7051The American Commissioners: Three Covering Notes for Captured Mail, 10–11 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (draft): University of Virginia Library; (II) two copies: University of Virginia Library; (III) copy: Harvard University Library The first fruit of Gustavus Conyngham’s cruise in the Surprize was the capture of the Prince of Orange , the packet from Harwich to the Netherlands. She yielded some two thousand letters, dispatches, and bills of credit, which were forwarded to Franklin. Some...
7052John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Day before Yesterday, I took a Walk, with my Friend Whipple to Mrs. Wells’s, the Sister of the famous Mrs. Wright, to see her Waxwork. She has two Chambers filled with it. In one, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, is represented. The Prodigal is prostrate on his Knees, before his Father, whose Joy, and Grief, and Compassion all appear in his Eyes and Face, struggling with each other. A...
7053John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have at last accomplished a troublesome Piece of Business. We have chosen a Number of additional Ambassadors. Mr. Ralph Izzard of S. Carolina, a Gentleman of large Fortune, for the Court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Mr. William Lee, formerly Alderman of London, for the Courts of Vienna and Berlin. LbC ( Adams Papers ). There is no indication that this letter was sent or received. JA...
7054From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 7th. was brought me this Morning. My Meaning was that if the Conduct of our Army, had depended on me, I should have taken more Pains to have obtained exact Information of the Enemies Numbers, and our own, and should have considered every Indication of the Enemies Intentions of coming to Philadelphia more particularly. Altho, there is no doubt that Congress have Authority to direct...
7055To John Adams from Henry Knox, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your two favors, one of the 25 Ultimo and the other of the 6 instant both of which I have received. I know not in what condition the Furnace at Salisbury is, but, from the reports which I have had of the Ore, I should suppose they must be bungling workmen indeed if they do not succeed. Shall I enquire into the management of it, and, if practicable, endeavor to get some...
7056To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Paulze, 10 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je joins ici, Monsieur, coppie de la lettre que j’ai recue hier. Comme j’ignore si M. Lee est de retour en france et que je ne connois pas son ecriture, je ne repondrai à cette lettre qu’après que vous m’aurés assuré qu’elle est bien de celui, dont elle porte le nom. J’en envoye cependant coppie à M. le comte de vergennes et je le prie de prendre les...
7057General Orders, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
It having been observed, notwithstanding former orders to the contrary, that some officers make a practice of riding the Continental horses, as well as those, belonging to the inhabitants, in the neighbourhood, of the army: The Commander in Chief positively declares, that, if any officer, in future, will dare to presume, to ride any horses, either public, or private, property, without leave...
7058To George Washington from William Gordon, 10 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Gordon, 10 May 1777. GW wrote Gordon on 29 June : “I am rather asham’d to be so long in debt for your favor of the 10th Ulto.”
7059From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 5th Instt nothing material has occurred. Inclosed, you will be pleased to receive a General Return of our Forces in Jersey, the 6th Instant, which is the first, I have been able to obtain with any degree of accuracy. I have not heard from Genl DeHaw’s since his promotion. As soon as I was informed of it, I wrote & requested him to repair to Camp,...
7060To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have Nothing further in Charge from Congress at this Time, except the enclosed Resolve, founded upon Complaints which, if not immediately enquired into and redressed, must be productive of the most fatal Consequences to the Army. Nothing can so effectually lay the Foundation of Discontent, and of Course encourage a Spirit of Mutiny and Desertion among the Soldiers, as withholding their Pay...
7061From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favrs of the 26th and 30th last Month. Colo. Conway and the two Gentlemen who accompanied him are gone forward to Congress, who, I make no doubt, will provide for them in a manner suitable to their merits. The Board of War have sent orders to the Continental Agents, at Boston, Portsmouth and providence, to remove all the military Stores, Arms &ca in their possession, from those...
7062To George Washington from James Hill, 10 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Hill, 10 May 1777. GW in his letter to Hill of 12 Jan. 1787 refers to “a letter of your own . . . dated the 10th of May 1777.”
7063From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you by the Chevalier D’annmours, who, if I am not mistaken in my judgment, has something more in view than preferment. In the course of two days conversation with him, he appears to me, to be a man of superior abilities to the common run of his Country men, who have visited us—He is sensible & judicious, &, as far as I am capable of judging, well Instructed in...
7064From George Washington to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer and Nicholas Thomas, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 18th instant inclosing the Arrangement of the Officers of your Seven Battalions as settled by General Assembly 1st April 1777. I hope this arrangement will prove satisfactory to all the Gentlemen in nomination, but should any disputes or difficulties arise, I shall endeavour to have them settled upon the most impartial Scale. The impediments to the recruiting...
7065From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
So little room is left for doubting the Enemy’s designs are up the North River, that (notwithstanding proper Preparations for such an Event have been the frequent Subject of my Letters to you, which I am assured will claim a just share of your serious Attention) I can not help writing again on this head—Let me therefore, in order that no Measure for Defence may be left untried, desire you to...
7066To George Washington from Robert Morris, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not taken the liberty of giving You any trouble for sometime past and indeed I never do it but with great reluctance because I know how much Your attention & time must be engaged in the most important pursuits. The bearear of this the Marquis Armand de la Rouerie is entitled to my Warmest recommendations because he brought from his own Country letters to me that I am obliged to attend...
7067From George Washington to Richard Peters, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 7th instant inclosing Genl Gates’s Letter to Congress. A proper attention has been paid to the importance of the passes upon Hudsons River, for the Security of which a large part of the Eastern force is ordered to Peekskill and that neighbourhood, there to wait, untill the intentions of the Enemy are more fully known. You will be pleased to transmit Major...
7068To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just receiv’d your favour of yesterday —there are a number of the Maryland & Virginia troops have been laying at Bristol some time. I this day took the liberty of ordering them up, & soon as any part of them arrive I shall immediately, give orders to Major Smith who commands a detachment of the 9th Pennsya Regt to march —Capt. Sewards Compy of Artillery arriv’d here this morning—the Company...
7069From George Washington to Brigadier Generals William Woodford and Charles Scott, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The third, Seventh, Eleventh, and fifteenth Virginia Regiments are to compose your Brigade; the duties of which you are immediately to enter upon, and to make yourself master of the true State of those Regiments, as early as possible. The necessity of occupying so many Posts, as we at present do, will prevent your drawing the Brigade into compact order, till further orders; but the Regiments...
7070From John Jay to Richard Morris, 10 May 1777 (Jay Papers)
The enclosed is a Copy of the Constitution of this State, which I am persuaded you will read with Pleasure. By the Section, the appointment of Clerks of Courts is vested in their respective chief Judges. The Convention having appointed me to the first Place on the Bench, affords me an opportunity of acknowledging the friendly Obligations you have often conferred on me; particularly the first...
7071To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [on or after 11 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Grand arrive de Paris avec Mr. Boux, pour avoir L’honneur de voir monsieur Franklin cet aprés midy, chez lui ou chez Mr. Grand comme Monsieur franklin aimera le mieux. Monsieur Deane viendra aussy entre 3 et 4 heures. Mr. Grand sera bien aise de voir monsr. Carmikael á son retour de Versailles et avant qu’il aille à Paris. Addressed: a monsieur /...
7072George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1777. States that Major General Nathanael Greene and Brigadier General Henry Knox will inspect posts under McDougall’s command. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
7073To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, May 11, 1777. On May 12, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Morris: “I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date.” Letter not found. ]
7074General Orders, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 3rd 7th 11th & 15th Virginia Regts are to compose a Brigade, under the command of Brigadier Genl Woodford: And the 4th 8th 12th & 16th Virginia Regts, are to compose another, under the command of Brigadier Genl Scott. Benjamin Day Esqr: is appointed Brigade Major, to Genl Woodford, and Samuel Shaw Esqr: is appointed Brigade Major, to Brigadier Genl Knox; both to be respected and obeyed as...
7075To George Washington from Col. David Forman, 11 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. David Forman, 11 May 1777. GW wrote Forman on 15 May : “I am favd with yours of the 11th.”
7076From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed, that the Cloathing for Col: Shepherd’s Regiment of Massachusetts, in pursuance of the Original Plan, has been sent on to Tionderoga, but as the Destination of this Regiment, among Others has been altered, You will send back the Cloathing for It, as expeditiously as possible to Albany; giving Directions to have it immediately transported thence to Peeks Kill, where the Regiment...
7077To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have recd the Honor of yours of the 16th Ulto and 2d Instant. I wrote your Excellency in a former Letter that Mr Langdon had consented to deliver the Cannon, Ordnance & Military Stores lately arrived at Portsmouth to Mr Barber, which he has since done. They are now forwarding with all possible despatch. Inclosed is the Return of what has been sent on in the course of the last week, Ten...
7078From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day honoured with yours of the 2d instant, as I was a few days ago with that of the 30th April. previous to the Rect of it, I had desired Mr Boudinot, to demand Mr Fells release for that of Mr Hugh Wallace, Colo. Philipse or Mr Jauncey whose paroles we have and who are all Counsellors of the State of New York. If they refuse this, I shall call upon one of those Gentlemen to return to...
7079From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major General Green. He and General Knox are sent by me to review the posts under your command, and their appendages; and to give their advice and assistance towards putting every thing in the most defensible state possible. The vast importance of these posts and the great probability that the enemy will direct their operations against them make me anxious for...
7080To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 5th Inst. I was honord with the Rect of your letter of the 23d of Aprl—I have order’d all the Troops in this State who are of the Continental Army to N. Haven, & Danbury; in the western Parts of this State; Govr Trumbull desire’s me to post them there untill he shall receive an answer to a letter he has sent your Excellency, respecting the Defence of this State; As their March to...
7081To George Washington from Richard Peters, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Order of the Board I have the Honour of enclosing the Resolution of Congress herewith sent. I have written to Governor Livingstone & General Putnam & as soon as their Answers are recieved they will be communicated to your Excellency. Congress are desirous to be informed what Number of Men are now under your Excellency’s Command in New Jersey as nearly as Certainty can be arrived at in the...
7082From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday evening honored with your letter of the 4th inst. I regret our loss of Stores at Danbury and the misfortunes of our brave men who fell, and of those who were wounded. However, from these latter events, we derive this consolation, that the sentiments of the People are still powerfully directed to Liberty, and that no impression of the Enemy, be it never so sudden and unexpected;...
7083To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 11 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 11 May 1777. GW wrote his brother Jack on 1 June : “I think I stand Debter to you for your Letters of the 22d of April and 11th of May.”
7084Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 12 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your several packets for Mrs. Adams which have been forwarded.—I have thoughts of sending a Vessell to Georgia to load with Rice, and as I should have Occasion to send money for the purchase, I should be glad iff you would enquire of the Gentlemen from Georgia, whether the Continental Loan bills would Answer as some Value in them might be easier conseald in case I should send...
7085To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 12 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
This day General Arnold came into Camp, I have had a long conversation with him upon the affairs of the Army, and Navy; his mind is set towards the Seas, and he inclines to pursue his fortune in that line. He thinks he cannot (consistently) act in the Army unless he has his rank, to receive orders from those to whom he once gave orders, appears to him degrading, and contrary to all military...
7086From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 12 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date. The reasons you assign for the interval of silence on your part are admitted as sufficient; though I regret that the principal one exists—the combination of the tories for a general insurrection. But perhaps on the scale of policy I ought rather to congratulate you on the event: That there are too many tories in your state as...
7087From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 12 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution ... (12 vols., Boston, 1829–30), IX , 317–18. Last night we received a packet from North America with some advices, of which I send you the substance. I see your letters now and then to Mr. Deane and Mr. Carmichael, and thank you for the kind mention made of me in them. I am so bad a correspondent, that...
7088News from America, 12 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania This Day arrived an Express from Boston in New England, which brings Advices to the 3d of April. General Washington was well, with the Army under his Command, which was daily augmenting by the Arrival of the new Levies from the different States. There is no mention of any Sickness having been among them. Nor had there been any Attack made upon...
7089Arthur Lee: Power of Attorney to Franklin, 12 May 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
D : University of Pennsylvania Library The commissioners’ correspondence with Baron von Schulenburg, the Prussian Minister, had encouraged them to send one of their number to Berlin to promote commercial relations. Lee agreed to go. He wrote Schulenburg on May 8 to apologize for his delay in setting out; on the 13th he informed the committee of secret correspondence that he was leaving with...
7090General Orders, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
7091From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your ride to and from Peeks Kill, I would have you make the best observations that time and Circumstances will admit, upon the Country, and point out, at your return, such places for posts of Communication, as you shall conceive necessary. Determine upon the propriety of having a Post at Pompton, examine the Works throwing up at that place, and give such directions to General Heard or...
7092From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning honored with your Letter of the 10th Instt accompanied by the proceedings of Congress of the day before. The conduct of too many Officers, in withholding the pay of their Soldiers, I am persuaded, is reprehensible, and has been the cause of uneasiness & of many desertions. Every measure in my power, will be exerted to prevent such Abuses in future, and every aid given to...
7093From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by General Arnold, who arrived here to day in his way to Philadelphia. He seems to be anxious to settle his public Accounts, which are of considerable amount, and waits on Congress, hoping they will appoint a Committee of their Body, or of such Gentlemen, as they shall judge proper, to take the matter into consideration. This he considers, the more necessary, as he...
7094To George Washington from James Lovell, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the singular manner in which General Lee gives out his characterizing opinions Monsr Malmedy was exalted to a colonial rank in Rhode Island which will be a source of pain to him contrary to the intention of his mentioned zealous friend. Congress has aimed by passing over one continental gradation, from Major to Colonel, to lessen that pain to this Gentleman, who is high in his professions...
7095From George Washington to James Mease, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Being more and more convinced, of the impolicy of any part of our Troops being Clothed in Red and that many injurious and fatal consequences are to be apprehended from it, I think it necessary to repeat my request, mentioned in my last, that you will have all the Clothes in your hands, of that Colour, dyed of some other, as soon as you can. Yesterday an Escort to money from Colo. Moylan’s...
7096To George Washington from James Mease, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of your Excellencys letter of 17 Ult. I waited on Col. Moylan, & mentioned your disapprobation of his regiment being dressd in Red, & he appeared desirous of complying with yr Excellencys wishes, but upon consulting the officers, on this point; it appeared they had been all at a considerable expence for scarlet Uniforms, & therefore they concluded best on the whole, to take the...
7097From 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...
7098From George Washington to Richard Peters, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 11th. Capt. Gamble who was at princetown has been exchanged some time since, and Capt. Mcpherson who was left there wounded, has, upon his own Request, permission to go into Brunswic, whenever the State of his health will admit of his removal. The Docr will of course go with him. I never heard of any particular improper behaviour of the Docr. Genl Putnam barely...
7099From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 10th. Of the Troops coming on and to come on from Bristol, you are to detain at your post all the Marylanders, Colo. Hazen’s Regiment of Pennsylvania, and that of Delaware, the others must be sent on immediately to the places where their respective Corps are stationed. Your application to General Mifflin for tents, was right, and must be repeated, as we...
7100To George Washington from Major General Adam Stephen, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I can now with propriety Congratulate your Excellency on a Certain and Considerable Advantage gaind over the Enemys best troops; by the Continental Troops of My Division. Col. Cooks Pen. Regt begun the Attack, supported by the 1st Regt of that State; They behavd well, & the Captains Chambers & Par distinguishd themselves. Capt. Phelps of Col. Wards Regimt behaved well & the few men that were...