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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Arthur Middleton to Thomas Burke
Middleton, Arthur, 1742-1787
October 18, 1779
Volume 14, Pages 211-212

HON. A. MIDDLETON TO HON. THOMAS BURKE.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Charles Town, Oct. 18th, 1779.

Dear Sir:

Give me leave to introduce to your acquaintance my Brotherin-Law and very particular friend, Mr. Edward Rutledge. He comes to solicit the attention of Congress to his Country, which, unless aided in such manner as it has a right to expect from the Union, will probably soon undergo a most severe trial, and you must not be surprised at receiving disagreeable Intelligence. The Body of the people complain loudly of neglect in the Fathers of the Continent, and there is no knowing to what lengths their ill

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humor may carry them, however firmly determined particular characters may be to remain true at every risk to a contract which heaps upon them Burthens without Benefits. We are much obliged to your Country, which has been friendly; I wish I could extend the Epithet further North. Notwithstanding my unwillingness even to re-enter the State House of Philadelphia, I fear I shall shortly be obliged to do it. If I should, I hope to meet you there and some other of my friends, whose presence will render the hard duty much less irksome. Mr. R. will tell you that I have not escaped Scotfree in the late incursion of the Enemy, but “Salva Respublica, salvus sum.”

Remember me affectionately to all our friends. I am sorry to hear several of them have left you. Let me hear from you in case I should not be able to come, and, whatever be my fate, believe me, Dear Sir,

Your friend and Serv't,
A. MIDDLETON.