Autographs
Extradinary November 1778 Continental Congress Committee Letter to President Henry Laurens by Declaration Signer William Whipple, Gouverneur Morris, and Nathanial Scudder Stating: “... the impracticability of continuing the war, at least of continuing it to advantage, while we remain supremely ignorant of the Supplies our Country is capable of affording.”
WILLIAM WHIPPLE (1731-1785). Signer of the Declaration of Independence as a Representative of New Hampshire, Member of the Continental Congress (1776-1779). NATHANIEL SCUDDER (1733-October 17, 1781). American physician and Revolutionary War Patriot leader, Delegate for New Jersey to the Continental Congress, one of two Delegates from New Jersey to Sign the Articles of Confederation, was killed in a skirmish with the British Army leading his troops on Oct. 17, 1781.

GOUVERNEAR MORRIS (1752-1816). Founding Father of the United States, native of New York City, represented Pennsylvania in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and was a signatory to the Articles of Confederation, Significant contributor to the Constitution of the United States, he wrote the preamble, is called the “Penman of the Constitution” and is a Signer.
November 11, 1778-Dated Revolutionary War, Historic Content Manuscript Document Signed, “Wm Whipple”, “Nath.' Scudder,” and “Gouv Morris” as the Committee, 2 pages, measuring 7.25” x 11.75”, Philadelphia, Very Fine. Being a rare Handwritten “Circular” Letter, sent in this case to, “your Excellency” the Continental Congress President Henry Laurens (Henry Laurens was the then Acting 5th President of the Continental Congress, in office between November 1, 1777 to December 9, 1778). There are archival reinforcements to split folds and minor repairs and restorations affecting several words, written in brown ink on clean period laid paper. This essential official Committee of the Continental Congress was to oversee the Commissary and Quartermaster departments of the Continental Army regarding it’s subsistence and supplies. The Committee members consisted of William Whipple, Gouverneur Morris, and Nathaniel Scudder, each of whom have boldly Signed this Letter at its conclusion.

They, as the official appointed Committee, insisted that the State Executives understand, “... the impracticability of continuing the war, at least of continuing it to advantage, while we remain supremely ignorant of the Supplies our Country is capable of affording...” while urging vigilance against the graft and fraud that had previously plagued the supply chain. Letter reads in full:

"Circular --- Philadelphia 11th November 1778 --- In Committee of Congress: --- Sir ---- The great & increasing Difficulties in the Quarter Masters & Commissary Generals Departments, have induced Congress to adopt the Resolution, of which we have the Honor to enclose you a Copy. Among the measures immediately necessary for placing (these) matters or, a proper foundation, is the acquiring a knowledge of the proper resources of these States. Tlte Articles of consumption which we would most particularly be informed of, are Flour, Wheal, Rye, Barley, Oats, Com & Rice, Beef, Pork, working Oxen & Horses, Cyder & Vinegar. The Ignorance & the Interests of mankind oppose so strongly our wishes in this respect, that after every Effort & every prudent precaution, our information will perhaps be of far Less importance than could be wished. It is however our Duty to aim at it, and we have no Reason to doubt, your Excellency's concurrence in the Steps necessary to attain what we have in view: Especially when it is considered, how readily your own good Sence (sic) will dictate, the impracticability of continuing the war, at least of continuing it to advantage, while we remain supremely ignorant of the Supplies our Country is capable of affording.

We have to intrust that your Excellency, from your knowledge of the productions of the several parts of your State, would appoint some proper Persons in whose Industry & Secrecy you can confide, to make proper Lists through the Districts you shall severally allot to them, of the Quantity & number of such of the Articles above named, as are produced in it, which may probably be over & above the necessary consumption of the Inhabitants, and also as nearly as possible the Quantity &c which they consume over & above their own production, or of what they do not produce. We hope that these lists may be transmitted to us, with all convenient Speed, to the End that proper Arrangements may immediately be made for the ensueing Campaign. Upon transmitting an Account of the Expenses which may accrue in this Business, they shall immediately be paid. You will perceive Sir, that ever precaution should be taken to prevent this Object from transpiring, lest as on many former Occasions, the (devo)ted Adherents of Lucre, should make a gain of the Publick Distresses. --- We are respectfully - Your Excellency's most Obt. & Humble Servants -- (Signed by each) Nath.' Scudder - Gouv Morris - Wm. Whipple”

A highly important plea from the Committee of the Continental Congress who were enlisted with the essential responsibility to oversee the Commissary and Quartermaster departments of the Continental Army and supplying General George Washington’s troops during the Revolutionaty War. The signatories include three extraordinary and highly significant figures in American history; William Whipple, Gouverneur Morris, and Nathaniel Scudder who’s impressive signatures add extra credence and urgency to this Letter’s message of distress!
The written, stated reference used within the text of this Letter, “Adherents of Lucre,” refers to the English Drama in the Age of Shakespeare, thus being a Revolutionary War and Colonial period phrase, the basic known meaning at the time for “ways to bring harm.”