Livingston, Robert R.

Autograph letter signed ("R.R. Livingston"), 3 pages (13 x 7 7/8 in.; 330 x 198 mm), n.p., n.d. [but ca. late September-early October 1776], to Edward Rutledge, about the army's state of disarray and lack of morale, with suggestions for reorganizing it, the lack of cooperation between New England forces and those of the Middle Colonies, and the enmity between Benedict Arnold and Moses Hazen; silked. Light blue cloth folding case, blue morocco spine lettered gilt; spine lightly sunned.   

Robert R. Livingston, formerly a New York delegate in the Continental Congress and a member of the committee drafting the Declaration, complains  to South Carolina delegate Edward Rutledge about the general disarray and lack of morale in the army corps: "When our officers were first appointed many improper persons received commissions and tho' some of the field officers were bad still there was in infinite distance between them and their subalterns."  He also states that New England troops received preferential treatment over those from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania which has caused  resentment among the latter: "The jeers and dissatisfaction that prevails to the northward is inconceivable. The officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York troops are very justly dissatisfied at the discrimination made between them and the New England forces, for tho' their pay is now raised yet they see no reason why that rise should not refer to their 1st enlistment."

Livingston however does thank Rutledge for the support Congress has demonstrated for the army of the middle colonies: ""I am infinitely obliged to you for the attention you have shown to our State ... tho' we are by no means so strong as we would wish New England has got the war out of her own country and appears to be little solicitous about ours, her troops come in very slowly, New Jersey has not above two-thirds of her Compliments so that the additions you have voted us will be of little avail unless you will permit the Genl. to call over the two regiments in the pay of Pennsylvania."

Despite these shortcomings, Livingston remains optimistic of future peace and liberty: "... I am an enthusiast in this cause nor can I ever believe heaven designs to banish freedom from the globe which will in a great measure be done if our ruin is affected ...  God grant ... at some early day we may congratulate each other upon the freedom of our Country and the fair prospects of future peace and as a recompense for our present toil."