Philada 28th Septr 1779
Sir,
I enclose you an Act of Congress passed the 24th Instant and enjoy a sincere pleasure in communicating to you the thanks of Congress for the remarkable prudence, address & bravery displayed by you in the late successful attack on the enemy’s fort & works at Pawlus Hook. And it is with singular satisfaction I assure you that while Congress entertain ajust Sense of your military abilities they at the same time highly approve the humanity shewn in Circumstances prompting to severity as honourable to the arms of the United States and correspondent to the noble principle on which they were assumed.
In testimony of your merit and to perpetuate the remembrance of so gallant an action the Congress have ordered a medal of Gold emblematical of the affair to be struck & presented to you. They have also directed a sum of money to be put into your Hands to be distributed among the noncomissioned Officers and soldiers who shared with you the danger and glory of the enterprize.1
I am, Sir, &c,
S. Huntington Prest
Letter book, Papers of Continental Congress, item 14, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 For Congress’ response to General Washington’s official report on Lee’s August 19 raid on Paulus Hook, see Huntington to Washington, this date, note 2. Besides ordering a gold medal for Lee, Congress also singled out two of his subordinates for their leadership during the attack by conferring brevet captaincies on Lts. Archibald McAllister (McCallister) and Michael Rudolph. This information was transmitted to the two officers in brief letters from President Huntington of this date. PCC, item 14, fols. 192 - 93.