From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 April 1776
To John Hancock
New York April 23d 1776.
Sir,
That I might be in readiness to take the Field in the Spring, and prepared for any Service Congress should think proper to send me upon this Campaign, I desired Colo. Reed when he left Cambridge in the Fall to get me a Sett of Camp Equipage—Tents—and a Baggage Waggon made at Philadelphia under his own Inspection and sent to me. this he informs me is now done & ready to come on—I have therefore to beg the favour of Congress through you to Order payment of them from the Treasury, as it will save the expence & hazard of a remittance from hence where we stand much in need of every farthing we have.1 I have the honour to be with great respect and esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, DNA:PCC, item 152; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; copy, DLC: Hancock Papers. Congress read this letter on 4 May (see docket on ALS).
1. For Joseph Reed’s efforts in procuring GW’s camp equipage, see GW to Reed, 26 Feb.—9 Mar., and Reed to GW, 3, 7, 15 Mar. 1776. On 9 May Congress approved the payment of £162.16.5 (equal to $434.20) to Reed for the camp equipage (, 4:339).