Weedon, George

Autograph letter signed ("GWeedon"), 2 1/2 pages with integral address leaf (9 1/4 x 7 1/4 in.; 235 x 185 mm), Fredericksburg, Virginia, 28 September 1779, to Walter Stewart, "Pennsylvania Line, Headquarters"; formerly folded, seal tear and fold tear on second leaf without loss. Blue half-morocco drop-box.

formerly folded, seal tear and fold tear on second leaf without loss.
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Exchange of news between friends.

George Weedon (1734–1793) served as a Brigadier General in the Continental Army and at the time of this letter, in the Virginia militia. He came from Fredericksburg where he was an innkeeper. He is writing to Walter Stewart (1756-1796), at this time commanding the 2nd Pennsylvania regiment. Both of them had spent the winter of 1778-9 at Valley Forge.

The letter shares news of the war and of mutual friends: "Genl. Wayne's stroke was Briliant [referring to the capture of Stony Point, NY, 16 July 1779], That and Major [Henry] Lee's Coup-de-main since [referring to his capture of Paulus Hook 19 August 1779] adds great lustre to our Arms, and dose[!] those gentlemen much honor ... Pray can you give me any certain Accounts of the Penopscott Expedition under Genl. [Solomon] Lovell ... I long much to see some official Accounts of Genl. [John] Sullivan, he is such a Child of misfortune, that I fear notwithstanding, he has not even Brackish water to Cross ... "

General Weedon is not, however, all business, especially in writing to Stewart, widely known for his good looks: "You will no doubt expect from me some Accounts of Bath, I can only tell you that it abounds with polite agreeable Company, and various amusements, Such as Balls, Routs, Tea parties, Fishing parties, Card parties, &c., &c., &c., — the charming Miss Lewis spent the season there, She had two or three dead sets made at her, during the time but found means to float them of[f] down the Potowmack. Indeed, I believe her heart is in Camp, can't say who professes it, but I am sadly deceived if I could not guess. — She often makes mention of a certain Colo. W-S with warmth and affection and wishes for the Campaign to be closed."

He closes with inquiries after his friends Ball and Cochran "... do give my love to him, and to all my friends in the Army ... pray do no be so lazey but write me oftener, and fully, it is realy Charity. Mrs. Weedon is perfectly recovered by her Bath Expedition, she has her Compliments to you and all her Military friends."