Francis Lewis to John Jay, 23 June 1777
Baltimore, June 23, 1777.
Dear Sir
I have been favoured with your letter of the 1 st inst. and am happy to learn that you have received my trunk in good order. 1
Our British tyrants, after they had plundered me of all my effects to a considerable value, at length condescended to give Mrs. Lewis her liberty; she is now here with my son, his wife and child. 2
Being reduced to a private station, I shall, for the present, make this my place of residence, but am perplexed in the extreme how to procure my family a subsistence; such is the exorbitant prices of all necessaries, from the rapid depreciation of our Continental currency, that I can assure you sir, while I had the honour of representing our State in Congress, the pittance allowed for that service, did not altogether defray my expenses. 3
Seven British ships of war are now in this bay, besides tenders; they have blocked up the Virginia frigate, Capt. Nicholson, in York river, where we apprehend she will be taken. The navigation of this and the Delaware bay is entirely stopped, so that the inhabitants are greatly distressed for salt; five pounds per bushel, is here demanded for that article. 4
In a paragraph of your letter, –you wish to say something to me on other subjects, but as you expected me soon at Kingston, should defer particulars till we met.– If they are matters of consequence, I could wish they were communicated by letter; for in my present circumstances, I can ill support the expense of a journey to Kingston, unless the public service makes it absolutely necessary.
I shall be at all times ready to render the State or yourself any services in the power of, Dear sir, Your obedt. humbl. servt.
Fra. Lewis
The Honble. John Jay.