President of Congress to General Washington

v3:825

Philadelphia, November 24th, 1776.

SIR: You will perceive from the enclosed resolve the steps which Congress have thought proper to take in the present critical state of our affairs.

In order to give you all possible assistance in keeping the Army together at this juncture, the Congress have appointed a Committee to repair to Head-Quarters to cooperate with you in the business. They will set out to-morrow morning; at which time the blank commissions, ordered to be sent by the enclosed resolve, shall be forwarded.

You will please to order from the Northern department such of the troops as were raised in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, to join the Army immediately under your command. Should there be a necessity for supplying their places, the Eastern States are to be applied to for that purpose.

The Congress being desirous of exchanging Mr˙ Franklin for General Thompson, you will please to propose the matter to General Howe, agreeably to the enclosed resolve.

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

Your favour of the 21st is received and laid before Congress.

The Committee appointed to devise measures for reinforcing you, have taken sundry steps for that end, of which the Committee that sets out to-morrow will inform you, and make you fully acquainted with particulars.

The bearer hereof will proceed immediately to General Schuyler, with despatches, and will convey any commands from you to the Northern department.

His Excellency General Washington.