John McKinly Writes to his Wife Jenny, 1777

From The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. 34:1 (1910). 9-10.

[John McKinly was the first President of Delaware under the Delaware Constitution of 1776. Following the battle of Brandywine he was captured at his home by the British. He was held first on board the warship Solebay, then in the prison at the State House in Philadelphia, and then at Flatbush, Long Island.]

On the Board of the Solibay at New Castle
11th Oct. 1777

My Dearest Jenny,

We came here yesterday Morning & I imagine may remain here for some time as Capt. Symond is appointed to the command of the vessels stationed at this place & has been pleased to permit me to send herewith what Dirty Linnen I have to be washed, & would be glad how soon the same cou'd be done as our stay may be uncertain. The Capt. & his officers still continue their Civility to me. Since I wrote to you I had an opportunity of speaking to Capt. Hammond who was pleased to promise that he wou'd represent my case to Lord How who arrived at Chester some days agoe, but as his Lordship ever since his arrival has been much engaged with the Affairs of the publick I know not how soon he may have liesure to attend to my Case, nor can I conjecture what may be his determination thereon, tho' I must confess that of late I have few hopes of being soon enlarged. This I can assure you wou'd but little affect me were it not for being absent from you & especially at a time when you have so much need of consolation, Advice & Assistance, & the full persuasion that such Absence & the uncertainty of its continuance must be your greatest trouble, but I hope you will be enabled to bear those misfortunes with a becoming fortitude but let us hope for the best, tho' it is prudent to be prepared for the worst. Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Chad have both been so kind as to inform me of your wellfare, but I know & consider your situation, however I hope Sister Armstrong still continues with you & that your Brother has been to see you. I am glad to hear Major McDonald is amongst the Officers who stay at the House as he appeared to me to be a gentleman of good nature and humanity & who I believe will protect you from any Insult & endeavour to make your Situation as agreeable as possible. I am persuaded also that Colonel McDonald will not suffer your private property to be taken from you, & wou'd fondly hope that a sufficiency of Hay may be left for the Horses & Cow in the Winter. I cannot take upon me at present to advise you whether to stay where you are or to go to your Brother or elsewhere÷perhaps you will be better able to judge thereof some time hence. Shou'd I not be permitted to return soon, I have no doubt of being permitted hereafter to write you more fully concerning our private Affairs.
My Love to all Relations & Friends & believe me to be with the most tender & affectionate Regard

Dearest Jenny
Yr ever loving Husband
Jn. McKinly