Williams, Jonathan (1750-1815) to Robert M. Patterson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02978.12 Author/Creator: Williams, Jonathan (1750-1815) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 September 1814 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 21 x 26 cm. Order a Copy
Reports that the General Committee of Defence had an interview with the Pennsylvania governor about the formation of a corps of engineers and pioneers. Governor Simon Snyder agreed to commission them as volunteers that could be called into service under General Bloomfield. Lists names of men to be appointed and at what rank. Patterson is marked first, as a captain. Williams asks if Patterson will serve and select men to fill other ranks. Hopes Patterson, who was a professor, will not refuse on account of his lectures. Also notes that there will be no difficulty getting enough men.
Robert M. Patterson was a professor of natural and experimental philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, and was the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers. Jonathan Williams was the chairman of the Committee of Defence.
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