1To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, [November 1777–August 1778] (Madison Papers)
This is the first time I have had an opportunity to write to you since your election to your new & honourable office. I rejoice that your country has been able, in spite of all your modesty, to discern your merits; & that she has had virtue enough to place you in a station where your talents will not be useless to her. Altho I could wish you had the same opinion of yourself that others have, &...
2To George Washington from Eight Continental Army Field Officers, November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Impress’d with Sentiments of real concern for the safety and freedom of America, Apprehensive that the Constitution of the Army, in its present languid and weak state may not be productive of the great ends for which it was rais’d, should not an immediate reform be effected, We take the liberty to offer to your Excellency’s perusal the hints and observations contain’d in the enclos’d sheets....
3Remarks on Proposed Reform of the Continental Army, November 1777 (Washington Papers)
To abolish Coloniel distinctions, however desirable it may be, is next to impossible—Great pains in the early part of this war was used, in vain, to do this; but even in the New England States, where the Sentiments—& customs of the People have an exact semilarity, it was found impracticable. The new modeling of the Army, and reducing supernumerary Officers is a very desirable matter, and...
4From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1–3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with Mr Hancocks Letter of the 25th with its several Inclosures. I shall take the case of John More under consideration, and will transmit Colo. Mason my determination upon the same. At this time, I cannot inform the Commissary whether any alterations have, or have not been made by Genl Orders in the Original ration establishment. I have been under the necessity from time to...
Two copies: National Archives This will be delivered to you by Colo. Ewing of Baltimore in Maryland, who goes to France on affairs of commerce, and whom we recommend to your civilities as a Gentleman of worth, who has in arms contended for the liberty of America. We are &ca. Signed All the indications are that the Colonel carried the committee’s important dispatch of the day before, and that...
6John Philip Merckle to the American Commissioners, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La presente vous sera remis par Monsieur H. Godet, beaufils du Gouverneur de St. Eustatius, qu’il sera bien aise de faire votre connoissance, comme je n’en doute pas, que vous m’aurez aussi bon grée vous l’avoire recomandé. Il est tres innutille de faire ses l’uenges [louanges], car sa Personne est assez distinguez est [et] recomandable, pour que je puise...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. A. Lee presents his Compts. to Dr. Franklin and begs to have the Papers he mentiond to Dr. Franklin, namely Count Vergennes’s Letter, the last Memoire to him, the last Letter to the Committee, and the list of Stores shipt from Marsailles. Mr. L. sends a Newspaper, which Mr. Izard borrowd and desird him to return. Addressed: The Honble / Benjamin Franklin...
8General Orders, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissaries are directed to take all the liquors in the hands of the sutlers, at a reasonable price if they can agree, and if they cannot, the sutlers are to carry them away: And no sutler shall be allowed to continue in the camp after the 5th instant. A General Court Martial of which General Sullivan was president, was held the 25th, 26th, 27th & 30th of October last, for the trial of...
9Authority to Collect Clothing, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the powers Vested in me by the Honorable Congress I hereby Authorize to Collect all such blankets Shoes, Stockings and other Cloathing Suitable to the Use of the Army, within the Counties of in the State of Pensilvania, As the Inhabitants Can spare without greatly distressing their families. In doing this you are to take Care, that, the unfreindly Quakers and others Notoriously...
10To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 27th October, I receivd the 30th & should be happy, if I had it my Power to inform you, that I was prepareing for my March to the Delaware. I mentioned to the Governor & Council, the urgent Necessity for the immediate compliance with your Excellency’s request, but have yet received no Answer—nor do I believe, the Order will be given in time, to be of any...