158001From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 27th ulto and am glad to find that the Enemy have fallen intirely down to New York. By their doing this, and sending away a reinforcement to Genl Howe, it is evident that they have done with all thoughts of attempting any thing further to the Northward. Having lost one Army, it is certainly their interest and intention to make the other as respectable as possible,...
158002From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter dated yesterday—giving an account of the reinforcement which you expect from Genl Varnum and the Supplies of Clothing from Genl Forman, it gives me pain to learn that the latter are likely to be so inadequate to your wants, but hope that by taking proper measures the Contributions of the Inhabitants will not prove so poor a resource as you seem to fear. Inclosed is...
158003To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday am happy to find I was mistaken, The enemy have not constructed a Battery on their work as I then expected, I was deceiv’d by the Water being much lower than usual which left a greater part of the Wreck naked. General Varnums reinforcement arriv’d yesterday. Last night about 8. OClock we were alarm’d with the rowing of Boats between this and province Island....
158004From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed I had written to Colo. Green before your favor of yesterday reached my hands. I am happy in receiving so favorable a report, as your Letter contains, of the situation of the Forts—I most devoutly wish that the exertions of your self and Officers may be Crowned with the success that so good a cause, and such labours, deserve. My letters to Comodore Hazelwood, & Colo. Green, go...
158005From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1–3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with Mr Hancocks Letter of the 25th with its several Inclosures. I shall take the case of John More under consideration, and will transmit Colo. Mason my determination upon the same. At this time, I cannot inform the Commissary whether any alterations have, or have not been made by Genl Orders in the Original ration establishment. I have been under the necessity from time to...
158006To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 2–3 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 2–3, 1777 . Describes the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta. Complains of his lack of authority at the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This MS is entitled “Major Fleury’s Journal and Letter to Colonel Hamilton.” Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of...
158007John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
This Moment I received your favour of Octr. 6. by Mr. Niles.—I am as well as can be expected. We have no News, but such as is old to you. I congratulate you on the great and glorious Events in the northern Department. Congress have ordered a Thanksgiving, and have done great Honour to the Officers. We shall finish the Confederation in a few days. RC ( Adams Papers ); docketed by JA in old age:...
158008General Orders, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The officers and men are by no means to be absent from camp—provisions for to day and to morrow are to be drawn and cooked immediately, and every thing held in readiness for marching at the shortest notice. The Brigadiers and Officers commanding brigades are, without loss of time, to provide themselves each with a guide well acquainted with the neighbouring country. The Waggons are to be in...
158009To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Spy from Philadelphia came to me he is an exceeding intelligent Fellow, I counterfeited the Quaker for once, & wrote a few lines to Sr Wm informing him the Rebels had plundered me, & that I was determined to risque my all in procuring him intelligence, that the bearer wou’d give him my name; a noted Quaker, who I knew had assisted him. The Letter was concealed curiously & the...
158010To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the temper of the Creek-Nation by the unwearied exertions of Mr Galphin a Commissioner of Indian affairs, and by the liberality of this state in supplying them upon generous terms, with those Goods they wanted, Seems at present to promise peace—Which I consider as a very happy Event for this state and that of Georgia; to both of which, they, and the...
158011To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned to your Excelly in my last let’r an intercourse subsisting between the inhabitants & fleet near Grub’s landing. Having received a confirmation of this intelligence, I pushed down with twelve dragoons & reached the place early yesterday morning. At Robinsons mill on Namur Creek I fell in with a foraging party; on the appearance of my dragoons the enemy ran without giving one fire. A...
158012From George Washington to Capt. Henry Lee, 3 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Capt. Henry Lee, Jr., c.3 Nov. 1777. Lee’s letter to GW of 3 Nov. is docketed in part “Ansd.”
158013From George Washington to Richard Peters, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 24th and am glad to find that such supplies of Lead are upon the way to the different Elaboratories. Lining the flap of the Cartouch with painted Canvas will certainly be of service, considering the Badness and thinness of the leather in general, but the greatest preservative to the Cartridges is a small inside flap of pliant leather which lays close upon the top of...
158014To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
the enemy brings provision in Boats in the Night along the Side of the Shore, and up the Schulkill about a mile above the lowest ferrey, on Saterday evining last there went down 30 Boats I think the came up Last night in the Time of the flud they maid a Voige. you may be asured that the Enemy are Bulding three floting Battereys one at Ougdons ferrey and two about a mile above, the lowest...
158015From George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date. Except our Army was upon the other side of Schuylkill it would be impossible to take and keep possession of the Enemy’s Works upon Province Island—The Virginia Militia who will remain with you for a few days, were to have left their Arms at Lancaster, but, you may now take as many from them as will furnish yours that want, before they leave you. The State of...
158016To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that I am under the disagreeable Necessity of acquainting you that there is the greatest Necessity of Money in this Department, the Troops suffer for want of Pay, the Commissary, and Quarters Departments are exceedingly embarress’d and perplexed in their Business, greatly involved in debt, and the Public Faith will be prejudiced unless a Considerable supply of Cash is speedily...
158017To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Inst. the honor to receve your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st. Genl Vernum has arriv’d and will send me 200 men this morning. Genl Foreman has some Cloathing of small consequence, which I am to have this day, We by order of Genl Vernum begin this day to take the Inhabitants Cloaths I fear it will be a very poor Resource, this Garrison must be well cloathed or they will perish. I...
158018To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the first Instant, I received yesterday, and am happy to find that any part of my thoughts on the measures necessary to be taken Coincided so nearly with those you had already pursued: and I am in hopes they will be amply Sufficient to render abortive any measures the Enemy may attempt on the side of Red Bank. The objection to the other Measure is indeed a very...
158019To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
We arrived at this Place Yesterday. I have taken a View of the Forts, and think them in a good State of Defence. The Want of Confidence between the Commodore and Colo. Smith, is very great. I shall do every Thing in my power to cause that mutual Support between the Land and Water Forces, which appears very essential for the Security of Fort Mifflin. I am not yet fully acquainted with the...
158020From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New Windsor. This morning early, I met Col: Morgan with his corps about a mile from it, in march for Head Quarters. I told him the necessity of making all the dispatch he could so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has promised to do. I understood from Col: Morgan that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the River, and...
158021To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Buffon, 2 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Buffon fait trop de cas des occasions de voir Monsieur franklin pour manquer celle qu’il a la bonté de lui offrir: il aura donc l’honneur de se rendre jeudy avant deux heures à Passy et il lui fait en attendant mille complimens et à Monsieur son fils. Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon, needs no introduction. The great naturalist had expressed his...
158022To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Claude Gorjy, 2 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ce que l’on me dit de votre honnêteté m’encourage à m’adresser à vous, quoique je n’aie pas l’honneur d’en être connu, pour vous prier de vouloir bien m’indiquer les sources où je pourrais puiser pour m’instruire des moeurs des colonies anglaises dans le plus grand détail qu’il se pourrait, surtout des quakers et des peuples les plus sauvages qui habitent...
158023General Orders, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Each division is to open a road into the best and nearest main road, leading into the country, by which the waggons and troops may move with the greatest ease and dispatch—The Commander in Chief relies upon the officers commanding divisions to see this necessary work performed as soon as possible—The waggons are to be regularly drawn up, in the best order, for moving, and every night the horses...
158024To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Ships that came from N. York with the Troops, came to the Watering Place Yesterday, where they were busily engaged taking in Water all Day—they have on board the following Regiments, the 52d, 36th, 7th & the Light Dragoons—from this account, they intend round by Water—they have landed on Staten Island, two small Regiments one Hessians, the other Anspachers, their whole force there, amounts...
158025To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor to send Your Excellency a Letter I received last Night from General George Clinton, with my Answer thereto; The Regiment of Rifle Men, under Colonel Morgan, Marched from Saratoga the day After the Convention was signed; they will very soon be in the Neighbourhood of Your Excellency’s Camp. Congress having been requested, immediately to transmit Copies of all my...
158026To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New Windsor. This morning early, I met Col: Morgan with his corps about a mile from it, in march for Head Quarters—I told him the necessity of making all the dispatch he could so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has promised to do. I understood from Col: Morgan that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the River, and...
158027From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 25th I received on Monday Afternoon. You have my warmest wishes for your recovery, and I shall be happy, if your recess should be attended with benefits superior to your most sanguine expectations. Your exertions to promote the Genl Interest I am well convinced will be unceasing and that every measure, the situation of your health will permit you to pursue will be employed to...
158028From George Washington to Commodore John Hazelwood, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon maturely considering the nature of the Fortress on Mud Island incomplete in such works as would secure it against Storm, and investigating what mode of defence is best adapted to its deficiency in this respect—it appears absolutely necessary to keep the Enemy at bay as much as possible and confine them to distant Combat—this can only be effected by the cooperation of the Fleet under your...
158029To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have long my Dear General intended to address you upon a Subject respecting myself: but considering the glorious Scene, in which you are so Capital an Actor, and in which, you have So nobly supported your part, I was loth to trespass upon your time even for a moment, while I had the least hope, by any other means of obtaining the ends I aimed at: but finding that neither my Zeal in the Cause...
158030The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives This will be delivered to you by Colo. Ewing of Baltimore in Maryland, who goes to France on affairs of commerce, and whom we recommend to your civilities as a Gentleman of worth, who has in arms contended for the liberty of America. We are &ca. Signed All the indications are that the Colonel carried the committee’s important dispatch of the day before, and that...
158031John Philip Merckle to the American Commissioners, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La presente vous sera remis par Monsieur H. Godet, beaufils du Gouverneur de St. Eustatius, qu’il sera bien aise de faire votre connoissance, comme je n’en doute pas, que vous m’aurez aussi bon grée vous l’avoire recomandé. Il est tres innutille de faire ses l’uenges [louanges], car sa Personne est assez distinguez est [et] recomandable, pour que je puise...
158032To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. A. Lee presents his Compts. to Dr. Franklin and begs to have the Papers he mentiond to Dr. Franklin, namely Count Vergennes’s Letter, the last Memoire to him, the last Letter to the Committee, and the list of Stores shipt from Marsailles. Mr. L. sends a Newspaper, which Mr. Izard borrowd and desird him to return. Addressed: The Honble / Benjamin Franklin...
158033General Orders, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissaries are directed to take all the liquors in the hands of the sutlers, at a reasonable price if they can agree, and if they cannot, the sutlers are to carry them away: And no sutler shall be allowed to continue in the camp after the 5th instant. A General Court Martial of which General Sullivan was president, was held the 25th, 26th, 27th & 30th of October last, for the trial of...
158034Authority to Collect Clothing, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the powers Vested in me by the Honorable Congress I hereby Authorize to Collect all such blankets Shoes, Stockings and other Cloathing Suitable to the Use of the Army, within the Counties of in the State of Pensilvania, As the Inhabitants Can spare without greatly distressing their families. In doing this you are to take Care, that, the unfreindly Quakers and others Notoriously...
158035To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 27th October, I receivd the 30th & should be happy, if I had it my Power to inform you, that I was prepareing for my March to the Delaware. I mentioned to the Governor & Council, the urgent Necessity for the immediate compliance with your Excellency’s request, but have yet received no Answer—nor do I believe, the Order will be given in time, to be of any...
158036From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I last had the pleasure of seeing you, I advised you to Collect all the shoes stockings shirts Breechers &Ca which could be spared by the Country, in order to supply such of the soldiery as might stand most in need of them, & gave you every authority in my power for this purpose Now, as the Detachment which first March’d down to Fort Mifflin under command of Lieut. Colo. Smith must be...
158037To George Washington from Brigadier General Ebenezer Learned, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
As Col: Fisher has Some how (notwithstanding he is Commisionated) ben Neglected as to a Command in the Continental Army. Yet has acted as a Volunteer in my Brigd. through the Struggel to Subdue the Enemy to the Northward—and his Conduct has ben So Steady and Couragous—I must Heartily Recommend him to your Honours Favour for a Command Eaquel to his Diserving and in thus doing I must think your...
158038To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Claiborne, who has acted as my Aid de Camp, and whom I have permitted to return to Virginia, will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency. The great distance from Virginia to New-England, and the uncertainty of my state of health, and in what part of the Continent I may serve, should I ever be able to take the field, may render it uncertain whether he can again join my...
158039From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I think it not only incumbent upon me, but a duty which I owe the public, to represent to you the unaccountable Conduct of Brig: Genl. Newcomb at this critical time. As soon as the Enemy shewed a disposition to possess themselves of Billingsport and Red Bank I wrote to him in the most urgent manner to collect and keep up as many Militia as he possibly could to assist in the defence of Red Bank...
158040From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
As representation has been made to me that the Purchase of Cattle has entirely ceased for some time past in the State of Connecticut, by means of those Gentlemen not chusing to Act who were appointed by Congress for that purpose, by which Our Army may possibly suffer for the want of Meat in a short time —I have therefore to reques⟨t tha⟩t you will without Loss of time appoint One or more...
158041From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d your favor of Yesterday, & hope General Varnum with the Detachment from this Army, have by this time arriv’d to your support, & that your little Garrison will, with the greatest confidence & Vigor, exert itself to baffle every attempt of the Enemy to reduce it —When I last saw General Foreman I authorized him to collect all the Cloathing such as shoes, stockings,...
158042From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 1 Nov. 1777. Stirling wrote to GW on 3 Nov. that “Your Excellency’s letter of the first Instant, I received yesterday.”
158043From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I hope this will find you arrived safe at Red Bank with your detatchment. By letters from the Baron Arendt, who has retired for a few days to the Jersey Side for the benefit of his health, I understand that what they principally fear at Fort Mifflin is a surprise by Night, or a lodgment upon the upper end of the Island, by which they may cover themselves before morning, and open a Battery upon...
158044Enclosure: Elias Bowdinot to Heman Allen; Heman Allen to Archibald Campbell, 30 September 1777; 31 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
By perusing the inclosed copy you will be able to judge what further measures will be necessary, for you to take to expedite the liberation of yourself by accomplishing the wish’d for exchange, which I hope will now soon take place. As I am fearful of missing the present opportunity of forwarding this I cannot add more than that I am with great respect Sir your humble Servant, Your letter to...
158045To George Washington from John Parke Custis, October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have intended for several Letters past, but as often forgot It, to ask whether It would be agreabl⟨e⟩ to you, to admit Colo. Baylor a Partner in the Sha⟨re⟩ We have of the Privateer. He was very desirous to become an Adventurer, and I promised to acquaint you of It, but forgot It untill Now. The Share I own is divided into four Parts. Mr Lund Washington has one Fourth, the remaining three...
158046To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 31 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
The disorders of our Army do not proceed from any natural faults in our men. On the contrary I believe the people of America (especially the Natives) are the most tractable Creatures in the world. I Can say with great certainty that I have never yet been disobeyed in a single instance by a Virginian or a New England man in any connection with them in the hospital. I speak therefore from...
158047The American Commissioners: Contract with Rey de Morande, 31 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
DS and draft : American Philosophical Society We cannot explain this document. It is among Franklin’s papers, he and his colleagues signed it, and he endorsed it; but we can find no trace of the Cadiz merchant with whom it was supposedly made, or of cannon bought from any Spanish suppliers at this time. One of the central points of this agreement, furthermore, is to barter tobacco for guns;...
158048The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 31 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives We have the pleasure to enclose to you the Capitulation by which Genl. Burgoyne and his whole army surrendered themselves prisoners of War. This great event might have still been greater had not the operations on Hudson’s river below Albany rendered it apprehensible that Sir Harry Clinton might come to the relief of Genl. Burgoyne as he had urged his way up to...
158049To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 31 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous recommander 1° M. le Chevalier du Gravier, ami de M. Coder, Officier d’artillerie du plus grand merite, qui part pour Bordeaux sa patrie où son ami m’assure qu’il peut vous etre d’une utilité infinie; il vous expliquera mieux que moi en quoi, et comment. Il ne desire que de vous etre presente. 2° M. de Livoys Officier de marine...
158050General Orders, 31 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Richard Platt and Ranald Stephen McDougall Esqrs. are appointed Aids-de-Camp to Major General McDougall, and are to be respected as such. The Deputy Quarter Masters General are to make a return to the Qr Mr General’s office, of all equipage, and stores, waggons &c.—in their respective divisions—the returns to be made to morrow morning at 9 o’clock. The Commander in Chief approves the following...