1751To George Washington from Lieutenant Henry Edwin Stanhope, 25 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Yr Excellency will no doubt be much surprised at being troubled by one, who is an entire Stranger to You; neither should I have been prompted to it but by the Desire of my enlargement, which I dont doubt but yr Excellency will grant, when the Circumstances are made known, viz. (that Captn Wallace offered some Prisonners in Exchange for me). The Respect with which I have ever heard yr...
1752From George Washington to Lund Washington, 25 December 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 25 Dec. 1775. On 17 Jan. 1776 Lund Washington wrote to GW : “Your Letter of the 25th Dembr I have got.”
1753Resolution to pay post-riders, 26 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
26 December 1775. Resolution to pay post-riders. M-Ar :207, p. 311–315. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1242–1243. ( M-Ar :207, p. 311–315. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,]
1754Resolution appointing members to a joint committee to determine how bills of credit were to be signed and numbered, 26 … (Adams Papers)
26 December 1775. Resolution appointing members to a joint committee to determine how bills of credit were to be signed and numbered. M-Ar :207, p. 316. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1243. (...
1755Resolution to pay John Davis a sum in behalf of Edward Johnson, a petitioning soldier, 26 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
Resolution to pay John Davis a sum in behalf of Edward Johnson, a petitioning soldier. M-Ar :207, p. 317–318. ( M-Ar :207, p. 317–318).
1756Resolution to approve committee report recommending payment to the Committee of Supplies for its services, in response … (Adams Papers)
26 December 1775. Resolution to approve committee report recommending payment to the Committee of Supplies for its services, in response to its petition. M-Ar :207, p. 319–321. ( M-Ar :207, p. 319–321).
1757To Benjamin Franklin from George Ross, 26 December 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Lancaster, December 26, 1775: Pardon my asking your support in obtaining for my son James, now a captain in a company of the rifle battalion, a majority in one of the four battalions about to be raised. I shall be obliged for your friendship in the matter.> For James Ross’s rifle company see Pa. delegates to the Lancaster County committee above, July...
1758General Orders, 26 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
A Court of enquiry, consisting of Major Genl Putnam President, and Brigadiers Genl Heath, Sullivan, & Greene members, held by Order of His Excellency the General, to examine into the Cause of a Complaint exhibited by a number of Field Officers, and others in Genl Sullivan’s Brigade, against the Commissary General, Joseph Trumbull Esqr.—The Articles in the Complaint were . . . First, “For not...
1759From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 26 December 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Burwell Bassett, 26 Dec. 1775. On 27 Jan. 1776 Bassett wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 26 of Decr is just come to hand.”
1760From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 26 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 6th Instt did not reach this place till Saturday Afternoon. the Money which accompanied it, came seasonably, but not (as it was so long delayed) in quantum Sufficit—our demands at this time being peculiarly great for pay, and advance to the Troops—pay for their Arms—Blanketting &ca Independant of the demands of the Commissary & Quarter Master General. Lord Dunmores Letters...
1761Resolution to approve appointment of a committee to assist the commissary general in procuring military supplies, 27 … (Adams Papers)
27 December 1775. Resolution to approve appointment of a committee to assist the commissary general in procuring military supplies. M-Ar :207, p. 326. ( M-Ar :207, p. 326).
1762From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Mazzei, 27 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library It was with great Pleasure I learnt from Mr. Jefferson, that you were settled in America; and from the Letter you favour’d me with, that you like the Country, and have reason to expect Success in your laudable and meritorious Endeavours to introduce new Products. I heartily wish you all the Success you can desire, in that, and in every other Undertaking that may...
1763General Orders, 27 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Regimental Quarter Masters are forthwith to settle with and give receipts to the Commissary General, or his deputies, the day they next draw, they are to take the whole of the Provision & weekly allowance, then due. The Colonels, who have purchased Cloathing at the Qr Mr General’s Store, for the Use of their Men, are directed to discharge their respective Debts, out of the Monies they are...
1764To George Washington from Matthew Thornton, 27 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 23d Instant Respecting the Great want of Blankets for the Army, I Receeiv’d this Day; & Communicated the Same to the Congress now Setting, Who Immediately went into the Consideration, And Resolv’d to take the Most speedy and effectual method, in order to purchase all that Can be Spared within this Colony; tho’ we are fearful whether any Considerable Number can be Obtaind:...
1765Resolution to liberate Henry Middleton and George Price, prisoners in the Plymouth jail, 28 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
28 December 1775. Resolution to liberate Henry Middleton and George Price, prisoners in the Plymouth jail. M-Ar : 164, p. 228. ( M-Ar : 164, p. 228).
1766Resolution ordering committee for purchasing saltpeter to deliver it to Richard Devens, 28 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
28 December 1775. Resolution ordering committee for purchasing saltpeter to deliver it to Richard Devens. M-Ar :207, p. 329. ( M-Ar :207, p. 329).
1767Recommendation to towns to promote the manufacture of saltpeter, 28 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
28 December 1775. Recommendation to towns to promote the manufacture of saltpeter. M-Ar :207, p. 330. ( M-Ar :207, p. 330).
1768Resolution to approve payment to Committee for the Poor of Boston to assist those at Shirley Point, 28 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
28 December 1775. Resolution to approve payment to Committee for the Poor of Boston to assist those at Shirley Point (see Joseph Ward to JA , 3 Dec., note 1 , above). M-Ar :207, p. 331. ( M-Ar :207, p. 331).
1769Achard de Bonvouloir to the Comte de Guines, 28 December 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extracted from AL : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Paris The committee of secret correspondence had been in existence less than a month when it was approached by the Chevalier de Bonvouloir, an agent of the French court. The discussions that ensued, which this letter reports, set in train major developments on both sides of the Atlantic. At Versailles Bonvouloir’s report...
1770General Orders, 28 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
As the time is just at hand, when the Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Rhode Island Troops (not again inlisted) will be released from their present Engagement, the General recommends to them to consider, what may be the Consequence of their abrupt departure from the lines; should any Accident happen to them, before the New Army gets greater Strenght, they not only fix eternal disgrace upon...
1771Resolution ordering the Milton committee to deliver Thomas Hutchinson’s furniture to Mrs. Deborah Cushing, 29 December … (Adams Papers)
29 December 1775. Resolution ordering the Milton committee to deliver Thomas Hutchinson’s furniture to Mrs. Deborah Cushing. M-Ar : 207, p. 332. ( M-Ar : 207, p. 332).
1772Samuel Hopkins to Thomas Cushing, 29 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
The degree of acquaintance I have with you, through your indulgence; and your known candour, condescention and goodness, encourage me to address you on an affair, which, in my view, is very interesting, and calls for the particular attention of the honorable members of the Continental Congress. They have indeed manifested much wisdom and benevolence in advising to a total stop of the slave...
1773The Cumberland County Committee of Correspondence to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 29 December 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Text printed in Samuel Hazard et al. , eds., Pennsylvania Archives (1st series; 12 vols., Philadelphia and Harrisburg, 1852–56), IV , 693. <Carlisle, December 29, 1775: We understand that troops are to be raised in this province, and believe that we can recruit a complete battalion in this county; we enclose a list of officers whom we recommend. Having officers and men acquainted, when a corps...
1774George Ross to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 29 December 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Lancaster, December 29, 1775: The bearer, Samuel Atlee, was the eldest captain in the Pennsylvania service when the troops were disbanded at the end of the last war. He told me this morning that he intended to ask the committee of safety to recommend him for command of one of the battalions to be raised on order of the Congress. His character as a...
1775To Benjamin Franklin from Israel Gilpin, 29 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My kinsman Doct. George Gilpin informs me that Severil of the manufactorys is like to Suffer for want of Stone or ground Coal Such as the glass work and blacksmith who is imployd in making Iron work for the Coloneys Ships &c. I think it is very provible if Strict Sarch and inquiry was made Coal mout bee had but am not sirtin but prohaps it wold Not bee a...
1776General Orders, 29 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General having estimated the value of the different Species of Provisions, which constitute a Ration under the Continental Allowance, and finding it to amount to seven pence, half-penny lawful money—The General having seen the said Estimate, approves of it, and orders that they be settled with accordingly. The General was in great hopes that a sufficient Sum of money, would have...
1777To George Washington from the Gloucester Committee of Safety, 29 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
At the request of Mesr Jacob Green & Co. owners of the Sloop Speedwell Cory Master lately taken by Capt. Broughton and sent into this Harbour we have, maturely considered the within Inclo. Accot so farr as its carried out and are of opinion that the Charges are reasonable and that the Losses were sustained And are further of opinion that the Captors in Justice should pay it with the remainder...
1778From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 29 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Having never considered the four Independant Companies, which have been doing duty at Braintree, Weymouth & Hingham in the same point of view, as the rest of the army, Altho some Orders may have gone to or for them, Thro the hurry of business, nor Included them in my returns to Congress, according to the Brigade Majors report from Roxbury, I do not think myself Authorized to direct pay for...
1779Resolution concerning payment of military companies at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, 30 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
30 December 1775. Resolution concerning payment of military companies at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham (see Josiah Quincy to JA , 2 Jan. 1776, note 1 , below). M-Ar :207, p. 337. ( M-Ar :207, p. 337).
30 December 1775. Resolution approving a new levy of men for the seacoast forces. M-Ar :207, p. 351–352. ( M-Ar :207, p. 351–352).
1781To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Strettell Jones, 30 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Col. Lewis of Lower Dublin has ordered the Bearer to deliver these Prisoners to me as Secretary of the Committee of this City and Liberties; but apprehending them to fall more properly under the Notice of the Committee of Safety I have taken the Liberty of referring to you for your Orders being Sir Your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: Honble: Benjamin Franklin...
1782From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, [on or after 30 December 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Morris, and not knowing what was done by the Committee with regard to the other Prisoners, requests Mr. Morris would direct what is to be done with these. Addressed: To / Robt Morris Esqr BF penciled this note at the bottom of the preceding one, then crossed out his own name on the address and penciled in Morris’. By now BF...
1783General Orders, 30 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
As the want of a timely supply of Cash, has prevented the discharged Men, from receiving more than one Months pay at this time, the Qr Mr General may withold his Accounts until the next payment, when his Charges against the several Regiments must be paid. The Commissary General is to serve provisions, or the Value thereof; to the discharged Men to carry them home, allowing one Ration for every...
1784To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 30 December 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 30 Dec. 1775. In a letter of 14 Jan. 1776 to Reed , GW acknowledged “the receipt of your favour of the 30th Ulto.”
1785To George Washington from Lund Washington, 30 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 11th Inst. I have recieved, tho too late to prevent my writeg to Mr Mercer, that I woud in consequence of Colo. Tayloe’s Instruction diliver the Bonds to him, which I did by Post, The Post from the Northward did not come until after the Southward Post set out owing to the Ice in the River—I will again write by Post on monday to Mr Mercer, not to send for the Bonds, for that...
1786From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 31 December 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
It is hardly necessary to inform you that I received your favour in answer to my letter on the subject of Capt Sear’s Expedition; and that I shall be at all times ready to comply with your request of information concerning the state of the province, or any matters of importance that may arise. Any thing that may conduce to the public service or may serve as a testimony of my respect to you...
1787General Orders, 31 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
1788From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 25th instant, Since which I am not honoured with any of your favours—the estimate I then inclosed you, was Calculated to pay the troops &a up to the first of January—that Cannot be done for want of funds in the Paymaster General’s hands—which Causes a great murmuring amongst those, who are going of. the monthly expences of this Army amt to near 275,000 Dollars, which I take the...
1789To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 31 December 1775 (Jay Papers)
It is hardly necessary to inform you that I received your favour in answer to my letter on the subject of Capt. Sear’s Expedition; and that I shall be at all times ready to comply with your request of information concerning the state of the province; or any matters of importance that may arise. Any thing that may conduce to the public service or may serve as a testimony of my respect to you...
1790To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [before 24 February 1777] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld pays his respectful compliments to Doctor franklyn and beggs from him the favour of having for few moments the Minutes of the Convention held at Philadelphia for the Pennsylvanian Legislation . He wants of them for seeing and adding to his translation the subscriptions which are at the end of the Minutes, and which are not in the...
1791Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Franklin, when he arrived in France, began to keep accounts even before he began to write letters. His first entries are dated December 3, the day he set foot ashore; they show how much money he had on hand and what he paid for the boat from the Reprisal to Auray. These humdrum details started a collection that grew and grew over the years. The financial records of the commission throw a great...
1792Account with William Bell, 1776 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1776 . Lists costs for clothing, for equestrian provisions, for money “paid to Dr Wiggins,” for expenses for travel to Princeton, and “for Harry’s expences in Philada. & Journey home” totaling £66 10s. 4½d. and a credit of “149 Continl. Dollars,” or £44 14s., leaving a balance due of £21 16s. 4d. Ms ( Vi : Orange County Judgments, Madison v. Shepherd , November 1797). 1 p. Headed “Mr. William...
1793Memorandum concerning Military Service of Baptists, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Baptist Officers that we can recollect are Capt, Joseph Spencer, Ensign Samuel French, and Ensign Thomas Bush from Orange Capt. Ambrose Dudley from Spotsylvania and Capt. Thos. Berry from Frederick. Baptists enlisted near Elijah Craig are Charles Green in Colonel Baylor’s Regiment of light Horse Wm. Tomlinson in Col. Gibson’s Regiment. Baptist’s Sons, James Dearing, Edward Dearing, John Land,...
1794Memorandum concerning British Forts in the West, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
there is a bar off Presque isle which prevents large vessels coming near the shore. distance from Pittsbgh to Cayahoga by land 150 miles. There are some morasses on the road, but may be made good for carriages, cayahoga is a deep creek at the dryest season. But the mouth is barred as Presque isle is. in a hard winter they travel on the ice from Cayahoga to Sandusky & Detroit, & slays might go...
1795Militia Return as County Lieutenant, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Orl[ando] Jeremiah Nichols Clear Jones’s Company Ice-and Snow Clear Joshua Fry Clear 15. William Gaines Clear Alexander Gordon Clear Capt . Wallace’s
1796Jefferson’s Militia Return as County Lieutenant, [ca. 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Albemarle, ca. 1776 ] A tabulated return in six columns giving names and numbers of captains, and numbers of first lieutenants, second lieutenants, ensigns, and rank and file, totalling respectively 15, 15, 4, 11, and 863, making in all 908 officers and men. [ At foot of text :] “About three fourths have firearms of some sort.” MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 6: 1049); entirely in TJ’s hand; undated...
1797Memorandum Books, 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 1. Pd. entertt. at Ewens’s 15/7½. Pd. ferrge. at do. 13/1½. 2. Pd. lodging, dinner &c. at Bush town 26/3. Pd. a smith at do. 8/4. Gave servts. at do. 3/9. 3. Pd. a smith at Baltimore 17/6. Pd. dinner, lodgg. breakfast &c. Baltimore £1–13–1½. Gave servt. at do. 1/10½. Pd. ferrge. over Patapsco 6/7. Pd. feeding horses &c. at do. 1/8. Gave ferrymen 1/10. 4. Pd. lodging &c. at Rawlings’s 23/2.
1798To Benjamin Franklin from [the Comte de Lauraguais?], [before 21 December? 1776] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society I congratulate your arrival with an intelligence of the first moment, which you will apply with your wonted caution. Mr. de morande is secretary to m. beaumarchais, and brother to a refugee of the same name in London, lately acquitted in the Kings bench , of a suit by the chev. d’Eon, and known by every body to be a man a tout faire . There is also m. Charles...
1799To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Lestarjette, [before 15 December 1776] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of offering you my best Services in this kingdom being extremely well versed in both English, and French languages, especially in the French as my mother tongue and brought up in the College of the four Nations at Paris where I was eight Years. Capn. Cochran and myself married two Sisters in South Carolina. I came over with him in the...
1800[In Congress, January–June 1776] (Adams Papers)
I returned to my daily routine of Service in the Board of War, and a punctual Attendance on Congress, every day, in all their hours. I returned also to my almost dayley exhortations to the Institutions of Governments in the States and a declaration of Independence. I soon found there was a Whispering among the Partisans in Opposition to Independence, that I was interested, that I held an...