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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03676.01 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1780 |
| Title | Ralph Dundas to James Dundas letting him know he is still alive and recounting his voyage |
| Date | 3 May 1780 |
| Author | Dundas, Ralph (b. 1732) |
| Recipient | Dundas, James |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Dundas, Captain of H. M. S. Bonetta, informs his brother James he is still alive despite "having suffered more Hardships from the 4 of Oct last than in all the rest of my Lifetime put together." Relates that he sailed into New Providence, Bahamas, after encountering continual storms during the passage. Recounts that he allowed his men to recover and refit the ship before they sailed for Charleston. Informs James of the surrender of Charleston, which he claims took place 2 May. Relates that Captain Elphingstone will transmit a newspaper to England reporting the battle and surrender. States that Mr. Carter, a merchant from Jamaica, "informed me of Georges conduct & Behaviours which you may be sure gave me great Pleasure" (referring to King George III). Refers to an agreement made between the British Army and Navy. States that a good deal of the town (possibly Charleston) has been burnt. Requests that James inform James Renmi that Ralph will write to him soon, and that companies of the Edinburgh Regiment are present, though he has not seen them. States that the Hessians he has been fighting with are "a very fine Body of Men, and have behaved remarkably well here." In a post script, mentions British Admiral Marriot Arbuthnot. |
| Subjects | Battle of Charleston Revolutionary War Global History and Civics Maritime Military History Navy Caribbean Extreme Weather Battle Surrender Continental Army Journalism Wartime Pillaging and Destruction Hessians |
| People | Dundas, James (1752-1831) Dundas, Ralph (b. 1732) Arbuthnot, Marriott (ca. 1711-1794) |
| Place written | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Theme | Naval & Maritime; The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs; Children & Family |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |