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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00621 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1780 |
| Title | John Penn to Jethro Sumner regarding military matters |
| Date | 5 October 1780 |
| Author | Penn, John (1741-1788) |
| Recipient | Sumner, Jethro |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Written by Penn, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman to Brigadier General Sumner in North Carolina. Informs Sumner that the militia must serve three months from the time they were at headquarters, not counting the time they were absent from their regiments since the defeat. Mentions insubordinate soldiers by saying, "those Men that are refractory ought to be informed that they must be obedient to the Laws of their Country." States that the board has written to Colonel Polk to furnish provisions for Sumner. Tells Sumner that Colonel Daniel Morgan and General William Smallwood will leave tomorrow with troops to join Sumner. The weather has delayed them for two days. |
| Subjects | Desertion Mutiny Military History Military Law Militia Military Provisions Revolutionary War Diet and Nutrition |
| People | Penn, John (1741-1788) Sumner, Jethro (1733-1785) Smallwood, William (1732-1792) Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802) |
| Place written | Hillsborough, North Carolina |
| Theme | Law; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Penn was a member of the Continental Congress from North Carolina 1775-1780 and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Sumner was colonel of the 3rd North Carolina regiment in 1776 and was commissioned brigadier-general by the Continental Congress in 1779. Morgan was promoted to brigadier general 13 October 1780. The defeat mentioned is possibly the Battle of Camden, 16 August 1780, which was a major defeat for the Continental Army. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |