Books and Manuscripts

Portsmouth (New Hampshire), July 21, 1783. Single sheet, 7 3/4 x 6 in. (197 x 152 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire, William Whipple, to his brother and business partner, Joseph Whipple, regarding business matters and the year's harvest of grain; additionally signed and dated by Whipple with his initials ("W.W. July 1783") in left margin of second page. Creasing from old folds; a few small stains. In mat and in frame, unexamined out of frame, 13 1/2 x 12 in. (343 x 254 mm).

Although a merchant by trade, William Whipple (1730-1785) was elected to the Continental Congress in 1775 when New Hampshire dissolved its colonial Royal government, and instituted a provincial congress. In the following years he volunteered for the New Hampshire militia, received a commission as brigadier general, and served with distinction under Horatio Gates in the Saratoga Campaign. His meritorious conduct in a number of battles earned Whipple the honor of settling the terms of capitulation for British general John Burgoyne's army. He signed the Convention of Saratoga on October 17, 1777, giving the Continental Army its first major victory of the war.