So I was browsing the Online Harvard Library in one of my breaks when I came across this letter from John Laurens to George Washington that was sent on the 28th of January, 1782.
(Here's the link to the letter: http://colonialnorthamerica.library.harvard.edu/spotlight/cna/catalog/hou00303c00344).
I didn't recognise it, and decided to look up the transcript on Founders only to find that the letter was classed as 'Early Access' (essentially an early version of the transcript when the letter has yet to be fully annotated and published).
(Here's the link to the letter on Founders: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-07744).
Me being the sad person I am, I decided to attempt to transcribe the letter during lunch.
Special thanks to GilbertVonSteuben and Ham (who still doesn't have a Wattpad account) for helping out with those three annoying words and an even bigger thanks to aaronburrisgreatest for looking exasperated with our antics for the entirety of the transcribing process (and thanks for helping too, I guess).
(Before you claim that I have offended your honour in some way and challenge me to a metaphorical/NERF gun duel or take it out on me next time we play Deal or Duel, I was joking. Thanks for the help, Burr!)
Our transcription is below (all punctuation and capitalisation is the same as the original). Feel free to comment if you agree/disagree with our transcript and let us know what you think!
To George Washington From John Laurens, 28 January 1782:
Jacksonburg So. Carolina
28th Jany 1782.
Dear General
The penury of my finances, and a desire of accommodating my friend W Ferguson with Thirty five guineas in Philadelphia_ have induced me to draw upon your Excellency for that sum to the order of Genl. Lincoln_ as a reimbursement for the Articles which I brought you from France. The Governor & Council of this state, notwithstanding the hopes that had been given me, declined complying with Genl. Greens recommendation to reinforce this department with black levies_ alleging that the business wd come with more propriety before the legislature which was shortly to be convened_ The two houses are now sitting at this Village (Jacksonburg) about 36 miles from Charles Town_ as a member of the assembly I shall make a lash effort for the execution of a plan which appears to me so essential to the deliverance and happiness of this state. Genl. Leslie notwithstanding his menacing proclamations remains inactive within his lines. we hear of the arrival of no troops at Charles Town except two or three hundred Hessians & Recruits. I entreat your Excellency to present my respects to Mrs Washington_ my love to the family_ and to accept the sincere assurances of veneration and attachment with which I am Dear General invariably yours
John Laurens
His Excellency General Washington
YOU ARE READING
Author's Notes
DiversosThis book, like this account in general, is pretty eclectic. It'll probably contain miscellaneous facts and chapters that don't fit in any of my other books, along with some odd chapters here and there about my life and updates on my books if chapte...
