Dundas, David, Sir, Bart (1749-1826) to James Dundas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02549.19 Author/Creator: Dundas, David, Sir, Bart (1749-1826) Place Written: Richmond (London), England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 December 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a short visit from their brother George who was in good health but had to return to his ship after one day. Also mentions another brother named Ralph, whose "fate you have learnt four days ago" (Ralph, captain of the Bonetta, was captured by the French at the Battle of Yorktown, see GLC03676.05). Notes that "no official accounts from Cornwallis" had arrived. Claims that the French did not expect this victory, citing as evidence "a Merchant who signed a Contract w. the Fermiers Generaux 6 weeks ago for...half a Million of Tobacco annually. upon the presumption that the Southern Colonies were to remain under the British Government." Now the situation had changed and he wonders "how we are to get out of the scrape wh. any decency God knows. I am affraid it is now too late..." Also discusses "Mr. Berrys Bill," a seal he gave James as a gift, and asks the address of James Robertson.
Sir David Dundas, 1st Bart of Richmond, was a doctor who was appointed Sargent Surgeon to King George III in 1791.
James Dundas was a lawyer in Edinburgh, Scotland, and David's younger brother.
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