American Historical Ephemera and Photography

HOME, Alex. Autograph letter signed ("Alex Home"), addressed to "Dear Chaundry." 4pp, 8 x 12 1/2 in. Later pencil notation near date line provides additional details regarding the author: "relative to America / Capt. Home / a particular / friend of yr Dear / Father J.M. Chaundy."

Lengthy letter in which a British officer discusses the American Revolution at the cusp of the nation's birth. After a page of friendly banter, he begins on the second page: "I most heartily join you in your wish that these troublesome times were over & we in the situation the Prussian Heroe describes, with all our friends in the West but can & cannot think - burn & destroy - tho it may bring them to an end for the present - is the best or most polite way to do it. Necessary, in some cases, it will be found, to take such severe measures - but I pray God it may only happen | nor will it I hope but | where it is absolutely necessary. There are many innocent, & date I say many friends to Government will suffer in the general calamity even if the most mild methods are adopted - the more rigorous then, the more of these must suffer - & the heavier will their sufferings be. And in all human probability, the stronger our force, the better it will be for the rebels, as well as the friends, of government as it will be sooner done. I am persuaded we shall bring them to submit at last."

Home then turns towards a discussion of "the Regits that go out with Lord Cornwallis," and the way in which their lengthy time shipboard will be to their detriment as they "begin a campaign in an unfriendly climate, where severe service may be expected." After a brief discussion of literary matters, the author returns to the subject of the conflict in the colonies, making a prediction: "I look on the intelligence - that, as the rebels now got a mortar they will burn Boston, & if they do, Genl Howe will go out & fight them...."

Alex Home references a number of other individuals and British officers within the letter. Additional research may yield definitive clues as to the author, the recipient, and their connection. A potential candidate for authorship of this letter is British naval officer Alex Home (1739-1823) who sailed with Cook on the Third Voyage. Born in Coldingham, Berwickshire, Alexander Home joined the Royal Navy about 1766 in a 1st rate variously known as Royal Ann and Royal George. In June 1767, he joined HMS Fowey, a 6th rate, under Captain Mark Robinson, and together they went to the Carolinas in North America. After additional tours in the English Channel, the Mediterranean, and elsewhere, Home would
spend 10 months aboard the sloop Senegal, under William Dudington, in American waters in the early years of the war.

An interesting letter providing the unique, contemporaneous perspective of a British citizen on the rebellious Americans.