President of Congress to Committee of Trenton, New-Jersey

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PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COMMITTEE OF TRENTON, NEW-JERSEY.

Philadelphia, January 25, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 23d being received, was immediately communicated to the Congress.

The necessity of the service requires that Colonel Maxwell' s Regiment should march as soon as possible. When the orders were first given for their march, inquiry was made what articles were wanting, and a considerable sum of money was lodged in the hands of Mr˙ Lowrey, for providing the same; but, as arms and blankets were not mentioned, the Congress have ordered a draft in your favour for the sum of four thousand dollars, to purchase arms (which you say may be had for money) for such as want them.

I would just observe, that in order to supply the battalion ordered to march from Pennsylvania, the Committee of Inspection, of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, went round from house to house, and procured blankets from the inhabitants.

I trust neither you, nor the inhabitants of your Colony, will be behind your neighbours in zeal for the cause of your country. The owners of the blankets will be allowed the value of them, according to your estimation.

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I write, by this opportunity, to Colonel Maxwell, to stimulate him, and I hope you will give him all the aid in your power. I am, &c˙,

John Hancock, President.

To the Committee of Trenton, New-Jersey.