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Washington, George (1732-1799) to Col. Alexander McDougall re: army supplies

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00154.03 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Cambridge Type: Letter signed Date: 13 January 1776 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Washington writes that he is told that a vessel has just arrived with gun powder, which he asks McDougall to obtain. (Name is McDougall, per Fitzpatrick.)

Notes: Published in Twohig, Dorothy, et. al. The Papers of George Washington. Revolutionary Series, v. 3: 76.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Cambridge 13th January 1776
Sir
I recieved your favor of the 2d. inst. last evening, & note what you mention of the Cannon. I am in daily expectation of Colonel Knox's arrival and untill he comes I cannot with certainty inform you, whether I shall want the Iron Cannon or not.
Upon examination of the stores that were on board the Brigte. I find, we stand in great need of Shells & shall esteem it a particular favour if you will immediately on receipt hereof forward the 1100 specifyed at the foot of your Letter -
I am told that there is a vessel arrived with you, that brought twenty ton of powder. I need not inform you, the great necessity I am in for that article, if it is true that this quantity is arrived, it would be of infinite service, to the great cause we are engaged in, that the whole or such part thereof, as can be spared, was sent [2] with the utmost dispatch to this Camp - if it belongs to private persons, I request, you will purchase it, if to the publick, your exerting your influence with the Commitee of Safety, to effect this good purpose, will very much oblige.

Sir
Your most H: Sert.
Go: Washington
Colonel Alex: McDougall

Washington, George, 1732-1799
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

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