Waldo, Jonathan (fl. 1774-1779) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00194 Author/Creator: Waldo, Jonathan (fl. 1774-1779) Place Written: Salem, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 March 1775 Pagination: 3p.+docket. 18.5 cm. x cm.15.4 Order a Copy
Entreats Knox to procure a gun for him so that he can answer a demand issued in the newspaper for every man above the age of 16 to congregate on the next Thursday "with every necessary Warlike accouterment." All who do not join "will be deemed Enemies to the Glorious Cause of Liberty and america." Waldo asserts that he will appear without a doubt. Waldo had earlier asked Knox to obtain arms for him (see GLC02437.00190).
[draft]
Dear Billy
Pardon me if I trespass too much on your Good nature in troubling you so much to Friendship's sacred Laws there is no Bounds. as I know of nobody in Boston that would oblige me so far as you. I have taken the Liberty to give you more Trouble than I ever could and avoid it - you'll excuse this formal Introduction. This Day there is as advertisements put up in all parts of the Town two on my [illegible] Porte. Requesting Demanding requiring [illegible] the men above 16 years of age without exception to appear at the Colour in Short Strut at the Beat of the Drum on [Tuesday] next with. With every [excess] [any] [2] Warlike accoutrement. and those who do no will be deem'd Enemies to the glorious Cause of Liberty and [illegible] as I would by no means be desirous of coming and is the appellation of any Enemy to my Country. I shall without Doubt appear. But I cannot unless you supply me with a Gun. as I sold the one I had it not being warranted. If you come across a good one stand at no [price] if you have not been at Coolidges pray call and get his if it not sold at any price. I would not be without a Gun if it costs me 5 Guineas, as I shall be called a Tory or something worse if am without one. Pray don't fail of sending me a Gun. A Gun. A Gun and Bayonet. by all mean a Gun. Gun. [3] Excuse my [Folly] but pray dont fail send a Good Gun if it cost no matter what.
I remain your Friend
Waldo
Sent it by the first opporty after you have got it
I believe I need not buy any more injunctions upon you.
Saturday 12 oClock
Pray excuse me to my dear mother and [illegible] for not writing also let them know that I am well. Jonathan
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