Letter from Allan Cameron to Duncan Cameron

Intercepted Letter transmitted to Congress by General Washington, with his Letter dated December 18, 1775.

On board the ship William, Norfolk Harbour, in Virginia, November 11, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Though I never had the pleasure of being personally acquainted with you, I am very sensible of the connexive narration of our predecessors, which induces me now to take the freedom of troubling you with this epistle. No doubt, sir, you would have heard of an unfortunate accident that had happened between one Mr˙ Cameron, of Mursirloch, and I, in the year ' 72, at which time I believe you was at Fort-William, in Lochaber.

From the above circumstances, I dare to say you will, and justly, conclude that I am a son of Mr˙ Cameron, of Erracht. Since my departure from that part of the world, I have been in both the French and British West-Indies, and over the most civilized parts of North-America, still in the character of a gentleman; so that good or bad luck has ordained a roving life for me hitherto. At the same time, I must beg leave to let you know, that I at last got pretty well settled to the southward; but, as I could not comply with the proposals of some of the demagogues of this unlucky rebellion, was obliged to push along. I arrived here a few days ago from St˙ Augustine, in East-Florida, which place I left with a view of proceeding from here, by the first opportunity, to Boston; and, as I always had an inclination of getting into the army, and still have, my intention was to have joined some marching regiment as a volunteer, till better would offer,of which I made no doubt, with what recommendation I had to some gentlemen there, in conjunction with your interest, which I flattered myself with. But Lord Dunmore, finding that I was upon a plan of this nature, insisted that I would be advised by him, and accept of a lieutenancy in a Provincial regiment that he is about raising, of which he himself is to be Colonel. I could not well but agree to his Lordship' s proposals, and am to set out to-morrow morning for Detroit, along with one Major Connolly, who is made Lieutenant-Colonel of said regiment. We are very apprehensive of being intercepted by some of their d—d Committees. However, if we get out, and this undertaking is properly managed, I dare to say it will be of essential service to this Government, and perhaps to others.

I take the liberty of enclosing to you all the letters I had for different gentlemen there , and I beg you will be kind enough to deliver them to those who they are directed for. As I am mentioned in most of them, I suppose the gentlemen will naturally say something or other about me. In that case, I hope you will make such answers as you shall think proper. I imagine, in case General Gage is gone home, as is reported here, that you will deliver the letters directed for his Excellency to Lord Howe, who we understand is Commander-in-chief there at present.

I have not heard one word from my relations or friends at home, since my embarkation at Greenock, in ' 73; so that I do not know how the MacLonies and my old father make it out. If you should be kind enough to write me, I would esteem it as a particular favour if you would let me know all the Highland news you have.

I am, sir, your most assured friend, and humble servant,

ALLAN CAMERON.

In case you do write me, direct as above, and to the care of Lord Dunmore, and he will forward it.