Primary Sources of the American Revolution
Let's analyze some primary sources on the American Revolution. Choose at least one primary source document written between 1751–1775 and one written between 1776–1785 and answer these questions: Who authored the document? Were they in favor or opposed to the revolution? Was it written before or after the Declaration of Independence? Why is this important? What does the author argue? Do they support or oppose the revolution? Where do you see Enlightenment ideology? How do the ideas in the document compare to the ideas of Paine and Dulaney?
Letter of Samuell Searls-May 12 1782
Introduction
Following Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, a stalemate prevailed, particularly in the north. Clinton's British Army held New York City and Washington's Army held the Hudson highlands. On May 5, 1782, General Sir Guy Carleton took command of the British Army in New York City. In addition to commanding the Army, Carleton was to explore as favorable a peace as was possible under the circumstances. Soon after his arrival, Carleton started corresponding with Washington but I can find no record that they met earlier than May 5, 1783, after the Treaty of Paris. Washington kept Congress advised of his communications with Carleton and these communications have been published.
Given this background, the following folded letter may be of interest.
I've marked uncertain transcriptions in curley brackets.
ADDRESS PANEL:
To
Mrs. Mary Searls
in
{Lunenburgh}
Pr favor of Mr. Carlton
CONTENT
West Pointt May 12th 1782
Honnorred Mother Brother and Sisters after my kinde love to you and
hopeing these few lines will finde you all in as good helth as they
leave me in at Presant through the goodness of God, I have nothing
remarcable to write to you at Presant only it is a general time of
Helth among us - we Lay still in Quarters and have no talk of moving
as yett - {our?} Mr. Guy Carlton is now at General washington and
supposed to be sent to settle Peace among us - we hear the house of
Parliment in England is disolved - and a new sit chosen - and more
than two thirds of them voted for america which gives us a great
reason to think that Peace will be settled by next fall - and we
dont expect to have any campaing opned this year - the times is
exceeding hard hear among us we draw no wages and are not like to
draw any this summer - but I hope the war will be over next fall
Pray Dear mothr be so kind as to give my love to all enquiring
friends at home and tell them, I determing to come home next fall if
I live and see them once more and enjoy my self as well as those
people that are their - for because we are abound in the field
venturing our lives to defend them they have forgot us - but their is
a day a coming that they will be obliged to minde us and pay us
our just due although we are so far from home we have not lost our
spirits and shall be anxious to have revenge on those who will pay us
our due in seson - Dear mother I think it very hard that the people
from the town have had four or five letters within this year - and I
have not received one this twelve months - and I want to hear from
home I shall write all oppertunities, and would have you do the same -
So No Move at Presant But I
Remain Your Dutyfull Son till Death
Samuell Searls
Debating issues from Ed Siskin
- Is the Lunenburgh address in Nova Scotia (Tory), Virginia (Rebel) or someplace else?
- Does Mr. Carlton refer to Sir Guy Carleton?
- Is the writer a Rebel, Tory or British? The letter and its location certainly sound Rebel but then would Sir Guy Carleton be the courier?
- The letter implies a meeting between Washington and Carleton. Washington's daily reports to the Continental Congress report frequent communications with Carleton during this period but do not mention any actual meetings. Is it possible that such a meeting would first come to light at this late date? I understand the NY Public Library has a microfilm of the NYC Carleton Papers but I've not yet been able to examine them.