Francis Gurney (1738-1815), served in the Provincial Army in the French and Indian War; during the Revolutionary War, he served as a Capt. In the Philadelphia Militia and was later promoted to Lt. Col., but resigned his commission in Oct., 1777 over a promotion disappointment; During the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794, he led 600 Militia against rebelling farmers in Western Pennsylvania during Fries's Rebellion, the March 1799 Tax Revolt in Pennsylvania and was then promoted to Brigadier General.
November 17, 1797-Dated Federal Period Letter, 2 pages, with Integral Transmittal Cover, measuring 8" x 13.25”, at Philadelphia, PA from Francis Gurney, Lt. Col. Commanding the First City Regiment, to Lewis Nicola, Inspector of the City Brigade, Fine. This letter is well written in easily readable brown ink on “IR” watermarked laid period paper having a short 1/2” centerfold edge tear, and a piece missing at top right of blank integral extra transmittal page affecting nothing. It is written to Lewis Nicola (which Gurney misspelled as "Nicolas"), who commanded the Invalid Corps during the Revolutionary War and was the Author of the famous "Newburgh letter" to Gen. George Washington, suggesting that he take the title of "King". In this letter, Lt. Col. Gurney responds to Nicola's demand for 150 men from his Regiment, and refers to the "Western Expedition". This letter reads, in part:

"Philad: 17th November 1797 --- Sir, --- From the best information I am able to get, find that my Regiment consists of nine hundred & seventy eight men exclusive of the light companies which I suppose will make it amount to upwards of one thousand. I will, however, take the even number of 1000. Your demand is for 150, which are to be taken from the several Companies in proportion to the number of men in each, for they are by far too unequal to be taken in any other way. Every twenty men are to give three or every hundred men are to furnish fifteen men &c... --- As the light Companies served on the Western Expedition, I have not included them but struck the quota without them. -- The above statement will I hope enable you to issue orders to the Captains of the first Regiment for the specific number of men each are to furnish on the present occasion and at such time as you may think proper to direct... -- Sir, Your Obt. Servt -- (Signed) Franc. GurneyLeit. Col, Comg. first City Regt. --- (To) Lewis Nicolas (sic) Esqr. Inspector of the City Brigade"

This Letter then lists the eight officer’s companies and the number of men to be provided from each, totaling 150. Small red wax seal hole wear opened. Overall, a wonderful Federal-period militia document where both correspondents are significant military figures. In November 1797 Francis Gurney was at the height of his civic and military standing while simultaneously a state legislator, city official, and Commander of Philadelphia's most senior militia regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Francis Gurney (1738-1815). Was a genuine three-war veteran: he volunteered for the French and Indian War Provincial Army in 1756 under Israel Putnam, participated in the Capture of Louisbourg, then served in the American Revolution as Captain of a Grenadier company and as Lieutenant Colonel of the 11th Pennsylvania Line, fighting at Iron Hill (where he was wounded), Brandywine, and Germantown.

After the Revolutionary War he was a prominent Philadelphia merchant, was made a Colonel of Pennsylvania militia in 1786, served as Warden of the Port of Philadelphia, Alderman, and President of the city's select council in 1796, and sat in the Pennsylvania legislature as a Federalist. He Commanded the 1st Regiment of the Philadelphia Brigade, led 600 militia during the Whiskey Rebellion, and was later promoted to Brigadier General. So in November 1797 he was at the height of his civic and military standing while simultaneously a state legislator, city official, and Commander of Philadelphia's most senior militia regiment.

The Recipient: Lewis Nicola (1717-1807). One of the more famous "second-tier" figures of the American Revolution. An Irish-born former British officer, he founded and commanded the Continental Army's Invalid Regiment from 1777, and is best remembered as Author of the 1782 “Newburgh Letter” urging Genral George Washington to assume a “Royal” title, which Washington received coldly. Congress made him a Brigadier General in 1793, and in 1793 he became Inspector of the Philadelphia City Militia Brigade, which is the exact capacity in which Fancis Gurney addresses him. Remarkably, he was about 80 years old when this letter was written, while still active in militia administration despite his advanced age.
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