Ball, Burgess (1749-1800) to Cyrus Griffin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04377.03 Author/Creator: Ball, Burgess (1749-1800) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 May 1775 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.7 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Marked as a copy (refer to GLC04377.02). Discusses previous correspondence from Griffin, who was managing Ball's business affairs in England. Discusses the sale of estates in England, paying off Campbell & Blackburn, and other financial transactions. Comments on events related to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Refers to Lord Dunmore's (John Murray, Governor of Virginia) recent seizure of gunpowder and the tumult it caused. Encloses a recent proclamation issued by Dunmore. Declares "I hope to hear that the Perpetrators of such times will soon meet with their deserts- Altho everything has such a dismal aspect, I yet hope the Omnipotent will prevent their going any farther, and will cause peace & Harmony to be restored everywhere- But sh.d we be obliged to decide matters by Blood, may the [justice?] of our Cause merit his Divine assistance." Mentions a shipment to Dunlap & Wilson. Continues writing on 28 May. States that he has not been able to send the previous letter until 28 May, and discusses other financial/business matters.
Ball was the husband of George Washington's niece. In the American Revolution, Ball served as a volunteer aide to Washington, Captain of the 5th Virginia Regiment of Foot, and as a colonel. Griffin, educated in Britain as a lawyer, served as a member of the Virginia State house of delegates in 1777, 1778, 1786, and 1787. He was a Continental Congressman 1778-1780 and 1787-1788, serving as Congressional President in 1788.
…It is beyond all doubt that the Regulars and Bostonians have had a Battle, occasioned (as we have it) by the former fireing upon the latter & killing some of them - As I inclosed in the Original...a Hand Bill relative to ye. Engagement, I need not repeet that part. We have been in great Confusion here, occasioned by Lord Dunmore taking the Powder from the Magazine; upon the Alarm they were poreing down from all parts of ye. Country, but we[inserted: re] stoped before they wd. get to Wmsburg by advice of ye. Speaker & Treasurer: I here inclose you the Governors Proclamation [no longer present]. - He had ye. Pallace fortified and the Marines fixed there to defend him - Capt. Montague, of a Man of War, while the Marines were on their March to Wmsburg, sent orders that if they [inserted: were] molested he wd. destroy the Town of York, and mounted his Guns for that purpose - Matters begin to be somewhat peacible again - It will be impossible for the Ministry to enforce their Measures - I hope to hear that the Perpetrators of such times will soon meat with their deserts. - Altho everything has such a dismal Aspect, I yet hope the Omnipotent will [struck: will] prevent their going any farther, and will cause peace & Harmony to be restored everywhere - But shd. we be obliged to decide Matters by Blood, may the Justness of our Cause [3] merit his Divine Assistance...
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