26251To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I exceedingly lament my want of experience and ability to fill properly the important Station in which I am, and I am more particularly distress’d when such important Questions are refer’d to my decission as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the people of America may be the consequence of a right or erroneous judgement. Much lately has...
26252To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I went down to this place since the day before yesterday in order to be acquainted of all the roads and grounds arround the ennemy—I heard at my arrival that theyr Main body was betwen great and little timber creek since the same evening—Yesterday morning in recconnoitring about I have been told that they were very busy in crossing the delaware—I saw them myself in theyr boats and sent that...
26253To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to my last trouble unacknowledged of the 22d by Jones. Your favor of the 23d containing the Six papers refered to I had the honour of receiving in the minute I was Sitting down to pay my present respects, the whole Shall be duly presented to Congress to morrow. I am ordered to convey to your Excellency the undermentioned Resolves which will be found covered...
26254To George Washington from Major Francis Mentges, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I find by a late arrangement of the field Officers of the pennsylvania State, I have been much injured in point of Rank, being reduced from the first to the Eleventh Major in their Line; and that without even an imputed Charge that ever I heard of, or any tryal Whatever, in express Violation of the Article of War in which it is declared that no Officer shall be reduced untill he has had a...
26255From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letters of the 26th of Octr and 7th Instt have come safe to hand —by the last, it would appear that a Letter which I wrote you about the 18th of Octr had not reached you which I am exceeding sorry for as, to the best of my recollection, I wrote you very fully on the posture of our affairs and should be exceedingly concernd if it should have fallen into the hands of the Enemy or some...
26256Commission for Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee, and John Adams, 27 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to all who shall see these presents send greeting. Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most Christian majesty the king of France and the...
26257Resolution on Property Confiscation, 27 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
Resolved That it be Earnestly recommended to the several States, as soon as may be, to Confiscate and make sale of all the Real and Personal Estate therein, of such of their Inhabitants and other Persons who have forfeited the same, and the right to the Protection of their respective States; and to invest the money arising from the Sales in Continental Loan office Certificates, to be...
26258Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 27 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Princeton University Library We should be glad to see you as soon as convenient to you, in order to consult on the Dispatches. We are, Your most obedient Servants Addressed: Honble Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot Notation: F & D In BF ’s hand. The meeting is discussed in the headnote on the commissioners’ dispatch below, Nov. 30.
26259General Orders, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A detachment of 300 men are to parade to morrow morning on the Grand-parade, precisely at half past three o’clock in the morning—Col. David Hall, Lt Col. Craig and Major Tyler are appointed Field Officers for the detachment. Twelve light dragoons are to go on the same command, and to repair this evening to Col. Biddle’s quarters. After Orders. A detachment of 100 men to be under the command of...
26260From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday and am obliged for the particular information which you give to the points I gave you in charge. As I have now got the necessary information as to the Enemy’s Works, position &ca what your Friends will particularly attend to, will be, the Return of Lord Cornwallis and his Troops, and what appear after that, to be their intentions. Whether to sit down in quarters for...
26261To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday I receivd last Night about 12 OClock—The greater part of the troops returnd to this place last Night and marched early this morning to cross the Delaware—I staid at Haddenfield my self with General McDougals division to give the necessary Orders to the Militia—I have left the riffle Corps at Haddenfield and Capt. Lees troop of light Horse to encourage the Militia and...
26262To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Express going off I recd the Honor of yours of the 13th Inst. to which I shall pay strict attention. I shall be hapy in every matter of great importance to have a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure, and shall be very cautious how I act without your advice or direction, am most fully sentiment with your Excellency respecting the Troops of the Convention as expressed in...
26263From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favd with yours of the 11th inst. The inattention of the Officers to the dress of their Men has been I beleive one principal cause of their present bareness and want of Cloathing. I have repeatedly given positive orders that such a list of Necessaries as you call a Rag Roll, should be kept and the Articles weekly inspected, but that, like too many other wholesome Regulations has...
26264William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777[–4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have herewith the honor to convey to you Copy of my last Respects. You have doubtless heard of the glorious Success of the Army under General Gates, upon which I sincerely congratulate you and all the Friends of America. Betwixt the Date of the Gazettes which I had the honor to enclose you, and the 15 October, there were four Engagements, by the last...
26265To John Adams from James Lovell, 28 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
I shall not in my great hurry repeat to you any of the matters which I have written to Mr. S. Adams as you can have them, on sight of him. I expected Brother Geary would have written to you but he has just requested me to inclose two Letters which he opened in consequence of your orders; and to give his Compliments to you begging your excuse of his further silence as he is preparing to go on a...
26266To John Adams from Daniel Roberdeau, 28 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
I would not take pen in hand until I could reasonably suppose you safe arrived to your long wished for home, on which I now presume to congratulate you and sincerely hope you have met with Mrs. Adams and your Children well and every domestick concern to your entire satisfaction for all which I feel myself much interested from the sincere regard contracted for you in our short intimacy, which I...
26267Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777: abstract (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les feuillets du Mercure Novembre sur le Genl. Arnold, &c.; et la Gazette de Delft sur le même. Les Barrils expediés à Mr. Holker à Rouen. Extrait de la Lettre de Lalande et Finje. Probably the Mercure historique et politique , The Hague. The shipment of butter and cod.
26268To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 28 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield’s compliments to mr. franklin and has the honour to inform him that, as he Seemed to like better, the dinner with mrs. macaulay will take place moonday next half an hour after two o’clock and that he hopes for the honour of messrs. franklin’s and mr. Deane’s company. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Chez mr Rey de Chaumont / A...
26269General Orders, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial held the 24th instant, of which Col. Grayson was president, Major Ross, charged with “Leaving his arms in the field, in the action of the 4th of October near Germantown”—was tried, and acquitted with the highest honor—The Commander in Chief approves the court’s judgment—Major Ross is released from his arrest. The General Court Martial of which Col. Grayson is...
26270To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
We are under a Necessity of drawing your Excellency’s Attention, once more, to the Frigates at this Place. Notwithstanding our Endeavours, we have not been able to raise the Effingham—she still lyes on her Beam Ends in a very disagreeable Situation. After the Destruction of our Fleet at Red Bank, the Officers & Crews of the several Vessels came up to this Place, to the Amount of between three...
26271To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d some intillegence this morning from the City and have thought my duty to forward to Yr Excellency. Yesterday a Number of the enemy Cross’d over Schoolkell it is said the intend to March Towards Wilmington, The whole of British Army are under Marchg orders, a Number of Boats are prepared to go up the river. I am with Great Respect Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The...
26272From George Washington to Capt. Charles Craig, 28 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Capt. Charles Craig, c.28 Nov. 1777. In his second letter to GW of this date , Craig says that “I have this moment been Honoured with your Excellencys Letter.”
26273To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been Honoured with your Excellencys Letter—and embrace this oppertunity of returning an Answer By every Account—Lord Cornwallis is return’d, it is a Certainty that a number of Troops are Arived at the City—both Horse and foot, I wrote Yr Excellency this Morning the Enemy ware under Marchg orders, it is expected the will March to night Your Excellency may Depend on the...
26274To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having obtained the fullest Information, respecting the Strength & Situation, of the Enemy upon Staten Island, & made the necessary Preparations, I called in many Volunteers, whose Numbers, in addition to those who were on Duty at this Post, amounted to about 1400 Men, with this Detachment, I landed Yesterday Morning before Day, upon the Island, from Halsteads Point—The whole Strength of the...
26275To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Three Brigades are now on their march for Head Quarters my division & Glovers brigade —General MDougalls division is not yet come to town—they had orders to march at four this morning and I was in hopes they would have been in town by the time Glovers brigade got over the River—I am afraid the want of provision has detaind them this morning—It is with the utmost difficulty we can get bread to...
26276From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum or Brigadier General … (Washington Papers)
Capt. Duplessis has just delivered me yours of this Morning from Burlington. Every account from Philada confirms the Report that the Enemy mean to make a speedy Move. I shall not be disappointed if they come out this Night or very early in the Morning. You will therefore push forward, the Rear Brigades with all possible expedition and the Moment that the Troops and Baggage have all passed, let...
26277From George Washington to General William Howe, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to your Letter of the Instant which came to Hand on Wednesday Evening, I am to inform you, that I accede to the proposition contained therein, and have directed measures to be immediately taken for releasing All your Officers upon the condition you mention. At the same time I wish that a more extensive relief had been agreable to you. I have sent Mr Boudinot to examine into the state...
26278From George Washington to Captain Allen McLane, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have certain information that Lord Cornwallis returned from Jersey Yesterday, and ’tis said they intend an Attack upon this Army with their joint force before Genl Green can rejoin us. I therefore depend upon your keeping a very good look out upon their line, and gaining every intelligence from people coming out of Town, that I may have the earliest Notice of their Movements or Intentions. I...
26279To George Washington from Captain Allen McLane, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Evry Intelligence from the City agree that the enemy is in motion and intend a Grand stroke last night they gave out that a body Cross Schulkill and to Cover the deception they kept, their Waggons and Artillery moveing through the City all night this moment I Reced a few lines from my old friend I have good Reason to believe that he keeps a Good look out, and Gives the best intelligence I...
26280To George Washington from Richard Peters, 28 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 28 Nov. 1777. GW wrote to Peters on 14 Dec. that “Your several favs. of the 28th Novem. and 4th and 5th instants came duly to hand.”
26281From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed remonstrance was laid before me by Colo. Drake and Mr Hunt Commissioners appointed in the County of West Chester to take Care of all Forage and property exposed to the depredations of the Enemy—and also Commissioners of sequestration to dispose of the personal property of those who have fled to or joined the Enemy. They complain that parties from your Army frequently take property...
26282To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote my Last nothing particular has happened in this Quarter. some days ago I had made a Desposition to Cross over to Long Island, and Attackt the Forts Huntington & Setauket. but before Matters could be got Ready for the Expedition, they Evacuated both Forts and are now Making very strong Works at the Upper End of the Island. I Recd a Letter the other Day from Genl Dickenson...
26283From Benjamin Franklin to Anne-Louise Brillon de Jouy, [29 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL and draft: American Philosophical Society Etant revenu chez moi, j’etois surpris de trouver qu’il étoit presque onze heures. Je crains qu’oubliant toutes autres Choses, par notre trop d’attention au Jeu des Echecs, nous vous avions beaucoup incommodé, en vous detenant si longtemps dans le Bain. Dites moi, mon chère Amie, comment vous vous trouvez ce matin. Jamais je ne consentirai de...
26284Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Agreeable to the orders of Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee I have the honour to transmit Capt. Adams’s Deposition properly authenticated. I have no american News, there being no Arrivals since my last, but I have just heard a melancholy account of Capt. Wickes having foundered on the Banks of Newfoundland. This I am much disposed to disbelieve, and the more so as I...
26285To Benjamin Franklin from Sellonf & Perrouteau, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We are desired by our intimate friends Messr. Fairholme & Luther of St. Martin to forward their inclosed Letter for you, and Solicit a Speedy answer may equally go through our hands, werewith we remain respectfully Honourable Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servants If you Would be so Kind as to inform us of the American bills Called gourdes , how to dispose...
26286General Orders, 29 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The officers commanding regiments are to see that their men’s arms are put in the best order possible; and of the loaded ones, such as can be drawn, are to be drawn, and the others discharged the first fair day, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon; but to prevent the waste of lead , the men of each regiment, or brigade are to discharge their pieces, into a bank of earth, from whence the lead may...
26287To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 29 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 27th I received last Night and will pay a particular attention to your request—By a Gentleman of veracity (a worthy Friend) who left Philadelphia the Evening before last, I am informed that General Howe is Billeting his Troops on the Citizens, two to every Housekeeper, which has occasioned a universal murmur among the Citizens—By a person who left the City Yesterday Evening,...
26288From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 29 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 28th. I see no Reason for changing my former opinion in respect to sending the Frigates to ensure their safety. If they are weighed again and converted into Barracks for the Seamen, they must be brought near the shore and when the Frost sets in they cannot be sunk should the Enemy approach at such time. I however leave the Matter to your judgment. The Hulls of the...
26289The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft ): Yale University Library; three copies: National Archives When the commissioners met on November 27 to plan this dispatch, differences between them soon emerged. Lee profoundly distrusted Deane, who he believed had Franklin in his pocket and, in his dual role of private businessman and agent of Congress, was playing fast and loose with public money. Deane...
26290From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Frederick R. Kirkland, Philadelphia (1955) I have now receiv’d the Bill from Mr. Chaumont accepted. The Acceptance is in these Words Accepté pour payer des fonds qui me seront remis a cet effet, Le Ray de Chaumont . He tells me that you may act upon this in relieving Capt. Babson and his People to the Amount including what they have already had from you. There seems however some Caution...
26291——— Troyes: Memorandum to Franklin and Deane for Antoine-Felix Wuybert, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Wuybert, who had held the responsible position of chief engineer at Fort Washington before its capture by the British in August, 1776, was now languishing in Forton Prison, and despite Franklin’s efforts on his behalf was destined to stay there another year. Early in November, 1777, the London press published the commissioners’ proposal to Stormont the...
26292Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am happy in sending you the agreeable News of Genl. Bourgoynes surrender with his whole army to our victorious arms. Mr. Austin will give you all particulars. His being charged with the delivery of the dispatches, as well as the importance of many verbal accounts he may furnish, are the reasons for my not desiring the Dispatches for a less expensive way...
26293To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 30 [November] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Non mon bon papa vous ne m’avés pas fait mal hier, j’ai tant de plaisir a vous voir que le bien l’a emporté sur la petite fatigue d’estre sortie un peu plus tard du bain. On m’a présenté ce matin mr. Bitaubé vous me ferés grand plaisir de l’émener mécredi prendre le thé; je lirai son homére dont je vous remércie mon bon ami. Adieu a mécredi, a samedi, a tous...
26294To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Compagnoni, 30 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lugo in the Romagna, November 30, 1777, in French: I wrote you on September 21 to the following effect: Your literary merit and your patriotism move me to dedicate to you a small rhymed work on a war that has brought Europe the good fortune of having you back. The poem, entitled “Il Washington,” will not offend reason or virtue and, though most favorable...
26295General Orders, 30 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 25th of November instant, the Honorable Continental Congress passed the following resolve—vizt. “Resolved. That General Washington be directed to publish in General orders, that Congress will speedily take into consideration the merits of such officers as have distinguished themselves by their intrepidity and their attention to the health and discipline of their men; and adopt such...
26296To George Washington from Colonel Mordecai Gist, 30 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Misfortune to be on camp Near the Quarters of General Maxwell and have no good Water convenient except at his house. I endeavoured first by virtue of an order and since by personal Application to obtain some water for my own use, which contrary to the principles of politeness was refused to me. You will pardon me sir for troubling You on so frivolous an occasion, and permit me to...
26297To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 30 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the 26th Currt by the Messenger Barry I paid my respects to your Excellency & conveyed Such Orders as I had then received from Congress —pretty late last Night Jones brought in your Excellency’s favors of the 26th & 27th which Shall be presented to Morrow, in the mean time I dispatch Franis Seall with the undermentioned Resolves of Congress —a packet containing one hundred Commissions —two...
26298From George Washington to James Mease, 30 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
There are such Variety of applications constantly for matters that concern your department that I find it absolutely necessary you should be with the Army. This you may now do without any public inconvenience as you have no store of Goods by you to draw your attention. I therefore desire you may repair immediately to Head Quarters, and endeavour to form and fall upon some plan in concert with...
26299Travels, and Negotiations. (Adams Papers)
Quincy December 1. 1806. When I asked Leave of Congress to make a Visit to my Constituents and my Family in November 1777, it was my intention to decline the next Election, and return to my practice at the Bar. I had been four Years in Congress, left my Accounts in a very loose condition, my Debtors were failing, the paper Money was depreciating, I was daily loosing the fruits of seventeen...
26300Enclosure: Congressional Resolution: A State of Facts, December 1777 (Adams Papers)
That by the return of ordinance and stores taken from the enemy in the Northern department from the 19 Sept. to 17 Oct. inclusive it appears, there were only 4647 muskets, which are returned “unfit for service,” 3477 bayonets without scabbards, 638 cartouch boxes, 1458 cutlasses without scabbards, 6000 dozen musket cartridges, 1135 ready or fixed shot for 32 peices of cannon, and only 15...