24451To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Brillon de Jouy, 30 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. Brillon a l’honneur de faire mil compliments a mr. franklin et de lui envoyér le petit air, qui a paru lui plaire hiér; en s’éveillant, elle l’a copié; c’est une véritable jouissance pour elle d’imaginer qu’elle peut amusér quélquefois mr. franklin qu’elle aime et éstime comme il méritte de l’estre; elle lui en veut pourtant un peu des six parties...
24452General Orders, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The paymasters of those regiments, from which detachments have been made, to form the Corps of Riflemen under Col. Morgan, are without delay to pay off their respective detachments up to the last of May—Col. Morgan’s corps now lays at Trenton. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
24453To George Washington from Landon Carter, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
To hear of you, conducting our opposition to the feelings of an approaching Slavery, with an unremitting constancy, cannot but give every individual concernd, an inexpressible and grateful Pleasure. But to hear from you, whilst so engaged is such an uniting, of your Public and Private attachment, that it must if possible do more in the breasts of friendship; especially when your Virtue...
24454From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
As we are yet uncertain as to the real destination of the Enemy, tho’ Delaware seems most probable, I have thought it prudent to halt the Army at this place, Howells Ferry and Trenton, at least, till the Fleet actually enter the Bay and put the matter beyond a doubt. From hence, we can be upon the proper Grounds to oppose them before they can possibly make their arrangements and dispositions...
24455From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform you, that I arrived here on the 28th at Night with Genl Green’s Division, One Brigade of which passed the River that Evening, that the Whole might encamp more commodiously. Genl Stephen with his own and Lincoln’s Division also arrived, a little time after, at Howel’s Ferry—four Miles above this. I have thought proper to halt the whole Army at these Two places &...
24456To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the honor of yours of the 19th Instant, and shall pay strict attention to its Injunctions. I have this Day received a Letter from Major General Putnam of the 25th Inst. purporting that a Letter was lately intercepted going from General Howe to Genl Burgoyne intimating that he (How) shoud soon be at B—n to cooperate with Burgoyne; and that by another Express the General had...
24457From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favoured with your Letter of the 28th It was never my intention that the two Regiments, you allude to should remain longer where they are than till the destination of the Enemy is certainly known. As that is not the case, at present they are to continue where they are & will do so, till I give further orders. I apprized the Governor, that I should call away those Regiments &...
24458To George Washington from the New York Council of Safety, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
We enclose your Excellency the Examination of a prisoner which we have Reason to believe is true, as it exactly corresponds with every other Information that we have received from that Quarter—Our Army is extremely weak, the Country Exhausted, our Neighbours languid—And our People threatned with Invasions on every quarter. In this State we can only apply to your Excellency to second our...
24459To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Designs of the Enemy & the Importance of the Posts in the Various parts of the Country are doubtless better understood by your Excellency than I can Pretend to know them. this ought not to prevent my proposing my Sentiments to your Excellency’s Considerration; in this I think I do no more than my Duty & if I am mistaken it can be of no ill Consequence to any One but myself. The Posts on...
24460From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 28th from Elizabeth Town, did not reach me untill this morning. From the conclusion of it, I am apprehensive that you intend to halt at Bound Brook for further orders, but I hope that will not be the case, as it was my intention that you shou’d march immediately by the nearest rout to Delaware, provided the expedition to Staten Island did not take place. The part of the River to...
24461From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have desired Genl Gates to give you immediate information of the arrival of the Enemy’s Fleet in Delaware, upon which you are to move down to Philada with all the Troops at Trenton. My former directions were to wait orders of march from me, but you are now to attend to those of Genl Gates. Be pleased to communicate this to the Officers commanding the different Corps and desire them always to...
24462The American Commissioners to William Lee, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress; two copies: National Archives The Hope of obtaining previously by means of Mr. Ross, a clear State of Mr. Morris’s Proceedings in the Commercial Affairs of the Congress, which was our Inducement to advise your Stay here for some time, being vanished, we now think it prudent and right for you to proceed to Nantes as soon as possible, and there take such...
24463The American Commissioners to Thomas Morris, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress Mr. Wm. Lee, who has been prudentially detain’d here some time by certain Circumstances relative to the commercial Affairs of the Congress, sets out now to join you at Nantes, being appointed by the Committee to act with you in those Affairs. We make no doubt but you will immediately communicate to him a full and clear State of them, and proceed in your...
24464Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed you by Monsr. Le Baron De Cadignun, whom I beg leave to introduce to your Acquaintance and hope you will render him all the service in your power, as he has been very kind and ready to render me every Service in his power for which I am much obliged, as he has been very Buissy in preventing the Paris orders from being rigorously executed...
24465Feutry: Application for Membership in the American Philosophical Society, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Mémoire. Amé, Ambroise, Joseph, Feutry, né à Lille, en flandres, en 1720, licencié ès Loix de l’Université de Douay, ancien Maire titulaire de Châtillon-sur-Loing, desire bien vivement d’avoir L’honneur d’être attaché, en quelque chose, à la Société philosophique de Philadelphie , ne fut-ce que comme simple correspondant. Ce titre, qui le flatteroit...
24466To Benjamin Franklin from Franz van Lelyveld, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai eu L’honneur de vous ecrire en date du 9. Decbre. 1774. touchant vos Lettres a Mr. Brownrigh upon the propriety of Oil to stilling the waves. Et au mois d’Avril 1775 j’ai pris la liberté de vous envoyer 6 Exemplaires d’une piece que j’ai donné en public sur ce meme sujet, contenant les connoissances que les Marins Hollandois ont de L’effusion de...
24467To Benjamin Franklin from Frédéric Le Mesle, 31 July 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dieppe, July 31, 1777, in French: I send you some verses in praise of our brave islanders. If you think them worth offering to the insurgent brethren, nothing more glorious could happen to me. The truth is so satisfying to an honest soul that my verses cost me nothing.> Or possibly Le Merle; his “r” and “s” are indistinguishable. He signs himself as an...
24468General Orders, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The army is to cross the Delaware with all possible dispatch, and proceed for Philadelphia—Col. Humpton will take the command of the division commanded by General Lincoln. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The Varick transcript contains the following entry after the general orders of this date: “August 1st 2nd 3rd 1777 No orders issued” ( DLC:GW ). Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene did issue orders in...
24469From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d information from Philadelphia that the Enemies Fleet made their appearance at the Capes of Delaware yesterday, you are therefore to march as expeditiously as you can with your own and Colo. Ogdens Regts to Philadelphia by the way of Trenton where Boats will be prepar’d to carry you across. you will take care and not over march your Men. I am yr most Obet Servt. come...
24470To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 31 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 31 July 1777. GW’s letter to Gates of 31 July says: “Your letter of this morning is just come to hand.”
24471From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of this morning is just come to hand. I have immediately, in consequence of the intelligence contained in it, put all the Troops in motion; and expect they will be with you, or in the neighborhood by tomorrow evening, and in full time to give opposition to the Enemy, as I cannot imagine their operations will be so sudden, as you seem to apprehend. you will send forward some proper...
24472To George Washington from John Hancock, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
An Express this Moment arrived with a Letter from Genl Rodney a Copy of which I enclose agreeably to your Request in your Favour of yesterday which came to Hand last Night. The Enemy by this Intelligence are in the Offing of the Capes, and the Wind was fair yesterday for their coming up this Bay. I shall send likewise to Lord Stirling a Copy of the enclosed immediately. I am Sir with the...
24473From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment Honor’d with yours of 5 OClock this morning, & have accordingly sett the Army in Motion One Division had Cross’d the Deleware the day before Yesterday, & I am in hopes the whole of the Troops now here will be able to reach Philada tomorrow Evening Lord stirlings Division lies just in my rear & will move on with us I propose setting off for your City as soon as I can get the...
24474From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just rec’d information from Philaa that the Enemy’s Fleet arrived at the Capes of Delaware yesterday. you will therefore please to order the two Brigs. which were thrown over the N. River to March immediately towards Philadelphia thro’ Morris Town and over Coryels Ferry where Boats will be ready for them. The Troops to March as expeditiously as possible, without injuring the men. I beg...
24475To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 28th Inst. and have according to your direction ordered two Brigades viz. Gen. McDougal & Huntington to put their heavy baggage over the river, & to be in readiness to march on the arrival of further orders—have sent Lt Col. Dimon to the white plains with his Regt to relieve Col. Courtlands detachment there, Consisting of his own Col. Livingstons & a party from...
24476From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment advised by Express that the Enemy’s Fleet is arrived at Delaware; I request that you will proceed immediately to Philadelphia with the Division under your command, in the most expeditious manner you can, observing a good order of March & conducting it so as not to injure the Troops. The Rout by Coryels will be best, as there is a sufficient number of boats to transport the...
24477From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was just now honored with your Letter of the 25th inst. The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence is an event so interesting and so unexpected that I do not wonder it should produce in the minds of the people—at least—the well attached—the effects you mention—I am fully in sentiment with you, that the cause leading to this unhappy measure should be fully and minutely...
24478To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont: Two Notes, [before 22 October 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je prie M. franklin d’avertir M. andrew Patton de se Rendre a Rouen pour s’embarquer pour Cadix a Bord de L’heureuse Rencontre Capitaine Noel Martin. M. Patton peut prendre la diligence qui vat a Rouen dans un jour. Il s’adressera a Rouen a M. holker avec La Lettre cy Jointe. Il s’adressera a Cadix a Messieurs Rey et Brandenbourg. M. franklin voudera Bien...
24479A Catechism Relative to the English National Debt, [August or September? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin ... (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), III , 97. A CATECHISM Relative to the English National Debt. Question 1. Supposing this debt to be only 195 millions of pounds sterling at present, although it is much more, and that it was all to be counted in shillings, that a man could count at the rate of...
24480The American Commissioners to George Washington, [August or September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress The Marquis de la Fayette, a young Nobleman of great Expectations and exceedingly belov’d here, is by this time probably with you. By some Misapprehension in his Contract with the Merchants of Bordeaux he was prevented from using the Produce of the Cargo he carried over, and so was left without a Supply of Money. His Friends here have sent him over about £500...
24481To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse Conway: Two Notes, [August? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society These two undated notes, we believe, were written in the order in which we print them, and between hers of April 14 from Ville-d’Avray, near Sèvres, where she was no doubt visiting a friend, and that below of September 1 from her home in Auxerre. These two can be assigned with some confidence to a single month, August. The first note refers to a battle...
24482To Benjamin Franklin from Lebègue de Presle, [August 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me suis engagé la derniere fois que J’ai eu l’honneur de vous voir, a vous communiquer quelques details sur le coup de foudre dont a ete frappée la salle d’assemblée de Purfleet; mais je n’ai pu le faire plutot parceque le dessein necessaire pour entendre le rapport etoit chez le graveur. Je vous envoye Monsieur la premiere epreuve avec les circonstances...
24483From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your three several favours of this day —I have spoken to the Commissary & forage master, who have promised to take the proper measures for furnishing you with supplies in their respective departments. You will be pleased to send all Capt. Lee’s troop that remain behind with the regimt to join the detachment now with him and you will also return immediately to him, whatever men...
24484John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Fleet is in Delaware Bay. 228 of them were seen, in the Offing, from Cape Henlopen, the day before yesterday. They come in but slowly. G eneral Washington, and the light Horse came into Town last Night. His Army will be in, this day—that is the two or three first Divisions of it—Greens, Sterlings and Stevensons Stephen’s . The rest is following on, as fast as possible. General Nash with...
24485George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Orders Greene to hold men in readiness to march and to give the necessary orders to quartermaster general and commissary general respecting provisions and forage. States that British fleet has departed from the Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although H’s crossed-out signature can be seen on the draft, this...
24486George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Chester [ Pennsylvania ] August 1, 1777. Warns of probable attack on Highlands. Discusses orders given to Major General John Sullivan and Governor George Clinton to aid Putnam. Instructs Putnam to ask aid of Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24487Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 1 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of the 25th. July Came safe to hand. As to French Seaman who are Now in Goal, they do not Deserve Pitty as they were sent out of the Way preveous to the Officers Comeing on board to look for them and they went the Next day and delivered themselves up to the Judge of the Admiralty who put them all in Prison. I am very glad to find you approve of my...
24488To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 1 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En arrivant de la Campagne je trouve la lettre et le paquet ci joints, que j’ai ouvert très innocemment l’enveloppe etant à mon adresse, et n’y ayant rien qui m’indiquât que les lettres n’êtaient pas pour moi. J’avais offert à Mr. Pennet lorsqu’il passa en france, dans le tems où je jouissais de la confiance du Gouvernement, de se servir de mon adresse pour...
24489[Ferdinand Grand]: Draft Contract for the American Commissioners, 1 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Nous soussignés en vertu de nos pouvoirs donnons ordre et pouvoir á Mr. [ blank in MS ] de nous procurer au mioeux possible et le plus promptement que faire se pourra quatre flutes de Guerre Comme Celle qui se construit en hollande. Nous nous engageons en Consequence de fournir les fonds et les avances necessaires à sa requisition; nous en rapportant á tout...
24490From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have not recieved any certain intelligence that the Fleet have got within the Capes. By the last accounts they were beating in, the Wind unfavorable; It was supposed they would get in about three OClock yesterday Evening. I would wish you to collect and bring up your rear, as soon as may be, to German Town or to proper Grounds contiguous to it where the Troops are to remain untill further...
24491To George Washington from Captain Heman Allen, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Salisbury, Conn., 1 Aug. 1777 . “Suffer me to inclose Copies of several Letters, directed to me by Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell of the Kings 71t Regiment, the first of the 17th March, the second of the 20th & third of the 30th of April last. “I have been informed that Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, with four or five other Colonels of the Enemy, have been detained for a considerable...
24492From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had proceeded thus far in order to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army when I recd the provoking account that the Enemy’s Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday and steered Eastward again. I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River, but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this Maneuvre, I beg you will immediately call in every Man of the...
24493To the Commanding Officer on March from Peekskill, N.Y., 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment recd information that the Enemy’s Fleet have left the Capes of Delaware and have steered Eastward again. You are therefore to return immediately to Peeks kill with the two Brigades under your command. If you should find that the Enemy have thrown any Ships in the passage of the King’s Ferry you must proceed up to New Windsor and cross there. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt LS ,...
24494From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having recd information that the Fleet have left the Capes of Delaware and steered Eastward, you are immediately upon the Rect of this to return and keep upon your march till you reach Peekskill. If you find any Ships thrown into King’s Ferry way, you are to proceed to New Windsor and cross there. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . An endorsement...
24495To George Washington from Robert Erskine, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 28th Ult: concerning the Office of Geographer, I had the honour to receive yesterday at Pompton. The distinction you confer on me, I beg leave to acknowledge with gratitude; and shall be happy to render every service in my power, to your Excellency, and to the Cause in which the rights of humanity are so deeply interested: on these accounts it is necessary to be explicit;...
24496From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information by express that the enemys fleet have disappeared from the Capes yesterday morning about eight OClock. This unexpected event makes it necessary to reverse our disposition and I have accordingly sent orders to Sullivan’s division, and the two other brigades on the other side the Delaware to return and recross the North River. You are immediately to complete your...
24497To George Washington from John Hancock, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
An Express having this moment Arriv’d from Cape May with a Letter, Copy of which I have the honour to Inclose you, by which it appears that the Fleet which was suppos’d to be destin’d for the Delaware had stood off & Steer’d to the Eastward. I thought proper to Transmit this Intelligence to you by Express, & will not detain him further than to Assure you that I am with the utmost respect, Sir...
24498To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We this moment have received the Intelligence contained in the inclosed —whether the Enemy will turn in here, or whether they are destined to Portsmouth, Falmouth (Casco Bay) or to Hallifax, or to the River St Lawrance, Time must discover. I have not time to add, but have The Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Hble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169. The...
24499From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By an Express this moment arrived from Cape May, The Enemy’s Fleet left Yesterday Morning at Eight OClock—put to Sea and were out of Sight Three Hours when the Express came away. I do not know whether you are coming on with the Two Brigades ordered from peeks Kill to reinforce this Army—If you are, I beg that you will leave the Brigades under the direction of the next commanding Officer to...
24500To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
the inclosed is a Copy of a Letter this moment recd from the Brigadier of the County of Essex: The destination of the Fleet is to us yet uncertain; as soon as further intelligence is obtained, Your Excellency may depend upon it’s being forwarded with all possible dispatch. In the Name & behalf of the Council I am With great Respect Sr Your most Obedt hble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC ,...