Walker, John (1744 - 1809) to George Weedon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06500.02 Author/Creator: Walker, John (1744 - 1809) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Hears that new French ships have arrived in the West Indies, and hopes they can help defeat the British fleet. The fleet opposing the British now numbers almost "50 sail of the line with 30,000 troops." Thinks such a force capable of quickly taking all the British islands in the Caribbean. "This being done the Continental business will not be difficult. On the other hand, should they come immediately here we should be found so thoroughly unprepared to cooperate with them that I fear it will serve only to reflect disgrace on us." The British "remain quiet in and about N York. They have been ravaging and laying waste to the Country between the N River & the sound. In short all their movements prove that they expect a siege at N York." Hears that affairs in Europe go well. "A little more time & perseverance will assuredly confirm our Independence & unless we are greatly deficient in Virtue (which by the bye I fear) will render us a happy & respectable people."
John Walker served as an extra aid to George Washington during the Revolution, and later became a United States Senator from Virginia.
George Weedon was a brigadier general in the Virginia militia.
Philada July 11th 1780--
Dear General,
Your favr. of the 4th Inst. inclosing the Virga Gazette I rec'd with great pleasure, & rejoice to find that you so cheerfully [sic] lay aside every consideration of domestic Tranquility &c when your Country so loudly calls for your service may they be crowned with that success they so justly deserve.
The French Fleet, we are informed by the Baltimore paper, has arrived at Martirniio: I think that by forming a Junction with the other French & Spanish Forces in that quarter our relentless Foes may be more suddenly & vitally wounded then on the Continent These united Fleets in the west Indies will not be far short of 50 sail of the line with about 30,000 troops. With such a force as this, what is to prevent their immediately possessing Themselves of all the British Isles in those seas? This being done the Continental Business will not be difficult. On the other hand, should they come immediately here we shall be found so shamefully unprepared to cooperate with them, that I fear it will serve only to reflect disgrace on us & render us unworthy of this notice in future. The Enemy remain quiet in & about N York. They have been ravaging & laying waste the country between the N River & the sound.
In short all their movements prove that they expect a siege at N York. By dispatches just rec'd from Europe our affairs in that quarter wear on the general face of them a very favorable aspect; a little more time & perserverance [sic] will assumedly [sic] confirm our Independance & unless we are greatly defierent in Virtice (which by the bye I fear) will render us a happy & respectable people.
My ammunition & time are both exhausted shall therefore bid you adieu. I have not yet got the last paper but mean to proccure & inclose you one.
I am
My Dear Genl,
Your Affect Friend
& hum. Seret
Jn. Walker.
[address leaf]
Genl George Weedon,
Jn Walker, Fredsburg Virginia
[docket]
1780
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