22 September 1780

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jethro Sumner

Expects General William Smallwood to move westward in a few days to take command of the militia of North Carolina. Reports that in the meantime, Sumner will have command of the troops. Advises him to avoid a general action against the British as the consequences would be fatal. Instead recommends skirmishing because it will keep the British troops together, prevent plundering, and raise the spirits of the Continental troops. Informs that General Butler will join Sumner soon.

GLC04832

January 21, 1780

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Letter signed

Title: to Richard Caswell

Co-signed by North Carolina Congressmen Thomas Burke and Allen Jones. Written in what appears to be Penn's hand. Penn was also a North Carolina Continental Congressman and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Written to Caswell as Governor of North Carolina. Mentions an enclosed and authentic "Extract of Intelligence" (not included). Says as the presiding magistrate of North Carolina, Caswell has a duty to stay vigilant against the enemy. They express fears "from the ill-judging class of our citizens, and from our negroes and should [the British] attempt to invade or penetrate any…

GLC00414

September 28, 1776

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Johnson

Penn writes of his wish that France and Spain would join in fighting Britain and mentions French and Spanish warships. He concludes that "we have too many officers who are not fit even to act as common soldiers in that they have not one spark of honour."

GLC00184.38

October 5, 1780

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Letter signed

Title: to Jethro Sumner

Written by Penn, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman to Brigadier General Sumner in North Carolina. Informs Sumner that the militia must serve three months from the time they were at headquarters, not counting the time they were absent from their regiments since the defeat. Mentions insubordinate soldiers by saying, "those Men that are refractory ought to be informed that they must be obedient to the Laws of their Country." States that the board has written to Colonel Polk to furnish provisions for Sumner. Tells Sumner that Colonel Daniel Morgan and…

GLC00621

February 18, 1778

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Autograph letter

Title: to Theodorick Bland

Written by Penn as North Carolina delegate to Continental Congress and Declaration of Independence signer to Bland as a Colonel of Virginia Calvary. Says nothing has happened other than General Sir William Howe's agreement to exchange prisoners of war. Since General Howe did not purchase clothing for American prisoners of war in Philadelphia he says Congress has resolved not to purchase "any necessaries for his prisoners with us." Says British prisoners will get same treatment as American prisoners. Claims that Howe praised General Washington, but castigated Congress. Washington defended…

GLC04455