This brings us to the very interesting question: How many Harvard undergraduates fought in the Revolution? And the answer must be given regretfully: Mighty few. The new order of things was too unprecedented, and the old prejudices and restrictions were too strong, to permit many of the Marti-Mercurians to sally forth to the actual ordeal by battle. Moreover, candor compels the confession that several who did march up the hill very soon followed the tactics of the celebrated King of France.
President Langdon’s most respectful Compliments to his Excellency Genl Washington, certifying that Saml Woodward a Serjeant in the late Colo Gardner’s Regiment, & in Capt Fuller’s Company, is a student of Harvard College in his last year & begs my Intercession that he may be discharged from his military services.
Monday Noon Septr 18 [1775]
President Langdon’s repeated profession of high esteem for his Excellency Genl Washington, asking pardon for troubling him so often with Billets—but hoping for a favorable reception of another Certificate, viz, that John Child an Ensign in Capt Craft’s Company of the Regiment lately under Colo Gardner deceased, is a Student of Harvard College now in his last year, & is earnestly desirous of perfecting his public Education.
Monday Afternoon Septr 18 1775—
