18151Commission to Robert Breck, 24 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You being recommended to me as a proper person to muster the Regiment now raising by Order of The General Court of This Province, in the Counties of Hampshire & Berkshire for the Continental Service I do therefore by virtue of the powers & Authorities to me given, by The Continental Congress—Constitute and appoint you Commissary for that particular purpose—willing and Commanding all Officers,...
18152From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General being at length returned from a long & painfull Illness, I have it in my power to comply with the requisition of Congress, in forwarding an Estimate of the expence attending his Office—as also that of the Quarter-Master General—You will please to observe, that the Commissary, by his account of the matter, has entered into no special agreement with any of the persons he...
18153To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 24 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
It was unnecessary sooner to trouble you with my scrowl—as I cou’d give you no information, the least interesting[.] I find the People through this Province more alert and zealous than my most sanguine expectation—I believe I might have collected ten thoushand Volunteers—I take only four Companies with me and Waterbury’s Regt which is so happily situated on the frontier—Wards Regt I have...
18154To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Letters of the 20th and 21st instant are received—I thought fit this morning to acquaint Colo. Burrell, appointed to command the Regiment destined to Canada from hence, that a Months pay will be advanced to Officers and Men by you; this additional encouragement will enliven them to the Service—Also to inform, that I understood the Rout of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Regiments,...
18155Notes for a Report from the Committee of [Secret] Correspondence, [after 25 January 1776] (Franklin Papers)
Two ADS : National Archives The arrival of captives taken in Canada, and the camp followers who were with them, created a new set of problems for the towns where the uninvited guests were billeted. Local authorities, hard pressed to house and feed the new arrivals, took their difficulties to Congress, which followed its usual practice of referring such matters and others to standing or ad hoc...
181561776. Jany. 25. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
About 10 Mr. Gerry called me, and we rode to Framingham, where We dined. Coll. Buckminster after Dinner shewed us, the Train of Artillery brought down from Ticonderoga, by Coll. Knox. It consists of Iron—9 Eighteen Pounders, 10 Twelves, 6. six, four nine Pounders, Three 13. Inch Mortars, Two Ten Inch Mortars, one Eight Inch, and one six and an half. Howitz, one Eight Inch and an half and one...
18157General Orders, 25 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Artemas Ward’s orderly book gives the parole as “Ticonderoga” and the countersign as “Wolfe” ( MHi ).
18158To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 25 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have consulted the General Committee upon the Subject of your Letter of the 16th instant. For many Years past the Inhabitants of this Colony, surrounded on the Land-Side by Connecticut and the Massachusetts-Bay, thinking themselves in a perfect State of Security, entirely neglected military Discipline, and disposed of their Arms so generally that, at the breaking out of the present War, the...
18159From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 25 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 22d instant, and am much obliged by your assurance, that the three Regiments of Militia for this Camp will be raised as fast as possible—They are much wanted—I wish it was in my power to facilitate their march by rendering a necessary supply of money for it, but it is not, as our Treasury is exhausted—I hope in a little time it will be replenished with a sufficient...
18160From George Washington to Lund Washington, 25 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 25 Jan. 1776. On 15 Feb. 1776 Lund Washington wrote to GW : “Your Letter of January 25th is come to ha[n]d.”
18161To George Washington from Lund Washington, 25 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my Last the River has been Froze so that I have not had it [in] my Power to see Mr Marshall about the Exchange of Land mention’d in your Last, I wrote to him the day I receive’d your Letter about it, so that he will have time to Consider the matter, & you may expect between this & the next Post day I will see him, & inform you whether he will make it or not. neither have I seen Mr...
181621776 Jany 26. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Stopped at Sternes’s Stearns’s in Worcester, and dined with Mr. Lincoln at Mr. Jonathan Williams’s. In Putnams Office where I formerly trimm’d the Midnight Lamp, Mr. Williams keeps Laws Works and Jacob Behmens, with whose Mistical Reveries he is much captivated. This Jonathan Williams (d. 1780), Harvard 1772 , had been a law clerk in JA ’s office. He was a cousin of the better-known Jonathan...
18163The Carlisle Committee of Correspondence to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 26 January 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Text printed in Samuel Hazard et al. , eds., Pennsylvania Archives (1st series; 12 vols., Philadelphia and Harrisburg, 1852–56), IV , 706. <Carlisle, January 26, 1776: We have received your request of the 11th to send people to Philadelphia to learn the method used at the saltpetre works there and communicate it on their return. We recommend Jonathan Kearsley, who already has some knowledge of...
18164General Orders, 26 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Captains, or commanding Officers of the Militia Companies, are to have their pay Abstracts ready by the first of February, in Order for payment: The General having borrowed as much Money, as will answer this purpose, rather than suffer them to return without. In making up the Pay Abstracts, the following method is to be observed, upon one Side of an entire Sheet of paper is to be the Roll...
18165To George Washington from John Manley, 26 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Manley, 26 Jan. 1776. On 28 Jan. GW wrote to Manley : “I received your agreeable Letter of the 26th instant.”
18166To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been endeavouring to collect the Journal, and Ordinances of our last Convention, which rose last Saturday, in order to transmit them to your Excellency. But Purdie is backward in publishing them: so that I could do no more, than get a Promise from him to send them by next Post. Last Sunday a small Skirmish happened below: the Event of which, as it is said, was favourable to us, we...
18167To George Washington from William Watson, 26 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
This pr express, comes to inform your Excellency that Commodore Manly, took yesterday off Cohassett rocks, after an hours engagement (haveing one man wounded in the breast, not dangerous) Two Ships from white Haven bound for Boston, leaden with Sea coal, potatoes &c. Incclosd are bills of Loading—your Excellency will please to direct in what manner I shall conduct with these vessells. The...
18168To George Washington from Eleazar Wheelock, 26 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Joseph Johnson, an Indian of the Mohegan Tribe was educated in my School when in Connecticut, and Since he left it has been employed in keeping School Among the Six Nations, till he is become considerably Master of their Language and has Served as interpreter for a Missionary Which I have Sent to these Nations—The August before last he was examined by a Voluntary Convention of...
18169General Orders, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
18170To George Washington from Levi Allen, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have rode some hundred miles in consequence of my brother Ethan Allen (commonly cal’d Colo. Allen) being taken prisoner near Montreal 25th Sept. last[,] waited on Your Excellency at head-quarters in Cambridge in Decm. last, since that waited on Genl Schuyler on the same business, he read me a paragraph of Your Excellency’s letter directing him to enquire what was become of Colo. Allen, and...
18171From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
On the 17 Inst. I received the melancholy account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery, and Other Brave Officers & men, & your being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a very sensible manner, & I sincerely condole with you upon the occasion[.] But in the midst of distress, I am happy to find that suitable Honor[s] were paid to the...
18172To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 26 of Decr is just come to hand, it gave us great pleasure to hear that Mrs Washington got safe to the Camp & in good health as we ware afraid from the advance season of the year that she would meet with great difficultys on her Journey I waited on Mr Evevard last month enterd the petitions & paid the proper fees for your Ohio Land & shall continue to take every step...
18173To George Washington from Captain De Santerre, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am a french Officer, first Captain of my Regiment I have Served twenty four years, I have been in Germany all the Last war, when I thought to have reapd the fruits of my Long Service & my fatigue, I have been most Cruelly used by a puissant Chief, against whom I have it not in my power to take my revenge, I have demanded justice, intrigue, money & the great Credit of my adversary, have...
18174From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 22d Inst. inclosing Col: Arnold’s Letter of the 2d explained the Doubt we were in respecting his Detachment —Happy would it have been for our Cause if that party could have got out of the City of Quebec; as I am much afraid from the Complexion of the Letters from that place that there is little Hope of Arnold’s continuing the Blockade without Assistance from Wooster which he...
18175From George Washington to William Whipple, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
There were three accounts exhibited against the United Colonies by different persons in your Province; One by Jonathan Burnham, for £40: 7: 5 One for Horse hier &c. by Saml Hobart, 0: 5: One by yourself for sundry exps 26: 2: 5 £74: 14: 10 I think it will be more regular, that the accounts above mentioned should be settled by agents that will doubtless be appointed by the Congress to settle...
18176From George Washington to Brigadier General David Wooster, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
On the 17 Instant I received the melancholy Account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery & Others, & the misfortune of Col. Arnold being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a sensible manner, & I condole with you upon the Occasion. Having received no Intelligence later than the Copy of Col. Arnolds Letter to you of the 2d, I would...
181771776. Sunday. Jany. 28. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Upham informs that this Town of Brookfield abounds with a Stone, out of which Allum, Coperas and Sulphur are made. Out of one Bushell of this Stone, he made five Pounds of Coperas. He put the Stone into a Tub, poured Water on it, let it Stand 2 or 3 days, then drew it off, and boiled the Liquor away—let it stand and it shot into a Kind of Christals. Adding Chamberly and Alkaline Salts to...
18178General Orders, 28 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
As the General is consenting to, and desirous of the Militia drawing the same pay, as the Continental Troops The Officers of those Companies are hereby inform’d, that since the first of January, their pay will be the same as those Officers (of equal Rank) upon the new establishment; but before that date, no more than what was drawn under the old establishment, can be allow’d them, of this they...
18179From George Washington to Captain John Manley, 28 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your agreeable Letter of the 26th instant giveing an account of your haveing taken & Carried into Plymouth two of the Enemys transports. Your Conduct in engageing the eight Gun Schooner, with So few hands as you went out with, your attention in Secureing Your prizes, & your general good behavior since you first engaged in the Service, merits mine & your Countrys thanks. You may be...
18180To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 Jan. 1776. On 10 Feb. GW wrote to Reed : “Your obliging favours of the 28th Ulto & 1st Instt are now before me.”
18181From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 28 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I quite forgot to enquire last night (when you were shewing me the Militia Pay Rolls) at what rates the Officers pay was charged—I am willing to allow them the same pay as the Troops here had, and have—that is, to the first of Jany agreeable to the old Establishment—(more I cannot)—& For the Month of Jany according to the present pay. this is putting of them in all respects upon a footing with...
18182To George Washington from William Watson, 29–30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I must ask your Excellencys Pardon for omitting in my last, some very meterial circumstances relative to the capture of Commodore Manlys last prizes —I had not when I wrote, got an exact account of the matter, since w[hic]h the Commodore tells me that he had taken the prizes, & had put his people on board them some time before the Tender came to Their assistance, that there were two other...
181831776 Monday. Jan. 29. (Adams Papers)
Rode to Springfield, dined at Scotts. Heard that the Cannon at Kingsbridge in N. York were spiked up. That dry Goods, English Goods were sent round to N. York from Boston, and from N. York sold all over N.E. and sent down to Camp. That Tryon has issued Writs for the Choice of a new Assembly, and that the Writs were likely to be obeyed, and the Tories were likely to carry a Majority of Members.
18184The York County Committee to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 29 January 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Amherst College Library <York, January 29, 1776: The committee’s recommendation of officers was made, because the time was so short, without consulting them. Personal affairs prevent Barnet Eichelberger from serving; he has given his reasons in writing, and they are valid. His letter deals partly with private matters and is not enclosed; his lieutenant colonel will return the commission...
18185General Orders, 29 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Some doubts having arisen amongst the militia Companies, whether the two subalterns, are to be paid as Lieutenants, or as Lieutenant and Ensign—The General informs them, that he cannot (where there are only two subalterns to a Company) consider the youngest of them, as entitled to more than Ensigns pay, as they were all the last Campaign, notwithstanding they are denominated Second...
18186To George Washington from John Hancock, 29 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress have received your letter of the 19th Instant, and highly commend your prudence and zeal in applying to the Governments of New Hampshire Massachusetts bay and Connecticut to raise forces for the service of Canada at this exigency. They have fond hopes by the zeal and alacrity of those Colonies troops will be forwarded with such expedition as will not only succour our friends but...
18187To George Washington from Captain William Palfrey, 29 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
General Lee being unfortunately visited with the Gout or Rheumatism, has directed me to inclose to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter he has just receiv’d by Express from the President of the Continental Congress. General Lee would have wrote you, but the position of writing is so very painful that he hopes you will excuse him. Notwithstanding his illness he is determin’d to go forward...
18188From George Washington to John Hancock, 30–31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 6th & 20th Instant, I received yesterday with the several resolves of Congress alluded to, for which I return you my thanks. Knowing the great Importance Canada will be of to us in the present Interesting contest, and the releif our Friends there stand in need of, I should be happy, were It in my power to detach a Batallion from this Camp, But It cannot be done—On the 19...
18189General Orders, 30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
18190From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have a Command from the Honble Continental Congress to propose an Exchange of Governor Skene for Mr James Lovel & Family —If the Proposition is agreeable, you will please to signifie as much to me, & Mr Lovel that he may prepare for his Removal, whilst I cause Mr Skene to be brought to this place. I am Sir Your mo[st] humble s[ervan]t Copy, P.R.O. 30/55, Carleton Papers, document 116 (1);...
18191From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 23 Inst. & then Informed you that Genl Clinton had gone upon some expedition with 4 or 500 men; there is good reason to beleive that Tryon has applied for some Troops, & that he would join them with a great number of Inhabitants, so that you will see the necessity of your being decisive & expeditious in your operations in that Quarter—The Tories should be disarmed Immediately,...
18192To John Adams from James Warren, 31 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am Extreamly hurried this morning, and therefore have only time to Express my wishes for your Happiness. I hope by this Time you are not far from Philadelphia. I wrote in great haste to Mr. Adams this morning to whom must refer you for all the Intelligence I could give. I have received and Inclose a Number of Letters for you which I suppose have been once to Philadelphia. I have Another for...
18193General Orders, 31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Richd Thompson of Capt. Nuting’s Company, in Col. Prescots Regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial for “Theft and Desertion,” is found guilty of both those Crimes, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine Lashes for each, and mulcted Twenty-four Shillings & eight pence out of his pay—Twelve shillings thereof to be paid to the prosecutor Samuel Keys, and the rest to the persons who brought...
18194Speeches of the Caughnawaga, St. Johns, and Passamaquoddy Indians, 31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Talk of Sundry Sachems & Warriors of the Cognawaga Nation with his Excellency General Washington on the 31st January 1776. Jean Baptist or Ogaghsagighte the Cheif present. We were sent by the Five tribes of Canada Indians, consisting of the Coghnawaga &c. to see General Schuyler at Albany & then to come to you, to Inquire into the cause of the Quarrel between the people of England & Our...
18195To George Washington from George Gregory, 31 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from George Gregory, 31 Jan. 1776. A letter of 9 Feb. to Gregory, apparently written for GW by George Lewis, begins: “Your Letter, to his Excellency of the 31st ultimo is come to hand, I have it in command from him to informe you that he has Laid it down as an invariable rule (for the present) not to grant Liberty to any Prisoners of War, to remove from the Place, to which...
18196From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
In my last (date not recollected) by Mr John Adams, I communicated my distresses to you, on Acct of my want of your Assistance —since this, I have been under some concern at doing of it, least it should precipitate your return before you were ripe for it, or bring on a final resignation, which I am unwilling to think of, if your return can be made convenient and agreeable—True it is, that from...
18197To George Washington from the Salem Volunteers, 31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
The General Court of this colony having, pursuant to your request, issued orders for raising upwards of 4000 men to serve in the army that is under your Excellency’s immed⟨ia⟩te command; till the first day of April next, & of that number directed that 91 be inlisted in the town of Salem; in consequence therof the militia were mustered, the resolves of the Court read to them, and the importance...
18198To George Washington from Lund Washington, 31 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter by Captn Matthews I got last Saturday Since my last the River is not Psable for Ice so that I have not seen Captn Marshal consequently cannot tell whether he will exchange his Land in this Neck for Adam’s in Maryland; but so soon as I can get to him I will let you know whether he will or not —I mention’d in a former Letter that Wm Barry had listed as a Minute Man and had march’d...
18199[In Congress, Spring 1776, and Thomas Paine] (Adams Papers)
In the Course of this Winter appeared a Phenomenon in Philadelphia a Star of Disaster (Disastrous Meteor), I mean Thomas Paine. He came from England, and got into such company as would converse with him, and ran about picking up what Information he could, concerning our Affairs, and finding the great Question was concerning Independence, he gleaned from those he saw the common place Arguments...
18200[Draft Resolutions for Encouraging Agriculture and Manufactures, February–March 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, Councils of Safety and Committees of Correspondence and Inspection, that they use their utmost Endeavours, by all reasonable Means to promote die Culture of Flax, Hemp, and Cotton and the Growth of Wool in these united Colonies. Resolved That it be recommended to the Assemblies, Conventions, and Councils of Safety, that...