Pennsylvania lawyer, soldier, and politician (1748–1800) who commanded the 6th Pennsylvania in the Continental Army and led a 1778 expedition against the Iroquois to avenge the Wyoming Massacre. Revolutionary War–dated ALS signed “Thos. Hartley,” one page both sides, 8 x 13, May 5, 1776. Letter to Pennsylvania jurist Jasper Yeates. In part: “I arrived here yesterday in good health with three companies of Col. Irvines Regiment. Contrary winds prevent the rest from coming up. I shall proceed to Morrow or next Day at furthest with this detachment on the Quebec—where they say we have about 3500 men—General [William] Thompsons Brigade is at this time on the Lakes. General Sullivans Brigade in which I am is now all here or on the North River; together we shall make up a considerable Body in Canada. I hope we may arrive there before Howe. Should there be a probability of Howes arriving there before us—the Town will be stormed by our Troops there. God grant us success. Quebec is now of great consequence—there has been a treaty with the Indians here—their Chiefs solemnly engage to preserve a Neutrality—this is of consequence—a few Southern Indians may give us some trouble—but we have very little to fear from the Nations in general—unless the scale should turn against us in our dispute with Great Britain…I understand there are 10,000 additional troops to be taken into Cont. Service Penna will doubtless have to furnish one or more Regiments—in that case if you thought I merited it—I would be glad you would use your influence to have me appointed a Colonel. I could raise a Regiment as soon as anyone. The flower of the South would now turn out—four companies could be had in York County two in Cumberland and the rest in other parts of the province—and I am confident I could get them armed better than half of the eastern troops I have seen. I shall take particular notice of all the fortifications that I shall meet on my way—and exert myself to become acquainted with the Duty of an Officer. I hope to share in the honour of taking the Capital of Canada—in case I should be appointed to the Command proposed. Notice may be sent me by Post—and I could be with you in a short time. I would not wish to change my present station for the command of any other regiment here—but I should be happy in commanding a Regiment of Pennsylvanians South—whom I might discipline and conduct according to my own judgement.” In very good condition, with unobtrusively repaired partial separations to horizontal folds. The following month, the Continental Army, under command of those mentioned in this letter, drastically underestimated British troop strength and attacked them at Trois Rivieres. After being easily defeated, the American troops retreated, marking the last major battle in the US invasion of Quebec. RR Auction COA.
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