Hooper, William, 1742-1790 to Robert Morris
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00462 Author/Creator: Hooper, William, 1742-1790 Place Written: Cape Fear, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 27, 1777 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Laments the failure of North Carolina to re-elect his associate Joseph Hewes to the Continental Congress. Discusses and rejects the charges of profiteering leveled against Hewes (and others) while he was a member of the Secret Committee of Congress. Asks Morris, who chaired the Secret Committee, to write a certificate in support of Hewes and have it attested to by other members. Discusses his reasons for declining his reappointment as a delegate to the Continental Congress, citing "private affairs" related to his family, although he also intended to rebuild his fortune. Reflects on the anxieties of the far-flung patriots who often heard distressing rumors, lacked political and military updates, and feared the Tories, who were "ever ready to rouze or fan their suspicions." Makes several specific inquiries: if the delegate Stockton is in jail, if the frigate Congress has been taken, and how many men George Washington has. Discusses recruitment problems, patriotism, and avarice in the army. Mentions that they may lose the harbour at Cape Fear Bar to the British. Docketed by Morris.
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