Fitzhugh, Peregrine, 1758-1811 to Henry Knox

Tells Knox this letter will relate his "present embarrassed situation." The success of his lottery depends entirely on friends, family, and a "humane public." With a wife and children he must use all means at his disposal to save them. Reports "To facilitate the accomplishment of my wishes, I have taken the liberty to solicit the patronage of a few of my late military and other Friends, in which number my feelings demand that you should be included." Says he deserves help as his sacrifices during the Revolution "were as great perhaps as those of any other person." Entered the military at the age of 19, which deprived him of the opportunity to gain a profession. Was depending on receiving his father's office, which yielded £2,500 per year, but the office was eliminated because the "military Vengence" of the British. Says his father's house and furniture were burnt and "upwards of fifty of his most valuable servants were taken off, and his plantation laid waste." His situation has kept him from offering help. Encloses a list of people who patronized his lottery in Annapolis (see GLC02437.05826).