LAURENS, HENRY, President of the Continental Congress. Autograph letter signed ("Henry Laurens") as President of the Continental Congress, to Brigadier General William Maxwell, Philadelphia, 13 September 1778. 1 page, 4to, 230 x 190mm. (9 x 7 3/4 in.), edges slightly worn, a few dampstains. CONGRESS SEEKS NEWS ON THE BRITISH FLEET. Henry Laurens asks Maxwell, in charge of guarding the New Jersey coast, for information about Britain's naval strength: "...I now write at the special request of the...Minister of Plenipotentiary France & from my own feeling of the necessity of knowing the present State of the British Fleet at New York & if possible the Number & strength of the whole naval power of Great Britain on this Continent from New York to Hallifax. I intreat you Sir, attempt a proper enquiry & inform me as speedily as possible, whatever...may attend the Essay, shall be remembered with thanks..."

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LAURENS, HENRY, President of the Continental Congress. Autograph letter signed ("Henry Laurens") as President of the Continental Congress, to Brigadier General William Maxwell, Philadelphia, 13 September 1778. 1 page, 4to, 230 x 190mm. (9 x 7 3/4 in.), edges slightly worn, a few dampstains. CONGRESS SEEKS NEWS ON THE BRITISH FLEET. Henry Laurens asks Maxwell, in charge of guarding the New Jersey coast, for information about Britain's naval strength: "...I now write at the special request of the...Minister of Plenipotentiary France & from my own feeling of the necessity of knowing the present State of the British Fleet at New York & if possible the Number & strength of the whole naval power of Great Britain on this Continent from New York to Hallifax. I intreat you Sir, attempt a proper enquiry & inform me as speedily as possible, whatever...may attend the Essay, shall be remembered with thanks..."