Letter from the President of Congress to New-Jersey Committee of Safety

v5:231

Philadelphia, March 15, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: From the intelligence lately received both from Boston, and England, there is but too much reason to believe our implacable enemies are determined to bend their force against New-York, and endeavour, to possess themselves of that important post.

The Congress have therefore thought proper to order Colonel Dayton' s Battalion thither, and rely that you will exert your most strenuous endeavours in arming and forwarding them. But lest the enemy should come before our troops arc prepared to receive them, or in case they should come with a superior force, the Congress have empowered the Continental commander to call in the aid of the Militia of that and the neighbouring Colonies, agreeable to the enclosed resolve; and I am directed to request you to hold your Militia in readiness to march in such numbers, and at such times, as he may desire.

The alertness and zeal you have hitherto shown, render it unnecessary to use any arguments to enforce this request. I trust, by the blessing of God, our united and spirited exertions will baffle the designs of our enemies, and, notwithstanding all their attempts, secure and preserve the liberties of our country.

I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Honourable the Convention or Committee of Safety of New-Jersey.