A letter from John Field, of Philadelphia, to "Samuel Wallis - Northumberland, Enquire his residence at Sunbury." The letter is written in a fine "copper-plate" hand and breathes a fine patriotic spirit.
Philada. 5 Mo. 17, 1793
Esteemed Friend,
The Bearers are my friends Charles Mayersbach & Philip Devillaine two gentlemen lately from Europe who intend passing thro' the North Western country on Business. Being Strangers of respectability I shall be much obliged by thy affording them thy best advice and assistance in any matters wherein it may appear needful. It will also add to the Obligation if thou wilt give them Letters of Recommendation to Persons on their Rout in whose Candour & Judgement they can rely. They will communicate their Business as far as may be necessary - I believe it is to purchase Lands, and if so, it will be very desirable that they should be treated with the utmost Candour, as it will not only be pleasing to them, but is necessary to preserve the Reputation of the Country & spread such impressions as may induce Foreigners to place a confidence in the American Character.
I am With Regard
Thy Assured Friend
JOHN FIELD
Samuel Wallis was a Quaker who was much involved in land dealing in Pennsylvania in the late 18th century. A web search for his name throws up lots of mentions, but no really extensive biography. Once of the fullest accounts of his life can be found here.
The Samuel Wallis Collection is held by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission but this letter does not appear in the listing of the collection.
The writer of the letter, John Field, was probably a wealthy merchant and land owner from Philadelphia. He owned land in several parts of Pennsylvania.
I have not been able to identify Philip Devillaine.
Source:
Now and Then- Vol IV No. 5 October, November, and December 1930, page 164
NB - this link will take you to the first page of the issue.
You will need to use the controls on the web page to navigate to page 164 of
the journal.