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Richard Peters letter to George Washington
May 10, 1779
In this Richard Peters letter to George Washington,
Peters tells Washington
of his difficulties getting materials for drums for the Continental Army and
of the necessity of deciding upon a design for the United States flag. Richard
Peters was a Philadelphia lawyer who was appointed by Congress to serve as
Secretary of the Board of War, a position which he held throughout the Revolutionary
War. In this role, Peters was responsible for monitoring all troops, arms and
equipment, recruiting soldiers, securing prisoners of war, maintaining all
war correspondence and producing weapons.
Peters was also a good friend of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, Inspector-General
and trainer of the army, often paying von Steuben's salary and allowing he and his staff
to stay at his family's estate, Belmont. It was here that the "Blue Book," the United
States' army's first military manual was written.
This letter also figures into the study of who created the first American flag
because it indicates confusion over what the United States flag should look
like nearly 2 years after the Flag Resolution of 1777. The timing of the
Flag Resolution and other events around it are involved in the study of
whether or not Betsy Ross actually created the first American flag in 1776.
More about the Betsy Ross Flag controversy here.
This letter is the first in a series of letters between Peters and Washington about
the flag. The other two letters are:
More George Washington Facts here.
Richard Peters letter to George Washington
War Office, May l0th, 1779
The Board have been frequently applied to on the
Subject of Drums and Colours for the several Regiments. It
is impossible to comply with all the Requisitions for these Articles,
as we have not materials to make either in sufficient Numbers.
We hope however to have in a short Time a competent
Number of Drums. So soon as they are made we send them
to Camp as we find many Irregularities and Inconveniences arise
from delivering them or any other Articles here.
As to Colours we have refused them for another Reason.
The Baron Steuben mentioned when he was here that he would
settle with your Excellency some Plan as to the Colours. It
was intended that every Regiment should have two Colours one
the Standard of the United States which should be the same
throughout the Army and the other a Regimental Colour which
should vary according to the facings of the Regiments. But it
is not yet settled what is the Standard of the U. States. If your
Excellency will therefore favor us with your opinion on the
Subject we will report to Congress and request them to establish
a Standard and so soon as this is done we will endeavour to
get Materials and order a Number made sufficient for the Army.
Neither can we tell what should be the Regimental Colours as
the Uniforms were by a late Resolution of Congress to be settled
by your Excellency.
We have the Honour to be
with the greatest Respect
Your very obedient Servants
Richard Peters
His Excellency the Commander in Chief By Order
Published October 10/20/11
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