Page:Letters of John Andrews.djvu/77

 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 71

for many favors they've received of US in the lending an<l giving way for four months past) which she politely declin'd accepting. She's the prettiest woman among 'em all — but no soisability as yel with her.

November 11///. Yesterday a man on board one of the Transports cut his throat from ear to ear. His being detected in stealing grease was the cause of his committing so horrid an act — as he said be had lost his character, and therefore was asham'd to live any longer. Should not care if some other people in both England and America were moved with the same compunction to rid themselves of the world and the world of them.

November 12///. Both Hancock's and Long Wharfs are lin'd with Transports, which have on hoard the 17th. 52nd, 18th, 16th and 10th Regiments — which are oblig'd to remain on these, as they've not as vet got barracks provided for 'em.

Sunday, November l'dth. The Soldiers that are in encampment are so much expos'd to the weather, that their women and children die off very fast: which has caus'd the General to'order the workmen that they work all this day upon the Barrack-.

November 11///. Many among us were about promoting plays this winter, but it seems the Governor won't even admit of assemblies — ■ as upon application made to him for that purpose, he replied that it was no times to encourage any thing of the kind, more especially as many of the officers could not afford the expence, and said he had already had too many complaints of their not paying their debts.

November 1 5th. This day we have had a general flurry, as all the troops have gone into barracks, both from the Ships and encamp- ment* — that it is hop'd the Cowes will once more have the priviledge of grazing upon the Common. Have been three times down to the vessel, and have not been able to find any of your gentry of the L8th — and this forenoon went to their barracks (being your Uncle Green's Distil bouse) but could find no Officer there but a Quarter Master.

November VUh. The Barracks, though occupied, are by no means made convenient for want of materials, as no lumber of any kind is allow'd to be bro't either by land or water; every town having a committee to look out. And several vessells have been burnt at the Eastward, whose masters have had the temerity to contracl with the Barrack master for to supply 'em. One skipper, not long since, who had bro't 'em several load of wood, told them he believ'd he could pick up a load of boards for 'em at several different harbours.

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