Poplar Grove Near Wilmington,
February 22nd, 1780.
Dear Sir:
After one of the most fatiguing and most disagreeable journeys that ever old fellow undertook, I at last arrived at my little Hovel & had the happiness to find my family in good health. I have waited some time for some Interesting Intelligence to Communicate to you from the South, to no purpose; we cannot yet find that the Enemy have landed in any considerable numbers. We are informed by a Prize lately taken that the fleet suffered very considerably by very bad weather, & it is supposed that many of them bore away for the West Indies. The No. Carolina Troops, under the command of General Hogun, passed the river at Wilmington three days ago, and it is hoped that they will be at Charles Town in a few days. The Virginia Troops have gone the upper road, and will be there soon after our Troops. The General Assembly were called together by the Governor, but made no house. After a number of members had waited ten or 12 days, they returned home. I am sorry to observe my Countrymen do not pay that attention to public business which their Constituents have a right to expect from them—No taxes laid, tho' the States in general have shewn them so laudable an example. We are informed Governor Martin intends to pay us a visit; he is not yet arrived in Cape Fear River. I hope he will first take a trip to the West Indies to see his friends in Antigua.
As I passed through Halifax I had the pleasure of hearing that Miss Eaton was very well. I do not write to Genl. Jones, as it is expected that you will shew him this scrawl. I hope to hear from you both very soon. Pray send me some Papers.
Mrs. Harnett joins me in most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Vining & Miss Vining, also Miss Hart, & remember me kindly to Mrs. Jones & her neices. You will be pleased to tell Miss Vining I hope to be informed by the next Post that she is married to a man deserving of so sweet-tempered & so accomplished a Young Lady. I shall always remember with great pleasure the happy hours spent in the Company of Mrs. Vining & her daughter. I must beg you to make my Compliments to all my acquaintances in Congress, Your Secretary, Mr. R. Morrier, Mr. Peters & their ladies.
Your affectionate friend & Obedt.
Mrs. Burke has no doubt got well over the small-pox.
Will you please to inquire of the Commissioners of the Lottery about the 4 Tickets purchased by me in the fall of 1778? I have lost the Tickets, and others are concerned with me, which makes me exceedingly anxious about them.