8651To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have recievd yours from Bucks County 18th Inst. And Apprehend from The Introduction of the Second Paragraph, That Your Exelly must have been misinformed respecting The Militia of Connecticut; By the Returns, Your Exelly will be evinced That of the Militia of Con[necticu]t, upwards of a Thousand, are on Command, with their Brigdr Genll Ward—coopperating with B. Genll Warnum—in distressing...
8652From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By an Express this Minute come to hand from Congress, We are informed, General How’s Fleet is arrived in Chesepeak Bay and are high up in the North East part of It. I have inclosed a Copy of the dispatches upon the Subject, to which I refer you. You will immediately march with your Division and join this Army, proceeding with all convenient expedition, but not in such a manner, as to injure...
8653John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is now no longer a Secret, where Mr. Hows Fleet is. We have authentic Intelligence that it is arrived, at the Head of Cheasopeak Bay, above the River Petapsco upon which the Town of Baltimore stands. I wish I could describe to you the Geography of this Country, so as to give you an Adequate Idea of the Situation of the two great Bays of Cheasopeak and Delaware, because it would enable you...
8654John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have an Express, today from Governor Johnson, Captn. Nicholson and several other Gentlemen with an Account that the Fleet, to the Number of Two hundred and Sixty Three Sail, have gone up towards the Head of Cheasapeak Bay. They lie over against the Shore between the River Sassafras and the River Elke. We have also a Letter from General Washington acquainting Us that Tommorrow Morning at...
8655Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 23 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have drawn on you in favour of Monsr. L’Escuyer 22d Augt. at one Usance for 6192. 17. 8 which please to honour; this Draft is for a quantity of tricot and Lining on which I have deducted 11 months Discount having bought it at a years Credit. A Bill was presented to me the 20th Inst. drawn by S. Smith at Plymouth for £12 Sterling; I know nothing of this...
8656General Orders, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
No officer, or soldier, is to leave the encampment this evening, without leave in writing from the Major General or Brigadier under whom he acts; and they are desired not to give such leave unless there be very apparent cause for it. The army is to move precisely at four in the morning, if it should not rain—The division commanded by Genl Wayne is to take its proper place in the line (to wit,...
8657To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Col. Willet arrived here with the Inclosed Papers from Major General Arnold; Governor Clinton being then at Head Quarters, I consulted with him upon the best Method of immediately reinforcing the General—We agreed, that Cortlands and Livingstons Regiment, then encamped with General Poor’s Brigade at Loudons Ferry, upon the Mohock River, were the readiest Corps to be sent to reinforce...
8658From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you, that the Army marched early this Morning, & will encamp, I expect, this Evening within Five or Six Miles of Philadelphia. To Morrow morning it will move again, and I think to march it through the City, but without halting. I am induced to do this, from the Opinion of Several of my Officers & Many Friends in Philadelphia, that it may have some influence on the minds...
8659To George Washington from John Hancock, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment honored with your Favour of yesterday by the Return Express. Considering the Necessity of strengthening the Army under your Command, and of giving all possible Opposition, to the Enemy, the Congress have come to the inclosed Resolves, Copies of which I shall forward in a few Minutes by Express to the sevl States with the utmost Expedition. I beg Leave to refer your Attention...
8660From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the march to day I was honored with a Letter from Congress transmitting Sundry Resolutions for calling out reinforcements of Militia to repel the threatned invasion by the Enemy, who have arrived high up in the North East part of Chesepeak Bay. Such as respect the Militia of Maryland and which make the Subject of this Letter, you will find inclosed. I request, that immediately after receipt...
8661From John Jay to Robert Morris, 23 August 1777 (Jay Papers)
M r . Deane in a Letter of the 28 May last, after recommending an attack on the Greenland Fishery & Hudsons Bay Trade, desired me to communicate the following Plan to Congress viz t . “To send three Frigates loaded with Tobacco to Nantz or Bordeaux, equipped in the best Manner and on their arrival hide the chief of their Guns and appear as Cruzers. Intelligence may be had every week what the...
8662John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
We had last Evening a Thunder Gust, very sharp and violent, attended with plentifull Rain. The Lightning struck in several Places. It struck the Quaker Alms House in Walnut Street, between third and fourth Streets, not far from Captn. Duncans, where I lodge. They had been wise enough to place an Iron Rod upon the Top of the Steeple, for a Vane to turn on, and had provided no Conductor to the...
8663From 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...
8664Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your favour of the 19th. Instant which in some Measure has given me releaf in respect to Complying with orders from the Minester at Paris, which will be Strictly attended to, on my part, but am very Sorry our Necessities obliges us to Submit to our present hard Fate. However hope you will Contrive to get me away as soon as possible, as I Can...
8665To Benjamin Franklin from C[S?]. P. Heltier [Geltier?], 24 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Un curieux seroit charmé d’avoir de vous L’explication de la contrariete suivante car vous seul avés parle raison sur L’éléctricité qui vous est si redevable. Tout le monde convient que le tems sec et froid donne le plus d’energie a L’Electricite, au petit tonnere que nous avons entre les mains depuis environ 40 ans: d’un autre coste tout le monde convient...
8666To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Julien Richard de La Prade, 24 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mes compatriotes parlent de vous avec tant de vénération, que je ne crains point de vous prier de favoriser un projet que j’ai conçû depuis quelques années, d’aller etudier la medecine des climats dans les colonies anglaises. On dit que vous etes humain, vrai philosophe et que vous protegez ceux qui cultivent les sciences; ne dois-je pas espérer que vous...
8667To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Rolland, 24 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bellême au Perche, August 24, 1777, in French: Because I have been to America several times, two families have asked me how to emigrate and settle there. The head of one is a retired pilot; the other wants to farm the rich land of Pennsylvania. They ask for recommendations and a free passage to Philadelphia. Unless the war prevents your obliging them, they...
8668General Orders, 24 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Greene’s and Genl Stephen’s divisions are to march to morrow morning at four o’clock precisely, if it should not rain, towards Wilmington, and encamp on the first good ground beyond Naaman’s creek. All the horse are likewise to march at the same time, and proceed to Wilmington, and encamp on the first good ground there, or in their neighbourhood thereof. Genl Lord Stirling’s division,...
8669To George Washington from John Hancock, 24 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By a Return Express, this moment Rec’d from the Northern Departmt the Inclos’d Letter for your Excellency —I inclose you Copy of Genl Gates’s Letter to me, in which he mentions Genl Schuyler’s having wrote me particularly, but I have not a Line from him unless one should be Inclos’d in your packett; should that not be the case, & you should have any material Intelligence, I shall be much...
8670To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 24 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy having made a Descent upon Woodbridge from Staten Island & Taken about twelve of the Inhabitants and a hundred head of Cattle I Thought it would not be amiss to make Reprizals. I was Sensible that the Least movement of my Troops that way would Alarm the Disaffected who would Soon Communicate it to Staten Island I therefore gave out That I had received orders to march toward...
8671To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 24 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have to Inform yr Excellencey that Colo. Antill gave us the Slip Day before yesterday & went over to the Enemy—his Brother officers Say they have Long Since Suspected his Intentions from the whole Tenor of his Conduct—I found a Number of p⟨apers⟩ of Intelligence among the Baggage of the office⟨rs⟩ which Shall take Care to forward to yr Excellencey as Soon as Sorted—among the Rest is a paper...
8672John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of Aug. 12 and 13, came by this Mornings Post. A letter from Cheasopeak Bay, dated Yesterday Morning, informs that the Enemy had not then landed. This Morning General Nash, with his Brigade of North Carolina Forces, marched thro the Town with their Band of Musick, their Train of Artillery, and their Bagage Waggons, their Bread Waggons, travelling Forges &c. General Washingtons Army...
8673To Benjamin Franklin from François-Auguste-Pompée Hennet, 25 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai donné, aussitôt la demande que vous m’avez faite des 4000 sabres, les ordres pour qu’on les disposat le plus promptement possible. Je recois dans l’Instant la réponse et on me marque qu’ils seront prêts dans deux mois, mais qu’on ne pourra en fournir que 2000 semblables au modele que jai eu l’honneur de vous remettre; qu’on pourra, si cela vous...
8674To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 25 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library; two partial copies: American Philosophical Society I seize the opportunity of the first post to give you some intelligence which I accidentaly picked up t’other day at the Hague. Being there in company with an old English acquaintance, who is a Man of Character, a zealous advocate for the British Ministry, intimate with all the Dutch Ministers of State, nor...
8675General Orders, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial held the 23rd instant whereof Lieut. Col. White was president. Capt. Henry Lee, of Col. Blands regiment of light horse; charged with “Disobedience of orders”—was tried—The sentence of the court is as follows. viz. “The Court having fully considered the charge and evidence are unanimously of opinion, that Capt. Henry Lee is not guilty of the charge exhibited against...
8676From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd information that the Enemy began to land this Morning about Six Miles below Head of Elk opposite to Cæcil Court House. The informant says he saw two thousand Men, but he may be mistaken as to the Number. I desire you to send off every Man of the Militia under your command that is properly armed as quick as possible, if they were to begin their march this Night while it is cool...
8677From 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...
8678To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
From an Opinion that your Excellency would wish to be acquainted with the Country, which will probably be the Seat of this Summers Campain, and that a Knowledge of such Persons, there, in whom You may repose a Confidence, would be acceptable to You, I take the Liberty to solicit, for a Moment, your attention to this Subject. You will receive, by Dr Shippen, a pretty exact Map of the Country,...
8679From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your favor of the 24th with Its inclosures. No Letters came for you from Genl Schuyler, and therefore, agreable to your request, I transmit you a Copy of the One I received from him, and of the material papers, which it covered. Among the Copies, you will find Genl Burgoyn’s instructions at large to Lt Colo. Baum, pointing out the Objects of his Command, when he...
8680From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed intelligence has just come to my hands. Genl Green’s and Genl Stephen’s divisions are within a few Miles of this place, I shall order them to march immediately here. The two other divisions halted this day at Derby to refresh themselves, but they will come on as expeditiously as possible. There are about five hundred pennsylvania Militia at Chester and Marcus Hook that are armed,...
8681From George Washington to Brigadier General Francis Nash, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you upon your Arrival in this Town—It is my desire that you make no delay here but proceed with all convenient dispatch to Wilmington, If from the Intelligence you recieve here you have reason to conclude there is no danger in going by Water it will be your best & easiest mode of Conveyance—taking with you a Person whose knowledge of the Water can be depended on—at...
8682From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 Aug. 1777. The 13th Antiquarian Booksellers Association catalog, 1970, item 586, includes the following excerpt from this letter signed, which was written at Wilmington, Del.: “The Enemy are landing, as you will be informed by the enclosed Copy of a Letter, which came this afternoon by Express to Brigad’r Gen’l McKinlay. I request . . . you march...
8683To John Jay from Robert Troup, 25 August 1777 (Jay Papers)
Had I heard of your Return from Philadelphia, I should not have omitted acquainting you with every material Circumstance that passed in this Department, since my Arrival here. But conceiving you are now at Kingston, I cannot dispense with the Pleasure of sending you the following Copy of a Letter, from Col. Gansevoort to Gen l . Arnold, dated Fort-Schuyler Aug. 22 1777. this Day received by...
8684To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 25 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
It will not perhaps be disagreeable to you in your retirement, sometimes to hear the events of war, and how in other respects we proceed in the arduous business we are engaged in. Since the loss of Ticonderoga (into the cause of which, and the conduct of the commanding Officers, Congress have ordered inquiry to be made) and Gen. Burgoynes speedy march to Fort Edward, our affairs in that...
8685John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Howes Army, at least about 5000 of them besides his Light Horse, are landed, upon the Banks of the Elke River, and the Disposition he has made of his Forces, indicate a Design to rest and refresh both Men and Horses. General Washington was at Wilmington last Night, and his Army is there to day. The Militia are turning out with great Alacrity both in Maryland and Pensilvania. They are...
8686The American Commissioners to Ferdinand Grand, [26 August 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress On August 21 Vergennes answered the commissioners’ letter of the 12th by a note to Grand. They would be well advised, the Minister said, to write him about Hodge and the retention of the American privateers. Franklin did not know what to say in the letter, he remarked to Lee three days later, because he had had no part in the business of Conyngham, which had...
8687To Benjamin Franklin from [Peter Allaire], 26 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <London, August 26, 1777: He reports intelligence, gathered from one of Germain’s secretaries, about Howe’s and Burgoyne’s forces, the impact in England of the Battle of Trenton and of the capture of the Fox , friction between North and Germain, public puzzlement at the number of officers returning from America, and the likelihood of an insurrection in...
8688To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 26 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Stay’d a day longer in the Country as I had proposed. I recieved now my lettres from London, and can set out for an excursion, whenever you pleas. As I have some business to perform to day in town, I can’t have the pleasur of seing you. I intend to Come to morrow at three o clock at Dinner in purpose to consult you upon the intended sell of my stock and...
8689General Orders, 26 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The officers commanding corps are to see that their men’s arms are immediately cleaned and put in the best order possible; that the ammunition likewise be carefully inspected, and the proper number of rounds for each man completed; that the bayonets fix well; that the flints be screwed in fast, and every thing put in perfect readiness for action. The troops are without fail continually to have...
8690To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 26 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Chase, 26 Aug. 1777. GW wrote Chase on 27 Aug. : “I am favd with yours of Yesterday.”
8691To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 26 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment met with the Bearer Mr Hindman, who is just returned from viewing the Enemy; he saw them land, & can give your Excellency a very particular account, for which reason, I have desired him to wait upon you immediately. Mr Hindman thinks, they finished their debarkation last Evening, he saw both Horse & Infantry paraded. Mr Hindman is an Inhabitant of Maryland, which he left...
8692Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Man and Horse arrived the 22 day of this Month. The Horse and Man look pretty low in flesh. You advise me to sell the Horse, but I think upon the whole after consulting my Friends it will not be prudent. It will be but a little more than 3 months before I hope to send for you. If I should sell him, I should be put to great difficulty to procure an other as good Horses are very scarce....
8693George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8694To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Chariot, 27 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Charlot, neveu de Monsieur Charlot cy devant chef du Bureau de la Guerre, a l’honneur de présenter son respect très-humble à Monsieur franklin, et le prie de lui marquer le jour et l’heur qu’il pourra le Voir. A l’hôtel de Monseigneur le Grand Ecuyer de france au Carousel A Paris In effect an undersecretary, and an influential one; his bureau was charged...
8695General Orders, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The brigades and other corps are to be in such readiness as to march at a moment’s warning—To this end the officers will see that the men are kept regularly supplied with as much provision as will, when fresh, keep; and the Commissaries are peremptorily ordered to provide a quantity of hard bread ready to deliver at any sudden call. It is expected (as there is the greatest reason to believe...
8696To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to Inform your Excelly that Leiutt Lindsay came a Cross two Prisoners near northeast to day straggling from the British Camp which he has taken and sent to this place, & I have order’d them on to Camp. one of the Prisoners a native of Maryland, and incorporated into the German’s in the British army the other a German, the Accts of the Marylander are extravagant with respect...
8697From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of Yesterday. Colo. Richardsons Battalion was left in Maryland by order of Congress to keep the disaffected in the lower Counties in order, if their presence was necessary before, it is certainly much more so now. The Enemy are in want of many necessaries, with which those people would undoubtedly supply them if a watch is not kept over them—I do not therefore think myself...
8698From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your Letter Yesterday by Mr Hindman. The measure you recommend, respecting the Militia, is extremely necessary and what I much wish to be done. It came under the consideration of Congress, when the Fleet first came up the Bay, and dispatches were sent by their Order to Genl Smallwood & Colo. Gist to repair to Maryland to command them, at least the Quota called for by...
8699From George Washington to Colonel Evan or William Evans, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
After the Men of your own, Colo. Hunters and Colo. Udrees Battalions have refreshed them selves you are to march them to Christiana Bridge—and there halt till further orders. You are to get your Men as well covered as the Situation of the place will admit of, and always keep them near their quarters, that they may be ready to move at a moments warning. As most of the Men in this County have...
8700To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon being informed by Mr Cuyler, Commissary General in this Department, that he had no Salt Meat in Store, the whole that was provided for this Army being lost at Ticonderoga, I directed him to apply to the D.Q.M. General at Peeks Kill, to order a Supply from thence to Albany—he has acquainted me Yesterday by Letter, that there is a Quantity of Salt Provisions at a Magazine in Ulster County,...