454 Journal and Correspondence

Original

[Jenifer to Gov. Johnson.]

Philadelphia June 14^th 1779
Dear Sir
There have been so many accounts by different ways of the
defeat of the Enemy at Charles Town, that a man must be an
infidel not to believe it; yet Congress have not had any Public
Letter on the occasion, nor have any private Letters from South
Carolina, informing of that happy event, been received by any
person that I can hear of in this City.
The Enemy have looked at Fort Arnold, & fell down the
River 40 miles, to Kings Ferry, and are Fortifying on both
sides of the River. It is said that the Reasonable a 64
exchanged some Shot with the Fort, and that she was dismasted.
It is a misfortune to the States, that Congress had not recom-
mended the recruiting Service at the beginning of the year.
Charles was always a spirited County and I am pleased, that
it still continues its elections.
Crops are very promissing throughout the Continent, and
could our Money be prevented from further depreciation, we
should have nothing to fear; but if it continues, God only
knows what will be the contingent event. The States have it
in their power to apreciate it something, but there are so
many speculating individuals, that will counteract every public
measure, that I dispair of the wished for success. Could we
assure the States that there would not be Emissions beyond
a certain Sum, the business would be clone; but as Congress is
uncertain whether sufficient Supplies will come into its
Treasury by Taxes or Loan, the Press must be kept going so
long as the money will purchase any thing, or at least till
supplies can be otherwise had.
I think you have judged right, in not convening the
Assembly before harvest, its very probable few would have
attended had you attempted it
This moment came to Marketstreet wharf, a Privateer
mounting 24 nine pounders fitted out of New York, & owned
by Liverpool. Captured by the Boston frigate, it is said there
are 90 Men on board of her. With my respectful Compli-
ments to M^rs Johnson
I am Dear Sir, Your Excell^cys
Affectionate Serv^t
Dan of S^t Tho^s Jenifer

I5^th
P. S. The above Capture is a Letter of Mark from Liver-
pool, called at New York & bound at Jamaica