Letter from James Coggeshall to a Committee of the New-York Congress

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New Jail, July 1, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I am informed you are appointed to act during the recess of the Congress respecting the prisoners confined in Jail. I take the liberty to beg your assistance in relieving me as far as possible from my situation, truly necessary on account of my ill state of health, which I dare say you can be made fully sensible of if you will do me the favour to visit me. I am conscious of no particular charge that is or can be brought against me; and I am willing to comply with any restrictions you shall deem necessary. I am so much unwell that I look upon the continuance of my confinement the absolute destruction of my life, which I think your humanity would by no means suffer if in your power to prevent. I must just mention one circumstance, that, so sure was I of being immediately released I came from the country without a second shirt, or strip of any one thing which I would wish to have in my power to obtain, as you must be sensible how necessary cleanliness is to the health, especially of an invalid. As soon as I can be indulged with your favour, the greatest obligation will be conferred on, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant.

JAMES COGGESHALL.

To Messrs˙ Brasher, Broome, and Bancker, Committee of the Honourable Provincial Congress, New-York.