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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02549.19 |
| From Archive Folder | David and Isabella Dundas letters |
| Title | David Dundas to James Dundas on a visit from one of their brothers and the capture of another by the French |
| Date | 6 December 1781 |
| Author | Dundas, David, Sir, Bart (1749-1826) |
| Recipient | Dundas, James |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Discusses a short visit from their brother George who was in good health but had to return to his ship after one day. Also mentions another brother named Ralph, whose "fate you have learnt four days ago" (Ralph, captain of the Bonetta, was captured by the French at the Battle of Yorktown, see GLC03676.05). Notes that "no official accounts from Cornwallis" had arrived. Claims that the French did not expect this victory, citing as evidence "a Merchant who signed a Contract w. the Fermiers Generaux 6 weeks ago for...half a Million of Tobacco annually. upon the presumption that the Southern Colonies were to remain under the British Government." Now the situation had changed and he wonders "how we are to get out of the scrape wh. any decency God knows. I am affraid it is now too late..." Also discusses "Mr. Berrys Bill," a seal he gave James as a gift, and asks the address of James Robertson. |
| Subjects | Battle (Siege, Surrender) of Yorktown Global History and Civics Navy Military History Children and Family Battle Prisoner of War France Tobacco and Smoking Merchants and Trade Commerce Finance Clothing and Accessories Law Government and Civics |
| People | Dundas, David, Sir (1749-1826) Dundas, James (1752-1831) |
| Place written | Richmond London, England |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Naval & Maritime; Foreign Affairs; Children & Family; Merchants & Commerce |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Sir David Dundas, 1st Bart of Richmond, was a doctor who was appointed Sergeant Surgeon to King George III in 1791. James Dundas was a lawyer in Edinburgh, Scotland, and David's younger brother. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Related documents | Letter from David Dundas to James Dundas about events across the British Empire Ralph Dundas to James Dundas relating naval news and discussing details of continued battles and skirmishes occurring between December 1780 and July 1781 Ralph Dundas to James Dundas informing him that he was made "a Prisoner to France" and is in New York on parole |