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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Archibald Maclaine to George Hooper
Maclaine, Archibald, 1728-1790
February 16, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 513-515

HON. A MACLAINE TO GEORGE HOOPER.


Wilmimgton, 16th February, 1782.

My Dear Sir:

I wrote you very lately by Mr. J. Moore, & Mr. Evans. Unluckily the former got a letter from Kitty to you, which was not intended to be sent by him, but I was absent when he set off. The latter who followed about a day after had my directions in writing to get Kitty’s letter, and if he could not with safety convey it to you, to destroy it, with one of mine. Mr. Moore is however possessed of sufficient information for your government. Mr. Evans knows my sentiments, & those of your wife. Gov. Burke has given orders, which are just now arrived, that Mr. Mallett, &c., is to be carried

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before a Judge; so that should you return by water, you will not remain in the disagreeable suspense which he did; but from what I can learn, you may without much difficulty get to town, which I think the most eligible method.

I have not now time to recapitulate the arguments I made use of for your immediate return. It would take me almost a day and I think there is no fear but you will see them at large by the gentlemen who are already gone. Kitty is extremely anxious for it; not altogether from a wish to remain with us, but from the persuasion that by the loss of your property here, and the uncertainty how and where you can settle for any time advantageously, the power of providing for your family must, at least, be very limited. There is indeed another reason which I know will have great weight with you. Kitty is now for the third time since my return, confined with her old complaint, and therefore should be in a place where she can have air, exercise, and a choice of diet. That her mind should be altogether easy it is necessary that she should have you with her. I write this day for Dr. Ingram’s opinion on her case; for tho’ my ideas of his medical abilities were formerly not very high, I have during my exile in a good measure changed my opinion. I am sure he is infinitely preferable to any we have here; or any we have had since Eustace’s death. I would not have you rely upon this step, but if there are any physicians of eminence with you I wish you would consult them.

Gov. Burke has permitted the families of absentees to stay if they think proper; so that we shall have no more alarms that may be attended with disagreeable consequences. In my letter by Evans I mentioned some of my wants, a suit of clothes, 2 pieces of linen, table and sheeting, linen thread, medicines, 2 pairs of blankets. I have but that quantity left, and only two beds, tho’ probably I cannot get an additional one by your means. Two last annual registers, some chamber pots, & knives and forks. Indeed I believe my plates and dishes are mostly gone, and neither of us have any breakfast cups. But I foresee that it will not be in your power to supply all that is wanting.

I am, My dear Sir,
Unalterably yours,
A. MACLAINE.

The children are well. Their grandmother indisposed.

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Evans appeared convinced that he would overtake J. Moore at fartherest at G. town.

J’s. Council has taken out an attachmt. against Mr. Gillie’s plantation for £1000 specie & interest. He says it was money lent upon bond; but that the bond has been destroyed with other papers by accident. It has since been hinted to me that there is no such debt due; & I confess I have some suspicion of it merely from the character of the Plt; tho’ he says he can prove the loan, & the bond being taken, &c. As I am attorney in this suit my name must not be mentioned; but if the debt is not due, & and it could be made appear, I should not be displeased to have it in my power to expose a man who persecutes for the sake of plundering.