18101To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Copy of intelligence brought me in the Evening of the 16th instant, On which I immediately convened my Council of Safety—On consideration of the necessity of a reinforcement in that quarter—have agreed to raise a Regiment of 750 men, Officers included—with all possible Expedition by voluntary inlistments, On the same encouragements given by the Continent, to serve until the 1st...
18102Editorial Note on the Reorganization of the Indiana Company, 19 January 1776 to 20 March 1776 (Franklin Papers)
The Indiana Company, which represented the claim of the “suffering traders” to whom the Indians had ceded land at Fort Stanwix in 1768, contained a number of Americans who were not traders, William Franklin and Joseph Galloway among them. When the Company was absorbed into the Grand Ohio or Walpole Company at the end of 1769, the claim of the former became part of the grant for which the...
18103Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, with Adams’ Letter of Transmittal, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had wrote you several posts before my hearing you was returned. I should be very glad if you and Mrs. Adams could take a turn this way before you return to Philadelphia again. I had lately a schooner arrived, with some powder, at Barnstable, rather better than three hundred pounds, which was disposed of there, as the people wanted it much. I understand that any person importing powder shall...
18104Order that blankets collected in Hampshire and Berkshire counties be retained there for use by troops going northward … (Adams Papers)
19 January 1776. Order that blankets collected in Hampshire and Berkshire counties be retained there for use by troops going northward. M-Ar :207, p. 423–424. ( M-Ar :207, p. 423–424).
18105Resolution requesting accounts from towns of powder, lead, and flints supplied to the Continental Army, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
19 January 1776. Resolution requesting accounts from towns of powder, lead, and flints supplied to the Continental Army. M-Ar :207, p. 426. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1267. ( M-Ar :207, p....
18106Resolution ordering commissioners designated to erect a powder mill to do so at Stoughton, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
19 January 1776. Resolution ordering commissioners designated to erect a powder mill to do so at Stoughton. M-Ar :207, p. 429. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1270. ( M-Ar :207, p. 429.) printed...
18107Resolution for raising 728 officers and men in Hampshire and Berkshire counties to go to Canada, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Resolution for raising 728 officers and men in Hampshire and Berkshire counties to go to Canada. M-Ar :207, p. 430. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1270. ( M-Ar :207, p. 430.) printed : ( Force,...
18108Resolution to approve choice of field officers for regiment going to Canada, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
19 January 1776. Resolution to approve choice of field officers for regiment going to Canada. M-Ar : 207, p. 434. printed : Force, Archives [Peter Force, ed.,] American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and Other Notices of Publick Affairs , Washington, 1837–1853; 9 vols. , 4th ser., 4:1270. ( M-Ar : 207, p. 434.) printed : ( Force,...
18109IV. A Proclamation by the General Court, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
The frailty of human Nature, the Wants of Individuals, and the numerous Dangers which surround them, through the Course of Life, have in all Ages, and in every Country impelled them to form Societies, and establish Governments. As the Happiness of the People alone , is the sole End of Government, So the Consent of the People is the only Foundation of it, in Reason, Morality, and the natural...
18110To John Adams from Samuel Gelston, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Pardon me for the Liberty I take in Sending a Billet to a Gentleman of your exolted Station and Character, when I have not the Honour to be in the number of your Acquaintance. Had not my situation been Really distressed, I should not have done it. When the Council Rose Yesterday p.m. I was Acquainted by one of the Members That they had come into sundry Resolutions on my Matters and that...
18111To John Adams from Perez Morton, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Agreable to the Direction of the inclosed Resolution, I am to acquaint you that by a joint Ballot of both Houses of Assembly for the Colony of Massachusetts Bay You are elected one of the Delegates to represent that Colony in American Congress untill the first Day of January AD 1777 And the enclosed Resolve you are to make the general Rule of your Conduct. RC ( Adams Papers ); with enclosure,...
18112General Orders, 19 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
One serjeant, one Corporal and twelve Men, from General Putnams division, to mount to morrow Morning for the Provost Guard, at the old School house, on Cambridge common; to this Guard all Prisoners accused of Crimes cognizable by a General Court Martial, are to be sent; all suspected spies, and all Strollers and Stragglers, who cannot give a proper account of themselves—The Guard is to be...
18113Circular to the Governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, 19 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosures herewith sent, convey such full accounts of the sad reverse of our affairs in Canada, as to render It unnecessary for me, in my present hurry, to add ought to the Tale. Your spirited Colony will, I have no doubt, be sufficiently Impressed with the expediency of a vigorous exertion to prevent the evils which otherwise must follow from the repulse of our Troops—It does not admit...
18114From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Taking it for granted that Genl Schuyler has not only informd you of the fall of the brave, and much to be lamented Genl Montgomerie, but of the Situation of our Affairs in Canada (as related by Genl Wooster, Colo. Arnold, Colo. Campbell, and others) I shall not take up much more of your time on this subject, than is necessary to Inclose you a Copy of his Letter to me, with the result thereon,...
18115To George Washington from Stephen Moylan, 19 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Stephen Moylan, 19 Jan. 1776. On 20 Jan. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Moylan: “Your Letter of the 19 Instant was delivered early yesterday & would have been Answered before this Evening, had not his Excellencys time been much employed in dispatchg Expresses to sundry places” ( DLC:GW ).
18116Refutation of the Argument that the Colonies were Established at the Expense of the British Nation, [after 19 January … (Jefferson Papers)
Queen Elizabeth by letters patent bearing date the 11th. of June 1578. granted to Sr. Humphrey Gilbert license to search for uninhabited countries, and to hold the same to him and his heirs, with all jurisdiction and royalties by sea and land, reserving to the crown of England his allegiance and the fifth part of all the oar of gold and silver which should be gotten there. He had moreover...
18117General Orders, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
18118Instructions to Captain Charles Dyar, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You being appointed Captain and Commander of the Armed Schooner Harrison in the Service of the United Colonies are to Pay all attention and Obedience to the following Instructions. 1st you are to proceed imediately on a Cruze against Such Vessels as may be found on the high Seas or elswhere bound Inwards or outwards to or from Boston in the Service of the Ministerial Army—and to take & Seize...
18119To George Washington from John Hancock, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
In my former letter I mentioned the disagreeable news we received from Canada. The Congress have taken that matter under consideration and having examined Mr Antil and duly deliberated on the situation of our affairs in that quarter they have come to sundry resolutions which I have the honor to enclose. I would just observe that by Mr Antil’s examination it appears our loss is greater then...
18120To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was this moment honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Instant; on the Subject of Cannon and shells. I should long ere now have forwarded the latter, agreeable to Colonel Knox’s memorandum, if I had not been interdicted by a former favor. you may rest assured that all Posible dispatch will be given to expedite the shells; but as the men of warr’s boats often Row gard to where the...
18121To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Council upon Examination of several persons who were sent here by the Committee of Safety of Newbury Port, and were taken on board a Ship from London, and a Brigt. from Cork, both bound to Boston; find that one of the passengers in the latter is a Lieutenant in the 5th Regimt (Earl Peircys) now in Boston, they have therefore ordered the sd Lieutenant Hill with his Servant to be sent to...
18122To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 20 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 20 Jan. 1776. On 31 Jan. GW wrote to Reed : “I have now to thank you for your favours of the 15th 16th & 20th Instt.”
18123From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I agree to Adjutant Peabody’s discharge; & Colo. Otis’s Son taking his place —I do not know of any objection to the last arrangement given in by you, & shall, when my present hurry of business is a little over Issue the Commissions—My Order extended to all persons whatsoever, but from the Nature of the Office of Clerk of the Market, as you describe it, he must come in under⟨r⟩ the...
18124From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th inst. I received this day, for which I return you my thanks. Upon receiving the melancholy intelligence of the Fall of the Brave Montgomery and the repulse of our Troops in their attempt against the City of Quebec, I called a Council of Genl Officers to determine upon the necessary steps to be taken upon the alarming Occasion—Of their determination I wrote you yesterday,...
18125To John Adams from Jeduthun Baldwin, 21 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Pleas to allow me the freedom of informing your Honour that in the year 1755 in August, I Received a Captains Commission in Col. Brown’ Regiment and marched with my Company by the Way of Dearfield, and Hoossock Fort, thro the woods to Fort Edward, and to Lake George. Soon after I got there I was employed in building Fort Wm. Henry, under the direction of Col. Ayres. In Decr., when the army...
18126General Orders, 21 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Colonel, or commanding Officer of each Regiment, is forthwith to send out one, or two, prudent and sensible Officers, to buy up such Arms as are wanted for his regiment, These Officers to be also good Judges of arms, and they are directed to purchase none, but such as are proper and in the best repair, and if possible to get them with Bayonets, but not to refuse a good Firelock without—The...
18127To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 21 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 6th instant I received & laid before the General Assembly. It had great Weight: And I believe that no Supplies to the Enemy’s Ships would have been permitted had it not appeared to us that the Members of the Continental Congress were of Opinion that they should be continued. The following is an Extract of a Letter from our Delegates on that Subject “A Memorial from the Town...
18128To George Washington from the New Hampshire General Court, 21 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 19th Currt with the several Inclosures, came to hand yesterday noon, bringing Us the melancholy Advices of the Defeat of our Army before Quebec and the Death of the brave General Montgomery with a Number of our Friends Officers & Soldiers —A sad Reverse this indeed of our Affairs in Canada! which we are extremely sorry for and regret. Our Council & Assembly were...
18129To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 Jan. 1776. In a letter of 1 Feb. to Reed, GW referred to “your favour of the 21st.”
18130From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., and Matthew Thornton, 21 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
In the hurry of my last dispatches to you of the 19th inst. I forgot to intimate, that for the encouragement of the Regiment destined for Canada, a months advanced pay will be allowed Officers and Men, by me, in behalf of the Congress—At the same time I think it but right that you should be apprized of the intention of this Government to advance their Regiment another months pay to enable them...
18131To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 21 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I herewith enclose a Letter just received From Colo. Arnold, and take this Oppertunity most heartily to Condole with you for the Loss of the brave and most Amiable General Montgomery And the other Brave Officers and Soldiers who Fell with him, and for the Failure of success in the unfortunate Attack upon Quebec, the particulars of which you will Doubtless have received before this Reaches you....
18132To John Adams from William Heath, 22 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Being informed that you begin your Journey for Philadelphia this week, I would beg to recommend to your Consideration the Services of Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin, who Joyned the Army the Beginning of the last Campaign, and has Continued ever Since in the army as an Engineer on the works. He has received for the months of June and July from the Assembly of our Colony Colonels Pay. But as the...
18133General Orders, 22 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Majors of Brigade to be all at Head Quarters, to morrow Morning ten OClock. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
18134To George Washington from the New Hampshire General Court, 22 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
We have just receiv’d your Excellency’s favor of yesterday’s date, for answer to which We beg leave to refer to the Inclos’d Letter, in which it may be observd Our Assembly had taken up the Matter of Advance Wages to the Soldiery destind for Canada in the same Manner as intended by the Massachusets Governmt. We shall duely note Yr Excelleny’s kind Intention of refunding to this Colony the...
18135To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo: Warner succeeds so fast in sending Men to Canada. From the County of Berkshire in the Massachusetts Bay, a Regiment will also immediately be sent, Part of which is already on Its March. by a Letter just received from Congress dated the 10th instant, I am advised that a Regiment from Pennsylvania & Another from New Jersey were ordered immediately to March for this Place & to put...
18136To George Washington from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 22 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brigadier General John Sullivan, 22 Jan. 1776. On 23 Jan. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Sullivan: “I have it in command from his Excellency to inform you, that General Gates handed him your letter of the 22 inst.” ( DLC : Peter Force Collection). For the full text of Harrison’s letter to Sullivan of 23 Jan., see GW to Sullivan, 28 Jan. 1776 , source note.
18137To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Orders were just given for raising a Regiment of 750 men to go for the help of our Friends in Canada, to serve ’till the 1st of November next, and sent an Express to your Excellency; When I received your Letter of the 16th inst. ⅌ Bennet—We then proceeded to make provisions for the four Regiments requested for your Camp. The 20th at evening your’s of the 19th came to hand —Whereby the Number...
18138To John Adams from Lemuel Hayward, 23 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Ever since your Arrival to the Camp my colleague Doctr. Aspinwall has been confined by a Fever, which has doubled my Service in the Hospital and hereby rendered it impossible for me to do myself the Honor of waiting on you. I hope therefore you will rather impute it to Necessity than to the Want of either Gratitude or Complaisance. I sincerely thank you for the Honor you did me in writing, but...
18139To John Adams from Humanity, 23 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whot doth thee thenk of thes trubelsom tiems. Is thar not a caus—ye sin no dout is the caus—but among the many sins that might be named I would naem on and that is slaves keepen. Whot has the negros the afracons don to us that we shuld tak tham from thar own land and mak tham sarve us to the da of thar deth. Ar tha not the work of gods hand. Has tha not immortel soles. Ar we not the sons of on...
18140To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 23 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
To regulate the trade of the United Colonies, being a field of vast extent, far exceeds my present comprehension; and ’tis not likely I shall ever fully investigate that complicated System of Regulation, which will best Serve the trade of these Colonies; however, I will ven ture to Suggest to you Several reasons which incline me to favour the following Regulation, which respects the...
18141General Orders, 23 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Timothy Downing, tried at a General Court martial for “Desertion,” being found guilty, is sentenced to receive thirty-nine Lashes upon the bare back with a Cat’o’Nine tails, and it appearing to the Court that as the Prisoner is worthless and incorrigible, they order him to be drum’d out of the army. A Court of enquiry, to sit upon Thursday Morning next, at General Green’s on Prospect hill, to...
18142From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 23 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 16 Instt & am exceedingly sorry to hear, that Congress countermanded the embarkation of the two Regiments Intended agt the Tories on Long Island. they I doubt not had their reasons; But to me It appears that the period is arrived, when nothing less than the most decisive & vigorous measures should be pursued—Our Enemies from the other side of the Atlantic will be...
18143From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 23 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Real necessity, compells me to ask you whether I may entertain any hopes of your returning to my Family? if you can make it convenient, and will hint the matter to Colo. Harrison, I dare venture to say that Congress will make it agreeable to you in every shape they can—My business Increases very fast, and my distresses for want of you, along with it—Mr Harrison is the only Gentleman of my...
18144To George Washington from William Watson, 23 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by your Excellencys favour of the 20th instant pr Capt. Dyar —I shall do every thing in my power to dispatch the Harrison. shall get the square sail prepared, & think it very necessary, the expence wont be great—Lieutenant Wigglesworth the bearer of this will wait on your Excellency for his Commision as 2d Lieutenant, by whom youl please to send a Commisn for Mr Thomas Doten...
181451776. January 24. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Began my Journey to Phildelphia, dined at C olonel Mifflins at Cambridge with G. Washington, and Gates and their Ladies, and half a Dozen Sachems and Warriours of the french Cocknowaga Tribe, with their Wives and Children. Williams is one, who was captivated in his Infancy, and adopted. There is a Mixture of White Blood french or English in most of them. Louis, their Principal, speaks English...
18146John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am determined not to commit a fault which escaped me, the last Time I sat out for the southward. I waited on General Thomas at Roxbury this Morning, and then went to Cambridge where I dined at Coll. Mifflins with the General, and Lady, and a vast Collection of other Company, among whom were six or seven Sachems and Warriours, of the French Cagnawaga Indians, with several of their Wives and...
18147Resolution approving appointment of a committee to call in misprinted bills of credit, 24 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
24 January 1776. Resolution approving appointment of a committee to call in misprinted bills of credit. M-Ar :207, p. 461. ( M-Ar :207, p. 461).
18148Resolution approving an order that bills of credit be delivered to the committee appointed to sign them and that it in … (Adams Papers)
24 January 1776. Resolution approving an order that bills of credit be delivered to the committee appointed to sign them and that it in turn deliver them to the treasurer. M-Ar :207, p. 465. ( M-Ar :207, p. 465).
18149To John Adams from William Judd, 24 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Debtors Confined in this Goal have Prepared a Petition to the Honourable Continental Congress, praying that they woud devise or Recommend some Measure to prevent Mens persons from being Arrested or Confined in Goal for debt, during the present unhappy Conflict—which by the desire of the Petitioners I have inclosed to the President desireing him to present the same to that Venerable Body,...
18150General Orders, 24 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Barracks are to be finished as speedily as possible, that the Militia Regiments, which are expected may be accomodated—The Quarter Master General and his Assistants, are to look out in time, for other quarters, if the Barracks are thought insufficient to entertain the troops—The Regiments are to be brigaded in the following manner—viz: Brigdr Genl Thomas’s Brigade. B: Genl Heath’s Brigade....