Keep the Light On | Major John Andre | TURN: Washington's Spies

Prologue: A Series of Letters

August the 11

Major André,

There must have been a severance in our last communication – it has been near four month since I last heard from you. I am to inform you, cordially, that I will be arriving in the Americas no later than September the 8.

I will be arriving at the York City harbor and am to be greeted by your colleague, Captain Whitlock. The Captain will be accompanying me to the Bellamy household, located near your current residency at the Benjamin Franklin house. I await a swift response – I have been looking forward to us meeting again. I do hope that our next meeting will result in a more prosperous result, I would hate to see another set of dinner plates smashed as was last time we had the opportunity to meet.

Major André, you and I both sought to achieve better means for both our family names and I hope that the agreement between our family's is still an item close to your heart. I would do anything for the well-being of my family, as I know you would do anything to uphold your legacy as well. Certainly, the beginning of our relationship could be described as less than agreeable.

If you should need me, please come to call on my newest address 138 King Street in the greater Philadelphia area.

Affectionately yours,

Cordelia Moore

Written September the 5, posted September the 9

Dearest Mother, 

It is now week three upon this blasted ship. I eagerly await the beauty that is land, for the sea has made me sick and I grow tired of looking upon some of the same people daily. The captain of this ship, while kind, is not one for conversation and the men aboard here do not know an ounce of chess. I am slowly learning to play their ship games, and I am pleased to report that I am learning them.

My studies keep me mainly occupied; you were right to have included a trunk filled with just the books my tutor has recommended. I have already gone through two of them – The Fall of Ancient Rome and Trigonometry Theory come to mind.

I have not forgiven you, as you should very well know, for not seeing me off, your eldest daughter, when I left for America. Father sent his love, but I would have wished to see you just the same.

Send father and the girls my love, everything I do here, I do for them. I hope to see you again within three years' time, preferably with Major André by my side. I know how much this union will mean to our family.

Eternally thinking of you,

Cordelia

September the 21

My Dear Mrs. Phillips,

How has life been treating you? I have finally settled into the Philadelphia home. It comes as a shock to me that you are now with your second child – and so soon after receiving your first. I wish you the speediest of expectancies and hope that you will ride through the pain of childbirth smoothly.

I am upset to report that I dislike Philadelphia with the greatest sincerity. Despite being here for less than three weeks, I have grown to dislike the humidity of Pennsylvania and my house's owners are rarely home, preferring the society parties thrown around the area. I am, unfortunately stuck at home, as my new gowns are not yet ready at present.

I look forward, as always, to hearing about life back in London. The societies here are not nearly as active as the ones back home and it pains me to know that I will not return to them for many a year.

It goes, without saying, that I am still disappointed, shocked, and disgusted by the actions of my parents, giving me very little warning about my trip to America. I am also, equally disappointed, by the show that Major André and I gave at the last party at your home in London last summer – I know I have expressed my sincerity within each letter, but please know that I am unable to expressly convey my disappointment via letter.

André, as much as I respect the man, I do not love him. I shall never love him, but I must do what is right by my family. For even if I do not love him, I shall tolerate him, despite how difficult this seems.

Take heed and love what is so rightfully yours, I admire your passion and your enthusiasm, your willingness to settle down. I am not so ready for a simple life.

My sincerest regards to you and yours,

Delia Moore

October the 11

Miss Cordelia Moore,

It is enlightening to hear of your recent exploits into Philadelphian culture. She is a beautiful city, and I hope you take advantage of her many sights and sounds. I have written to inform you of a social event taking place the next fortnight at Miss Peggy Shippen's household. I do hope to see you there, as Miss Shippen and her father have made excellent contacts and are loyal supporters of the crown.

The Master of the House is hosting a Samhain dinner and masked event for some of the Irish and British of the house and it was requested that I extend this invitation to you, one of the only Irish women available in the greater Philadelphia area.

If, by chance, you could refrain from mentioning our current arrangement as brought forth by our families, I would be much obliged.

Similarly, I should mention that our manners shall be of utmost importance and civility held in the utmost regard. I look forward to sharing a dance with you.

Sincerely,
Major John André