17301From John Adams to James Warren, 20 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this is John McPherson Esq. He is a Genius—an old Sea Warriour, Nine or ten Times wounded in Sea Fights. He has a son in the Service—Aid de Camp to Schuyler—a very sensible Man. Of Mr. McPhersons Errand to the Camp ask no Questions and I will tell you no false News. It will make a Noise, in Time—but for the present for Gods sake let not a Word be said. I hope all our Friends who...
17302To John Adams from James Warren, 20 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
After an Interval much longer than I ever designed should take place, I now set down to write again. The Multiplicity of Business, and the Croud of Company here must be my Excuse, every Body either Eats, drinks or Sleeps in this House, and very many do all, so that for A week past I could get no opportunity to write Morning, Noon, or Night. The Committee of Congress Arrived here last Sunday....
17303General Orders, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
17304To George Washington from Reuben Fogg, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I would Inform your Excelency that on tuesday the 17th Instant about five oClock after noon their was drawd up before the Town of Falmouth two Ships one Sloop & an Armed Scooner of War and the 18th about Nine oClock in the Morning fird on the Town and in a Short time the town was Set on fire by the Ships and by twelve or one oClock near three Quarters of the town was in flames Some of the Men...
17305To George Washington from Colonel Richard Gridley, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The foregoing Inventory of Ordnance & Stores are what I judge to be absolutely Necessary for this Army: Many Small things are omitted being Mentiond, as the Company of Artificers can make them, and many things can be supply’d by the Neighbourhood if wanted: It is impossible to give an Exact List of what may be wanted on all occasions: I have endeavour’d as much as the time woud permit, to...
17306Enclosure: Colonel Richard Gridley’s Estimate of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Inventory of Ordnance & Stores necessary for the present Army Supposing it to Consist of Twenty Thousand men. Cannon vizt pounders 24 } Battering Cannon 36 & 18 12 } Cannon 20 & 9 6 } Small Cannon & Field pieces 44 4 3
17307To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Macpherson having informed the Congress, that he had invented a method, by which with their leave, he would take or destroy every ministerial armed vessel in North America, they appointed Govr Hopkins Mr Randolph & Mr J. Rutledge to confer with him on the subject, for he would not consent to communicate the secret to any but a committee & you. These Gentlemen reported, that the...
17308From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 23 Oct. to GW, Storrs writes : “In Compliance with your Exelencies Request of the 20th of this Instant I have Conferred with the Several Officers of this Regiment, Laid your Exelencies Letter before them for there Consideration.”
17309To George Washington from the Field Officers of Brigadier General John Sullivan’s Brigade, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Repeated Complaints of our Officers & Men with Respect to our back allowance of Pease, or the Value thereof in Money, not being delivered to them, & the exorbitant Prices at which the Sauce in the Comissary’s Store is set—Induces us to pray that your Excellency would order a Court of Enquiry to examine into the Conduct of the Commissary Genl. 1st For not delivering out our back allowance...
17310From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tupper, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Whereas Information has been given to me that two Vessels the one belonging to Holmes & the other to Coffin, both Persons of known Enmity to the United Colonies are now laying at Martha’s Vineyard, intending to proceed to Boston with their Cargoes for the Benefit & Refreshment of the ministerial Troops there—These are therefore to require you to seize the said Vessels, with their Cargoes, &...
17311To George Washington from Lieutenant Nehemiah White, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
[Roxbury, c.20 October 1775] . Petitions for discharge from the army because of “the bad State of health which for a long time he has Laboured under.” DS , DLC:GW . Although this petition has no dateline, the note that Lt. Col. Ebenezer Clap added to it supporting White’s request is dated “Roxbury Camp Octr 20th 1775.” The wording of this petition is very similar to that of Jedediah...
17312[Notes of Debates, Continued] Octr. 21. (Adams Papers)
Zubly. We cant do without Powder, Intelligence, Druggs. Georgia must have an Indian War, if they cant supply the Indians. The Creeks and Cherrokees are in our Province. We must have Indian Trade. Four Millions have been spent in 6 Months. We have been successfull. But We have gain’d little. All the Power of G.B. it is true, has gained very little. N. England has been at great Expence, so has...
17313Abigail Adams to John Adams, 21 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Tis ten Days since I have wrote you a line; I have received one Letter since dated 27 of Sepbr. You do not mention having heard from me altho I have wrote six Letters. I thought I should have heard oftner from you in this absence than I had ever done before, but it has been quite otherways. I never found the communication so difficult, and tis only in my Night visions that I know any thing...
17314John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
This Letter will go by two Gentlemen, who are travelling to your Country, for the Sake of acquiring military Knowledge. The Name of one of them is Mr. John Folwell and the other Mr. Josiah Hart. Each of them is the Captain of a Company of Militia in their Country, which is no small Honour here. Captn. Hart is the Son of a Mr. Joseph Hart of Warminster in the County of Bucks in this Province,...
17315From John Adams to James Warren, 21 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I believe I shall surfeit you with Letters, which contain nothing, but Recommendations of Gentlemen to your Attention, especially as you have So many important affairs to take up all your Time and Thoughts. But the Bearers, are Gentlemen, who come so well recommended to me that I could not refuse my self the Pleasure of giving them an opportunity of Seeing my Friend Warren, of whom you must...
17316From John Adams to James Warren, 21 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
We must bend our Attention to Salt Petre. We must make it. While B. is Mistress of the Sea, and has so much Influence with foreign Courts, We cannot depend upon a Supply from abroad. It is certain that it can be made here because it is certain that it has been formerly and more latterly. Dr. Graham of White Plains in the Colony of New York told me, that he has made Some thousands of Pounds...
17317To John Adams from Nathan Rice, 21 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I must acknowledge myself culpable, by a Breach of Orders, should not have neglected writing, but for an almost invincible Disorder in My Hands which has deprived me of their Use for two Months, am now almost recovered. Many things have happened during the Season which I should have transmitted had it been in my Power. The State of our Army you doubtless Sir are as well acquainted with as...
17318General Orders, 21 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of Col. Gridley’s regiment, and Major Crane’s Corps of Artillery, who are inclined to engage in the service of the United Colonies, for one Year from the day of the expiration of their present term of service, are to deliver in their Names and the Rank they now possess to the Adjutant General to morrow Morning at ten OClock; such as disincline to remain any longer in the service,...
17319To George Washington from the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 21 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 21 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 24 Oct. to the committee , GW mentions “your Favour of the 21st Instant.”
17320To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 21 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment Informed by the Revd Mr Foster, Chaplin to Colo. Scammons Regt That One Mr Page an Episcopalian Minister, is takeing plans of all our works—That he was yesterday viewing the works at Roxbury in order to Correct his plans, That he Acquainted the Revd Mr Belknap who is now in Cambridge, that he was going for England, and by those plans would Strive to Convinc my Lord Dartmouth,...
17321To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 22–23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your obliging favor of the 13th and I assure you that no Man living approves the vigorous measures you mention more than myself. Great bodies, you know, move slow; and it is as sure, that the most palpable and glorious events may be delayed, and the best causes finally lost by slow, timid, and indicisive counsels. We must be content however to take human nature as we find it,...
17322Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Lorthorp call’d here this Evening and brought me yours of the 1 of October a day which will ever be rememberd by me, for it was the most distressing one I ever experienced. That morning I rose and went into my Mothers room, not apprehending her so near her Exit, went to her Bed with a cup of tea in my hand, raised her head to give it to her, she swallowed a few drops, gaspd and fell back...
17323General Orders, 22 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Deputies from the Honorable Continental Congress, having arrived in this camp; in order to confer with the General, the several Governors, of Rhode Island, & Connecticut, the Council of massachusetts bay, and the president and Convention of New Hampshire; on the continuing an Army for the Defence & support of America, and its Liberties; all Officers, who decline the further Service of...
17324To George Washington from Lund Washington, 22 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I hope before this Comes to hand, you have seen Mr Harrison who will be able to answer you many Questions that you no doubt, will Ask relative to your own private matters as well as those of a more publick Nature. Mrs Washington with Mr & Mrs Custis left this on tuesday last —they are gone down to Colo. Bassets they intended to stay a few days in Fredercsbarg. Our mill Dams &c. are once more...
17325John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday yours of Octr. 9th. came to Hand. Your Letters never failed to give me Pleasure—the greatest Pleasure that I take, is in receiving them. And altho every one, which has yet come to Hand is replete with melancholly Tidings, yet I can truly say I never was so earnest to receive them. I rejoice in the happy Principles and the happy Temper, which apparently dictated them all. I feel...
17326From John Adams to James Warren, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have only Time to acquaint you that Yesterday, that eminent American, and most worthy Man The Honourable Peyton Randolph Esqr. our first venerable President, departed this Life in an Apoplectic Fit. He was seized at Table having but a few Moments before set down with a good deal of Company to dinner. He died in the Evening without ever recovering his senses after the first stroke. As this...
17327To John Adams from William Heath, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor of the Receipt of yours of the 5th. Instant, and shall think myself fortunate if by writeing or Otherwise, I can in the least Contribute to the Good of my Country, or Advantage of my Native Colony. It is not Surpriseing that Jealousies do Subsist, and that Misrepresentations have been made, respecting our Colony by some , But Such will be despised, by the Wise...
17328To John Adams from Samuel Osgood, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Without apologizing for interrupting you a short Moment I have to inform you that Genl. Frye not receiving any Intelligence respecting himself, and being informed that Genl. Washington had received Word from the Honorable Congress that the Appointment of another Brigadier was suspended for the present, he left us about the 10th of Octr. unable to account for his not having any particular...
17329To John Adams from Artemas Ward, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I Received your favour of the fifth Instant, a week after the arival of Mr. Lynch, although I had been twice in his company be fore. I have indeavoured to treat the Gentlemen Committe with Decency and Politeness, I invited them to Roxbury twice. The day after I invited them Mr. Lynch came to Roxbury, but did not dine with me, he being Ingaged to dine with Genl. Washington as he...
17330To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have been long waiting for an opportunity to communicate some intelligence worthy of your notice, but nothing very important has taken place since you left the Camp; and every action with the Enemy has been published in the Newspapers, which has superseded the necessity of communicating those events by Letter. The general face of our public affairs both civil and military appear much as they...
17331The Settlement with Franklin for His Massachusetts Agency, [23 October 1775] (Franklin Papers)
DS and copy: Massachusetts Archives Ever since Franklin’s appointment in 1770 as agent of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he had served his constituents without pay. They had authorized his salary time and time again, but the Governor had always refused, on instruction, to give his assent; and the agent conducted the colony’s business at his own expense. His principal outlay was...
17332Joseph Hawley to the Committee of Conference of Congress, 23 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society To give you full Satisfaction that what was granted and paid in the last War to the Non commission officers and private Soldiers by this colony was in the whole much more than the whole which has been engaged to the Non commissiond officers and privates in the present service by the late Congress of this colony. Col. Warren and the Subscriber have bro’t for...
17333General Orders, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Col: David Brewer of the 9th Regt of Foot, tried at a General Court Martial, whereof Brigdr Genl Thomas was president, for “procuring a Lieutenant’s Commission for his son, an unexperienced boy of 16, or 17 Years of Age, and returning him as in the public service from the 24th of April, and drawing his pay for the month of August; during all which time the said boy, was at home, in his fathers...
17334To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Brickett, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
23 October 1775 . Certifies that Peter Webster is discharged from Col. James Frye’s regiment because he “appears Incapable of doing the Duty of a Soldier.” ADS , DLC:GW . Although this document is not addressed to GW, his discharge of Webster on this date indicates that it was sent directly to him. Peter Webster, a private in Capt. John Davis’s company in Col. James Frye’s Massachusetts...
17335To George Washington from Joseph Greenleaf, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed plan was presented to me by a country gentleman to make such use of as I should think best. I know no better use I can make of it than to present it to yr excellency being assured that if it affords any good hints they will be improved by you for the public good. I am Sr your humb. servt ALS , NNGL : Knox Papers. Joseph Greenleaf (1720–1809) of Boston, a brother-in-law of Robert...
17336To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 23 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 10 Nov. to McDougall , GW refers to “your Letter of the 23d Ulto.”
17337To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Pursuant to Your Excellency’s Direction I have directed the Commanding Officers of the Companies under my Command to Ascertain the Number of Officers & Soldiers in their respective Companies who are willing to extend the Term of their Inlistment to the first Day of Jany next: by their Returns I find there are Two Hundred & Twenty Noncommissiond Officers & Soldiers who are willing to Serve till...
17338To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
In Compliance with your Exelencies Request of the 20th of this Instant I have Conferred with the Several Officers of this Regiment, Laid your Exelencies Letter before them for there Consideration, They unanimously Conclude to tarry Should the Service Requier it to the Time mentioned by your Exelencey, The Officers Absent are Majr Johnston Capt. Clark, Leiut. Fitch, Leiut. Robinson & Leiut....
17339To George Washington from John Thomas, 23 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Thomas, 23 Oct. 1775. On this date Thomas wrote to GW: “Since I wrote this Morning, one Lt Blake . . . has Applyed.”
17340To George Washington from Brigadier General John Thomas, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
You will Excuse me when I Trouble your Excellency so Often with the Application of Officers for Discharges Since I wrote this Morning, one Lt Blake of Colo. Fellow’s Regt has Applyed, & it is recommended that he have his request Granted, as he is a Person that will be no Loss to the Army —I am, Sir, Your very Humb. servt L , DLC:GW . George Blake, lieutenant of Capt. Simeon Hazleton’s company...
17341From George Washington to Lund Washington, 23 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 23 Oct. 1775. On 5 Nov. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “I have just reciev’d two letters from you Octbr 15th & 23d.”
17342To George Washington from Colonel Charles Webb, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
According to your Excellency’s Desire, I have made Enquiry among my Officers, and find them in general willing to comply with your Excelency’s Request. The Officers of the several Companies have not had Time, as yet, to find out the Disposition of their Soldiers, I shall use my utmost Influence to have your Excellency’s Request comply’d with, and as soon as I can possibly ascertain the precise...
17343To George Washington from Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Camp near Prospect Hill , 23 October 1775 . Requests discharge of Sgt. Ebenezer Keller, who is “in a low State.” ALS , DLC:GW . On the reverse of this letter is a letter of this date to Woodbridge from John Homans, surgeon, certifying “that Sargeant Ebenr Keeler is rendered unfit for duty by a long fit of Sickness.”
17344From John Adams to James Warren, 24 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
When it is Said that it is the Prerogative of omniscience to Search Hearts, I Suppose it is meant that no human sagacity, can penetrate at all Times into Mens Bosoms and discover with precise Certainty the secrets there: and in this Sense it is certainly true. But there is a sense in which Men may be said to be possessed of a Faculty of Searching Hearts too. There is a Discernment competent to...
17345To John Adams from John Thomas, 24 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I Received your favour of the fifth Instant, am Pleased to hear the Unanimity of the Colony’s Increase, as the Salvation of our Country Depends on the United Efforts of the whole. Altho: our Number of men in the New England Colony’s may be Sufficient to Repell any Force the Ministry may be able to Send; Yet the Expence of Such an Army as is Necessary to be kept up for that purpose, would be...
17346The General Court to the Massachusetts Delegates, 24 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
The General Court of the Colony which you represent in Congress, now incloses you an application, made to your Honorable Assembly for a Grant of the sum therein mentioned: which application you will lay before said Congress or not, as you shall judge prudent. The frequent calls this Colony has been obliged to attend to in support of the Army, together with those daily made for that purpose,...
17347Enclosure: Lemuel Hayward to William Gordon, 24 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have attended the Hospital ever since about the middle of May last by Order from Genl. Thomas, but am unable to ascertain the Number I attended or the Event till June 10th. since which Time Doctr. Willm. Aspenwall and myself have attended not less than six hundred Patients as Provincial Surgeons and out of that Number have not lost more than forty. This I have collected from the Hospital...
17348The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 24 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
DS : National Archives We arrived at this place on the 15 and shoud have proceeded immediatly to perform the Duty imposed by the Congress, but the President of the Congress of New Hampshire was detained by the Illness of his Family from attending, after waiting two days for him it was determined to call in General Sullivan to represent that Colony. The president joined us next day, and we have...
17349General Orders, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General approves the sentence of the General Court Martial, in yesterday’s orders. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
17350To George Washington from the Arundel Committee of Correspondence, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Arundel [District of Maine] 24 October 1775 . “In Pursuance of a Resolve of the General Assembly of this Colony,” the committee of correspondence returns “the Names of the following Persons as having been unnecessarily absent from their respective Companies.” Alexander Inglish and John Miller of “Captain Dormain’s Company” in Col. Scammans’s regiment and Benjamin Goodwin, Jr., Trustram Hooper,...