Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00619 Author/Creator: Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 Place Written: York, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: February 7, 1778 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts, writes from York, where the Continental Congress was convening. Dismisses rumors of a possible plot to undermine Washington's authority, but stresses the need to guard against internal dissension within the army. Writes, "I know not ye Source of the Uneasiness which We are speaking of, but it would not be any Ways surprizing to me to find ye Enemy at ye Bottom of ye Dispute & if they did not originate it, they will certainly promote it unless ye officers of ye Army should wisely prevent it." Outlines the principles enacted by Congress for the promotion of officers. Criticizes officers who have protested the placing of foreign officers over them. Says he has "great prejudices in favour of my Countrymen..." and "will readily grant, that with ye same Degree of Experience & under similar advantages, no officer whatever will exceed them in skill & prowess; but can any person suppose that a year or two in ye service of ye United States will qualify an officer as well as ten or twenty years service in ye armies of Europe?" Gerry's retained copy with closing and signature added later by another hand, perhaps his son.
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