Whipple, William, 1730-1785 to John Langdon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06518 Author/Creator: Whipple, William, 1730-1785 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 November 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.5 x 219.3 cm. Order a Copy
Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses a former request for money submitted by Langdon, naval agent for Continental prizes and supervisor of the construction of several ships. Regarding the money, mentions Langdon's acquaintances Wharton (possibly Samuel Wharton) and Donaldson. Relates that Congress has agreed to increase the Navy by one ship, and requests that Langdon assist in formulating a plan to procure materials such as iron. Discusses obtaining material from France and Spain. Discusses Langdon's financial situation, prize money procured for naval expenditure, and a vessel owned by Mr. Moffatt (possibly John Moffatt, Whipple's father-in-law). Discusses the British capture of Fort Washington, New York and Fort Lee, New Jersey 16 November. In a post script, relates "I had like to have forgot to tel you that Gen. Washington is in Jersey with about 10,000 men several Regiments are on their march to join him & the Militia of this State & Jersey are also mustering & if the Enemys designs are this way you know what country they have to march thro.'" Also mentions his suspicion that some of his previous letters had fallen into British hands.
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