Letter sent in June 1783 from John Hindman of Queen Anne's County, Maryland, to James Bartlett of Edinburgh, describing his relief at the approaching peace between the United Kingdom and the United States. Three pages of handwritten text with an additional address panel; some separation at folds around panel and final page of text, with a few older taped repairs.
The letter provides details of Hindman's imprisonment in England - likely as a prisoner of war - along with his return to his home in Maryland, reading in part:
Hail my Friend, on that auspicious return of white-rob'd Peace, when we are no longer under the alarming apprehensions of persecuting Foes, & all the horrid attendants of War. May Commerce now extend itself in a full & copious Stream to this western Continent.
You will I fear be somewhat uneasy at not hearing from me since my return to Maryland... I wrote you from Lille in Flanders after my flight from England, but did not reach my native country till May 1782, having remained a Winter in Nantes... My Captivity & Detention in England tho' long, has restored an invaluable Blessing that of health. I had too the pleasing Consolation on my return to America to find my family well.
While the signature is partially obscured by the sealing wax, reading "John Hindm...", the details provided all match John Hindman (1752-1794) of Queen's County, Maryland. The letter is an eloquent celebration of peace between two friends separated by the recent American War of Independence and connected once again by the approaching peace.
