Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Cornelius Harnett to William Wilkinson
Harnett, Cornelius, 1723-1781
January 06, 1778
Volume 13, Page 361

-------------------- page 361 --------------------
CORN. HARNETT TO WM. WILKINSON.

York Town Pennsylvania, Jan. 6 1778.

Dear Sir:

I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of the 25 Nov. and 3 Dec. by Post. I wish I could make a little good news for you, for unless I do, you will not I fear have any thing very interesting for a month or two to come. However our Army have taken up their Winter Quarters at the Valley Forge about sixteen miles from the City, where they have built Huts. The General intends living in one himself. I send you all the papers I can come at. I may perhaps by next Post send you intelligence from the North, which will surprise all America___I beg you will continue to send me all the news papers you can possibly collect, I believe you are afraid of making your packet too large___Mr. Mclain writes me he had hopes of getting our River Fortified; but I have dispared of it long since; if the Assembly should agree to it, I shall believe that Miracles have not yet ceased. I promised to send you a Copy of the Confederation but Mr. Penn, some how or other (I believe by mistake) sent them all to our Assembly. I have been very desirous to hear what has become of Capt. Allen. I beg you will inform me; if he should be at C. Fear tell him he has used me ill in not writing me and I shall at a proper time call him to account. I hope his family are well. You always say you have no news; surely you can send me domestic intelligence which will be very agreeable. I have heard of a Distiller & have sent for him. I wish you would inform me what the Company would be willing to give by the year. Let me know the most you can afford, and I will agree for as much less as possible. Are your Vessels arrived or are they taken? Make my Compts. to Mr. Ancrum Mr. Quince & all my friends and acquaintances tell those two Gentlemen I shall answer their agreeable favours by next Post. As for friend Clayton he is indebted to me two letters. A Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all.

I am Dr. Sir, your sincere friend & Obedt. Servt.
CORN HARNETT.
Wm. Wilkinson Esqr.