Baltimore, 10 February, 1777.
Fell's Point, which I mentioned in a letter this morning, has a
considerable number of houses upon it. The shipping all lies now at this
point. You have from it on one side a complete view of the harbor, and
on the other a fine prospect of the town of Baltimore. You see the hill
in full view, and the Court-house, the Church, and Meeting-house upon
it. The Court-house makes a haughty appearance from this point. There is
a fortification erected on this point, with a number of embrasures for
cannon facing the Narrows which make the entrance into the harbor. At
the Narrows they have a fort with a garrison in it.
It is now a month and a few days since I left you. I have heard nothing
from you nor received a letter from the Massachusetts. I hope the
post-office will perform better than it has done. I am anxious to hear
how you do. My duty to your papa and my mother. Love to brothers and
sisters. Tell Betsey I hope she is married, though I want to throw the
stocking. My respects to Mr. Shaw. Tell him he may be a Calvinist if he
will, provided always that he preserves his candor, charity, and
moderation. What shall I say of or to my children? What will they say to
me for leaving them, their education, and fortune so much to the
disposal of chance? May Almighty and all gracious Providence protect and
bless them!
I have this day sent my resignation of a certain mighty office.[163] It
has relieved me from a burden which has a long time oppressed me. But I
am determined that while I am ruining my constitution of mind and body,
and running daily risks of my life and fortune, in defense of the
independence of my country, I will not knowingly resign my own.