ELBRIDGE GERRY (1744-1814).  Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts; Vice-President of the United States under Madison; Member of U.S. House of  Representatives (1st and 2nd Congress). 

Autograph Manuscript Signed. 5 pp. Nov. 1780. 6½ x 8½”. Entirely in his hand, Gerry has transcribed a “Copy of Mr. Lowell’s of the 20^th of Nov 1780 Letter taken from A New York Paper.” In 1780, both Gerry and James Lovell (1737-1814) were members of the Continental Congress.  Lovell was a controversial figure, having been arrested and imprisoned after the Battle of Bunker Hill as a likely dissident.  He was later exchanged for Colonel Philip Skene, and in the early struggle for influence and command in the Continental Army, he encouraged Horatio Gates to report directly to Congress, in effect going over Washington's head.

One can only imagine the purpose of Gerry transcribing Lovell’s letter.  It is interesting to note both Gerry and Lovell have the distinction of being notable successes in breaking British ciphers during the revolution. Gerry working at Washington's direction, and in 1781 Lovell, designed cipher systems used by several prominent Americans, determined the encryption method that British commanders used to communicate with each other: 

“Nov. 20, 1780…I find that I have not only to acknowledge your favour of the 2^nd by my Comnmy, received the 19^th of your other of the 15^th rec’d this Day, but that from Worcester of Oct 27^th, which I have just discovered wrapped up in a half written very confidential Sheet, thrown by a I suppose in a Gloom of Timidity, lest it …be intercepted at or near Stratford.

 

As to Vermont they may now sow anew & reap too, before any definitive Judgement will be made up here respecting them. 

 

So much in answer to your first Date “popular” say you “beyond all Description” oh …alack & alas aday! What more popular that that one of old? !! !  So much to your second date, But perhaps you may be a little in the Dark, as your chronological reference.  I have to lament that good Colonel Peabody is not at your Elbow to suggest the 32^nd of Exodus. Believe me he is in a most critical State at Morristown confined to his Bed. 

 

I was indeed careless as to the 570 Dollars paid to Shelden, for your memorandum to me expressed by reference to the Warrant for her 1800 which I read…the Treasurer.  I shall rectify this Error by Mr. Perry if I have not an earlier opportunity…Resolved: That General W. Lee & he is hereby fully authorized & impowered (sic) to carry into Execution in the most compleat & ample manner, such a measure as shall appear, to him best calculated for raising & bringing into the Field, on or before the first day of January next…

 

25,000 Men to continue in the Service of the United States, during ye Present War with Great Britain, to provide Arms, ammunition, clothing, military & hospital stores, & camp equipage of all kinds; Waggons, Horses & forage; to supply the said Army with all kinds of provisions; & Refreshments; to lay up such Magazines of provisions;  forage, military and hospital stores…

 

…I will endeavor to get some Decency for General W__. If it is only plump denial of Justice: perhaps as Mr. Mattack is joined to Mr. Tile there may be neither denial nor equivocation.  It is not Time to pay a visit to Mass / does my Wife look as if she wanted a toothless greyheaded…Husband near her? I am more benefit to her at a Distance than in & as the almanac has it…By the way this puts me in a Mind to tell you that Pennsylvania is clearly for taking off the Embargo. Delaware has not continued it…

 

I pinch myself till the very heights of Depritation,(sic) Besides the Foundation is not good; one half of what Connecticut gives – The House Watchman warns me to bed…James Lovell”  At the very end, he signs “Honbul Mr. Gerry.”.