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I am sending you 6 yards of brown cambrick. I think it is fit for summer wear. If you like it, take half and keep the rest for me. I sent by a little boat, to the care of McNiel, 3 cases containing about 9 dozen bottles and 1 case with 2 dozen cups and saucers, 1 China bowl, and 1 dozen plates. This day I sail for Hampton in hopes of completing my complement of men.

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Please lend or sell me 10 or 11 shingles. I can repay them in 2 months or pay whatever price you demand in cash or tobacco. Frequently, your horses have gotten into my wheat field, please shift your pasture or keep them up.

Scope and Contents Brought Patty (Martha Hall) home with her. She will shortly become Mrs. George? Hay. Quite a secret and must be "under the Rose." Likes him better than Franks. Story of his being a Jew agrees not with her taste. Likes people to be as God made them. Her lips have not been touched since he blessed them. If he is not careful, she will retaliate twofold the next opportunity. Situation too critical to venture to Mrs. Farley's. Asks if she may expect to be fixed in town. Enclosure is to get Patty...

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Mr. May promises to deliver letter. Anxious to hear how she is. Understands there are letters from Bermuda and fears bad news from thence. Resolves to petition Assembly for permission to send vessel with provisions for their relief. Shall return in Mr. Baker's chair. Mentions friends Madison, Duncan, Innes and Mrs. Innes. McClurg "is gone to be married."

Scope and Contents Attended Mr. Burwell's sale. Made a few purchases. Mrs. Harrison is with Mrs. Page at Rosewell. The latter not well. Rudolph on board the Sally Van when she was taken. Invited by "little Addie," his bride and sister to visit Warner Hall. Mentions Mr. Fontaine and "our Friend God's Curer," whom he met at Carter's Creek. Inquires as to Dick's (Richard Randolph's) studies as he may "enter upon a new scene of life after the holidays." Asks if she will meet him at Mrs. Farley's.  Anticipates bad...

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I have not received from you the necessary papers to recover the insurance on the Sally Van. I must have the declaration of the captain of his capture and it must be certified by a judge. The bills of lading of the cargo which must be deposited in the hands of a notary or naval office.

Scope and Contents Captain Joseph Darrell just informed me, he leaves tomorrow for North Carolina. I am sending by him a few pair of shoes and stockings, the others I shall send by small quantities. Captain Nat King from Charles Town arrived, but would not venture into port without having security for his vessel and cargo.This the people readily agreed to and divided the rice in an equal proportion to all the parishes in the island. They acquainted the governor, collector, and officers with what they had done....

Scope and Contents Yesterday feared being stationed on South side of James River. Now informed by Mr. Goode that they are ordered to Williamsburg. Lodged at Mr. Davis's last night. Captain Murray contradicted unwelcome news about friend's capture. Enemy not more than 2,000 strong. Bent upon plundering. Are able to travel faster than militia because of ships. They returned to Portsmouth after burning Suffolk. John Holloway, M. Phripp and P. Bowdoin made their escape. Plans to reach Williamsburg tonight. Dined...

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Concerned by uncertain and alarming accounts. Wanted to come over and learn state of troops. Hears English are retreating to Portsmouth. If not confirmed, will move in wagon to Bizarre. Will stay behind until she sees him. Boys lament his absence. Jack (John of Roanoke) particularly. Girls say God Bless him. (Inscribed in pencil on cover: "1781 May 17. I suppose. In 1799 I think.")

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Has wished for opportunity to write since reaching Williamsburg. Hopes to get more agreeable situation than that of private soldier. Hears but little of enemy who are between 2,000 and 3,000 strong. Their ravages great in lower parts. Can give them severe check in this part of country.

Scope and Contents Came here Wednesday evening. Hitherto in family of General Nelson, where would scarcely remembered was poor private soldier. In good health. The enemy still at Portsmouth. Apparently will not venture into this part of the world. Deserters report they are planning to depart in week or so. Got her letter by Mr. Holloway from Williamsburg. Write by every opportunity enclosing letters to Duncan Rose at Williamsburg who will send them to him. Shall answer boys' letters soon. Tell Patty if she had...

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She will have received long epistle by Mr. Shore. Nothing to add. But is informed by Captain Murray that he brought two letters which were sent to Hampton by mistake. Should direct letters to care of Mr. Rose.

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His last letter unsatisfactory. No news of his return or place he would be stationed. Others called as early as now at home. Patty (Martha Hall) her only companion. Has seen Patsy Banister? only once. Father (Theodorick Bland of Cawsons) had gout. Did not visit him. Too hot to go on horseback.

Scope and Contents Mr. Shore, who is Job's comforter, says there is no prospect of enemy's leaving as they expect a re-enforcement. (St. George) gained in beauty on last visit. The gay old widow (self) is turned into a pumpkin. Faced dropsical mope. Begs for miniature he promised her. Sent all her cash by Phill to buy corn for Bermuda Forrest. He had come down for nails. Told of Robin and Charles being in jail for hog-stealing. Self understands too little of traffic to meddle with tobacco note. Will wait for...

Scope and Contents Despite recent alarms British fleet took their departure from Hampton roads this morning. Anxious to come home, but it is necessary to retain the militia a few days as enemy might return and as his services as Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to General Nelson might give impression that he was avoiding duties of private soldier. His horses stolen night before last. Must borrow a couple to go as far as Mrs. Farley's where he must borrow again if two are not sent from home. Bob Goode got to Hampton...

Scope and Contents Two months in this dreary desert without word from her. She may be proficient in Latin now. During last absence, she made such progress in Italian that friend and brother St. George Tucker had become dragoon. Awaits account of his campaign from Action to Brentford. Has called it the Dragonades. Situation here grows more tolerable. Mrs. (Martha (Dangerfield) Bland) looks back with longing eye. Congratulates them below on evacuation of enemy in the state. Dangerous to her health to travel but...

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Just heard Lee going to Virginia. Self settled as physician in this town near York and Scarborough. To reside summer and fall in Scarborough which is resort for numerous and genteel company then. Beginning to get business although none arrived here more than month. Congratulates on connection St. George lately formed (marriage to Mrs. Frances (Bland) Randolph Tucker). Asks him to direct letters c/o Strettell or to self. Mrs. Courtenay (Walker) Norton and Miss Mary ? Tucker saw self.

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We have never received any account of your marriage. St. George promises us a visit with you when peace takes place. Mamma is staying some time at Doctor Campbell's. Papa is preparing for a long voyage.

Scope and Contents Your Brother Thomas writes, he has declined the practice of Physic and sold off his medicines. I wish he had the 1,500 guineas that it cost me for his being brought up to that profession. I hope you don't intend to throw by the law as I think you will find it a more certain profit than trade. Mr. Daniel Jennings wrote us that Pleasants' bill was noted and would be protested. The Council and Assembly decided to send a representative to his Majesty with an humble address of the distress of the...

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Mr. George Haynes, who was formerly a partner with Burch and Milner at St. Eustatia, has obtained a flag from the Governor to carry himself and family to Baltimore for the recovery of his health. I am sending you shoes by him. I expect to sail in about 20 days in a new Brig under the command of Captain Forster Bascome for England.

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Mr. Haynes thinks it will be running too much risk to take all your things. He is taking what he can and will deliver them to Mr. Robert Morris or Colonel Banister.

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Has already congratulated him on marriage (to Frances (Bland) Randolph) Sends him letter for Messrs. Wills and John Cooper of Suffolk which he is to read, seal, and foward. Is about to be in advance to them and wishes some certainty of security. Wishes them to make immediate remits to St. Eustatia. Self will hold quarter of vessel. Can put off eighth for a friend and eighth to Captain thus leaving half for them. His father (Henry Tucker) has gone to England on public business.

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A scarcity of materials has prevented me from outfitting the vessel and sending it to Holland. The vessel needs repairs. Will try to load the vessel with salt and send her in search of lumber. (Copy of Letter) filed under 1778 August 10.)

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Will write her history of Charlottesville and redcoats in it. Starting for party on mountaintop. Only inviting object except one she has seen is starved. Old adage, "God sends meats but the devil sends cooks." Asks her to send up two papers of pins at first opportunity. Get them at Dick Bates.

Scope and Contents I spent a few days with Innes. How can you account for the marriage of the Honorable the President of William and Mary College, James Madison? I can't think he was by any means a proper person to be President, nor do I ever expect to see a luxuriant crop of youth spring up under his culture. I was informed by Mrs. Fitzhugh of Chatham that your poetic vein has not forsaken you. I wish I had settled in England because my profession in this country is horrid. I sometimes think of quitting my...