North, William (1755-1836) to unknown
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 #: GLC02341 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1799 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.2 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Appears to be a retained draft. Written by North as Adjutant General of the Provisional Army with the rank of brigadier general (a position he held 1798-1800) to an unknown recipient. Says if "you are too full, ask Mrs. Duane for a pail of butter." Mentions that he has a sleigh and horses at Duanesburgh doing nothing and that the recipient can use them. Says he is not settled in yet, but says they are doing well. Says they are planning a "great show here on the 31st - funeral honors to the memory of Gen. Washington" (who died on 14 December) on 31 December. Mentions other friends.
North was an aide-de-camp to Baron Von Stueben during the Revolution and served as Senator from New York May 1798-August 1798.
...I really have not had time to write to you like this moment - When you come down if you are too full, ask Mrs Duane for a pail of butter, which I directed to be sent from Duanesburgh to her care - I have a slay & horses at Duanesburgh doing nothing - if you want them…bring them down - or do any thing else with them, - We are not yet settled, & can't expect to be as we would wish, as the thing is only for the winter, however we shall do pretty well, & when you &your wife comes you will make the best of its.
We make great show here on the 31[&]- - funeral honors to the memory of Gen Washington ...
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.