Peters, Richard (1744-1828) to William Smallwood
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01205.03 Author/Creator: Peters, Richard (1744-1828) Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 February 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : free frank ; 32.7 x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Peters as secretary to the Continental Board of War to Brigadier General Smallwood. Says that he is sending a circular letter written by the Board with an enclosed resolve from Congress (the resolve is not included, but the circular letter is on verso). Requests his assistance as the matter is pressing. Says letters have been sent to Colonels Gist and Richardson as a matter of course and are not meant to countermand any orders he may have given them in regard to the Tory expedition. Congress wants to keep its previous promise to assist Maryland with the insurgents, but asks that Smallwood forward the troops employed for that purpose as soon as they are finished. Circular, dated 24 February 1777, on verso states that the enemy has been significantly reinforced in New Jersey and that "you will comply by sending all the Men raised in your Regiment." Tells the men to take what they have and that any deficiencies in supplies will be made up in Philadelphia. Stresses the need for haste. Item B is a free franked address leaf, no longer conjugate (formerly 5c).
War Office Feby 25th 1777
Sir
I send you a circular Letter written by the Board in Virtue of the enclosed Resolve of Congress & request your Assistance in the Business as the Occasion is pressing. The Letters to Cols Gist & Richardson are sent in Course & not meant as Countermands to any Orders you may have given them as to the Tory Expedition, Congress meaning to adhere to their Engagements in assisting this State; but the Board request you will be pleased to forward the Troops employed against the Insurgents as son as you can possibly spare them.
I have the Honour to be
Your very obed Servt
Richard Peters Secy
Brigadier Genl Smallwood
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