George Washington Papers

To George Washington from John Hancock, 21 March 1776

From John Hancock

Philadelphia 21st March 1776 Thursday Eveng

Sir

I am this Moment honour’d with your favr of 13th by Express which I shall lay before Congress in the Morning;1 I expect immediately to be order’d to Dispatch the first Fessenden to you, when I shall have the honour to write you very particularly.

This is only to Inform you that I have Sent Two hundred & Fifty Thousand Dollars for the use of the Army under your Command, to the Care of Thomas Hanson, John Donaldson & Moses Franks Esqrs. Gentlemen of Character, who I am Confident will meet your Notice.2 I am with the fullest Sentiments of Esteem, Sir Your very hume sevt

John Hancock Presidt

ALS, PHi: Dreer Collection; LB, DNA:PCC, item 12A.

1See JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 4:225.

2Hancock gave these three men their instructions in a letter of this date: “You having engaged to take Charge of Two hundred & fifty Thousand Dollars which I have delivered you in three Boxes, I am to desire you will proceed with as much Expedition as possible and deliver the same Money at Cambridge to James Warren Esqr. Pay Master or to the Order of General Washington and take a Receipt therefore. All Committees & Officers in the Continental Army are requested to afford you all the Aid you Require on your Journey. Should you meet General Washington on the Road you will deliver the Letters to him, & follow his Orders, but you are by no means to be interrupted or counterordered by any other officer whatever” (DNA:PCC, item 12A). See also Hancock to Warren, 21 Mar. 1776, ibid.

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