The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00779 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1776 |
| Title | John Hancock to the Convention of Maryland regarding possible attack by British fleet and the retreatment of General Carlton's forces from Quebec |
| Date | 14 November 1776 |
| Author | Hancock, John (1737-1793) |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Enclosing a letter from James Searle regarding possible attack by British fleet. On 13 November 1776 Searle spotted about one hundred British ships off the point of Sandy Hook at Long Branch, New Jersey. He immediately wrote to Thomas Wharton Jr., chairman of the Pennsylvania Council for Safety and warned him that the ships seemed to be heading southward. The letter caused great worry in Congress. Hancock sent letters to assemblies in all of the Southern states, and enclosed a copy of Searle's letter as well. However, the British fleet Searle saw was heading for Britain. Letter also notes that General Carlton's forces had just retreated from Quebec. Signed by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Navy Global History and Civics Military History Congress Continental Congress Canada |
| People | Hancock, John (1737-1793) Searle, James (1730-1797) |
| Place written | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Theme | Naval & Maritime; Foreign Affairs; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | James Searle served as a lieutenant colonel in the Pennsylvania militia. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |