Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President of Congress

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Trenton, January 19, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Your favour of the 12th current, covering sundry resolutions of the Congress, relating to the officers and soldiers, prisoners in this town, I duly received, and our Committee met, and made the officers acquainted with the determination of Congress. The officers have made choice of Bordentown, for the place of their residence, and request that the band of musick, and their servants, may go with them, which was agreeeble to our Committee, and hope it will meet the approbation of Congress. They requested some short time to consider the matter respecting their drawing of bills, for the payment of the expense already incurred.

I beg leave to return two commissions, which were filled up wrong through misinformation, and request you will send me two blank ones, signed as formerly; two more were in the same predicament, which I have made answer, and which occasioned my former application for four. If agreeable, the commissions for the third battalion may be sent at same time. I must again repeat, that near one half the new-raised two battalions are without arms. We have got no fund in this Colony to avail ourselves of money to purchase them with. The six thousand dollars advanced by Congress is expended, and unless four thousand more is advanced, as far as I am able to determine, you will have near one battalion supported at a very great expense, without arms, (which can be had for money,) and, consequently, unfit for service, Mr˙ Lowrey was with me this morning, and is of the same opinion.

I am ordered by our Committee of Safety to write to you. I have enclosed a copy of their order , that you may have their full meaning; and have the honour to be, with all due respect to the Congress, your most obedient, humble servant,

SAMUEL TUCKER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.