Beschreibung:

HANCOCK, John (1737-1793), President of Congress . WEBSTER, Pelatiah (1726-1795). Autograph letter signed ("Pela Webster") to JOSEPH TRUMBULL (1737-1778), Commissary General, Continental Army, [Cambridge]; Philadelphia, 7 July 1775. 3 pages, folio, integral autograph address panel, torn seal affecting few letters text, small tears, minor stain at fold . Address panel WITH HANCOCK'S AUTOGRAPH ENDORSEMENT: "Forwarded by Sir Your most Humble Servt. John Hancock Phila. 16 July 1775." THE AFTERMATH OF THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL AS REPORTED TO TRUMBULL, FORWARDED BY HANCOCK A fine letter written just three weeks after the Battle of Bunker Hill. Webster sends Trumbull, "at the Camp, Cambridge," news of the recent battle at Bunker Hill, poses some searching questions in its wake, and describes further plans to oppose the British around Boston: "The loss of the Regulars in the Battle of Charleston [Bunker Hill] is very Severe [British casualties amounted to some 40 of those engaged]. What a pity they [the British] carried our Lines! Pray who commanded the Americans in that Battle[?], tis suprising to Every body here that the Comand of that Important action shod. never be once mentiond. in any of our Acct....tho the comand of the [British] Regulars (Genl. How[e]) is always Mention'd...we have heard Sometimes Genl. [Israel] Putnam, then Genl. Pomory then Genl. Warren had the Com'd...Why were not our people at Bunkers Hill Reinforced...from Cambridge to make the Battle Genl. & put the fierceness of our people over to the Tryal against ye Regulars[?]. We think the Oppo[ortunity] a fine one, when they came over the ferry out of all their Works...Am glad the Appointmt. of Genl Officers is like to be Satisfactory to your people. ...We have a salt peter works...[and] many people from Europe who perfectly understand the process...[We are] making Eno. & whole hills of sulphur...We are now preparing Sundry defences for our River...with floating batteries...Tis much in contemplation to fit our small ships & sloops...The great ships cant be Every where at once nor go in Shoal water...& we by arming agt. them, shall find employment for our Seamen...& may by & by make reprizals..." He concludes with news from London: "...we hear the Parliamt. was to break up the next Day (25th) & the news of the battle of Lexington was not then arrived at London - Govr. [Philip] Skene set off...under a guard of 18 men for Hartford. He went with great reluctance..." Pelatiah Webster (1726-1795) was an economist and pamphleteer who later wrote important essays in support of the Federal Constitution.