William Whipple, great (2)      grandson of Elder John and (3) of Matthew, Sr., of Bocking, England, was born 14 January 1730 In Kittery, Maine and died 28 November 1785 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He married his cousin Katharine Moffatt at Portsmouth abt. 1769. His early career was at sea where he was Captain of his own ship at age 21. He left the sea and entered the mercantile business in Portsmouth with his two younger brothers, Robert and Joseph. He was active in Portsmouth affairs and represented the city in the Colonial Legislature, the Colony when it formed an independent governing body, and served in the Continental Congress from 29 February 1776 to 25 September 1779. After leaving Congress he was New Hampshire’s first Federal Tax Collector and Judge and President of the Court to try the first case heard under the Articles of Confederation. He again represented Portsmouth in the Legislature and the State as Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature.

The following statements were made by him at various times during his public career: [Thomas Paine’s] Common Sense has made that illustrious stranger [independence] that was so much feared, a friend of the southern colonies and I hope the northern colonies will soon open their arms to receive him. It’s my opinion that the salvation of America depends on him. (Philadelphia 3-24-1776). The prospect of laying a foundation of liberty and happiness for posterity and securing an asylum for all who wish to enjoy those blessings is an object in my opinion sufficient to raise the mind above every misfortune. (Baltimore, 2-7-1777). We have nothing to fear but ourselves. (Philadelphia, 7-27-1777). Peace is desirable, but in my opinion a secondary object. War with all its horrors is preferable to an inglorious peace. I hope we never consent to a peace [that leaves our] posterity greater evils than we have suffered. (Philadelphia, 2-28-1779). The more difficult we are in obtaining the jewel the higher value we shall set on it, consequently shall be more careful to preserve. (Philadelphia, 8-24-1779).

American feel their Declaration of Independence is one of the great events of history. Along with the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, and Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, it is a high point of the progress of civilization and a prophecy of what would follow. It was written by men who knew how to voice their grievances so that the whole world should hear. They knew their rights, guaranteed by the Crown in their Charters, and simply claimed them. The destiny what was then the mightiest empire on earth and of what became the mightiest nation in the world was the result.

History helps us appreciate the courage, faith, and confidence of the patriots who dared sign that radical document. The Colonies had few resources in 1776 and little experience of working jointly in a common cause. The country had limited transportation facilities and limited ability to quickly communicate between Colonies. There were hostile native American on the frontier and many Loyalists among the merchant class. To vote for independence meant branding yourself a traitor and rebel. It meant a price on your head, shameless death, or fleeing the country if the Colonies lost the war against the largest Navy and strongest Army in the world.

William was one of the 56 signers of the Declaration. He fought for his country with ideas in the Congress and on the battlefield with indomitable will. His service on key Congressional Committees was constant, steady, and preserving. He was among the hardest working members of a Congress that lacked a bureaucracy to carry outs its directives.

He was 46 when he voted to declare independence from England. Many who bear the Whipple name today proudly claim him as a direct ancestor – my grandfather included – but it is a false claim. I am William’s fourth cousin six times removed, our common ancestor being Matthew Whipple, Sr. (ca 1560-1618) of Bocking, Essex Co., England. William and Katharine had one child, a son, William, baptized at the Old North Church in Portsmouth May 24, 1772. He died 11 months later on April 29, 1773. Thus this line of male Whipples ended with William’s generation as brothers Robert and Joseph had no children.

Accepting election to the Continental Congress carried negative political consequences in Portsmouth. The anonymous letter in the Jan. 9, 1776 New Hampshire Gazette might have fazed a weaker man that Whipple. The letter writer said independence meant ruin and destruction and asked how the colonies, with 1,000 miles of seacoast and no ships of war, could defend themselves against “310 battleships, completely manned and fitted?” He wondered how a country of three million who might raise an Army of 30,000 could expect to win against a nation of 15 million with an Army of 150,000. He said the colonies “were without arms, without ammunition, without trade, contending with a nation that enjoys the whole in the fullest latitude.”

By the time Whipple reached Philadelphia Feb. 28, only seven Delegates had spoken for independence. But Paine’s 47-page pamphlet generated overwhelming mass sentiment for independence. Whipple, John Adams (Mass.), Roger Sherman (Conn.), and Richard Henry Lee (Va.) joined in the call. As late as April, a majority did not exist for independence. Yet, three months later, Congress voted unanimously to separate from the mother country.

Richard Henry Lee introduced the Resolution of Independence Friday June 7: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign alliances. That a plan of Confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and approbation.

John Dickinson of Pennsylvania led the opposition, arguing more time was needed to reach a reconciliation and to prepare for a contest with such a powerful foe. Opponents believed a yes vote would cause the colonial union to dissolve while Whipple, Josiah Bartlett, N.H. and others opposed this argument. Lee was in Virginia so John Adams carried the Resolution. No notes on his speech survive, yet for the remainder of his life, it was referred to in terms of wonder and praise.

Bartlett and Whipple are believed to have cast the first and second votes for the Declaration as the normal order of voting began with the northern colony. After declaring Independence, there was no middle ground, no place for the lukewarm and hesitant in Congress. Members were renewed, animated, enthusiastic, and buoyant with hopes of a speedy victory. However, twice Congress had to flee Philadelphia to avoid capture by the British. But despite all setbacks, it continued doggedly at its task and finally found success.

In March 1776, Whipple joined the Qualifications Committee which recommended appointment to offices other than military. He was named to the Cannon Committee in April and to the Secret Committee in November. The Cannon Committee awarded contracts for armaments for the Army and Navy and the Secret Committee, one of Congress’s most important, was responsible for providing arms.

That Congress recognized his military insight is evidenced by his appointment to many special committees dealing with military matters. In March 1776, he, Richard Henry Lee and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina were the Committee to work with Gen. Charles Lee on “the best methods of defending New York.” The Committee’s report, in Whipple’s handwriting with a few words inserted by Gen. Lee, was extensive. It determined the security of Long Island was a greater priority than New York and that 8,000 troops could defend both. It called for confiscation of all Tory weapons. Congress accepted its recommendations and ordered 8,000 troops to defend New York. William, John Adams, Benjamin Harrison of Virginia, Joseph Hewes of North Carolina, and Robert Morris of Pennsylvania were on the Committee to plan “for fortifying the coast” in 1776. The Committee was to determine construction methods and costs to fortify at least one port to protect cruisers and to receive their prizes.

George Washington’s request in May 1776 for arms was referred to Whipple, Sam Adams of Massachusetts, George Wythe of Virginia, Caesar Rodney of Delaware, and R.H. Lee. This Committee also conferred with the Chiefs of the Six [Indian] Nations who had come to Philadelphia at the request of Congress. Later that month he was appointed to the Committee to investigate problems in the Commissary Department. This was followed by appointment to the Committee to work with Washington, Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, and Brig. Gen. Thomas Mifflin to develop “a plan of military operations for the ensuing campaign.”

On June 24 he was named Chairman of the Committee “to inquire into the cause of the miscarriages in Canada. Based on the Committee’s report, Congress ordered a court martial for several officers. The Committee concluded that short enlistments resulted in “disorderly and disobedient soldiers; lack of money resulted in shortage of supplies and ammunition; and an outbreak of small pox disabled many soldiers. Congress addressed the enlistment problem by offering new enlistees £20 bounty, 100 acres of land, and a complete suit of clothes annually.

In October 1776, he, Sam Adams, and John Hart of New Jersey were on a special Committee to acquire salt for the Army. In November 1778, along with Nathaniel Scudder of New Jersey and Gouverneur Morris of New York, he served on the Committee to take “proper steps” about issues recently raised by Gen. Washington. Five days later they were authorized to regulate and superintend the Commissary and Quartermaster Departments. The Commissary-Quartermaster Committee functioned for more than a year as a self-directing body and was constantly seeking provisions for the Army and to control prices.

He Chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee when France pressured the Congress in January 1779 to decide on issues critical to a Peace Conference with England. Whipple’s Committee decided that negotiations could only begin after Great Britain acknowledged “the absolute and unlimited liberty, sovereignty and independence” of the United States in matters of government and commerce. William wrote the July 19, 1779 letter sent by the Marine Committee to Benjamin Franklin in France directing him “to destroy some of the most distinguished cities in Great Britain and the West Indies” in retaliation for Britain burning Portsmouth and Suffolk, Virginia; Fairfield, Norwalk, and Bedford, Connecticut; and some villages in New York. The Committee believed “destruction of a single village would instantly convince our enemy of the danger to which they are exposed and the necessity [to] desist from the[ir] destructive mode in carrying on the war.” A Resolution of Congress called the British action contrary to the way the United States carried on the war and was “for the sole and direct purpose of self preservation, absolutely and indispensably necessary, [to stop] the cruel and unprecedented manner in which our enemies are daily carrying on the war.”

William left Philadelphia for New Hampshire June 18, 1777 the day after Congress authorized a national flag with 13 stripes, alternately red and white, to represent the states; and 13 stars, white in a blue field, to represent the Union. He delivered orders to John Paul Jones naming him commander of the Ranger, launched in Portsmouth. It was the first warship to fly the flag. While home, the Legislature appointed him Brigadier General of the Militia, giving him command of the First Brigade with general orders to protect the seacoast.

He played a major role in the Battle of Saratoga (New York) which historians have ranked as one of the most decisive in history as it changed the course of the Revolution by bringing France into the war on America’s side. Lieutenant General John (Gentleman Johnny) Burgoyne commanded the invading Army from Canada. Major General Horatio Gates, 50, a former professional soldier in the British Army, commanded the American forces. Whipple and Gates were well acquainted through William’s service on Congressional Committees dealing with the Army. He was with Gates October 14 when Burgoyne’s Adjutant arrived with a flag seeking a cessation of the fighting. Gates named Whipple and Col. James Wilkerson to negotiate surrender terms. Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Sutherland and Capt. James Henry Craig were Burgoyne’s representatives.

The Surrender on the 17th was a colorful spectacle. Burgoyne, accompanied by his Adjutants and aides, crossed the Fishkilll and rode through the meadow to the American Camp. British troops paraded at 10 a.m. and then marched out, as British Lieut. Digby wrote, “with drums beating and the honors of war, but the drums seemed to have lost their inspiring sound, and though we beat the Grenadier’s March, which not long before was so animating, yet then it seemed by its last effort, as it was almost ashamed to be heard on such an occasion.” The troops stacked their arms in a meadow by the river, then marched through the American Camp, between two lines drawn up in order. After the last of the defeated Army marched past Gates’ hut, a new American flag made from military coats was run up a pole. In view of both Armies, Burgoyne surrendered his ivory-handled sword to Gates who took it with a courteous nod and instantly handed it back.

By Gates’ command, the conquering Americans were silent; not a word or taunt was uttered. A Brunswicker, in some amazement, wrote this description of their conquerors: Not one of them was properly uniformed, but each man had on the clothes in which he goes to the field, to church, or to the tavern. But they stood like soldiers, erect with a military bearing that was subject to little criticism. Not one fellow made a motion as if to speak to his neighbor; furthermore, nature had formed all the fellows who stood in rank and file, so slender, so handsome, so sinewy, that it was a pleasure to look at them and we were all surprised at the sight of such finely built people. And their size! The officers wore very few uniforms and those they did wear were of their own invention.

Whipple was placed in charge of delivering Burgoyne and his staff to Boston from which they would return to England. Brigadier General John Glover of the Continental Army was put in charge of escorting Burgoyne’s Army to Cambridge, Mass.

Saratoga was a monumental victory. It caused British troops to retreat to Canada and ended a threat of a two-pronged drive that might split the Colonies. Two Lieutenant Generals, two Major Generals, three Brigadiers, the staffs and aides of all of them, 299 other officers of all ranks, including a dozen members of Parliament, Lords and Scottish Knights, and 3,379 British and 2,412 German soldiers became prisoners of war; 1,429 British and Germans were killed and wounded; 27 cannon of various calibers, 5,000 stand of small arms, and large quantities of ammunition and military equipment of all kind were seized. Doors to France and Spain were opened.

When news of Burgoyne’s surrender reached Paris Dec. 5 (the messenger was Commodore Abraham Whipple), “the buzz of drawing-rooms and coffee-houses swelled into a unanimous cry for war.” King Louis XVI recognized the independence of the United States the next day. On Feb. 6, 1788, France signed two treaties with the United States – one of Alliance and one of Amity and Commerce. The latter was to maintain the “liberty, sovereignty, and independence absolute and unlimited of the United States.” Foreign Minister Vergennes was unsuccessful in getting Spain, worried her Colonies might be encouraged to follow America’s example, to join the Alliance. Spain did, however, enter the war in June 1779 as an ally of France and promised not to make peace with Britain without French consent and agreed France could not make peace until American independence was secured.

Major General John Sullivan was named Commander of the campaign to re-take Rhode Island in the spring of 1778. The enemy Army of more than 6,000 troops was protected by a Naval force of seven ships of war and two galleys. Sullivan’s command, including two Brigades under Maj. Gen. Marquis Lafayette, eventually numbered nearly 10,000, including Whipple’s Brigade of about 1,200 New Hampshire volunteers. Unfortunately, most of Sullivan’s troops were recruits without discipline or knowledge of war and supplies were limited. When the French Fleet under Admiral Count d’Estaing, which had agreed to join the operation, failed to take part despite appeals by Lafayette, American troops became disheartened and deserted in large numbers.

Without the French troops, Sullivan retreated to the north end of the Island the night of Aug. 28th and an engagement ensued the 29th. News that the British were to be reinforced (Gen. Henry Clinton arrived with 4,000 troops the next day) caused Sullivan to retreat to the mainland the evening of the 30th. Whipple and Brig. Gen. Ezekiel Cornell of Rhode Island executed the withdrawal without loss or incident and Sullivan’s General Order of the 31st commended them for their work.

His New Hampshire colleague Bartlett wrote William how important it was for him to accept reelection to his third term because peace negotiations were to begin. He said “I hope . . . you will have as great a hand in making peace and confirming our independence as you had in carrying on the war and declaring our total separation from Britain.” Regarding the fourth term, Bartlett wrote that he hoped William would “forgo your private interest for the public good” and if he wouldn’t accept a fourth term “to join the Navy Board and use your talents to get it running efficiently.” Samuel Holden of Massachusetts described William as “a man of sense and great experience in marine affairs.” Richard Henry Lee called Whipple and Sam Adams “wise and virtuous friends of America, who, loving their country, esteem and honor its able and virtuous citizens.” James Lovell of Massachusetts described himself as “your real friend” and said he hoped “he would return as resolute, honest members were needed.” Henry Laurens of South Caroline who became President of the Congress wrote Whipple three days after he left Congress: “God bless you my dear general. I wish you every happiness and assure you with great sincerity of the love and esteem of your obedient and humble servant.”

Whipple refused to accept his fourth election to the Congress or an appointment to the newly created Board of Admiralty created by Congress to shape and run the Navy and returned to New Hampshire where he accepted appointment to one of the country’s most difficult and unpopular jobs, the state’s federal tax collector. He also accepted appointment as a federal judge and President of the court that heard the dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the Wyoming Valley. He was a Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature from Jan. 20, 1783 until his death Nov. 28, 1785. When riding the circuits, he suffered extreme chest pains which became so acute he had to return home before completing the 1785 circuit. Unable to lie in bed, he slept sitting in a chair in his chamber. His obituary referred to “unequaled sufferings” endured “with a firmness correspondent to the greatness of his mind” and said he faced death “in full confidence that He who made him knew best how to dispose of him.”

Postmortem examinations were rare but Whipple, believing medical science would benefit from knowledge of his affliction, authorized one. The autopsy showed an ossification in his heart – only a small aperture the size of a knitting needle was open for blood circulation. Considering how small a proportion of blood circulated through the lungs, the doctor performing the autopsy found “it a matter of wonder and astonishment that life could be so far prolonged.”

New Hampshire historian Richard Francis Upton, in evaluating the various Delegates representing the state, placed William first and labeled him “one of the most popular and respected members of Congress. His was the New Hampshire voice most often raised in Congressional debates, and it was a voice listened to, especially on marine, foreign affairs, and public administration issues.” His incomparable letters are witness of his ever alert, courageous, and encouraging spirit. No member of the Congress worked harder or contributed more to the founding of the United States. His reward was not fame; it was helping to create the greatest democracy ever known.

Post Script. William’s great grandfather Robert Cutt settled in the Portsmouth area prior to 1649 and established the Kittery shipyard. His great grand uncle John Cutt was New Hampshire’s first President and his great great grandfather Richard Cutt was a member of the British Parliament from Essex in the 1650s. He was born in the Cutt mansion, built about 1660 on the east bank of the Piscataqua river a few rods from the water and about a mile from the river’s mouth. It’s cove (now called Whipple’s cove) ran halfway round it making it suitable for a garrison house where neighbors sought refuge in times of danger. Today it is a private residence and The Daughters of the American Revolution placed a bronze plaque on the front of the house in 1913 identifying it as William’s birthplace.

Katharine Moffatt’s parents, Katharine Cutt and John Moffatt, were one of New Hampshire’s wealthiest couples. They built a mansion in Portsmouth in 1763 where they lived their remaining days. William and Katharine lived in the mansion their entire married life. The enormous horse chestnut tree in the yard was planted by William in the fall of 1776 with chestnuts he brought to Portsmouth from Philadelphia after signing the Declaration of Independence.

The Moffatt-Ladd House is a National Historic Landmark open to the public since 1912. It is owned and operated by The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of New Hampshire. Address: 154 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801; Phone (House): 603-436-8221 (Office): 603-430-7968. Open: Mid June to mid October and by appointment. Visit http://www.moffattladd.org/ for more information. E-mail moffatt-laddhouse@juno.com

William’s Whipple ancestors.

Great great grandfather “Elder” John Whipple: Settled in Ipswich, Essex Co., Massachusetts in 1638; Freeman, Selectman, Feofee of the Grammar School, Clerk of Writs, served eight terms in the Great and General Court (colonial legislature), Deacon and Ruling Elder, died 30 June 1669.

Great grandfather Captain John Whipple: Freeman, Captain in King Philip’s War, Selectman, Essex Co. Treasurer, served four terms in the Great and General Court, Owned and operated an Ordinary (tavern) and Fulling Mill ( made homespun cloth), Builder of the John Whipple House (1677) in Ipswich, was one of the wealthiest men in Essex Co. at time of death Aug. 10, 1683.

Grandfather Major Matthew Whipple: Selectman, Justice of the Sessions Court, served three terms in the Great and General Court, owned and operated a Malt House and Oat Mill, died Jan. 28, 1739 and left an estate of £3,500.

Father William Whipple: Ship owner and Captain, husband of Mary Cutt. Born in Ipswich Feb. 28, 1696, died in Kittery, Maine Aug 7, 1751.

The Whipple House, owned by the Ipswich Historical Society, 1-978-356-2811, is located at 1 South Village Green, Ipswich 01938. It is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, Wednesday through Saturday 10 to 4 and Sundays 1 to 4. For more information go to http://ipswichmuseum.net.

For those interested in a full biography of General William Whipple, I refer you to my book History and Genealogy of “Elder” John Whipple of Ipswich, Massachusetts. See the Home Page on this site for purchase information.

General Whipple’s small simple memorial in Portsmouth overlooks the South Mill Pond at the base of Haven Park and is easily missed in a little triangle across from the parking lot there. The inscription reads: A Memorial to Gen. William Whipple (1730-1785) Signer of the Declaration of Independence, soldier, statesman, jurist. Given by Gov. Charles M. Dale. Sponsored by the NH Society Sons of the American Revolution. His tomb is in Portsmouth’s North Cemetery. His wife, son, mother, and slave Prince are also buried there.

ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOME.

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