John Howard A.L.S., New York, Oct. 26, 1779 : to [Thomas Howard] Rt. Hon.ble Earl of Suffolk, Pall Mall, London
1779
MSS L1982.1.142
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Title
John Howard A.L.S., New York, Oct. 26, 1779 : to [Thomas Howard] Rt. Hon.ble Earl of Suffolk, Pall Mall, London
Published
New York (N.Y.) 1779
Description
[4] p. ; 23 cm. (4to)
Call Number
MSS L1982.1.142
Note
Col. Howard sends congratulations to his relative, Thomas Howard upon the latter's "succeeding to the Earldom, tho' there may be some impropriety in congratulating you as it is occasion'd by the loss of a near relation...." Henry Howard, the 13th Earl of Suffolk had assumed the title upon the death of his father Henry, the 12th earl. The 13th earl, an infant, died after two days, thus passing the title to his great-uncle, Thomas Howard, the eldest surviving son of the 11th Earl. -- see Complete Peerage, vol. XII.
Writing from his post in America, he expresses gratitude for "the kindness and attention you have shewn my wife [Julia (Gaskarth) Nevinson Howard] & little family who I hope in my absence you will continue your goodness to." John Howard had served in America since 1778 as Lt. Col. of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards.
"We have been in a state of inactivity ever since our arrival in America, afraid to act on account of Monsr. D'Estaign's fleet uncertain where it is, and indeed every day in expectation of its arrival here; our principal hope has lately been that a severe storm that happen'd abt. the equinox (which dismasted almost every ship on the coast) has damag'd his fleet and that he will find great difficulty in repairing it."
"Admiral Arbuthnot who commands here has sent an express to our West India fleet to desire they will bear down to New York, and we are in daily expectation of their arrival."
"I cannot say our affairs mend here, and I greatly fear there is little prospect of it, our unfortunate sea engagements both at home and in this country has rais'd the hopes of the Americans, and nothing but a severe blow at sea will have any effect here."
Claims not to have "any competent knowledge of the subject [of politics], and as the little I possess is not favorable to Great Britain I must in silence wait an event whose consequences will be long severely felt; in whatever manner the contest ends, my only wish is that those who have brought us into this dilemma would extricate us with some degree of honour, as military men of all others can ill brook disgrace."
A postscript mentions his having sent a letter to Lord Surrey [Charles Howard] via Col. [Chapple] Norton with "particulars in it I could wish yr Lordship to be made aquainted with, which are chiefly on a military subject." Norton was Col. of the 19th Foot, then serving in America, and Surrey had expressed opposition to the North ministry's attitude toward America. -- A. Valentine. The British Establishment 1760-1784.
Partial red seal remains
Writing from his post in America, he expresses gratitude for "the kindness and attention you have shewn my wife [Julia (Gaskarth) Nevinson Howard] & little family who I hope in my absence you will continue your goodness to." John Howard had served in America since 1778 as Lt. Col. of the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards.
"We have been in a state of inactivity ever since our arrival in America, afraid to act on account of Monsr. D'Estaign's fleet uncertain where it is, and indeed every day in expectation of its arrival here; our principal hope has lately been that a severe storm that happen'd abt. the equinox (which dismasted almost every ship on the coast) has damag'd his fleet and that he will find great difficulty in repairing it."
"Admiral Arbuthnot who commands here has sent an express to our West India fleet to desire they will bear down to New York, and we are in daily expectation of their arrival."
"I cannot say our affairs mend here, and I greatly fear there is little prospect of it, our unfortunate sea engagements both at home and in this country has rais'd the hopes of the Americans, and nothing but a severe blow at sea will have any effect here."
Claims not to have "any competent knowledge of the subject [of politics], and as the little I possess is not favorable to Great Britain I must in silence wait an event whose consequences will be long severely felt; in whatever manner the contest ends, my only wish is that those who have brought us into this dilemma would extricate us with some degree of honour, as military men of all others can ill brook disgrace."
A postscript mentions his having sent a letter to Lord Surrey [Charles Howard] via Col. [Chapple] Norton with "particulars in it I could wish yr Lordship to be made aquainted with, which are chiefly on a military subject." Norton was Col. of the 19th Foot, then serving in America, and Surrey had expressed opposition to the North ministry's attitude toward America. -- A. Valentine. The British Establishment 1760-1784.
Partial red seal remains
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