ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Special Note: This letter can be viewed online at: https://ir.stonybrook.edu/xmlui/handle/11401/66227
Title Nathaniel Woodhull Autographed Signed Letter: March 4, 1776
Collection Number SC 406
OCLC Number 244475273
Creator Nathaniel Woodhull, 1722-1776
Provenance Stony Brook University acquired the letter by purchase at auction in May 2006.
Extent,Scope, and Content Note This original manuscript letter was authored and signed by Nathaniel Woodhull on March
4, 1776. It is addressed to Major General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804) and signed "Nathl
Woodhull, Presidt."
1 sheet; 22.5 cm. x 37 cm.
Arrangement and Processing Note Processed by Kristen J. Nyitray in June 2007. Finding aid updated in April 2019.
Language English
Restrictions on Access The collection is open to researchers without restriction.
Rights and Permissions Stony Brook University Libraries' consent to access as the physical owner of the collection
does not address copyright issues that may affect publication rights. It is the sole
responsibility of the user of Special Collections and University Archives materials
to investigate the copyright status of any given work and to seek and obtain permission
where needed prior to publication.
Citation Nathaniel Woodhull Autographed Signed Letter: March 4, 1776, Special Collections and
University Archives, Stony Brook University Libraries.
Historical Note Nathaniel Woodhull (1722-1776), the eldest son of Nathaniel Woodhull and Sarah Smith,
was born at St. George's Manor, Mastic, Long Island, New York on December 30, 1722.
His first employment was in a military capacity in the war between Great Britain and
France from 1754-1760. He was appointed major in the Provincial forces of New York
and served in the army under General Abercrombie. In 1760, he served as Colonel of
the Third Regiment, New York Provincials, under General Jeffrey Amherst, which marched
against Montreal and effected the final reduction of Canada. In 1775, he was appointed
to head the combined militias of Suffolk and Queens Counties. Woodhull was captured
and fatally injured by the British on August 26, 1776. He died on September 20, 1776,
at the age of 54 and was buried at his Mastic home.
Culper Spy Ring member Abraham Woodhull (1750-1826) and General Nathaniel Woodhull
(1722-1776) were first cousins, once removed. Nathaniel Woodhull and Richard Woodhull
IV (1712-1788; Abraham’s father) were first cousins. Their common ancestor was Richard
Woodhull II (1649-1699).
Subjects Woodhull, Nathaniel, -- 1722-1776 -- Correspondence. United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources. Schuyler, Philip John, -- 1733-1804. Long Island (N.Y.) -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources. Woodhull, Nathaniel, -- 1722-1776. New York (State) -- Long Island. United States.
Transcription
Sir,
In provincial Congress New York March 4th 1776
We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 21st & 28th ult. with
a list of such officers as have served in the last campaign. We fear from a want of
proper information and the necessity we are under of immediately compleating the four
Regiments ordered to be raised for the defence of this Colony, some Gentlemen now
absent may be neglected whose merits ought to be considered - in our confused state
we shall endeavour to do Justice to individuals as far is consistent with the public
service; in this arrangement Mr. Pain's merit will be considered.
In the appointment of the Captains to our four Battallions we have thro' mistake
omitted Captain Wynkoop whose services during the last Summer justly merit the attention
of the public. We could wish Sir it was in your power to provide for him on the Lake
as we are informed he is well qualified for service in that Department - but if it
should not be in your proper power to provide for him, we beg to have the earliest
notice, that we may appoint him to the first vacancy.
We have ordered Six hundred fathom of taned rope two fishing nets & ropes for four,
to be sent to Mr. Commissary Livingston at Albany to whom we have also ordered the
quantity of Pitch & Tar, you formerly wrote for to be sent. You will receive by this
conveyance blank Commission for Col. Van Schaicks Regiment.
We are Sir with esteem Your most Obed't humble servants By Order - Nath. Woodhull President
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