To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, [16 January 1781]
From Archibald Cary
Tuckahoe Tuesday Morn. [16 January 1781]
Dear Sir
I have Continued As ill as any Person could well be with a Cold, for upwards of 3 Weeks, it has reduced me so that I can with difficulty walke up and Down Stairs. I thank God it has Mended greatly for 3 days past, and I have gatherd a little strength.
I have heard nothing of the Enemy Since their Stop at Sandy Point, untill this Morn. A Man Came to press a Waggon who Says they have landed at Hampton, are Fortifiing and have received a reinforcement. I pray Sir, that you Give what News Can be depended on. I hope to be at Ampthill the last of the Week. Pray Sir, How Can the people furnish a Beef for Each Souldier from a County, if the Commissioners as fast as we put them up for that purpose take them away. This is the Case with Many. Yr Afft. and obedt. Servt.,
Archibald Cary
RC (Vi); on verso: Dft of TJ’s Proclamation on Paroles, 19 Jan. 1781, q.v.
The only Tuesday between the time the enemy were at Sandy Point (see TJ to Thomas Nelson, 15 Jan.) and 19 Jan., when TJ presented his Proclamation on Paroles was 16 Jan. This letter has therefore been assigned to that date.