Revolutionary War Rev War Brit Writes in 1777: "Affairs in America seem'd to have a dismal Aspect, poor England never was in a more melancholy Situation ..."Autograph Letter Signed "Wm Hamilton," 3 pages, 7" x 8.75", two conjoined sheets, front and verso. Exeter, November 5 [1777]. To Col. [Richmond] Webb. Docketed on verso of second sheet. Minor flaws. Fine condition."I lately got a Frank and have now presumed to trouble you, as I thought it a good opportunity of conveying a Letter to the general Post Office. I made so free as to enclose the within, however my motive for writing you must not imagine was on that moment - I never was half so much distress'd, at any, or all the Officers that have quitted the Regiment, as I was at the Loss of your Son, Richmond Webb. his Loss will be irreparable, few such honest or worthy Lads are ever to be met with, there is none I more sincerely regard and esteem."The 40th will find it difficult to get his Equal. I heard he had gone to the West Indies for the Benefit of his Health, which by this is restablish'd I hope, - if I know where to address him I should long since have written. I shall take it as a favour when you write if you'll be kind enough to present my best & sincere good Wishes perhaps some time or Other, he, and I, may again meet which will always give me real Happiness. - I hope Mrs Webb has enjoy'd her Health, since I had last the pleasure of hearing from you. Please to present my best respects."Affairs in America seemd to have a dismal Aspect, poor England never was in a more melancholy Situation. It appears to be almost I think at its last Gasp, should France improve the Advantage, events more improbable have happen'd than Our being a Province of that Kingdom. if there's another Campaign I shall go out in the Spring, to the Regiment. I have been here some time recruiting but without Success. when you see Mrs Bradstreet please be kind enough to present my Compliments to her and Family …"An advertisement in the June 30 - July 2, 1789, edition of "The St. James's Chronicle" or "British Evening-Post", dated Hadley, June 23, 1789, headed "Lieut. Richmond Fowke Griffith Webb" helps date this letter as being written in 1777. The advertisement, in full: "If Mr. Richmond Fowke Griffith Webb, who in the year 1777 was the First Lieutenant of his Majesty's 40th Regiment of Foot, then serving in America, the only son of the late Lieut. Col. Richmond Webb, be alive, his anxious Family most earnestly request his Presence on affairs of importance to himself and to them all. Or if any other gentleman can give any information of Mr. Webb, so that the family may be able to obtain intercourse with him, it will render them great comfort, and they will consider themselves under particular obligation. Ill health obliged Lieut. Webb to quit his Regiment at New-York, and he sailed from Kingston in Jamaica, in June, 1777, for Montego Bay. His father, Col. Webb, died the 27th of May 1785, and Mrs. Webb, his Mother, on the 8th of June instant. Mess. William Thackeray and Peter Moore, of Hadley, near Barnet, Middlesex, two of the Executors of the late Mrs. Webb, will regard themselves particularly indebted for any communication to or from Mr. Webb."Information about the recipient of this letter, from the Westminster Abbey website: "Colonel Richmond Webb and his wife are buried in the east cloister of Westminster Abbey. The tablet to him, over the door into the Pyx Chamber, has now lost its inscription."A record had been made of it and it read:"Near this monument are interred the remains of Lieut. Colonel Richmond Webb who was born of a distinguish'd family of soldiers, served his King and country with honour, truth, humanity and bravery. He was the best of fathers, most affectionate of husbands, and most amiable of men: he was sensible, modest, kind and good, and united the softest heart with the strongest mind. He departed this life on the 27th May 1785, aged 70 years. In the same grave are deposited the remains of Sarah his inconsolable window, who only surviv'd his melancholy loss four years, and died on the 8th June 1789 aged 66 years. She was the tender, faithful and worthy partner of his distinguish'd virtues. In all goodness they were truly one!""He was the only son of Richmond Webb, captain in the Guards, descended from the family of Richmond alias Webb of Wiltshire, and his wife Anne. Sarah was the daughter of J. Griffyths. Their children were Sarah who married Peter Moore, Richmond, Charlotte, Augusta who married Thomas Evans, and Amelia who married W.M. Thackeray and was grandmother of the famous author of that name." The recipient of this letter, Col. Richmond Webb, was the great grandfather of English author, William Makepeace Thackeray.This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!