Trumbull, Joseph, as Commissary General

Autograph letter signed ("Jos: Trumbull"), 1 page plus integral address leaf (8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.; 210 x 165 mm), Camp near Middlebrook [NJ], 2 July 1777, to Mathew Irwin in Philadelphia; formerly folded, 3 stains from seal residue and small paper flaw on address leaf, a few tiny spots in fore-margin.

formerly folded, 3 stains from seal residue and small paper flaw on address leaf, a few tiny spots in fore-margin.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Commissary General orders provisions.

Joseph Trumbull (1737-1778), appointed Commissary General, struggled to meet the needs of the Continental Army and was criticized by some congressmen. Here he writes to the Philadelphia merchant Mathew Irwin (1740–1800) who served as an agent to Trumbull at this time although he declined to accept an official appointment from the Continental Congress as Trumbull’s deputy in June 1777. Irwin later became a partner in the privateering firm of Irwin, Barclay, Coxe, & Mitchell and quartermaster general for Pennsylvania. Trumbull writes from the Middlebrook encampment which the army occupied in 1777 and 1778.

Some sense of his struggle may be had from the present letter in its telegraphic style without the usual grace of contemporary correspondence: "Pray send on provisions fast — flour & soap & candles, baskets — we shall be very dirty if you don't find a large quantity of soap — Send Bate back by Friday, & come with him if you can — Rierson was here yesterday, & will be here again Friday or Saturday expecting to see you — Biglor Stewart to come on the Issuing Commissary's will all quit me next Saturday unless made easy & I shall be left quite alone here. Who is appointed in your place?"