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