In the midst of this mighty struggle for glory, dominion, and liberty, poor little Bermuda has observed a strict neutrality. This was the most difficult poltical maneuver that could be attempted. The lives of fourteen thousand souls have been saved by it. Captain Edward Hinson has some money in the states of South Carolina and Virginia which he wishes to get collected together and deposited in the best and safest public fund. I have recommended you as a fit person.

By recommendation of my friend George Bascome, I now send you a letter of Attorney and beg you will please call upon Mr. John Dalton at Alexandria for £794 Virginia currency and James Muir for £76. When this money is collected, you will please put it in a safe fund for the benefit of the owners of the sloop, Earl of Chatham of which I have the command.

Thanks her for her commission and shall faithfully execute it. Her note by Syphax delighted him. Declares his love. Love and death make all men equal. Tom Davis is in the room, writing to his Betsey. Hopes self does not come on a fool's errand tomorrow.

Has remained near her for three days without seeing her, in obedience to her request. Is not happy at being prohibited from attaining her affection. Implores a smile of approbation from her.

I have been appointed to act in behalf of Messrs. Van Bibber and Crockett for the fitting and loading the Brig Sally Van now in the East River. I have purchased rigging, provisions, and tobacco to the amount of £4,000. I was informed that you own 1/4 part, I have drawn on you for £1,500.

I received your order on Colonel Aylett you might as well not have sent it for the good it will do. The amount of your tobacco comes to £2,454-2-6. I have left the invoice with Wills Cowper. (Answer to Vaughan's letter on same page, 1778 March 21).

Received his letter by Hammond. No news worth communicating. Stories of Parliament's alarm are believable, peace may be outcome. Or may be merely to lull country into security. Advises Tucker to persevere in business of such moment.

Sorry to hear he hasn't further advanced. Sees as a strange situation. Cannot understand what keeps him in "Clouds of Darkness." Acquaintances tell what Brown required in a husband. Characteristics fit Tucker. Laura still in York but returns today. Self believes will be indifferent to Laura soon. Makes resolution to bid Laura adieu. House of Commons debates arrive in town. Commons voted, 20,000 men for next campaign.

We shall in a few days draw upon you in favor of Mr. John Hawkins for the sum of one thousands pounds. We wish to receive the balance when convenient for the tobacco sold you at £45 per hogshead. (Tucker's answer on same page, 1778 March 20)

I was informed by Mr. Hylton that you had drawn an order on him for seven hundred pounds on my account which he had declined paying until he saw me. I am sorry you did not show me your account for the sum in Suffolk as I am sorry you met with this dispute.

I request that you adjust my affairs with Wills Cowper when he comes up. First pay off my order in his favor for 200£. Pay him for eleven hogsheads of tobacco. If you can oblige me by disposing of 70 hogsheads of tobacco.

Duties of Congress and incommodious lodging makes it impossible to write. Strong attachment to friends at Matoax. Approaching campaign will be great. English pertinacious in conquest of America. Voted reinforcement of 20,000 soldiers. King has dictatorial powers in requiring supplies. Will write the girls. Asks about Martha Hall. Regrets being absent. Mr. Penn has called for this letter. Respects to Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan and Mr. Leigh.

At the time I purchased the tobacco of you and Mr. Beall informed me. I might make the payment when convenient to me. From the engagements I have on hand, I apprehend it will not be in my power to answer your draft immediately. (On letter from Norton and Beall, 1778 March 18.)

I am sorry to find that you were disappointed receiving the money, I drew on Colonel? Aylett. I presumed that some person in Williamsburg would transact his business in his absence. The money was a draft upon an account which was settled by Act of Assembly. Mr. George Elliot will give you the money. (On letter from Vaughan to Tucker, 1778 March 13.)

£6,000 (the money you asked me to give your Brother is ready for him). I purpose sending a vessel to South Quay for the tobacco.

This series is currently being added to the Box/Folder List section of the finding aid. Please check back periodically for updates. This series contains the correspondence of St. George Tucker, Cynthia Beverley Tucker Washington Coleman, and Nathaniel Beverley Tucker. The series is arranged in chronological order.