360 Journal and Correspondence

C. C.

Original.

[John Gibson to Gov. Johnson.]

Board of Treasury, Philadelphia 3^rd September 1777
Sir: I am directed by the Board of Treasury to forward you
Eight hundred Tickets of the United States Lottery agreeable
to the Resolution of Congress passed the 6^th of August last,
which having been publish'd in most or all of the News
Papers, has undoubtedly fallen under your Excellency's
observation.
The Congress have deeply at Heart the success of this Lot-
tery, and have great reason to apprehend that it has not met
with attention and Encouragement equal to its vast import-
ance. It is not only to be considered as a fund to defray the
enormous expences which the United States in the prosecu-
tion of this most just and necessary War are and must con-
tinue to be exposed; But if the scheme should be so much
neglected by the Friends of our cause as to prove abortive, it
will have a most unfavourable aspect upon our public affairs :
in other view, if will deeply wound our Public reputation, dis-
courage our Creditors at home and our friends abroad, and
be urged by our Enemies as a proof of our weakness and of
the abatement of that public Virtue and generous ardour
which have hitherto distinguish'd us in the course of this con-
flict; and sustain' d us under Divine Providence against the
Efforts of our powerful and implacable Enemies.
These Reasons the Board make no question will induce
your Excellency and the Executive Power of your State to
contribute your zealous endeavours to encourage and despatch
the sale of these Tickets. Under your directions it is hoped
that Gentlemen of activity and influence in different parts of
your State will generously cooperate in this design, & by their
personal exertions distribute them to adventurers who under
our circumstances, with the chance of good Fortune, will have
a right to be esteem'd as Patriots.
I have the Honor to be with the utmost Respect
Your Excellency's most obed^t humble servant
John Gibson Aud^r Gen^l
His Excellency Thomas Johnson Esq^r
Governor of the State of Maryland.

Original.
Holograph.

[Washington to Johnson.]

Wilmington, Sept^r 3, 1777
Sir: The late Resolution of Congress for sending Gen^l
Smallwood and Colo. Gist from this army to arrange and
command the Militia of Maryland, now called to the Feild,
and the frequent applications I had, before the arrival of those
Gentⁿ at this place, to send Officers to the Eastern Shore to