Whipple, William, SIgner of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire

Autograph letter signed ("Wm: Whipple"), 2 pages (12 1/8 x 7 1/2 in.; 307 x 191 mm) on a bifolium (watermarked C & I Honig), Albany, 21 October 1777, to Meshech Weare, President of the New Hampshire Council; long clean cut through one word on first leaf neatly repaired, integral blank a bit spotted and inlaid to a larger leaf.

William Whipple announces the American victory at Saratoga: "on ye 17th the British Army Marched out of their Encampment & layed down their arms. ... I am directed by the Genl. to attend Mr. Burgoyne to Boston."

Whipple had taken a leave from the Continental Congress in 1777 in order to accept a commission of brigadier general of the New Hampshire Militia; he commanded a brigade in the Stillwater-Saratoga campaign and here informs Weare of the auspicious outcome of the battles. "I did myself the Pleasure to advise you a few days ago that a Capitulation was Negotiating between Genl. Gates & Genl. Burgoyne this Business was Happily concluded the 16 inst and on ye 17th the British Army Marched out of their Encampment & layed down their arms. I beg leave most Heartily to Congratulate you and my Country on this Happy Event—Genl. Gates has given the volunteers of New Hampshire an Honorable dismission, the two Regiments who engaged 'till ye last of Nov: still remain here. I am directed by the Genl. to attend Mr. Burgoyne to Boston."

British General John Vaughan was at this time advancing up the Hudson, burning many towns and villages along the way, including Poughkeepsie and Kingston. Whipple is optimistic that his forces will fall to the American army as well.  "Nothing could have been more seasonable than our Success over Burgoyne as an Army of 3 or 4000 men from New York are endeavouring to make their way up this River their design was to reinforce Burgn. but Fortunately for us they are too late & if the weather does not prevent Genl. Gates geting his Heavy Artillery down I am in great hopes Mr. Vaughn who commands the Plunderers from York will soon be in the same situation with Mr. Burgoyne. Measures are taking if Possible to prevent his Retreat which no doubt he will endeavor to Effect so soon as he hears of Burgoynes fate." Vaughan and his men were able to withdraw.

Whipple apologizes to Weare for being slow in sending returns of the state's military stores, reasonably suggesting that his delay is due to "The great hurry the Army has been in ever since Mr. B.s capitulation." Whipple expects to be back in New Hampshire as soon as he has completed his current duty: "I expect to set out tomorrow but as I shall escort Mr. B. to Boston it may be 10 or more days before I get home."