15551[Diary entry: 2 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
2. Breakfasted at Moss’s and dined at home.
15552[Diary entry: 2 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
2. Cool & frosty in the Morning but very pleasant afterwards with but little Wind & that South.
15553To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay and John Fothergill: Two Notes, 3 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and AL and copies of both: Library of Congress These two notes set in train the final development of Franklin’s British mission, the complex and secret negotiations to find an alternative to war. Almost our only information about them comes from the journal that he wrote the following spring on his voyage home. By then he was no longer bound by secrecy, and seems to have told all he knew;...
15554[Diary entry: 3 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
3. At home all day alone.
15555[Diary entry: 3 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear & calm in the forenoon but lowering afterwards. Wind blowing fresh from So. Wt.
15556Barclay’s Plan of Reconciliation, [on or before 16 February 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Norfolk Record office; two copies: Library of Congress The answers returned to Franklin’s “Hints” (above, under Feb. 4, 1775) produced a conference of the negotiators which revealed the entrenched positions of both sides and no ground of compromise between them. For the next week or so Franklin, busy talking with members of Parliament, heard nothing more about terms of settlement....
15557Franklin’s “Hints” or Terms for a Durable Union, [between 4 and 6 December 1774] (Franklin Papers)
AD and copy: Library of Congress On the evening of December 4, in response to Barclay’s and Fothergill’s invitation the day before, Franklin met with them to discuss the situation. Fothergill assured him that some in the Cabinet were disposed to compromise, and urged him to draw up terms on which the three of them might agree; if they did, their proposals would receive attention in Whitehall....
15558[Diary entry: 4 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
4. At home all day. Mr. Willis and a Mr. Harrison dind here & Parson Morton lodged here. Andrew Morton, or Moreton (died c.1776), was minister of Drysdale Parish in King and Queen County and Caroline County in 1774 ( WMQ The William and Mary Quarterly: A Magazine of Early American History . Williamsburg, Va. 5 [1896–97], 202). He was at Mount Vernon to try to lease Belvoir from GW, who was...
15559[Diary entry: 4 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
4. Lowering Morning but Warm. Clear afterwards. Wind still Southerly.
15560From George Washington to George Mercer, 4 December 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George Mercer, 4 Dec. 1774. GW wrote a letter to Mercer on 5 April 1775 enclosing “my last letter of the 4th of December.”
15561To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 5–15 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Harvard University Library Since I wrote last, which was by Captain Calahan, I received yours of Sepr. 28. Your affectionate concern for my satisfaction excites my sincerest gratitude and warmest affections. I am pleased beyond expression to find you are not discouraged under all you and our dear Country suffer. I myself am not much discouraged but I feared I was only foolhardy,...
15562From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 5 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library With this I send you a new Pamphlet just published here, written by a Friend of mine. The Subject of it grows every hour more and more serious. No Advice is yet received of the Result of the Congress, which during its whole Sitting has kept all its Deliberations a profound Secret. Mr. Bennet, who will deliver this to you, is a Gentleman of Distinction here, and my...
15563From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 5 December 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Extracts and paraphrase: Sothebys & Co. sale catalogue, April 8–9, 1974, p. 93 <London, December 5, 1774: Introduces Mr. Bennet, “one of your Confreres of the Royal Society, a Gentleman of the most amiable Character, and my particular Friend,” who wishes to see the Académie royale des sciences. Adds that the Royal Society “met on Wednesday last, and rechose our Friend Sir John Pringle to be...
15564[Diary entry: 5 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
5. Went to Colo. Fairfax’s Sale at Belvoir. Returnd in the Evening alone. A second sale at Belvoir was advertised for this day. It consisted of two rooms of household furniture, kitchen furniture, cattle, plantation utensils, etc. The mansion house and land were also again advertised for lease on this date, as was a small plantation and two fisheries ( Va. Gaz. , P&D, 20 Oct. 1774).
15565[Diary entry: 5 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
5. Wind in the same place & Warm. Abt. Noon Cloudy with a few drops of Rain.
15566From George Washington to George Muse, 5 December 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George Muse, 5 Dec. 1774. On 6 Jan. 1775 Muse wrote GW that he had received GW’s “letter dated the 5th Decr.”
15567Answers to Franklin’s “Hints,” [before 4 February 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Copy (?) and copy: Library of Congress Barclay and Fothergill, after their long conference with Franklin on December 6, carried copies of his “Hints” to Lord Hyde and Lord Dartmouth respectively. For almost two months no word came from Whitehall, and the rejection of Chatham’s conciliatory plan by the House of Lords on February 1 persuaded Franklin that he would hear no more of negotiation. He...
15568To Benjamin Franklin from John Almon, 6 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There having been only a small number printed, because upon so beaten a subject, one is doubtful of success, till the Public opinion can be taken; but this pamphlet being much approved, it is probable that it will be reprinted. Should be glad therefore of notice of any errors (per penny post, or otherwise). I am sorry you have had the trouble to send twice,...
15569[Diary entry: 6 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
6. At home all day alone.
15570[Diary entry: 6 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
6. Clear and very pleasant with little or no Wind & warm.
15571To George Washington from Christopher Shade (Shead), 6 December 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Christopher Shade (Shead), 6 Dec. 1774. The Henkel catalog no. 663, item 91, 21 April 1891, describes this letter: “Asking Washington for the loan of £10, with a receipt for the same written on the back of the letter in Washingtons’ handwriting, and in which his signature appears twice.”
15572To George Washington from Francis Willis, Jr., 6 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
It will be necessary that a Lawyer Should be informd what he is to ensert in the Bond he’s desird to draw, & I raly do not know what information to give relative to the Bond that is required of Mr Morton for his performance as a Tenant. A Bond for the Things he perchased at the Sale I shall take and leave a blank for Mr Lowerey to sign the first opportunity I have of seing him in Berkeley, The...
15573To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 7 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Extract in Franklin’s hand: American Philosophical Society By this Packet are transmitted the Quarterly Accounts from April 1772 as Vouchers in support of the Accounts with the General Post-Office, which I hope will enable you to make a final Settlement. See the note on the first extract above, Nov. 2.
15574[Diary entry: 7 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
7. Rid to the Mill, Morris’s & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Calvert came.
15575[Diary entry: 7 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
7. Lowering all day with but little Wind. Warm.
15576To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, [8 December 1774] (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress D. Barclay presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin and requests to receive the paper to day by Twelve o’Clock, if he can finish it with Conveniency , otherwise as soon after as best suits him. Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Cravenstreet The AL has been removed from BF ’s journal of negotiations below, March 22; the copy is in the copy of the journal. The “Hints”...
15577[Diary entry: 8 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
8. At home all day with the above Company. Mr. Willis lodged here.
15578[Diary entry: 8 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
8. Much such a day as the preceeding one. In the Evening Rain which contd. all Night.
15579To Benjamin Franklin from Frans van Lelyveld, 9 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL (copy): American Philosophical Society I have read with a particular attention And affection, in the Journal des Scavans Novbr 1774 p 179 the French Translation of your Letter to Mr. Brownrigg upon the proprety of Oil to stilling the Waves, and there after the Relations of Profr. Allamand, which have maked the Experiment in the ditch round our Citty, with the same good succes, and his...
15580Anthony Todd to John Foxcroft and Hugh Finlay, 9 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: General Post Office, London The Detention of the Lord Hyde Packet Boat for the Governments Dispatches enables me to acquaint you in addition to my Letter of the 7th. Instant that Dr. Franklin and the Accountant General have had a meeting in order to settle the General Accounts to the 5th. of April last but they are made out in so loose and careless not to say incorrect manner...
15581[Diary entry: 9 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
9. At home all day. The foregoing Company continuing.
15582[Diary entry: 9 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
9. Fine Rain all day, with but little Wind. Rather Raw & cool but not Cold.
15583From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Cary and Benjamin Harrison, 9 December 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
As I mean to be a conscientious observer of the measures generally thought requisite for the preservation of our independent rights, so I think myself bound to account to my country for any act of mine which might wear an appearance of contravening them. I therefore take the liberty of stating to you the following matter that thro’ your friendly intervention it may be communicated to the...
15584From John Adams to the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Towns and Districts of Massachusetts Bay, 10 December … (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 69–72. Prepared by a committee appointed 12 October, originally composed of fifteen members: John Hancock, Joseph Hawley, Joseph Warren, Samuel Dexter, Artemas Ward, James...
15585Report Relative to Assuming Civil Government, 10 December 1774 (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 73–74. This, the second report on this date of the Committee on the State of the Province, was framed in the form of three resolutions: that the adjournment on 29 October had...
15586[Diary entry: 10 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
10. Mr. & Mrs. Calvert—together with Mr. & Mrs. Custis went to Maryland. Mr. Willis continued.
15587[Diary entry: 10 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
10. Clear after the Morning with the Wind fresh & cold from No. Wt.
15588From George Washington to Hanburys & Lloyd, 10 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
Please to pay into the hands of Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. the Nett proceeds of the Twelve Hogsheads of Tobo Shipd you last Summer by Captn Esten on Acct of Mr Jno. Parke Custis—as also the Balle of the Acct due from you to him. I am Gentn Yr Very Hble Servt ALB , DLC:GW . See GW to Robert Cary & Co., this date .
15589From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 10 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you in behalf of Mr John Parke Custis, & in favour of Thomas Eden Esqr. the Sum of Sixty Six pounds Sixteen shillings and four pence Sterlg which please to pay and place to that Account. Inclosed is an order upon Messrs Hanbury & Co. for the proceeds of Twelve Hogsheads of Tobacco Shipd them in June last by Captn Esten—as also for the Balle of the Acct with Mr John...
15590To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, [11 December 1774] (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress D Barclay presents his Respects and acquaints Dr. Franklin that being inform’d a pamphlet entituled: a Friendly Address has been dispersed to the disadvantage of America (in particular by the Dean of Norwich) He desires Dr. F will peruse the inclosed, just come to hand from America; and if he approves of it republish it, as D B wishes something might be...
15591[Diary entry: 11 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
11. At home all day. Mr. Willis went to Alexandria after breakfast.
15592[Diary entry: 11 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
11th. Clear and very cold. Wind very fresh from the North West.
15593Barclay’s Independent Negotiation: Three Documents, [after 12 December 1774 and before 16 February 1774, 1775] (Franklin Papers)
(I) AD : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; two copies with comments, and a sheet of answers: Staffordshire County Record Office; (II) copy and (III) AD : Norfolk Record Office In mid-February, 1775, after a conference with Lord Hyde, Barclay said that he was “now fully possess’d of what would do in this Business.” He thereupon drew up a list of points that he thought both sides had conceded,...
15594From John Adams to Edward Biddle?, 12 December 1774 (Adams Papers)
I received your kind favour 16. Ulto with great Pleasure last Week at Cambridge. I rejoice at the Proofs your City, has given, of her inflexible Attachment to the public Cause, and Determination to Support it. There are many Names in your List of Committee Men, which I had not the Pleasure of knowing, but there are Abilities, Virtues, and Spirit enough, in those whom I knew very well, to...
15595To Benjamin Franklin from Lucrezia Agujari, 12 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania L’Agujari umilia i suoi ossequj al Signor Dottore Benjamin Franklin, e lo supplica di gradire L’omaggio, che Essa hà L’onore di presentarle con la Stampa della Cantata, che eseguirà questa sera al Pantheon. [The Agujari presents her humble respects to Dr. Franklin, and begs him to accept the tribute that she has the honor of offering him, along with the...
15596[Diary entry: 12 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
12. At home all day alone.
15597[Diary entry: 12 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
12. Clear and Cold, wind continuing in the same place.
15598From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 12 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
I will endeavour to attend the Committee, on Wednesday, agreeable to your notice. No conveyance is like to happen, that I know of, from hence to Colo. Mason previous to the meeting; otherwise I should not fail to give him notice & request his attendance—It now rests upon you to do it. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt ALS , PHC . John Fitzgerald (d. 1799) had emigrated from Ireland a few years...
15599From George Washington to William Grayson, 12 December 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Grayson, 12 Dec. 1774. On 27 Dec. Grayson wrote GW : “I had the honor of your favor of the 12th of this instant.”
15600From George Washington to James Mercer, 12 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
Your letter without a date came to hand last post; & inclosed you have my Bond to Messrs McCoul & Blair for £450 for your Brothers moiety of the four mile run Land; as also receipts for £40.11.11 the balance due from him on account of the ohio Lands, under the Proclamation of 1754. Fifty four pounds (being the amount of £40 Sterling at 35 ⅌Ct exchange) which he assumed the payment of for Van...