Bartlett, Josiah, 1729-1795 to William Whipple

Written by Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a colonel in New Hampshire militia to Whipple, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman from New Hampshire. Congress, and therefore Whipple, was in Baltimore due to the occupation of Philadelphia. Signed by Bartlett three times: once at the end of the letter and twice with initials after two extended postscripts. He thanks him for his letter from February 7, 1777. He writes that people are anxious to buy lottery tickets. He says "our 3 Regiments" are to march to "Ti-" - Fort Ticonderoga. Says New Hampshire needs to approve an additional bounty to fill the regiments. Mentions rumors of British mercenaries hired from Russia and Wertenburg (possibly the Württemberg empire) arriving by the summer. Says "I can't yet believe that F. & S. and Prussia &c will lay still & see G. Britain employ Russians, Hessians & the lord knows who to subdue us." Mentions worries about the South and relays concerns over counterfeiting. First postscript says stores have been sent to Ticonderoga and asks about developments in the South. Says his health is better than it was when he left Philadelphia but it will keep him from attending Congress this summer. Second postscript thanks him for his letter from February 16, 1777 and its inclusion of the Lee letter to Congress. Says he fears the determined resolutions of Congress not to hold any peace conferences with Great Britain might disaffect many people. Speaks of advantages of at least talking about peace.