6481From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am much surprised at never having received any regular account from you, of the late Affair at peekskill. I am yet intirely at a loss to know the Quantity, Quality or Value of the Stores that were lost. A Captain of a Tobacco Ship taken and carried into New York, left that place on Saturday last, he informs that three thousand Men were embarked and laying on Board Transports at Staten...
6482To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Board of War, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Appointment under the new frame of Government established in this State, we succeed the late Council of Safety in the Military Department, of course your Excellency’s letter of the 28th Inst. came before us, and from our knowledge of the late Council, we can assure your Excellency that it was thro’ inadvertency that they infringed upon the powers invested in you by Congress, and not by...
6483From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the pleasure to write to you yesterday, I have received information, that the Enemy have embarked three thousand men, some said, with an intent to go to Chesapeak Bay, others, to go up the North River again. As this last is the most probable, I beg you will hasten your Militia to Peekskill with the utmost expedition, and also what Continental Troops are ready. Should the...
6484To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 31 March 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Bearer Lieut. Jas. Meriwether I send two hundred and thirty six pounds 16/. for the recruiting Soldiers in your County and the adjacent ones, to serve in the Battalions of this Commonwealth. You are to be assisted by Your Field officers in chusing 1 Captain 2 Lieutenants and one Ensign of the most proper persons who have the best chance to raise these Men quickly and deliver them the...
6485To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Cox, [before or during October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Cox presents his Compliments to Doctr. Franklin. Cannot do himself the Honor of dining with him on Thursday next, Mr. C. having determined to sett out, on Tuesday, for the South of France. Addressed: His Excellency / Benj. Franklin Esqr: / Passy. So dated because John G. Frazer, in his letter to Craddock Taylor of June 7, 1779 ( APS ), states that he and...
6486II. Depositions concerning Claims to Lands under Purchases from the Indians, [April 1777–October 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of a Resolution of the last General Convention of Virginia appointing us Paul Carrington, Bennet Goode and Joseph Speed Commissioners for taking depositions touching Claims to Lands within the Territory of Virginia under Deeds and purchases from the Indians, We have this day met at the Court House of Mecklenburg County after twenty days notice being given to Richard Henderson and...
6487To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, [April–May 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
A pretty fair opportunity Just offering for Philada., I could not omit acknowledging the receipt of you⟨r⟩ Very Circumstantial and Satisfactory Letter of the 14th. Feby. The thing has Happen’d which I wish’d for. We have been amased here by vague, imperfect, & very false accts. of matters from the Continent, & I always told my friends that if you Surviv’d the Campain & had an hour of leisure...
6488Abigail Adams to John Adams, April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The young folks desire Mamma to return thanks for their Letters which they will properly notice soon. It would have grieved you if you had seen your youngest Son stand by his Mamma and when she deliverd out to the others their Letters, he inquired for one, but none appearing he stood in silent grief with the Tears running down his face, nor could he be pacified till I gave him one of...
6489To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 1–4 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Commands of the 3rd March last, I received the 18th of said Month; Agreeable to which I called upon the Colos. for a Return of their Battalions; I have finally got them. On the 28th ultimo your Excellency’s orders of the 6th of the same Month was received. The Troops who have had the small Pox will march on Monday next, about one hundred and forty or fifty as appears by the...
6490From John Adams to James Warren, 1 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Having an opportunity by So carefull an Hand as Captain Wentworth of Portsmouth, I have ventured to inclose you a copy of a Letter which appears to me to be of Consequence. You will make use of it with Caution, among such Friends only as can be trusted to make a discreete Use of it. Inclosed is also a state of the Stocks in Amsterdam, on the seventh and twelfth of November by which you will...
6491Contract between Chaumont and the American Commissioners, 1 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : New York Public Library; DS and AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Conventions de Messieurs Frankelin et Dean et Lee deputés du Congrès des etats unis d’amerique avec le Sr. Leray de Chaumont. Le Dit Sieur de Chaumont equipera tous les mois a compter du mois de may prochain pendant un an, un pacquebot ou vaisseau propre a porter les Depesches des Dits Srs. Deputes de france en...
6492Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I received your favour of the 27 ultimo advising of the purchase of the arms &c. in Mr. Montieu’s magazine, which as soon as possible shall be all counted and the real quantity of each kind with the Tools &c. &c. exactly asscertained. In looking over your Letters I observe you have made a mistake of the pen in...
6493To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, 1 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Celle ci est pour avoir l’honneur de vous prevenir qu’il vient de nous arriver deux Navires, l’un de la Caroline que nous avons expedié en Octobre dernier et l’autre de Philadelphia expedié par Messrs. Nixon & Co. Les lettres nous ne sont pas encore parvenue. S’il y en a pour vous nous aurons l’honneur de vous les adresser ausitôt; nous venons d’expedier le...
6494General Orders, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
6495From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am authorizd by Congress to appoint a Commissary of Prisoners —The pay will, I expect, be about Sixty Dollars pr Month. The Duty, except as to confinement, not hard; at least after the business is once put into a proper train. Close attendance on the Army will be requisite, in order to receive and distribute the Prisoners to places assign’d for their confinement; at each of which some person...
6496To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Excellys esteem’d favour of the 3 Ulto Adviseing that by a Resolve of the Honble the Continental Congress, they were pleas’d to promote me to the Rank of Brigr General. I esteem it, a mark of grate respect & Honor don by that August body—unmerited by me. I Could wish myself Qualified, but when I Consider my owne inabilities, & inexperience, I Cannot think myself in any Degree...
6497To George Washington from Colonel William Grayson, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I return’d the day before yesterday from Maryland, & am sorry to inform you that the recruiting service in that quarter does not by any means answer my expectations or wishes; Mr Smallwood & Mr Jones will I think (from present appearances) succeed; but Mr Tilly & Mr Brown have not got a man; the latter has resign’d his commission & return’d the bounty money for that reason; I wrote you by the...
6498To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Monsieur Mauduit de Plesis, who lately arrived here with the French General De Borre—He has represented to the Council of this State, that he is charged with Dispatches to the Honble Congress—The Council have desired me to assist & forward him. I take the Liberty to enclose Copy of a Letter from Col. Wayne dated at Ticonderoga the 25th of March 1777,...
6499From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform you, that Congress not perceiving that any advantage would be derived either to yourself or the public Interest from an interview between you and a part of their Members, could not consider ⟨them⟩selves at liberty to comply with your request. At the same time I am to assure you, that every ⟨means⟩ will be pursued to provide for you⟨r safety and⟩ the attainment of your liberty....
6500From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 17th and 26th March. I communicated the intelligence you gave me concerning Govr Franklin, to Govr Trumbull, who will have his motions narrowly watched in future. I perceive many difficulties in the execution of your Militia law, particularly in suffering an appeal to lay before a Court of Judicature. That indulgence will always be claimed by the person...
6501To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Want of proper intelligence from my recruiting Officers has been my principle reason for not giveing your Excellency a proper return before this, and I am yet unable to do it with that accuracy I wish, the whole of my returns amount to One Hundred and Thirty four, a number of the Officers out a considerable distance from this, have yet made me no returns, that I cannot but hope my number is...
6502To John Jay from Robert Morris, 1 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
The enclosed letters came by a French Ship to New Hampshire & were sent under Cover to me by M r Langdon with many others, I believe they are from England, and wish they may convey agreable Tidings. Last Week a Brig t arrived here with 6800 Muskets & 2100 Gun Locks, another in Maryl d With 633 bbls Powder & this ship into Portsmouth brought with her about 12,000 Muskets, 1000 bbls Powder a...
6503From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [ca. 1 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Horseley enlisted for 2 years in a company raised in this county for one of the Virga. battal’s of 1775. In the winter now past, and before his time was out, he was unfortunate enough to desert from the service. Having had lesure to repent he some time ago made application to me through a third person to advise him what to do. I let him know that (his life being forfeited) there was...
6504Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I sit down to write tho I feel very Languid; the approach of Spring unstrings my nerves, and the South winds have the same Effect upon me which Brydon says the Siroce winds have upon the inhabitants of Sicily. It gives the vapours, blows away all their gaiety and spirits and gives a degree of Lassitude both to the Body and mind, which renders them absolutely incapable of performing their usual...
6505John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterdays Post brought me your kind Favour of March 8. 9. 10, with a Letter inclosed for from each of my Sons. But where is my Daughters Letter? That is missing. I regret the Loss of it much. You think I dont write Politicks enough! Indeed I have a surfeit of them. But I shall give you now and then a Taste, since you have such a Goust for them. By a Letter of 17. Jany. Dr. Franklin, Mr. Deane...
6506Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 2 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours by Docto. Jackson I received last week, he had letters to Others likewise. I waited on him with some Others att his lodgings. Mr. Jonathan Williams Offering his servise, itt was not worth while for more to be concerned. I recommended him to a person att Salem, and to Our Kindsman Tufts att Newbury, who writes me he has undertaken to dispose of a quantity and whose fidellity may be...
6507To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 2 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received Your’s of the 29th. Ultimo and are extream⟨ly⟩ sorry to hear of your Indisposition. In our last we expressed an Apprehension that the Enemy might possibly make Hudson’s River their first Object; not only because they could open their Campaign there earlier than they could go to Pensilvania as in one Case their Army would move by land and in the other by Water; But because having...
6508From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [2 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 2, 1777. On April 5, 1777, Hamilton, writing to the New York Committee of Correspondence, stated: “Since my last I have had the pleasure of receiving your reply to my two favours of 29th. Ulto. & 2d. current.” Letter of April 2, 1777, not found. ]
6509The American Commissioners to Lord Stormont, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : the Johns Hopkins University Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Public Record Office. We did ourselves the Honour of writing some time since to your Lordship on the Subject of Exchanging Prisoners. You did not condescend to give us any Answer, and therefore we expect none to this. We however take the Liberty of sending you Copies of certain Depositions, which we shall...
6510“Model of a Letter of Recommendation of a Person You Are Unacquainted with,” 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Morristown National Historical Park The Bearer of this who is going to America, presses me to give him a Letter of Recommendation, tho’ I know nothing of him, not even his Name. This may seem extraordinary, but I assure you it is not uncommon here. Sometimes indeed one unknown Person brings me another equally unknown, to recommend him; and sometimes...
6511From Benjamin Franklin to [Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, Baron de l’Aulne], 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress M. Cenis being at Bourdeaux, will easily find Ships there bound to some Part of North America, as I am told that scarce a Week passes, in which a Vessel does not sail thither from that Port. He should get the Assistance of some Merchant in agreeing for his Passage, and in purchasing the Provisions for his Voyage: And he ought to take a Sum of Money with him to...
6512From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and AL (draft): Library of Congress As I see that the Congress has resolved upon raising 3000 Horse for the ensuing Campaign I hope M. de Cenis the bearer of this Letter, may be of great Use in forming some of the Troops, as he is acquainted with that Service, having been a Captain of Dragoons. He goes over at his own Expence, without the least Encouragement or Promise from me, which indeed...
6513Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I had the pleasure of writing to you yesterday since which Capt. Adams is arrived express for [from] Boston and now setts off with his packets for Paris. If I did not think myself absolutely obliged to stay here untill I have orders to return I should be tempted to set off with him, as a few hours Conversation might...
6514To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recieved a note from the post office of Paris, that a lettre directed to me has been put in the bureau without the postage being payed, and is therefore not forwarded. I have immediately given ordres to my banker to pay the postage. As I have reason to suspect, that this lettre is yours, the more so, as the last lettre I recieved from you, has had the...
6515General Orders, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
6516From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favd with yours of the 26th last Month and a few days ago with that of the 11th. It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness. I confess I was surprized when I did not see your Name in the list of Major Generals, and was so fully of opinion that there was some mistake in the matter, that I (as you may recollect)...
6517From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Proctor did me the honour to deliver your favour of the 31st Ulto. I have to lament that the Expressions intended to thank the late Council of Safety for easing me of a part of the heavy load I bear in forming our new Army, could be so misunderstood by your Board. I rejoiced at hearing that they had not only appointed their Officers in the first instance; but had arranged them likewise;...
6518From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you last, I have recd the inclosed from Genl Mcdougal which contains a full account of the late affair at peekskill. Every prudential step appears to have been taken by the General, and as good a disposition made as his small Number of men would admit of. I have heard nothing further respecting the embarkation of Troops which I mentioned in my last, I am in...
6519From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yr favrs of the 29th Ulto & without date, the last inclosing a Return of yr Regiment —I wish it had borne a more agreeable aspect; but I trust no pains will be spard & no means left untried to complete it. Genl McDougal transmitted me a full Account of the late Affair at Peekskill. I wish the state of our Treasury admitted of my sendg you the Sum of Money you wrote for; But We have been...
6520From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 29th Ulto was delivered to me Yesterday by Mr Laurence. The loss we have sustained in Commissary’s and Quarter Masters Stores is to be regretted, as they are most useful to the Army and not to be replaced at this time, the Commissary’s particularly. I had repeatedly guarded him against suffering any large quantities laying near the Water in such places as were accessible to the...
6521Paper from Lieutenant Colonel William Walcott, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Whereas General Washington did in his Letter to General Howe, bearing Date the Thirtieth Day of July 1776, declare that he was authorized to propose, and he did in the said Letter accordingly propose a general Exchange of all Prisoners of War in the Manner & upon the Terms following; viz: “Officers for Officers of Equal Rank; Soldier for Soldier; and Citizen for Citizen.” To which Proposal His...
6522John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
As you seem so inquisitive about Politicks, I will indulge you so far (indulge, I say, observe that Word indulge! I suppose you will say it ought to have been oblige) as to send you a little more News from abroad. As foreign Affairs are now become more interesting to Us than ever, I dare say your political Curiosity has extended itself e’er this all over Europe. The Agent of the King of...
6523To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I scratch a Line in utmost Hast—Your kind Letter I receiv’d by Mr Jackson the Day after sending one to you. Your Tickets sell rapidly. Your Loan Office will fill apace. I wrote to you, or Mr Adams on the American Navy. Manly’s Character rises here. He has sail’d to Cape Ann for some Men there and has press’d thro great Difficulties to get out—something must be done to expedit Matters in that...
6524To John Adams from James Warren, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure Yesterday of receiving your favours of the 15th. and 18th. of March. There are few things I wish for more than A War between Britain, and France &c. I am therefore greatly pleased with the Accounts you have of the probability of it. Such has been the situation, of matters for some time that I could not see how it could be Avoided, and yet my Impatience makes me Uneasy at the...
6525From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [3 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 3, 1777. On April 8, 1777, the New York Committee of Correspondence wrote to Hamilton: “Yours of the third came safe⟨ly to hand⟩ this Day.” Letter not found. ]
6526The American Commissioners to Lord Stormont, 3 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , November 4–6, 1777. In answer to a letter which concerns some of the most material interests of humanity, and of the two nations, Great Britain, and the United States of America, now at war, we received the enclosed indecent paper, as coming from your Lordship, which we return, for your Lordship’s more mature consideration. The paper was the reply, written on...
6527To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, [3 April? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think it will be Necessary To have a Copy of the Contract with Mr. Chaumont sent to Mr. Williams and also to the Secret Committee. As you have [ torn ] Original I wish they may be made out to go by the Express. I am Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servant Addressed: To / The Honl / Benja Franklin Esqr / [ illegible ] Passy The copy of the contract...
6528General Orders, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
It having been observed that the Waggoners, and those who have the care of the public Horses, use them very cruelly, by riding them extreemly hard upon all occasions, it is therefore recommended to the Quarter Masters, and Waggon-Masters, to give strict orders against such practices in future, which, if continued after such notice is given, the offenders shall be liable to immediate...
6529From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 18th of last Month. The late ample arrivals of Arms at Philada and at portsmouth, added to those which we before had, puts us out of all further uneasiness on account of that necessary Article. The Eleven hundred and Seventy six stand which you recd from the continental Agent at Boston, will be very near the number wanted for your two continental Battalions when...
6530From George Washington to Colonel Jedediah Huntington, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 25th last Month inclosing a Return of the State of your Regiment. I am not only sorry to find your number so low as 250 men, but I do not apprehend from the tenor of your Letter that there is a probability of your being soon compleat. I however desire you to march all the men that are fit for duty immediately to peekskill, there to wait my further orders, and to leave...