1351The Pennsylvania Assembly: Instructions to Its Delegates in Congress, 9 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania ..., VI (Philadelphia, 1776), 647; AD (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania. In May the Pennsylvania Assembly had committed its delegates to military resistance, colonial union, and a continued search for compromise. After the elections in October the new Assembly chose a new Congressional delegation, again...
1352General Orders, 9 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
To prevent any false Alarm, Notice is hereby given, that the Riffle Battalion will discharge their Arms to morrow, at twelve at noon. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Artemas Ward’s orderly book includes an additional paragraph offering a reward for the return of a pocketbook containing $42 in paper money that Brigade Major David Henley lost “between Head Quarters & Prospect Hill” ( MHi ).
1353To George Washington from William Bartlett, 9 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
These are to Inform your Excellency that yesterday a Small Boat with about 15 Men whent out of this Herbour & Took a Schooner from Ireland Loaded with Beef pork & Butter &C. —as your Excellency Approved of my Conduct with regard to the Other Prize the North Britton I thought it my Duty to Proceed in the Same Manner Therefore when She Came in I made a Demand of the Papers &C. But the People...
1354To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Roger Enos, 9 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am on my Return from Colo. Arnold’s Detachment. I Brot up the Rear of the Whole, Capt: McCobb, Williams & Scots Company’s were assind to my Division. We proceeded as far as 50 miles up the Dead River & there were obliged to Return for the want of Provision when we Arrived to the Great Carying Place, By what I cou’d Learn from the Division forward that Provision was Like to be Short, I wrote...
1355From George Washington to James Warren, 9 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
A Mr Lewis who left Boston yesterday afternoon Informs me, that on account of the Scarcity of Wood and provisions in that place, General Howe has Issued a proclamation, desiring such of the Inhabitants as are Inclined to leave the Town, to give in their names & a List of their effects before Twelve OClock this day. As the Caution necessary to be used with these people to prevent a...
1356Continental Congress: Agreement of Secrecy, 9 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved That every member of this Congress considers himself under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his Country not to divulge directly or indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress before the same shall have been determined, without leave of the Congress; nor any matter or thing determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret,...
1357From George Washington to William Ramsay, 10–16 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
By Mr Harrison I have been favour’d with your Letter of the 16th Ulto, and am glad to find that my Address to the People of Canada, and Corrispondance with genl Gage have Merited the approbation of the Publick. I am not without my hopes that Arnold, and his Detachment have got into good Quarters in Quebec, long before this—I have heard nothing (directly) from him since the 13th Ulto; which,...
1358[10th of November 1775] (Adams Papers)
On the 10th of November 1775 Congress resolved that two Battalions of Marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other Officers as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal Number of privates with other Battalions; that particular care be taken, that no Person be appointed to Officers, or inlisted into said Battalion s , but such as are...
1359General Orders, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General thanks Col. Thompson, and the other gallant Officers and Soldiers (as well of other Regiments as the Rifflers) for their alacrity Yesterday, in pushing thro’ the water, to get to the Enemy on Letchmore’s point; he is inform’d that there were some (names as yet unknown) who discover’d a backwardness in crossing the Causway—these will be marked, if they can be discovered—The General...
1360To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the observatio[ns] by which you will See that a large number of Vessels are come in yesterday & this morning part of whic[h] Lay in Nantasket Road part comming up to Boston & Some already come up to or near the Wharf But for the want of a good Glass (the old one being good for nothing) we can not discover whether they have Troops on board or not the necessaty of having a good...
1361To George Washington from Lieutenant Benjamin Craft, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Petitions for permission to resign his commission “for the following Reasons viz. 1[st]ly his wife and Family being Scituated in a Sea-Port Town, and consequently much exposed to danger by the Enemy. 2dly your Petitioner having received Encouragement some Time since that no Difficulty would attend procuring a Discharge; agree’d to make and turn in to the Army one hundred pair Shoes Monthly;...
1362To George Washington from Jonathan Glover, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
By the Barer Captt. Richard James I would Inform your Excellency, that Captt. Manley in your Schor Lee, Brought into Marblehead, this Morning a Schr of about forty Tuns Load with Lumber he took Sd Schr about three Miles from Boston Lighthous, I have found But two Letters on Board Which have Sent By Captt. James the Master & a Doctor which is Sd to be a pasinger on [board] have Sent with Capt....
1363To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
By order of Congress I have the Honour to forward you the Inclos’d Resolutions this moment come into. The suddeness of this order and your Zeal for the Service supercedes all necessity of Recommending this measure to your particular Notice, have only to Add that Congress leave the Appointment of the persons to you. A Variety of Business has Occurr’d, which has prevented a final Determination...
1364From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Having been favourd with your Letter of the 23d Ulto by Mr Ray, permit me to assure you, that I shall, at all times, esteem it a happiness to have it in my power to shew Civility to any Gentleman of your recommendation—It is exceedingly necessary for every person, appearing in the character of a Gentleman, & not personally known, to bring Letters of Introduction from those that are, otherwise,...
1365From George Washington to Colonel William Woodford, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th of September came to my hands on Wednesday last, through Boston, and open, as you may suppose. It might be well to recollect by whom you sent it, in order to discover if there has not been some treachery practised. I do not mean to flatter, when I assure you, that I highly approve of your appointment. The inexperience you complain of is a common case, and only to be...
1366To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Carter Nicholas, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favour’d with your Letter the other Day by Mrs. Randolph . We had before her Arrival heard of the death of our worthy Friend. The great Load of Business I have had on Hand ever since the Convention obliged me to confine my Correspondence to him, knowing that he would communicate my Letters to the rest of the Associates. The infamous Practice of opening all Letters passing thro’ the...
1367To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was so much ingaged last week in watching the motions of his Lordships Tenders, that I was depriv’d the pleasure of writing to you, three of which came up the length of James Town, and were haild by some of our riflemen, and not answering were fired upon by them, another report says the Tenders fired first, and attemted to and some men, but were prevented by eight rifle men, for there are no...
1368From John Adams to Henry Knox, 11 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I had the Pleasure of a Letter from you a few days ago and was rejoiced to learn that you have at last determined to take a more im portant share than you have done hitherto in the Conduct of our military Matters. I have been impressed with an Opinion of your Knowledge and Abilities in the military Way for several years, and of late have endeavoured, both at Camp, at Watertown and at...
1369To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 11 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received a Letter from the honorable Committee of Congress for collecting “a just and well authenticated Account of the Hostilities committed by the ministerial Troops and Navy in America since last March,” and beg leave to inform You that Colo. Palmer, Mr. Cooper and Colo. Thomson are appointed a Committee to subserve the purpose in this Colony in the Recess of the Court, which is this Day...
1370The Council to the Massachusetts Delegates, 11 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
The Manifest Militation between the Resolve which passed the hon’ble the American Congress on the ninth June last relative to Establishing Civil Government in this Colony and the Resolve which passed the Congress on 18th of last July pointing to a method how the Militia should be regulated in the Several United American Colony’s hath caused some Altercation between the Hon’ble House of...
1371Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates to the Continental Congress, 11 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
Watertown, 11 November 1775. (Misc. Papers of the Continental Congress, Reel No. 8). Although the credentials as passed by the house bear the date 10 November, the Journal of the House of Representatives Journals of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts [1715- ], Boston, reprinted by the Massachusetts Historical Society, 1919- . (For the years for which reprints are not yet available,...
1372General Orders, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
1373To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I gave orders last night to have All the Stock in Chelsea that is Exposed drove back, & this morning Sent down to Pulling Point & Point Shirley to have their Stocks brought of & ordered all this party to Parade Early this morning & the officers to Scorch the Arms & Amunition and hold themselves in Rediness to march at a minutes Warning to any place that accasion may require This I did before I...
1374From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to address myself to you the 8th Inst. by Captain Macpherson, Since which, I have an account of a Schooner Laden Chiefly with fire wood being brought into Marblehead, by the armed Schooner Lee Captain Manly. She had on board the Master, a midshipman, two Marines, & four Sailors, from the Cerberus man of war, who had made prize of this Schooner a few days before, and was...
1375To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Upon the Repeated Request of Ensn Stanley to Represent to your Exelencey Something by which he may Obtain a Discharge from the Service, I have Inclosed the Doctrs Certificate & can Say no more in Favour of his obtaining a Discharge than that it Seems needless to hold Officers here that hant a Stomake. with Respect to the Company he Leaves there is but one Officer in it that Does Duty it Seems...
1376To George Washington from William Watson, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on Rect of your Excellencys Orders of the 6th Instant relative to my taking Charge of the Wine cast on shore at the Cape, I dispatched Major Soper, a Gentleman employed in the public service to Cape Cod, with directions, which the Major will show your Excellency and which I hope will meet your approbation. I believe the Business is well done, & that Major Soper has conducted with...
1377To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 11 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank God I am now so well that I could venture to write you a long Letter if a Multiplicity of Business did not render it impossible. But I will make the best Use of my Time and scribble you some fugitive Sentences. I wrote to Col. Nelson and you by the Post before the last, giving some Account of the Norfolk and Hampton Affairs. I can assure that our young Soldiers behaved extremely well,...
1378Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of October 23. I want to hear from you every day, and I always feel sorrow when I come to the close of a Letter. Your Time must be greatly engrosed, but little of it to spaire to the calls of Friendship, and I have reason to think I have the largest share of it. Winter makes it s approaches fast. I hope I shall not be obliged to spend it without my dearest Friend, I know not...
1379John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am often afraid you will think it hard that I dont write oftener to you. But it is really impossible. Could I follow the Inclinations of my Heart I should spend half my Time, in this most agreable and pleasing Employment: But Business presses me so close that I am necessitated to mortify my self. From 7 to ten in the Committees and from six to ten in the Evening in the same, and from 10 to...
1380General Orders, 12 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Each Colonel upon the new-establishment, to come to Head Quarters, to morrow morning ten OClock, in order to receive from the Adjutant General, as many printed Inlistments, as there are commission’d Officers in his Regiment—They will therefore without delay distribute One to each Officer, who is forthwith to proceed to inlist men for their respective Regiments in the Continental Army. The...
1381From George Washington to Lund Washington, 12 November 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 12 Nov. 1775. On 3 Dec. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “Two Letters from you came to hand this Week dated Nvmr the 6th & 12th.”
1382To George Washington from Lund Washington, 12 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 30th Octbr I recievd last night, I ima[gine] the Letter you expected from home on the 12th was sent by Mr Harrison—for I have never missd writeg a Post except it was the one that set out a day or two before him. The Dineg Room will I expect be finishd this week now come in—it is I think very Pretty[.] the Stucco man agrees the Cielg is a Handsomeer one than any of Colo. Lewises,...
1383[William Smith’s Bill for Sundry Medicines.] (Adams Papers)
At the Rising Sun in Second Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. 2 ozs. Cinnamon £0: 6: 0 1 oz. Turkey Rhubarb 2: 6 1 oz. Cloves 2: 1 oz. Pink Root 1: £ 11: 6 M-Ar : vol. 210. A printed form filled in.
1384From John Adams to John Thomas, 13 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for two Letters one by the Committee: the other dated Novr. 1. The subject of the first is not yet determined in Congress, but I have no doubt your Desires will be complied with. As soon as I received the last I waited on Dr. Morgan and shewed your Letter, together with one from Mr. Gordon and a very sensible one from Dr. Hayward relative to the same subject. Mr....
1385To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [13 November 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have Some days Past Plast [Placed] you at home happy with your Dear Children and Sister. I am not able to find Words to tell you how Pleasd I am to have our Boy with you I wish he may Deserve Such Goodness God Will Reward you. Thank you for your Kind letter from New haven I Shall write you as Soon as I get home am Just going. I write to Ray but the letter...
1386To Benjamin Franklin from William Greene, 13 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my Coming here I found Your Favor from Newhaven, it gives me great pleasure To hear You was so far on Your journey well, hope before this You have Arriv’d safe home. My little son who You have Taken with You how shall I enough express my Gratitude, I was much at a loss what to Doe with him. I had three Years past a good writing master so that he learn’t...
1387General Orders, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Colonels upon the new Establishment to settle, as soon as possible, with the Qr Mr General, the Uniform of their respective regiments; that the buttons may be properly number’d, and the work finished without delay. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See General Orders, 17 Nov. 1775 .
1388To George Washington from Colonel Benedict Arnold, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The foregoing is a Copy of my last of the 8th Instant, by an Express sent me by General Montgomery, who, I am this Moment informed, was taken fifteen Leagues above this on his Return —I have waited three Days for the Rear to come up, and in preparing scaling Ladders &c. The Wind has been so high these three Nights that I have not been able to cross the River, but is now moderated and intend...
1389To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your direction I have ordered all the Stocks drove back from where they were exposed, in Chelsea Pulling & Shirley Point, The Inhabitants of the Points have been to me with there complaints and very much lament there hard fortune and beg that your Excellency would permit them to take one pair of working oxen to a famaly and a few Milch cows, the other Cattle & Sheep they say they...
1390From George Washington to William Bartlett, 13 November 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Bartlett, 13 Nov. 1775. On this date Bartlett wrote to GW : “I hereby Acknolidge the Receipt of Your favour of the . . . 13th Instant.”
1391To George Washington from William Bartlett, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I hereby Acknolidge the Receipt of Your favour of the 11th and 13th Instant and Notice the Contents. With Regard to Such Vessells brought in as the North Britton I shall with Pleasure comply with your Excellencys Orders as I have had a Grate deal of Trouble & Got the Ill will of my Neighbours for having any thing to doe with her, Although I punctually Obey’d your Orders. With Regard to the...
1392To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I some Time since informed your Excellency that Part of Two Companies of Men, consisting of about Seventy, raised by the Colony in order to join the Continental Army near Boston, had, upon the Arrival of some Transports at Newport, been sent upon Block-Island for the Preservation of the Stock there. Agreeable to your Directions they still continue upon the Island. I am now, at the Request of...
1393To George Washington from Major Christopher French, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I hope you will excuse my begining this Letter in answer to your two Favors of the 19th & 25th October by noticing the last Paragraph of the former as it furnishes me with an Apology for intruding on your Time which I am sensible must be much more materialy employ’d. I flatter’d myself from the Tenor of that Letter, and the Conversation I had with Doctr Franklin here (who avow’d the Liberty of...
1394To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I must beg leave at the beginning of this letter to apologise for any incorrectness as I write in great haste—Indeed the hurry of business is such here with many of us, that we have little time for the ordinary offices of life. You may be assured that I will do Colo. Read all the service that I can in the way you desire. We have a Ship here in 6 weeks from London, that brought the original...
1395To George Washington from Thomas Lynch, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your Favr By Colo. Read I applied to the Chief Justice who tells me the Supreme Courts were lately held and that it will be some time before their Term will return, that he knows of no Capital Suit now depending and that it [is] very easy for Colo. Read to manage matters so as not to let that prevent his Return to you. I am sure Mr Chew is so heartily disposed to oblige you...
1396To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Their is a number of men at this place who were taken in attempting to supply our Enemies with Provissions—the Council think they ought to be Confined—they therefore request that your Excellency would send to this Town a Guard of about Twenty men to be under the direction of the Board in order to convey the Said Persons, and the Prisoners which may be taken from time to time, to such place or...
1397To George Washington from Colonel William Thompson, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Lieut. Cromer has for some time past been in a very bad state of Health, and is not likely to recover in this part of the Country and therefore has requested leave to resign. He has been a very Good Officer, but I believe his want of health will put it out of his power to do Duty during the Winter—And woud beg of your Excellency to Accept of his Resignation —All the rest of my...
1398From John Adams to Samuel Osgood , 14 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I was yesterday favoured with your agreable Letter by Captn. Price, for which as well as a former Letter I acknowledge myself much obliged to you. In such a Period as this, Sir, when Thirteen Colonies unacquainted in a great Measure, with each other, are rushing together into one Mass, it would be a Miracle, if Such heterogeneous Ingredients did not at first produce violent Fermentations....
1399From John Adams to William Tudor, 14 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received your kind Letter of the 28th. of Octr.—but yesterday. It was such a Letter as I wish all my Friends would write me, as often as possible—that is it was long, full of Intelligence, well written and very entertaining. I lament the Dishonour which falls upon the Colony by the mean, mercenary Conduct of some of her Servants. But in all Events I hope no Instance of Fraud or Peculation...
1400From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 14 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the pleasure of your letter of the 4th instant by Captain Price, for which, as well as a former kind letter, I heartily thank you. The report you mention, that Congress have resolved upon a free trade, is so far from being true that you must have seen by the public papers before now that they have resolved to stop all trade untill next March. What will be done then time will...