6951To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the Fleet from the Etward have now Past this place, there was in the whole Sixty Nine Sail Viz. 6 Ships, two of them Transports, 3 appeard to be of 18 or 20 guns Each, & one which Bro’t up the Rear of the whole had two Tier of guns—10 Brigs, 3 of them Armed, 21 Schooners, one of them Arm’d 6 Loaded with wood 2 with Hay, 32 Sloops, 13 Loaded with wood 2...
6952To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. Epaphras Bull, 29 Aug. 1778. On 30 Aug., Bull wrote to GW : “the Transport, which I mentioned as having Troops on board Last Night, appeard to have them to day”; when Bull wrote GW on the morning of Aug. 29, he had not been able to discern whether the boats were carrying troops.
6953To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the two Brigs & Sloop which Anchored near Hempstead Harbour Last Night, to day made Sail & went down, the Sloop was Armed Carrying 12 guns, the Brigs were not, but deeply Loaded, two Sloops past Wtward with Hay—the Vessels which I discovered yesterday, far Etward have made very Little Progress to day, they this Evening appeard to be Standing in to Oyster...
6954To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Bullitt, 2 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
My having Early in Life ingaged in the Last war under you, and the present one we are Ingaged in, appearing to be an affair that will not be Verry Shortly Settled Induces me to Solicit your Notice and patronage, in obtaining a promotion of rank in Some measure adequate to my Long Service and rank Last war, in this I Flatter myself with your Notice to Congress, as otherwise I may pass...
6955To John Adams from Archibald Bulloch, 1 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
As a Multiplicity of public Business prevents my revisiting Philadelphia, I have embraced an Opportunity by Major Walton of enquiring after your Welfare; and as he is capable of giving you the amplest Account of the State of this Province, I wou’d take the Liberty of introducing him to your Notice and Acquaintance. I make no Doubt but it will afford you the highest Pleasure to see one...
6956To George Washington from Peter Bundy, 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Westfield [Mass.] 13 October 1775 . “Humbly Sheweth that Since your Petitioner Engaged in the Service his father Has Died of Sickness & the Family has been a long Time Vissited with the Same Kind of Sickness Which Fam[i]ly Consists of Your Petitioners Mother & Eight Brothers & Sisters Your Petitioner being the oldest Child & there being no Other Brother Capable of Gathering the Harvest or...
6957To Benjamin Franklin from Job Bunker, 26 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take the freedom in wrighting unto your honour baging for your Assistance to Enable me to Guit out of this Cuntry into my one which is Amarica & was born in the Iseland of Nantucket & have fought two yrs in the first of the warr untill I had the misforten to be taking & Carried in England & After made my Ascape in france & Ever Since have ben fighting for...
6958To George Washington from Major Daniel Burchardt, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Received your Excellancy, letter dated 26 Ult.; concerning, the Cathridges, that was furnished, the German, Battalion, I left, the Regiment, at Fish Kills, Colo. Weltner, was the, Commanding Officer—several times, large party’s, where Detached, up the North River, in collecting Farage for the Use, of the Army, in Exceeding bad Weather, which was, the Ocasion, of a Quantity, of Cathridges...
6959To Benjamin Franklin from Peter P. Burdett, 5 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon the News of your arrival in France I did myself the honor of writing to you at the particular request of their Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Baaden, as well as from the pleasure I felt upon your return to Europe. This letter in all probability never reached your hands, or if it did, the multiplicity and importance of your present engagements,...
6960To George Washington from Isaac Burge, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A warm but humble wellwisher to the rights of humanity, and consequently of thy Country, begs thee would oblige him so far as to accept of this small token of his esteem for thee, on account of thy very laudable and unblemishd conduct in the cause wherein thou hast been engaged. Thy friend DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6961To George Washington from Vachel Burgess, 16 Aug. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Vachel Burgess, 16 Aug. 1779. On 16 Aug., GW wrote Burgess: “I received Your Letter of this date.”
6962To George Washington from Elizabeth Burgin, 16 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
When I Vew the Kind Prvidence of God in Delivering me Throw So many Dificultys I think I Canot Give him Sufficient Praise At the Same Time I Feel a hart Full of Gratitude For the Many Favours I have Recevd From Your Excelency Your Order: For Rations for my Self and Children Are Punktily Obeyd Wicth is Great Releif to me in A Strange Place I Recev’d a Kind Letter From Your Aidicamp Informing me...
6963Enclosure: Elizabeth Burgin to James Caldwell, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
July 17th being Sent for by generr. Patterson Surspacted For helping the amaricans presiners to mak their acape gorge Hebbuy Coming from your Exelence the Weak before and Cared out Mager van Burah Capt. Crain Lt Lee Who Mad ther acape from the guard on Long Island Gorge Higby Braught a paper to me from your aide Derectted to Col. Md gaw on Long Island he the Sd gorge Higly being taking up and...
6964To Benjamin Franklin from the Burgomasters and Senators of Hamburg, 1 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme les Provinces unies de l’Amerique Septentrionale doivent principalement au merite distingué de Votre Excellence l’indépendance et la souveraineté, dont ils jouissent aujourd’hui, en vertu du traité, conclu avec Sa Majesté Britannique , nous prenons la liberté de feliciter Votre Excellence de voir couronné Son ouvrage. Nous avons addressé à cette même...
6965To George Washington from Gen. John Burgoyne, 11 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Gen. John Burgoyne, 11 Feb. 1778. In his letter to Burgoyne of 11 Mar. 1778 , GW referred to “your very obliging Letter of the 11th of February.”
6966To George Washington from Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, 4 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my sincerest acknowledgements for your very obliging letter. I find the character which I before knew to be respectable is also perfectly amiable; and I should have few greater private gratifications in seeing our melancholy contest at an end than that of cultivating your friendship. I shall take particular care of your letter to Mr Fairfax. He is a gentleman I much esteem,...
6967To George Washington from Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will have observed by the dispatch from Sir Willm Howe to me which passed thorough your hands, that it was matter of great doubt whether the transports destined to carry the troops to England according to the Convention would be able to make the Port of Boston in this advanced season of the year; & therefore that it might be advisable to send them to Rhode Island, upon the...
6968To George Washington from Captain Bartholomew Burke, 16 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have some days Agoe Wrote to You to request You would Permit me to Joyn Colonell Pattens regimt now raising in this City the loss I have met with by Desertion and what I am likely to meet with has Obliged me to Waite on their honours the Congress for the same Purpose they have thought Proper to order that General schuyler should put it in Publick orders that I should Joyn Colonell Pattens...
6969To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Burke, 15 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft) and two copies: Sheffield Central Library I feel, as an honest man & as a good Citizen ought to feel, the Calamities of the present unhappy War. The only part however of these Calamities which personally affects myself is, that I have been obliged to discontinue my intercourse with you: But that misfortune I must consider as equivalent to...
6970To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Burke, 28 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 285. Your most obliging letter demanded an early answer. It has not received the acknowledgment which was so justly due to it . But providence has well supplied my deficiences; and the delay of the answer has made it much more satisfactory than at the time...
6971To Benjamin Franklin from [Edmund Burke], 26 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): Library of Congress My friend & Depu[ty? torn ] a few days at Paris, & is extr[ torn ] =ly knowing you whom he has [ torn ] admiration. I approve very mu[ torn ] cannot refuse him the best [ torn ] it. I am not a little anxiou[ torn ] may have had in your regard [ torn ] revive myself in your re[ torn
6972To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Burke, 10 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I flatterd myself that by this time we might have shaken hands as publick friends as I hope we always should have done as private. In the Latter Case States have no power, though in other respects they may & do put us in odd & awkard Situations. Two friends of mine are going to Paris one of whom I know for a long time & have valued just in proportion as I...
6973To George Washington from Thomas Burke and Henry Laurens, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed papers are referred to us by Congress, and we wish for the assistance of your Ideas to enable us to make a more perfect report. we request you therefore to take the trouble of committing to paper your Opinion on the proposed terms for the exchange of Prisoners in the Southern department, and also any thing which you think will conduce to that End without Contravening your general...
6974To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Edward Winslow of Cross Creek in this State will have the honor of handing your Excellency this. he is an active, Spirited Citizen, who resided in the midst of our disaffected, and has been almost constantly in arms. he is a native of Boston, the son of a clergiman, who early differed with him in politics and retired into New York, where, argeeably to Mr Winslows Intelligence, he has lately...
6975To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 22 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of Seeing you in this City, I had a little Conversation with you on the Subject of reinlisting Such of the North Carolina Troops and levies whose time of Service might be nearly expired. My Collegues and myself wrote to the State on the Same Subject The assembly thereupon resolved that “three hundred dollars per man be given to each Soldier who Shall reinlist for one...
6976To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Governor of South Carolina has pressed the Governor of Virginia for an aid of Cavalry, and the latter has recommended to the Several Counties of his State which lie contiguous to Carolina to raise Corps of Volunteer Cavalry in order to march to the aid of the Southern army and has transmitted his proceedings to Congress. the affair is Comprehended in a Business referred to A Committee of...
6977To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of 22d of January last has reached me. it shall be laid before the Legislature as soon as they meet, and I doubt not they will give it all the weight which your distinguished Character, and unremitting Zeal for the public Welfare merit. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s very obdt St Nc-Ar : Thomas Burke Papers.
6978To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 9 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Availing myself of the present moment of tranquillity, I sit down to renew a correspondence, which has been long interrupted, either by my residence in Italy, or by that common calamity which I am persuaded we both most sincerely lament. Yet how shall I resume a subject, which, by naturally carrying us back to those happy days when our acquaintance commenced, and obliging us to compare them...
6979To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 2 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Were I not certain that I am acting agreeably to your humanity, I should not so far presume upon that partial regard with which you formerly honoured me, as to beg leave to recommend to your protection the Honourable Mr Ludlow, a Son of the Earl of Ludlow, for whom I have a particular esteem, and who was captivated, with the British forces under Lord Cornwallis, at York-Town. Any indulgence...
6980To Benjamin Franklin from John Burnell, [8 June 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am Just Arrivd. in Paris and much fateagd. Have traveled 226 Miles in 39 hours beg you Will Excuse my not waiting on you myself this Evening. I have the honor to Command a Small privateer from MaryLand and have taken two prizes one of them I have got in a port in france Calld. Cherbourg. The kings officers there was going to turn me out and the prize...
6981To George Washington from William Burnet, 29 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress have sent Mr Franklin our late Governor to New-England under the Care of the Morris Town light Horse —They passd through here Yesterday or rather lodged here the Night before last on their Way from Morris Town to Dobbs’s Ferry—I thought it a little extraordinary at the time that they should take this Rout when I supposed Morris Town was as near Dobb’s as Newark —There were some...
6982To George Washington from William Burnet, 25 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencys Desire I have called together the Committee of the County of Essex & laid before them the Letter you was pleased to send me of the 21st instt. The Committee sent for David Ogden Esq. & enquired of him, from whom he received the Intelligence of the Rifle Guards agreeing for a Sum of Money to carry a Person on board the Men of War—He informed the Committee that...
6983To George Washington from William Burnet, Sr., 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Moses Hatfield of Elizabeth-Town was convicted last January Term, of going into the Enemy’s Lines. He pretended, that he was sent by your Excellency, but had lost his Pass & requested the Court would defer giving Judgment against him, untill April Term, that he might have an Opportunity of procuring another Pass, & convincing the Court of his Innocence. He has now produced a Certificate from...
6984To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Burr, 20 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of 29th Ulto and my Appointment in Col. Malcolms Reg. I am truly sensible of the Honour done me, and shall be studious that my Deportment in that Station be such as will ensure your future Esteem—I am nevertheless Sir, constrained to observe that the late Date of my Appointment subjects me to the Command of many who are younger in the...
6985To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Burr, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The excessive heat and occasional fatigues of the preceding campaign, have so impaired my health and constitution as to render me incapable of immediate service. I have, for three months past, taken every advisable step for my recovery, but have the mortification to find, upon my return to duty, a return of sickness, and that every relapse is more dangerous than the former. I have consulted...
6986To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Burr, 10 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Recovery of my Health encouraged me to accept the Command of these Posts during the Winter Season, which, if any is with me a Season of Health—The Undertaking has again convinced me that my Constitution is no longer equal to the Severities of active Service—the reduced State of the Regiment and Abundance of Officers in that Line, were additional Inducements with me to leave the Army—I did...
6987To George Washington from George Burr, 22 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have it from good Authority that Thomas Langley Collier of Fairfield is Under the Sentence of Death by a Court Martial of Your Excellency’s Appointment for crimes Committed within and against this and the United States We do not Undertake to call in Question the Propriety of this Proceeding, nor do we pretend to say any Thing to justify the Conduct of the Man we Suppose him to be Unfriendly...
6988To George Washington from Eden Burroughs, 24 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
THESE wait on your Excellency, to inform, that while Col. Hazen’s regiment remained at Coos, Lieut. Crowley, an officer of the train, meeting with my son, a young lad, of the age of fourteen years, persuaded him to inlist into his company; with some difficulty I obtained his release from that inlistment: But the young lad having his mind inflamed, by many fair promises and airy encouragements,...
6989To George Washington from Thaddeus Burr, 23 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
The duty we owe our Country dictates that we ought to inform you; that the Supply of Provisions, which the Enemy recieve from this Town, and the Towns west of us is great, and become alarming; And not withstanding every effort in our power has been used to prevent it, within the bounds of this Town, we find, that we are unable to put a stop to the pernicious commerce, unless we can be...
6990To George Washington from Thaddeus Burr, 19 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
Fairfield [Conn.] 19 April 1776 . Requests GW’s directions regarding Benjamin Gale, who, by General Lee’s order, “was taken up as a Tory” and “has been confined to my Goal, till within a Day or two, when I recd the inclosed resolution of N. York Congress: He is now out upon his Parole of honor. You will observe that the resolve of Congress is directed to the Chairman of our Committee, who...
6991To George Washington from Daniel Burt, 9 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to the Instructions received of Getting waggons to Transport Provisions from Ringwood to the Fort I have done every thing in my power to have as many as Judged our Quota here by favourable means Was Oblidged to Grant a Press Warrent the Constable return’d this morning with The Warrent & Names of Twelve who he had warn’d & every man Said he would Not Go unless there was Some other way...
6992To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis Burwell, 15 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will I make no doubt be informed before you get this of the near approach of Lord Cornwallace with the British Army. I last night received information that the enemy were at Boyds Ferry on Dan River Halifax County. I have order’d out all the Militia of this County but I can assure you that we have little or no Amunition and I fear not a hundred Guns in the County. The People...
6993To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Carter’s Grove, James City County, 30 Mch. 1781 . Encloses names of six militia ordered by court martial to serve as regular soldiers for six months and adds: “I expected there would have been more.” Three have already gone off, and if there is no objection, “as there are some circumstances that make in Favor of the other three,” they will be delivered at the prison, “that by being near their...
6994To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enemy’s Fleet have just now come to off this Place; they consist of 23 Sail, including two Men of war; a number of Flatbottom’d Boats are a-Stern of the Ships full of men. We have near 200 men under the Command of Colo: Innis and myself a number very insufficient for the present Purpose: however nothing shall be wanting as far as we’re able to oppose the Enemy if they attempt to land. A...
6995To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to an act entitled an act for the better regulation and discipline of the Militia passed May 1779 a Court martial has been lately held in this County for the trial of such of the Militia as did not turn out when ordered, by which ten or twelve of them are turn’d over as regular Soldiers. I find by the above mentioned act that they are to serve as regular Soldiers in Troops of this...
6996To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Bussy-Dagoneau, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mes Ennemis vouloient m’éloigner de la france, J’aurois desiré combâttre ceux d’un peuple qui vous doit en partie ses vertûs, son Energie, et son Bonheur. Des maladies et des procés me retiennent encore, Monsieur. J’arriveray peutêtre un jour a Boston, trop tard pour ma gloire, a temps pour admirer celle de Vos Concitoyens et de mes compatriotes. Garcilasse...
6997To Benjamin Franklin from Georges-Marie Butel-DuMont, 16 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer un Billet d’associé et trois autres billets dont vous pouvez disposer pour entrer à L’assemblée publique que la société libre d’Emulation tiendra le Vingt de ce mois dans une salle de l’hôtel de soubise. Je suis avec une profonde vénération, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très Obéïssant serviteur Notation: Du Mony Paris ce...
6998To Benjamin Franklin from Georges-Marie Butel-Du Mont, 8 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai publié, il y a environ vingt trois ans, une histoire des établissemens Anglois en Amérique. L’attention que ces colonies attirent aujourd’hui, et l’interest qu’inspirent leurs habitans par la résolution et la conduite avec lesquelles ils défendent leur liberté m’ont fait naître le dessein de refondre cette histoire et de la continuer jusqu’au temps...
6999To George Washington from Anthony Butler, 9 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I am informed that the Power of regulating the Appointments of the Quarter Master Genls Department is vested solely in you, I think it incumbent upon me and therefore take the Liberty to Lay before you my Proceedings in that Department as an Agent for Camp Equipage &c. When General Mifflin the late Quarter Mastr General resigned, the Congress requested by a Resolve that he would superintend...
7000To Benjamin Franklin from John Butler, 15 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In behalf of myself and other American Sailors who have been prisoners in England, I make bold to petition your Excellency, whose humanity and beneficence is known to all the World. There are three of us here who were taken on board the Congress Ship the Confederacy Captain Hardinge. We have been discharged some time, and after attempting to get a passage...