To Benjamin Franklin from John Hunter, 17 June 1756
From John Hunter7
ALS: Yale University Library
New York June the 17th: 1756
Dear Sir
I have the pleasure of Advising you of the Safe Arrivall of Genl. Abercrombie,8 with the Transports, Except Two, who they parted with in a very Dark Night, Not a Man Sick among those that are Arrivd. The Tents &c. being all on Board the ships not Arrivd it is Said the Troops are to be Landed this Day.
The German Officers Came in the Last Pacquett, and are all Coming to your city to Recruit.9
The Man of War with the cash is not yet Arrivd1 which Obliges us to Send the Bearer for as much as our freinds can possibly Supply us with, I have great hopes that you can Send me cash for the Bill I troubled you with by the Bearer Mr. Vincent.2 Mrs: Hunter Joins me in our Best complyments and I am always Dear Sir Your Obligd and Affectionate humble Servant
Jno. Hunter
If you have Disposd of the Last Bill Be pleasd to Say If more would Sell on the Like Terms.
It was beleivd that Lord Louden would Sail about a Fortnight After this Fleet. If so he may be Expected Every hour.
To Prevent an oppertunity being Lost for want of a Bill I have herewith Inclosd one of two Thousand pounds.
Addressed: To / Colo: Benjn: Franklin / Philaa / by the Favr. of / Mr. Vincent
7. Col. John Hunter of Virginia (see above, p. 223 n) had gone to New York as agent for Thomlinson & Hanbury of London, who handled the transfer of funds to British forces in North America. Pargellis, Lord Loudoun, pp. 281–2.
8. Major General James Abercromby (1706–1781), son of the third laird of Glassaugh, Banffshire, Scotland; regular officer in the British army; member of Parliament, 1734–54. Appointed second in command to Lord Loudoun in North America, 1756, he arrived in New York June 16, where he served competently if without distinction until he succeeded Loudoun as commander in chief in March, 1758. His blundering conduct at the battle of Ticonderoga, July 9, 1758, led to his disgrace and recall. DAB. See below, p. 462.
9. German, Swiss, and British officers of the Royal American Regiment, (see above, p. 402) the ranks of which were intended to be filled largely with Pennsylvania Germans, had arrived in New York on June 15, and by July 1 the regiment’s recruiting officers were in Philadelphia where they met with “great Success.” Pargellis, Lord Loudoun, pp. 61–6; Pa. Gaz., June 24 and July 1, 1756. On August 20 Loudoun reported 500 men had been raised and ordered to Albany. Pargellis, Military Affairs, p. 227.
1. The money Hunter expected could have come on the Nightingale which brought Loudoun on July 23, or the Stirling-Castle, which arrived August 14, carrying £115,000 to pay provincial troops for their service during the previous year. Pa. Gaz., July 22 and 29 and Aug. 19, 1756.
2. Not identified, but apparently a clerk or agent of Hunter’s seeking emergency funds from American merchants to support operations in New York pending arrival of specie from Great Britain. Loudoun later charged an unnamed clerk of Hunter’s, perhaps Vincent, with having profiteered outrageously in exchanging silver for gold coin in Philadelphia. Pargellis, Military Affairs, pp. 270–2.