Letter, 1814, written by William Chamberlayne to Margaret (Wilkinson) Chamberlayne

Transcript, Call number: Mss2 C3557 b 1–4)

Dear Peggy,

I got here after Sunset & reported myself to the Governor. The enemy have taken Washington & destroyed the public buildings. One report is, that they have executed it, the other is, that they are still in pofsefsion, & a large Reinforcment ascending the river. its. sayd the military behaved badly. its reported that Genls. Mason & (?) Vannefs, are killed & Barney (?) mortally wounded.

[A second letter was written from Bottoms Bridge on October 18, 1814. William Chamberlayne had received orders to take command of the troops recently under General Pegram. If his quarters were to be in Petersburg, he was writing his wife, "if it should meet your approbation, I will rent a house in Petersburg, where you will stay during my command." In this manner General Chamberlayne would be able to command his troops and stay, at least temporarily, with his family. The postscript on the second letter read: "Kifs the children for me & remember me to the old folks."]