Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

We arrived here on Monday last through mud
& mire - such roads & such fare I never saw
before - you may be sure I expected nothing
less than a fit of sickness, but thank
God, we have had two Days of fine Sun
shine/ the only time it has been Sun since
the Month came in/ & I feel mighty
well. This Town was formerly the Capital
of Virginia - had many fine Buildings, &
the people were gay - But its glory is
departed! Some of the best Buildings have
been burnt by accident _ some by
design _ many were ruined by the
British _ some by the present oc=
cupiers_ were it not for the French
officers it would be a dead Calm;
at present all is life & gaiety _ when
we depart the Inhabitants may starve.

Every article of living, corn excepd
Is dear in this Country; & the difficulty is
Increased by a universal Spirit of
gambling, Hors-racing & other expensive
Diversions- rest assured I shall feel
mighty happy at leaving this part of the
Country; especially if we come northward.

At present I have diet at
a M^rs. Hubbards, whose Husband is in
Norfolk- & expect a Room & Bed there,
after this Evening for our W Hubbard
& self - since I came we have been
obliged to sleep together in the office
on a matrass on the Floor, which was
rather disagreeable_ I assure you
nothing but an ardent desire of pro=
curing something for you & my little
Ones, could have induced me to h[tear]
left home; or to continue in this stile
of living with the Army- But I cannot
think of starving at home, when so
good a prospect of rendering you some
Essential service presents itself for
Acceptance. - continue your
wonted kindness for me & the little chicks
& I shall be fully paid-

Tell WE Colt, to write me
fully how Business goes on- has the
Fire Brand arrived_ or been heard of?
let him call call on W. Jeffery for such
sums of Mony as may be necessary
for support of the Family

When we shall leave this place
is uncertain, - I think it cannot be
under six weeks or two Months-when
I expect to set my Face to the Northard.

In the mean time rest assured of my
entire Love & constant rememberance
& make my Compliments acceptable
to all our Friends with you
give my Love to Sally & Meny
& Kip the Little One

Mrs. P. Colt
Wethersfield