A REVOLUTIONARY WAR-DATED PARTIAL LETTER BY JOHN EUSTACE ABOUT FINANCIAL MATTERS, TO GENERAL LEE

JOHN SKEY EUSTACE (1760-1805). Eustace was an American soldier who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution before spending six years in the French Army.

ALS. 3pgs. December 12, 1779. N.p. A partial autograph letter signed “J. S. Eustace”. During the American Revolution, Eustace wrote to a General Lee, possibly Charles Henry Lee (1732-1782), concerning financial matters. He also mentions General Horatio Gates (1727-1806): “that I expect the son of a bitch will challenge me w[hen] he comes to town. If he does he will find me as unconcern’d as he can possibly be anxious. Yesterday your two letters reach’d me in one of which you’ve fully gratified my inclination respecting the Sulking Mare and for which I am much obliged to you. I have had an interview with my unkle [sic] at Staten Island He treated me with extreme politeness – and urges to me the propriety of taking a trip with him to England I confess my own inclination tends strongly to a compliance with his proposition – but I shou’d first wish to have your assent – and sentiment thereon. Tis a ?? on which there is too much depending to be hastily undertaken – And I must beg you to write me. Little hourse permitted me to retain five and thirty hundred dollars in my hand, to make a purchase with – He call’d on me tother day for it - I told him I wou’d make sale of the articles I had bought and pay if to him in the course of a few days – He say’d he had not mention’d the matter to you and beg’d me to do it in the letter I was then writing and sending over by him – and the next day told me he had received a letter from you – purporting your instruction of drawing on him for it immediately – I pay’d him the money by disposing of a horse I have for sale … But I’m exceedingly angry at his desiring me to trouble you on the subject – when he himself with equal stupidity had wrote you before – for I told him at the time I got it – if you call on me at a time when I have not the money in my possession – I will remove that inconvenience by selling this horse immediately – This I did and the debt’s discharged. … Our worthy friend Genl Gates will fund you…yrs Eternally J.S. Eustace”. This partial letter is in fair condition – faded and worn, and extensively repaired with silking.