11To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 27 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I did myself the Honor to address a Letter to you; in answer to yours of the twentieth instant. This morning I saw the Adjutant General, and enquired whether he had transmitted the general Abstract of Musters, which I delivered him, to the Board of War? He replied that he had not, by reason of the hurried unsettled situation of things, but he would do it as soon as possible. Thus...
12To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 19 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have lately had convincing proof of what I have long expected, that is, men employed as Contractors being allowed two or three percent for all they purchase, will give any price in order to increase their own profits. It has been suspected that these States have been cheated by some Officers in the Army by false abstracts and payrolls, (no doubt with too much reason) but I apprehend the...
13To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 19 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I came to this place; all things remain much as they were; a few Companies have come in from Connecticut, and many more on their march, ’tis said that two thousand are on their march from that State, and many from Massachussetts. The constant complaint here is, that there are but few troops and the reinforcements come in extremely slow,—which is too true . On my way to this place I...
14To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 28 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Continental armed Schooners Hancock and Franklin sent into Marblehead this day a Transport from Hallifax bound to New York with provisions and dry goods. There are many Tories on board, among whom is the noted Benjamin Davis. Last Sunday a Transport from Ireland came into this Harbour, (not knowing the Pirates were gone) and was taken; She had...
15To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 14 February 1776 (Adams Papers)
We hoped to have the pleasure of seeing you again in Camp before you set out for Philadelphia, but as you don’t like a “sleepy Camp” I can easily account for your preferring the Senate. The time perhaps is not far distant when the Camp will be wakeful and active—and to leave us without excuse, I wish we may have a sufficient quantity of the Needful . The Regiments of Militia which were ordered...
16To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Small pox having of late spread much in the Town, it was judged impracticable to prevent its going through the Town, and on Friday last the General was inoculated, and gave permission to the Regiments in Town to inoculate. We have taken every precaution to prevent the Troops at the Posts out of Town from taking the distemper, and disposed matters in the best manner we can for defence in...
17To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 17 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I came to this Place upon some business respecting my Department. I left General Washington encamped 18 miles south of the North River. I shall return to Head Quarters this day. There are now several Ships of war coming up the North River, their design is at present unknown, but ’tis probable their intention is to alarm us this way while they make a descent on some other quarter. We...
18To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 4 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Army marched from Middle Brook yesterday and arrived here last Evening and encamped. I presume we shall not remain in this place long. If Howe moves up the North River, or towards New England, I suppose we shall immediately push after him; but at present I apprehend the designs of the Enemy are not known, and therefore we must remain some time longer in a suspense. The unsettled state of...
19To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 8 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 10th July I have had the honour to receive, but it did not come to hand until the 5th Instant. I am happy to hear of the harmony that prevails in the Great Council of the United American States; with respect to the information which was given me, it was from a Southern Gentleman, he mentioned no Names, but speaking on the subject of Independence, he said this occasioned such...
20To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 4 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to your Notice Capt. Price, the Bearer of this, who has commanded one of the Companies of Riflemen in this Encampment; he has supported the Character of a good Officer and a worthy Gentleman; any Services which you may have opportunity to render him, will I apprehend, be serving our Country. We have received an account from Halifax, that great disturbances have lately...