Home, James, fl. 1780 to William Home
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.045 Author/Creator: Home, James, fl. 1780 Place Written: Sandy Hook, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: June 28, 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
James, a British soldier aboard the Europe, writes to his father. Discusses the mail. States he has been a week in [New] York and Long Island. Mentions that German mercenary General Wilhelm Knyphausen took Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Comments that Knyphausen was to attack General Washington but Continental General Stirling (British Brigadier General Thomas Stirling) was wounded and the surgeon wanted to amputate his leg. Knyphausen's plans were disrupted and he lay inactive until Continental General James Clinton drew the troops from the Jerseys. During the retreat, the Americans killed a few British. Reports that they left Port Royal 1 June and met up with some other ships which together made up 6000 soldiers under British General Sir Henry Clinton. They arrived at Sandy Hook 19 June on the way to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and passed the French fleet. Believes the French will not come near New York as they will suffer too much hardship. Comments on the Irish wanting independence. Quotes Ossian and McPherson. Remarks that he wishes he could purchase a company in a marching regiment as he is not fit for this savage sea life. Ruminates on his philosophy on happiness and virtue. States that he could be more happy as an ensign than as a 1st lieutenant of Marines. Sends his regards to family and friends. James Home was a British soldier during the Revolutionary War.
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