25 June 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "It appears by the Resolution of Congress, authorizing the Board of Treasury to enter into a Contract for a Copper Coinage, that a person is to be appointed to superintend the business on the part of the Public. Captn Throop, whose character & services you are fully acquainted with, and who is lately entirely thrown out of all employment by the dissolution of my Regiment, is desirous of obtaining the appointment, if it shall be deemed within his reach of the sphere of his ability to accomplish the duties of it. I beg leave, therefore, to recommend him very earnestly to…

GLC02437.03590

29 February 1784

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hull, commandant of West Point, encloses a letter from Joseph Carleton, writing on behalf of Congress, regarding engineers retained in service (refer to GLC02437.02954). Hull instructed Carleton to defer final reorganization of the engineering department until the arrangement could be confirmed by Knox. Encloses a certificate (not included) from Colonel de Miranda, possibly Francisco de Miranda. Notes that Miranda was recommended to him by Governor [George] Clinton and General Alexander McDougall among others. Of the certificate, writes: "As it establishes a Fact with respect to a Point…

GLC02437.02966

26 May 1777

Lee, Richard Henry, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Patrick Henry

Gives a detailed refutation of claims that he contributed to the depreciation of paper currency by converting money rents to tobacco. Attests to his love for America and details how he leased out his property to support his family. Discusses the value of paper money and his financial situation. Refutes accusations that he "favored new England to the injury of Virginia" and concealed embezzlement while a member of the Secret Committee. Comments on the importance of sectional accord. Discusses the strength of the Continental Army.

GLC06410

19 March 1781

Hanson, John, 1715-1783

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Thanksgiving proclamation]

Signed by Hanson as President of Continental Congress and countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary to Congress. Proclamation from Congress calls "upon the several states, to set apart the last Thursday in April next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer." There is a slight paper loss to the edge of the document. Although the document bears the year 1781, Hanson did not serve as president of Congress until November of that year. The circular letter that originally accompanied the proclamation (John Hanson to the States, 20 March 1782, Letters of Delegates to Congress, memory.…

GLC06420.01

28 November 1775

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Contracting Thomas Mumford of New London, Connecticut to acquire 50 tons of gunpowder for colonies]

Signed by Benjamin Franklin, Josiah Bartlett, Francis Lewis, Samuel Ward and Thomas Willing, all as members of a Committee of Secrecy appointed by the "honble. the Continental Congress..." Also signed by Thomas Mumford. Lays out the terms for the procurement and transaction.

GLC06401

6 August 1781

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Letter signed

Title: to Charles Dumas

Written shortly after his appointment as one of five commissioners to negotiate peace with England, Franklin complains about the limited assistance the Netherlands had given the United States during the American Revolution. Referring to the Dutch Revolution he notes: "[F]or tho' it was formerly in the same situation with us, and was glad of assistance from other nations, it does not seem to feel for us or to have the least inclination to help us." Also cites a comparison of Holland to a shop, commenting "I begin to think it has no other Principles or Sentiments but those of a Shopkeeper."…

GLC06402

13 August 1780

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Webb

Discusses his resignation, French forces, and American troops. Says there have been "marches and counter marches, evolutions and revolutions of different kinds," since Webb left. Reports on British movements, which seem to be "without meaning or intention." Prepares for the arrival of French troops and Comte de Rochambeau, but is not optimistic. Says his own forces are weak. "Happy as a prince" now that he has resigned as Quarter Master General. Felt Congress, which he calls "a strange set of men," was making unreasonable demands of his office, and resigned without asking their…

GLC06403

9 October 1775

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Wooster

Directing Brigadier General Wooster's troops to build batteries on the highlands of Hudson (North) River as per General Schuyler's commands.

GLC06404

26 June 1779

Lee, Richard Henry, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Colonel Lee, a Continental Congressman, discusses politics with Whipple, who was in Congress in Philadelphia. Of Virginia, states "We have neither wicked ... or foolish Politicians here, whose misconduct makes us fear for the safety of our country. I have frequently admired the philosophic ease with which you have contemptuously viewed proceedings in Congress that Town shocked me exceedingly." Mentions Samuel Adams's departure from Congress. Requests that Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee, order several frigates into the Chesapeake Bay stating "The Confederacy & the Boston can…

GLC06411

20 July 1782

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Morris

Discusses his financial hardships and fear of France's growing power. Hopes Morris can sell his estate for him, since his debts are mounting due to high taxes and low profits. Also hopes Morris can help him secure funds he is owed by a Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina. The Rutledge family was a very prominent one in South Carolina. Is upset by Congress' claim that "they will have no peace however salutary until their good allies assent." Worries that this policy will lead to our aiding the French so greatly that they will come to dominate the globe, and become America's new oppressor.

GLC06645.02

29 July 1774

Adams, Samuel, 1722-1803

Letter signed

Title: to Ezekiel Williams

Written by Adams as a member of the Massachusetts General Court (he would join the First Continental Congress on 5 September 1774) to Williams as Deputy Commissioner of Prisoners in Connecticut and a Sheriff for Hartford County. References Williams's letter of 25 July 1774. Says the letter was referred to a committee in Boston that was appointed to receive donations for the relief of the poor. Thanks him for the town of Wetherfield, Connecticut's donation of 34 3/4 bushels of wheat, 248 of rye, and 390 of Indian Corn. The donation was made because of the closing of Boston Harbor. Claims "…

GLC06657.01

October 25, 1774

Boston (Mass.). Committee of Donations

Broadsheet

Title: [Request for donations for the poor of Boston]

Broadside listing the twenty six members of the committee (including Samuel Adams, Thomas Boylston, and John Adams) seeks donations in accord with their mission to relieve the "Poor, suffering by means of the Act of Parliament, commonly called the Boston Port-Bill." Discusses the plans and projects supported by the committee. Accompanied Samuel Adams's letter to Ezekiel Williams seeking a donation (see GLC06657.01). The verso mentions a meeting on 25 October 1774 in which ten members joined the committee; their names are listed.

GLC06657.02

February 23, 1776

Wolcott, Oliver, 1726-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ezekiel Williams

Written by Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman from Connecticut, probably to Ezekiel Williams as Connecticut Commissioner of Prisoners and Wolcott's son-in-law. Notes already in Past Perfect said this document is from the papers of Ezekiel Williams, which could not be confirmed from the collateral files. But the content of the letter makes Williams a likely recipient. Wolcott says he forgot to mail a previous letter requesting a list of prisoners. Is now asking for an updated list in order to liquidate Connecticut's accounts with Congress.…

GLC06659

6 December 1780

Dunlap, John, 1747-1812

Newspaper

Title: The Pennsylvania packet, or, the general advertiser [No. 686 (December 6, 1780)]

Prints the Continental Congress's proclamation of a day of "public Thanksgiving and prayer." There is also an article on national fiscal matters and "Doctor Shippen's Vindication" for charges of neglect to soldiers during the American Revolution. Contains other news from around the colonies and many advertisements.

GLC06665

27 November 1780

Adams, Samuel, 1722-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

A personal letter by Adams as a Continental Congressman to his friend and protege, Gerry, a former member of Congress who decided to take a seat in the Massachsetts House of Representatives. Writes concerning his plans to retire from Congress and his fears that human nature is "too debased to relish the republican principles" on which the new American government is being founded. He worries about "political idolatry" and the corruption of Americans. Docketed by Elbridge Gerry.

GLC06667

circa 1777-1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [The Lancaster pocket almanack, for the year 1778. Being the third year of American Independency. Inscribed by William Ellery].

Title continues: "and the neighbouring states; containing a variety of useful lists and tables." Signed on the cover with his title: "Lancaster Almanack for 1778." Includes 24 blank pages for notes, which Ellery has filled with diary, notes, and some accounts while serving as a Member of the Continental Congress. He purchased the book in late 1777, possibly after Congress fled to Lancaster to escape the British occupation of Philadelphia. The diary discusses Congress' July 4 celebration, the British evacuation of Philadelphia, the Battle of Monmouth, Franklin's arrival at the French court…

GLC06669

22 November 1776

Lansing, John, 1754-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Schuyler

Written by Lansing as secretary to Major General Schuyler. Written to Schuyler, who was commander of the Northern Department. Copied extract from the resolves of Congress. Says situation is such that recruiting officers are to enlist men for three years or the duration of the war and offer respective bounties. Says it should be kept in mind that is Congress's opinion that "the public Service will be best promoted by Inlistments for the War, if the recruiting Business is not retarded thereby."

GLC06568

27 April 1778

Edes, Benjamin, 1732-1803

Newspaper

Title: Boston gazette and country journal. [No. 1235 (April 27, 1778)]

Discusses military matters pertaining to the Revolutionary War. Reports on governmental matters related to the Continental Congress, including taxation, acts of Congress, and business proceedings of the East India Company. Includes a lengthy statement from Perez Morton defending himself from the "false suggestion, and gross misrepresentations of a man ... that I had undertaken in the way of my professions to free the negroes, who were held as slaves in this state. This charge I there not only utterly denied, but pledged my honor to clear up : assuring him, that in no single instance ...…

GLC06604

August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter

Title: to Samuel Huntington

Manuscript copy of a letter from Washington to President of Congress Huntington dated 20 June 1780. With address leaf that enclosed this copy sent from South Carolina politician John Mathews to Delaware Governor Caesar Rodney. Washington writes that he anxiously awaits the arrival of the French fleet. He is embarrassed by the condition and supplies of his troops: "were this generous Succour of our ally now to arrive, I should find my self in the most awkward embarrassing and painful Situation." Reports that "the troops...are absolutely destitute." With John Matthews free frank on address…

GLC06486

24 November 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses a former request for money submitted by Langdon, naval agent for Continental prizes and supervisor of the construction of several ships. Regarding the money, mentions Langdon's acquaintances Wharton (possibly Samuel Wharton) and Donaldson. Relates that Congress has agreed to increase the Navy by one ship, and requests that Langdon assist in formulating a plan to procure materials such as iron. Discusses obtaining material from France and Spain. Discusses Langdon's financial situation, prize money procured for…

GLC06518

4 and 7 December 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to…

GLC06519

18 March 1789

Duer, William, 1747-1799

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Record of John Langdon's accounts as Continental Navy agent, presented to the Board of the Treasury]

Duer, assistant secretary of the treasury department, transmits a copied "Statement of the accounts of John Langdon Esq. with the Secret and Commercial Committees of Congress." Conveys information pertaining to accounts kept and stores received for navy purposes, stating "Upon the whole, both the Cash and Store Accounts appear to me to be as regular as could possibly have been expected, and this has been owing in a great measure to his having made them out and transmitted them to his employees from time to time as the transactions occurred." Copied from the records of Benjamin Walker, a…

GLC06530

December 21, 1782

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Written by Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department to Brigadier General Weedon. A friendly, and at times humorous, letter addressed to Weedon as "My good old friend." Also has a note from Greene's wife Catharine after his signature. She signs the note "Caty Greene." References Weedon's letter of 6 November 1782. Says Major Ichabod Burnet, an aide-de-camp to Greene, is going to Philadelphia "with an account of the long expected evacuation of Charleston." In reference to the religion of New England says "To speak in the language of Connecticut now rejoice and be…

GLC06496

26 June 1780

Grayson, William, 1736-1790

Letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Discusses General Weedon being recalled to military service by the Continental Congress, claiming that "you must look upon a call at this particular Crisis, as a very decided testimonial of the good opinion of Congress." Agrees with Weedon's ideas about recruitment. Suggests that "The rejection of the resolution of Congress respecting finance was a fatal stab to the independence of America." Criticizes the Virginia policies that limited much needed resources. Indicates "that the Enemy have got stung in the Jerseys." Notes French and Spanish mobilizations. A postscript reports that the…

GLC06497

February 1, 1777

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Letter signed

Title: to William Smallwood

Communicates to General Smallwood a resolution by the Continental Congress in response to a petition from citizens in Somerset and Worcester counties in Maryland. The resolution orders Smallwood to help "suppress the Tories in the counties of Somerset and Worcester, and to seize and secure the persons mentioned in a list to be transmitted." The loyalists would then be required to submit to a loyalty oath and some would be put on trial. Signed as President of Congress. Written "In Congress."

GLC06502