To George Washington from John Hancock, 18 January 1776
From John Hancock
Philada Jany 18. 1776.
Sir,
The bearer Captn F. Gurney has the Charge of conducting 500.000 dollars for the use of the army under your command1 I wish it safe to hand, I shall this evening dispatch an express to you with sundry matters of importance.2 I am Sr your obedient humble Servt
John Hancock Presidt
LS, DLC:GW.
1. Francis Gurney (1738–1815), a veteran of the French and Indian War who had become a successful merchant in Philadelphia, was commissioned a captain in the 3d battalion of Philadelphia associators in May 1775. In August 1776 Gurney became lieutenant colonel of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. He was wounded at Cooch’s Bridge, Del., in September 1777 and resigned his commission the following month to take a seat on the Philadelphia council of safety.