Whipple, William, 1730-1785 to John Langdon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00194 Author/Creator: Whipple, William, 1730-1785 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: April 29, 1776 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 21 x 32.6 cm. Order a Copy
William Whipple, a Continental Congressman, discusses the newly established Continental Navy with fellow Congressman Langdon. Refers to supplying guns to soldiers, and mentions a United States flag with "thirteen stripes red & white for the field, & a Union." Advises Langdon not to resign his Congressional seat in order to accept an appointment as a Continental Naval Agent, stating "such a step would have an avaricious appearance, & on the other hand there can not be a greater evidence of Patriotism than preferring the public good, to ones private interest ... I by no means can advise to your resigning your seat in Congress." Requests that Langdon transmit a list of nominations for officers of an unspecified ship. Discusses details regarding canvas being transmitted to Langdon (possibly for use in making a flag). Fragile and slightly torn in creases. For a related discussion of the Continental Navy, refer to GLC00336.
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