6501George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, June 18, 1778 .] States that enemy is crossing Delaware and orders Dickinson to obstruct enemy as much as possible. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6502To George Washington from John Hancock, 1 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by the Express on Saturday last, since which nothing has Occurr’d worthy your Notice —The sole Reason of Troubling you with this is to Acquaint you that in Consequence of your orders to Capt. Peters he proceeded with Major Rogers to this City, & Call’d on me Saturday last, & in the Evening of that day I Reliev’d him of his Charge, & put Major Rogers under Guard at the Barracks,...
6503Instructions to Major John Jameson, 11 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the detachment under your command to Chester County, and there collect as many horses as you can find; proper for the service of the light dragoons. You are also to make collections from the inhabitants of as many blankets Shoes stockings and other articles of covering and cloathing, which are wanted for the use of the army, as you can possibly procure;...
6504[May 13. Wednesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 13. Wednesday. 1778. Dined at Mr. Chaumonts, with a great deal of Company. After Dinner took a Walk to Chaillot to see Mr. Lee, who had a large Company of Americans to dine with him, among the rest, Mr. Fendell of Maryland and Dr. Smith, Brother of Mr. William Smith of New York the Historian. This Gentleman has been occasionally mentioned before.
6505To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 7 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks complimentary close and signature, but the text, in Randolph’s hand, seems to be complete. The cover was addressed by him to “The honble. James Madison jr. esq of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Sepr. 7. 1782.” I waited upon Mr. Ambler to shew him your letter by yesterday’s post, but he was too much indisposed to have communication with any person. Mr....
6506To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 14 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Your letter by Capt Read has afforded us great Pleasure, tis’ a long time since we have been made so happy, our little Benjamins improvement has delighted us, Your answer to his letter is one of the best in the world, William shall get it by heart, and I hope they will neither of them ever forget it— the letter you mention to have wrote telling us Benny had...
6507Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 28 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library; copy and transcript: National Archives; extracts with added paragraph: Harvard University Library, National Archives I have not yet receivd a line from you. It is not easy to divine the reason of so long a silence. There is for sale here and deliverable in any port in France, fourteen thousand weight of brass Cannon at 6 Guineas the Quintal, and Six thousand...
6508Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 7 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recu Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 26 du mois dernier, par laquélle vous appuiez la demande de M. Izzard ministre des Etats unis en Toscane, qui reclame des effets chargés sur le navire anglois le Nil pris par le corsaire de Marsielle le Cesar. C’est par erreur que vous avez cité dans votre lettre, l’article 16 du traité fait entre sa majesté et les...
6509To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 29 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 June 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing an extract of a letter from Gen. Washington of 11 June and a resolve of Congress of 28 June, resulting from the general’s letter, calling on the states speedily to fill up their battalions. Washington’s letter is to be kept as secret as possible. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosures missing. Washington’s letter...
6510George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 14, 1779 . Approves of arrangements for Brigadier General John Nixon’s brigade. States that an attack will be made against Stony Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6511From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to acknowledge your favour of the 26th of Septr, which came to hand a few days ago—Informed of Colo. Hamiltons intention, but not the time of his departure, must be my excuse for not replying to your letter by him. Mrs Fisher may be consoled respecting the fate of her Son—the Sentence of death against him will not be confirmed—He will be released from confinement....
6512From George Washington to the Militia of Certain New Jersey Counties, 20 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy have thrown a considerable Force into your State, with intent to possess themselves of the post at Red Bank, and after clearing the obstructions in Delaware, make incursions into your Country. To prevent them from effecting either of these purposes, I have sent over such a number of Continental Troops as I trust will, with the spirited exertions of the Militia, totally defeat their...
6513Sunday 23d. (Adams Papers)
Nothing remarkable for these 3 days. At about 5 o clock P M arrived at Bayonne. Nothing more remarkable to day.
6514To John Adams from Samuel Saportas, 5 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
The departure of your Excellencÿ was unknown to me having heard it from Mr. Texter I take the Liberty to put your Excellency in mind of the inclosed note regarding the Sale here to morrow of 4 Obligation at the charge of the Province of South Carolina and the Purchase of which Shall be Expecting your Excellency’s order under Cover of Mr. Texter with the night post of with the Postwaggon which...
6515To 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...
6516To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Yart: A Poem, 4 October 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Ecoüis, near Rouen, October 4, 1777, in French: The poem, of sixty-eight lines, is packed with fulsome praise. It describes the Americans as orphaned by Franklin’s absence, and assures them that “loin de l’amérique il la porte en son coeur.” Franklin then first addresses King Louis, adjuring him to avenge British insults and “à l’empire des lys, joins...
6517To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 25 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this Instant honord with your favor of the 14 Curt. The petition of the poor American is perfectly true as there represented some days after his arrival at Bordeaux he was taken ill of the Small Pox, he applied to me to get him into the Hospital they are not receivd into the Hospital in that disorder which I told the poor man. He was with one of his...
6518I. To the President of Congress, No. 49, 19 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
A Pamphlet has been published, in England, under the Title of “a memorial to the Sovereigns of Europe, on the present State of Affairs, between the old and new World.” It is Said to have been written by Governor Pownal, and, after an Acquaintance with his style, for more than twenty Years, I find So many quaint Words, and unintelligible Expressions, intermixed with so much Knowledge of...
6519To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 28 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the reception of your two Letters of the & Instant I had been informed of our disappointment with regard to the Arms expected from France; Mr Izard made no secret of their detention or the cause —The distress I foresaw this disappointment would bring upon us determind me on a measure for which, if disapproved by your Excellency, I must be answerable. I engaged General Howe to write...
6520To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
My Lord Sterling left me yesterday Morning for Aquackenack Bridge & Elizth Town & did not expect to return in a Day or two. The Enemy lay in the same situation they did when my Lord Sterling wrote your Excellency last. they appear to be busey at work upon two Redouts on this side the new Bridge, & their Forrageing partys on the other side are very Strong—I keep out small scouting partys for...
6521To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 26 November 1775 (Jay Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with some remarks on a matter which to me appears of not a little importance; doubting not that you will use your influence in Congress to procure a remedy for the evil I shall mention, if you think the considerations I shall urge are of that weight they seem in my judgment to possess. You will probably ere this reaches you have heard of the late incursion...
6522To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 12 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The president being still necessarily engaged with his family I have the honour to inform you that your letter of yesterday was recd & laid before Congress. I enclose you sundry resolutions passed this day and am Sr Your obedient humble Serv. ALS , DLC:GW . Included among the enclosed resolutions, which Thomson began writing below the ALS and continued writing on two following manuscript...
6523From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The idea of an embarkation gains strength by the concurring testimony of emissaries and deserters, and seems to be on the point of taking place. On such an event it might be of importance that we should both be with our respective armies—which induces me to request our meeting may be deferred ’till the 25th instant. I hope this letter will arrive in time to anticipate your setting out, and...
6524From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 12 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a Letter which was intended to have awaited you in Virginia. But as there seems to be a probability that you will be detained at the Head of Elk longer than you could have expected, I have thought it best to send a Copy there also. An Idea having unfortunately got abroad that the militia now called on are intended to storm the Enemy’s works at Portsmouth, the numbers...
6525From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 31st ulto and 2d and 3d instants. As I do not think myself at liberty to grant Genl Hamiltons request without the concurrence of Congress I have transmitted the Copy of his letter to them and have desired their immediate answer, that if they do not chuse to comply, the Flag Vessel may not be unnecessarily detained. I have sent Officers to meet the troops at Enfeild and...
6526To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 29 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed a Letter from Genl Irwine of the 23d of January and an Act of Congress of this Day referring the same to the Commander in Chief to settle the Claim of Genl Irwine respecting Rank. You have also enclosed an Act of Congress of the 25th Instant, calling on the several States to procure their respective Quotas of Supplies for the ensuing Campaign. You will please...
6527To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your Excellency’s favour of the 11th. Rather than not have an early Campaign, I quite approve of the Resolution of Congress of the 4th instant, & whatever proportion of the 5000 you shall call for, out of this State, I will use my best Endeavours to muster. I send this by one Ernest lately of the State of New york, a most unfortunate honest man, who has been driven at least three times...
6528To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Blanchard, [c. April 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur de sarsfield m’ayant annoncè que vous me feriez l’honneur de venir voir mon vaisseau Volant dèmain. J’ay l’honneur de vous donner avis, qu’ayant commencé a faire mettre la couverture de carton vous ne verrez absolument rien d’interessant la meccanique etant enfermée par cette envelope. Je ne pouray percer la place des Glaces et en ouvrir la porte...
6529The American Commissioners to the Eastern Navy Board, 29 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 29, 1778: We have received your letter of June 8 by Captain Barnes of the Dispatch , as well as the packets forwarded by the Massachusetts Council. We have given orders to Mr. Schweighauser to provide for the captain’s return voyage and have ordered our banker to give a month’s pay to him and his crew and...
6530To Thomas Jefferson from James Callaway, 21 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Extreemly Sorry to inform you that in place of the three Hundred and eighty four Militia, Requested by your Excellency to be sent from this County to the Assistance of General Green, I have only been able to send out One Hundred and thirty some Odd men, Exclusive Officers, Notwithstanding the Utmost exertion has been Used. The Extreem Busy Season of the Year, among the Common People,...
6531To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 10 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
L’interest que je prends a vous, a votre santé, a celle de votre chere famille est trop sincere et trop constant pour ne pas vous adresser de nouvelles lettres afin de vous en demander des nouvelles, et de vous reiterer les sentiments D’attachement que vous, les votres et vos compatriotes, avez si bien reussis a minspirer. Je vous ay ecrit a paris il y a quelques temps, vous navez pas...
6532To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 19th I was honored with Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Instant, I shall with great pleasure execute the business you request, assoon as Mr Duer returns from Rhynbeck, which I learn will be in a few days. I have examined Bettys who was taken Charged with a letter supposed for Sir Henry Clinton, his information is, "That he left St Johns on the 15th ult:—that Generals Haldimand,...
6533To George Washington from Edward Antill, 29 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Delicacy of a Millitary Character should be placed in the first Rank of all Public ones myself with the Other Officers of the Corps not Immediately Concernd in the dispute with Major Reid have foreborn Importunities or Sollicitations on that Subject not having a Wish to be troublesome. but the peace Establishment now hastening on and no Decision hitherto having taken place We beg leave to...
6534From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 2 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter of the 23 Ulto forwarded by express: to which I have received no answer. Col. Johnson refusing the appointment, Congress have since nominated as Commissary of prisoners Major Beatty. I have forwarded him their resolve and desired his immediate attendance at Head Quarters. I must again urge the ⟨great n⟩ecessity of your hastening here with all possible dispatch....
6535George Washington to Count Casimir Pulaski, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 24, 1778 . Approves of Pulaski’s position at Rosecrantz. Approves Pulaski’s reasons for wishing to leave country. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6536To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques and Suzanne Necker, 21 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr et Mdme Necker prient Monsieur le Docteur de franckelin de leur faire l’honneur de diner chez eux vendredi 23 mars. In 1764 Jacques Necker married Suzanne Curchod (1739–1794), who supported her husband’s political career by bringing together in her salon people of literary and political distinction. She also involved herself in a number of social...
6537From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 24 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress M. de Knobelauch, who will have the Honour of delivering this to you, is recommended to me as an Officer of much Experience, and capable of rendring good Service in our Armies if employ’d. He goes over at his own Expence, and without any Promise from me, as indeed we are not authoris’d to give any: But I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s Notice, and to...
6538George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 10 October … (Hamilton Papers)
The only material intelligence which I have obtained from New York or respecting the Enemy since your departure, is contained in the inclosed account, which I received yesterday from Captain Monroe. This in your communications with His Excellency Count D’Estaing, you will be pleased to shew him. As we shall have occasion for a great many boats, in case a cooperation between the Count & us...
6539From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
A party of your Regiment arrived here Yesterday with an escort of money. Their appearance has convinced me fully of the danger which I always apprehended from the similiarity of their Uniform to that of the British Horse, and the officer who commands the party, tells me, that the people were exceedingly alarmed upon the Road, and had they been travelling thro’ a part of the Country, where it...
6540To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment seen Capt. Christie who has communicated his business, and I am thereby induced to Send a Gentleman Major Hughs a Volunteer wt. me on to your Excellency with information — The enemys fleet consisting of about 70 Sail—many of them very Small, are at Kings ferry—a body of their Troops are on the East Side the river, extending from the ferry upwards. a very few on Stoney...
6541[Fryday August 9th. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 9th. 1776. The Board of War, brought in a report. Ordered to lie on the Table. Resolved that the Secret Committee be directed to deliver to the order of the Board of War such Articles in their possession, belonging to the Continent, as, in the Opinion of the said Board of War, are Necessary for the Deleware Battalion. William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Sullivan, Nathaniel Green...
6542From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Letter of the 18th by this days post. I have never doubted of your assiduity and industry to raise your Regiment, and am but too well satisfied of the difficulties you have met with. I wish you to come on, with Such Men as you have ready, and that you will leave proper Officers to recruit the Troop you mention to be deficient, and also the Remainder of the Regiment, if you...
6543To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Delegates, 6 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
We inclose a Resolution of our Assembly authorising us to recommend proper Officers for the Battalion of Rifflemen to be raised in this Province, and a Letter from the Committee of York County, where a Company of an hundred Men has been raised. We therefore beg Leave to recommend Mr Michael Dowdle for Captain; Mr Henry Miller for first Lieutenant; Mr John Dill for second Lieutenant; and Mr...
6544From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Gillon, 21 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Inclosed is the Passport you desire, with which I heartily wish you a good Journey and all the success you hope for. You may depend on my doing what I can for you, but do not depend on my succeeding. I have understood since I saw you, that these Applications of particular States are not agreeable. It is said, that if they are comply’d with, they will encrease, and...
6545To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
When I addressed you yesterday I expressed my determination to join your Excellency in a few days. I expected General Count Rochambeau would object to my leaving him but I apprehended I should be able to obviate those objections. I have this day mentiond my wishes and intentions to repair to our Army, he will not hear a word of it—says your Excellency has intimated to him, that if he finds my...
6546From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 6th and 11th instants. The enemy have withdrawn themselves from Jersey and are now employed in making a very considerable embarkation. It is said to consist of ten British Regiments compleated to their full complement by the incorporation of the Regts they will have their Grenadier and Light Companies added to them and will therefore amount to between five and six...
6547To John Jay from Silas Deane, 6 October 1777 (Jay Papers)
I am sorry to find by your Letter by Cap t Young the only Letter I have rec d . from you since I left America that you are not in Congress— I doubt not you are wanted in other Departments, but can no where be of greater Service to your Country than in that Body at this critical period; you will undoubtedly be acquainted with the substance of what we write Jointly, will not therefore venture on...
6548To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
According to the news which I have from York town the convoy of our heavy artillery must have sailed on the 10th or 11th and I expect it here with the first favorable wind. I had designed to set the army in motion, by regiments, on the 19th of this month to go and Join your Excellency, when I received from the Chevalier de La Luzerne a copy of the Letter that you have received from Sir Guy...
6549To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 31 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have several Times troubled on the Subject of my Father’s Situation in England who if living must be necessitous or dependant upon Persons to whom I am convinced it is not agreeable to him to be under Obligations. In the Winter 1777 I heard he was dead I wrote you on the Matter. I have since heard of his being alive but altho’ I have written a great many...
6550To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find it will be some time yet before Colo. Davies will have the several Estimates ready and it will then take me a day to examine what articles can be furnished in the State, and where the rest can be best procured. From what I can discover a great proportion of the present supplies must come from the Northward. Our State money has no currency there. The present Invasion intimidates the...