Eveleigh, Nicholas (ca. 1748-1791) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00559 Author/Creator: Eveleigh, Nicholas (ca. 1748-1791) Place Written: Port Royal, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 March 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 20.6 x 17.2 cm. Order a Copy
Says his main purpose in writing is to ask Knox to forward an enclosed letter to Mr. Rose. Also states that he has been marching fifty miles a day and has no artillery captain. Discusses his desire to see his wife, a feeling he knows Knox shares. Doubts the rumors that the French are bringing men to Charlestown, but hopes the French will strike a major blow some time in the future. Mr. Rose most likely refers to Baron Gustavus Heinrich von Wetter-Rosendahl, whose American name was John Rose. He was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, along with Knox and Eveleigh.
Nicholas Eveleigh was an officer in the American Revolution, a member of the Continental Congress, and the first Comptroller of the United States Treasury.
Baron Gustavus Heinrich von Wetter-Rosendahl was exiled from the Tzar's court in Russia and came to served as a surgeon and aide de camp in the Continental Army. Here he took on the name John Rose.
[draft]
"…what do you think of traveling 50 miles a day; so much I did yesterday & cross'd a ferry into the bargain; it was not so in former times; but I am not at present honor'd with the company of a commanding officer of artillery. The distance from my head quarters [2] though considerably lessened of late is still very formidable, but perseverance & patience will get the better of it …
I have heard of no news in my way, but that the french had convoy'd some merchantmen into Charlestown with some ships of the line. this I took the liberty of flatly contradicting as soon as I heard it, had I been told of a descent on Jamaica or Island I migt have believ'd it. the first account we shall have of [the] french will in my opinion bring with it some very important blow struck by them …"
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