Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826 to James Dundas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02549.18 Author/Creator: Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826 Place Written: Richmond, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 November 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 22 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy
Discusses some family news, commenting on his separation from his wife. Thanks James for his work on a seal (also discusses in GLC025490.16), but asks him not to send it until after the lottery, fearing it might be stolen. Comments on the status of their brother Ralph Dundas, Captain of the H. M. S. Bonetta, in America. Notes that in his last letter, Ralph was at Yorktown preparing for battle. By the time he is writing this he expects the battle to have been decided but does not know the outcome. Indicates that "people here differ much in opinion about what may be expected. I rather think the Fleet will have no Battle." Speculates on the dire consequences if the French Count de Grasse remained in the Chesapeake to thwart British reinforcements. Responds to James comments about a man named Sir George with more criticism: "nothing can be more insufferable than his Petulance, nothing more ridiculous than his folly, nothing more intollerable than his insolence & ignorance united." Comments on other correspondence and family matters. For contemporary correspondence from Ralph to James on his presence at Yorktown, relationship to Lord Cornwallis, and capture see GLC03676.04-.05.
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