Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Hancock, John (1737-1793) to the Assembly of New Jersey

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00782.06 Author/Creator: Hancock, John (1737-1793) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: 2 October 1776 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32 x 21 cm. Order a Copy

President of the Continental Congress Hancock reminds the Assembly of New Jersey of the requirement that they provide the military with physicians to certify surgeons and their assistants. If New Jersey does not comply, it will risk losing representation in Congress. Several other states were called upon to take the same action.

Philada. Octr. 2d 1776

Gentlemen,

The many and just Complaints of the Insufficiency of the Surgeons and their Mates, to discharge this duty in a proper Manner, have induced Congress to pass the enclosed Resolves, recommending it to the several States to appoint some skilful Physicians as Examiners; without whose Approbation, no Surgeon, or Surgeon's Mate, shall receive a Commission either in the Army or Navy.

The Congress being at present deeply engaged in Matters of the utmost Importance to the Welfare of America, have judged it absolutely necessary that there should be a full Representation of the several States as soon as possible. For this End, I am to request, in Obedience to their Commands, you will immediately take proper Measures to comply with the enclosed Resolve, in Order that the United States may be fully represented in Congress, and the Sentiments of America be the better known upon those interesting Subjects that lie before them. I shall therefore only once more request your Compliance with this Requisition of Congress-and have the Hounor [sic] to be
Gentlemen
your most obedt.
And very hble. Servt.
[signed] John Hancock Presid.

Honble Assembly of New Jersey

Hancock, John, 1737-1797
New Jersey. Legislature. General Assembly

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources