Beschreibung:

WHIPPLE, William (1730-1785), Signer (New Hampshire) . Autograph letter signed ("Wm. Whipple," with flourish) to Joshua Brackett of Portsmouth, 21 April 1776. 1¾ pp., folio, integral address leaf in Whipple's hand, separated along main fold, repairs to edges and seal hole, brittle. [With:] Autograph free frank "Free W. Whipple," on address panel. WHIPPLE SPECULATES ON SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENCE IN THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS A fine Whipple letter dated 1776: "By the Inclosed papers You'll see the Disposition of the Southern Colonies with Regard to Independence. I need not tell you the Disposition of the Northern Colonies. When you are sure there is a weight somewhere & find the Ends are free, it will not require a Newtonian head to determine the weight must be in the Middle. However there is no doubt with me but these difficulties will soon be removed. The first of next month there will be considerable addition to the Assembly of this Colony which will greatly affect the Political wheels of this & the Neighboring Colonies. These hints are only intended for private speculation. The two most Southern Colonies have not been represented in Congress since I've been here, but their deligates [ sic ] are now on their way & daily Expected." "The late acc t s from Canada are not so favourable as I could wish, but I hope the plans adopted by Congress...will remedy the evils much feared by our friends...Are there any Tories with you now?...Are you fearful of an attack or are those that were frighted out of town returned? I want to know everything that passes among you. I saw a letter from Virginia that mentions the arrivals of a Packet from England to Lord Dunmore with a formal Declaration of War which has been Publicly read in Portsmouth. How does this agree with the Olive branch to be bro t by the Commissioners?..." "...Capt. Manly's good fortune will be a means of introducing him to the command of a better ship...Its absolutely necessary Courts of Admiralty who be in action through the Colonies. I don't know what to advise you to, with respect to your acceptance of that office...If you accept the Judgeship I shall send you all the Resolves of Congress respecting that department...[and] the journals of Congress...."