24

James Mathews.

Challenging but intriguing letter written by a patriot soldier near occupied Philadelphia.

Great Valley, PA, 27 September(?) 1777
Autograph Letter Signed to parents. 2 pages, 12½ x 8 inches, facing pages on one folding sheet; quite worn, laid down on linen at an early date, later dampstained. 

  • Notes: This letter was probably quite difficult to read in 1777, due to the author's poor penmanship and phonetic spelling, and the difficulty of writing in camp conditions. 248 years of wear and heavy dampstaining have not made the job easier. 

    We have not determined where Mathews was from, what regiment he served in, or exactly where he was stationed. His immediate commanding officer was a Captain Thompson, and his camp in the Great Valley of Pennsylvania near Philadelphia would place him in or somewhat near Valley Forge: "We are now in Pencilvany att the Great Vallee about 20 miles west of Philadelphia. . . . Wee now and then take some prisners but things don't seeme to goe on quite soe well as att the northward, but the wife aught to know best." 

    He notes the recent death of his brother, serving in Captain Reed's company in Albany, and explains how to apply for his effects and clothing. 

    Some passages seem to describe preparations for the 4 October Battle of Germantown, in which Washington's army made a final attempt to retake Philadelphia before settling down for winter quarters at Valley Forge. He discusses "orders to storm Philadelphy" and then "might return to his own contry." He then interrupts his narrative with a news bulletin: "Now this moment there is orders for a march to atackt the enemy, and expect to march amediately. This may bee the last opportunity to inform you of myself." 

    In closing, he asks if "you would try to enform . . . where my son is, and if they are like to be redeemed." 
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