Gibbs, Caleb (ca. 1748-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10121 Author/Creator: Gibbs, Caleb (ca. 1748-1818) Place Written: Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 July 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 35.5 x 23.4 cm. Order a Copy
Major Gibbs writes from Germantown, outside of Philadelphia, to General Henry Knox, Commander of West Point Describes in detail the march of his detachment from West Point to quell mutineers in Pennsylvania. On the way, they passed through Princeton, New Jersey, where Congress was stationed at that time. Describes saluting Congress, and comments on Elias Boudinot, President of Congress: "the Officers formed in the Center of their Respective Regts & were introduced to the President who asked a number to take Breakfast with him." Discusses the reaction of local residents to soldiers: "the Inhabitants at first seem.d not to like our coming among them, but have in a great measure become more reconciled, every attention have been shown the officers in General..." Mentions entertainment organized by merchants of Philadelphia for the officers. Notes, "the troops are even supply.d with good beef & bread &... liquor, the officers live exceedingly well..." Remarks that his detachment has been separated from their baggage, but they purchased clothing to make themselves "appear decent & Respectable." Remarks, "The Harbour is crowded with ships of different nations & the City is filld with strange faces..."
Gibbs was the noted leader of George Washington's personal guard during the Revolutionary War, and later transferred to the Second Massachusetts Regiment.
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