North, William (1755-1836) to Lewis Morris
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04829 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: Cabbin Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 January 1781 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Captain North as Inspector General in Virginia to Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New York State Senator. References Morris's letter of 1 January 1781. Sends his opinions on Virginia at the beginning of the campaign in that state. Criticizes the leadership of Governor Thomas Jefferson saying "Our Situation since we are here has not been so happy as it might be ... if the Head is in trouble, the members can not enjoy themselves." Goes on to say that he might think North Carolina in trouble, but "This State has every thing in its power but does nothing." Says Baron von Steuben has sent him minute details of the situation. Says British are at Portsmouth, where they will probably remain for the winter. Criticizes recent traitor Benedict Arnold saying "Arnold has not been molested, his Troops desert their characters & his are infamous but beasts as they are." Claims they marched through the settled part of Virginia for 100 miles. Mentions changes of rank and commands. Mentions his social life. Says the situation in New York is bad, but that Virginia will soon be in a similar condition "for the Supplies from this State move like Atlas." In a funny vein says "I capital badly - write badly spell badly -& by God being to look badly I think" and goes on to say "I write for more than one - I write for Worlds." Below place written it says Cabbin Point is " 25 miles below Petersburgh."
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