Stringer, Samuel (1734-1817) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00524 Author/Creator: Stringer, Samuel (1734-1817) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 January 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.8 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy
Discusses letters of his which have been lost in the mail. States he will be unable to come to Boston. Privately informs Knox "that I am heartily tired of the service, from Fatigue, or from Principle," and promises to provide more details later. States that the information received in Albany about military affairs is far less reliable than that in Boston, and asks Knox to please keep him as well informed as possible.
Samuel Stringer was a prominent Albany physician.
Albany 23d Jany. 1777
My dear Friend
Your favour of the 9th Inst. (fraught with a variety of Crosses indeed) just now came to hand. I confess, from what you before wrote me by Mr. Vanderheyden, that I long ago expected an entertaining detail of Events which you would collect, and have wondered what reason to assign for their delay. I am however glad that you have got Mrs: Knox with you, and hope the Col: was well when you heard last from him - You find my friend, that under kind Providence the Countenance of our Affairs is much changed for the Better, and our Hopes may be encouraged by favourable Prospects of success.
I cannot conceive where my Letter of 26th. Octr. to you, has been laying, that you did not receive it before you set out on your Journey - I am still further unable to account for another Lett.rs not geting to your Hand, which you do not Credit me for, which was wrote in answer to the one inclosed to Mr. Crukshanks, & dated sometime in begining of January I think, or last of Decr. - Your narrative of [D's] conduct is sufficient for me; depend on it that subject shall never delight yr Friend more - I launched out a little into Romance which, together with Vanity, must [inserted: probably] have produced the Consequences you mention; 'tis enough -
I had some thoughts lately, that I should soon have the Pleasure of seeing you again in Boston the same errand [struck: that] that took me last there, but now think there are some probable Reasons which may prevent it, at least for some longer time, & which one day you shall be acquainted with. This much I will inform you inter nous, that I am heartily [2] tired of the Service, from Fatigue, or from Principle
I am informed that your Town has fixed a Regular Post to the Army, & that your Inteligence is now regular & authentic. I wish I could say so with respect to this place; we get accounts almost daily, of something New, but many of them vanish into air; therefore will undertake to send you no News; but shall be glad to have what you can furnish from time to time; and for the future, neglecting prior Causes &c beg to be addressed by my usual & common address as before I became in Public Office. I shall be glad to hear from you soon, but not on the old subject, one word.
I Pray my best Compts. to Mrs: Knox, Mr. & Mrs. Jarvis, Doctr. Smith & your Colonel &c &c &c
I am dr. Billy
yr most Affect. Friend
& Huml. Servt.
Saml. Stringer
P.S. I forgot to thank you heartily for your information; could wish to receive safe the M - }
[docket]
Letter from Doctor
Stringer Jany 23d 1777.
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