1899.1 CALENDAR OF THE WEEDOX CORRESPONDENCE. 95 



Muhlenberg, Gen. {continued)-. 

 1786. — -July 18. Philadelphia. — Delay in getting letter of May 

 29th. Prize money cannot be drawn unless tickets are pre- 

 sented. Sends bundle of newspapers and the anniversary ora- 

 tion, delivered by Major Jackson before the Society of Cincin- 

 nati. The purchase by him and the vice-president of the 

 famous Big Spring tract in Berks Co., Pennsylvania. A 

 description of its advantages. (Note on back of MSS., dated 

 October 12.) Speaks of letter on other side, dated three 

 months before. No time since to write. No. 151. 



Nelson, Thomas. 



1777. — October 28. Williamsburg. — Wishes to know if report is 

 true that Burgoyne has really surrendered. If true, will not 

 independence be immediately established? Attack on Fort 

 Mifflin, having failed again, their momentary possession of 

 Philadelphia will avail them little. His (Nelson's) sympathy 

 with the army, but his strong wish to raise a body of men, not 

 thought proper at this time. Promises to do it in the future. 

 The Assembly appointed to meet nine days before, has not yet 

 made a House. Terrible remissness at such a critical time. 

 Fears the enemy will hear of it. Nine ships of war in Hamp- 

 ton Roads ; <-heir object, perhaps, an attack on Portsmouth. 

 Enemy in want of water. Trusts they will not be able to 

 relieve their distress in Virginia. No. 7. 



1777. — Deceinber ig. Williamsburg. — Acknowledging favor of 

 27th inst. Letters from York report that Gen. Howe has 

 marched to Chestnut Hill with entire force and an engage- 

 ment hourly expected. Wishes a general battle could be 

 avoided. Condition of our men compares unfavorably with 

 the enemy's. Also, a defeat on our side might prevent France 

 from declaring war on England. Bill, brought into the 

 House by him, to raise 5000 men to serve six months, thrown 

 out. Might interfere with completing the regular bat- 

 talions. No. 10. 



1780. — November J. Williamsburg. — Acknowledging letters de- 

 livered by Captains Prosser and Kirkpatrick. Difficulty of 

 arranging militia when they arrive in such small detachments. 

 One regiment under Col. William Nelson will take their 

 station below York; he needs a Lieut. -Colonel and a Major. 

 Will form light corps for Captain Kirkpatrick as requested. 



