Letter from William Delano
To Rev George Barstow of Pembroke Mass.
Norfolk Va, Apr 3, 1820

Dear Sir. It is with pleasure I take this opportunity to write these few lines hoping that they meet you and your family well, with blessings of God. I now belong to the Columbus 74 (guns) under the command of Commodore Bainbridge (W’m 1774-1833 Corn. 1812) fitting for sea in Hampton Roads, bound to the Mediterranean Squadron. I have had the misfortune to be severely wounded in a late duel which happened between a young gentleman of this place and myself, in consequence of which it rendered me to be in very low state of health, but I now find my- self fast recovering. I expect to be absent from the United States about two years, as soon as I return, I shall hasten to your place of residence to settle all my accounts, you have against me. I have several remarks that I had in view to make but cannot commit to paper. I am now in my countrys service. I shall endeavor at all times to serve faithfuly, which I am bound to maintain the credit of my country and I stand ready to defend at all times with honor to myself and the United States. In consequence of the late affair which took place between myself and the young man which I mentioned before originated by his heaving up insulting language respecting my situation, accusing me of being a coward which induced me to fight him, to convince him to the contrary. What I have written to you in this letter I hope you will not mention to any person, wishing you all the happiness and pleasure that the world affords, no more at present. Respectfuly yours with sentiments of regard and esteem.

                                            Wm Delano

[William Delano was found on a street in Norfolk Va 1822, in a dying condition and taken into a house near by where he soon expired. The cause of his death is not disclosed in any of the legal proceedings on this estate which went to Nathaniel Delano his uncle and sole heir (possibly a case of revenge, result of the duel).]