JULY 4, 2009
I have been working this week on the 18th century part of the manuscript for the Knapp spinoff book "The Mastics , from Blueblood to Bluecollar and came across some documents that are very appropriate to the holiday.
First Up Is A Handwritten Note Dated July 12, 1776 From The President Of The Continental Congress Of New York . Nathaniel Woodhull of Mastic, L. I. Written to the commanding officer of "the Fortifications In The Highlands " regarding the movements of British warships.
Sir : We have just received intelligence by Express that two ships of war have gone up the river & __?__ the fortifications at Kings Bridge. We therefore think it is expedient to send you notice of this Event immediately, that you may prepare without delay to give them a warm reception.
I am sir yours __? Nathaniel Woodhull Presidt.
The River is The Hudson. Kingbridge is the northern Bronx. General Woodhull was attending the convention of Representatives of The State Of New York further north in White Plains. He would return home to Mastic for the last time at the end of the month and a few weeks later he would find himself near the frontlines facing General Howe's overwhelming forces in the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, The Battle Of Long Island in Brooklyn & Queens in August. Woodhull was badly wounded and died in captivity a few weeks later. His widow Ruth, (William Floyd's sister) brought his body home to Mastic for burial in September.
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PRINTED IN JANUARY OF 1776 IN PREPERATION FOR WHAT WAS COMING
ALSO FROM JULY OF 1776 & SIGNED BY NATHANIEL WOODHULL
RE Spelling : remember the letter that looks like a lower case f is really an S when used at the beginning or within a word. But for plurals they used S.
AND HERE IS SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
HERE IS A PROCLAMATION FROM GENERAL HOWE TO THE CITIZENS OF LONG ISLAND TELLING THEM IF
THEY PRESENT THEMSELVES AT HIS HEADQUARTERS & RE AFFIRM THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE KING
THEY MAY THEN RESUME THEIR NORMAL LIFE & NOT BE HARMED
STARTING IN AUGUST OF 1776 THE BRITISH ARMY OCCUPIED ALL OF LONG ISLAND FOR 5 YEARS
THINK HOW THE AVERAGE IRAQ CITIZEN MIGHT FEEL THIS MONTH.
Litho Of Sarony, Major & Knapp 1861