Wilson M. C. Fairfax to Nicholas P. Trist

Dear Trist,

yours of the 13th inst came to hand after 7 days’ passage.

No Wonder the Cadets are so anxious to hear from their “Army of Observation.” Donelson will receive a “Bulletin” with the same mail that conveys this to you: containing “a victory of over our opponents” and one which if you will attentively consider it in its effects and consequences, you will be inclined to regard as complete.

I can but reflect how decidedly in our favour was our arrest. It certainly gave us the immediate means of carrying our complaints to the seat of Authority Justice and Legislation. It’s consequences are detailed in the letter abovementioned.

On the receipt of the Check from the point I have determ’d to trouble you no further ‘till I know my own probable mouvements. If I return part of the business being with Thorp in New-York, it will save much trouble to settle it my self; but if not I will endorse and send on to you to [comptes?] the “measure of your kindness.”

My Respects to those of the 5th Section who stand at its head.

Competitors will not be an unuseful spur to you as they must be to all an excitement to double industry.

The Vignette I inclosed to you was copied from a hasty India Ink sketch of Mt Vernon. But I thought I had altered it So far as to bear no longer any resemblance.

Do keep us advertized of all incidents Ragland’s Repects to you

your friend in haste
Wilson M. C. Fairfax
RC (NcU: NPT); with dateline added at head of text by Trist; addressed: “Cadet, Nicholas P. Trist u.s.m.a. West Point. New-York”; stamped; postmarked Washington, D.C., 30 Jan. 1819; endorsed by Trist: “Fairfax Jan 30 1819.”
Date Range
Date
January 30, 1819
Collection
Repository