Mercer, John F. (1759-1821) to George Weedon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06491.05 Author/Creator: Mercer, John F. (1759-1821) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 April 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address : free frank ; 23.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Sends a newspaper (not included) with "a very interesting debate in the House of Commons." Also mentions the Robert Livingston-Guy Carleton correspondence, as it relates to executing the provisional peace treaty's call for the British evacuation of New York. Explains the need to be prudent about keeping up American defenses. A post script indicates he misplaced a letter from Weedon from which he was to send an extract from to another person.
John F. Mercer was a lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, later a Maryland congressman and governor.
George Weedon was a brigadier general in the Continental Army from Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Phila. April 29th. 1783. -
Dear General,
My indisposition has in some measure decreased, notwithstanding, the - perpetual rotein of Public business of a nature too interisting not to agitate, has prevented my regaining perfect Health. - By the papers which are enclosed, you a very interesting debate in the House of Commons, which will in some measure corroborate the hints which I draft in my last - the force of which woud otherwise be diminished by Sr. Guy Carletons last Letter to Mr. Livingston, desiring the appointment of Commissioners to attend in New York to the street observance of that Article of the provisional treaty 7th relates immediately to the evacuation of the British Ports. - By this debate it appears most clearly that no orders had been sent to G Grey, to leave N.Y. at that Period, nor can we form any probable conclusion how long they shall continue him there, as they seem to connect his stay with the affairs of the Refugees. - The vote of Parliament to [strikeout] continue a War establishment, induces a very serious consideration how far it will be prudent & politic to defend our Troops & leave our [2] country defenceless & exposed with so formidable a some in our bacon restrained only by the faith which is due to a provisional Treaty certainly revocable at any moment, untill a definitive one shall be ratified. - The moment is critical & demands the utmost exertions of those who are vested with confidential Office. I have a reliance in the prudence of Congress who are really composed of Members at present, who use in my estimation in proportion as an intimacy encreases. - For the present advice & believe me with much sincerity D General
Yrs
John F Mercer
Honble General Weedon,
P.S. Upon looking for yr. Letter to give an extract of it to [illegible] the Paynr Genl, I find it mislaid - you must excuse me [struck: Dr] Genl indisposition & hurry have prevented yr. [strikeout] being yet compld with, but write it again & it shall lend me instantly. -
[address leaf]
The
Honble Brigadier General Weedon
Fredericksburg
1783
[free frank]
FREE*
Free
John F. Mercer
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