159001To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 14 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague; extract: National Archives La Lettre de Mr. Carmichael, du 25e. Juillet, est la derniere faveur que j’aie eu le plaisir de recevoir de votre part Messieurs. J’ai eu celui de lui écrire depuis; mais j’étois si pressé, que je n’ai pu garder copie de ma Lettre, et j’ai même oublié d’en noter la date. Tout ce qui...
159002To Benjamin Franklin from Rudolph Erich Raspe, 14 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have attempted to keep me in Your Kind remembrance by a Letter from Germany sent to London and dated Apr. 18. 1775 and by several others, directed from this place to Philadelphia under Aug. 31. 1775. and under March. 1. and 4. of last year. With these last I took the liberty to present You a copy of one of my last literary productions, to which I added...
159003General Orders, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
A board of general officers, consisting of all the General officers not on duty, to sit to morrow, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at General Greene’s quarters, for the purpose of settling the rank of all the Pennsylvania field officers. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . In the orderly book kept for the Pennsylvania State Regiment the general orders also contains the following advertisement:...
159004From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11th and have given a warrant for the month’s pay agreeable to your request. As your present situation is not inconvenient for gaining intelligence of what may be passing about Kings-Bridge in New York and on Staten Island, I wish you to take every method in your power to inform yourself of the situation of the enemy, their strength and motions at those...
159005To George Washington from William Gordon, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I embraced the first opportunity of sending you an anniversary sermon, this day fortnight, but had no time to accompany it with a few lines. I took the liberty of covering a few to some other gentlemen. Do the like now, praying you to accept of half a score to dispose of among your Suite, which has been so changed that I have not the pleasure of knowing them. Should be obliged to Mr Pickering,...
159006From George Washington to Robert Morris, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
In looking over my private Acct with the Public, I find a credit to it of a blank number of Silver Dollars sent me by you whilst I lay at Trentown about the first of Jany. for want of the Sum, I cannot Balle the Acct, and shall thank you for information on this head. With sincere regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affe Servt ALS , PWacD , on deposit (1994) at PPAmP . An entry for this money,...
159007To George Washington from Brigadier General Francis Nash, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the proceedings of a Board of the Field Officers of my Brigade, which I am requested by them, to lay before your Excellency, for your direction. You have also inclosed Sir, the proceedings of a General Court Martial, whereby you will find, that two Soldiers belonging to my Brigade, are sentenced to Death, which is also Submitted for your Excellency’s final determination. I have the...
159008From George Washington to Preudhomme de Borre, 14 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Preudhomme de Borre, 14 Aug. 1777. In his letter to GW of 17 Aug. , Preudhomme de Borre says that “I am favoured With the Letters that Your Excellency Done the Honor to Write to me of the 14 respecting major [Thomas] mullens.”
159009From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Price, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Captain Eli Dorsey, appointed to a Command in your Regiment, that he has never been included in any Pay Abstract, from a doubt arising, whether he could be paid, as he is a prisoner under parole—I am to request, that in your next Abstract, Captain Dorsey’s back pay may be included, and that in future, he may be regularly drawn for, as the Other Officers are & in the same...
159010To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received no intelligence of the Enemy’s fleet Since the 1st of this month that may be depended on—theres a rumour that they have appeared in Chesapeak bay, another that they were Seen off natucket Shoals—we have frequent desertions from the Enemy both british & Hessian. Jud: McDonald, taken Septr last in our Service on york Island and inlisted into Delancys Coir deserted from them 9...
159011To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment received a letter from Govr Geo: Clinton at New Windsor, inclosing a Copy of intelligence from the northward which I send to you, also requesting Some Continental Troops to go northward—to Support the Militia whom he is gone to influence on—in Consequence of his request your Order before given I have ordered Col. Courtlands & Livingston’s Regts to march immediately to the...
159012From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning recd yours of the 12th at the same time one from Genl Borre, by which I find Major Mullen’s Behaviour has been so exceptionable that no concessions can make any amends. I am therefore obliged to confirm the Sentence of the Court Martial. Upon a supposition that the Enemy had gone to the Eastward, I was upon my march further Northward, but an Express overtook me at this place,...
159013John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have been sweltering here, for a great Number of days together, under the scalding Wrath of the Dog Star. So severe a Spell of Heat has scarcely been known these twenty Years. The Air of the City has been like the fierce Breath of an hot oven. Every Body has been running to the Pumps all day long. There has been no finding a Place of Comfort—the shade, and the very Entrys of Houses where...
159014Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 13 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you the post before last to which refer you. In your last you mention the prize price of Salt, which am very sorry to see was so high. I had a little parcel lately which I retaild Out att 12/ a single bushel, and sold a Gentleman from the Jerseys who are deprived from geting that Article and to compasionate there case let him have itt att 10/ tho was offerd 20/ for itt, but as he...
159015To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia and having lately, in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners...
159016General Orders, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The officers of the day will consider of the necessary guards to be posted in this place, and attend to the order & discipline of the camp, agreeably to the general orders of the 5th of June. The General requests the officers of the day to dine at Head Quarters as usual. The Brigadiers, or Officers, commanding brigades, are, at orderly time to morrow, to return a list of all the absent...
159017From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this day received your Favor of the 9th Inst. your Vigilance in providing a proper Force to oppose the Enemy and the Alacrity with which the Militia have assembled afford me great Satisfaction; if your Efforts are seasonably and skilfully seconded by your Eastern Neighbours we may hope that General Bourgoyne will find it equally difficult to make a farther Progress or to effect a Retreat....
159018To George Washington from George Clinton, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the inclosed Copies of sundry Letters whch were forwarded to me by the Council of Safety at Kingston together with Extracts of their Letters to me accompanying them contain a Description of the melancholly Situation of our Affairs to the Northward with a particular Account of two small Actions between Parties of the Enemy near Fort Schuyler and the Militia of Tryon County and Part of the...
159019From George Washington to Silas Deane, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving several of your favs. by the hands of Gentlemen coming to America with a desire to enter into our Service, but as they were merely introductory, I hope I shall be excused for not answering them in regular order. The difficulty of providing for those Gentlemen in a manner suitable to the former ranks of some, and the expectations of many, has not a little...
159020To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 27 Ulto. Extracts of the paragraph respecting the Expedition to the River St Johns I sent to the Assembly—finding your Excellency’s opinion, without [waiting] for further Directions from Congress they voted to lay the Expedition aside, and ordered the Troops to be disbanded. As the Resolve of Congress directed them to set the Expedition on foot and...
159021To George Washington from Colonel David Mason, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I take this Oppertunity of Doing myself the Honr to write you on Several Matters which Occur & which I think highly necessary to Consult Your Excellency on, The time of Drafting of the Militia of this State Approaching Fast, when I have the Greatest Hopes we shall by inlistments & the Draft be able to Effect the Completion of our Quota’s of Men to fill up the Six Additional Battalions, when I...
159022From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 11th with Copy of a Letter from Govr Trumbull, by which I am pleased to find that he so readily complies with the requisition for a Body of Militia. I have a letter from Govr Clinton, in which he informs me that instead of five hundred Men he shall order Eight hundred to Fort Montgomery and that neighbourhood. Mine to you of the 11th gives you my opinion fully as to the...
159023To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose You a return of the Army under my Command —At the very least One half of those returned on Command are in such places, that they cannot be of any Service to us and Since that return, Van Schaick’s Bailey’s, and Jackson’s are marched to the relief of Fort Schuyler by the unanimous advice of all the General Officers here—We have not one Militia from the Eastern...
159024From George Washington to Colonel Alexander Spotswood, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your request, I enclose you, a Copy of the proceedings of the Board of Genl Officers on the Question of Rank, which was before ’em, between Colonel McClanninghan & Yourself. I am persuaded a reconsideration of the Question would produce the same determination, and therefore suppose it altogether unnecessary, as the Matter was very fully and maturely considered and there is nothing...
159025From Thomas Jefferson to Silas Deane, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Shore comes to Europe on behalf of a mercantile house of which he is a member for the purpose of establishing a proper correspondence. With himself I have but little personal acquaintance, but consider his character as sufficiently certified when appointed to transact business by those with whom he is connected, whom I know to be men of business, punctual, able and...
159026From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia, and having lately in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners whom I know to be able, punctual, and of great genius for trade; and...
159027Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
A few lines by way of remembrance every week tho I have nothing new to write you if I may judge you by myself are very acceptable. I long for a wedensday which to me is the happiest day of the week. I never fail of a pacquet, tis soon read, and then the next wedensday is thought of with the same Solisitude— The last post brought me yours of july 16, 18 and 20th. You have often of late mentiond...
159028From John Adams to James Warren, 12 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I see by the Papers, our Assembly is called, and conclude it is now Sitting. The Letters we receive from G. Schuyler, are enough to frighten any Body who does not know him. G eneral W ashington Says that all the Regiments from N.H. and M.B. are at the Northward and yet, Schuyler tells Us he has not above 4000 Men. I hope this Matter will be investigated. I believe Gates will find greater...
159029George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 12, 1777. Has instructed Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury. Asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Also known as Neshaminy Camp. This later became Hartsville, Pennsylvania.
159030The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Harvard University Library After Wickes’s squadron was sequestered on July 15 and Conyngham sailed from Dunkirk two days later, the commissioners’ relations with Versailles might have been expected to improve. Instead they grew worse, largely because Conyngham disobeyed his orders and took prizes. When one was recaptured, and most of...
159031Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my present unhappy Situation. The Judge of the Admiralty have receiv’d orders of the 6th. Instant from the Minester at Paris, ordering them not to Suffer me to take any Cannon Powder or other Millatary Stores on board or to depart from the port on any Consideration whatever without further Orders from Paris. In consequence of those...
159032To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I lately received a letter from Mr. Carmichael, to which the inclosed is an answer; his letter was without date, nor could I certainly gather from any circumstances contained in it, the place of his residence. As the business in which he is engaged may occasion him to shift frequently his abode, I request the favor of you to forward to him the inclosed...
159033To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In one of my Letters some time since I mentioned that an application had been made to me in behalf of Monsr. De Kerguelin to fit out a vessell of war in the Service of the united States, for which he wants in the first Place a Commission from the Congress, and such pecuniary assistance as you may think proper to give; if you do not choose to advance...
159034General Orders, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commmander in Chief is pleased to approve of the following sentences of a General Ct Martial held yesterday, whereof Colo. Spencer was President. Aron Paul of the 11th Virga Regt charged with letting a Prisoner escape, and being drunk on his Guard found guilty of being drunk on his Guard & not guilty of letting a Prisoner escape; & sentenced to receive fifty Lashes on his bare Back —The...
159035From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 12 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 12 Aug. 1777. Dickinson’s letter to GW of 11 Aug. is docketed in part “Ansd 12th.”
159036From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Newcomb having informed me, that he had collected a body of about five hundred Jersey Militia at Woodberry, I have desired him to endeavour to keep them together while matters remain in their present uncertainty and suspense, and to employ them in whatever works may be carrying on at Bilingsport, or Redbank, for the defence of the river. I mention this, that if it shall be thought...
159037From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your favour of the 30th Ulto which only came to hand last night. Having written you fully yesterday, I have but little to add at this time and indeed Nothing but what respects the Subject of your Request. Springfeild being in the Massachusetts State is certainly included in your Command, and you will from time to time order payment to the persons employed in the...
159038To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders I waited upon General Schuyler on my way to the militia, who had assembled and were assembling at Manchester on the grants, received his instructions, and met the troops the second instant, found only five or six hundred there—but one regiment was on the road from the Massachusetts, and about thirteen or fourteen hundred from New Hamshire, before many of...
159039To George Washington from Preudhomme de Borre, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I executed the orders from your Excellency concerning master mullens, I have him tried by a general court martial & the Sentance hath been reported to your Excellency, I would not Set in my grievances before the court martial, that master mullens hath been So bold to tell to me, being under arrest, that he after 8 Days would have Satisfaction or Duel With me, I Know your ordinance upon Such...
159040To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor yesterday of receiving your Excys favor of the 10th Instant am happy to Learn that The Army is on its march this way as I have Long been of opinion that New England is the object of Mr How—I Shall use Every method to get what Intelligence I can from the places you mention—I feel myself under the most Sensible obligation to your Excellencey for your Lenity to the prisoners I...
159041To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the Subject of Waggons for the Commissary Department I conceive That the Qr Mr General should always furnish the Commissary Genl of Issues with all the Teams necessary to remove Provisions, from the Magazines to Camp or Quarters; & to remove all the Provisions in Camp, on a remove of the Army—By the New Regulations the Commissary of Purchases, is to lodge the Provisions when purchased in...
159042From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 10–11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. I am convinced if any Ships appeared off your Coast at the time you mention, that they could not have been the Fleet that sailed from the Hook, because they were off the Capes of Delaware just at that time. But I think it more than probable, that you will have heard something of the Enemy before this reaches you. We have not recd the...
159043John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have paid Turner, his Wages up to this day, and settled all Accounts with him. Besides which I have given him £3:2s:od. L.M. towards his Expences home. When he arrives he is to produce his Account to you, of the Expences of his Journey. See that he produces Receipts from the Tavern Keepers. Dont pay a Farthing, but what he produces a Receipt for. I am glad he is going, for between you and me...
159044John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Favour of July 30. and 31. was handed me, just now from the Post office. I have regularly received a Letter from you every Week excepting one, for a long Time past, and as regularly send a Line to you inclosing Papers.—My Letters are scarcely worth sending. Indeed I dont choose to indulge much Speculation, lest a Letter should miscarry, and free Sentiments upon public Affairs...
159045John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I think I have sometimes observed to you in Conversation, that upon examining the Biography of illustrious Men, you will generally find some Female about them in the Relation of Mother or Wife or Sister, to whose Instigation, a great Part of their Merit is to be ascribed. You will find a curious Example of this, in the Case of Aspasia, the Wife of Pericles. She was a Woman of the greatest...
159046John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
As the War in which your Country is engaged will probably hereafter attract your Attention, more than it does at this Time, and as the future Circumstances of your Country, may require other Wars, as well as Councils and Negotiations, similar to those which are now in Agitation, I wish to turn your Thoughts early to such Studies, as will afford you the most solid Instruction and Improvement...
159047From Benjamin Franklin to [Lecoq], 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library The Equipping of armed Vessels in the Ports of France to act under Commissions from the Congress of America against the English, being contrary to Treaties, and therefore disagreable to Government here, your Friend’s Request cannot possibly be comply’d with. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant In reply to his inquiry above, July 28....
159048William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : American Philosophical Society By a Sloop of War Sailing this Evening for Brest, I have only Time to communicate to you the important News that has been received to Day by a Vessel which Sailed from Salem the beginning of July and brings a Gazette of the 3d of that Month which mentions, that Gen. Howe after having made a Junction of Some of his Troops...
159049Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just Setting off for St. Mallo where Mr. Williams thinks I had better spend about 3 Weeks, in order to be out of the way and give time for our new ship to be built. I Shall have Capt. Tanner here to overlook as much as is needfull, or we dare appear in. He is an Experienced man in Ship building and A Compleat Draughts man. I shall send you the draught...
159050Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my last I omitted mentioning that the Vessell from North Carolina was from Edington and the Capt. said he saw the account of the affair at Brunswick in a Newspaper which he unfortunately did not bring with him. This news we afterwards began to doubt, because the News from England which confess’d to have recvd. Accounts so late as the 23 June, did not...