Part 4 (1/2)
Favored by copies of these letters by Saltonstall, one must regret all the more that so few of Hale's own letters have been discovered, ten being the limit. Within a comparatively short period, however, some sixty more records--mostly letters written to Hale--have come to light, preserved, as it is now seen, by the same ”orderly care” that marked his interest in all the correspondence of his friends.
In them are expressed, in letter after letter, the affectionate interest and warm admiration of the writers. It is now said that Hale kept these letters with him down to the date of his tragic mission. We can easily imagine the glow of satisfaction that must have filled his brotherly soul in the few spare moments he could devote to these letters.
Brief extracts are made from his diary, fortunately preserved for evidence as to his work and growing interest in the duties he had entered upon. The diary was found in the camp-book brought to his family by Asher Wright, Hale's attendant in camp before he left New York.
In the diary, under date of November 19, 1775, this entry is made:
” ... Robert Latimer the Majrs Son went to Roxbury to day on his way home. The Majr who went there to day and ... return'd this eveng bt acts that the _Asia_ Man of War Station'd at N. York was taken by a Schooner arm'd with Spear's &c.... This account not creditted.”
A month after the return from camp mentioned above, Robert Latimer wrote to Captain Hale, his former teacher, the following interesting and diverting letter:
DR SIR,
As I think myself under the greatest obligations to you for your care and kindness to me, I should think myself very ungrateful if I neglected any oppertunity of expressing my grat.i.tude to you for the same. And I rely on that goodness, I have so often experienc'd to overlook the deficiencies in my Letter, which I am sensible will be many as maturity of Judgment is wanting, and tho' I have been so happy as to be favour'd with your instructions, you can't Sir, expect a finish'd letter from one who has as yet practis'd but very little this way, especially with persons of your nice discernment.
Sir, I have had the pleasure of hearing by the soldiers, which is come home, that you are in health, tho' likely to be deserted by all the men you carried down with you, which I am very sorry for, as I think no man of any spirit would desert a cause in which, we are all so deeply interested. I am sure was my Mammy willing I think I should prefer being with you, to all the pleasures which the company of my Relations Can afford me.
I am Sir with respect yr Sincere friend & very H'ble St ROB'T LATIMER
Decbr 20th 1775--
P. S. My Mammy and aunt Lamb presents Complimts. My Mammy would have wrote, but being very busy, tho't my writing would be sufficient--my respects to Capt Hull. Addressed to Capt. Hale.
Here is a second letter from the same ardent friend of Captain Hale. His admiration for his former teacher is evident in every line.
NEW LONDON, March 5th 1776
DEAR SIR,
as my letter meet with such kind reception from you, I still continue writing & hope that the desire I have of improving, added to the pleasure, I take in hearing often from so good a friend, will sufficiently excuse me for writing so often--I Recd your kind letter Sr pr the post & cant deny but your approbation, of my writing, gives me the greatest pleasure, & should be afraid of its raisg my pride; did I not consider that your intention in praising my poor performance, must be with a design, of raising in me an ambition, to endeavour to deserve your praise--& I hope that instructions convey'd in such an agreeable manner, will not, be thrown away upon me--You write Sr that you have got another Fifer, & a very good one too, as I hear. Which I am very Glad to hear, tho' I sincerely wish I was in his Place--
Have not any News.
So will Conclude--I am Sr with Respect Yr friend & S't,
ROBERT LATIMER
P. S. My Mammy & Aunt Present Compts &c--
CAPT. HALE.
Only one thought dims the pleasure with which we read these two letters,--the consciousness of the depth of distress that must have filled that loyal boy's heart to overflowing when he learned of the tragic death of his hero friend.
Two notable records from Captain Hale's diary are these:
November 6. It is of the utmost importance that an officer should be anxious to know his duty, but of greater that he should carefully perform what he does know. The present irregular state of the army is owing to a capital neglect in both of these.
November 7. Studied ye best method of forming a Reg't for a review, of arraying the Companies, also of marching round ye reviewing Officer. A man ought never to lose a moment's time. If he put off a thing from one minute to the next, his reluctance is but increased.