André, John (1751-1780) to Louisa Andre

Phil: Camp 30th: Nov: 1777--
Dear Louisa
I suppose you will excuse my entering into a relation of military movements and political concatenations and will be graciously pleased to be satisfied with what concerns the Writer; As however you might have politicians about You; I upon second thoughts think it not improper to tell you what has passed here since my [illegible] warlike letter to my Mother. The whole of our business has been reducing about a dozen Acres of mud which had very impertinently started up in the River Delaware and proudly assumed the name of an Island; On this the Rebels had a Fort which presented very uncivil Batteries towards the channel thro' which ships were obliged to pass to come to Philadelphia. In this channel were sunk chevaux de frize: After A constant petarade for several Weeks nous nous sommes fachés We redoubled our noise and brought a ship or two thro' unfrequented Channels to bear upon a defenceless part and at length so battered the unfortunate Fortress that the garrison set fire to the Buildings and quitted it. A few days after they also set fire to and abandoned about 15 sail of ships floating Batteries, &c&c: and left us Masters of the Navigation of the River. Signor Torré coud not have held a Candle to all of these explosions and illuminations, supposing it were the fashion to hold a candle to see a bonfire For my past I used every morning to attend and take peculiar delight in the Clatter, nothing being so pleasant to behold as battles where one is an unconcerned Spectator The Army in the mean time has remained encamped before Philadelphia and Mr. Washington [2] has remained about 14 miles off, our patroles meet and exchange a few shot now and them, which is all the Symptoms we have of War. The only hardships I endure are being obliged to sleep in my bed, to sit down to a very good dinner every day, to take a gentle ride for Appetites sake or to exercise my horses, to gossip in philadelphia, or to consider of something fashionable to make me irresistible, this Winter. Le pauvre homme! You see what we poor soldiers go thro': This is litterally my present life and it is likely to be the same the whole Winter as we are immediately going into Philadelphia where we take up our Winter Quarters in a very good house. I woud not however have you imagine I am totally void of all occupation I have allways some plan to draw or event to chronicle which makes a very agreable passetems and lays the foundations for a Journal of the Campaign which I hope during the Winter to bring into some Order for future perusal.-
I have every day more reason to be pleased with my Situation. Gen: Grey shews me continually the greatest marks of friendship and will I am persuaded take the first opportunity of favouring my Advancement. He gives the intercourse I have with him the most familiar and friendly turn and I assure you makes me as happy in his Company as in that of my equals.- Beauelere is arrived but I have not yet seen him I hope to hear something of William by him. I am extreemly impatient to hear from England in Answer to the letters which informed [3] you of what I did with respect to him I cannot repent the step which I think was taken at a critical time and will make him happy in the Accomplishment of his Wishes, yet I fear reproaches from my Mother which woud be a great drawback on his satisfaction and mine: His regiment is now here and he has already three or 4 Lieutenants under him and the prospect of many changes to bring him forward, besides this several very eligible subjects have lately been appointed in it who will be very proper Companions for him. My whole thoughts are now turned that way and I am so sollicitous about him that his doing well will be essentially necessary to my happiness.-
Our only uneasiness here is that the town of Philadelphia will be very ill supplied with provision and altho this w[text loss] fall chiefly nd indeed totally on the Inhabitants, it woud [text loss] a very dismal Circumstance and a clog to All festivity: Provisions of all kinds are exceeding dear and flour is not to be purchased, it will perhaps be better now the Navigation of the River is opened but I fear there will be much distress I am much indebted to my friend and have written to him to acknowledge his kindness in inquiring so much concerning me.-
Are you still intent on the tour to France I shoud be sorry you shoud quite domesticate yourselves there, but shall rejoice in a trip that can conduce to your Amusement, Which is to be the place - Sedan? You have at least one most agreeable [4] relation there I am acquainted with nobody else, in that country unless you penetrate near Strasburg where I have a sort of a flame a Mlle: de Welling whom I recommend to your notice she was once a Maid of honor to the Watch princess. Those were different times, We have no princesses here or maids of honor, unless it be of the Indian tribe smeared with bears grease and Vermillion, but these are more likely to steal watches than give them. Wheresoever you go dear Lu I beg you woud remember your Brother and believe in his most Sincere Affection. My best Love to Mary and Ann and my duty to My Mother I am too well in health to talk of those matters. -

[address leaf]
Miss Louisa André
Southampton.-