Letter Written as Chairman of New York Provincial Congress Concerning the Wintering of the USS Montgomery and the USS Congress During the Battle of New York, November 28, 1776.
Fishkill? 1776. Single sheet measuring 8 x 9 ½ inches. Mounted at margin, fine condition. Fine. Item #List2039
A letter written by Henry Wisner as Chairman of the New York Provincial Congress's Committee of Safety in 1776 concerning the wintering of two of the first vessels to be be built by the newly formed government, the USS Congress and the USS Montgomery. Following the British occupation of New York City in September, the Continental Army retreated to the north. Wisner’s letter concerns the wintering of two vessels to protect them from British confiscation at Poughkeepsie. He also addresses the lead shortage, stating “That the quantity of lead in possession of the Convention of this State, is so small, that there is none at present to be spared for any other use, than Musket Ball.” Wisner, a prominent patriot and landowner in Orange County, New York, was a member of the New York Provincial Congress from its inception in 1775. In 1776, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Committee of Safety, which was a crucial role in organizing and leading New York's military efforts during the Revolutionary War. An uncommon and very early document relating to the American Navy.
Full text follows:
to whom was referred the securing of the Frigates at Poughkeepsie.
Your Committee report the following Resolves, to be served on Capts. Tudor & Lawrence Respectively -
1. That they fit their respective ships, Congress & Montgomery, with all the dispatch possible, with so much rigging as is necessary to remove them from Poughkeepsie.
2d. That they proceed up the River with the first fair wind, after the Ships are ready, as far as Rondout Kill or Creek near [..?..] landing, where they are to be Wintered, if after carefully sounding the depth of the water on the bow at the mouth of the Creek, they find that they can be safely carried in.
3d. If upon strict examination, there is not found water enough safely to carry the Ships into the said Creek, then they are to proceed with all the dispatch possible (after taking on board the best pilots they can procure) to Claverack Dock, & there secure the Ships in the best manner in their power.
4th. That the quantity of lead in possession of the Convention of this State, is so small, that there is none at present to be spared for any other use, than Musket Ball.
Henry Wisner, Chairman
Nov'r 28th 1776.
Price: $3,250.00