157151General Orders, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persons having any passes from Major John Clarke are to pass all guards. The Commander in Chief approves, the following sentences of a General Court Martial, the 22nd November last, whereof Major North was president. Adjutant Ralston of the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, charged with “Making a false return, and signing it; with ungentlemanly behaviour—disobedience of orders, and leaving his...
157152To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you sometime since, concerning some Provision I had sent by a Spy, taken by Warners Militia, & deposited in the hands of Col. Rankin—Your Excellency was kind enough to request me to give General Potter, a state of the matter, & let him know, “’twas your desire, that it shou’d be delivered to the guard,” all this has been done by me, Mr Trumbal waited on him Yesterday, but to no...
157153To George Washington from Joseph Galloway, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Apprehending that the Business of War by no Means excludes the Feelings of Humanity, and relying on that Candor and Liberality of Sentiment which those who are best acquainted with your Excellency agree you possess, I have presumed to request the Favor of your permitting Mrs Galloway with her Household Furniture and Effects to remove from my Seat in the Country to Philadelphia. Coud I imagine...
157154To George Washington from Colonel John Gunby, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to Troble your Excellency with those few lines by way of Informing in what Manner I claim Rank of Colo. Stone on Ower first astablishment & Raising Troops in the State of Maryland, I was appointed Second Capt. of an Independant Company, Colo. Stone was appointed first Capt. in Colol Smallwoods Regiment that then was, & by a resolve of that State at the time we took owr Commissions...
157155To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Williamsburg, Va., 17 December 1777. RC ( Adams Papers ); printed : Jefferson, Papers The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-. , 2:120–121. Noting that Virginia had ratified the Articles of Confederation, Jefferson described the concern among some in the state over Art. 9, which gave power to the congress to enter into treaties of commerce. Opponents...
157156To John Adams from James Lovell, 17 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Decr. 2d. Resolved that a Commission be made out for Mr. J. Adams similar to that heretofore granted to the Commissioners at the Court of France. The date of the Commissions upon the 27th. was an error of the Secretary. But He as well as the president and others think it of no consequence. In Congress Decr. 17th. 1777 Resolved that Genl. Washington be directed to inform Genl. Burgoyne the...
157157The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 17 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress We received your several Letters from Nantes and Portsmouth. We shall be glad to see you here, as soon as is consistent with your Affairs, in order to consult with you on the Matters mention’d in your Instructions from the Congress, &c. We are, with Esteem Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servants Addressed: To / John Paul Jones Esqr / Nantes Endorsed: Paris...
157158John Thornton to the American Commissioners, [17] December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I arrived here yesterday, and delivered this morning all the letters, except those of Lord North and Sir Gray Cooper; what ever advices I shall receive from Mr. H[artley] shall be punctually follow’d. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant: My letters, if you should send any direct No. 57 Newman Street Oxford Road. Notation: Thornton...
157159To Benjamin Franklin from Doerner, [17 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Dartmouth College Library Mr. John James Doerner who sets off for Bordeaux to Morrow in Company of Mr. Märck to establish a House of Commerce at Charles-town North-America. If Doctor Francklin is so obliging and favour Messrs. Doerner and Marck with Letters of introduction for the honorable Congress and Gentlemen at Charles-Town, for some places in the Province of Virginia &ca.; Doerner...
157160To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Millon, 17 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, December 17, 1777, in French: I render you homage as the man whom the public credits with authorship of the Pennsylvania constitutions. Articles 1, 2, 9, and 15 of Chapter I rouse my keenest admiration. Article 2 proves that I am not alone in considering intolerance the most destructive force in any society. Article 9 is the work of that rarity, a...
157161To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, Baron de l’Aulne, 17 [December?] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Turgot accepte avec grand plaisir la proposition que lui a fait faire Mr. Franklin par Mr. Quesnai de St. Germain de le dedommager Samedi du plaisir dont les engagemens de Mr. Franklin le privent pour Vendredi. Toutes les occasions de voir Mr. Franklin luy sont precieuses, et il est impatient de temoigner aux amis de la liberté sa joye de leurs succès....
157162To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Wright, 17 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty in the Name of my Mother (who is at present from Home) to return you my most gratefull thanks for your kind Letter in behalf of Mr. P——— which I have just Receivd with the highest Pleasure, in hearing from you Sir, and Gratitude for Him, as it is a Suply I am sensible will be Doubly Wellcome to him at this Time. My Mother is now at Bath...
157163General Orders, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief with the highest satisfaction expresses his thanks to the officers and soldiers for the fortitude and patience with which they have sustained the fatigues of the Campaign—Altho’ in some instances we unfortunately failed, yet upon the whole Heaven hath smiled on our Arms and crowned them with signal success; and we may upon the best grounds conclude, that by a spirited...
157164To George Washington from Major Morgan Alexander, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Smallnes of my Fortune, and the confused Situation of my affairs, obliges me to offer you my comision, could my family Subsist without me, I would by no means think of parting with the honour of holding a comision in so very desirable a Service. I am with the greatest esteem your Excelency’s Most Obdt Huml. Servt ALS , DNA : RG 93, Commissions, 1775-1778. GW’s secretary Robert Hanson...
157165From George Washington to Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was, a few days ago, honored with yours of the 25th Novemr. The packets for Sr William Howe and the letters for Gentlemen in his Army were immediately forwarded to Philada. As I did not conceive myself at liberty to answer either of your requests without first consulting Congress, I have transmitted a Copy of your letter to them and have desired their determination as speedily as possible....
157166To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Recommendation ⅌ Col: Worthington, we have done every thing in our Power to forward the Work in Hand. I have the Pleasure of assuring you that every thing goes on with Secrecy & Dispatch, to the Satisfaction of the Artist. We expect he will be enabled in a Day or two to try the important Experiment. We have the Honour to be with all Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s...
157167From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with Yours of the 23d & 27th of November. If the Recruits intended for Lees and Jackson’s Regiments have not had the small pox, and are not marched when this reaches you, I desire they may be inoculated before they join the Army. After the repeated directions, which I had given to have All the Recruits who had not had that disorder innoculated the moment they were inlisted, I was...
157168To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Burgoyne recd the information of the Resolve of Congress of the 1st Decemr (restricting the embarkation of his Troops to the port stipulated by the Convention of Saratoga and no other) with no small disopointment. I had before given him my opinion that an alteration would never be allowed; but he flattered himself otherwise. He is now anxiously waiting an answer to his Letter some time...
157169To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had this Morning the honour of receiving Your Excellency’s dispatch dated 14th & 15th Currt inclosing Copy of a Letter from Lt Genl Burgoyne, which, without reading them through, I sent directly to Congress, from whence I am this moment charged with a Resolve, formed, I presume, as the present necessary direction for a reply to the British General’s application to your Excellency. The...
157170From George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 17 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Gulph Mills, Pa., 17 Dec. 1777 . GW “presents his Comps. to Major Genl Philips and begs leave to inform him that his letters were forwarded to Philada immediately upon the receipt of them.” Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Tilghman drafted this letter beneath the draft of GW’s letter to John Burgoyne of this date . William Phillips (1731–1781), a British...
157171To John Jay from Marinus Willett, 17 December 1777 (Jay Papers)
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, is an acknowledgment as honorable as it is ancient, but never more properly adapted to the situation of any people then it is at present to the inhabitants of this Continent, for never where a people more remarkable blessed with signal interpositions of divine favour; how suddenly, have we beheld our most gloomy prospects to brighten? And how conspicuous has...
157172From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 December 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will receive by this post our approbation of the Confederation . It passed the house of Delegates on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday last. Tho’ our house of delegates is almost wholly of those who are truly zealous, yet there have ever been a few who have endeavored to throw obstructions in our way. Objections to this important instrument came therefore not unexpectedly. The most...
157173Adams’ Minutes of the Trial: New Hampshire Court Maritime, Portsmouth, 16 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Sewall. 3 Causes sett forth. Resolve of Congress, 25 Novr. 1775. March 23d. 1776. Law of N. Hampshire, principally relyd on. In June 1776. 1777 April 19. Septr. 5, 1776. Vessell and Cargo the Property of Sherja. Bourne, who thought it safest to go to E ngland and take shelter under the Wing of his Majesty K. George. Register, in the Name of S. Bourne, 3 Aug. 1776. Invoices from Lane Son &...
157174Oliver Whipple’s Minutes of the Argument: New Hampshire Court Maritime, Portsmouth, 16 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Libel sets forth three Facts as Causes of Condemnation viz. 1st. That the Property of Brig and Cargo belonged to some Inhabitant or Inhabitants of great Britain. 2d. That at the Time of the Capture She was Carrying Supplies to the Enemy. 3d. That the Property on Board was British Manufacture. NB They then indeavour to introduce a fourth Cause of Condemnation viz. that the Brig made a...
157175Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé le supplément de la Gazette fançoise de Leide No. 100, où est inséré l’extrait de la Gazette de Boston, savoir la lettre du Général Gates, Capitulation de Burgoyne, et Lettre du Général Washington. Détaillé mes opérations à cet égard, par rapport à l’avertissement du Gazettier de Rotterdam du 13e. où il promettoit ces pieces pour...
157176Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My last to Mr. Dean in answer to his of the 8th. informed you that I intended to go to Painbeuf, to give you a fuller account of the Lion, but various affairs have prevented. I have now ordered every article that relates to that Ship to be collected and sent on board with the utmost dispatch and by the end of this Week I intend she shall be compleat in...
157177John Young to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recived Yours of the 2d instant from Mr. Maylon [Moylan] along with the Dispatches for Congress which I will secure readey for Sinking in case of danger according to Your Orders. When the dispatches came to hand I was all clear for sea, and now onley wates for a favorable opportunity. Ther is certin information of seven saile of English Cruizers off Bil:...
157178To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have seen Sir Geo. Grand who was Yesterday at Versailles, and this morning with Mons. De Sartine; I find it impossible for me to go out this Afternoon, as I must be engaged every moment in Business. I must pray you to excuse me to Marechal Maillebois. He put into my hands a Memoire of one Millin de la Brosse, which I forgot to shew you, but I sent a...
157179To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In the same Manner as I have seen People boast themselves of the Honour they have had of lodging in their House such and such a King, or worthy Personage, or of the Connexions they may have had with them, let them be ever so small; in the same Manner I shall henceforth boast of the honour you do me by the Letter in which you are so Kind as to give me the...
157180General Orders, 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The tents are to be carried to the encampment of the troops, and pitched immediately. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Muhlenberg’s orderly book contains different orders for this day’s general orders: “In aid of the supplys of cloathing imported by Congress they earnestly Recommended to the Sevel States to Exert their utmost Endeavour to procure all kinds of cloathing for the comfortable...
157181From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter. Altho’ I would not grant permission to all those who want to go into Philada to get paid for what they were plundered of, you may allow it to those on whom you can depend and from whom you expect any intelligence in return. I have directed that all passes granted by you shall be sufficient for the...
157182To George Washington from James Mease, 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you Excellency that I left White marsh the day after the Army moved, in order to get some necessaries which my family stand in need of removed from this place to Lancaster, & have had the misfortune of being confined by sickness ever since I came here occasioned by a severe cold caught either at or on my journey to Camp. I am sorry to acquaint your Excellency that I find...
157183To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last Evening favd with your two Letters of the 28th Ulto and 2nd Inst: with a Remonstrance from Mr Drake inclosd that peice I do aver is made up of Falcity and Misrepresentation, at least what has ever come to my knowledge. I have ever Acted as near your Excellency’s Orders of last Winter as was in my power—nor has any property been disposd of for the Benefit of the Captors, unless such...
157184To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to inform of the Enemy’s manœuvre, on the night of the 14th inst., not having it in my power to make my report with any Degree of accuracy before. Having recd intelligence by one of my Dragoons, that a Party of the Enemy’s horse were on the opposite Side of the Schuylkill, I conjectured that they might have a Design to cross at some of the upper fords, & come down upon our rear....
157185Bill for Dissolving the Vestries of the Parishes of Meherrin and St. Anne, [16 December 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it hath been represented to this present general assembly, that by the death and resignation of sundry members of the vestries of Meherrin parish, in the county of Brunswick, and of the parish of St. Anne, in the county of Albemarle , there is not a sufficient number of members to hold a vestry in either of the said parishes , by which means the business of the same hath been for a...
157186From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14–15 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday Evening I had the Honor to receive your Favor of the 8th Instant. From the Several Letters which have lately passed between Genl Howe & myself, I am fully convinced that any propositions by me to release the Baron St Ouary from captivity, either by an Exchange or on parole would be unavailing. In his Letter of the he has explicitly stated his Sentiments, and has declared himself to...
157187Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 15 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters arrived in the absence of Mr. Adams who is gone as far as Portsmouth, little thinking of your plot against him. O Sir you who are possessd of Sensibility, and a tender Heart, how could you contrive to rob me of all my happiness? I can forgive Mr. Geary because he is a Stranger to domestick felicity and knows no tenderer attachment than that which he feel s for his Country, tho I...
157188Abigail Adams to Daniel Roberdeau, 15 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging favour came to hand yesterday in the absence of my dearest Friend, and as he will not I fear reach home before tis too late to write by the post, or this conveyance, I have venturd to take up the pen least you should accuse him of neglect or inattention. I have been the more readily induced to write as it gives me an opportunity of acknowledging with gratitude the many civilities...
157189John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here, last Evening, in good Health. This Morning, General Whipple made me a Visit, at the Tavern, Tiltons, and insists upon my taking a Bed at his House, in so very affectionate, and urgent a Manner, that I believe I shall go to his House. The Cause comes on Tomorrow, before my old Friend Dr. Joshua Brackett, as Judge of Admiralty. How it will go I know not. The Captors are a...
157190To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Boudet, 15 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lyons, December 15, 1777, in French: An unfortunate Frenchman, whom cruel losses over the years have overwhelmed, addresses a virtuous Englishman and asks for refuge among his countrymen. I came here in 1759, the youngest son of a large Montpellier family, to work in a textile firm and then in a house trading with Spain, and lost the fruit of my labor. In...
157191To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Isaac Peuch, 15 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En qualité de Sujet d’un Etat libre qui a tout sacrifié pour se procurer l’independance, j’ai admiré plus d’une fois les efforts surprénnans et généreux de vos Compatriotes pour se procurer les mêmes avantages et se délivrer d’un joug qui auroit certainement été aggravé, à mésure que les Oppresseurs auroient trouvé de facilité de l’appesantir. Comme...
157192General Orders, 15 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A field officer from each brigade, is to inspect immediately, all the men of his brigade, now with the baggage, and take from thence, to their brigades, every man who is able to do duty in the line—Major Snead is (till further orders) to take charge of the men remaining after this for the baggage guard, and report any who are left with the baggage contrary to this order. After Orders. The...
157193To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 15 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., c.15 Dec. 1777. On 16 Dec. GW wrote Clark that “Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter.”
157194Orders to Commissaries and Quartermasters, 15 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Congress December 10th 1777. Resolved. That General Washington should for the future endeavour as much as possible to subsist his Army from such parts of the Country as are in its vicinity and especially from such Quarters as he shall deem most likely to be subjected to the power or depredations of the Enemy, And that he issue orders for such purpose to the Commissaries and Quarter Masters...
157195From George Washington to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. William Heath, 15 Dec. 1777. Heath’s letters to GW of 23 , 26 , and 27 Nov. are each docketed in part “Ansd 15th Decemr.”
157196From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 2d instant—I am much obliged for the attention you have paid to my requests thro’ General Putnam, and I shall ever acknowledge the readiness with which you have always afforded any assistance from Your State, when demanded immediately by myself. I was never consulted in the least upon the Rhode Island Expedition, and I cannot therefore pretend to say who were...
157197Draft of a Bill to Give the Articles of Confederation the Force of Law, [after 15 December 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas certain articles of confederation and perpetual union were on the day of last proposed by Congress to be entered into between the states of New-Hampshire, Massachusettsbay, Rhode island and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylva, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, and Georgia, in these words following to wit ‘Article I. the stile &c....
157198To Benjamin Franklin from James Babson, 14 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This may Enform you that I Sailed from Bilboa Novmr. 20 with my pore Nacked Crew by a fafour of Messrs. Gardoquis & Sons that Trusted me with one hundred Pound Sterling to Buy a Little provishing. I fell In with Six fish Vessells from N Foundland affter a Little Dispute Tuck them all and Carred them Into St. andero [Santander]. I oared [ordered] them to...
157199To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 14 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): Yale University Library You will be surprised to see, that I am not yet arrived in England. I found my Brother’s wife dangerously ill and could not part with her before all danger was over. I found no letter of you or of any other friend at the post office at Amsterdam. I am now for some days at Delpht with my old friend and instructor Mr....
157200General Orders, 14 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The regiments of horse are to draw provisions of any issuing Commissary, lying most convenient to them, upon proper returns therefor. Such of the baggage as is not absolutely necessary for the troops, and all the Commissary’s and others stores, are to remain on this side of the gulph. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .