1To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 21 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 6 inst, whereunto please to be referred. Agreable to my promise, I here inclose the two Bonds respecting the privateers Black Prince Capn. Patrick Dowlin and the Black Princess Capn. Edwd Maccatter, Sign’d by Mr. Riviere l’ainé, of Gravelinnes, and Messr. John Francis and Charles Torris of this place,...
2Tuesday 21st. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon Sammy Cooper Charles and I went to the Consul’s in order to go a Gunning. The Consul told us it was too late to go this forenoon but that his Servant should Go with us after dinner. He desir’d us to dine with him which accordingly we did and after dinner the Consuls servant went with us. We had but little Game because it rain’d almost all the time, we went up on the top of the...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As perhaps the inclosed accot of Genl Sullivans Successes against the Indians & Tories has not yet reached you I thought it worth the Postage.— I am in haste (Post agoing) ever your dutifull & affectionate kinsman Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin ministre / plénipotentiaire des / Etats unis de l’amerique / septentrionalle / a Passy / près Paris...
4From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the long preparations at New York and the strong appearances of a large Detachment’s being made from thence—it seems certain from very recent advices, that no Troops have sailed as yet, and that the Enemy hold themselves in collected force. What their designs really are I have not been able to learn, altho I have taken all the pains in my power to effect it. The Southern States...
5From George Washington to Captain William John Darby, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish it were in my power to give a satisfactory answer to your letter of the 4th Novr. Unfortunately certain obstructions have been thrown in the way of both general and particular exchanges, which must prevent any thing from taking place in your favor. When these are removed It will give me pleasure to concur in measures for your relief or exchange. I am Sir. Df , in James McHenry’s...
6To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 13th and 17th Instant and altho your Excellency did not think your self authorised to give direction in the Instances in which I requested it, I beg you will be pleased to accept my thanks for so fully Expressing Your Sentiments, on the case of Majors Hull and Cogswell I am writing the General Assembly of Massachusetts on the Subject, no endeavours of...
7From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our army at this time compared with that of the enemy makes it necessary we should be very much upon our guard. They have more than double our force collected at New York and we are mouldering away dayly. They have been some time past making a show of embarkation; but whether it is sincere or a mere feint to lull us into security is not easy to tell. But If they really design...
8From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the several papers respecting the claims of Captains Becker and Steddiford which were referred to me by Congress —It appears to me that there is no way of providing for these Gentlemen, but introducing them into the 4th Pennsylvania Regt under the Resolve of Congress of the 24th Novemr 1778. You will therefore be pleased to enquire what dates their Commissions are to bear in...
9George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States reasons that make it probable that British will attack Army’s winter quarters. Asks Livingston for support if this should happen. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last Saturday a Considerable Number of transports fell down to red hook—& on Sunday Morning about 10. OClock they weighed anchor & fell lower —but whether there were any troops on board, or whether they went farther than the Narrows, the Informant can’t tell as he could not possibly pass to New York on acct of the Ice in by Bergen point. he is since gone over & an Other to Staten Island, from...