GOVERNOR WILLIAM LIVINGSTON WRITES ABOUT THE BRITISH ASSAULT ON CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON (1723-1790). Livingston was a Founding Father, Continental Congressman and Constitution Signer from New Jersey, and Governor of New Jersey.

ALS. 1pg. January 15, 1778. Morris Town [New Jersey]. An autograph letter signed “Wm Livingston” as Governor of New Jersey. In this Revolutionary War-dated letter, he mentions the ongoing British assault on southern New Jersey.  “There is no necessity for sending the two Men apprehended for plundering to the Council of Safety. If The Magistrates have committed them to the Jail in the County, they may be tried there at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Gaol delivery. I shall give Colo. Ellis orders to spare a patrolling party in the County of Cumberland to defend it from the Depredations of the Enemy, & not to call any more of the militia out of that County than he thinks absolutely necessary – To be too particular in Instructions to a commanding officer may be of dangerous Consequence – I am Sir Your humble Srv Wm Livingston”. The bottom edge of the letter is cut off, causing the bottom half of Livingston’s signature to be lost. The docket on the verso comes from an earlier letter concerning the Declaration of Independence – “Address to the Committee & Militia on Publishing the Declaration of Independency”. The document is in fair condition. In addition to the partial loss of the signature, there is a tear through the center of the document that has been repaired with tape on the verso.