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No 1

Goal Northampton Novr. 12th 1783

Dear Sir

I recd yours by Adjatant Mr Gee Verbal Expected
a line==Inform I am well hope these few lines will find
you & yours so. I have know perticular occurance at present
to write you As to my being here dont worry me so much
as I expected I feel Calm & sedate hope these small aflictions
will work for the best both for my Spiritual & temporal
good I live as well as any in the family the whole of
the family seem to respect me I find the people pitty me
a number Gentlemen have been to visit me I have had none from the Hocknumb
only my wife==I count none of them neither ask them any
favour I have Sent my Son John to notifie Mr Gill dont Expect
my return till Saturday next==Dear Sr I shall suffer before
next week is out if I have not Some Money from Oliver Newell
I do think he is Cruel and ungreatfull that you very well know
I must beseach you for mercy sake to lay down the rules of
humanity in the Strongest terms to him why Sr you know them
Eight dollars by this time must be exhausted when you consider
the Expences before you left me and Johns Expenses to princetown
my Expenses here is paid every Saturday night will not worry
any more on the Subject======nothing doubting===

It is very Stormy here I am alone at present I feel Sober
at present I am about git a little grogg to chear my Spirits
it may be before I have oppertunity to send this I may think
of Something merry===my kind regards to landlord Clark
& family and all Friends not forgeting enemies if any I
have this moment the grogg is come==your Health Sir==this is
down good flip I Sumpitt[?] you == Please to write me every opper-
tunity goodnight eight oclock

I am Sir with Sincere Friend
And Regard yr Friend &
Humbl Servt John Wood

Lieut James Stewart
Colerain

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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John Wood was captain of the Colrain, Massachusetts, militia company during the American Revolution and before that kept tavern in that town. This letter is written from the jail [gaol] in Northampton, Massachusetts. The reasons for Wood's arrest and imprisonment are not clear, but are likely due to debt. He allows that he is comfortable and has had a visit from his wife. He complains that he expects money from an Oliver Newell, but interrupts his lament when a dole of grog arrives at his cell. He then toasts Lt. Stewart with his daily ration.

 

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Letter to Lt. James Stewart

author   John [Capt.] Wood
date   Nov 12, 1783
location   Northampton, Massachusetts
width   7.5"
height   9.25"
process/materials   manuscript, paper, ink
accession #   #L04.021


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See Also...

Letter to Israel Williams

Letter to John Williams

Letter to Colonel Israel Williams


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