Hopkins, Stephen, Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island

Letter signed ("Step. Hopkins"), 1 page plus integral address leaf (7 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.; 190 x 158 mm), Providence, Rhode Island, 25 September 1776, to Artemas Ward in Boston, docketed on address leaf "Hopkins Septr 26 1776"; browned, silked with six paper mends, remains of red wax seal. Light blue half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine.

Hopkins, as member of the naval committee, asking the Commander of the Massachusetts Militia for shot, lanterns and an anchor.

Stephen Hopkins (1707–1785) as member of the naval committee in the Continental Congress, helped to frame naval legislation and regulations to govern the navy's operation during the Revolution. In September 1776, poor health forced him to resign from the Continental Congress and return to Rhode Island. Here he is still acting on behalf of the committee, sending as his messenger the owner of several privateering ships.

Addressing himself to General Artemas Ward (1727–1800) who organized the seige of Boston during the British occupation, Hopkins writes: "being informed that their[sic] is a quantity of Eighteen pound shott now at Boston belonging to the Continent a number of large anchor etc. and as a part of those Articles are wanted for the equipping of the two ships of War hear[sic] desire you will deliver to Mr John Innis Clarke the barer nine hundred of the shott one anchor also two magazine lanthorns, your Complyance with the above will greatly forward the General Service and Oblige Your Friend in behalf of the Marine Com[mit]tee."