From the New England Delegates to the Continental Congress, 2 August 1777
From the New England Delegates to the Continental Congress
Philadelphia Augt 2d 1777
Sir
as Congress have authorized your Excellency to send a proper Officer to take the Command in the northern Department,1 We take the Liberty to signifie to your Excellency that in our Opinion, no Man will be more likely to restore Harmony, Order & Discipline, & retrieve our Affairs in that Quarter, than Majr Genll Gates, He has on Experience acquired the Confidence, & stands high in the Esteem of the eastern States & Troops,2 with Confidence in your Wisdom We chearfully submit it, to your Excellency’s Consideration.
have taken this method to communicate our Sentiments, judging it would give you Less Trouble, than a Personal Application. We are with great Esteem your Excellencys, most obedient & most humble Servants
| Delegates for |  |
John Adams |
| Massachusetts | Nathel Folsom | |
| N. Hampshire | Samel Adams | |
| R. Island | Hy: Marchant | |
| Connecticut | Elbridge Gerry | |
| Elipht Dyer | ||
| Wm Williams |
LS, DLC:GW; Df, CtHi: Williams Papers. Both the draft and the letter sent are in the writing of William Williams.
1. Congress resolved to recall Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler from the northern department on 1 Aug. (see Hancock to GW, 2 Aug., n.1; see also , 8:596).
2. The draft does not contain the remainder of this paragraph.