Box 1

He writes that the English fleet is off the coast of New Jersey and expected to arrive in Philadelphia. He urges his wife to hurry home soon.

Written from exile in Winchester, Va.,to his step-son, urging him to piety. He notes that that James addresses letters from his mother and asks him for personal updates on property, etc., of non-political nature. Signed "Thy loving parent."

"#23," written from Winchester, Va. Mentions death of John Hunt, letter from Congress, and visit of Susanna Lightfoot to Lancaster concerning the release of the prisoners.

Reports on a trunk of merchandise that had been shipped in 1780 and delayed in St. Kitts. Recounts a conversation with his son's teacher, Robert Proud, who had beaten the boy severely.

Notes that Friends of several monthly meetings in Philadelphia appeared before City Council to oppose the opening of a theater.

Notes the Quakers traveling in England and ministers visiting in Western Quarter. Assures her that he passed along his wife's message to her black maid

Describes the on-going issue of allowing a theater in Philadelphia; a time of poverty and hardship

Long letter with details about his travels after flooding rains in the Delaware Valley, the bridge over the Schuylkill river washed out. Friends and ministers visiting, and he doesn't allow musicians in his house.

Writes about the efforts to purchase an enslaved woman to be employed as a servant for his wife.

One of his tenants is in debtors prison, leaving wife and 5 children destitute