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Burnett, J. (fl. 1783-1789) to George Weedon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06498.04 Author/Creator: Burnett, J. (fl. 1783-1789) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 January 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy

Recipient inferred from content. Encloses a letter, which he formerly intended to deliver, to congratulate Weedon following the British evacuation of Charleston. Major Edwards will deliver the letter. Notes that General Anthony Wayne took Charleston, and that "The enemy carried off most of the negroes in their possession but left the place in as good order as could be expected." Relates that the British have sailed for the West Indies, New York, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Notes the location of American troops. Asks Weedon to ignore information he may hear regarding a mercantile exchange between Burnett, W. J. Banks, and M. Forsyth. Notes that he writes by firelight, and sends regards to Weedon's family.

[Col, G. Baylors Jan 7, 1783
My dear Sir,
Untill this moment I was fully determined to deliver the inclosed letter. However Majr Edwards who is with me must go by the lower route which deprives me of the pleasure of calling on you personally offering my congratulations on the evacuation of C Town. The desirable event took place on the 14th Ult. Genl Wayne took possession of the town with four companies of L. Infantry, Lee's Legion & two pieces of Artillery by agreement before this war had embarked. They [2]
The enemy carried off most of the negroes in their possession but left the place in as good order as could be expected. The British troops are gone to the W.Indies - there Regts of [Provinces] to St. Augustine - the others with the Hessians to N. York, A small number have sailed for Halifax. Our Army I believe will hutt on James Island the 1 Reg. Cavalry will be near the Savannah river & the Legion at C. Town the Genl has with him one Regt. from Pena, one from Maryland one from N Carolina 150 from Virgn & the Artillery the S Carolina & Georgia troops do not exceed 150. The enemy have upwards of 1000 men at St. Augustine which make a large force necessary on the [3] the Southern States. The enemy left many goods in Town apropos. If you hear any report of a mercantile connection between Mr J Banks Mr Forsyth & myself in the least injurious to either I beg you suspend your opinion untill the affair is inquired into. Be assured there is not any part of our transactions the least improper or indelicate. On my return which will be in a few weeks I will explain it to you. You will excuse my haste as I write by fire light. With compliments to your Lady the family at Chatham and my Fredericksburgh friends. I [4] I am
Yours truly
J Burnett.
[Docket]
1783

Burnett, J., fl. 1789
Weedon, George, 1734-1793

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