Samuel Tucker to President of Congress

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SAMUEL TUCKER TO PRESIDENT Of CONGRESS.

[Read January 31, 1776.]

Trenton, January 31,1776.

DEAR SIR: I was last Saturday in Burlington; went to the Barracks to take a view of that part of Colonel Maxwell' s Battalion, which I found in want of many necessaries, which must be provided for them before they can march. They are really, generally, likely men. On examining, I found the four companies had arms about sufficient for one. On my return, I received, per Captain Scott, the four thousand dollars granted by Congress; on which applied to Colonel Maxwell, and informed him that any of his Captains might now be furnished with money to purchase arms for their company. The Colonel replied, it was now too late, that his battalion was under marching orders, unless the arms could be got at Philadelphia, to which place he would immediately go for that purpose, and to whom, for further information, I must beg leave to refer you.

I called at Bordentown, and endeavoured to procure quarters for the officers who are prisoners in this town, but was disappointed, for I could neither hire a house nor get them boarded on any terms in that town. So that, if Congress are determined to remove them from this town, which to me appears undoubtedly right, for too many reasons for me to enumerate.

I shall, if well, set off for New-Brunswick to-morrow morning, to meet our Provincial Congress, and shall pay due attention to your several letters and the resolutions therein enclosed, in particular the officers' baggage directed to be forwarded, &c.

If a quantity of arms are to be got, I have desired Colonel Maxwell to call on me for money to pay for them. I must beg leave to refer you to the Colonel for further particulars; and believe that I am, with great sincerity, your most obedient, humble servant,

SAMUEL TUCKER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.