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.

Laurens, Henry (1724-1792) to William Whipple

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03187 Author/Creator: Laurens, Henry (1724-1792) Place Written: York, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 December 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 34.3 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Laurens as President of Continental Congress to Brigadier General Whipple. Whipple was a Declaration of Independence signer. Says Congress is undertaking a full inquiry into the American defeat at Rhode Island under Major General Joseph Spencer. Says that Congress has appointed five commissioners, and that Whipple has been selected as one because of his "continued Zeal in the public service." For more information says to look at the enclosed certified copy of the Act of Congress from 12 December 1777 (the act is not included here). Written from York, Pennsylvania while the British occupied Philadelphia. Free frank carries Laurens's signature. Docketed by Whipple.

Spencer's amphibious attack on Rhode Island from Tiverton in September 1777 was a failure. The operation was canceled after troops were loaded into boats when Spencer learned the plan was compromised. Spencer was indignant about the Congressional inquiry and requested a military court of inquiry and was exonerated. Spencer resigned his commission on 13 January 1778.

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