Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Archibald Maclaine to George Hooper
Maclaine, Archibald, 1728-1790
February 22, 1783
Volume 16, Pages 936-937

HON. A. MACLAINE TO GEORGE HOOPER.


Wilmington, 22nd February, 1783.

My Dear Sir:

I have this moment received yours of the 17th instant by Addison, who arrived here yesterday afternoon. Gaillard, & several others are now waiting for a wind; but whether I shall have it in my power to send you any of the articles which you so much want, I cannot say. For a fortnight past, I have been expecting some very fine pickled beef from Crosscreek, as well as butter and soap. The butter indeed I may be disappointed of, as it is scarce; but the other articles I shall certainly have, though possibly not in time.

I wrote you very fully by Major Blount, which I flatter myself

-------------------- page 937 --------------------
you have received, with a letter inclosed from Mrs. Hooper. You will hear from her by this conveyance, and I believe much to your satisfaction. She is indeed vastly improved in her countenance, & Mr. McGwire alleges looks as well as he ever saw her. My letter by Blount contains a long list, or rather several lists of wants. Coffee however as well as tea, are part of them; & I enclose you a memorandum for Mrs. Slingsby, which if convenient, I should be glad you could supply. She is to pay the money for the things in a short time.

I have just received letters from Mr. Burgwin dated at Brussels in October; and also from a Mr. David Alexander, who accompanied him from Charleston, dated at Nantes, so late as the 17th December. This gentleman has given me a manuscript copy of the King’s speech to his Parliament of G. Britain on the 5th of December. As it leaves us no room to doubt any longer, I have inclosed it to you.

Major Davies and Captain Madgett, two of the officers who came here in the prize ship Dawes from Jamaica, now go to Charlestown, on their way to Augustine. If you are not apprehensive of the resentiment of the violent Whigs, you will of course shew them some civilities. They have been politely attentive to your better half, & frequently played with Poll.

I have not yet heard anything of Mr. Cray. What does Mallett mean by saying that the bills (I suppose those on France) will not be paid. I have never heard that any of them were returned, though probably the payment of some of them may have been delayed.

Nat. Allen lately purchased some at Philadelphia, & I understand that several people are wanting that species of remittance. I shall omit no opportunity of writing you, & sending the articles you want as soon as I receive them.

My love to Archy & believe me most sincerely
Yours,
A. MACLAINE.

Have you no garden seeds for me?