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Collection Reference Number GLC04791
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1777 
Title Jedediah Huntington to Colonel Williams discussing the defeat at Saratoga
Date 31 October 1777
Author Huntington, Jedediah (1743-1818)  
Recipient Williams, Colonel  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Huntington as a General of Connecticut forces in the Continental Army to a Colonel Williams, whose larger identity could not be ascertained. Says that Williams might have money that was sent to help his father. Sends along information of General Gates's defeat of General Burgoyne at Saratoga. Mocks the "haughty boasting Chief with all his Titles - Pride goeth before a Fall - it has pleased God to confound the wise & mighty by the weak & foolish." Praises militia of General John Stark who defeated a detachment of Burgoyne's troops at the Battle of Bennington. Says he is sure Congress will ratify the Convention treaty that Gates made with Burgoyne stipulating the surrender terms. Says advantages of the victory at Saratoga will be lost if British prisoners are allowed to return to Britain. Says King George lacks the scruples of honor of the military leaders and will send the troops back to fight. Says America is treated differently in this war, "consider how our Prisoners are treated in England - remember the Breach of Faith with the Inhabitants of Boston - recollect the general Terror of their Conduct." Wishes the army could meet General Howe on equal terms and fears the British will occupy Philadelphia through the winter. Howe did stay in Philadelphia for the winter and the Continental Army, Huntington included, wintered at Valley Forge. Letter is repaired with tape where it is folded. Docketed by William Williams.
Subjects Religion  Revolutionary War  Military History  Revolutionary War General  Battle  Battle of Saratoga  Convention Army  Prisoner of War  Continental Army  Militia  Treaty  Surrender  Continental Congress  Congress  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  Morality and Ethics  
People Huntington, Jedediah (1743-1818)  
Place written near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme The American Revolution; Banking & Economics; Government & Politics
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859