Philadelphia March 26 [1782]
Dear sir
I am favoured with yours of the 22nd for which be pleased to Accept my thanks. I inclose you a paper and tho’ there is but little in it, it Contains all the news we have here. It is reported that another embarkation is taking place at New York. If so the Conjecture by some is that they are intended for Rhode Island, founded perhaps upon the Debates in the House of Commons. If the Enemy should take this Step, it is probable the mode of Carrying on the War is to be changed, they will prosecute it more by Sea And endeavour to distress us as much as possible by intercepting our trade.
A vessel Arrived here a few days ago from France, the five per Cent Duty on her Cargo, had it have been Adopted, would have Amounted to near ten thousand pounds.1
I am With usual esteem and regard, My Dear sir, your most hble servt.
John Hanson
Receiver’s copy, Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park.
1 Hanson made this same observation in a brief personal letter of this date to his son-in-law Philip Thomas, which is in the Hanson Papers, MdHi.