Cadwalader, Lambert

Autograph letter signed ("Lam[ber]t Cadwalader"), 1 page (13 1/4 x 8 3/8 in.; 336 x 212 mm), Philadelphia, 20 December 1776 [according to docketing on verso], to Jasper Yeates in Lancaster PA; formerly folded, edge tears in right margin, two mended with tape affecting two words, fold tears mended on verso partially obscuring signature, a few stains.

formerly folded, edge tears in right margin, two mended with tape affecting two words, fold tears mended on verso partially obscuring signature, a few stains.
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Report of Washington crossing the Delaware River.

Cadwalader (1742-1823) was Lieutenant Colonel in the Third Pennsylvania regiment. In New York, to aid in that city's defense, he was taken prisoner at the surrender of Fort Washington 16 November but quickly paroled. He is writing to Judge Jasper Yeates in Lancaster, arranging for storage and preservation of his belongings as the British Army threatens Philadelphia, including books, deeds, bonds, mortgages, and asks that  "two casks of wine painted green be deposited in some safe place under lock & key — in your Cellar if possible where you keep your own Liquors, if a safe place, as I value them more than silver or gold in this time of Misfortune & Distress."

"An Express arrived last night from Trenton who brings an Acc[ou]nt of Genl Washington's having crossed the River just above that place & having engaged the Hessians quartered there & in the Town after a heavy firing for an hour and a half he took Possession of it & received a Number of Prisoners & a great quantity of baggage. He had 4000 men & 18 pieces Cannon with him — the farther particulars not known."