27551To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to reply in answer to your Letter just received That Mr Blain has been with Me and he fixed 150 Waggons as a Sufficient Number for his Department, and I wrote directly to Mr Young to forward that Number. Mr Blain also gave Me the places where the Waggons should be loated with Flower, Porck & Salt. & I desired Mr Young that the Waggons must be loated. This Letter I got this...
27552To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Doctor mcKnight, who attended me in my Illness, having asserted to me with great confidence that my Constitution had received So great a Shock, it was in Vain for me to think, of returning to the Army till the opening of the Campaign; was the reason of my removing so far from Camp, to a place of Safety. I think he was mistaken; for my Health is now perfectly restored; but I cannot say the same...
27553To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to write to your Excellency on the 13th Inst. & have since recd your favour of the 12th. It is with some concern, that I find you obliged to remind Council of the stipulation made by Genl Armstrong. You may [be] assured that on the day of last orders were sent out for the immediate march of two Classes of the Militia of York, Cumberland & Northampton Counties; & a Class of...
275541778. Feb. 18. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Last night, about Sunsett We sailed out of Marblehead Harbour, and have had a fine Wind, from that time to this, 24. Hours. The constant Rolling and Rocking of the Ship, last night made Us all sick —half the Sailors were so. My young Gentlemen, Jesse and Johnny, were taken about 12 O Clock last night and have been very seasick ever since. I was seized with it myself this Forenoon. My Servant...
27555[February 18. Wednesday.] (Adams Papers)
February 18. Wednesday. We had a fine Wind for twenty four hours; but the constant rolling and rocking of the Ship, made Us all Sick. Half the Sailors were so. My young Gentlemen Jesse and John were taken about twelve O Clock the last night and had been very Sick all day. I was seized with it in the afternoon. My Servant Joseph Stevens and the Captain’s Will, were both very bad.
27556George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 18, 1778 . Suggests methods to stop communication between Philadelphia and surrounding countryside. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lacey was a brigadier general in the Pennsylvania Militia.
27557George Washington to the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 18, 1778 . Asks inhabitants to supply cattle. Promises a “bountiful price.” Df , in writings of Gouverneur Morris and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27558To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma mere vous avoit invité, Monsieur, à un concert qui doit se tenir demain chez nous, et elle se faisoit un grand honneur et un grand plaisir de pouvoir vous procurer un petit amusement; mais voici une circonstance qu’elle ignoroit et dont elle me charge de vous prévenir. Ce concert est formé par souscription, et Lady Stormont est une des souscrivantes....
27559From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld and the Duchesse d’Enville, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes M. Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Made. la Duchesse d’Enville, and to M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld. He sees clearly with them the Impropriety of his appearing at the Concert, under the Circumstances mentioned, and returns his Thanks for the Notice given him, which he shall observe. Our Advices from England are that Lord Chatham has had...
27560From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress I received your Favour by Capt. de la Plaigne, and in consequence of your Recommendation have assisted him with Money, and recommended him to honest Merchants here, who have furnish’d him with Goods that you ordered. He appears to have had the Interest of your State at heart, and to have acted in your Affairs to the best of his Judgment; and I hope you will...
27561Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 12th Inst. from this Place at which time I thought we were all Happy on board, but fortunately I believe I may Venture to say, Capt. Corvisen[?] and my self had some small difference, on account of which he and his Officers have done all in their power to throw every thing into Confusion, but very fortunately Mr. Williams Came on board the...
27562To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress Hartley, writing the day after Lord North revealed the government’s conciliatory plan, was more euphoric than that plan warranted. It had been in preparation since early December, precipitated first by the news of Saratoga and then by increasingly strong intimations of a forthcoming Franco-American alliance....
27563General Orders, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a brigade Court Martial whereof Lt Coll Beauford was president (Feby 16th) Lieutt John Rust of 10th Virginia Regiment, tried at the request of Lieutt Broadwater for abusively aggravating said Broadwater to strike him, for getting drunk, playing Cards and beating Captn Lard on the sabbath day whilst he the said Captn Lard was under arrest and found guilty of a breach of 21 st Article 14th...
27564Proclamation on Cattle, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
To the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia. Friends, Countrymen and Fellow Citizens! After three Campaigns, during which, the brave Subjects of these States have contended, not unsuccessfully, with one of the most powerful Kingdoms upon Earth, we now find ourselves, at least, upon a level with our opponents; and there is the best reason to believe, that...
27565From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter of the 17th Ulto from Major General Riedesel after setting forth that a certain number of British Officers prisoners of War had been exchanged for an equal number of Officers in the Continental Army, at the request of Genl Burgoyne, he complains that upon application to you for the exchange of a proportionable number of German Officers likewise prisoners of War you answered no...
27566To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 Feb. 1778. On 23 Feb., GW wrote Gates: “I am honoured with your two favours of the 14th and 18th instant.”
27567From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 27th of last month. Since from the circumstances you represent, your continuance where you are, may be for some time necessary, I cannot but acquiesce in it, while that necessity continues; but I must hope, you will not delay a moment to Join your Brigade, when the exigency, which now detains you from it, ceases. Your presence, as that of every other General...
27568To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday that I was afraid we had lost one of our small parties, but they came in a few minutes after I sent the Letter off—Has there been any great desertions from Camp, or any report of prisoners made on the other side of the Schuylkill—I am perswaded, there was some of our prisoners paraded for some purpose—If there has been no report of any being lately taken they...
27569From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of yesterday and to day—there has been no considerable desertion from this camp to my knowledge within a few days past, nor have the Enemy made any number of Prisoners on the other side of Schuylkil; the persons said to have been paraded in the city, were perhaps defenceless Inhabitants that have been seized upon by the traiterous parties who style themselves...
27570To George Washington from Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
your favr I recd pr Capt. Lee am Sorry to Read it contents, I have Just retund from a tower down the Penensilo on a purchas for the Army for a department which Gen. Gates and the Honble Board of War has done me the Honnour to appoint me to, I then set out two trusty Hands to seek out Cattle and Pork & requested them to informe me of the number of Cattle fit for Imediate use, and fit for fating...
27571To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honour of transmitting to your Excellency, papers collected as Evidence, by the Committee appointed to enquire into the Causes of the Loss of Tyconderoga & Mount Independence, those Members of the Committee who had the papers in hand for Inspection & arrangement & from whom I received them, have informed me there were Several which they had not intended to have troubled Your...
27572To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your’s of the 16th of January, about Eight Days Since at this Place, where I had returnd to take Charge of my Brigade—In the Present State of the Army I shall continue in my Command lest a different Conduct may prove injurious to the Cause of my Country at this critical Conjuncture of Affairs. However my Inclination may induce me to retire to the Injoyments of...
27573To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Recruiting Officers, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed we send you a Copy of the Instructions we received from the Executive Council for the Recruiting service, And Beg leave to remark the Grievance we labour under, in the sum allow’d us for that service being nothing equal to the expence which must necessarily Accrue. The Legislative Body are to meet in a few days—until that time we shall proceed in our duty and then intend remonstrating...
27574To George Washington from Lund Washington, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Thornton and Captn Lewis came here last night by the latter I got your Letter. your Mare Shall be taken great care of, and Silla sent your mother if required, tho I believe she will be very unwilling to go, she haveg Cooper jack for a Husband, and they appear to live Comfortable together Lewis tells me Fitzgerrald (who is on the way I am told) is to bring the Horse you mention’d—I...
27575Feb. 19. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Arose at 4 O Clock. The Wind and Weather still fair. The Ship rolls less than Yesterday, and I have neither felt, nor heard any Thing of Sea Sickness, last night nor this Morning. Monsr. Parison, one of General Du Coudrais Captains, dined with us, Yesterday, and made me a present of a Bottle of a nice French Dram, a Civility which I must repay. He seems a civil and sensible Man. The Mal de Mer...
27576[February 19. Thursday. 1778] (Adams Papers)
February 19. Thursday. 1778. Arose at four O Clock. The Wind and Weather still fair. The Ship rolled less than the day before, and I neither felt nor heard any thing of Sea Sickness last night nor this morning. Monsieur Parison, one of General Du Coudrai’s Captains of Artillery, dined with Us Yesterday, and behaved like a civil and sensible Man. We learned from him, that the roads from Nantes...
27577[February 19. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
February 19. 1778. In the morning We discovered three Vessells a head of Us. They appeared to be large Ships, and Captain Tucker observing them with his Glasses, gave it as his Opinion that they were British Frigates and was preparing to give orders to avoid them. But a murmur arising among the Men which was countenanced by some of the petty Officers, if not by some of the three Lieutenants,...
27578George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 19, 1778 . Describes distressing situation of Army. States that unless effective measures are taken, another campaign may prove impossible. Requests Henry to send all available supplies to Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Henry was governor of Virginia.
27579To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique Lefebvre Delagrange, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brancourt, near St. Quentin, February 19, 1778, in French: An honest family begs your help in its shameful poverty. I must support my wife and five children on an income of 400 l.t. , and have only twelve sous a day for food; as for clothes, we are almost naked. My curé will confirm this. The farmers general helped me out six months ago, but I dare not ask...
27580To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I understand the Abbé Condillac , to whom I have a Letter of recommendation, is just come to Town from his attendance on the Duke of Parma. As I recollect that I put the Letter into your Hands it will very much oblige me Sir, if you will please to return it by the bearer. I am going to engage in a Performance which I hope may serve the Cause I profess to...
27581To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having the honor of knowing or being known to Doctor Franklin, I can be only influenc’d to give him this trouble, by a very sincere and anxious desire to be employ’d in a cause supported and protected by him, and, from his universally allow’d Character, hoping for that encouragement which I shall endeavour, by my services, to merit. I feel my situation,...
27582To Benjamin Franklin from John Risdel, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, February 19, 1778: I served on the Reprisal for twenty months and was then in hospital for three. I am not yet able to do hard work, and lack clothes and cash; wages and prize money are due me. Please send me either money or a draft on a St. Malo merchant; I am in great need of help.> A seaman left behind when Wickes sailed the previous...
27583General Orders, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The officers of the day are to cause strict search and inquiry to be made whether any Sutlers or other Persons whatever sell any spirituous liquors contrary to General orders, particularly near the picquets and out lines of the camp, or within a mile or two of them, and if such liquors are found in those places they are to be seized, secured and reported. No prisoner to be sent to the Provost...
27584Circular to the Chief Executives of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
For reasons that will be obvious to you, it is thought the publication of the inclosed address may answer valuable ends; and I beg leave to submit to you, whether it may not serve to increase its effect, if it were ushered into the papers of your State with a recommendatory line from yourself. If you should suppose there will be any impropriety in this, you will be pleased notwithstanding to...
27585To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the Honour to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 9th Inst., and earnestly hope, no more of that Time so precious to the public, may be lost upon the Subject of General Conways Letter. whether that Gentleman does, or does not deserve the Suspicions you Express, would be intirely indifferent to me, did he not possess an Office of High Rank in the Army of the U.S. for that...
27586From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The melancholy prospect before us, with respect to supplies of provisions induces me, reluctantly to trouble you on a subject which does not naturally fall within the circle of your attention. The situation of the Commissary’s department and of the army, in consequence, is more deplorable, than you can easily imagine. We have frequently suffered temporary want and great inconveniences, and for...
27587To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Reced Your favour of the 8 Instant. I am well acquainted with the Horrid Intercorce kep up between the Country and City, but, I am Sorry I have it to Say, my Strength heretofore has been So weak as Rendered it impossible for me to put a Stop to it. My numbers begin to increase, and I expect in a few Days to be in a Condition to incamp Nearer the City, at present I have out of Better than Six...
27588To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Why am I so far from you, and what business had that board of war to hurry me through the ice and Snow without knowing what I schould do, neither what they were doing themselves? you have thought perhaps that theyr project could be attended with some difficulty, that some means had been neglected, that I could not obtain all the succès and the immensity of laurels which they had promised to...
27589From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Honor of your Letter of the 13 Instant with its Inclosure. The recommendation & authority to the several States in the Instances pointed out by the Resolve, if they are duly attended to, will produce many valuable consequences. The abuses complained of are but too prevalent, and require a reform. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedient servant...
27590To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the 13th Inst. to your Excellency by Sharp, I have received the Honour of your Excellency’s Several favours of the 3d & 8th continued to 14th Inst. together with the divers Letters & papers referred to in the latter—these were all presented to Congress & remain under consideration. Inclosed herewith Your Excellency will receive Acts of Congress under the 5th 6th & 9th for...
27591To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys instructions I waited on Gen. Smallwood. I received from him every aid, he was able to afford. From enquiry, I found that the country between Christiana-bridge & duck creek abounded in good teams. I immediately furnished myself with a list of the several hundreds that make up the township or county of Newcastle. Into every hundred I detached partys of horse...
27592From George Washington to James Mease, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
There having been some suggestions that the pensylvania Troops have not recieved a proportion of the Cloathing, distributed to the Army: also, that they have not been furnished with the quantitys they are charged with, I have to desire, that if application should be made, you will satisfye the president and Council of this State upon the subject, exhibiting to them your Vouchers and specifying...
27593To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was not able to get over to this place till late on Tuesday afternoon on account of the Ice. I found that the Governor had, upon the Rect of your first letter, obtained a special act to impress teams and to send them out of the State. As I knew there was not much dependance to be put upon the Returns of Commissaries, I employed myself Yesterday, in pushing forward about 50 Barrels of pork...
27594To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is with the greatest reluctance that I think myself obliged to add to the many things that I know perplex your Excellency at this time. But the claim I made of being reinstated in my Rank in the line of my own State, appears to be as far from being settled as ever —I have waited with patience these three Months, & done duty in the Line under Genls Muhlenberg & Weedon, contrary to my...
27595Feb. 20. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
In the Morning nothing to be seen, but soon after another Sail discovered ahead, which is supposed to be the same. Tucker, Log ( MH ), 20 Feb.: “This 24 hours begins Very Pleasant the Ship Still in Chase. I being Poorly mand dare not attactk her and many other Principal Reasons. Att 2 P.M. Satt fore and main topmast stearing Sails found I Left the Ship att 6 P.M. It being dark Lost sight of...
27596[February the 20th. Fryday.] (Adams Papers)
February the 20th. Fryday. In the morning nothing to be seen: but soon after a Sail discovered a head: supposed to be the same Frigate. She pursued Us the whole day. When the night approached, the Wind died away and We were left rolling and pitching in a Calm, with our Guns all out, our Courses or Coursers, I know not which is the right Word, all drawn up and every Way prepared for battle, the...
27597John Thornton’s Statement, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Franklin trusted and esteemed William Carmichael. This document, if it is to be believed, shows how far the trust was misplaced. Anything that Major Thornton says must be taken with a grain of salt, for his character was not widely admired. He seems, furthermore, to be an odd confidant for Carmichael to have chosen in Nantes; the only other scrap of information we...
27598Millin de La Brosse to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a deux mois que vous m’avés promis une réponse au mémoire que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous présenter; je l’attends encore. J’ai bien appris de Monsieur le Comte de Maillebois que vous aviés dessein de terminer mon affaire, mais comme vous n’avés point fixé de terme, je me vois obligé de vous demander quelque chose de plus positif. Suivant une de vos...
27599To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: British Library One word by this mail. With respect to Ld. Ns. plan of peace much of course will be debated of the sincerity or insincerity, whether it be practicable or admissible, &c. &c. to all which I say that the great object with me is a cessation of arms. I admire much the spirit of your sentiments to Ld. Howe. Trade and revenue and supremacy...
27600General Orders, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a board of General Officers held Feby 19th 1778—to take into Consideration the promotion of Majr Michael Ryan and after having heard the reasons for and against it, are of opinion that his promotion to the Rank of Major in 10th Pennsylvania Regimt is irregular. The Commander in Chief is therefore obliged to suspend the appointment of Major Ryan in the said Regiment. The same board likewise...