Home, James (fl. 1780) to William Home
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.045 Author/Creator: Home, James (fl. 1780) Place Written: Sandy Hook, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 June 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
James, a British soldier aboard the Europe, writes to his father. Discusses the mail. States he has been a week in [New] York and Long Island. Mentions that German mercenary General Wilhelm Knyphausen took Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Comments that Knyphausen was to attack General Washington but Continental General Stirling (British Brigadier General Thomas Stirling) was wounded and the surgeon wanted to amputate his leg. Knyphausen's plans were disrupted and he lay inactive until Continental General James Clinton drew the troops from the Jerseys. During the retreat, the Americans killed a few British. Reports that they left Port Royal 1 June and met up with some other ships which together made up 6000 soldiers under British General Sir Henry Clinton. They arrived at Sandy Hook 19 June on the way to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and passed the French fleet. Believes the French will not come near New York as they will suffer too much hardship. Comments on the Irish wanting independence. Quotes Ossian and McPherson. Remarks that he wishes he could purchase a company in a marching regiment as he is not fit for this savage sea life. Ruminates on his philosophy on happiness and virtue. States that he could be more happy as an ensign than as a 1st lieutenant of Marines. Sends his regards to family and friends. James Home was a British soldier during the Revolutionary War.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.