11To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 2 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote You by Capt. Cummins who sailed a few Days since, and I have been so particular to Docr. Bancroft who will communicate my Letter to You that I have very little to add. Genl. Sullivan by Accts. of the 25th Ulto. was endeavoring to make good his Retreat from Rhode Island, which it is thought he will hardly effect without some Loss. The Country and...
12To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Urbainville, 2 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je rends avec plaisir cet hommage à une Nation naissante, qui offre à l’Univers le Modèle d’un des plus beaux gouvernemens politiques qui aient eû lieu. Puisse votre Constitution nationale ne recevoir Jamais aucune atteinte; et accélérer l’heureuse révolution que le progrès des lumières semble annoncer comme prochaine, en faveur du Commerce des Nations! On...
13General Orders, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Court of Enquiry whereof Coll Marshal is President will assemble at ten ôClock tomorrow morning at the Presidents quarters and take into consideration a Complaint exhibited by Mr Kean Assistant Commissary of Issues against Lieutt Seldon of the 4th Virginia Regt both Parties to attend. A return of Colours in the several Regiments to be made tomorrow at Orderly time. Varick transcript ,...
14To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to recive your Exellencys favour yesterday, and shall use the utmost of my endavours to get the most satisfactry intelligance. I think we have got it at this post, in such a chanell that we cannot faill, of getting certain information of every thing of moment, that Occurs in New york, if my conduct meets with your approbation, I shall esteem it as more then a sufficient reward...
15From George Washington to Silas Deane, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 22d Ulto by Mr Webb. The regard I have for Colo. Webb—and my wish to oblige you, would urge me most strongly to effect his release, if it were practicable; but our circumstances will not admit of it. The only rule of exchange, now existing between the two armies, is equality of rank; and unhappily, we have not a Colonel, a prisoner, in our hands. Indeed, if we had,...
16To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The English fleet finding itself by the arrival of six vessels greatly superior to the French fleet, it seems to me that the English may now project a decisive operation. This is to block up the port of Boston with their fleet—to embark all the troops at NewYork—conduct them to Rhode Island—debark them there and march directly towards Boston. To prevent them—this is briefly what I should think...
17From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the fleet under your command to the common cause, and the interest I take in your personal concerns would not permit me, but to be deeply affected with the information of the disappointment and injuries, you sustaind in the late unfortunate storm. I flatter myself, and I most ardently hope, my countrymen will exert themselves to give you every aid in their power, that you may...
18To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Question the First. Whether any, or what Operations can now be undertaken? Answer. Want of certain intelligence of The Enemys motions, & designs; of their present Strength, and Numbers, at the posts, Stations, & Territorys, they possess; want of exact information of the State of the Army under Gen: Sullivan; want of Knowledge of what Magazine of Flour, is, or can be provided in the Eastern...
19To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
8 O’Clock A.M. By the observations made at Hull (Nantasket) the last evening at 6 o’Clock, the Enemy’s Fleet, in sight, consisted of Twenty Ships, one Sloop & one Schooner within about Two leagues, veering E.S.E., from Light house Island, 8 or 10 of them Ships of the Line (one wearing a blue Flag at her fore Top mast head) 8 Frigates the others small. Between 1, & 3, O’Clock this morning 6 or...
20To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency The Commander in chief having laid the following points before the Board of General officers to be considered, and to deliver their opinion Thereon. Questions Answers . 1º Whether it would be adviseable to march, this army, either part of it, or the whole, to the Eastward, if the Enemies Should reinforce Rhode Island or land on the Continent in either of the Eastern States?...