Walker, John (1744 - 1809) to George Weedon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06500.04 Author/Creator: Walker, John (1744 - 1809) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 August 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
The French are still stuck in New York, but 20,000 American militia have arisen there. Says he is ashamed of his own state of Virgina and "almost determined to renounce it," since it lacks this sort of patriotism. Says Pickering will be the next Quarter Master General, now that Shippen has resigned and the finances are in disaray. Mentions the ship "Packet." Says "Our scheme is to take New York with the fleet and army there before winter sets in."
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. Aug, 15th. 1780 -
Dean Genl,
The French Fleet & Army are still blocked [inserted: up] at New Port by Greaves,
but in perfect security. Rochambeau heard Clinton was moving that way & apply'd to Heath for a few Militia. They began to flock in, so that in a few days they amounted to 20,000. Clinton immediately returned, but the brave Yankeys could scarcely be prevailed on to go home before the land was purged of those pests to Society. How Contrary is the Conduct of Virginia? I am ashamed of my native country & almost determined to renounce it.
Would to God the second division were [2] here & a junction with the first formed; in that case I think New York would quake. Our army is already geting very numerous & I think any number might be raised for the Siege. The derangement of our Finances & the resignationg of the J M. Genl Shippen's Trayal &c &c perplex us beyond measure, yet I hope all will be well with us. - Pickering is appointed J M Genl & much is expected from his dilligence & Fidelity.
Prizes innumerable are brought in here. Yesterday was sent [struck: sent] up the June Packet, nine weeks from Falmouth with a cargo of Officers & Ladies. Your old friend M. Canahan is principal [3] owner of all the Prizes, he fits out the Enemy Vessels as he takes them & in a short time will have a formidable Squadron. The Packet mounted 20 guns & he daily expects a copper bottom mounting 26 from the W: Indies-Well done Blair.
When do you set out for the South[inserted]en Army I hope things [inserted] will soon begin to wear a better face there: Our scheme is to take New York[text loss], with the Fleet & army there before [text loss] sets in, & then to send you siffiecent succour [sic] to the southd-.
As soon as matters begin to draw towards a point at N York I intend to visit my friends in Camp & expect to see a glorious sight. I am greatly hurryed & my paper out therefore --Bid you adieu,
J.N. Walker
[address leaf] Genl George Weedon,
(Jn Walker,) Fredsburg,
Virginia, 1780 [docket]
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