Dear Sir 161. JOSIAH Bartlett to JOHN LANGDON.1 PHILADELPHIA Octobr 7th 1776 As I have not been able for some time to attend the marine Committee I last Saturday took the liberty to show Mr Morrice 2 your letters Concerning the Conduct of the Providence Committee about Guns and soon found Mr Hancock thro the multiplicity of Business had not laid the affair before the Marine Committee Mr Morrice resented their Conduct extremely and Desired liberty to lay the letter before Congress but as I was uncertain but some bad Effect might arise from laying it before the whole Congress I Declined it He then Desired liberty to lay it before the Marine Committee to which I Consented He said he would Do his utmost that your ship should have them Guns at Providence and without paying that Enormous price for them I am in hopes them guns will be ordered for your ship and one of theirs ordered to wait till guns can be sent from here where, they are Contracted for at 35 and 40 pound this money pr tun I believe (inter nos) your letters to the President Concerning marine affairs have not been laid before the Committee nor much attention been paid them the great and important Business in which he is Constantly employed and the almost immense number of letters which he is Constantly receiving on the most interesting subjects makes it impossible for him to attend to them all and lesser matters must be neglected I sincerely wish he did not belong to the Marine Committee but would Confine himself to the affairs of Congress which is Business abundantly sufficient to employ the time of any one human being.*. . . . Dear Sir 162. WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.1 PHILADELA 7 Octo 1776 I recd your favr of the 1st Inst and observe the Contents have also shewn it to my Colleagues, and Mr G. and H.2 but have not had Time to consult much upon it. I think tis not best to move the matter you insist on without a previous Consultation, and finding our Strength, when I will [161] Hist. Soc. of Pa., Dreer Coll., Signers, I. 35; Brotherhead, Book of the Signers, p. 97. 2 Robert Morris. See the letters of the marine committee, Oct. 9, to Stephen Hopkins, the committee at Providence (2), Nathaniel Falconer, and John Langdon, in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 954-956. "Last Saturday I received yours of the 14th instant, and am very sorry for your bad success in procuring guns for the frigate. You say you have mentioned the affair to the President, and I hope some order will be taken about it, but what, I know not. I have not been able to attend either the Marine or Secret Committee for some time past, and Congress but little." Bartlett to Langdon, Sept. 30, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 602. See also Bartlett's letters to Langdon, Sept. 9, 16, 23, Oct. 15, ibid., II. 253, 350, 459, 1063, and to Whipple, Sept. 10, 14, ibid., II. 272, 323; also no. 174, post. [162]1 Conn. Hist. Soc., Joseph Trumbull Papers. Addressed, "To Colo. Joseph Trumbull, Commissary General of the Army of the United States etc. at Harlem ". 2 Gerry and Hooper? Cf. no. 175, note 4, post. attempt. we have a Club once a week, but am not certain They are all fit to be consulted in this matter. I truly fear what will be the result of the motion in the House, am not without hopes of Success, but am extreemly unwilling you shod leave the Service. there are strange Mortals in Cons. be assured, tis hard to say what some of Them aim at, but easie to say a number invariably hate and persecute every N Engld. man, and can embroil Matters exceedingly. I expect to leave Them soon as Mr Sherman returns or before. it will be pleasure to me to get away, and it wod give me inexpressible Satisfaction to leave the great Affairs of America in better Hands. but these are dangerous hints. the Salvation of the Country depends on the Character of Congress. excellent Men there are, too, and the great Affairs generally are well determined, tho some times with great Altercation. I hope to see you in abt. a fortnight. the Affair of Salt We have moved, and not without opposition (from its being wanted for the navy) have got a Resolve that the Con' Agents deliver you or order what They have etc. the moment I cod I desired the Presit. to send you the Copy etc. as I have frequently done before. he assured me he wod but always seems to be half offended that I shod doubt his Care in all those Things. he says he has sent the other order for purchasing etc. have nothing lately of the Scolding about the Vegetables. this Militiae are got back to their dens, and pamperd their Guts, and are perhaps more easie. this Province have a fixed hatred of N. E. and every thing that belongs to it, but Money, and that is all the God they worship. I fully agree their Troops have done more mischief than ever they did or will do good. Have heard nothing said about a Contract at N York, and I think there will not, at least till the Comte. returns from Ty. I shall not be unmindful of your affair, but I dread the Clamour to be raised by it. I know so perfectly the rancor of some against you as of N. E. and an honest Man, and the pleasure They wod have to get rid of you, and give yr. birth to a southern or middle Colony man. and the Distress and Confusion of the army in Consequence of it, wod give me great pain. Congress have refused Schylers Resigna and sent him high Compliments and assurances of their great esteem, and resentmt. of malicious Clamours etc. etc. in a Lettr. late fr. him he expresses his surprize that he shod be forbid to interfere in yr supplies and says he has interfered no more than he thot the Good of the Service requird, and that he will forever do." I believe if Genl. Washington shod write so contemptuous a Letter, he wod come near to be broke, but if Schy' shod damn the Congress and the The allusion is probably to the augmentation of Trumbull's compensation. See especially nos. 164, 166, 175, post. Cf. vol. I. of these Letters, nos. 410, 417, 446, 689. 4 See the Journals, Oct. 5, and no. 145, ante; also nos. 166, 172, 331, post. 5 See no. 145, ante, and nos. 166, 266, post. Cf. nos. 124, 145, ante, and nos. 164, 165, 172, 175, post. 7 See the Journals, Oct. 2; cf. nos. 145, 155, ante, 163, post. 8 See Schuyler's letter to Congress, Sept. 25 (read Oct. 4), Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 525. Cause, it wod not be resisted by some. Such Letters as this must be burnt. I have no Time to add but that I am with much affection and good Will yr. affect. Frd. and Bro". W. WILLIAMS do you know any thing abt. my Kinsman, Col Wards Adjutant. 163. THE NEW YORK DELEGATES TO THE NEW YORK CONVENTION.1 PHILADELPHIA, October 7, 1776. Gentlemen: . The Committee of Congress to whom your papers respecting General Schuyler were committed, have reported, we hope to your satisfaction. Mr. Rutledge informs us that he had transmitted a copy to Robert R. Livingston, Esq., and a certified copy shall be sent you per post, which will probably come to your hands before this letter." On the 5th instant we were going to move Congress, that they would direct General Washington to propose to General Howe the exchange of Brigadier-General Woodhull for Brigadier-General McDonald, when a Pennsylvania newspaper of same date was handed to us, by which it would appear that Brigadier-General Woodhull had taken such a part as would put it out of our power to move for his exchange. Should be glad you would inform us if there be any truth in this conjecture, and direct us as to our conduct therein." We are respectfully, gentlemen, your very humble servants, To the honourable the Convention of New-York. FRA. LEWIS, PHIL. LIVINGSTON, [163] Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 926; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II. 320; N. Y. State Lib., Revolutionary Papers, VIII. 59. 2 See nos. 149, 155, ante. 8 Shortly after the battle of Long Island Brig.-Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull was taken prisoner and received wounds from which, when this letter was written, he had already died (Sept. 20). See Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 170, 701, 894, 934, III. 203, 240; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I. 630, 671; also Washington's Writings (ed. Sparks), IV. 128, 142. The circumstances of the capture and wounding of General Woodhull have given rise to much controversy. See B. F. Thompson, History of Long Island, p. 503; Hist. Mag., V. 140-142, 172-176, 204-211, 229-236 (a series of letters by James Fenimore Cooper, Lorenzo Sabine, Henry Onderdonk, jr., and H. C. Van Schaack, reprinted from the Home Journal, 1848); Onderdonk, Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties, pp. 30-41; and Long Island Hist. Soc., Memoirs, II. 288-310, 422. The newspaper item alluded to by the New York delegates is probably one found in the issue of the Pennsylvania Ledger of Oct. 5, under the following caption: FROM THE CONNECTICUT Gazette. The following papers were a few days since brought from The papers consist of four orders signed by Oliver De Lancey. The pertinent one is the following: Sir, "JAMAICA, Sept. 21, 1776. I am ordered by his Excellency the Honorable William Howe, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces in North America, from Nova Scotia to the Floridas, on the application of the county of Suffolk, by Nathaniel Woodhull and Samuel Philips, who have signified to him that the inhabitants of said county are desirous of laying down their arms and again becoming loyal and obedient subjects, that for the peace Dear Sir 164. ELBRIDGE GERRY TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.1 PHILADELPHIA 8th Octr. 1776 I have just recd your Favours of 3d and 7th Instt and am at a Loss to know what is meant by "supplying the army by Contract". I have never heard a proposal of the Kind made in Congress; if such a plan has been agitated It was in my absence.2 the Comme. exerted themselves to return to Congress and make their report. It has now been under Consideration four Days and the part that respects your powers contains sufficient provision for your purposes, but has not yet been considered. I suppose the Congress will have no objection to making you a generous Allowance for your services when the Matter can be properly agitated, but a Multiplicity of Business and not an apprehension that the Measure cannot be carryed, has prevented a Determination of it before this. It will be proposed when several Important Matters are finished, and I hope to your Satisfaction, if not and You resign, It is probable to me that Congress will supply the Army by Contract. For my own part I have sacrificed Ease and Interest to the Liberties of America, and am fully convinced that unless a general Determination prevails to establish it at every Expense and Hazard, Slavery and inevitable Ruin must be the Consequence. I could wish therefore that a Determination had taken place in your Mind to have sustained the office of Commissary General without annexing the Conditions mentioned, since Congress must exercise an unbiassed Judgment in determining the Quantum meruit of all their officers or surrender the purse strings of the Continent to those who are employed in its Servicesa Measure that would soon end in the ruin of all. I am the more desirous of this as your Friends would not be the less attentive to your Merits, and as Your present plan may end in the Introduction of an officer to succeed you who may dissatisfy the Army, yea cause it to be disbanded and risk the loosing America. These are my Sentiments on the Matter but shall nevertheless endeavour to have the Affair properly regulated and the most generous Allowances made for your services. my Complimts. and ease and security of the inhabitants he is willing to accept of their submission, and promise them protection, on the King's Colonels and other inferiors of the militia respectively, making and causing the men through the county, to lay down their arms, take the oath of allegiance, and sign the said roll of submission, disclaiming and rejecting the orders of Congress and Committees, and totally refusing obedience to them, and to obey the legal authority of government, and in all places of worship in future, pray for the King and Royal Family, as was usual before the present unprovoked rebellion. OLIVER DE LANCEY, Colonel Concklin Major-General of the Militia in the Southern Directed also to Col. Phineas Fanning or next commanding officer, Southold." [164] Conn. Hist. Soc., Joseph Trumbull Papers. 2 Cf. nos. 124, 145, 162, ante, 165, 172, 175, 239, post. 3 The committee appointed, Sept. 25, 26, to inquire into the state of the army made a report Oct. 3 (see the Journals, Oct. 8). 4 Cf. no. 162, note 3, ante, and nos. 166, 175, post; also the Journals, Oct. 21. A revision of the commissary's department was effected June 10, 1777, and the compensation of the officers was determined June 16. to Colo. Cortland and the Ladies and believe me to be Sir your very hum. Sert E. GERRY P. S. The Officers pay is raised 50 per Ct. but this to be communicated but to a few Friends untill the report relative to the Men is considered." General Lee is arrived. the Cherokees have had a severe drubbing, abt 300 killed, 75 of wch. are scalped and great Numbers put to flight leaving their Towns to be burnt and Corn Fields destroyed. I am just informed that while We were at N York the Ticon. Comm. had power to supply the army by Contract, and inclose a Letter Which pray examine and forward 1st Opper. Dear Sir, 165. ELBRIDGE GERRY TO HORATIO GATES.1 PHILADELPHIA Octr. 9th. 1776 I wrote you about 10 days ago 2 from the Camp at Harlem, and since my return to this City, find that the Committee of Congress to enquire into the state of your affairs at Tyconderoga are empowered to make Contracts for supplying your Army. What gave rise to this matter I have not yet learnt, but it counteracts a measure of having it supplied by the Commissary General, which has alone proved salutary in that department. I suspect it originates from Tory influence, and that if any alteration is made, the Committee not knowing or being intimately acquainted with the characters of the persons who are desirous of the place, will introduce a person that will put the Northern Army in the same ruinous situation heretofore experienced. For God's sake then use your influence to prevent new schemes at this critical juncture, if no great inconveniences are felt from the present mode of supplies.3. Dear Sir 166. WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.1 PHILADELPHIA Octo. 10 1776 I inclose you a Resolution, brot. in among others, by the New York Comte, and yesterday pasd, not without opposition. I suppose however 5 See the Journals, Oct. 7; cf. ibid., July 29, Nov. 4, 1775. See also no. 160, anțe, and no. 166, post. 6 Cf. a letter of William Ellery to Governor Cooke, Oct. 11, in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., II. 990. For the first intimation to Congress of the project to arouse the Cherokees, see Gerry to Trumbull, June 18, vol. I. of these Letters, no. 719. Concerning the Cherokee campaign, see N. C. Col. Recs., X. 650-652, 657-661, 662, 665, 669, 671, 726, 729, 745-747, 751, 758, 763-785, 788, 837, 842, 844-847, 881; also Ramsey, Hist. of Tenn., pp. 162 et seq. [165] Harvard Üniv. Lib., Sparks MSS., XXII. 58 (copy). 2 Sept. 27, no. 147, ante. 3 Cf. nos. 124, 145, 162, 164, ante, 166, 172, 175, post. [166] Conn. Hist. Soc., Joseph Trumbull Papers. 2 That is, the committee "who went to the camp". The resolution referred to is no doubt that pertaining to the purchase of salt. See the third paragraph of this letter; also nos. 113, 145, 162, ante, no. 172, post. |