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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
My Dear Sir Philadelphia, 2nd June, 1776 I am much obliged by your favor of the 21st ult. I must confess that I something wonder that people should move their families and effects into town just at this time, when Britain is collecting her whole strength, aided by every possible Foreign power, she can engage and determined to push the war with the utmost fury. I by no means think she will be able to execute her plans, but still I think it would be prudent for people who move there effects into the country to secure them from danger, to let them remain while the danger continues. My greatest objection to these movings is, that if there should be an alarm, people will be engaged about their goods when they should have arms in their hands to oppose the enemy. As every thing depends on this summer's campaign, every nerve should be exerted and if we are successful, which by divine assistance I am in no doubt of, our enemies will not be able to support the war another year. The terms on which Britain has taken troops of the German States will undoubtedly render her contemptible in the eyes of all Europe. (1)
Tr (MH).
1 In addition to this fragment of Whipple's letter, the following extract and summary of additional subjects Whipple discussed was printed in a 1967 auction catalog describing the letter. "'You want to know when another name is to be adopted instead of the United Colonies; the free Independent States of America is the common toast in this City k I hope ere long will be established by Congress....' Mentions his brother's problems, naval action on the Delaware river, and vessals arriving from the West Indies with ammunition and supplies." Parke-Bernet Galleries Catalog, no. 2569 (May 16, 1967), item 66.
Page 120
JUNE 2, 1776
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