President Hancock to New-Jersey Congress

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Philadelphia, February 12, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: The arrival of troops at New-York, the importance of that place to the welfare of America, and the necessity of throwing up a number of works to prevent our enemies from landing and taking post there, render it necessary that a number of troops should immediately join General Lee. I am, therefore, desired to apply to you, and request you would, with all possible expedition, send detachments of your Minute-Men, equal to a battalion, (under proper officers, and well armed and accoutred,) to New-York, there to be under the command of General Lee.

Your approved zeal in the cause of your country gives me the strongest assurance that you will with alacrity embrace this opportunity of giving aid to your neighbours, and that your people will cheerfully engage in a service by which they will not only render a very essential service to their country, but also have an opportunity of acquiring military skill and knowledge in the construction of field-works, and the method of fortifying and intrenching camps, by which they will be the better able, when occasion calls, to defend their rights and liberties.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey.