158651From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 18 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I shall be very happy to see my dear Friend if it may be without Inconvenience to him; and the sooner the happier. The Duke de Chaulnes, who was with me last Night, has ask’d me to dine with him on Sunday, when he expected you: But that is a long time for me to wait; And I cannot think of another Place where a Meeting with me would not occasion Speculation....
158652To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François Le Brun: Two Letters, 18 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A friend of mine, an eminent marchant at Coruña in Spain and wellwisher to the cause of american Liberty has transmitted to me the Letter herein inclosed with prayer to have it delivered immediately in to the hands of Mr. Dean. But as I am totally unacquainted with the place where that gentleman is to be met with and afraid to have it trusted to any body...
158653To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], [18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am ashamed my dear sir at the littleness of my heart or rather that of my friends: as soon as I have passed the opportunity for conversing with this man it will be over, and I shall see you as publicly as at Xmas. Yes my dear sir I will meet you at 5, in the middle of the Seine; any where, so that I do but meet you, and tell you how much I revere you. In...
158654General Orders, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Gen. Peter Muhlenberg’s orderly book contains the following general orders for this date signed by Adj. Gen. Timothy Pickering: “The Rolls are to be called this evening & Officers and Men strictly charg’d not to stir from their Quarters, where their Corps are encamp’d, that they may be ready to march at a moments warning, Severe Punishment will be the Demerit of...
158655To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you last Night at this hour respecting One hundred Cattle which are now Safe at Sweeds Ford. Upon examining repeatedly the disposition of the Militia from Greys Ferry to the ford last mention’d, I cou’d not See the least use especially from Troops of this Sort, in a Situation So far detatched—joined to this the great probability of the Enemies looking more immediately to Sweedsford,...
158656From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 17th I had the honor to receive last night with Governr Livingston & Genl Dickinsons Letters. It is out of my power to do more, than I already have for checking the Enemy’s progress in Jersey, and I should hope, that will be the case as soon as the Troops ordered from pecks Kill arrive to reinforce the Militia assembling under Genl Dickinson. I observe, that All the...
158657To George Washington from John Hancock, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Last Night I was duely honoured with your Favour of yesterday, and this Day communicated the same to Congress. A few Minutes ago I received a Letter by Express from Genl Dickinson (a Copy of which I enclose) covering one to you, which I also forward. A certain Joseph Burns of Chester County, who had been sent out by Genl Wayne to reconnoitre the Situation of the Enemy, has this Moment called...
158658To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote before this Day & have procured a Parcel of Maps which not knowing of this Oppty or of my being down here I must defer sending till tomorrow. I cannot help acquainting you, my dear General that the Distance of the Army from the City & its March so remote has given great Alarm & very much discourages the Militia, if any real Service is expected—I do not doubt you have sufficient Reasons...
158659To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Thornburgh, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours by express, I have not recd the order you formerly sent, or any other respecting the Baggage before this day when about 4 OClock P.M. I recd a letter from Colo. Biddle with your orders to move the Baggage to Pottsgrove & Accordingly orderd Two Divisions to move intending to send the rest on before day, about 8 O’Clock this Evening recd one other express requesting me to send on...
158660From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I have receiv’d Information that the Enemy have turn’d down that Road from the White Horse which leads to Swedes Ford on Schuylkill I have to desire that you will Halt your Troops wherever this Meets you if coming this way & set them to Cleaning their Arms drawing Ammunition & Cooking Provision. I must call your utmost Exertion in fitting yourselves in the best manner you can for following...
158661To George Washington from Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 18 Sept. 1777. GW wrote in his second letter to Wayne of this date : “I have this Instt recd yours of ½ after 3 Oclock.”
158662From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Instt recd yours of ½ after 3 Oclock —having wrote twice to you already to move forward upon the Enemy, I have but little to add—Genl Maxwell & Potter are order’d to do the same (being at Pottss Forge)—I could wish you & those Genl would act in conjunction, to make your advances more formidable but I would not have too much time delayed on this Acct. I shall follow as speedily as...
158663Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowlidge a feast of Letters from you since I wrote last, their dates from August 19 to Sepbr. 1. It is a very great satisfaction to me to know from day to day the Movements of How, and his Bantitti. We live in hourly expectation of important inteligance from both armies. Heaven Grant us victory and peace, two Blessing s I fear we are very undeserving of. Enclosed you will find a...
158664Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 17 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your very polite favour was handed me this Evening. I esteem myself much obliged for the enclosed plan, but I cannot describe to you the distress and agitation which the reception of your Letter threw me into. It was some time before I could get resolution to open it, and when I had opend it I dared not read it. Ten thousand horrid Ideas rushd upon my Soul. I thought it would announce to me...
158665Enclosure: Extract of a Letter, 17 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Business still continues dull but am in Hopes of a Speedy Change as it seems by the last Accounts from Amsterdam that a War with France and England is inevitable. Lord Stormont, the English Ambassador has left the Court of France, upon meeting with an unsatisfactory Answer relative to the French’s supporting the Americans which they and the Spaniards are determined to do. And you may soon...
158666To John Adams from James Warren, 17 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours with the Inclosed came safe to hand last week, and have given me great pleasure. I wish I could in return give you any thing that would equally Amuse, Entertain, or gratify your Curiosity, but there is not so much as A single peice of News here to hand you. We are all Agreed that Burgoine is “treading dangerous Ground.” You are doubtless better Informed of the Motions, and Intended...
158667George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Yellow Springs [ Pennsylvania ] September 17, 1777. Discusses situation of enemy and American efforts to secure reinforcements. LS , in the writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
158668General Orders, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The commanding officers of brigades are immediately to dispatch two or three careful officers who are best mounted, into the rear of the line of march yesterday, as far back as General Maxwell’s quarters, where the army last drew up, to examine all houses, barns and huts on the way, and collect and bring on all stragglers from the army—The Brigadiers and other officers are immediately to...
158669To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 17 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, Sr., 17 Sept. 1777. Armstrong wrote GW at 8:00 P.M. , 18 Sept.: “I wrote you last Night at this hour.”
158670To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Express this moment arrived from Brigr Gen. Wines at Hackingsack, I am informed the Enemy have crossed the North River, & totally evacuated the Jersies—Gen: Wines say’s, their Number from the best Information he could collect, was near four thousand Men, & that General Clinton was certainly with them. Should this Intelligence be true, I have wrote Gen: McDougall, (who I am informed is near...
158671From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favours of yesterday and their inclosures; to which due attention shall be paid. The enemy seem now to be straining every nerve to accomplish their purpose; but I trust, whatever present success they may have, they will ere long experience a reverse of fortune. If they have four thousand men in the Jersies, it is probable, they have something more serious in...
158672To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit the enclosed Resolves, conveying the most extensive Powers to you, in Order that the Army under your Command may be more effectually supplied with Provisions and other Necessaries; & that the same may be prevented from falling into the Hands of the Enemy. The Congress have likewise empowered you to suspend all Officers for Misbehaviour, and to fill up all...
158673To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honored a few minutes Since, with a Copy of your Excellency’s favor of the 14th instant. The Enemy’s Army which came into Jersey from different Quarters, were under the command of General Clinton assisted by three other General officers. Their Force must have been considerable as he was with them. The lowest amounts that can be relyed on, place them at 2000, others as Credible as high as...
158674From George Washington to Colonel William Malcolm, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favourd with your Two Letters of the 13th & 14th Instants. At present, the situation of our Affairs will not justifie any of the Independt Companies being attached to your Regiment, whatever may be the case in future; And having regard to the public interest and knowing the small prospect there is of raising of Men at this crisis, I do not think myself authorized to commission...
158675From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon examining the State of our Ammunition I find it so generally hurt by the Rain that we are not in Condition to make a stand against the Enemy—I have therefore thought best to move up towards Warwick Furnace in order to obtain a Supply from the other side Schuylkill & have given orders accordingly Genl Greene[’s] Division remains here & Genl Wayne’s between this & Warwick untill the Baggage...
158676From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin or an Assistant Quartermaster, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I desire you will immediately move the Baggage and Ammunition from the place where you are at present to Warwick Furnace. Colo. Evans, the Bearer of this, is kind enough to undertake to pilot you by the safest and best Rout. No time is to be lost in the Execution of this Business and I think if you were to impress a few Waggons and lighten the others of part of their loads it would be better...
158677To George Washington from Major Francis Murray, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the Honor to write you from Stutterdam I was unable to inform your Excellency what quantity of Stores was at this place, but on my return made inquiry, and found they were very considerable. In the Commissaries Store there were 500 bls Flour, 18 ho[gshea]ds Spirits, 27 bls pease, and 20 casks tried Tallow, in the Quartermasters department, and Laboratory, agreeable to the inclos’d...
158678To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 Sept. 1777. GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman wrote Putnam on 21 Sept.: “His Excellency recd your favr of the 17th” ( DLC : William A. Oldridge Collection).
158679From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it may be dangerous for the Troops under your command to act alone, and the service may be more advanced by drawing Our Whole Force together, I earnestly request, that you will form a junction with the Main Army as soon, as you possibly can. We shall be at Warwick Furnace, on French Creek to Morrow Evening. The Enemy are now posted near the White Horse Tavern on the Road leading from...
1586801777. Sept. 16. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
No Newspaper this Morning. Mr. Dunlap has moved or packed up his Types. A Note from G. Dickinson that the Enemy in N. Jersey are 4000 strong. How is about 15 miles from Us, the other Way. The City seems to be asleep, or dead, and the whole State scarce alive. Maryland and Delaware the same. The Prospect is chilling, on every Side. Gloomy, dark, melancholly, and dispiriting. When and where will...
158681The Board of War to the Officer in Charge of Hessian Prisoners, 16 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I am directed by the Board of War to desire you, to deliver to Coll. Bird forty of the Hessian Prisoners in your Custody, to work with him as Artifficers and Labourers, if they consent. I am your humble sevt., RC in JA ’s hand ( DLC ); docketed: “Order from Warr Office 16th Septr. 1777 to deliver 40 Hessians to Col. Bird.” Col. Mark Bird, who ran a cannon foundry in Berks co. ( JCC Worthington...
158682Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Public Record Office Your agreeable favours of the 9th Inst. was handed me by Capt. Bell with the different packets and letters to morrow morning shall sail God willing. I forward by Capt. Bell my accounts I find a Ballance. I find in favour of the Congress which I shall give Credit if I find no Errors. If any shall settle the same with the Agent in America. As everything has gone...
158683Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I am just Setting off for Nantes. Have Setteled Accounts with Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard fils & Co. for the Disbursements of the ship Dolphin and have drawn on You for the amount of the Same 4703.10.0 Livres. I have taken fifty Guineas of this Amount along with me in case I Shou’d not find Mr. Williams at Nantes. I shall as usual give the Dolphin Credit for...
158684To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélémy-Louis-Joseph Schérer de Jouchery, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’eus l’honneur il y a quelque temps de vous etre Recommandé de la part de Monsieur Le Comte de Maillebois, et de vous presenter un ouvrage Militaire intitulé Nouveau traité de La Colonne . Oserois-je vous supplier Monsieur, de vouloir bien m’indiquer un jour ou je pourrai avoir l’honneur de vous presenter mes respects. J’espere aussi que vous voudrez bien...
158685General Orders, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Timothy Pickering describes the so-called Battle of the Clouds of this date and the subsequent rain-soaked American march from the Admiral Warren Tavern to Yellow Springs in his journal entry for 16 Sept.: “About nine in the morning we were informed that the enemy were advancing towards us. The troops got under arms, and the baggage was sent off. An...
158686To George Washington from Colonel Clement Biddle, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I removed the Baggage to Howells Tavern 4½ miles from the Warren Tavern & there waited for orders but before any came by a direct Line part of the Artillery of the Park under Lt Colonel Strobach came on that road without knowing which rout to pursue but an Express arriving a few minutes after from Colo: Lutterloh D. Q. M. G. with a Verbal Order from him to send the Provisions & Rum for the...
158687To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency last, I have received Information, that I think may be depended upon, that Generals Clinton, Campbell, & Skinner came over into Jersey, with the Detachments from York, & Staten Islands. The Person who gives this account, was at the Ferry on Staten Island, when those three Generals were crossing, & heard General Clinton say, he had orderd two regiments from...
158688From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here last night with the Army and am now so far advanced, as to be in a position to meet the Enemy on the Route to Swedes Ford, if they should direct their course that way. Their situation, I believe, from the best information I have been able to obtain, is nearly the same it was Yesterday Evening when I wrote you. I have ordered All the Troops to be refreshed this Morning, as they...
158689To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have only Time to enclose you the Resolves of Congress passed yesterday and to request your Attention to them. As I am not acquainted with the Name of Count Polaski, I must beg you will give orders for his Commission to be made out; and delivered to him. As he is at Head Quarters, it may be done with Exactness by consulting him as to his Name and Titles. Your Favour of yesterday I was duely...
158690To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment Rec’d a Note from Genl Dickinson desiring the Inclos’d Letter from him might be Sent to you by Express; he Judges the Enemy’s Force in Jersey to be 4000 strong. I will not Detain the Express longer than just to Inclose you the Resolution of Congress submitting to you the Execution of the Resolve respectg General Sullivan. Your favr of this Day I have just Rec’d; I am with...
158691To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had Your Orders from Coll Hamilton last night, and had ordered every thing cimilar to Your Excellencys I have had a party of 50 Just come in from the Turks head, at 12 oclock they found a party of the Enemys light Horse a little on this side but on the first discovery they made off and the Officer by enquirey found they had a piquet of foot about one Mile in the other side of the Turk the...
158692To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am extreamly sorry to hear that you have been unfortunatly obliged to retire and leave Genl How in possession of the Ground, I hope Providence will yet so smile on your Efforts, which I know will be to your utmost, as to put Genl How and his force in your power, The disadvantages of being attacked are very great, the Enemy chuse their mode of Attack Oppose their greatest strength, to your...
158693To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
We apprized you a few Hours ago that the River was rising fast & scarcely fordable the heavy Rains since have swelled it so much that it is now impassable—& from the best Accounts & Opinions it will be 24 Hours before it will be fordable for Footmen. In the former Letter I mentioned by desire of Genl Armstrong who came up to this Place this Morning that Monsr Portal has been up & will lay out...
158694To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 13 August[–15 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library Your duplicate of May 1st has been recd. Am obliged to you for sending the letter to London by a safe hand, and for your kind offer with respect to any future packits. Have taken the allowed liberty of accompanying this with a few sermons. Would have Mr. Sowden’s wait till an opportunity may offer of sending it on without any great expence, or he may think that the sermon...
158695Septr. 15. 1777. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Fryday the 12, I removed from Captn. Duncans in Walnutt Street to the Revd. Mr. Sprouts in Third Street, a few doors from his Meeting House. Mr. Merchant from Rhode Island boards here, with me. Mr. Sprout is sick of a Fever. Mrs. Sprout, and the four young Ladies her Daughters, are in great Distress on Account of his Sickness, and the Approach of Mr. Howes Army. But they bear their Affliction...
158696Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of our worthy friend Capt. Wickes leaving this Yesterday Eve with a fine Easterly Wind. The Dolphin Capt. Brown Sailed in Company. At Sun Setting they Discharged their Pilots, when they were clear of the Rocks &c. Since which the wind has Continued fresh from the Eastward, so that I make no doubt that by Noon this Day (a Monday) he is...
158697General Orders, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The whole line, while it continues unseperated, is to furnish 600 men properly officered, for guards &c.—Each brigade to give in proportion to it’s strength—These men are to be under the immediate direction of the Major General, and other officers of the day, who, with the assistance of the Q. Mr General, agreeably to the order of the 10th instant, are to see that these out-guards are posted...
158698To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Buchanan, Commissary General of Purchases, informs Me this Morning, that he was at Christiana Bridge on Saturday Afternoon, that Colo. Gist was then there, with 400 Maryland eastern Shore Militia, that he informed Mr Buchanan he expected to be joined by 400 more in a few Days, that he had with him three Iron field pieces with 36 Artillerists. That he was informed by several, & by Colo. Gist...
158699To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s Letter last Night, & you may be assured of my utmost exertions to check the Enemy’s progress in this State—It will not be in my Power, to give them much Opposition for several Days, as our Troops had just before this alarm, received Orders to march for Philadelphia, not a single moment shall be lost; after giving the necessary Orders, I shall instantly go on...
158700To George Washington from Colonel Mordecai Gist, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to a resolve of congress forwarded to me through the hands of General Smallwood, I am preparing to march the Troops in my command to Join the main Army, and propose reaching New Ark to Night. the sick and Wounded of the Enemy came into Wilmington Yesterday with the prisoners they took in the late Engagement. they brought with them five peices of Artillery and have a Guard of Near...