Whipple, William (1730-1785) to John Langdon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03185 Author/Creator: Whipple, William (1730-1785) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 May 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 20.6 x 16.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written by New Hampshire Continental Congressman Whipple to New Hampshire Continental Congressman Langdon. Whipple signed the Declaration of Independence, but Langdon resigned his position in Congress in June 1776 to become agent for Continental prizes and superintendent of the construction of several ships of war. Says Colonel Josiah Bartlett, another New Hampshire Congressman, arrived yesterday. Encloses a resolution Whipple claims Langdon will like (not included here). Speaks of "a Confederation permanent and lasting [that] ought in my opinion to be the next thing, & I hope not far off." Hopes it will lead to foreign alliances that will bring ships to fill American ports from all parts of the world. Red wax seal is extent. Some text loss where seal was torn off. Free frank carries Whipple's signature.
Langdon was a signer of the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. Senator from 1789-1800 (and the first president pro-tempore in 1789), and Governor of New Hampshire 1805-1808 and 1810-1811.
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