1To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 23 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellent Letter of the 23d: of March, and one by Mr. Dana, are now before me. How any Mortal can entertain an Idea that Liberty, and Safety, can be secured without Independency, I have no Conception; this half Faced policy, may amuse Timid Statesmen, Treacherous Whiggs, and the Tools of Designing Scotchmen; but not one Honest, Sensible, determin’d American can be deceived by it; go on to...
2To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 8 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
Monday Night Two Thousand men under the Command of Brigadier General Thomas took possession of Dorchester Heights; a vast Quantity of Materials being previously Collected, especially Chandiliers, and Fascines, our Troops were soon covered, and long before day, began to Break Ground to thicken their defences against The Enemys Cannon. To Conceal our design, and divert the Enemys Attention, a...
3To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 20 August 1779 (Adams Papers)
Had I not expected you here before this Time, on your Way to Philadelphia, where I conceived your safe and speedy Arrival must be anxiously wished for by all Patriots, you would, long since, have received a congratulatory Letter from me. It would have been congratulatory indeed; for, whatever Station you maybe in, I firmly believe, Sir, you will prove eminently useful to your Country. Your...
4To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 23 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the Satisfaction to acquaint You that immediately after my Arrival here I appointed Mr. Rice a Major of Brigade. He is a most deserving young Man and will do Honour to the profession. The Inclosed from Lieutt. Col. Baldwin I have the pleasure to send You, and entreat you will endeavour to procure him the Rank he Requests. I can assure You Sir he is a most Excellent Officer, and the Only...
5To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 17 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer, and my Letter to Mr. Hancock will acquaint you that I am no Dictator here, and consequently have it not in my power to serve Mr. Rice. I desire if Chase is return’d to Congress, he may know, how much I have been Deceived, and Disappointed in being removed from a place where I might have done the Publick Service, and Fix’d in a Scituation where it is exceeding Doubtfull, if it will...
6To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 24 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
By the Letters you will by this Post receive in Congress from the Brigadiers Sullivan, and Arnold, it appears to me, that Our Army in Canada are in the Utmost Peril of being lost. An unadvised Step taken in the Sending Genl. Thompson with a Large Detachment to Attack the Enemys post at the Three Rivers, has ended in Defeat, and Disgrace, with The Loss of Thompson, Col. Irwine, and 3 Principal...
7To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 4 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 27th: of April was put into my hands by Colonel Clinton, we had much conversation together upon the Critical and political State of this Country; He thinks with You, and I; and has besides a very Uncommon share of Knowledge, and penetration; I shall endeavour to Cultivate his Friendship, and Acquaintance. The Six Regiments under General Sullivan, are Saild for Albany, with a...
8Instructions to Reuben Colburn, 3 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are to go with all Expedition to Gardnerstone upon the River Kenebeck, and without Delay proceed to The Constructing of Two Hundred Batteaus, to row with Four Oars each; Two Paddles and Two setting Poles to be also provided for each Batteau. You are to Engage a Company of Twenty Men consisting of Artificers, Carpenters, and Guides to go under your Command to Assist in such Services as you,...
9Horatio Gates to Alexander Hamilton, James Duane, and William Duer, 5 February 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I received The packet you Honoured me with by The Bearer Mr. J. Nourse, and immediately forwarded your Letter with The Books to the State Secretary T. Merriwether Esqr. at Richmond, with a Letter from myself, requesting him to Present it to The Committee, that is appointed to attend The General Meeting in Philadelphia. Previous to my receiving your Letter, I had The Honour to receive a packet...
10From George Washington to Denis-Jean-Florimond Langlois de Montheville, marquis Du Bouchet, 8 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the annexed Certificate from Major General Gates under whose command Major Debouchet principally served while in the American Army, and from my own observations while under my immediate command, I have every reason to recommend him as an Officer of Zeal—Intelligence and Bravery. Given at Head Quarters at Newburg the 8th of December 1782. DLC . These Certify that The Bearer, Major...
11To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 7 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the Pleasure to write you upon Monday by Express. I now inclose to you, a Copy of General Lees Letter lately sent to General Burgoyne which if you approve of it may be publish’d in the News paper. I long to send you Lees and my Opinions of the measures to be pursued in Consequence of the Conquest of Canada, that is the Military Measures, somany...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 16 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received from the Hands of the Marquis Fayette, what I have not deserved from you, a very Elegant Silver Medal, a durable Record of that Glorious Revolution which has been so Fortunately brought to pass; as a proof thereof, I am unhanged, and you have Triumphed over Loughborough, & all his Tribe, So much for Buckingham! —but a though the War is thus...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 4 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter will be put into your Hand by The Chevallier de Ramondis, late Captain of The Cæsar Ship of War of 74 Gunns, one of the Squadron of Count destaing: He had the misfortune to lose his Arm, in an Engagement off the Coast, & has since been here for the recovery of his Wound. He is a fine Old Officer of long Service, & Great Merit. I hope he will be...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 23 February 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be deliverd to you by The Baron de Woedtkee, who appears to be a Gentleman, and a Veteran Charectors you will esteem him for he has with him other recommendations to your Notice, from some of your Paris acquaintance; if I had never fallen out with Royalty for any other reason, I should detest it, upon the poor Barons account, for the Tyrannical...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 7[–8] November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Thursday last I had the pleasure to send a Copy of General Lee’s Letter to Lord Thanet, and on Monday [another of?] one to General Howe, both these I suppose you received [ torn .] I made strickt inquiry as you directed me after [ torn ], and find he died, and was buried about a Week before [ torn Cam?]bridge, the Ten Dollars you paid into my Hands [ torn...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 5 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society For this Week past Fortune has Smiled upon Us from All Quarters, and last Night, word was brought out of Boston by some Inhabitants who left it Yesterday, that a Vessel was Just arrived there from Quebeck. The Master of which Declared that Our Troops, Assisted by near 6000 Canadians, took Possession of that Capital a day or Two After the Middle of November;...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Horatio Gates, 23 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives This will be presented you by The Chevallier de Kermovant, who left Old France the Sixth of April, and arrived about Fourteen days ago at Stonington by the Way of Cape François; he desires me acquaint you that his Views are truly patriotic, and that he neither Seeks reward, or Honour, but as he shall Merit; he has Letters for you, and Doctor Rush, they probably will...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Horatio Gates, [23 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
If I am too troublesome in making the following Request, it is your own Fault, for you have encouraged me to do it. My agent, Mr. William Alexander, Mercht: in Richmond, Virginia, has by my direction, placed in the Hands of The Commissioner of Loans of that State Military Certificates, belonging to me, ammounting 14037 Dollars, & 52 Cents, to be Funded in my Name. I have lately sent Mr....
19To John Jay from Horatio Gates, 15 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
Persuaded that your Excellency punctually attends to every Thing which may respect the Eastern Department, as you declared in the first Letter I have been honoured with from you, since you are in the Chair; I hope all my Letters, since my Arrival in Boston, will be answered as far as it may be necessary for my Conduct. I do not yet know what Congress intend to do towards fortifying this City...
20To John Jay from Horatio Gates, 29 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
Since I had the Honour to write to Your Excellency upon the Instant, I have received the inclosed intelligence from General Bayley, and Colonel Bedel, Copies of which are also transmitted to General Washington. I am confident the Enemy’s Magazines of Provisions are exhausting very fast. Admiral Gambier, sent from New-York, to New London, in Three Vessels with Flags of Truce, 367 Prisoners;...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 27 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter I received Yesterday Afternoon by Colonel Senf, it deserves immediate Notice, and Attention, for unless the Troops, when they are assembled and Equip’d are enabled to march forward, it will cause a most injurious Delay to the Public Service. If Bills at Sixty Days sight, upon the Treasuries of Virga. and Maryland will supply the necessary and unavoidable Expences...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 9 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When Men, like Women, go astray—there is no knowing where they will Stop. One act of folly, or Wickedness, brings another after it and down right Prostitution is the Consequence.—Our Feds: began with the Project of putting up Burr against You, and this on the Hollow principle with respect to him, that he would be lost to the Republican Party, and that at another Election he could be set aside...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 16 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from our Valuable Friend Colo. Monroe who went from hence up the North River Thursday last, and purposes going by Montreal, through the Lakes Erie, and Ontario, and so by presque Isle to pitsbourg, from whence he is to proceed to Trenton by the meeting of Congress, the 26th: October next. His remarks, and Fravels History, you will receive by the First packet after his...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 15 April 179[3] (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request, I have Inclosed you all The Letters I was Honoured with from you, during my Command to the Southward; and during your Administration of The Government of Virginia; Those from me, To You; shall, as soon as they can be Transcribed out of my Letter Book, be forwarded in like manner to your Hands: Mrs: Gates Joins me in Compliments and in the Hope, that you will be...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 2 August 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 17th: Febry: and the many Marks of Respect and Attention with which you at Times have Honoured me, claim my most Thankfull Acknowledgements. I went to Philadelphia in April. Inclosed are Copies of what passed, in respect to my particular Affair between Congress, General Washington, and Myself. I earnestly Hoped, that (without being covered with Disgrace) I could have been...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 13 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty this way to introduce to your Notice General Ebenezer Stevens , my Friend, and Companion, in the War; He Commanded my Artillery at Ticonderoga in 76, & again at Saratoga in 77, and assisted in the Capture of Lord Cornwallis Army at York. His many Emminent Services, will I am [sure] merit your Notice. Throughout the war, & [for] Years after The Peace, he was a most decided...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been under the Necessity of drawing on your State Payable to Col: Thomas Polk for the Purpose of purchasing Provisions for the Army in the District of Mecklenberg and Roan [Rowan] Counties, for One Hundred Thousand Pounds Lawful Money of your State in one Bill Dated the 14th Ultimo, and also on the 11th. of same Month I drew on you for 150,000 in two Bills, one for 54,712. Pounds the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 18 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Let the Land rejoice, for you have bought Louisiana for a Song. never was a happier moment Seized, for concluding so Glorious a Negotiation: I took the Liberty to write you about a Week ago; in that letter I introduced Colonel Wm: Smith to your Future Notice, when the necessary appointment of Officers for your new acquisition shall take place, though I mention’d him, & gave my Reasons for it,...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I had the Honour to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 28 Ult. from Richmond, and a few Minutes after the inclosed from Colo: Preston. I send it to Your Excellency that the Executive may determine, as they think proper upon the Subject. I had no conception that the Setting Up Two hundred Yards of Picketing, could Cost 100,000£, as to the Log Huts within side, the...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 30 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Pacquets for Congress and General Washington I send with flying Seals that you may peruse them; but I must request they may not be delayed; but sent forward with the utmost Dispatch to Philadelphia. Your Excellency will please to be careful to put the proper papers to each; in the right Cover, and Seal only the Cover you send them in to Congress. The Requisition addressed to Your...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 14 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read and attentively considered Your Excellencys Letters of the 23d Ult:, and 4th. Instant and Lest Congress, or the Board of War, should conceive Greater Supplies for the Southern Army, can be furnished by your State than it is in their Power, or Abillity, to give, I have sent The President by this conveyance, Exact Copies of Your Excellencys Two letters to me, that no Plea of not...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 January 179[4] (Jefferson Papers)
The Hermit of Rose Hill sees it confirmed by Yesterdays post, that you have actually Resign’d your Office! but his prophetic Soul, Augurs no Benefit to the State by such a Sacrafice; If the best Seamen abandon the Ship in a Storm, she must Founder; and if all Human means are neglected, Providence will not Care for The Vessel; She must Perish! A Hermit, as He knows little of what passes in the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 7 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
To relieve your mind from the Fatigue of National Affairs, which must necessarily oppress it; I send you the inclosed from the pen of my ingenious friend, & relation , John Garnet; I take this Liberty, knowing how much you wish to be early acquainted with all Discoveries tending to Enlighten Mankind.—perhaps it may be the means of bringing two Men of Science to an intimate acquaintance;—Mr:...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 18 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I send Your Excellency my dispatch of this [Date?] to the President of Congress under a flying Seal for your Persual. I must entreat you to forward it with all its contents, directly by Express to Philadelphia. If the News from General Fleming is Confirmed I think A Speedy recovery of South Carolina and Georgia must be the Consequence, but we are so often disappointed in Reports that...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 7 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From my Heart I congratulate your Excellency, upon the Glorious success of The Embassy you sent to France, it must ly strike the Mind of every true Friend to Freedom in the United States, as the Greatest, & most Beneficial Event, that has taken place since the Declaration of Independence. The Fame of Your Political Wisdom is now so permanently Establish’d, that it is past the power of a...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Berkeley County, 8 Feb. 1781. Letter introducing James McAlister, county commissioner and issuing commissary in “this Districkt,” who waits on TJ for “Directions in regard to His Future Conduct.” Gates recommends him as “a good and Faithfull Servant of The Public.” RC ( NHi ); addressed and endorsed.
37To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 15 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to Inclose you a Letter For my Highly esteemed Friend General Kuscuiusko, perhaps you may like to call upon him with it; Men, who so Sincerely seek the Happyness of Man, must be Intimate with each Other. I like, (so far as it respects Us;) what we hear, Via Norfolk from Europe. After what we have been Guilty of, we cannot expect, immediately, any thing better than to be...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 20 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote Your Excellency the 18th. which was sent from hence By Express, on the Evening of that Day, and would proceed to Taylor’s Ferry, as Mr. Cooper the Stationed Express at Harrisbourg, was, at the Same Time on his Way to this place; the Latter arrived here Yesterday about One oClock A.M. and brought me Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th. Inst. This Letter, came in Time, which was not the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 8 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 3d. Inst. to Your Excellency, Own’d the Receipt of yours of the 28th. Ult. I marched the 6th. Inst. with all the Cavalry that were fit to move from Hillsborough; and that day received the enclosed Letter of the 31st Ult: from General Smallwood. I apprehend the Tardiness of Col. Polk in supplying Provisions, must be occasion’d by the Delay of payment my Bills in his favour have...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 15 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Packet which Gen: Stephen does me the Favour to deliver you with this Letter, has Travelled to Richmond, and back again to my Hands. Had the person to whom I intrusted it, been half as keen for your receiving it, as he is in the pursuit of his Own Interest, I am confident you would have got my First Letter in due Time. On the 7th: of October I wrote Gen: Washington the Letter, of which the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 9 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As we are much Distress’d for Carriages to Transport Provisions and Stores for this Army; I must beg Leave to request, Your Excellency, will prevail upon the Executive of Virginia to Order a Brigade of Ten Waggons from each of the Neighbouring Counties of this State from Mecklinbourg < Hallifax, Pittsylvania, & Henry > North Westward to Transport Stores, and provisions < from Taylors Ferry to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 21 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency yesterday upon a variety of important subjects. One has since arose which may properly fall within your Excellency’s notice. The mark’d lines of the enclosed letter from Baron De Kalb have induced me to order the remains of Buford’s, Gibson’s, and Brent’s Regiments, to join the army under my command, as early as possible. No objection can arise in...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 22 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I sent your Excellency a large Packet Yesterday by Captain Pendleton of The Caroline County Militia. He was directed to deliver it to the Stationed Express on Roanoak near Taylors Ferry who had a Written Order from me to set out with it immediately for the next Stage. The Letter for The Congress, Board of War &c., I conclude Your Excellency will forward with the like dispatch. This morning Mr....
44To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 1 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd Your Excellency[’s] Favour of the 20th : Ult. Just as I was upon the Point of Marching to the Westward. Upon communicating the Contents to Generals Huger and Stevens, and the principal Officers here, they Unanimously gave it as their Opinion, that I should not march from hence, until I received further intelligence of the Enemys movements, as well South Eastward, as Westward. I...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 23 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Wednesday Noon Our Whigg Printer sent me your Message to Congress; he delivered it to The public in a seperate publication; I read it Greedily; It has fix’d your Fame upon an everlasting Foundation.—I am not surprized I did not receive an Answer to my two last Letters ; for however you might be disposed to listen to my Recomendations, you could say nothing conclusive until the Louisiana...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 16 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Castaign , who does me the Honour to present this Letter, has served with much Reputation almost from the begining of the War until its final Glorious Conclusion in 1782. He rose regularly in the Massachusetts Regiment in which he was first appointed an Ensign to the Rank of Captain, and was appointed Aid de Camp to Major General du Portail towards the Close of War. The last Campaign,...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 12 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
This Instant I received The Great and Glorious News, contained in the inclosed Letter from Brig: Gen: Davidson to Gen: Sumner, who directly dispatched it me by Express. We are now more than even with the Enemy. The moment the Shoes &c. for the Troops here, arrives from Taylors Ferry, I shall proceed with the Whole to the Yadkin. General Smallwood, and Col. Morgan, are on their way to that...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 14 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the satisfaction to receive your very Obliging Letter of the 3d. of Feb: from Monte Cello; it came to hand when I was Ill of a Fever, I am now thank God, quite recover’d; and have the pleasure to be able to acknowledge your kindness. I have never had the Smallest doubt, that if my letter book was in your hands but that it was as safe as in my Own; being satisfied of that, I am perfectly...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 19 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am charm’d with your instituting Gunn Boats; for I believe them to be the properest Defence for large Harbours that has hitherto been imagin’d; these, Cooperating with small Batteries of Heavy Guns, upon the projecting Heights near the Water, are much better, & infinitely less expensive than Fix’d, and large Fortifications; the French, who are the best Judges, of Artillery and Engineering of...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 14 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Honored with the receipt of Your Excellencys Letter Dated the 3d: Inst: and pleased to find from thence that Virginia is so Zealous, and Spirited, in Her Exertions against the Common Enemy. In my Letter to Congress of the 20th: Ult: I acquainted them with the necessity of sending a very Considerable Supply of Arms to this Department, as all the Militia had been Furnished with were thrown...