1Proposed Alterations in William Smith’s Oration on General Montgomery, [before 6 March 1776] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Historical Society of Pennsylvania On February 19, 1776, William Smith, Provost of the College of Philadelphia and Franklin’s old antagonist, delivered in one of the city churches an oration that Congress had requested on General Montgomery and the other Americans killed in the attack on Quebec. Smith was anything but a revolutionary, and still longed to see the quarrel peacefully...
2To George Washington from William Livingston, 29 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the inclosed (which was taken at Staten Island,) may probably be of some Service on Lieutenants Troup’s Trial, I thought it my Duty to send it to your Excellency. I have wrote you fully on the Subject of your Requisition of 1000 of our Militia to garrison the forts along Hudson’s River, by Major General Sullivan. I have still some apprehensions that the Enemy will play you a trick by...
3To George Washington from William Livingston, 13 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to acquaint your Excellency that having the most solid Reasons to believe that it would be imprudent for me to reside at present, at Persippeney, I have fix’d my Quarters (after having visited my Family) at Mr Parsons, at Collo. Wards’ Quarters, about two miles from your Excellency’s. What induces me to inform your Excellency of this particular is, that in case you should...
4To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed the Bearer to take your advice respecting the part he is to act to counterplot the Designs of the Enemy. They want excedingly to know what Troops are stationd in this State, & to establish a line of Communication by Land—Should you advise Morseiles to aid in settling their Posts, & he is trusty enough to communicate it to us when established, we might by that means procure...
5To George Washington from William Livingston, 19 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of yesterday; & have the pleasure to undeceive you in the Information you had received concerning the draft from our Militia to serve for the Campaign. By the two Acts which I do myself the honour to inclose your Excellency, you will perceive that the Act for raising the 624 men upon the plan you mention has no connection with the Act for compleating...
6To George Washington from William Livingston, 3 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Livingston, 3 Sept. 1779. On 7 Sept., GW wrote Livingston: “I yesterday recd your favr of the 3d Inst.”
7To George Washington from William Livingston, 10 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th Instant respecting the Enemy’s Movements up the North River is truly alarming; nor shall I be wanting to use every Mean in my Power towards procuring all the assistance which this State can afford to oppose their Attempts. But the Necessity of such assistance being speedily procured, (and must if it is to answer any purpose) & the dilatoriness unavoidably...
8To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to me, that Robert Wilson, who I am told, acts as Commissary under Mr Blain, for the Counties of Sussex, Morris and Somerset in this State, has in the County of Somerset employed only part of the Mills. By this means, the distance that Wheat must be carted is most amazingly encreased; and either the Farmer put to an unnecessary trouble, or the States to an additional Expence....
9To George Washington from William Livingston, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honour of your Excellency’s Favour of the 4th instant; & am very far from differing with you in Sentiment that the Militia of the Country should be drawn out by the Authority of the Government rather than by the pecuniary reward attached to their Service. This has always been my opinion; & I have used my utmost Exertions to get our Militia upon that footing; but it is a...
10To George Washington from William Livingston, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am quite ashamed of my present application as it necessarily infers a neglect of duty in those whom I do not chuse to blame. It were tedious to give you a narrative of the fruitless pains I have taken to have this State supplied with proper Magazines of arms & ammunition. But so it is that we must now either fight without ammunition or not fight at all. If your Excellency can possibly spare...