From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 2 November 1775
To Nicholas Cooke
Camp at Cambridge 2d Novr 1775
Sir,
I have your favour of the 28th Ulto before me—immediately upon reciept of it, I communicated the Contents to the D: Commissary,1 (Mr Trumbull being sick in Connecticut—) as a business appertaining to his department; but, as Deputy, he wishes for the direction of his principal, to whom I could wish you to write, as he is at Lebanon & not expected back under three Weeks—his intention I know, was to make both Beef & Porke bring itself to this place;2 but as that cannot be in the case you mention, there is no doubt of his readiness to take the Beef if deliverd here in Barrls at the price other Beef in Barrels stands him in here. perhaps (for an incouragement) more; to get it out of the reach of the Enemy.
I thank you for your order in favour of Mr Bowen, who, I am informed, after some to do, got the Cannon wanted, somewhat more convenient.3 Herewith you will receive a Copy of the proceedings of the conference held at this place with the Committee of Congress.4 nothing new since my last.5 with much esteem & respect I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, NjP:De Coppet Collection; LB, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Elisha Avery of Connecticut served as a deputy commissary general until July 1776 when he declined appointment as deputy commissary general of issues for the northern department because of poor health.
3. See Ephraim Bowen, Jr., to Joseph Reed, 29 Oct. 1775, DLC:GW.
4. The copy of the minutes of the committee of conference that GW enclosed is probably the one at the Massachusetts Historical Society that is endorsed in Henry Ward’s writing. It covers only 18–22 October, the dates that Cooke and the other representatives of the New England governments were present.
5. See GW to Cooke, 29 Oct. 1775.