Letter to General Edward Hand from Jasper Yeates
Collection: National Postal Museum
Object type: Covers & Associated Letters
Date: November 5, 1782
Place: United States of America
Medium: paper; ink
Dimensions: Height x Width (folded): 6 11/16 × 8 1/2 in. (16.99 × 21.59 cm) Height x Width (unfolded): 13 × 8 1/2 in. (33.02 × 21.59 cm)
Credit line: Bequest of Harriett M. Leach
Description: A folded letter for General Edward Hand was written by Jasper Yeates on November 5, 1782. Yeates discusses news of their hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and negotiations to end the American Revolutionary War. See also object record 0.260305.7.21.1 for their correspondence dating to 1789.
This handwritten letter was likely part of a larger sheet of paper upon which the address portion was written (see rough, uneven long edge) and was later removed before the item came into the museum’s collection.
Dear Hand
Lancaster Nov r 3. 1782.
Your Favour of the 15 th ult o I received during the last Carlisle court and yours of the 22 d August & 25 th ult o I received yesterday on my Return from the Western Circuit.
Our Prospects of Peace seem upon the whole rather more distant, tho' we still flatter ourselves, they have not altogether vanished. An Idea has been excited amongst us, that Mr. Fitzherbert's Visit to Paris was for the sole Purpose of discovering the Ultimata of France & Holland, that Great Britain being aroused by their Demands, might exert herself more vigorously in the approaching Parliament. The System is supposed to be Mr. Shelburne's, in order to obtain Precedency to his favorite Opinions in the House of Commons. I cannot altogether coincide in this Sentiment.
We have some Fears respecting the Russian Court. Many People believe the Empress will take Part with our Enemies. Yet I cannot think so. It surely must be interesting to that Nation that the Independence of America should be established upon a permanent Foundation. Her Trade in such a case, must receive a considerable Increase.
I will not distress myself with any Fears respecting a Peace until it is put out of Doubt that we shall not have one as soon as we could wish. The war may come sufficiently early, & be dearly enough experienced, without Anticipation.
John Living has lately had another Set of the Fever & Ague, & has been pretty well worked for his Imprudence. My little Edward is not perfectly recovered, but the Rest of the Family are in good Health. Frank Sanderson died within these ten Days a Victim to Intemperance. 'Tis a Pity the Event had not taken Place ten Years before.
Yrs.
Genl Hazen lately left this Place much against his Will, after having made an advantageous Mennonist Speculation . He is succeeded by Col. Richard Butler, who about a Fortnight ago, was married to Miss Smith near Carlisle, a very good Girl.
D. Schuyler has left Minah at Betty Connors. Poor Girl! I sincerely pity her. She has had an Interview with her Father, to little Purpose. He told her, with truly Germanic Pflegem , that he forgave her, but it was all she could expect from him during his Life Time.
We are much pleased to hear of the Health of your Family. When the Army is got fairly into Winter Quarters, May we not hope for the Pleasure of a Visit, should the Commander in Chief come to Philad. a for a short Time.
M r Yates, my Sister and the Children join me in Love to you Mrs. Hland & all the Family. Your Daughter Sally, without exaggeration, is one of the most affectionate little Creatures breathing, & is in Reality a most promising Child.
Adieu! I am D. Hland
Yours most affectionately
D. Yates
Genl. Hland.
Gent Hazen lately left this Place much against his Will, after having made an advantageous Mennonist Speculation. He is succeeded by Col. Richard Butler, who about a Fortnight ago, was married to Miss Smith near Carlisle, a very good Girl.
Dr. Schuyler has left Minah at Boffey Conners. Poor Girl! I sincerely pity her. She has had an Interview with her Father, to little Purpose. He told her, with truly Germanic Platonic that he forgave her, but it was all she could expect from him during his Life Time.
We are much pleased to hear of the Health of your Family. When the Army is got fairly into Winter Quarters May we not hope for the Pleasure of a Visit, should the Commander in Chief come to Philad. a for a short Time.
M rs Yeates, my Sister and the Children join me in Love to you M rs Hand & all the Family. Your Daughter Sally, without exaggeration, is one of the most affectionate & courteous breathing & is in Reality a most promising
Little ...
Child.
Adieu! I am G. H. Land
Yours most affectionately
J. Yeates
Gent. Island.