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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to Thomas Burke
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
September 19, 1778
Volume 13, Page 483

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HON. CORN. HARNETT TO HONBL. THOMAS BURKE ESQR. NEAR HILLSBOROUGH, NO. CAROLINA. BY POST.


Philadelphia, 19 Sep. 1778.

Sir:

Your agreeable favour of the 22nd only came to my hands last night. Believe me when I assure you that I have heartfelt Satisfaction in finding Our General Assembly have shewn a proper resentment at the unprecedented treatment you met with at York Town. They could not have given you a more convincing proof of their approbation of your Conduct in Congress, than by appointing you again in the very face of their ridiculous resolves, to represent them in that Body.

I have Consulted my Associates in regard to the time of returning home; Mr. Penn seems content to remain & Mr. Williams & myself have concluded to stay until the 1st of December & to return immediately on your or Mr. Hill's arrival. The appointment of Mr. Hill with yourself has given me great pleasure. Our Assembly have been wise in determining that three of their Delegates shall always be present in Congress. I only wish they had appointed six, which would have made it more convenient for the Gentlemen to attend.

I send News papers. As to the business of Congress, it goes on in the old way, doing more in three hours, at one time than they do at another in three days.

Nothing Interesting has happened at Head Quarters. The preparations making at New York seem to indicate the Enemy's intention of removing from that City; perhaps it may be only a feint. You will be pleased to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Burke & be assured that I am, Dr. Sir,

Your afft. friend & Obedt. Servt.
CORN HARNETT.

Mr. Allison was not so obliging as to call upon me or even to let me know where he lodged.

Honble. Thos. Burke, Esqr.