Varick, Richard

Autograph letter signed ("Richd Varick"), 3 1/2 pages (13 3/8 x 8 1/4 in.; 340 x 210 mm), Poughkeepsie, New York, 14 April 1782, to Dirck Romeyn in Hackensack, New Jersey; formerly folded, lightly browned, edge tear affecting two words, a small seal tear. Red half-morocco clamshell box.

An excellent political letter straight from the trenches of New York State politics at the end of the Revolution.

Varick (1753-1831) was at this time serving as General Washington's recording secretary and assistant at West Point (general headquarters in the north). The Revolutionary War was not yet over, the British still occupied New York City, but the New York State legislature was busy, and Varick enjoyed visiting the legislature (then in Poughkeepsie) to report its actions to his old friend, Dirck Romeyn (1744-1804), pastor of the Reformed Church in his home town of Hackensack, New Jersey.

"... as I cannot with propriety entertain you with anything more suitable to the times I will endeavour to recount some of the glorious fiats of our Legislature; who have finished the session this afternoon & sailed in part for Alb[an]y this evening, as I have been informed. 1st. They have passed a Law more effectually to prevent illicit trade with the enemy, & have made all British goods, wares & merchandizes that shall be found in the State after the 1st of May next seizible & to be condemned before a single justice ... [He goes on to list various acts including real estate taxes, troop payments, a pardon 'for the malcontents of Vermont," appointing an envoy to New Hampshire to settle a boundary dispute, and reimbursements for the governor's and other official accounts.]

"I do not recollect more, as I am not conversant in their conduct, except that from the Laws I have seen the composers appear to be illiterate and no legalists. Congress acts very strangely respecting Vermont and your State sneakily (as I am informed) supports the inadmissable idea of their Independence — let their independence be confirmed and gradual ruin will await your Infant Empire — I am a real New Yorker & will combat in Opposition to Vermont and its liberty with as much Cheerfulness as with savages & [their] more cruel employers."