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.

Warren, Joseph (1741-1775) to Elbridge Gerry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00782.23 Author/Creator: Warren, Joseph (1741-1775) Place Written: Cambridge, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 May 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

General Warren laments, in dire terms, his inability to get supplies for the troops under his command. Implores Gerry not to "triffle away this only Moment we have to employ for Salvation of our Country." A signed note on the verso from Artemas Ward urges immediate attention. Gerry was Chairman of the Committee of Supply of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

Cambridge May 1 1775
My dear Sir I never wrote to you in so much Anxiety or at present. The Letter you have sent to Mr. [struck: Gerry] Peyton this Evening has thrown us into the utmost Consternation for God's Sake and your Country, recall that unhappy Letter. I must express my wonder that We had not a Conference with the Committee of Supplies before you took a Step of such A Nature, all is Confusion[.] Mr. Peyton has offered his Commission which we have refused pray take Care of your Country do not trifflle away the only Moment we have to employ for Salvation of our Country.
God almighty direct you.
Your: Jos Warren

[2] His Excellen
Gentlemen
I pray you would immediately attend [inserted: to] the Subject [inserted: on the other side] as the most dreadfull Effects must Be [struck: the] consequent upon your Delay -
[struck: Yr] Artemas Ward

[docket:]
Cambr Letter
Josp Warren Esq &
General Ward 1st
May 1775
[address leaf:]
To
Elbridge Gerry
at
Congress

Warren, Joseph, 1741-1775
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

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