Woodruff, Isaac (1722-1803) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00357 Author/Creator: Woodruff, Isaac (1722-1803) Place Written: Elizabeth, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1776 Pagination: 1p.+addr. 31.8 cm. x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy
On the verso, the letter is titled: "On the Publick Service." The Elizabethtown Committee informs George Washington that the British have landed on Staten Island and proceeded to within two miles of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The militia is gathering but the area is threatened. They are in need of artillery and request supplies from Washington. A post script specifies that their cannon bore is exactly 2.5 inches in diameter. Woodruff was the chairman of the committee. Possibly forwarded to Henry Knox because he commanded the artillery.
[draft]
Elizabeth Town in Committee 3d. July 1776
May it please your Excellency
This Morning we have been Alarmd with a Party of the Enemy landing on Staten Island & proceeding to the point within two Miles of this Town where they took off the plank of a Draw Bridge & retreated to a House about a Mile from the Bridge. From the best intelligence we can get there are several Parties on the Island. The few remaining Militia we have are Collecting, but we are in distress for Powder and Ball, especially for four double Fortified three pounders which we have here but without a Single Cartrige.
The Nescessity of the Case Justifies our earnest Application for such a supply as your Excellency may be able to Spare with propriety - The Bearer will be a proper person to take Charge of Whatever may be afforded us on this occasion.
We are with great resspect
your Excellencies very
Humble Sert. -
By Order of Committee
Isaac Woodruff D. Chairman
P..S the diameter of our Cannon in the Bore are exactly [struck: three, inserted: 2 ½] Inches
To his Excellency
General Washington
[address]
On the Publick Service
To
His Excellency General Washington
Sr. Mr Harriman
on of the Committee New York
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