Campbell, Mungo (fl. 1745-1777) to Robert Campbell
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03154 Author/Creator: Campbell, Mungo (fl. 1745-1777) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa January 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24 x 19.3 cm.
Written by British Major Mungo Campbell in 52nd Regiment of Foot under General Sir Henry Clinton to what appears to be his uncle Robert Campbell in London. Says he wrote from Cork before sailing and three times while in America, without getting a response. Says they landed on "this island" -- Rhode Island -- on 8th ultimo, probably 8 December 1776. Says he parted with David, Robert's son, at New York at the end of November. Says Peter had not joined the army yet, but from a letter from his wife that he probably will soon. Says they are too far from enemy lines to give any details of their movements. Mentions the defeat of the Hessians at Trenton the capture of the "Traytor" General Charles Lee. Claims his wife has sent Robert several letters without a response and that "she is not a little mortifyed." Asks him to write to his wife to show he meant no slight by his silence. Says he told her that "you are a Lazy Correspondent, As indeed you are." Letter gets into personal financial business, which he is very worried about. Date inferred from content.
[excerpt]
Dear Sir
Tho I wrote to you from Corke the day I saild and Three times from America without any answer
I give you the trouble of this to inform you that the Army under General Carter (of which the 52d Reg is part). Landed on this Island without opposition on the 8th Ulto. and we have taken up our winter Quarters. I parted with [inserted: your son] David at NYork about the end of Novr. He was very well. Peter had not then joined the Army, But by a letter from my wife said to be carryd by him, I fancy he is before now. We are at such a distance here from the Main Army That I can not give you any retail of its movements with any certainty, You will have heard of the Misscarriage of an advanced Body of Hessians and of the Gallantry of Colonel Harecourt in Seizing the Traytor Lee & bringing [inserted: him] Captive to The Army where he's to be tried as a Deserter -…
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