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Philadelphia, June 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: As it is impossible fully to ascertain the strength of our enemies, or the force destined for the attack
The great advantages the American cause will receive from the civil power thus lending its aid to the military, and acting in conjunction with it, are too manifest to be mentioned. The whole strength of a Colony may, by this means, be drawn to a point the instant the situation of affairs shall render it necessary.
The Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, while the British troops lay in Boston, passed a resolve, at the request of Congress, similar to that which they now recommend to you.
The Colony of New-Jersey will, I am persuaded, imitate their example on the present occasion, and convince her sister Colonies that in virtue and love of her country, she is determined to be exceeded by none.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To Honourable Convention of New-Jersey.
(Same to the honourable Convention of New-York, and honourable Assembly of Connecticut.)
.18, Letter from the President of Congress to the Convention of New-Jersey
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of New-York, it is incumbent on us to be prepared to defend ourselves against any number of troops that may be ordered against that place. This, it is apparent, can never be effectually done but by adopting the enclosed resolve, wherein it is recommended by Congress to your Colony to empower the General at New-York to call such part of the Militia to his assistance as may be necessary to repel our enemies.