These people could not have
furnished us but for the advantage of the fisheries, and access at all
times to the water. Fish, oysters, clams, Eels, and wild fowl could
always be obtained in their season.
"We were thus fixed on the inhabitants, but without money, or
clothing. Sometimes a companion would receive a few hard dollars from
a friend through a flag of truce, which was often shared by others to
purchase a pair of shoes or a shirt.
"While in New York Major Williams received from a friend about forty
silver dollars. He was still down with his wound, but requested
Captain Shepherd, your Father and myself to come to his room, and
there lent each of us ten Dollars, which enabled each of us to
purchase a pair shoes, a shirt, and some other small matters: this
liberality however, gave some offence. Major Williams was a
Marylander, and to assist a Virginian, in preference to a Marylander,
was a Crime almost unpardonable. It however passed off, as it so
happened there were some refugees in New York from Maryland who had
generosity enough to relieve the pressing wants of a few of their
former acquaintances.
"We thus lived in want and perfect idleness for years: tho sometimes
if Books could be obtained we made out to read: if paper, pen, and ink
could be had we wrote. Also to prevent becoming too feeble we
exercised our bodies by playing fives, throwing long bullets,
wrestling, running, jumping, and other athletick exercises, in all of
which your Father fully participated.
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