To George Washington from John Hancock, 3 May 1777
From John Hancock
Philada May 3d 1777.
Sir,
The enclosed Resolves, relative to a Variety of Subjects, are all that I have in Charge from Congress to forward at this Time.1
The additional Resolves respecting the Muster Masters were highly requisite to compleat that Department, and will, I trust, be punctually carried into Execution.2
You will perceive that Mr Ludwick is appointed to superintend the Baking Business in the Army, which I make no Doubt he will do to the entire Satisfaction of the Troops, and in such a Manner as to save considerable Sums to the Public.3
The Conduct of Genl Arnold on the late Expedition of the Enemy against the Town of Danbury being highly approved of by Congress, they have promoted him to the Rank of Major General.4
Your Favour of the 30th ulto was duly received. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Sir your mo⟨st⟩ obed. & very hble Servt
John Hancock Presidt
LS, DLC:GW; LB, DNA:PCC, item 12A. The mutilated text in the LS is supplied within angle brackets from the letter-book copy.
1. The enclosed resolutions of 1–3 May include, in addition to those specifically mentioned in the text of the letter (see nn.2–4), one empowering the Maryland governor to detain the march of two companies of Continental troops to deal with alleged Loyalist conspiracies in that state, one authorizing John Belton to superintend “the making or altering of one Hundred Muskets on the Construction exhibited by him and called ‘the New improved Gun’ which will discharge eight Rounds with once Loading,” two resolutions appointing various subalterns, and one delaying a vote on the appointment of two more brigadier generals (DLC:GW; see also , 7:319, 324).
2. These resolutions of 2 May concerning the mustermaster department are included in the enclosed handwritten copy of Congress’s resolutions of 1–3 May (DLC:GW; see also ibid., 322). Hancock also may have enclosed one or more of the three copies of John Dunlap’s broadside containing Congress’s resolutions of 4, 10 April and 2 May about the mustermaster department that are in DLC:GW.
3. Congress appointed Christopher Ludwick to this office on 3 May (DLC:GW; see also ibid., 323).
4. Congress promoted Arnold on 2 May (DLC:GW; see also ibid.).