The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1889-08-09
REFLECTIONS FROM THE "SHASDY HALL"
PAPERS,
RN q, W. ARCHER,


For the .Esls.
Mr.. W. W. R. Hall. of "Shandy Hail." has kind
ly handed me for historical purposes many family
papers Of the olden time left by his grandfather,
patriots of the revolutionary era. Among them
numerous letters written TO him by prominent men
Of hs day. Tash VII y" s9sNt oS msrS@E
sclonSly paint their own portraits.
No. l..
Is from the Chairman Of the first revolutionary
meeting held IN Hartford county, IN June, ia,
and afterwards one Of the most efficient members
way, with some friends. 10 the patriot camp before
Boston, and sojouriis for while at ihiladriphia,
the headquarters Of Independence. He was first
cousin OF Benedict Edward.
PHILApELrHIA, MAY u, l715.
BENEDICT EdUdrd HdH, Esq
My Dear Tristram Ipayiully 50 called after
Sterne'S famous hero, TriStraln Shandyl We have
got no further ON our way than 10 this city. We
have been detained by the deluSNc expectation OF
being accompanied by anative OF Massachusetts
push tomorrow morning. We have been received
with the greatest polllenrSs and cordially by the
Northern Delegates here, to whom We have had
letters from all of them lin Sparks Life Of John
Adams there Is very complimentary letter from
Mr. Adams concuring the military and social stand;
Ing Of both Aquila Hall and Col. JOSi;tS Caryil
Hall. who had just reported To Gen Washington
before Boston.
Col. Hancock is made President of the Congress
Obliged To attend his House OF Assembly. Should
| endeavOr TO delincatc the character of these
supporters of Liberty Ithe Northern Delegates
should find myself unequal to the task sand should
violate Justice IN the attempt. then let il suffice
to tell you that think them worthy of their i'm
pOrtant trust-both in spirit and wisdom capabl,
Of debating counsel to Il brave and free people.
I'VE are Informed that the three generals Howe
Clinton and BurgOyne, have arrived and thai
twenty transports have sailed for Boston with tn,
troops. The natural appearance of this city give!
me Just pleaSure-every sect aud denomination q
men recurring to arms. ToryiSm is entirely cx
tnguishcd. The transactions q
Congress are SWb-SihHiiO. Only this much can In
form you OF from good authority; u,cy are prepar
ing another petition to the King, to slow that The,
are not so elevated with their late success lat Con
cord and Lexington as To diSclaim all thought o
u constitutional reconciliation. | have heard :
further account Of the engagement since came IN
The number lost and disabled amongst the TrgiI
lars could not have been less than Onr thousand
The manner IN which the retreat was cnndurtr,
will fully convince yOu that the flank companies
always wheeled oil and formed line in the rra
Of the main body, as Il safeguard, and In that posi-
tiOn discharged their pieces; after which, the OF
icerS came IN the rear with their whips IN whiu
ped them up as hard H. they could run to the mai
body; and the other flank companies went through
the same maneuVer for Il march of about twcut
miles.
81 am a little indiSpOSed at preSent-not frol
any irregularity-lOr assure you / have stead
lastly adhered to every yirtuOus resolution whic
you have heard me make BE assure