157951John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Colman goes off for Boston Tomorrow. I have seized a Moment, to congratulate you on the great and glorious Success of our Arms at the Northward, and in Delaware River. The Forts at Province Island and Red Bank have been defended, with a Magnanimity, which will give our Country a Reputation in Europe. Coll. Green repulsed the Enemy from Red bank and took Count Donop and his Aid Prisoners....
157952Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Mifflin [ on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26 [ 1777 ]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin. ALS , MS Division New York Public Library. This letter is in French. There is no addressee on the MS. In unidentified handwriting on the last page the following is written, “Col Hamilton Col John Larens.” The contents of the letter indicate that it was written to someone at...
157953To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 26 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26, 1777 . Describes the situation at Fort Mifflin. Expects an assault. Copy, in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. John C. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington, Commander...
157954George Washington to General Officers, 26 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 26, 1777 . Lists questions to be considered at a council of war. One set of questions, addressed to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and in writing of H, is in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Another set, unaddressed and in writing of H, is in The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
157955François-Auguste-Pompée Hennet to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. hennet a l’honneur de saluer Messieurs Francklin et Deane et de les prier de vouloir bien lui faire savoir s’ils ont eu avis de l’arrivée à Nantes des fusils qu’il y a fait expedier de la manufacture de Maubeuge, pour leur compte et par leur ordre. M. hennet est chez M. Brillon où il attendra la réponse de ces Messieurs, il se randra chez eux si ils...
157956General Orders, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Court of enquiry of which General Greene was president, relative to the complaint against General Maxwell, report their opinion as follows—“The Court of enquiry having fully inquired into the complaints, exhibited by Lieut. Col. Heth, against Brigadier General Maxwell, while commanding the light-corps, are clearly of opinion, that they are without foundation; saving that it appears, he was...
157957Circular to the General Officers, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will, very shortly, be called to a council of War, when your sentiments on the following questions will be asked. 1st Whether it will be prudent in our present circumstances, and strength, to attempt by a General Attack, to dislodge the Enemy; & if it is, and we unsuccessful, where we shall retreat to? 2d If such an attack should not be thought eligible, what general disposition of the...
157958From George Washington to George Clinton, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th I received Yesterday afternoon, and feel much for the havoc and devastion committed by the Enemy employed on the North River. Their Maxim seems to be, to destroy where they cannot conquer, and they hesitate not, to pursue a conduct that would do dishonor to the Arms of the most savage Barbarians. I know your feelings upon the occasion, and regret, that you were not in a...
157959To George Washington from Daniel Cunyngham Clymer, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the most strict Enquiry since I arrived at Burlington I find that the british Troops who landed in Jersey to reinforce the Detachment of Hessians under Count Dunlope on their Retreat had a Consultation at Marmaduke Cooper’s (two Miles from Wm Coopers ferry) where it was determined to retreat —they accordingly embark’d their Troops the day of their Defeat from Jersey and arrived that Day in...
157960To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
As soon as we had the Honour of receiving your Letter of yesterday, we ordered exact Returns to be immediately made of every Man on Board the Frigates Washington & Effingham; these Returns we have enclosed for your Inspection. We have the fullest Conviction of the necessity there is to exert every Power for the Defence of the Pass near Fort Mifflin, & happy should we be, could we furnish men...
157961To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your two Letters of the 28 Ult. were handed to Me by Colo. Hooe, on my Way from Eltham. I am much oblidged to you for your kind advice respecting the Sale of my Land in King & Queen; my principle reason for wanting to sell It soon, is this. The Houses are now in good repair, and will sell better on that account. the Land is too mean to make It worth my While to keep Negroes ther with a...
157962To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Governors Answer this moment came to hand, which I inclose your Excellency—tis such, as I little expected —By Order of the Governor & Council, I was stationed at this Post, with Directions to keep up 1,000 Men—my number at present, does not exceed 700 men—could I with propriety, I would instantly march 500 Men from this Post, but this cannot be done, without an Order of the Governor, or...
157963To George Washington from Brigadier General David Forman, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excelys favr of the 22d Directed to me at The Salt works Unfortunately Went to The Salt Works by the lower road at The Same Time I came to Freehold by the upper, by Which means your Excelys orders ware not handed me untill Friday afternoon —previous to Which I had recd an Express giveing an Acct of The Defeat of the Troops your Excly mentioned to have Crossed to Attack the Fort and Their...
157964From George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have sent down Lt Colo. Rollston with three hundred pennsylvania Militia to reinforce Forts Mercer and Mifflin. I therefore desire that you and Baron Arent will settle the proportion that each is to have upon the most equitable terms. If you should have been joined by such a Number of Jersey Militia as will render your post quite secure, you are to permit all the pennsylvania Militia to pass...
157965To George Washington from Commodore John Hazelwood, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By your Excellency’s pressing in your last letter, so much for me keeping up harmony with the Fleet & Army, I apprehended some letters ⟨ha⟩d been wrote as tho’ a difference subsisted here—As to my own part ⟨I c⟩an lay my hand on my heart & declare I have taken every step in my power ⟨to⟩ keep from the least shadow of a difference, & did not know that any one had the least complaint to make...
157966From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to find by yours of the 20th that you are likely to save your leg, and that you think you will be able to take the Feild in the Spring, should there be occasion. I congratulate you upon the glorious termination of the Campaign against Genl Burgoine, which I hope will, in its consequences, free us from all our oppressors. Ever since the Enemy got possession of...
157967To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Council of safety have paid some attention to a plan of lowering the price of provisions. Among the various difficulties which attend this business, we hear great complaints of the price of grain being much raised by the enormous rate at which whiskey is sold in your camp. The distillers stick at no price for grain whilst these prices for whiskey are paid. We would therefore propose to...
157968From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 20th inclosing a Copy of Genl Burgoines Capitulation which was the first authentic intelligence I recd of the Affair, indeed I began to grow uneasy and almost to suspect that the first accounts you transmitted me were premature. As I have not recd a single line from Genl Gates, I do not know what steps he is taking with the Army under his command, and therefore cannot...
157969To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Excellys Order to remain in the Garrison & Shall obey it, when I wrote I expected there would not have been that Occasion for my being here which I now See there will, Baron d’Arendts ill State of Health will oblige him to retire to Red Bank for three or four days perhaps more, whether Coll Green or I are to Command I know not, I presume I am to have the Command untill an express...
157970From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored a few days ago with your favor of the 14th for which and its enclosure, I return you my thanks. I am happy in congratulating you in turn, on the further success of our Arms at the Northward in the surrender of General Burgoyne—The particulars of this fortunate event will have reached you before this I expect, and therefore shall not add more upon the subject. I have also the...
157971To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 26 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 26 Oct. 1777. GW wrote his brother John Augustine Washington on 26 Nov. , “Your Letters of the 26th of Octr and 7th Instt have come safe to hand.”
157972To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 6[–25] October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you lately by the way of Holland, and sent to the care of Mr. Sowden three anniversary sermons designed for Your Self, Mr. Deane and Mr. Lee. Hope you will receive them, but for fear lest it should be otherwise have sent three more on the same service. Pray you to forward Mr. Parker and Mr. Field’s letters by the first post to London; and Mr....
157973Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
The joyfull News of the Surrender of General Burgoin and all his Army to our Victorious Troops prompted me to take a ride this afternoon with my daughter to Town to join to morrow with my Friends in thanksgiving and praise to the Supreem Being who hath so remarkably deliverd our Enimies into our Hands. And hearing that an express is to go of tomorrow morning, I have retired to write you a few...
157974John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
This Town is a small one, not larger than Plymouth.—There are in it, two German Churches, the one Lutheran, the other Calvinistical. The Congregations are pretty numerous, and their Attendance upon public Worship is decent. It is remarkable that the Germans, wherever they are found, are carefull to maintain the public Worship, which is more than can be said of the other Denominations of...
157975George Washington to Dragoon Commanders, 25 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 25, 1777 . Deplores manner in which horses have been acquired from disaffected persons. Rescinds former instructions. States that anyone found meddling with private property does so “on pain” of “militiary execution.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
157976Franklin on the Miracle of the Revolution, 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Richard Henry Lee, Life of Arthur Lee, LL.D., Joint Commissioner of the United States to the Court of France, and Sole Commissioner to the Courts of Spain and Prussia, during the Revolutionary War . . . (2 vols., Boston, 1829), I , 343–6. Having some conversation with Dr. F. upon the present state of things, he seemed to agree with me in thinking that France and Spain mistook...
157977To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Austin, 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Important Conquest and Surrender of Genl. Burgoin and his whole Army to our Forces under the Command of Genl. Gates, has Induced the Council of this State to forward by Express an Account thereof to the Honble the Commissioners for American affairs at Paris; and as they have done my Son the Honor to be the bearer of this Intelligence, I beg leave Sir to...
157978To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper: Two Letters, 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) AL : American Philosophical Society; copy: Henry E. Huntington Library In the last Winter my only Daughter was married here to Joseph Hixon Esqr. of Monserrat, in the W. Indies. He went from hence in the Spring by Way of Cork to London. I beg you to take the Trouble of sending by the first safe Opportunity an enclosed Letter from her to him. The...
157979To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walker, 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I with great pleasure embrace this early Opportunity of congratulating you upon the signal Success of the American Arms, in the northern Department and I hope it will be attended with happy Consequences by enabling us to get rid of our powerful Enemies on the Continent, and raising us generous and active friends to support our Cause in Europe: I make no...
157980To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my Last I advised of the Enemies taken Possession of Ticonderoge and then mention’d that the Country were allarmed and would exert themselves and prehaps do Wonders. Wonders are don (God be prased) General Burgoyne and his Whol Armey Prisoners of War he and his Whol Armey to be Transported to England to tell the dolefull Tale. The Bearer Mr. Jonathan L....
157981General Orders, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The intention of a certificate upon pay Abstracts under the hands of the Brigadiers, was, that the truth of them should be made apparent, upon a comparison with the weekly returns, and unless the Brigadiers make such comparison, the signing their names is but an empty form—The Commander in Chief therefore requires, that henceforward the Brigadiers, or officers commanding brigades that are...
157982To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
At this place I found about three hundred of the militia of this County Collected & other smaller partys coming in, the former employed to very little purpose waiting for Acoutrements whereof they are almost totally destitute a great part not even bringing Blankets which Article they undoubtedly cou’d have found—But march they shall this afternoon having prompted the Council to make another...
157983From George Washington to Major Robert Ballard, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 23d Inst. and am obliged by the intelligence it contains. The conduct of your Garrison has equaled my most sanguine expectations, and merit my warmest acknowledgements & thanks. Be assured no exertions of mine shall be wanting to give you every support in my power; ammunition is now on its way to the Forts, and a supply of that article shall not be wanting, when...
157984To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Adam Comstock, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Greene being very much fatigu’d in Strengthening the Fo[r]t & in other necessary business of the Garrison, has Commanded me to inform your Excellency that on the 23d instant he had information that a strong Force under the Command of Genl Cornwallace had crossed Coopers Ferry, and were advancing toward us—Col. Greene expecting a new attack: The wounded Hessian Officers, and Privates being...
157985From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The applications of Commodore Hazelwood for seamen, & the necessity there is of his being Supplied, if possible induce me to submit it to the Cons[i]deration of your Board, whether those in the Frigates near Burlington cannot be more benefically employed with him, than where they now are. The importance of defending the Navigation below, or in other words of preventing the Enemy from becoming...
157986To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
We thought proper to forward the enclosed Letter for your Perusal, partly because it contains a pretty circumstantial Account of the late Action at Red Bank & the burning two of the Enemy’s Ships of War; but principally on Account of the Declaration in the last Paragraph of a Want of Amunition in the Garrison & Fleet. We have, whilst at this Place, exerted ourselves in supplying our Ships with...
157987To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By a Person just returned from Bergen, who has been stationed there for several Days; I am informed, that the Enemy’s Fleet with all their flat bottomed Boats, that went up the North River, returned last Evening to N. York. The report is confirmed, of their having burnt Kingston at Æsopus—& by a woman who left N. York two Days ago, I can inform your Excellency, that the report of General...
157988To George Washington from Major Benjamin George Eyre, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Doherdey has just Come to this plaice he informs me that we are in want of musket Cartridges 32 pound shot & Grape shot —Eight waggons Loaded with powder left Burlington this morning they went by the way of mountholley the Brittish troops that Crossed has Gone back their is four two Deckkers Come up threw the lore Chevackdefriez the Comodore wants a few men in the Galleys but they Cannot...
157989From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of the 21st Instt (which I hope has got safe to your hands) would amply convey to you my Ideas of the Importance of red Bank, and leaves me little to add on that head, saving, that the more it is considered, the more essential it appears, to use every possible means for its preservation. The late check which the Enemy met with, in attempting to Storm the Fort at that place is a most...
157990To George Washington from John Hancock, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duely honoured with your Favours of the 18th and 21st and immediately laid them before Congress; from whom I have it in Charge to forward the enclosed Resolves, with a Request that you will pay that Attention to them which they require. You will recieve herewith two Bundles of Commissions, which I should have forwarded sooner, had I not been prevented from signing them, by a severe...
157991To George Washington from John Hancock, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duely honoured with your Favour of the 22d and am much obliged by the Expressions of Politeness & Friendship which it contains. A few Months Relaxation will, I hope, restore my Health and Constitution, and enable me still to contribute my feeble Efforts, in some Mode or other, to the Advancement of the Cause of Freedom in America. If I should not return to Congress, it will be the Height...
157992From George Washington to Commodore John Hazelwood, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night favd with yours of the 23d. Give me leave to congratulate you upon your Victory, and return my thanks to the Officers and men for their gallant behaviour, to those particularly who were more immediately engaged. I hope Colo. Green’s success by land added to yours upon the Water, will make the Enemy cautious of attempting either again. You may depend upon being supplied with...
157993To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
We find by the destination of the prisoners of General Burgoynes Army to this Neighbourhood, a wide and difficult Field opens to us. To provide Quarters, provisions, Fuel &c. for Five or Six Thousand Men will be no small Task. The Assembly suppose them to be under my direction and have advised that they be placed in the Barracks on prospect and Winter Hill, Cambridge & Sewells point, and...
157994Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh’s Remarks on Payment for Damages, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The present Mode of bringing in the Accounts for Demmages done by our Army, is open to Several abuses, and put it intirely out of the power of the quarter Master Generals or his Deputys to pay them. As long as I have acted allone, I have refused to pay any Such articles; for reasons, I found that by paying all those Estimates made by the owners and attested by some of their Neighbours, the...
157995To George Washington from Jeremiah Dummer Powell, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
We sincerely Congratulate your Excellency upon the very extraordinary Success with which the American Army in the Northern Department has been Crowned, you have doubtless before this been fully Acquainted by General Gates with the Surrender of General Burgoyne and his Army into his hands, a Glorious Acquisition which must be Attended with the happiest Consequences, we wish your Excellency the...
157996Circular to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski and the Colonels of the Continental Light Dragoon Regiments, 25 October … (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find that the liberty I granted to the light dragoons of impressing horses near the enemy’s lines has been most horribly abused and perverted into a mere plundering scheme. I intended nothing more than that the horses belonging to the disaffected, in the neighbourhood of the British army, should be taken for the use of the dismounted dragoons, and expected, that they would be...
157997To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honrd with the recept of your two Favours of the 15th & 19th Inst.—and have the pleasure to acquaint you that after a Tedious march we are returned to this place, the Fleet passed down by here yesterday, & did but little dammage on their return. Some heavy Artillery & a reinforcement of Continental Troops, I am Informed by Genl Gates, are on their way to Join me—by a deserter & two...
157998From George Washington to Captain Isaiah Robinson, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th I duly receiv’d. It gives me pain to find, that the Strictest harmony and Confidence do not prevail among the Navy Officers. These are essential to Our Sucess at this time, And I hope the Gentlemen concern’d in that line, who know their importance and the fatal miscarages, that have been produced in many instances by a different disposition, will cultivate them with...
157999To Thomas Jefferson from John Hancock, 25 October 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I Had the honour to Receive your obliging favor by Mr. Harvey, with Forty seven Dollars, being an additional Donation of the County of Albemarle for relieving the poor of Boston which shall be faithfully applied to their Benefit. My constant application to Publick Business both in and out of Congress, has so impair’d my Health, that some Relaxation has become absolutely necessary, and to...
158000To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, [25 October 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you about ten days ago that General Gates had obtain’d a Signal Victory over General Burgoyne on the 7th. Inst. and now have the pleasure of informing you that a few days after this defeat Burgoyne with his whole Army Surrend’d themselves prisoners of War to the American General. It is said the prisoners Stores &c. taken are as followeth Viz 1 Lt. General, 2 Major Generals, 7 Brigadier...