29401Bill to Amend an Act for Raising a Supply of Money, [21 May 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas [< Whereas > by an act of the last session of General assembly intituled an act for raising a supply of money for public exigencies it was enacted that a tax or rate of ten shillings for every hundred pounds value should be paid, among other things, upon all slaves by the owner or proprietor; and that the value of such slaves should be estimated by assessors to be appointed in every...
29402Dumas to the American Commissioners, 22[–26] May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 22[–26], 1778, in French: The Grand Pensionary wants to acknowledge your letter but cannot give you, until authorized, your due titles; he has offered to communicate verbally through me, and I shall wait until I can furnish him a copy of the treaty. Our friend [van Berckel] wants to know how the British...
29403George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22–23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 22–23, 1778 . Orders removal of stores from the Elk and urges Smallwood to be on continual guard against enemy. In postscript states the enemy is preparing an offensive move. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript is dated May 23, 1778.
2940422 Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at home with a great deal of Company. Went after Dinner to see the Misanthrope of Moliere, with Mr. Amiel. It was followed by the Heureusement.—Called at the Microcosme. Called at Mr. Amiels at the Pension.
29405[May 22 Fryday.] (Adams Papers)
May 22 Fryday. We sent the following Letter. Mr. Joseph Parker of London has made Application to Us concerning a Claim, that he has of Property in a certain Vessell, which has been as he informs Us, in the Custody of the Public, since the Spring of the Year 1775, requesting Us to write to your honours, on the Subject. From what some of Us know and all of Us have heard of Mr. Parker, We have...
29406John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am happy in informing you, that the Marquiss de La Fayette has safely returned to the Main Camp, after a Brush with a party of the Enemy from the City; in which he had nearly been captivated. I have not learnt all the particulars of the affair; but from the best knowledge I can obtain, I dont find that any thing material did take place, altho’ it had like to have proved a serious matter to...
29407Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the Massachusetts General Court, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 22 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:110 . Citing the usual practice under the law of nations of allowing six months after the commencement of hostilities for subjects of both sides to remove their property, Adams and Franklin requested that, if possible, the General Court...
29408C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Les Etats d’Hollande se sont séparés aujourdhui; et chacun part demain pour sa Ville. Je viens de souhaiter un bon Voyage à notre Ami. Il a vu le G—P—, qui lui a témoigné être fort embarrassé entre le desir qu’il a, Messieurs, de répondre d’abord à votre Lettre, d’une maniere qui vous fasse connoître combien il est sensible à votre politesse, et s’en trouve flatté, avec son espérance, que le...
29409C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Dutch States General ended their session today, and each member will be leaving for his town tomorrow. I have just come from wishing our friend a good trip. He saw the Grand Pensionary, who told him that he was torn between his desire, on the one hand, to answer your letter in a way that would demonstrate how much he appreciates your courtesy in these dealings and is flattered with the...
29410The American Commissioners: Petition to the Massachusetts Council and House of Representatives, 22 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Clements Library, University of Michigan; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 22, 1778: Mr. Joseph Parker of London has asked us to write to you about his property in a vessel that has been in public hands since the spring of 1775. We have reason to think that he is a worthy man, a friend of America; further detention of his property will ruin...
29411To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Allaire, 22 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I this moment Arrived from England and profited by the Spanish Courier to Inform you that the Wind came to the Eastward yesterday morning about 11 Clock and all the fleet in the Downs got underway and was out [ of ] Sight in the Evening. The fleet of 12 Ships of the line laying at St. Helens I make no doubt are sailed. I have also sent you two News...
29412To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Anisson-Duperon, 22 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library M. Anisson Duperon Directeur de l’Imprimerie Royale a l’honneur de saluer très humblement Monsieur franklin, et de le prier de se ressouvenir de la promesse qu’il a bien voulu faire de venir diner chez M. Duperon, et voir l’Imprimerie Royale avec M. son petit fils, Lundi prochain, 25 du présent. Notation: Anisson 22 may 1778. The descendant of a long...
29413General Orders, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Auditors Office is removed to James Cloyd’s within a mile and an half of the Pay-Master Generals. At a General Court Martial May 16th 1778, Coll Bowman President, Lieutt Eddison of the German Battalon tried for behaving in a manner unbecoming a Gentleman and an Officer in abusing Coll Nixon’s family, found guilty of a breach of the 21st Article of the 14th section of the Articles of War &...
29414Circular to Officers Commanding Virginia Brigades, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I want to obtain a very particular Account of the Number of Men who have come from Virgina under the Old & new Draft Law You are therefore to order the Commanding Officers of the different Regiments in your Brigade to make you as soon as possible an exact return of the Men in their respective Corps who came out as Drafts or Substitutes, distinguishing those of the old from the New. If you can...
29415To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have had many Applications from People of this State for Leave to go into Phila. some of them want to return again: we have not given Leave to any Body to go in, without permission from the Officer commanding the Continental Troops at some post on the way nor have we recommended any except Mrs Stewart Mrs Caldcleugh and Mrs McCall —We were not satisfied of the propriety of frequently...
29416To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have inclos’d an extract of a Letter to me from a prisoner on Long Island, the purport of which you will see. The account there given is correspondant to a variety of transactions which have fallen within the observation of several Gentlemen now with us—who were made prisoners with Major Hammell. I know of nothing antecedent to his being a Prisoner which gave any suspicion of him, but the...
29417To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys favour of the 15th instant which I had the pleasure to receive this morning. Since my last to your Excellency, I have received advice from the Indian Country that the Sentiments of those nations who had Evinced the most unfriendly intentions were greatly changed, that they had resolved to attend the conference at Onondaga where...
29418To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Officer detach’d to Annapolis has just return’d with dispatches from Governor Johnson which I now forward ⅌ Express & it is with pleasure I am led to acquaint you that I think the full Complement of your requisition will shortly rendevous at the head of Elk. Three Hundred recruits have ariv’d here within this three days and near as many more expected daily—Colo. Pope has swept Bomba Hook &...
294191778. May 23. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Home with Company.
29420[May 23. Saturday.] (Adams Papers)
May 23. Saturday. We wrote this Letter A Pilot being wanted to conduct an Advice Boat to America, if you have in your Ship, a suitable Person that can be spared, the Commissioners request, that you would permit him to go on that Service. We have the honour to be, Sir your most obedient humble Servants Dined at home with Company. To “Capt. John Paul Jones,” as LbC indicates. RC ( DLC : John...
29421George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 23, 1778 . Is pleased with the improved treatment of prisoners by British. Requests Boudinot to come to Camp immediately as there is to be a general exchange of prisoners. States that Colonel Francis Johnston has been nominated to succeed Boudinot as commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29422George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 23, 1778 . Discusses case of William Hamet, a Loyalist; disposition of the Jersey drafts; and reinlistment of Lieutenant Jonathan Rhea. Gives instructions in case enemy should evacuate Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29423From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, [23 May 1778–1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamiltons Compliments to Mr Petit will be obliged to him, if he can give him any hope of soon having the saddle, he was so kind to undertake to procure for him. At present he is a sad dismounted knight. AL , Yale University Library. Pettit, a resident of New Jersey, was assistant quartermaster general in the Continental Army from March 2, 1778, to June 20, 1781.
29424The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives A pilote being wanted to conduct an Advice Boat to America, if you have in your Ship a suitable Person that can be spared, the Commissioners request, that you would permit him to go on that Service. We have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants. Endorsed: from the American...
29425Report of a Committee of the Académie Royale des Sciences, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Archives de l’Académie royale des sciences, Paris L’Académie nous ayant nommés M. Franklin, M. Le Roi, M. le Marquis de Condorcet et moi pour lui rendre compte du projet de M. de la Blancherie pour une correspondance générale, Sur les Sciences, la littérature et les Arts, et la Vie des gens de lettres, et des Artistes de tous les pays, dont les détails doivent être dorénavant publiés,...
29426Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty to enclose a Copy of the Memoire I made last year at the request of M. Carmichael on the advantages the port of Dunkirk offers to the American Trade. I Submit to your Superiour Judgement to decide weither my Ideas may contribute to extend the Commerce and navigation of the United States, and to take [ torn: such?] Steps as may answer that...
29427To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [23 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer Monsieur et cher confrère le rapport du projet d’établissement de M. De la Blancherie Tel que nous nous proposons de le lire aujourd’hui à l’Académie. Et comme l’usage ainsi que je vous le mandois par ma lettre du mardy, qui a été perdue, est que tous les commissaires l’ayent lu avant qu’on en fasse lecture à l’Académie et que...
29428To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, un Paquet a votre adresse que M. L’Ambassadeur d’Espagne me prie de vous faire passer. Un Courrier Espagnol qui vient de Londres, l’a reçu en Route sans savoir de quelle Part. L’Escadre qu’on suppose destinée pour l’Amerique est sortie de Ste. Helene le 20. Tout le 21. elle etoit en Calme dans le Canal. Les vents ayant...
29429General Orders, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
’Till some further Arrangement of the Army is made—Major General Lee is to take charge of the division lately commanded by Major General Greene, and in Case of Action or any general Move of the Army the three eldest Major Generals present fit for duty are to command the two Wings and second line according to their seniority. The Commanding Officers of Regiments & Corps will immediately apply...
29430From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favoured with yours of the 13th—I am happy to learn, that the appearances with respect to the future treatment of our prisoners are now so favourable—It is much to be wished the disposition, which, at present appears, may be persevered in, though unluckily for the credit of their humanity, it is too evident the change which has taken place, is to be ascribed more to the series of...
29431To George Washington from George Bryan, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
As it is apprehended here, that the Marquis-de-la Fayette has been nominated by the Most Christian King Ambassador to the United states of America, and that he may be expected shortly to pass through this borough in his way to Congress, it would highly oblige the Executive Council of this state, if some previous intimation of the time of his Lordships Journey could be given by one of the...
29432To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received Your Excellencys instructions Yesterday in the afternoon, the Horse being much fatigued I thought it necessary to give them a short time for refreshment in the main sent down two partys of a Sergt and six men each, the one to be under the directions of Captn McLean the other to the officer Commanding at Plymouth meeting House —Captn McLean sent me the Inclos’d in consequence of...
29433To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
As very few Drafts, or Recruits, arrive from the Eastward, nor do I find, from the information of General Huntingdon, that any Numbers are upon the road, I must beg your Excellency will please to Order one Regiment of Cavalry, and Two Brigades of Infantry, to reinforce this post. There is near Sixty Miles of Territory between the Highlands & New York, left exposed to be Foraged, & Ravaged, by...
29434To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Hartley, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you the Proceedings of a General Court Martial —The Criminals were Part of a number of Money makers—Deserters Theaves in who had inhabited the South mountain; between the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania & who had put the Civil Laws at Defiance. You will please to send your Directions concerning the proceedings of the Court to York as soon as you think convenient. Since I had the...
29435To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored by the receipt of yours of the 29th Ulto & 5th Instant. I communicated to the Council of this State that part of your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th which respected the inlisting of prisoners or Deserters from the Enemy, and have added another admonition to the many I had before given the recruiting Officers on the same subject. Having done myself the honor to enclose...
29436From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit you a return of the Drafts and Substitutes from the State of Virginia, which have joined the Army. By this you will perceive how far short we are at this time in the reinforcements expected; and what is still more unfortunate, I can not learn from any information, I have been able to obtain upon the subject, from Gentlemen who have travelled on most of the Routes...
29437From George Washington to General William Howe, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 10th instant. Inclosed is a copy of a resolution of Congress of the 21st instant; which you will consider as a definitive answer to the propositions, it contains —I shall direct my Commissary of Prisoners in concurrence with yours, to prosecute the exchange, agreeable to that resolve, in the most expeditious and convenient manner. I am With due respect Sir...
29438To George Washington from William Livingston, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I just recieved your Excellency’s favour of the 21st acknowledging the receipt of my Letters of the 17th & acquainting me that the man who brought those Letters is not the Person for whom your Excellency supposes I took him; but I should be glad you would be pleased to inform me in your next whether the name of the man who brought those Letters to your Excellency was Bankson—because if it was...
29439To George Washington from James Mease, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 16 Instant on Tuesday covering a copy of one sent some time ago which I find hath some how miscaried—Agreeable to the commands of your Excellency of the 16th I immediatly prepared to set out for Head Quarters & should have been there before now but that I have been necessarily detained by the arrival of an Express from Boston on Thursday sent...
29440To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a few Days ago by Colo. Johnson; as he is not yet gone, I will now add two Things I forgot to mention then. The first is that if you send any General to Rhode Island you will probably find it most convenient to get rid of Varnom, Whose Temper and Manners are by no Means calculated to teach Patience Discipline & Subordination. Congress having determined on the Affair of the...
29441To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I deliverd to Major Clough the Warrant for 510 Dollars with your Excellencys thanks to him and his party for their bravery, agreeable to your orders in your Letter of the 13th and complied with the orders containd in Col. Laurens Letter of the 17th as Soon as it was possible after the receipt, it reachd me at Brunswick the 19th in the afternoon, and as the first and third Regts were most...
29442From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 19th inst. with its enclosures on the subject of the Indian voyages upon the Western frontier. Previous to the Receipt of it, I had put that part of the 13th Virginia Regt, which remained here under marching orders, with an intent of sending them to Fort Pitt, as they were raised in that county. Immediately upon receiving the account of the alarming...
29443From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 18th—With respect to Hamet the State will do whatever they choose to consider and treat him as a Traitor, I have no objection to it; if they choose to turn him over to me as a prisoner of war, I shall receive him accordingly. As that part of the drafts which come from West Jersey, will pass near your post—it will be inconvenient for them to march to this Army...
29444From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your’s of the 19th and beg a continuance of your exertions, for the removal of the stores as fast as possible, as I wish to have it in my power to draw your detachment to this army, which cannot be conveniently done, while there is any quantity of stores at Elk &c. I have no objection to your complying with Col: Chalmer’s request; provided the woman and child remain in...
29445Sunday 24. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Home.
29446[May 24. Sunday 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 24. Sunday 1778. I was so uneasy at the difficulty of getting any Business done and at the distracted Condition of our Affairs, that I thought it my duty to write in a private Capacity to the Commercial Committee of Congress. I find that the American Affairs, on this Side of the Atlantick, are in a State of disorder, very much resembling that, which is so much to be regretted on the other....
29447John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I now having an opportunity which to my Satisfaction I have much oftener than I expected when I first came here, in which I improve every time I can in writing to you who has always been so kind a Mamma to me. I last night went to the theatre, after we had got there we found there was no places empty upon which we came home again. RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed in JA ’s hand: “Mrs. John Adams...
29448From John Adams to the Commerce Committee, 24 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 24 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:111–112 . John Adams described the confusion that resulted from the multiplicity of commercial agents, often operating from the same ports, each claiming his authority from a different source. Adams recommended that order be imposed by...
29449General Orders, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial whereof Colonel Bowman is President is dissolved, another is ordered to sit tomorrow morning nine ôClock to try all such Persons as shall be brought before them—Colonel Chambers will preside: Each Brigade gives a Captain for the Court. At a Brigade Court Martial May 22nd 1778—Lieutt Coll Cropper President Lieutt Davis of the 11th Virginia Regiment tried for...
29450From George Washington to Major Richard Campbell, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to march immediately with the thirteenth Virginia Regiment to York Town in pensylvania, going through Lancaster and collecting from the Hospitals there and at other places all the convalescents belonging to the said Regiment who are able to proceed. You will also remain with the Regiment after it arrives at Yorktown till it receives further orders respecting it’s destination; When that...