Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 to [Patrick Henry?]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05346 Author/Creator: Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 December 1776 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21.2 x 16.6 cm. Order a Copy
Gerry, a Continental Congressman, discusses an unspecified request and an appeal brought before Congress. Informs Henry, Governor of Virginia, that he will ask Congressional President John Hancock why the appeal has not been presented to Congress and will attempt to "move it as early as possible." States "We have just heard from General Washington, that he cross'd Delaware just above Trentown, ye Evening after Christmas with 2500 men, attacked ye Enemy who were posted with about 1500 men in ye Town about 8 oclock ye next Morning, routed them & took 750 prisoners that are brot over ye River ... " Reports that he received this information from the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, who received the news from "the Generals Family," possibly referring to Washington's immediate staff. This letter is accompanied by a fragment containing Patrick Henry's name. The fragment was possibly clipped from an address leaf, and does not appear to be a signature.
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