Letter to Jabez Huntington and portrait, 1776 September 30.

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Letter to Jabez Huntington and portrait, 1776 September 30.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/55225150

Williams addresses many topics and events in a long, religiously toned letter, but discusses none in depth. He alludes to the New York campaign and consequent lack of time to consider [Richard Henry Lee's] proposed Articles of Confederation which are stalled by Maryland's refusal to agree until Virginia renounces her western land claims. He reports that the British are in possession of Paulus Hook which has served to divide their forces while the Continental army is in one body beyond the reach of ships. He then mentions the peace negotiations of Lord Howe with the Joint Committee (Adams, Franklin, Rutledge) which will not amount to anything; French and Spanish ships in the West Indies, Long Islanders being forced to swear allegiance to the crown and take up arms; [George Washington's] distress at the plight of the Continental Army in the coming winter on which he comments "it was not to be conceived that we shod establish Liberty & Freedom forever, without some Trouble & Distress ..." and declares "nothing is wanting on our Side but ye Repentance & Reformation ..." Congress is sending a committee to the Army to supply their wants. He fears that privateer Peleg Niles and his latest prize are lost. He supports the selection of Sherman and Huntington as delegates and finds for himself that the burden of being a delegate "is too great to be covetable" and describes the character needed to be a delegate. He comments on Connecticut's Assembly and laws which are superior to those of the other colonies and adds "I cod wish an early acknowledgment or approbation of ye Declaration of Independence had been made, our Safety depends on supporting it ..." Williams then notes that Congress is poorly attended at the moment and concludes with a brief discussion of efforts made to encrease army re-enlistment. A photograph of an unidentified engraving of Williams accompanies the letter.

2 items.

University of Virginia. Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 7692465

University of Virginia. Library

Related Entities

There are 9 Entities related to this resource.

Williams, William, 1731-1811

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William Williams (April 8, 1731 – August 2, 1811) was an American Founding Father, merchant, a delegate for Connecticut to the Continental Congress in 1776, and a signatory to the United States Declaration of Independence. Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, Williams attained a common school education before studying theology and law at Harvard College, graduating in 1751. He continued preparing for the ministry for a year but then joined the militia to fight in the French and Indian War. After the...

Sherman, Roger, 1721-1793

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Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

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Huntington, Jabez, 1719-1786

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In response to the expansion of the Continental Army the number of staff was increased and reorganized in 1776. Changes included the creation of a new unit to supplement George Washington's personal staff. This special unit, the Commander in Chief's Guard, was formed on March 12, 1776 with Captain Caleb Gibbs (formerly adjutant of the 14th Continental Regiment and appointed Aid to Major General Greene) as commander. The unit protected Washington, the army's cash, and official papers. ...

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