51[Diary entry: 5 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
5. Wind very fresh and Cold from the No. West all day.
52From George Washington to George Mercer, 5 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
The writing of this Letter, has been delayed longer than I expected, for the following reasons—want of opportunities of Collectg the inclosed papers—want of a conveyance to forward them afterwards—the necessity of comparing, & examining the Sales, and making some alterations with respect to the purchasers—executing Deeds for the Land &c. This delay, I conceived, could be attended with no great...
53From George Washington to Edward Montagu, 5 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of the 4th of December to Colo. Mercer (dispatched by the first opportunity that offered after the close of his Sales) would inform you of the total amount thereof; & that the contest between Miss Wroughton and Messrs Dick & Hunter, respecting a preference of Mortgages, would, more than probable, be avoided. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 29th of August,...
54To George Washington from William Grayson, 5 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your favor of the 2nd of Aprill; in answer to which, it is the desire of our Officers, that if they can’t be furnished with such sashes, as are proper; they would not incline to have any; but this matter is altogether left to yourself, as the person most capable of determining; with respect to the mode of conveying the arms from Philada to this place; I cannot at this time...
55To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 5 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know that the terms on which the crown engaged to grant the lands in Virginia are contained in any other charter than that by Car. ii. the 10. of Oct. 28 of his reign. The original, I believe although the seal is not now to it, I found in my office; and I understand it is recorded in the Secretary’s office. A copy of it I now inclose to be sent by the first opportunity. In the mean...
56To John Adams from William Tudor, 4 April 1775 (Adams Papers)
The interesting Advices we rec’d here on Sunday, and which the Papers will acquaint You, have had almost as great an Effect on People in this Town, as the Arrival of the Port Bill produc’d. The Women are terrify’d by the Fears of Blood and Carnage. The Merchants are dispirited, by the Expectation of Lord North’s Bill for the Prevention of the Newfoundland Fishery; and the Trading to any Parts...
57To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 4 April 1775 (Adams Papers)
At the same time that I make my Gratful Acknowledgment, for the instructive sentiments and Friendly hint, Contained in yours of the 15th March I must ask your indulgence so far as to Favour me with your opinion (by my son who will Call on you on Monday Next) of the present dark and Gloomy aspect of public affairs. Is there no hope that the Dread Calamity of Civil Convulsions may yet be...
58To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 4 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your very agreable favour of the 4th. of Janry. I rec’d by the last Packet informing of your having drawn on me for the Ballance of our Acct. as it Stands in your Books a Copy of which I rec’d by a Ship Via Philada. Mr. Bache will inform you that at his desire the Bill was paid in Philadelphia when due. The Acct. as you say may be easyly rectify’d when we...
59[Diary entry: 4 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
4. Mr. Tilghman Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Danl. Carroll & Mr. Fitzgerald came down to Dinner & the two last returnd in the Aftern.
60[Diary entry: 4 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
4. Misting, & Raining more or less all day with but little Wind and that Southerly.
61To George Washington from John Dickinson, 4 April 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Dickinson, 4 April 1775. On 13 April GW wrote Dickinson that he had received “your favour of the 4th Instt.”
62To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 April 1775 (Madison Papers)
Though the business that at present surrounds me on every side, makes writing inconvenient, yet I cannot let Mr. Hoops return without a few Lines to one I value so much. [Mr Dunlap’s paper &c] I send with this Furguson which I could not get for less than 12/ tho’ you will perceive it is somewhat soil’d. I also send the friendly address &c. & The other side of the Question. I dare not add more...
Give me leave now to descend from these general matters, to Massachusettensis. He says “Ireland who has perhaps the greatest possible subordinate legislature, and send no members to the British parliament, is bound by its acts, when expressly named.” But if we are to consider what ought to be, as well as what is, why should Ireland have the greatest possible subordinate legislature? Is Ireland...
64To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the other day about an hundred pounds which the Constitutional Society here had orderd to be given for releif of the poor sufferers in Boston and now inclose you Mr. Olivers letter respecting that business. I presume you are fully informed from other hands of all the public transactions here since you left us. Therefore shall only beg you to...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Warren, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (facsimile): Massachusetts Historical Society Altho’ I have not the pleasure either of a personal or epistolary acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty of sending you by Mr. Dana a pamphlet which I wish was more deserving of your notice. The ability and firmness with which you have defended the Rights of Mankind and the Liberties of this Country in particular have rendered you dear...
66[Diary entry: 3 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
3. Mr. Wilper went away. Mr. Magowan & self walkd into the Neck.
67[Diary entry: 3 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
3. Wind at No. Wt.—fresh & Cool all the forepart of the day—latter part moderate—Wind Southerly.
68From George Washington to Thomas Newton, 3 April 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Newton, Jr., 3 April 1775. Newton wrote GW on 12 April : “I Received your favor of 3d instant.”
69From George Washington to Lord Dunmore, 3 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
At second hand, I learnt from Captain Floyd, that the Surveys made by Mr Crawford under the Proclamation of 1754 (expressly agreeable to an order of Council of the 15th of Decembr 1769) and for which your Lordships Patents under the Seal of the Colony, hath actually been obtained, are now declared null & void. The information appearing altogether incredible, I gave little attention to it,...
70To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 3 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
I Reced your letter by Mr William Stephens dated in March in Which I find you are verey Much disturved at the Cost of your Mill and I find that after all My Care and troble To Serve you in a thing of this kind to the great disadvantage of my plantation as Well as the discruttion of my Bedind and houshold furneture—And that all for Notting Except that of incuring your ill Will and being Censurd...
71To George Washington from Dennis Stephens, 3 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have had the mortification of Seing a letter from under your hand directed to Mr Gilbert Simpson dated march, the purport of which demonstrates, to me that I have incur’d Your displeasure greatly by Amiting my duty with Respect to your mill, What you perticularly seem to alledge is my Extravigance in drinking and also that She never will be finis’d which allegations I humbly acknowledg were...
72[Diary entry: 2 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
2. At home all day. Mr. Magowan went to church & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Wilper came in the Afternoon—as did Captn. Curtis also. Philip Curtis was the captain of GW’s brig Farmer , just arrived at Mount Vernon from a voyage that had carried 4,000 bushels of “Indian Corn” to Lisbon and returned with 3,000 bushels of salt from the Turks Islands in the Caribbean ( P.R.O. , T.1/512, ff. 196, 197).
73[Diary entry: 2 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
2. Wind in the same place, and weather Cool.
74From George Washington to William Grayson, 2 April 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Grayson, 2 April 1775. On 5 April Grayson wrote GW that he had “the honor of your favor of the 2nd of Aprill.”
75From John Adams to the Reverend Caleb Gannett, 1 April 1775 (Adams Papers)
It is not easy for me to determine whether it be best, to carry the Cause before the Governor and Council as a Court of Chancery or before the King and Council—because, I dont know enough of the Character and Sentiments of the Governor and Council. They may be all Episcopalians, and so much prejudiced, as to render an Application to them, fruitless. Nor am I able to say, whether, the Cause can...
76To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 1 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: British Museum I wrote you in Septr and Aug: last, and it is a great While indeed since I have had the Pleasure of a Line from you. The Anxiety and Distress bro’t upon us by the Port Bill and other Acts, and the Troops and Ships of War station’d here have been great; and much Art and Pains have been employ’d to dismay us, or provoke us to some...
77[Diary entry: 1 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
Aprl. 1. At home all day, Mr. Magowan came here.
78[Diary entry: 1 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
Apl. 1. Cool, with the Wind at No. Wt.
79Note on Franklin’s Sketch of How to Force a Wheel Round by Gunpowder, [before March 1775?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society For some years we have been trying and failing to answer two questions about this sketch: why and when was it made? The device as described would obviously never produce continuous rotation, if that was the intent; and a wheel that turned in spasms would have limited use. As for the date, no clue to it has appeared in the edited correspondence; one may of...
80[March 1775] (Washington Papers)
Mar. 1st. Cloudy all the forenoon with a little Rain. Clear afterwards. Wind very fresh all day from the No. West. Mrs. Barnes, & Miss Betcy Ramsay came in the Eveng. as did Mr. Morda. Red. Betcy Ramsay was Mrs. Sarah Barnes’s granddaughter. 2. Morda. Red went away after Breakfast. Doctr. Jenifer & wife & Mrs. McCarty came to Dinner & stayd all Night. Dr. Walter Hanson Jenifer’s wife Ann was...
81Acct. of the Weather in March [1775] (Washington Papers)
March 1st. Cloudy all the forenoon with a little Rain—clear afterwards. Wind very fresh all day from the No. West & towards Night cold. 2. Clear, with little or no Wind in the forenoon but Southerly afterwards. 3. Clear & very pleasant all day. In the forenoon the Wind was a little fresh from the Southward but quite calm afterwards. 4. Warm, Calm, and pleasant. In the Afternoon a little Wind...
82Cash Accounts, March 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cash March 12— To Cash an Error on the Contra Side of [£] 300. 0.0 To Mr John Stone for 3000 Bls Corn @ 2/ ⅌ Bl 300. 0.0 To an Acct agt his Craft 1.12.6 25— To Thos Newton Esqr. for Colo. Fieldg Lewis 100. 0.0 28— To the Treasurer my further Proportion of the Money raisd for the Delegates 13.15.6 Contra March 2— By Charity 0. 5.0 6— By Caleb Stone
83From George Washington to James Cleveland, March 1775 (Washington Papers)
I earnestly recommend to you, to follow after the People I have sent out as soon as you can do it with safety, as much depends upon making a proper beginning. If you should not arrive at Gilbert Simpsons till after Willm Stevens is gone with the People, Provision, and Tools; you will follow them by Land, or Water, as you shall find it most convenient. I directed Stevens to leave his Baggage...
84To John Adams from Samuel Swift, 31 March 1775 (Adams Papers)
I was in hopes you would have just called as you went out of Town, more especially as I Asked the favor I wanted to have troubled you with the inclosed —but you forgot me. I Sent and got the Group it is Admirally well done as far as it go’s, but, pauca desunt , vizt. Act. II. Scene I. The persons are, Hateall, Hazlerod, Monsieur, Beau-Trumps, Simple, Humbug, Sr. Sparrow, yet the first part...
85[Diary entry: 31 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
31. Set of from thence. Dined at Dumfries & reachd home about Sun Set.
86[Diary entry: 31 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
31. Cool with the Wind at No. West but not very hard.
87To George Washington from Henry McCabe, 31 March 1775 (Washington Papers)
Having Purchac’d a Farm Adjoining the Town of Leesburg, am in want of Some money to Assist in Purchaceing Horses, Implements of Husbandry &c. if you can Supply me with one hundred & fifty pounds, I will give you Security on the land; or on the Stone house in that Town; Or if you would rather Choose to be secured in this County will give you A Mortgage on my Houses in this place. Your Answer to...
88To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton Smith, 31 March 1775 (Washington Papers)
I some Time Past Purchased of the Reverend Mr Walter Magowan, a Parcell of Ticketts in Earl Stirlings Land and Cash Lottery, in the Provinces of New York and New Jersey. I am since Informed that the Lottery is drawn and that you have an Acct of the Prizes in this Lottery—I have therefore taken the Liberty to write to you upon this Subject, and shall be Extreemly obliged to you to Favour me...
89[Diary entry: 30 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
30. At Fredericksburg all day. Dined at Colo. Lewis’s.
90[Diary entry: 30 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
30. A tolerable pleasant day with but little Wind.
91[Diary entry: 29 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
29. Got to Fredericksburg abt. 11 Oclock. Dined at Colo. Lewis’s & spent the Evening at Weedons. George Weedon was described by an English traveler who stopped at his tavern about this time as “very active and zealous in blowing the flames of sedition” ( SMYTH J. F. D. Smyth. A Tour in the United States of America: containing An Account of the Present Situation of that Country; The Population,...
92[Diary entry: 29 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
29. Severe Frost. White & Black. Fruit distroyd.
93To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 28 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I did my self the honor to write you, 13 Septr last, by Mr. Quincy, acknowleging the receit of several curious Pamphlets, for which am much obliged to you, and beg the favor of you to present my respectful Compliments to Sir John Pringle, and Mr. Henley, for the particular honor they have done me, in sending me their curious Productions. Since that, I...
94[Diary entry: 28 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
28. Left Richmond. Dined at Hanover C[our]t Ho[use] & Lodged at Roys at the Bolling Green.
95[Diary entry: 28 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
28. Very Cold with a Frost—Wind fresh from the No. West.
Massachusettensis, in some of his writings has advanced, that our allegiance is due to the political capacity of the King, and therefore involves in it obedience to the British parliament. Governor Hutchinson in his memorable speech laid down the same position. I have already shewn from the case of Wales, that this position is groundless—and that allegiance was due from the Welch to the King,...
97[Diary entry: 27 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
27. Returnd to Richmond. Dined at Mr. Richd. Adam’s. Today, in its final session the Second Virginia Convention made Thomas Jefferson, delegate from Albemarle County, Peyton Randolph’s alternate delegate to the Second Continental Congress ( VAN SCHREEVEN William J. Van Schreeven et al., eds. Revolutionary Virginia: The Road to Independence. A Documentary Record . 7 vols. Charlottesville, Va.,...
98[Diary entry: 27 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
27. Raining in the Afternoon with the wind fresh at No. Et. In the Evening it got to No. Wt.
99From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 27 March 1775 (Washington Papers)
In looking over my memorandums, I find that my own warrant for 5,000 acres of Land, was directed to the Surveyor of Botetourt, and executed in part by Mr Lewis your Son, for 2,950 acres. Recollecting at the same time to have heard the little Kanhawa spoken of as a temporary boundary between your county and Augusta, and having a survey on the lower side of that river as inclosed, for 1800...
100From George Washington to William Preston, 27 March 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 27th and 31st of Jany were both deliverd to me at this place—the first Inclosing a Copy of the Survey at the Mouth of Coal River, and the Second an acct of the Expence of doing it. By Colo. Christian I send £3.6.8 for your Fee, & £2.10.0 for Capt. Floyd. It was impossible for me, with any sort of propriety to judge the value of Captn Floyds extra:Services; & being told that...