19601To George Washington from Brigadier General William Livingston, 7 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Swan of the new Levies just going off for the City, I take the Liberty of enclosing a Rough Draught of the Sound & Jersey Shore from Elizabeth Point to Amboy, with an Abstract of the different Posts I have directed along the same. Altho’ this may not be of any essential Service, yet I thought it not amiss, as it might give You an Idea of what I had done, that your Excellency might...
19602From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 7 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 7 July 1776 . Acknowledges the General Court’s letter of 2 July and thanks its members for their “compliance with the requisition of Congress” and “your kind wishes for my success.” LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, owned (1973) by the Rare Coin Company of America, Chicago; LB , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
19603From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 3d and 4th instant and return you my sincere thanks for your kind intention to afford me every assistance in your power at this truly critical and alarming period. The situation of our affairs calls aloud for the most vigorous exertions, and nothing else will be sufficient to avert the impending blow. From four prisoners taken the other day we are...
19604From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 7 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Received your favour of the 30th Ulto and doubt not but the powder claimed by the Assembly of New Hampshire was lent the Continent—The Exposed Situation of their Frontiers renders every precaution necessary for their defence. I think It would be proper to send a Quantity of it to some safe place on the Communication, betwixt this & Boston there to be ready in Case of Accident—or If it should...
19605From George Washington to William Watson, 7 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I Received yours of the 19th U[l]to and directd the papers you wrote for to be Transmitted you, but find upon enquery they are not among any in my possession now—Colo. Moylan who used Generally to Receive & Examine the papers Appertaining to the prizes, being Called upon, Says that previous to his Departure from Cambridge, he made up all the prizes papers and put them in Such a Channell as he...
19606Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
You will hear by this Conveyance, itts probable that the small pox is likely to spread here chiefly by Innoculation As 4. or 500. I suppose are already received itt and people that have moved Out several times now tarry, Amongst which is Mrs. Edwards.—I am just agoing to set Out for Salem and am to meet Mr. Cranch and Mrs. Adams att Roxbury to settle About both families coming in and Cousin...
196078 July., 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
8 July. The congress resolved that George Washington have the power to call to New York the continental regiments in Massachusetts not bound for Ticonderoga; that Washington have permission to employ as many Indians as necessary from the St. Johns, Nova Scotia, and Penobscot tribes; and that the commissary general have full power to supply the armies on the lakes and at New York respectively...
19608To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Paca can show You the Declaration of our Convention, different from the one in December. We have declared the Throne vacant, and by the Omnipotence of our Power, in the Stile of the Papal Chair, We have absolved the people from their Allegiance—this too before You have done it. I hope the Congress will not be offended with our advancing before we received their Orders. Our Colony will...
19609To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Small pox having of late spread much in the Town, it was judged impracticable to prevent its going through the Town, and on Friday last the General was inoculated, and gave permission to the Regiments in Town to inoculate. We have taken every precaution to prevent the Troops at the Posts out of Town from taking the distemper, and disposed matters in the best manner we can for defence in...
19610The Committee of Secret Correspondence to [Silas Deane], 8 July 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The North American and United States Gazette (Philadelphia), October 12, 1855. With this you will receive the Declaration of the Congress for a final separation from Great Britain. It was the universal demand of the people, justly exasperated by the obstinate perseverance of the Crown in its tyrannical and destructive measures, and the Congress were very unanimous in complying...
19611General Orders, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The new Levies from Connecticut, and New-Jersey, daily arriving—a Report is to be made every day to the General, of the Number arriving by the commanding officer of each corps, in order that proper arrangements may be made. All officers are required to be careful that their men are acquainted with orders, that they may not plead ignorance. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
19612Council of War, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
At a Conference of General Officers and others at Head Quarters July 8 1776 Present His Excell⟨y⟩ the Genl[,] General Puttnam[,] General Heath[,] Gen. Spencer[,] Gen. Green[,] Gen. Scott[,] Gen. Wadsworth[,] Col. McDougal[,] Mess: Randolph[,] Green & Dennis & Dewer A Proposition having been made to the General to sink Hulks in the North River at Tappan Bay in order to stop the Enemy’s...
19613From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 8 July 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 8 July 1776. Custis wrote GW on 8 Aug. : “Your Letters of the 8th & 24th Ulto came safely to Hand.”
19614From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Congress having resolved to raise a Regiment of Germans to counteract the designs of our Enemies, I must beg leave to recommend to their notice John David Wilpert, now a first Lieutenant in Col. Shee’s Battallion, to the office of Captain in said Regiment. I am personally acquainted with him and know that he Joined the Virginia forces under my command in the year 1754 and continued in service...
19615To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honour of enclosing sundry Resolves of Congress, to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention, and which are so explicit, that I need not enlarge. In obedience to the Commands of Congress, I have wrote to Generals Schuyler & Gates and have recommended a mutual Confidence, and Harmony in their military operations. Their joint Labour & Exertions are requisite in that Quarter; nor...
19616From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterday with the Inclosures is recieved. Col. Puttnam went over yesterday & after doing what is necessary at Bergen will proceed to Eliza. Town & from thence to Amboy—He is our principal Engineer & may [be] depended upon for Skill & Industry. The Deserter whose Examination you sent was brought over last Evening—two others from the Fleet came up this Morning—their Accounts...
19617To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
On examining Bergen Neck I found some stock of black Cattle & Horses still remaind there—and that some familys on the Point held an Intercourse with the Enemy—Col. Ford assured me he would have all those removed to day—His force amounts to no more than 350, and those begin to be dissatisfyd at remaining on Duty while the Militia of the Neighborhood are dismissd —after leaving proper Guards at...
19618From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Seymour, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a letter from his Honor Govr Trumbull received on the 5th Inst. I was informed he had ordered three Regiments of Horse on to this place (under your Command) with all possible dispatch, and was desired in case they were not wanted to inform Colo. Sillaman thereof, accordingly I wrote Colo. Sillaman acquainting him, it was my desire the Men might come on provided they could leave or send back...
19619From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 8 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
For news I refer you to your brother who writes on that head. I enclose you a copy of the declaration of independence as agreed to by the House, and also, as originally framed. You will judge whether it is the better or worse for the Critics. I shall return to Virginia after the 11th of August. I wish my successor may be certain to Come before that time, in that case, I shall hope to see you...
19620[Monday July 15. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday July 15. 1776. A Letter from Mr. Jay and two Letters from the Convention of New York of the 11th with sundry Papers inclosed, among which were the following Resolutions In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York White Plains July 9. 1776 Resolved Unanimously, that the Reasons assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies free and independent...
19621To George Washington from Certain Inhabitants of New York City, 9–14 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 9–14 July 1776 . “Your Memorialists are of Opinion that suffering Tories to remain in this City or near it on Long Island & Shrewsbury &ca will be attended with much danger. . . . Your Memorialists therefore pray your Excellency that orders may be given for the removal of dangerous persons from this City and other Places to some distant parts in the Country, that the minds of your...
196229 July., 9 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
9 July. The congress named officers for the Virginia Rifle Company and resolved that money be sent to Virginia and Maryland for the rifle companies ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:529; Note: An additional resolution immediately following and concerning the appointment of William Palfrey to the...
19623From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 9 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 5th came to me the 8th. You will see by this Post, that the River is past and the Bridge cutt away. The Declaration was yesterday published and proclaimed from that awfull Stage, in the State house Yard, by whom do you think? By the Committee of Safety,! the Committee of Inspection, and a great Crowd of People. Three cheers rended the Welkin. The Battallions paraded on the common,...
19624To John Adams from Jonathan Mason Jr., 9 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whether to act in a civil or military department, many are the disadvantages attendant upon those who are just entering upon the stage of Life—The universal confusion throughout all America—This I doubt not, being intended as the Era of a glorious independancy, tho’ of happy consequences, yet they have cast a temporary veil upon the prospects of the rising Generation. The mature have a task...
19625General Orders, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
John Evans of Capt: Ledyards Company Col. McDougall’s Regiment—Hopkins Rice of Capt: Pierce’s Company Col. Ritzema’s Regiment having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Read was President and found guilty of “Desertion,” were sentenced to receive each Thirty-nine Lashes. The General approves the Sentences and orders them to be executed at the usual time & place. Passes to go...
19626From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your request communicated by Mr Peters’s Letter of the 6th Instant I am to inform you that no provision has yet been made in the Continentl Army in the Instances of your Inquiry though I have been frequently applied to. In respect to the Serjeant Majors & Quarter Master Serjeants they have been exempted from Common duties, which has been complained of by the rest. As to Drum &...
19627From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter received by Congress from Mr Thomas Green Coppy of which they did me the honor to inclose, I have the pleasure to hear of the arrival of Capt. Chace, with a valuable Cargo at Providence —and as that Honble Body have been pleased to order the Flints at Rhode Island, belonging to the Continent, to be sent to me here, (as ⅌ their Resolution Inclosed) I would therefore request you...
19628To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
From a view of the present important contest with Great Britain it appears that the war is but in its infancy. To carry it on with vigour and success a well regulated and numerous body of Artillery will be necessary. The present number of officers and men of the Regiment of Artillery here are not sufficient for the posts in and round about this City. To supply this deficiency a number of men...
19629From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the Inclosed Declaration, which I have the honor to Transmit you, that Congress of late have been employed in deliberating on matters of the utmost Importance. Impelled by necessity and a repetition of Injuries unsufferable, without the most distant prospect of releif, they have asserted the claims of the American Colonies to the rights of Humanity and declared them Free...
19630To George Washington from Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Nothing extraordinary has happened here; The Frigate that appeard yesterday under Sail standing towards the Town is now out of View—supposd to be in Princes Bay—At this Post & the Blazing Starr are posted about 1000 of the N. Jersey Militia—They begin to be so anxious to return to their Harvest, under the apprehension of their familys being without support, if they continue longer that I have...
19631From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the inst. is safe to hand. Colo. Seymour arrived yesterday with a few of his men when I sent for and acquainted him it would be impossible for me to have his Horses remain here. Forrage is not to be procured, and if it could, it would only be a great expence without a single advantage arising from it. The men are absolutely necessary till the arrival of the new Levies—Coll Seymour is...
19632From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Decleration will shew you, that Congress at length impelled by necessity have dissolved the Connection between the American Colonies & Great Britain and declared them free and Independent States, and in compliance with their order I am to request you will cause this Decleration to be immediately proclaimed at the head of the Continental Regiments in the Massachussets Bay. It being...
19633Resolutions of the New York Convention Approving the Declaration of Independence, 9 July 1776 (Jay Papers)
Resolved, unanimously , That the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies free and independent States are cogent and conclusive; and that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with the other Colonies in supporting it. Resolved , That a copy...
^ Resolv [ ed ] ^ Whereas it is no less consonant to Reason than confirmed by the Experience of Ages almost all Nations, that military operations whose Success often depends on the proper use of critical Moments & Contingencies not be foreseen, should never be encumbered ^ delayed or perplexed ^ by Plans drawn in ^ by or Consultations with ^ large Assemblies by
19635John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
You will see by the Newspapers, which I from time to time inclose, with what Rapidity, the Colonies proceed in their political Maneuvres. How many Calamities might have been avoided if these Measures had been taken twelve Months ago, or even no longer ago than last december? The Colonies to the South, are pursuing the same Maxims, which have heretofore governed those to the North. In...
1963610 July., 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
10 July. The congress resolved that the Committee of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, be empowered to mount a guard over the prisoners there and construct a stockade and that privates held as prisoners at Reading be sent to Lancaster ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:531).
19637From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your last Letter relates to a Subject of the last Importance, to America. The Continental Currency, is the great Pillar, which Supports our Cause, and if that Suffers in its Credit, the Cause must Suffer: if that fails the Cause must fail. The Subjects of Coin and Commerce, are the most nice, and intricate of any within the compass of political Knowledge, and I am very apprehensive We Shall...
19638From John Adams to William Tudor, 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 7th. instant I received yesterday. I wish to see you here for Several Reasons. But particularly, to hear your Observations upon the Articles of War. I am perfectly of your Opinion, that they must be amended, for the Value of an Army depends upon its Discipline. The Discipline of Rome and Britain, occasioned the Tryumphs of their Arms. I am Sorry you are tired of your situation in...
19639From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 1 July, came duly to Hand. The Establishment of the War Office as you observe has given me Work enough—more than I have a Relish for, and of a Kind not very suitable to my Taste. But must acquiesce. Should be greatly obliged to any officer of the Army for a Hint of any Improvement in the Plan, and for any assistance in the Execution of it. The continual Reports of our Disasters in...
19640To John Adams from James Warren, 10 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have for some time past been at Home in daily Expectation of the Courts riseing. It has however Continued setting till this time. What they have lately been Employed about I am not able to say. I believe nothing very Important. A very large Committee are out to raise the Men. I mean the 5000 requested by Congress for Canada and York. I hope they will by the large Encouragement of £7–for...
19641The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Samuel and J. H. Delap, 10 July 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: National Archives You will receive this by the Brigantine Dispatch Capt. Peter Parker and with it some letters for Silas Deane Esqr. which being of Considerable Consequence We beg you will cause them to be sent or delivered to him with the utmost Expedition and we make no doubt he has left his address with you shou’d he have left Bourdeaux. You will find herein an Invoice and...
19642The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Peter Parker, 10 July 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: National Archives The Brigt. Dispatch of which you are hereby appointed Commander in the Service of the United States of america, being now ready for Sea, You are to proceed immediately onboard said Brigantine for [the] Port of Bourdeaux in France and on your arrival there deliver the dispatches given [?] you herewith to Messrs. Saml. & J.H. Delap Merchts. at that place. You...
19643General Orders, 10 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly officered, to parade to morrow morning with their Arms, near the Laboratory, at six OClock; to take three days provisions: The Commanding Officer to come to Head Quarters for his orders—The Quarter Master General to provide tents. Genl Heaths Brigade instead of repairing to their Alarm post to morrow morning to hold themselves in readiness...
19644To George Washington from Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 10 July 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 10 July 1776. On 11 July Richard Cary wrote to Bradley: “I am commanded by his Excellency to return you for answer to your favr of yesterday, that upon the representation you have made of the peculiar Situation and circumstances of some Families on Bergen Neck, he has not the least objection to allowing each of them the use of two or three...
19645To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 10 July 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Parke Custis, 10 July 1776. On 24 July GW wrote to Custis : “Your Letter of the 10th Instt is come to hand.”
19646From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 4 & 6 Instt which came duly to hand with their Important Inclosures. I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most Interesting nature. It is certain that It is not with us to determine in many Instances what consequences will flow from our Counsels, but yet It behoves us to adopt such, as under...
19647To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letter from Mr Ephraim Anderson, I am directed to transmit by Order of Congress. As Mr Anderson appears to be an ingenious Man, and proposes to destroy the British Fleet at New York, the Congress are willing to give him an Opportunity of trying the Experiment, and have therefore thought proper to refer him to you. The Event only can shew, whether his Scheme is visionary, or...
In Pursuance of a Resolution of your hon’ble House of the 17 th : June last we passed a Resolve to authorize the Commander in Chief to call out all or any Part of the ^ our ^ Militia whenever he might think it necessary Of this Resolve the Inclosure N o . 1 is a Copy— We have also taken into Consideration the Recommendation of the Congress relative to providing Cloathing for the Troops, and...
19649Report of the Committee to Draw Up Rules of Procedure in Congress, [before 10 July 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed to draw up Rules and Orders for the Government of this House have agreed to the following report. iii . No Member shall read any printed Paper in the House during the sitting thereof without Leave of the Congress. vii . No Member shall speak more than twice in any one Debate without Leave of the House. ix . No Motion shall be debated until the same be seconded. x . When...
19650John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
You seem to be situated in the Place of greatest Tranquility and Security, of any upon the Continent. . . . I may be mistaken in this particular, and an Armament may have invaded your Neighbourhood before now. But We have no Intelligence of any such Design and all that We now know of the Motions, Plans, Operations, and Designs of the Enemy, indicates the Contrary.—It is but just that you...