1101To John Adams from John Sullivan, 14 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will pardon me for not writing to you oftner of the state off affairs in the army of our Victories and Defeats Advances and Retreats but I have many things to Alledge in Excuse. I don’t Recollect that I am a Letter in Debt to you as I think I have punctually answered yours. I have ever been so full of Business that I could find no time to write but still I have a more weighty Reason...
1102To John Adams from James Warren, 22 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure Yesterday of receiving your favours of the 3d. and 5th. Instant the first that have come to hand since your departure. I am Extreamly glad to hear of your safe Arrival in health, and good Spirits at Baltimore. I have had some Uneasiness about you, the weather has been very severe, and I supposed you must pursue a disagreable if not a dangerous route. But the climbing...
1103To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 3 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I wrote to you, or you to me, who stands in debt upon the schore of Letters I cannot tell therefore I shall begin anew if you have time and inclination you will give it an answer if not—I shall consider it as the Ladies do their Visits after Marriage, if theres no return the acquaintance drops. I believe you are pretty well convinced of the truth of the observation I...
1104Vernejoux to the President of the Board of War, 4 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I beg Leave to write your Excellencys this Letter to have the honour to present you my Respect. I pray you to you Remember wath you promised my one autre Commission if my Superiors Officers was satisfied of my Services. I have send to this Excellencys John Hancock one Letter of Recomendetion of the honorable major General Sullivan. I have stay with him some time. I believe what is it satisfied...
1105To John Adams from John Avery, 7 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favor of the 10th. Feby. Ultimo have received and agreeable to your Request have communicated the Resignation of your Office as Judge of the superiour Court; but whether the Hon’ble Board will accept of it ’till they shall have the Pleasure of seeing you, is to me very uncertain; Tho its my Opinion that it will take some Time to fill up the Vacancy with a Gentleman of your Merrit and...
1106To John Adams from William Tudor, 7 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter from Baltimore of 25th. Feby. I got to Day and was not a little pleased with its Receipt, as it convinc’d me You was not averse to renewing a Correspondence which is the most pleasing and honorary I can boast of. There was not sufficient Evidence to satisfy the Court Martial that Buckner ought to suffer capittally. With me there was not the least Doubt. I am sure the Man is a...
1107Extract of a Letter from William Bingham, 15 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Officers of the first Distinction have embarked at Havre De Grace for America, and a large supply of Field Pieces, military stores &c were sent by the Same Vessells. I have seen a confidential Letter, wrote by a Gentleman at Paris to a Person of Distinction here, wherein he mentions, that there is the greatest Appearance of a Treaty, being concluded betwixt France and America, by which our...
1108To John Adams from William Tudor, 16 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since the Return of one half their Troops from Rhode Island I think the Enemy must be full 10,000 Men. They have only two out Posts Bonam Town and Piscatuqua which are too near their main Body to be surpriz’d, were the Detachments at those Posts less vigilant than they are. The Enemy never sleep with their Cloaths off, and are always prepared for an Attack. They have been continually harrassed...
1109To John Adams from William Tudor, 23 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday ask’d Permission to resign my Post of J.A.G. and to retire from the Army, but met with a Refusal, which, though softened by a Compliment from the General, gave me some Chagrine. A Person at my Time of Life ought to be, if possible in the Road to Wealth or Fame, or both, my Office will never intitle me to either. For the Pay annexed to it, from the Depreciation of the Currency and...
1110To John Adams from James Warren, 23 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you last from Plymouth about three weeks ago after which I was detained at Home longer than I Expected and did not get here till last Tuesday. I Understand that Letter and one wrote at the same time to Mr. Adams went by the Post. As I wrote with some freedom I should be glad to hear of the receipt of it. Since I have been here I have had the pleasure of yours of the 17th. Feby. and am...
1111To John Adams from Samuel Freeman, 25 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Being informed that you are of a Committee of Congress, appointed to consider what further Regulations are necessary to be made in the Post Establishment —I beg leave to recommend to your attention the present plan of riding between this Town and Falmouth Casco Bay (of which Place I have the Honor of being Post Master) and to propose an alteration therein. The Post Rider from Falmouth sets out...
1112To John Adams from Jonathan Hastings Jr., 25 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor per Dr. Jackson of the 7 Instant came to hand this day. It gives me pleasure that you are upon the Committee to consider of further Regulations of the Post Office. Previous to the Regulations in the Office which took place the 5th. of October 1776, the Posts from the Southward and elsewhere arrived as punctually on the Days fixed as they were ever known to do. What Instructions the...
1113To John Adams from William Gordon, 27 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I expected some how or other to have had the happiness of falling into your company when you was last in this State, but was disappointed. I have had the pleasure of hearing that you and your fellow traveller had joined the Congress, and further of the Congress’s having got back to Philadelphia, where I hope they will be suffered to remain in peace and quietness. All things considered, and I...
1114To John Adams from Thomas Johnson Jr., 27 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have pleasure in calling your Attention back to a Subject which was mentioned at Bush Town. Doctor Howard, in Compliance with his promise to Genl Green has reduced his Sentiments, on the Medical Department, to writing which you will be pleased to inclose to the General after you have considered them. My Occupations in Life have not enabled me to form a correct Judgment in this Matter nor...
1115To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I scratch a Line in utmost Hast—Your kind Letter I receiv’d by Mr Jackson the Day after sending one to you. Your Tickets sell rapidly. Your Loan Office will fill apace. I wrote to you, or Mr Adams on the American Navy. Manly’s Character rises here. He has sail’d to Cape Ann for some Men there and has press’d thro great Difficulties to get out—something must be done to expedit Matters in that...
1116To John Adams from James Warren, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure Yesterday of receiving your favours of the 15th. and 18th. of March. There are few things I wish for more than A War between Britain, and France &c. I am therefore greatly pleased with the Accounts you have of the probability of it. Such has been the situation, of matters for some time that I could not see how it could be Avoided, and yet my Impatience makes me Uneasy at the...
1117To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 5 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have neither seen nor heard of any Resolution of Congress approving or disproving of the Laboratory being fixed at Springfield. If the Congress approves thereof it will be necessary for them to say so there being now an Order for it’s being fixed at Brookfield and the Council of the Massachusets State commissioned to provide the materials for the erection of the necessary Buildings at that...
1118To John Adams from Isaac Foster, 7 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
As nothing worthy your Attention has occurred since I had the pleasure of seeing you at Philadelphia except what you must have had from better Authority, I need rather appologize for troubling you with this, than for not having sooner improved your kind invitation of writing to you; when I left Philadelphia I hoped for an Oppurtunity of visiting Boston, but the Enemy begining to move I have...
1119To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Enemy made an attempt to surprise General Lincoln. This morning they advanced by three divisions. One crossed the Rarotan about a mile above Head Quarters—the second division came up in front of the Town—the third to the left of the Town and crossed the River cald Boundbrook. Besides these three divisions there was a Corps of de reservs commanded by General Mathews. The Padroles and Guards...
1120To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 16 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have too many kinds of public business, to admit my looking into the matter of Finances, and examining the Same with that precision which the Subject demands; but some methods must be taken, as Speedily as possible, to sink the Bills of Credit. Taxes will draw in large Quantities, and Lotteries will operate in aid to Taxes: And I think that you ought to borrow hard Money; ¼ the Sum emitted...
1121To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 19 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I came to this place; all things remain much as they were; a few Companies have come in from Connecticut, and many more on their march, ’tis said that two thousand are on their march from that State, and many from Massachussetts. The constant complaint here is, that there are but few troops and the reinforcements come in extremely slow,—which is too true . On my way to this place I...
1122To John Adams from Samuel Freeman, 23 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The General Assembly of this State frequently receives Petitions from Soldiers who have met with losses while in the Army, some who were inlisted Soldiers and some who serv’d as Militia Men—praying that they may be made good to them. Others who were taken sick on the Road and have been at an Expence pray that their Accounts may be allowed. I mention this to you that if you think proper you may...
1123To John Adams from James Warren, 23 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have been very Unwell and Absent for A fortnight. I returned here Yesterday. While I was at home I had the great pleasure of receiving several of your favours, perticularly those of March 31. April 1st. and 3d. with the Inclosures, and since my return yours by Capt. Arnold of the 6th. Instant. I think myself greatly Obliged to you for the Entertainment as well as Intelligence and Information...
1124To John Adams from James Warren, 27 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you by the post on last Thursday, Nothing very material has taken place here. Two Frigates have for some time been Infecting our Coasts. A species of Insult that has ever Gauled me, and more especially since we had Ships sufficient either to take or drive them off, lying in our harbours for months sufficient to build and Equip A large fleet. The Ships now on the Coast have taken...
1125To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 2 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
The interesting intelligence of your Letter occasioned my sending it to Council as soon as I received it. In Consequence of it, and of other corroborating information, the General Court by a resolve of the 30th. Ultimo have ordered a draft to be made the 15th. Instant to complete the raising a number of able bodied men, equal to a seventh part of the male Inhabitants within the State from 16...
1126To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of April 22d. came to hand a few days since. General Lincoln is deservedly acquited from any blame. It is as you observe impossible to guard against the intrigues of the Tories and the Negligence of the Militia. However I hope with you that few such surprises will take place. I most sincerely lament the great inattention and indifference that appears among the People in general...
1127To John Adams from Henry Knox, 3 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I have had the pleasure of a Line from you. I was in hopes to have seen you when I went to Boston but you had previously set out for Congress and I miss’d you on the road. Since my return from thence the duties of my department have taken up the whole of my time, which together with the fear of trespassing on your more important engagements has prevented my writing to...
1128To John Adams from James Warren, 5 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have no late Arrivals no foreign Intelligance. The Affair of Danbury has wholly Engrossed the Conversation here for a week past, and we were never able to determine whether what we heard was true or false, or even that there had been an Expedition there till Yesterday, when we were beyond a doubt Ascer tained of the loss of the Stores there, and the Indelible Stigma fixed on the N. England...
1129To John Adams from James Warren, 8 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you a Letter which will Accompany this with A design it should have gone by last Monday’s post, but he gave me the Slip. Nothing very Material has occured since. We had Yesterday very Agreable Accounts of A late Action in the Jersies. If it proves true, it is a good begining. Our Fleet is still in the harbour. We have had Easterly winds and thick weather almost constantly for A...
1130To John Adams from Donold McDonold [i.e. Joseph Ward], 9 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I suppose you have heard we have not taken Brunswick. If any one says we have he belies us. We are however defending ourselves, first against hunger; secondly against thirst; (which often attacks us severely by reason of our heating our coppers, and hard swearing which dries the lungs excessively) thirdly against impertinent fellows who prye into our business, and ask saucy questions, such as,...
1131To 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...
1132To 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...
1133To John Adams from Jonathan Hastings Jr., 14 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor per Capt. Thompson of April 25 I this Day received and have duly forwarded your other Letters which he was the Bearer of. I am to thank you for the Additional Sum granted me, I must beg your further Influence that the full Allowance of 200 Dollars exclusive of the Commision on Letters may look back from the time I accepted the Office under Doct. Franklin, otherwise my Property will...
1134To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Matters in our part of the continent are too much in quiet to send you news from hence. Our battalions for the Continental service were some time ago so far filled as rendered the recommendation of a draught from the militia hardly requisite, and the more so as in this country it ever was the most unpopular and impracticable thing that could be attempted. Our people even under the monarchical...
1135To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 19 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have lately had convincing proof of what I have long expected, that is, men employed as Contractors being allowed two or three percent for all they purchase, will give any price in order to increase their own profits. It has been suspected that these States have been cheated by some Officers in the Army by false abstracts and payrolls, (no doubt with too much reason) but I apprehend the...
1136To John Adams from Andrew Henshaw, 27 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Although I cannot boast a right to address you from an Acquaintance which would warrant it, yet a Gentleman of your Character and Station will not be surpriz’d, at such a freedom, when you are acquainted with my Situation; which may present an Opportunity for the Exercise of that Benevolence of which you are possessed, by drawing me forth from my present Obscurity, thereby rescuing me from one...
1137To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d a letter from you some days since. I have it not with me, and therefore cannot be very particular in the Answer. I re member you lament the general corruption of manners, and the increase of vicious habits that prevail in the Army; It is a serious truth, and much to be lamented; I know of nothing that a people can receive in exchange, for the loss of their Morals that is an...
1138To John Adams from John Sullivan, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I Recollect That I Stand Indebted to you one Letter for your favor of the 22d. Feby and have nothing to plead in Excuse for nonpayment but want of Ability. I had Just before I was honoured with your Letter received a Fall from my Horse which Disabled me from writing. I Soon after went to the Eastward and did not return till the 15th Instant. Since which I have been much Engaged in getting...
1139To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 29 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wish, with you, that N. England may not fail to furnish their Quota of the Continental Army even to a single man; but am afraid we shall not be able to accomplish it soon. Some Towns have already rais’d and sent forward their full Proportion. This has done much more, besides Manning the State Vessels and Privateers: but others are yet greatly deficient; and yet all Circum stances...
1140To John Adams from William Gordon, 5 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of April the 8th tho’ frankt was not received till the 22d of May. Tis mortifying to think that such a horrid corruption hath spread itself so rapidly thro’ the American States; and that in the first year of our existence we should have adopted so many of the Old England vices. People had a better opinion of themselves than was meet: but the time of temptation hath laid open their...
1141To John Adams from James Warren, 5 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
You will perhaps wonder that you have not heard from me for so long a time. I have had so little time at home of late, and found so much to do there, that I did not Attend Election, and returned to this town not before Yesterday. On my way I had the pleasure to find Mrs. Adams and family well. I left Mrs. Warren to spend this week with her friends at Braintree. I dare say every hour of it will...
1142To John Adams from John Sullivan, 8 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
You cant oblidge me more than by giving me a Line to Inform whether you are, or are not alive ; I begin to grow Suspicions and am therefore uneasy. I Should be Exceeding unhappy if you were to Steal a march upon me During the present Contest. I am Determined to See it out. I wrote a Line beging your opinion upon Some Points but (Like Saul in Distress) I can get no answer. I fear Therefore...
1143To John Adams from James Warren, 11 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is A long time since I have had the pleasure of A line from you. I looked for one last post, and was disappointed. I wrote to you by the Thursday post since which Nothing of Consequence has taken place here. A Number of Men of War are Cruiseing on our Coast and 3 or 4 of them in our Bay. I suppose their design is get our frigates, and to Intercept the prizes taken by the Privateers lately...
1144To John Adams from Apollos Morris, 14 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Centinels are again Posted at my Lodgings. This I suppose a mistake L: Col: Parke having inform’d me as from you, that there was a second resolution of Congress respecting me that I was to apply for it and go in Consequence to give my Parole. I did by Mr. Wade yesterday even: apply for it but could find no other but the first. I went to your Lodgings, your Servant told me you were abroad. I...
1145To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 20 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday the Enemy retreated back to Brunswick; they were followed and fired on by a small party that happened to be near them. Since they came from Brunswick, the fourteenth Instant we have killed about twenty and taken three Officers, three Light Horse, and three or four privates. All is quiet at present. Our Army is reinforced fast, by the New England Troops from Peekskill; and by the...
1146To John Adams from James Warren, 22 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
If any Conjecture may be formed from the Intelligence or rather reports prevailing here you may leave Philadelphia before this Letter will get there. It is said the Britons are determined at all Events to Attempt that City, and I presume the discretion and Prudence Wisdom of your Body will Induce you to decamp and retire, before the Seige Commences. If our Army is in the situation we are told...
1147To John Adams from Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, 23 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
My Brother, Mr. Christopher Sargeant, the bearer has occasion to travel to South Carolina, he is a Stranger in almost all places he has to travel ’thrô. He has, a few months past, finished his Studies under our Brother Lowell. I think I can recommend him as an honest trusty person, and one that is a sincere friend to his country. He probably may stand in need of your favour and Patronage....
1148To John Adams from Thomas Crafts, 25 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
My last to you was, in answer to yours of the 20th March, concerning the manufacture of wrought-iron Cannon, of which I highly approve, and the method in which they were made. I mentioned that in the one made here the barrs were welded lengthways, which I allways suppos’d would fail; but as you must have received it before this reaches you, shall say no more on that subject. I have not yet...
1149To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 28 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wish it was in my power to give you a satisfactory and particular state of facts relative to the late movements in the military way, but all the facts I cannot learn, and if I could they might not perhaps be satisfactory in every sense of the word. The 22 Instant the Enemy retreated from Brunswick to Amboy, a party, of several hundreds, under the command of Col Morgan attacked their rear, in...
1150To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 4 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Army marched from Middle Brook yesterday and arrived here last Evening and encamped. I presume we shall not remain in this place long. If Howe moves up the North River, or towards New England, I suppose we shall immediately push after him; but at present I apprehend the designs of the Enemy are not known, and therefore we must remain some time longer in a suspense. The unsettled state of...