On January 14, 1780, Abigail Minis wrote to her friend Mordecai Sheftall, who was then in Philadelphia, requesting his help in gaining reimbursement for the assistance she provided the Continental Army during the Siege of Savannah a few months earlier. Abigail Minis (c.1701-1794) was one of the earliest settlers of the Georgia colony having landed in the new colony with her husband and children in July 1733. Her husband, Abraham Minis, became a successful merchant and landowner in Savannah.
After his death in 1757, Abigail took over the management of the family’s mercantile firm and tavern and oversaw more than 1,000 acres of land in and around the city of Savannah. During the American Revolution, the Minis family supported the Patriots. During the October 1779 Siege of Savannah, Abigail provided the American and French forces trying to capture the city from the British with provisions.
Abigail Minis to Mordecai Sheftall. Charlestown, Jan. 14, 1780. From the Jacob Minis Colonial Papers, MS 568. Georgia Historical Society.
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Transcript:
Charleston Jany. 14. 1780-
Dear Sir
Enclosed I have sent you a copy of certificates given me for sundry articles provisions etc. etc., delivered the Allied Army which before the lines of Savannah in September 1779 immediately after the surrender of this town to the British. I gave the original certificates to General Lincoln who promised to have settled and paid, but the communication between Philadelphia and this place being totally stopped have not heard from him.
I have since made application to Col. Wylly the then Acting Quarter Master General for a settlement of the same, he informs me he cannot do anything in the matter unless the original certificates were here.
I have to request that you will make particular enquiry of General Lincoln or any officer who may have the papers belonging to this department in their possession for them, and use every method to obtain the money, in case you should obtain it I must request you to lay it out or do with it as will turn out best for my interest.
– in case nothing can be done to the northward with them please to find or keep them until I can receive them without risque.
Myself and daughter present our compliments
I am your obed. Serv.
Abigail Minis