[ Autographs ] WILLIAM WHIPPLE (1730-1785) Signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire who as state militia brigadier general led four regiments in the siege of the British at Saratoga. Fine content A.L.S. "Wm. Whipple" 2pp. 4to., Portsmouth, Dec. 27, 1779 to fellow Revolutionary patriot Nathaniel Peabody regarding naval affairs, Whipple's appointment as Commissioner of the Board of Admiralty, and New Hampshire's General Court. In part: "...I am happy to find you have taken some measure towards a reformation of the Navy department and hope that commission will be filled with men much better qualified for the business than I am...however, it will be timeenough for me to give my answer when I have official information of the appointment and am made acquainted with the plan. As to the salaryI do not suppose that any man who has lived a month in Philadelphia can think that the sum you mention is by any means equal to the necessary expenses that a man in that Character must be at. This however is by no means the greatest objection I have, but time will not permit me at present to state all my objections as I am just setting out for Exeter where the Assembly now sets. I expect the Genl Court will adjourn this week to the latter end of January there a contest at present between the two Houses whether Wm. Livermore shall have a seat in Congress if the determination should be in the affirmative (which I expect will be the case). I suppose that Gentm will immediately set out for Philadelphia but I hope his arrival will not cause your return for I think it of importance that you tarry at least till the Vermont business is finished. I shall endeavor that theproceeding of the Genl. Court be transmitted to you...I suppose Genl. [Nathanial] Folsom is with you, tell him I shall very punctually answer every letter he favors me with...". In 1780, just months after our letter, Whipple officially declined the post he discusses herein. Trimmed at right margin, affecting several words of text, otherwise very good. E1,500-2,500 Impressing Sailors