Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795) to John Langdon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03892 Author/Creator: Bartlett, Josiah (1729-1795) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8-9 January 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32.1 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Bartlett, a Continental Congressman, informs Langdon that "The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to purchase & bring in for the use of the navy & army sundry articles which were under consideration before you left the Congress." Discusses the purchase and transport of goods bought from the European Market. States that he received information from Langdon's friend Wharton (possibly Samuel Wharton) regarding drawing money from Mr. Tracy in Newbury Port to assist with shipping cargo. Refers to the Philadelphia arrival of Major Patton's (possibly John Patton's) brig, which carried military supplies. States "Please to inform me of the present situation of our colony affairs and dont forget to put our convention in mind to send somebody here to relieve me as soon as convenient." Encloses a contract (not included) for Langdon to sign regarding an agreement between Langdon and Congress's Secret Committee.
Langdon resigned his Congressional seat in 1776 to become a Marine agent for Continental prizes and superintendent of the construction of several ships of war. Wharton, a merchant, served as a member of the Continental Congress 1782-1783.
Philadelphia January 8th 1776
Sir
The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to purchase [inserted: & Bring in] for the use of the navy & army sundry articles which were under consideration before you left the Congress. At my request, the Committee have Directed me to inform you, that they are willing [struck: that] [text loss] vessel should be sent from our Colony for that [text loss], if a proper Loading for the European Market [text loss] as fish, potash Bees wax &c can be purchased [text loss]able.
If you think it will answer & agree to send, you may Charter a vessel & procure a Loading, and forthwith inform this Committee that they [inserted: may] Direct what goods & the quantity you are to send for; and remit you the money to [struck: p[illegible]] [inserted: pay for] the Cargo: This will be of the same nature of you former Contract.
Your Friend Wharton tells me he has some money in the hands of Mr. Tracy of Newbury Fort, for which he is willing to Draw & receive the money here, which will save some Expense of Conveyance; I think Seven or Eight hundred pound L:m:
You will see the necessity of this Committee; being informed of your Determination on this affair as speedily as possible. last Saturday Major Patton's Brig arrived with about fifty tons of Salt [peter] and a few Days before another vessel brought 3 tons & an half of powder.
Our fleet fell Down the river the latter and of the week.
Please to inform me of the present situation of our Colony affairs and Don't forget to put our Convention in Mind to send somebody here to relieve me as soon as convenient.
I am your friend & Servant
Josiah Bartlett
John Langdon Esqr Turn over
[2] January 9th
I have now a proper agreement Drawn which I now enclose, if u like it, you will sign it and forward it back as soon as possible, you will give order concerning the money to be remitted to you
[ut Sopra] J:B:
N:B: 23 [text loss] Powder e[illegible] [text loss] New York
[address leaf]
To
John Langdon Esqr
Portsmouth
Frank}
J: Bartlett}
N: Hamphe} New Hampshire
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