Explore the Museum's historic Old City neighborhood and iconic Revolutionary-era sites on daily walking tours. Info & Tickets

Dismiss notification

William Duncan, a Baltimore cooper-turned-soldier, wrote to his “D[ea]r Rebecah” on Oct. 7, 1777, three days after fighting in the “very hot” Battle of Germantown near British-occupied Philadelphia. Duncan recalled that he and his fellow Maryland militiamen began fighting early in the morning, with the battle lasting well into the afternoon. He mentioned men who were killed and wounded but pointed out that he and others “are all in good health.” Ending his letter, he begged Rebecah to “remember me to…all friends” and that he “remains as before your loving husband to death.”

Object Details

  • Letter
    Written by William Duncan
    Bucks County, Pennsylvania
    1777
    Ink on Paper
    Museum of the American Revolution, 2003.01.270

Reverse of letter with an address written in cursive, paper is discolored and damaged
Reverse side of the letter.

Learn More

Image 091020 3x2 Battle Germantown Xavier Della Gatta Cost Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution 

Battle of Germantown

This artwork by Italian painter Xavier della Gatta depicts a scene from the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777.
See Object
Germantown Numbers
 

Breaking Down Xavier della Gatta's Battle of Germantown Painting

British Army officer Richard St. George worked with Italian artist Xavier della Gatta to create the painting of the Battle of Germantown.
Read More
Image 102620 16x9 Transparent Rtr Philadelphia Campaign Volume One Mcguire
 

The Philadelphia Campaign, Vol. I

Read an excerpt from Thomas J. McGuire's book, The Philadelphia Campaign, Vol. I: Brandywine and the Fall of Philadelphia.
Read More