19101[Thursday May 23 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday May 23 1776. Resolved That a Committee of five be appointed to confer with General Washington, Major General Gates, and Brigadier General Mifflin, upon the most speedy and effectual means of supporting the American Cause in Canada. The Members chosen, Mr. Harrison, Mr. R. H. Lee and Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Rutledge. This “committee of conference” brought in a report next day...
19102General Orders, 23 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Sail Makers in the different regiments, are all to parade in front of the General’s Quarters, to morrow morning at six o’clock. A reinforcement to be immediately made to the Main Guard at the lower barracks of one Sub. two Serjts, two Corporals, one Drumr and thirty Privates. The order for doubling the Sentries at night to be strictly attended to. All those men of the following Regiments...
19103To George Washington from Ensign Duncan Campbell, 23 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having leave from General Schuyler last March, to come and settle some property I had at this place, he directed me to the County Committee for further leave: but not finding my affairs as I expected; I waited on the Committee and applyed to them for a pass to go to the Jerseys or Pensilvania, where the most of the Gentlemen that were taken prisoners in Canada were already sent to. there...
19104To George Washington from Captain Richard Varick, 23 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to General Schuyler’s Directions to me, I send down (under Charge of Lieut. Van Waggenen) Lieut. Schalch & Dr Gill of the Royal Artillery made Prisoners at St Johns, to be disposed of as Your Excellency shall be pleased to direct. They are on their Parole. I also send down Mr John MacDonell one of the Scotch Gentlemen made Prisoner at Johns Town, Tryon County, in January last, He has...
19105[Fryday May 24. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday May 24. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with his Excellency General Washington, Major General Gates and Brigadier General Mifflin brought in their report. The Resolutions reported and adopted may be seen on the Journal. Agreable to order, General Washington attended in Congress, and after some Conference with him, Resolved that he be directed to attend again tomorrow.
19106John Hancock to the Commissioners to Canada, 24 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): National Archives By the enclosed Resolves of Congress which I do myself the Honour of transmitting, you will perceive that every Step has been taken to procure hard Money that could be devised. I have forwarded to Genl. Schuyler by this Conveyance the Sum of sixteen Hundred and sixty two Pounds one Shilling and three Pence in hard Money, which was all that was in the...
19107General Orders, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Brigadier Generals will settle the mode, and hours, for going the Rounds at night, every morning on the General Parade at Guard-mounting. The following Sail Makers, are to embark this day on board a Vessel, in order to proceed to Albany, and from thence to Genl schuyler, and receive his further orders—Vizt Francis Howard[,] Samuel Holmes[,] Ebenezer Durkee[,] Daniel Van Der Pool of Col....
19108To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 24 May 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Burwell Bassett, 24 May 1776. On 4 June GW wrote to Bassett : “Your favour of the 24th Ult. came to this place.”
19109To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Received yours of the 22d from Amboy and waited immediately on the Provincial Congress they gave me the enclosed Invoice of Articles they had forwarded on for Albany. most of the Articles Genll Schuyler wrote for I have already ship’d—and will this day proceed up the River. Colo. Knox has sent Two Conductors to Kings Bridge to pick out 12 Cannon suitable for the Vessels and have them ready...
19110To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
On the 22d I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 17th Instant, and the same Evening the Nails and Lead arrived here, 31 Boxes of the latter I gave in Charge to Colonel Wynd, who left this, with his Regiment Yesterday Morning. the Remainder is gone with General Sullivan who sailed hence with Irwin’s and Wayn’s at 8 this Morning. Dayton’s is not returned from Tryon County, nor have I...
19111From George Washington to Major General John Thomas, 24 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 8 Instant with Its Inclosures, confirming the melancholy Intelligence I had before heard of your having been Obliged to raise the Seige of Quebec & to make a precipitate retreat, with the loss of the Cannon in the Batteaus & Interception of the powder going from Genl Schuyler. This unfortunate Affair has given a sad shock to our Schemes in that quarter and blasted...
19112To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 24 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Edmd. Pendleton to Thos. Jefferson , Esqe. I am conscious of a large Arrears of debt to you for favor received before you left Congress in the Winter, but your return to Virga. and my continued hopes of the pleasure of seing you, postponed my writing ’til I heard you had resumed your charge in Congress and I will now endeavor to pay some of the debt. I am sorry to hear your pleasure at home...
19113[Saturday May 25. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday May 25. 1776. Resolved that a Committee be appointed to confer with his Excellency General Washington, Major General Gates, and Brigadier General Mifflin, and to concert a Plan of military Operations for the ensuing Campaign. The Members appointed Mr. Harrison, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Wilson, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Whipple, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. W. Livingston, Mr....
19114General Orders, 25 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Butler of Col. Nixon’s Regiment, tried at a late General Court Martial, on the several charges exhibited against him by Lieut. Walker (viz.) “Defrauding his Company, defrauding the public, absenting himself from his Company when on their march, and inlisting a man unfit for the service”; is acquitted of the several charges against him. The General approves of the sentence of the above...
19115To John Jay from James Duane, 25 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
I conclude, my dear Sir, that the late Resolution of Congress recommending the Assumption of Government will induce you to give your Attendance for a few days at our own Convention— If this shoud be the Case it will [be] of Advantage to you to be informed of the Temper and proceedings of the Neighbouring Colonies on this great Revolution. You recollect the Maryland Instruc t . which, upon any...
19116From John Adams to James Sullivan, 26 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favours of May 9th. and 17th. are now before me; and I consider them as the Commencement of a Correspondence, which will not only give me Pleasure, but may be of Service to the public, as, in my present Station I Stand in need of the best Intelligence, and the Advice of every Gentleman of Abilities and public Principles, in the Colony which has seen fit to place me here. Our worthy...
19117To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 26 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
The peculiar situation of American affairs renders it necessary to adopt every measure that will engage people in the service. The danger and hardships that those are subject to who engage in the service, more than those who do not, is obvious to every body which has the least Acquaintance with service, tis that which makes it so difficult to recruit. The large force that is coming against...
19118To John Adams from Benjamin Kent, 26 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have written upon Politics, to your Names Sake, upon the grand affair of a Declaration of Independence, and I suppose he will show it to our Continentall Representatives I mean our Representatives of Massachusetts bay If desir’d, for tho I thro the kindness of Providence Sustain no Sort of publick Caracter; yet I concern my self very much in Affairs which Concern the publick. I remember I...
19119From Alexander Hamilton to the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York, [26 May 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to request your attention to a few particulars, which will be of considerable importance to the future progress of the company under my command, and I will be much obliged to you for as speedy a determination concerning them as you can conveniently give. The most material is respecting the pay. Our company, by their articles, are to be subject to the same regulations, and to...
19120General Orders, 26 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
“In Provincial Congress, New York, May 25th 1776. “Messrs John Berrien and Robert Harpur, two of the members of the General Committee of the City of New-York, delivered in the report of the said Committee, which was read and filed, and is in the words following. (vizt) “Committee Chamber, May 24th 1776. “Doctor Foster appearing before the Committee says, that information was given to General...
19121To George Washington from the Great Barrington, Sheffield, and Canaan Committees of Safety, 26 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
A Convention of the Committees of Berkshire and the parts adjacent, have lately, by two Expresses, communicated to your Excellency their Suspicion of a Plot being formed for the Destruction of these United Colonies; by a Combination of a number of Persons among ourselves for that Purpose; with the Evidence upon which that Suspicion was principally grounded. Amongst other Persons accused...
19122To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 24th I have received sundry Letters from Canada, of which the inclosed are Copies. The five Batteaus sent with provisions on the 14th arrived at St John’s on the 17th, as I have already observed to your Excellency in my last. I have now three hundred Barrels of pork here, part of which will go in the large Boat, which I momently expect, but I cannot send any in Batteaus...
19123To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of this Morning Mr Livingston my Aid de Camp whom I sent to Albany to hasten up to this place, whatever of V. Schaick’s and Wynkoop’s Regiments might be there, more than were wanted to mann the Batteaux employed in transporting provisions, is returned here, and informs me that the Men of both those Regiments at that place are not sufficient to mann the Batteaus; this...
19124Committee’s Proposed Article on Religion, [27–28 May 1776] (Madison Papers)
When the committee laid its amended draft of George Mason’s proposed Declaration of Rights before the Convention on 27 May, that body ordered it “to be committed to a committee of the whole Convention” and “ Resolved , that this Convention will on Wednesday next [29 May], resolve itself into a committee on the said declaration; and that, in the mean time, the same be printed, for the perusal...
19125[Monday May 27. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday May 27. 1776. Agreable to order, the Indians were admitted to an Audience.
19126Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
What can be the reason I have not heard from you since the 20 of April, and now tis the 27 of May. My anxious foreboding Heart fears every Evil, and my Nightly Slumbers are tortured; I have sent, and sent again to the post office, which is now kept in Boston at the office of the formour Solisiter General, not one line for me, tho your hand writing is to be seen to several others. Not a scrip...
19127John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have three of your Favours, before me—one of May 7., another of May 9. and a third of May 14th. The last has given me Relief from many Anxieties. It relates wholly to private Affairs, and contains such an Account of wise and prudent Management, as makes me very happy. I begin to be jealous, that our Neighbours will think Affairs more discreetly conducted in my Absence than at any other Time....
19128Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 27 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
My dear Mrs. Adams will undoubtedly Wonder that she has not heard from me since I Left Braintree, but want of Health, a Variety of Avocations, with some Axiety of Another Nature must be my Excuse. I have scarcely taken up a pen since my Return to Plimouth. Indeed I feel as if I was about to quit the use of it. So Great is the force of Habit that not accustoming myself to that Employment in...
19129To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 27 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I find by your Letter of 16th. Instant that you had no Expectation of the disagreable News from Canada. Our Accounts from thence are not very perfect. According to these, A Reinforcement for Quebec came up the River before the City on 6th. of this Month. Our Army suddenly retir’d, leaving good Part at least, of Cannon Baggage, and their sick. They had determin’d it is said, in a Council of...
19130From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, 27 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library We arrived here safe yesterday Evening, having left Mrs. Walker with her Husband at Albany, from whence we came down by Land. We pass’d him on Lake Champlain; but he returning overtook us at Saratoga, where they both gave themselves such Liberties in taunting at our Conduct in Canada, that it came almost to a Quarrel. We continu’d our Care of her, however, and...
19131From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 27 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library We arrived here safe yesterday Evening, in your Post Chaise driven by Lewis. I was unwilling to give so much Trouble, and would have borrowed your Sulkey, and driven myself: but good Mrs. Schuyler insisted on a full Compliance with your Pleasure, as signify’d in your Letter, and I was oblig’d to submit; which I was afterwards very glad of, part of the Road being...
19132General Orders, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Nathaniel Stanley, of the 1st Company of Colonel Wyllys’s Regiment, tried by a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Ritzema was president for “absenting himself from, and refusing to join said company, after he had received a months pay and blanket money”—The Court find the prisoner guilty of a breach of the 8th Article of the Continental Rules and Regulations, and do sentence him to be...
19133To George Washington from Nicholas Brown, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 17th Inst. Covering a Letter from Robert Morris Esqr. Chairman of the Secret Committee of Congress, for the forwarding Fourteen Muskets in our hands belonging to the Continent in the most safe and Expeditious manner. Ten of said Muskets with some Swivels we had before put on board two valuable Vessels and Cargoes we lately Fitted for France on the Continental Service,...
19134To George Washington from Clark & Nightingale, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 17th Instant Inclosing Robert Morris Esqr. Order for Two hundred and Thirty Small arms We have Rec’d —The Arms we Immediately Sent by land to Norwich directed to the Care of Christopher Leffingwell Esqr. Requesting that he would Immediately Send them to New York by Water, Wish them a Safe and Speedy Arrival, We are your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servants LS , DLC:GW...
19135To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has happened since I last wrote You. the Articles General Schyler wrote for are all forwarded they went from this last Saturday in a Vessel bound to Albany. Lord Sterling Colo. Putnam & one Officer from the train went from this up the North River Yesterday—I could not think it prudent to send Colo. Knox as he was much wanted here—the Lead General Schuyler wrote for was not to...
19136To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Last Night Colonel Clinton arrived and brought me the inclosed, by which I find the Note alluded to in mine of Yesterday was intended for me —I shall answer the Gentlemen on the Subject of the Gundalo to Day—If the Account given by McChord be true it is much to be lamented that the Siege of Quebec could not have been immediately reassumed. The honorable Commissioners I suppose had not yet...
19137To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 27 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform your Excellency that Mr Bartlett the Agent at Beverly has purchased the Brigantine Hannah for the Continent, at five hundred and twenty pounds. Captain Bradford of Boston having represented to me that he had an order from Robert Morris Esqr. Member of Congress, one of the Marine Committee, to provide a good sailing Vessel for Continental Service and that the Brigantine would...
19138To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 27 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I writ to you the 22d. Inst. by Miles Taylor and inclos’d you £4.16.0 continentle money to buy me some articles that are not to be bought in this part of the world. We have been in dayly expectation of seeing Mrs. Jefferson for some time past, but she is not yet arriv’d, nor have I been able to hear from her since my last, but hope by next post to inclose you a letter from her. On the 22d....
19139To Benjamin Franklin from Ebenezer Hazard, [28 May? 1776] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Hazard’s Compliments to Doctor Franklin. He will watch the Sloops from Albany, and forward the Doctor’s Bedding by the first Stage after it comes to Hand. Addressed: Dr. Franklin. BF left that morning for Philadelphia; see the note on his letter to Carroll and Chase above, May 27. We assume that he asked the New York postmaster to look out for his...
19140General Orders, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Col. Prescott’s Regiment to be mustered at nine O’Clock, Thursday Morning, on their regimental parade. Three men from each regiment in the three Brigades, of Genl Heath, Spencer and Lord Stirling, together with two Subalterns and two Serjeants—to parade at Genl Putnam’s quarters, to morrow morning at six o’clock—these men are to be such as understand rowing. The General Court Martial of which...
19141To George Washington from Colonel Jacob Bayley, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Seventeenth Instant I recived your Excelencys direction for makeing a road to St Johns[.] on the 18th Caled together the Committees of Haverhill and Newbury and Consulted them what wages to give to men, it was Concluded that good men at this Season could not be Had for Such labour for less than ten Dollars pr month, and that whoever Ingaged In that Servise, and were found Dilitory to be...
19142From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 24 Instant with Its several Inclosures and the Letter & Invoice from Genl Ward giving Intelligence of the fortunate capture made by our Armd Vessells, on which event you have my Congratulations. I have wrote Genl Ward as you will see by the Inclosed Letter, which having read, you will Seal and send by post, to Send forward to New York Colo. Putnams demands & also such...
19143To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Moment I have received a Letter from General Sullivan, of which the enclosed is a Copy: Our Affairs begin daily to wear a darker Aspect in Canada, and I fear will not change for the better unless more Troops are sent in. I dare not by any Means remove Colonel Dayton’s Regiment from Tryon County, for I am morally sure that Sir John Johnson would immediately fall upon that part of the...
19144From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 28 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday morning I was favoured with yours of the 17 Instt, giving the agreable Intelligence of the Important and valuable prize made by the Armed Schooner’s in the Continental service & am hopefull, that If a vigilant lookout is kept, that others not less valuable will fall into our hands. Congress having passed a Resolve respecting this Cargoe as you will see by the Inclosed Copy, I...
19145Madison’s Amendments to the Declaration of Rights, [29 May–12 June 1776] (Madison Papers)
There is no certain evidence known to the editors which fixes the time when either JM’s first or second amendment was laid before the Convention or its committee of the whole. The official journal of the Convention merely reveals that the drafting committee’s report, having been printed, was debated on 29 and 30 May and 3, 4, 5, and 11 June 1776. The session of 11 June seems to be the most...
19146[Wednesday May 29. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday May 29. 1776. The Committee appointed to confer with the Generals brought in a Report which was read and considered, Resolved that the farther Consideration of the Report be postponed till tomorrow.
19147From John Adams to Benjamin Hichborn, 29 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your agreable Favour of 20th. May, was handed me Yesterday and it gave me much Pleasure on various Accounts—one particularly as it gave me Evidence of your Existence, which for some Time past you have Suffered to remain problematical. I have long expected Letters from you, but yet, I cannot find fault, because I believe I am much in your Debt. However, if you had considered the situation I am...
19148To John Adams from Hugh Hughes, 29 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that our Citizens had a Meeting on Monday Evening last, when it was agreed, without a dissenting Voice, to instruct our Convention on that most important of all sublunary Affairs, in order that Application may be made to your Honble. House. What will our Traitors, with you, say to this virtuous Stand? One of them, I know, will endeavour to turn it to...
19149General Orders, 29 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
One Man from each regiment, to parade to morrow morning, at six o’clock, at General Putnam’s quarters, to go on board the Mifflin, armed Schooner—these men are to be such as best understand the business. A reinforcement to be added to the upper barrack Guard, of one Serjeant, one Corporal, and twenty-four privates: The above Guard is to furnish four additional sentries over the Laboratory, and...
19150From John Jay to James Duane, 29 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
Since my last I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Letter of the 25 th : Inst. and am obliged to you for the Intelligence contained in it. So great are the Inconveniences resulting from the present Mode of Government, that I believe our Convention will almost unanimously agree to institute a better, to continue till a Peace with Great Britain shall render it unnecessary. The Proceedings...