August 20, 1776

As militiamen at the Continental Army flying camp at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, prepared for a British attack on New York, they were in desperate need of supplies. This advertisement, addressed “To the charitable LADIES of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,” implored them to donate “OLD SHEETS and good RAGS.” Dr. William Shippen, Jr., the director of the army hospital, was in Philadelphia to collect these materials. Anyone who could not afford to give outright to the soldiers fighting for independence would be paid a “moderate price.” The advertisement warned local women that, if the flying camp did not collect enough sheets and rags and there was an engagement with the British forces, “your friends will suffer exceedingly for the want of them.”

Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser
Printed by John Dunlap

To the charitable LADIES of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey.

OLD SHEETS and good RAGS are very much wanted at the Camp in Amboy—Pray send such as you can spare to Dr. Shippen, Jun. Director of the Jersey Hospital, now in Philadelphia.—If there should be an engagement your friends will suffer exceedingly for the want of them.

⁂ A moderate price will be allowed to those that cannot afford to give.