AS to Horatio Gates
Berkeley County, Va.
Dec. 20, 1772
My Dear Major,
After Leaving you I went to Shepperdstown, calling at my Quarter en passant; From that Gray bills was in my Way, & passing him; the Old Dunker kindly asked me to drink Some of his Beer, you know Old Soldiers Refus Nothing thats Good.
Upon Seeing the Wife I told her, that as Gray bill would do nothing without Consulting his Wife, So you could not think of parting with so much Money without Consulting Mrs. Gates, and as he had informd you that you had not seen the best of his Land; You intended to bring up Mrs. Gates on Munday to see the place.
I orderd the Frow to have a Turkey Roasted for you, & a Clean Cover for (the) Table. Be sure it should be so! the Good Old Woman Replied.
Now Sir I can perceive that they are in the Humour to Sell-I request you that You would not lose a hog for a ha'p worth of Tar---
One Leonard Rush joining to my Land on Tuscoroora, Sold his Land Consisting of (?) Detached pieces, one of 100 Acres the other dry & a mile off, consisting of 125 Acr. for 450 pounds Pennsylvania--This transaction happened last week.
Gray bill requested me to be with you to (illegible) to Lord Fairfax's but must deny my Self that pleasure.--All I can Say, upon honour, is that it is the Most Suitable place for you that I know for Sale at this time--With my Respects to the Ladies I am.
Yours,
Adam Stephen