Pecker, James (fl. 1768-1778) to his children
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01412.49 Author/Creator: Pecker, James (fl. 1768-1778) Place Written: Fort Ticonderoga, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 June 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 21 x 17 cm Order a Copy
Remarks that he is in good health and never had small pox. Mentions he has sent his son, Billy, to safety at Mount Independence and describes the approach of the enemy to Fort Ticonderoga, expecting a bloody battle the next day. The enemy army made up of "Britains Canadeans, & Tories" is described as strong and Perker is preparing to care for the wounded. He believes that "the case will be decided at this place for this year." Perker was a surgeon serving in the 10th Massachusetts in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The 1777 Battle of Ticonderoga occurred on 5-6 July.
Ticonderoga June 30th. 1777 -
My Dear Children
After my Love to You all I'll inform You that I am well. never had the Small Pox am oblige for Mrs. Frothinghams letter Billy is well I Have Sent [inserted: him]over to Mount Independence out of Danger To Take care of my things for the enemy is now upon us all in Sight very Strong am afraid they will be too hard for us we want 4 or 5000 men More to Defend the place How it will go with us the Lord only knows and in Him I Trust will Defend us we Have Had Severall Scurmages but To Morrow Expect a Bloody Battle I pray God to prodect us I am upon Tie Side Ready to Take care of our wounded as they may be Brot in which I Beg may be but inconciturable the enemy is very Strong by Shiping and a Numerous army of Intians Canadeans & Toreis all over the woods on every Side But we hope for protection. Before You See this the case will be Desided at this place for this year I Give my Son & Daughter Slickney Joy with their Little Daughter Wishg them a Blessing with it which Blessing I send to You all. Should be Glad to write more but it's now Eleven O'Clock at Night and Expect every Moment to be Called out Must Conclude Your Ever Loveing Father
Jas Pecker
PS Slickney must not forget my wigg and Send it the first opertunity
[address leaf]
To -
Mr.. Thos.. Frothingham
In
pd Mr. Burley NewburyPort
Post paid there
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