158001John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is with shame that I recollect that I have not written you more than two or three Letters these 5 Weeks, and those very short. News I am afraid to write, because I never know untill it is too late what is true. From last Sunday to this Moment Fryday afternoon 4 o Clock, We have been in a state of tormenting Uncertainty concerning our Affairs at the Northward. On Sunday, We had News, from...
158002To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 24 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
Two days agoe I wrote you an hasty Script. Perhaps I express’d myself too suddenly and strongly upon an important Subject. The Terms which Gates has given Burgoyne might be as well for the States as Circumstances would allow; tho I own, from what Glover, and ev’ry Officer on the Spot had written, I concluded the Enemy must have been totally in our Power. But if we have not all we could wish,...
158003George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 24, 1777 . Congratulates Greene on defeat of enemy on October 22, 1777, and orders that all prisoners be sent to Morristown. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
158004George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 24, 1777 . Answers questions concerning Sullivan’s conduct at Brandywine. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
158005From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of yesterday, and thank you for the intelligence contained in it. He hopes you will soon be able to send him a confirmation with more certain particulars. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt ALS , Mrs. Cecily Symington, Cooperstown, New York. Stewart was commissary general of issues from June 18, 1777, to July, 1782.
158006The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 24 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Archives The Brigantine Penet John Harris Commander by Who you will receive this Letter has been taken up and fited out for a voyage to France solely with a Veiw of Conveying to you Authoritative Intelligence of the success of the American Army in the Northern Department. We sincerely Congratulate you upon this occasion and have the pleasure to Inform you that by...
158007To Benjamin Franklin from the Massachusetts Board of War, 24 October 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Translation: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Boston, October 24, 1777, in French: Your public character and responsibilities justify our opening a correspondence to inform you of events since the happy days of Trenton and Princeton. The British have recently occupied Philadelphia and fought Washington at Germantown; our privateers are doing damage, but the middle states are...
158008General Orders, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Many abuses having been committed in impressing horses for the army, The Commander in Chief positively orders, that henceforward, no horse be impressed by any member of the army, without an order therefor from the Qr Mr General, or order of his deputies or assistants, or a special order from the Commander in Chief. The Brigade Quarter Masters are to make returns, to morrow afternoon, at five...
158009Proclamation on Deserters, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Proclamation By His Excellency, George Washington, Esqr. General & Commander in chief of the forces of the United States of America. W hereas sundry Soldiers belonging to the Armies of the said States have deserted from the same; These are to make known to All those who have so offended, and who shall return to their Respective Corps, or surrender themselves to the Officers appointed to...
158010To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday, was handed me by Col: Fitzgerald; having detached Genl Winds with 1,000 Men to New Windsor, by order of Govr Livingston, this Post was reduced very low; I have endeavour’d by every possible means to bring in the Militia, & have only collected 700 men—hope in a few Days, to increase the Number to 1000. Immediately on reciept of your Excellency’s letter, I sent an...
158011From George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Major Ward written by your desires giving an account of your success over the enemy on the 22d instant. I heartily congratulate you upon this happy event, and beg you will accept my most particular thanks and present the same to your whole garrison both officers and men. Assure them that their gallantry and good behaviour meet my warmest approbation. All the...
158012From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress the inclosed copies of sundry letters just now received, and congratulate them most sincerely on the important intelligence which they contain. The damage the Enemy have sustained in their Ships, I hope will prevent their future attempts to gain the passage of the river, and the repulse of the Troops under Count Donnop and his Captivity, I...
158013To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
After the militia, that had been call’d into service, were discharg’d, I took a trip to Hanover, which prevented my receiving your favor of the 27th of Septr so soon as I otherwise should have done; & therefore could not answer it by the return of the post. My apprehensions that the number of your Troops was not so great as was represented, added to my great anxiety, that an end should be put...
158014To George Washington from Richard Peters, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour of your Favour of the 21st inst. which is communicated to the Board & a Letter agreeable to your Desire is written to General Heath relative to the Lead imported into Boston on private Account —A Quantity is purchased of Messrs McClenachan & Caldwell which together with the Saltpetre & Sulphur imported by them into Dartmouth & also bought for Continental Use is orderd to...
158015To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
We came down this Morning to the Edge of the Meadows & in View of the Bank which is the Road of Communication but Genl Potter with a few Horsemen having alarm’d the Enemy who were then working at some little Breastwork on which they sent out a large Detachment made it unsafe for us to remain longer on this Ground. We have certain Intelligence that last Night a Body of the Enemy recross’d...
158016To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
my ill State of health prevents my waiting upon your Excellencey in Person. I am Exceeding Unwilling to give you Trouble: but Doubt not of your Excys readiness to do Justice to Every Person under your Command. I have been most Scandalously Accused before Congress & before the world & nothing can Totally Destroy the Effects of this Calumny but a Declaration of your Excellencey in favor of my...
158017From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
It ever has been, and I hope ever will be, a ruling principle with me, to endeavour to do impartial justice to every officer, over whom, I have the honor to preside. I shall therefore, in answer to the quæries, contained in your letter of this date, readily declare— That although, I ascribed the misfortune which happened to us on the 11th of September, principally to the information of Major...
158018To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of receiving your favour of the seventeenth instant which was immediately laid before Council. In consequence of this application, we have ordered out two classes of militia offering an exemption from their fines to such delinquents of the former classes, as can be prevailed upon to join them, and have invited all of every class to turn out as volunteers. The Lieutenants have...
158019To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Wilkinson, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment arrived here, on my Way to Congress, with dispatches from Major General Gates; and being Uncertain whether your Excellency is apprized of the Fact; I think it my duty to congratulate you, on Lt Genl Burgoynes Surrender to the American Arms—This fortunate Event took place on the 17th Inst., & put us in possession of Six General officers, five thousand Combitants, five...
158020From Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Chiswell Nelson, 24 October 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Nelson’s merit and his present command place him in my judgment without a competitor, for the post to which you wish him appointed. It is a great happiness to me therefore that while I pursue the dictates of my own judgment I am at the same time subservient to your wishes. One truth only it behoves me to warn you of, that you may not be deceived by over-rating any one’s assistance. No...
158021Proposed Amendment to the Articles of Confederation, 23 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
To agree upon and fix ascertain the necessary Sums of Money to be raised for the service of the united States, and to appropriate and apply the Same to public Uses for defraying the public Expences. MS in JA ’s hand ( PCC , No. 47, reverse of f. 109½); in the margin: “Content 1111 111111.” Because JA ’s suggested wording was written on the back of wording proposed by Elbridge Gerry dealing...
158022To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 23 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I go to Town this Evening to a Rendezvous with Messrs. Chaumont and Holker. The latter will be very much obliged to You for the Letters You promised him, he wishes to set out tomorrow morning. Docr. Bancroft is returned. Inclosed is a Letter from Thornton and with this I leave You the Papers, and am Dear Sir Your most Obedient, and Very humble Servant...
158023To Benjamin Franklin from Charles de Hirschberg, 23 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I have not the honour to be personnally Known to you, I should flatter myself very happy if I was only by reputation; In looking over my old correspondances some time ago, I found Your interrogation, which appeared to me so precise and just, that I undertook the translation and find that a great part of the world is indebted to me for the publishing, as...
158024General Orders, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Waggon Master General is immediately to make a return of the waggons with the army, therein shewing, particularly, the uses to which they are applied, and the divisions and brigades, in which they are employed. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
158025To George Washington from Major Robert Ballard, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am just Arrivd at this place on command from Fort Mifflin, and finding that Colo. Green & the Commodore was sending by express to your Excellency the Glorious Event of last Evening and this Morning, think proper to give you the particulars from our Garrison. This Morning at half after Six OClock the enemy from Province Island began a very heavy fire from their Bomb Batteries and about an...
158026To George Washington from Captain Joseph Blewer, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that yesterday the Enemy (hesions) about 1200 attackd the fort at Red Bank after a Smart action they Retreated with much Loss on there Side ours very inconsiderable this Morning our gallys atacked the Eagle & Robuck after a hevy Cananade the Robuck droped Down the Eagle then aground keeping up a hevy fier till ten oClock at whitch time She took fier I am not as...
158027From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are exerting every nerve to reduce the Forts on the Delaware viewing them as insurmountable Obstacles to their holding philadelphia, if they remain in our hands. Against that on Mud Island they have been carrying on their Operations with great activity and industry for many days but as yet without success. They also sent a considerable detachment across the Delaware Yesterday morning...
158028To George Washington from Commodore John Hazelwood, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will acquaint Your Excellency that early this morning we carried all our Galleys to Action, & after a long & heavy firing we drove the enemys Ships down the River except a 64 Gun Ship & a small Frigate, which we obliged them to quit as they got on Shore & by accidence the 64 Gun Ship blew up & the Frigate they set on fire themselves, took the people all out & quitted them. Our Action...
158029To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Militia from Culpepper County were promised by their Colo., that they should be releived by the last of this Month; and as it is impossible to march a like Number from Virginia in Time to comply with that Engagement, I trouble you with this requesting that you will be pleased to discharge them at the Time they were promised Releif, unless they chuze to serve longer. With the highest...
158030From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.23 Oct. 1777. Joseph Reed refers in his letter to GW of 23 Oct. to “a Letter Genl McDougal received from your Excelly this Afternoon.”
158031To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will before this reaches you be informed that the Enemy quitted their Post last Evening. of Consequence the Attempt failed. the best Account I can get of it, is that Genl Howe with his principal officers came over yesterday reconnoitred the Ground which they were busily fortifying—they immediately ceased working began to embark & continued it till Sunset when the last went over. They then...
158032To George Washington from Major Samuel Ward, Jr., 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the desire of Colo. Greene, I congratulate your Excelly on the Success of the Troops under his command, Yesterday. On the 21st Inst. Four Battalions of Germans amounting to 1,200 men commanded by the Baron Donop Colo. Commandant landed at Coopers ferry & Marched the same Evening to Haddonfield. At 3 oClock Yesterday Morning, they marched for this place; when the Guard at Timber Creek bridge...
158033To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont: Two Notes, [before 22 October 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je prie M. franklin d’avertir M. andrew Patton de se Rendre a Rouen pour s’embarquer pour Cadix a Bord de L’heureuse Rencontre Capitaine Noel Martin. M. Patton peut prendre la diligence qui vat a Rouen dans un jour. Il s’adressera a Rouen a M. holker avec La Lettre cy Jointe. Il s’adressera a Cadix a Messieurs Rey et Brandenbourg. M. franklin voudera Bien...
158034To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 22 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
I write to you in Hast and Confidence—and beg you to conceal me when I speak with Freedom of Men and Things. After many Reports that Burgoyne and his Army were Prisoners of War, we have this Day receiv’d the Articles agreed on between him and our General. Perhaps I may be mistaken, but my Joy is damp’d by the Concessions G ates has made, considering how totally Burgoyne was in our Power. He...
158035George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Regrets that Hancock is forced to retire as President of Continental Congress because of poor health and the pressure of private affairs. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
158036George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Discusses distribution of newly arrived supplies. Sends news of General John Burgoyne’s defeat. Describes recent movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
158037General Orders, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
such of the troops as have not already drawn provisions, for to day and to morrow, are to do it immediately, and cook the whole; and all be ready to march on the shortest notice. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
158038To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 22 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 22 Oct. 1777. GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Clark on 23 Oct.: “His Excellency received last night your favor of Yesterday” ( DLC:GW ).
158039From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy yesterday morning threw a body of troops across the Delaware, with intention no doubt either to storm or invest Red-bank. As the Works there are strong, it is improbable they will hazard the loss of men, that would be likely to attend an assault, but will, I imagine, endeavour by a Blockade, to oblige the garrison to surrender. On this supposition, I am to request in the most earnest...
158040From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
It gives me real pain to learn, that the declining state of your health, owing to your unwearied application to public business, and the situation of your private affairs oblige you to relinquish a station; though but for a time, which you have so long filled with acknowledged propriety. Motives as well of a personal as of a general concern make me to regret the necessity that forces you to...
158041From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 9th and am glad to hear of the different arrivals of arms, tents and cloathing, the latter of which is exceedingly wanted in this army, and I hope the agents will immediately forward the proportion intended for them. Major Nicholas who is just returned from the Eastward informs me, that a large parcel of lead has lately arrived at Boston upon private account. As...
158042To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of yours of the 30th Ultimo and 8th Instant. We have this moment receivd the agreable news of General Burgoynes Surrendering himself and Army Prisoners on the 17th Instant to General Gates, on this Happy Event I beg leave most Heartily to Congratulate your Excellency, I find by the Articles of Capitulation that Burgoynes army is to be Sent to...
158043From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your of the 20th inclosing a list of the Gentlemen appointed to raise Recruits and apprehend deserters in the State of Jersey. I do not recollect the Resolve of the 31st of July to which you refer, but I imagine you will find it fully explained by a Resolve passed the 17th instant, by which I am to appoint an Officer in each state to superintend the persons appointed by the...
158044From George Washington to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy seem determined to possess themselves, if possible, of the Forts on the River. Their Operations against Fort Mifflin have been carried on for several days with unremitted attention, and from Various accounts they mean to storm Red Bank or to invest It. For this purpose, it is confidently said, that a pretty considerable Detachment crossed the River yesterday morning. It is of...
158045From George Washington to Richard Peters, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 18th with a Return of our military Stores in the different States. I sincerely wish they were more numerous, but I hope the Gentlemen of the Secret Committee in whose department it falls to import these Articles, have been taking care to procure a further supply. Major Nicholas who is just returned from the Eastward informs me that a large quantity of lead has...
158046From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
your Letter of 18th Inst. I receiv’d last night wherin I find you express a desire to be recall’d from fort Mifflin to Join your Corps. I found it Absolutely necessary to reinforce yr Garrison & that it was impracticable to do it consistently without supersedeing you, this determin’d me to send the Baron DArandt as the Person originally mention’d to you to command there, but would have omitted...
158047To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I left this place and went to Fort Mercer & hearing at that post about 7 OClock in the evening that the Enemy were advanced as far as this place I took back roads through the pines & tho all night & this morning ⟨ illegible ⟩ I am this moment arrived here, The Enemy left this at half after 4 OClock this morning in Number I beleive about three thousand some say 4000 they...
158048To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote from Haddonfield I have seen Mr Saml Clements who was Guide to the enemy he is a man of business Says they consist of at least 2500 Men mostly Hessians he heard the Word Donnop often mentioned & thinks he commands[.] Coll Blaine was at Fort Mercer at 8 OClock this morning and got in Sixty head of Cattle, & Near one thousand Gallons of Spirits are in the neighbd of Gloucester...
158049To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I must Acknowledge that the Opinion of the Court of Enquiry has given me both pain and Surprise—Surprise to find Gentn go on the most Erronious ground in two facts from which they seem to found their Opinion i.e. with Reguard to the Distance, and the Carrying off of one of the Piquets. the Distance between the nearest part of the Enemies Camp and where I lay—was near 4 Miles w[h]ich was...
158050To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 21 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
I fear you will class me with the weeping philosophers of antiquity, but I cannot help it. He who can be happy while his country is wasting her blood, and treasure to no purpose must be more or less than a man. General Gates’ unparalled success gave me great pleasure, but it has not obliterated the remembrance of the disorders I have seen in the army in this department. On the contrary I am...