Timothy Danielson & Massachusetts General Court Committee Near White Plains to John Hancock, referred to Wythe & Committee, 3 November 1776
As chairman of the Massachusetts General Court Committee, Tim Danielson writes to the President of Congress John Hancock on behalf of the General Assembly of Massachusetts. He says that the committee understands the necessity of the seven battalions requested by Congress for the Continental Army, but Massachusetts cannot provide what Congress is asking for. The committee has enclosed resolves, enlistments, and beating orders that the General Assembly of Massachusetts had passed to attempt to meet the requirements asked of by Congress. Danielson says that the committee has sent George Partridge to discuss the matter with Congress and hear Congress' decision.
Letter text
Page 1
Head Quarters near Philadelphia, Nov 3 1776
Sir,
We are a Committee of The General Assembly of The State of Massachusetts Bay, appointed to officer and enlist Seven Battallion for the Continental Service, during The Continuance of the present War with Great Britain, out of the Officers and Soldiers now in The continental Army at or near White Plains, from said State. The General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay were fully sensible, Their Quota of The new Army would not be made, but by some Addition to the Encouragement given by the Honble. Congress – satisfied of The absolute necessity of raising this Proportion, the Season being far spent proper for That purpose, have passed The enclosed resolves, Inlistments and Beating Orders, as The only possible Method for Them to comply with The Requisition of the Honble. Congress.
We are now on The Spot with Blank Commissions and Beating Orders to compleat seven Battallions, have laid Them before his Excellency General Washington, who disapproves of our proceeding to inlist Men by any additional Encouragement previous to our laying The Matter before the Honble. Congress.
Having a Disposition to do every Thing in our Power for the Defence of the united States of america, have dispatched George Partridge Esq. One of The Committee to lay This important Matter before The Honble. Congress, and to wait Their Deliberation Thereon. We are your Honour's most obedient very humble Servts.
By order of The Committee Tim Danielson Cha.
To the Honble. John Hancock Esq.
President of Congress.
Page 2
To
The Honble John Hancock Esq.
President of Congress
Philadelphia
[endorsed]
A letter from Tim Danielson
chairman of Com. from Massachusetts bay for
Nov. 3. 1776.
referred to
J. Wilson
E. Rutledge
G. Wythe.
