To George Washington from John Hancock, 19 September 1775
From John Hancock
Congress Chamber [Philadelphia] 19 Septr 1775
Sir,
The Congress have sent to you by Major William Coates, & Captain Joseph Copperthwait five hundred twenty seven thousand four hundred and eighty dollars continental money to be delivered to the paymaster & subject to your Order for the use of The Army under your Command.1 I have the honour to be, Sir Your most Obedt hum. servt
John Hancock President
The Cloathing is on the way.2 Your Letters are now under the Consideration of Congress, & you will soon hear from us. pray forward your plans for Winter &c. as soon as possible.
LS, DLC:GW. The postscript is in Hancock’s writing.
1. Congress authorized the sending of this sum on 13 Sept. ( , 2:245). William Coats (Coates; c.1750–1802) and Joseph Cowperthwaite (1735–1809) were officers in the 1st battalion of Philadelphia Associators. Coats became lieutenant colonel of the battalion in December 1776 and served as county lieutenant of Philadelphia County from 1777 to 1785. Cowperthwaite subsequently conducted a Continental powder mill and in February 1778 became storekeeper of provisions at Reading.
2. On 14 Sept. Congress ordered the clothing that had been recently captured on the Delaware River to be sent to GW for use of the army ( , 2:248).