1778: "Setting For a March"

Isaac H. Davenport, born in 1754, served in Washington's Commander in Chief's Guard and the 3rd Regiment of Continental Dragoons. In June 1778—just days before the Continental Army left their Valley Forge encampment—Davenport penned this letter to a brother at home. On June 28, the Battle of Monmouth was fought, and Davenport likely took part in the combat. He was killed in September 1778 in "Baylor's Massacre" in New Jersey. (Isaac Davenport's brother James also served in the Continental Army and is mentioned in this letter.)

The Museum of the American Revolution preserves the Davenport brothers' letters and some of their effects. Visit their website for additional letters and details!

Spelling and grammar is original unless noted in [brackets]; some paragraphs added for clarity of reading. 

Isaac Davenport to Samuel Davenport 

Camp Valley Forge 

June 13 1778 

Dear Brother it is with Infinate Pleasure that I take my Pen into my hand to inform you that I am well and good health and thanks be to Almighty God for it and all the Blissings and shall wish that these lines may find you in good health and enjoying Comfort Friends & Relations which I am Deprived of at presant

I receved your Letter dated March 1st with pleasure to hear from you that you was well[.] you never have Srained [Strained] very hard to lett me Know where you was dead or alive but I suppose you have enough to think of at home and not go farther than we do as well as the times will allow of   

Brother James is harty and Desires to be remd to you all at home         

the Enemy are getting ready to move as soon as possible they say for Boston but how they make that out I cannot Tell but I believe that will not all get safe their this summer[.] their is nothing new in Camp only we are setting for a march which expect to accomplish soon   

time fails and so I must conclude Subscrbing myself your Trusted Loving Brother 

Isaac Davenport 

PS Please to remember me to all enquring Friends

Source:

Isaac Davenport, June 13, 1775, Museum of the American Revolution Collections Online.