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Philadelphia, 4 April, 1777.
SIR,
The inclosed resolves of Congress, which I have the honor of transmitting, will naturally claim your attention, from their great importance. The regulation. relative to the payment of the troops and the department of the Paymaster-General will, I hope, be the means of introducing order and regularity into that part of the army, where, it must be confessed, they were extremely wanted.
General Gates having laid before Congress the proceedings and sentence of a Court-Martial on a certain James Molesworth, who was accused and found guilty of being a spy, they immediately approved the same. He has since suffered the punishment due to his crime. From his repeated confession, it appears that Mr. Galloway was extremely active in engaging him to undertake this infamous business, and was the person employed to make the bargain with him. He says, indeed, Lord Howe was present; but, from the description he gave of his person, it is supposed he must be mistaken.
The Congress have directed General Gates to take General Fermoy with him to Ticonderoga, and such other French officers as he may think proper. General St. Clair, being ordered to Ticonderoga, but previously to repair to this city to await the further order of Congress, you will please to direct him to repair here accordingly, as soon as possible. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
- 1777
- Source:
- Correspondence of the American Revolution; Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Volume I., Jared Sparks, 1853
