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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) to [Patrick Henry?]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05346 Author/Creator: Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 December 1776 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21.2 x 16.6 cm. Order a Copy

Gerry, a Continental Congressman, discusses an unspecified request and an appeal brought before Congress. Informs Henry, Governor of Virginia, that he will ask Congressional President John Hancock why the appeal has not been presented to Congress and will attempt to "move it as early as possible." States "We have just heard from General Washington, that he cross'd Delaware just above Trentown, ye Evening after Christmas with 2500 men, attacked ye Enemy who were posted with about 1500 men in ye Town about 8 oclock ye next Morning, routed them & took 750 prisoners that are brot over ye River ... " Reports that he received this information from the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, who received the news from "the Generals Family," possibly referring to Washington's immediate staff. This letter is accompanied by a fragment containing Patrick Henry's name. The fragment was possibly clipped from an address leaf, and does not appear to be a signature.

Baltimore 30th Decm 1776
Dear Sir
I am favored with yours of ye 11th, & by an Express just going off have only Time- to assure You that your request relative to ye appeal shall be complied with. I happened not to be in congress at ye Time that ye appeal was brot in, & have heard nothing of it lately, but shall make immediate Enquiry of Mr Hancock into ye Cause of its not being brot on & move it as early as possible.
We have just heard from General Washington, that he cross'd Deleware [struck: just] above Trenton, ye Evening after Christmas with 2500 [inserted: men], attacked ye Enemy who were posted with about 1500 Men in ye Town about 8 oClock ye next morning, routed them & took 750 prisoners that are brot over ye River, 1200 stand of Arme & 6 brass Field pieces. this comes in a letter to ye Comm. of Safety of Pennsylvania from one of ye Generals Family, a Copy of [call] is sent to Congress; I hope ye general will retain & add to ye advantages he has gained & remain sir with
esteem yours sincerely E Gerry

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Hancock, John, 1737-1797

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