Huntington, Jedediah (1743-1818) to Colonel Williams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04791 Author/Creator: Huntington, Jedediah (1743-1818) Place Written: near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 October 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy
Huntington as a General of Connecticut forces in the Continental Army to a Colonel Williams, whose larger identity could not be ascertained. Says that Williams might have money that was sent to help his father. Sends along information of General Gates's defeat of General Burgoyne at Saratoga. Mocks the "haughty boasting Chief with all his Titles - Pride goeth before a Fall - it has pleased God to confound the wise & mighty by the weak & foolish." Praises militia of General John Stark who defeated a detachment of Burgoyne's troops at the Battle of Bennington. Says he is sure Congress will ratify the Convention treaty that Gates made with Burgoyne stipulating the surrender terms. Says advantages of the victory at Saratoga will be lost if British prisoners are allowed to return to Britain. Says King George lacks the scruples of honor of the military leaders and will send the troops back to fight. Says America is treated differently in this war, "consider how our Prisoners are treated in England - remember the Breach of Faith with the Inhabitants of Boston - recollect the general Terror of their Conduct." Wishes the army could meet General Howe on equal terms and fears the British will occupy Philadelphia through the winter. Howe did stay in Philadelphia for the winter and the Continental Army, Huntington included, wintered at Valley Forge. Letter is repaired with tape where it is folded. Docketed by William Williams.
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