Delegates to Congress . Letters of delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Volume 16, September 1 1780-February 28 1781
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James Duane to To: Mary Duane

Philadelphia l9th Septemr 1780

   I long my dearest Polly most impatiently to hear of your own and our Childrens Health not having yet been blessed with a Line. Any Letters you favour me with will come safe by the Post. I have Reason to be thankful that I have not felt the least Indisposition since we parted and I want nothing but an assurance of your welfare to make me easy and resigned to the Station hard as it is to which my Country has appointed me. Indeed she wants all the Services of her Oldest Citizens, as our affairs are much perplexed for the Want of money.

   The Enemy we learn are again in Motion. Where they will make their assault is uncertain. Some think they will reinforce Lord Cornwallis in South Carolina; others that they will attempt to make a Lodgement in Virginia. None suppose that further Attacks upon the State of New York are probable. The first point to be settled


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seems to be the naval Superiority in the American Seas. If it is true that Sir George Rodney is at the Hook with ten Ships of the Line, and that the combined Fleets of France and Spain are on our Coast, an Engagement seems almost unavoidable as Monsieur De Turnay the French Admiral and his Squadron are shut up in Rhode Island and great Efforts will be undoubtedly made for his Relief. I enclose for your Amusement the news papers.

   We this moment learn that Col. Mariot (1) of the South Carolina militia has retaken the whole of the Maryland Line who were made Prisoners in the late Battle near Cambden, together with their Guard, so that we have already recovered a Blow which from the first Accounts and misrepresentations made a disagreeable Impression.

   If you have heard from Hughey let me know as I cannot Account for his Silence.

   With my most dutiful & affectionate Regards to our parents and friends and my warmest Blessing to our dearest Children I am ever my dear Polly Your truly affectionate & ever faithful Husband.

   Jas Duane


Note:

    (NHi: Duane Papers).



1 That is, Francis Marion.