LETTERCXXXVII.TO J—— S——, ESQ.
June 15, 1780.
DEAR SIR,
I AM exceeding happy to inform you, that at twelve this noon Lord L—— arrived express from Sir H— C——, with the pleasing news, that, on the 12th of April, Charles Town with its dependencies capitulated to his Majesty’s arms, with the loss of 200 men on our side: by which fortunate event, five ships of war, besides many frigates, and one thousand seamen, were captured; and seven thousand military, which compose the garrison.—You will have pleasure, I am sure, in finding so little blood shed—and in the hope of its accelerating the so-much-wished-for peace. Inclosed is a list of the prisoners, which is from Lord Lincoln’s account—at least I am confidently told so—and more than that, it is said the late terrible riot was on aplan concerted between the French and Americans—upon which their whole hope of success was founded—they expected universal bankruptcy would be the consequence, with despair and every sad concomitant in its train. By God’s goodness, we have escaped. May we deserve so great mercy!
Prays sincerely yours,
I. SANCHO.
The Gazette will not be out in time, but you shall have one to-morrow without fail.—As soon as this news was announced, the Tower and Park guns confirmed it—the guards encamped in the Parks fired each a grandfeu de joye—to-night we blaze in illuminations—and to-morrow get up as poor and discontented as ever. I wish, dear Sir, very much to hear Mrs. S—— is quite recovered—it would indicate more than a common want of feeling, were not my wife and self anxious for the health and repose of such very rare friends.—Indulge us, do, dear Sir, with a single line, that we may joy in your joy upon her amendment, or join our wishes with yours to the God of mercy and love,for her speedy recovery.—I inclose you an evening paper—there is not much in it. Upon consideration, I have my doubts concerning the French and Americans being so deep in the plan of our late riots;—there requires, I think, a kind of supernatural knowledge to adjust their motions so critically—but you can judge far better than my weak intellects;—therefore I will not pretend to affirm any thing for truth, except my sincere desire to approve myself most gratefully
Your obliged servant,
IGN. SANCHO.