1John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Disappointed again.—The Post brought me no Letter from you, which I dont wonder at much, nor any Intelligence concerning you, which surprizes me, a good deal. . . . I hang upon Tenterhooks. Fifteen days since, you were all inocculated, and I have not yet learned how you have fared. But I will suppose you all better and out of Danger. Why should I torture myself when I cant relieve you? It...
2Nathan Rice to Abigail Adams, 27 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
When I reflect on that Tranquil State, and agreable Scituation which I was in, while I had the Honour of being one of your Family, and compare it with my present, the Contrast appears so great and my Scituation so widely different, that the Reflection of past Pleasure, raises Desires, unbecomeing the Character of a Soldier; especially one fighting for every thing dear and valuable. Were I to...
3From John Adams to James Warren, 27 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have directed a Packett to you, by this days Post, and Shall only add a few Words by Fessenden. I assure you the Necessity of your sending along fresh delegates, here, is not chimerical. Paine has been very ill for this whole Week and remains, in a bad Way. He has not been able to attend Congress, for several days, and if I was to judge by his Eye, his Skin, and his Cough, I should conclude...
4General Orders, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Complaints are made, that officers who are to attend the men upon Fatigue, and other duty, grow remiss; the General hopes they will consider what the effects of so bad an example might be to the men, and as he believes it proceeds rather from inattention, than design, flatters himself there will be no occasion to remind them of their duty hereafter. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . “Henshaw’s...
5To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hand Reports five Ships one Brigg and five Schooners at the Hook: One very large Vessel came up last Evening to the fleet. One other Ship saild about one this morning but the Col. dont write whether she went down or up. I have four Prisoners Inhabitants of Queens County that were taken yesterday attempting to make their escape to the Enemy: I am just going to examin them, if I discover...
6To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have examind the prisoners and find them to be a poor parcel of Ignorant Cowardly fellows. Two are Taylors named John & James Dunbar, and the other two are common labourers named Isaac Petit & Will Smith. They candidly confess they set off with an intention of going to Statten Island, but not with any intention of Joining the Enemy; but to get out of the way of fighting here. I believe the...
7From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was Yesterday morning honoured with your favor of the 24 Instt with Its several Inclosures, to which I shall pay the strictest Attention. The Confidence Congress are pleased to repose in my Judgement, demands my warmest acknowledgements, and they may rest assured, It shall be invariably employed so far as It shall be in my power, to promote their views and the public weal. I have Inclosed a...
8To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
General Heard, Genl Roberdeau have considered with me the Plan proposed for Attacking the Posts on Staten Island—Two things we entirely agree in—Namely that the Number of Troops proposed are by no means equal to the Undertaking—We cannot rationally suppose the Enemies Force on the Island to be less than 10,000—where these are cheifly posted we have no intelligence to be depended on—Several out...
9From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
My Lord: Upon your representation of Capt. Butler’s state of health, I think it will be best to give him a discharge, tho the loss of an officer whose character for diligence and fidelity stands fair, is at all times to be regretted and never more than at the present. With respect to Col. Parke if the circumstances of his affairs render it absolutely necessary that he should have leave of...
10To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 27 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Sloop is hove down & Cleaning & hope to be ready to take my Station this Night I shall not loose a minutes time but shall affect it if Possible, all Guards have been kept as Usual & nothing Extrodnary has been Discoverd, I have been Some Uneasy respecting Capn Burr’s Station and Humbly Conceive he might be Stationd lower down than he is which would be more advantagious in preventing an...