them; which I suppose will afford you some Amusement as One of the Lasses or Lads can employ a Winters' Evening in sending them to you while you are with all suitable Gravity using your Noodles. I wrote you Yesterday an open Letter in which I informed you that we had 20 Tons of Powder [2] arrived. I thought the Intelligence to be depended upon. Since which the Captain of the Vessel in the Colony's Service hath come to Town & tells us he hath brought but 50 Barrels. He hath also brought 150 fine Muskets and a large Quantity of Lead besides Wine Brandy Coffee &c. - The Intelligence of the Surrender of Quebec is still upon the same Footing as when I wrote to you. I can't help believing the Intelligence to be true. The amazing - Backwardness of the Troops at Cambridge to reinlist [sic] gives me great Uneasiness; above Half have as yet refused. The Colony of Massachusetts have ordered 3000 and New Hampshire 2000 Men to march to Cambridge by the 10th. instant to defend this Lines. However I believe the Deficiency will be made up so well that the Enemy will not dare to make any Attempt; and I make no Doubt but the Army will soon be perfectly reestablished.
My Love to Mr. Flagg, Betsy, and the Children.
Your affeco Brother
HWard
[address leaf:]
Mrs. Isabel Marchant
To be left at Major Edwd. Bliven's
In
Westerly
Favoured by
Col. Babcock
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