![[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] TRUMBULL, Joseph (1737-1778). Autograph letter signed (“Jos: Trumbull”), to Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814), New York, 3 July 1776. 1 page, bi-folium, seal hole catching portions of two letters, remnants of tipping along edge of address leaf. Franked “On Public Service.” Docketed by Gerry.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_11610_0071_000(revolutionary_war_trumbull_joseph_autograph_letter_signed_to_elbridge102216).jpg?w=1)
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[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] TRUMBULL, Joseph (1737-1778). Autograph letter signed (“Jos: Trumbull”), to Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814), New York, 3 July 1776. 1 page, bi-folium, seal hole catching portions of two letters, remnants of tipping along edge of address leaf. Franked “On Public Service.” Docketed by Gerry.
"FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, DON'T DELAY A DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE"
“Let us defend the land & by & by settle modes & terms” A dramatic letter written in almost breathless haste during the British assault on New York City, one day after the Continental Congress voted on Independence, and one day before the adoption of the Declaration. Trumbull hurriedly moves back and forth between equally fast moving political and military news. “Genl. Mifflin left me yesterday, & is gone to Kingsbridge to command there. I opened his letter. For God’s sake, don’t delay a Declaration of Independence. Yesterday in the afternoon the enemy came thro’ the Narrows at evening, about 40 sail, came too under Staten Island & this morning find they have landed on that Island.” He reports “the Jersey militia are all come off here & now the enemy are at their doors, their wives & children defenceless. I can’t find that Pennsilvania or Maryland have a man moving to their succor, but are contending about forms of government.” He only hopes that they survive and “have ground for any form. Let us defend the Land, & by & by settle modes & terms.” He speculates whether France can’t be brought “by a Declaration of Independence to make a divertion [sic] in our favour in [the] W. Indies? They are well prepared for it. I must not add [more] for want of time…”
Trumbull served as commissary general of the Continental Army until 1777 when, in the face of Congressional criticism with his performance, he resigned. He died the following year. A dramatic letter to a Signer of the Declaration, showing the importance of the Declaration in the American war effort, as a device to attract foreign Allies.
"FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, DON'T DELAY A DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE"
“Let us defend the land & by & by settle modes & terms” A dramatic letter written in almost breathless haste during the British assault on New York City, one day after the Continental Congress voted on Independence, and one day before the adoption of the Declaration. Trumbull hurriedly moves back and forth between equally fast moving political and military news. “Genl. Mifflin left me yesterday, & is gone to Kingsbridge to command there. I opened his letter. For God’s sake, don’t delay a Declaration of Independence. Yesterday in the afternoon the enemy came thro’ the Narrows at evening, about 40 sail, came too under Staten Island & this morning find they have landed on that Island.” He reports “the Jersey militia are all come off here & now the enemy are at their doors, their wives & children defenceless. I can’t find that Pennsilvania or Maryland have a man moving to their succor, but are contending about forms of government.” He only hopes that they survive and “have ground for any form. Let us defend the Land, & by & by settle modes & terms.” He speculates whether France can’t be brought “by a Declaration of Independence to make a divertion [sic] in our favour in [the] W. Indies? They are well prepared for it. I must not add [more] for want of time…”
Trumbull served as commissary general of the Continental Army until 1777 when, in the face of Congressional criticism with his performance, he resigned. He died the following year. A dramatic letter to a Signer of the Declaration, showing the importance of the Declaration in the American war effort, as a device to attract foreign Allies.