Delegates to Congress . Letters of delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Volume 8, September 19 1777-January 31 1778
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John Hancock to To: Philemon Dickinson or Alexander McDougall


Sir,
Trenton Sepr. 19th. 1777

   I have just time to inclose you Copies of two Letters received this morning at 12 oClock one from genl. Washington, the other from Colonel Hamilton his Aid de Camp, to which I beg leave to refer you. In consequence of Colonel Hamilton's's letter I have removed my papers, & am now at this place where I shall tarry 'till I hear further.(1)

   Should the enemy have left the Jersies, I am to request you'l please to come on with your whole force in order to reinforce general Washington as quick as possible, pursuing the line of Conduct the general has pointed out to you in his letter.


I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt. hble Servt.

John Hancock Presidt


Note: RC (DLC). In a clerical hand and signed by Hancock. Addressed: "To The Honble Major General Dickinson or Brigadier General McDougal, New Jersey."

-4-

Endorsed: "The Express to pass without hindrance. John Hancock. Trenton 19 Sept. 1777."


1 Alexander Hamilton's September 18 letter to President Hancock, which warned that "If Congress have not yet left Philadelphia, they ought to do it immediately without fail, for the enemy have the means of throwing a party this night in the city," is in Alexander Hamilton, The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Harold C. Syrett et al. (New York: Columbia University Press, 1961-), 1:326. Washington's September 17 letter to Hancock, which dealt with British advances in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is in PCC, item 152, 5:6748, and Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 9:23-31.