Whipple, William, 1730-1785 to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to procure timber. Says he will procure iron and send it northward. Claims the price of iron is astronomical at 40-45 pounds. Also has permission to procure ships to be sent to Virginia or Carolina. Wants to know what ships he has sent off from directions he gave previously. Says last letter from him was 21 October 1776 and fears his letters have fallen into enemy hands. Hopes "those Barbarians will derive no advantage from any information." Mentions locations of both armies in New Jersey. Just received letter of 19 November while writing. Says he is sending money by the bearer. Says army needs clothing. 7 December: Says confused circumstances have kept him from getting this letter out. Says Washington was retreating and appears to be going on the offensive now. Intelligence says 8 ships of the line and 4 frigates will arrive in the West Indies. Says "the greater difficulty is to raise the new army and keep them well clothed." Claims that peace will only come by "public Virtue, & that People who have not Public Virtue enough to support their freedom when the means are in their Power, ought to be slaves."