22801To George Washington from Major Jacob Morris, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I find by several Gentlemen lately from Camp, that I am much censured for not accepting the Commission offer’d by the State of New York, & am greatly concern’d to hear that some people have been ilnatured, & ungenerous enough to impute my refusal to General Lee’s persuation—this is a reflection upon both that Gentlemans Character, & my own that distresses me exceedingly; & I will venture to...
22802From George Washington to William Sever and Thomas Cushing, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 20th last month, in which you make a request for five thousand of the Arms, lately arrived from France, for the use of the Troops of your State. As your letter went on to Philadelphia it only reached my hands a few days ago. I cannot conceive that such a number could be wanting, had proper pains been taken to collect the public Arms, and to purchase all that...
22803To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 10 April 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Major General Stirling, 10 April 1777. Stirling wrote Alexander Hamilton on 12 April: “I wrote to his Excellency on Thursday last about the Appointment of Wilcocks” ( DLC : Hamilton Papers).
22804Election Return for Delegates from Albemarle County, [10 April 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to an Ordinance of Convention the Freeholders of Albemarle County met at the Court House of the said County on Thursday the Tenth day of April One thousand seven Hundred and Seventy Seven in Order to Elect Delegates to represent this County in General Assembly. Thomas Jefferson and Jno. Harvie Esq. were by the said freeholders chosen as representatives. Given under my Hand and Seal...
22805From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Livingston, 11 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I take pleasure in transmitting you a letter, committed to my care, by your Sister Miss Suky, and in executing a promise, I gave her, of making an advance towards a correspondence with you. She says you discover, in all your letters to her, a relish for politics, which she thinks my situation qualifies me better for gratifying, than would be in her power; and from a desire to accommodate you...
22806General Orders, 11 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier Genl Muhlenberg will take the trouble of inquiring into the Rank, and Claims for promotion of the Subalterns of the 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th & 9th Virginia Battalions; determine the disputes, and make report; that no time may be left [lost] in filling up the vacancies. The commanding Officers of detachments and parties, as they arrive, must make Returns to the Adjutant General without...
22807From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 11 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The latest Accounts received respecting the Enemy, (rendered probable by a Variety of Circumstances) inform Us, That they are very busily engaged in fitting up their Transports at Amboy for the Accomodation of Troops, That they have completed their Bridge and are determined to make their first push at Philadelphia. The Campaign is therefore opening, and our present situation, weaker than when...
22808From George Washington to John Hancock, 12–13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 10th accompanied with one from the Committee of Congress, to whom I have wrote very fully upon the subject of the Resolve for forming an Army upon the West side of Delaware and to which I refer you. I wish I could see any prospect of an Army, fit to make proper opposition, formed any where. You will perhaps be surprized at this, after the public Reports of the...
22809From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received your favour of the 8th instant. Hurry of business prevents my entering into a particular detail of affairs, either with respect to the enemy, or ourselves; though matters remain much in the same situation, as when I last wrote. The enemy are unquestionably preparing to take the field as soon as possible; notwithstanding which, I believe it may be full as late, as I at first...
22810From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests that you will transmit the enclosed letter to General Wayne, by the first safe opportunity. I am, gentlemen, Yr. most humble serv. Journals of the Provincial Congress of the State of New-York Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New-York. 1775–1776–1777 (Albany, 1842). , II, 431. George...
22811To Alexander Hamilton from Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Basking Ridge [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. “… the time of Capt. James Scotts Company will expire the 14th.… I believe it will be best that I be furnished with His Excellency’s dismission of them by the day. I wrote to his Excellency … about the Appointment of Wilcocks. If he is approved of, I wish you would get both McWilliams & him in orders.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
22812From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I communicated your Lordship’s letter to his Excellency. He has desired me to send Capt Scott’s company their dismission, which you will therefore be pleased to give them, on the expiration of their time. General Green will bring you an answer to your letter respecting Mr. Willcox’s, by which you will perceive that his Excellency has approved, and that I have written to Mr. Willcox agreeable...
22813George Washington to John Hancock, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. Introduces Mauduit du Plessis and recommends his appointment as a captain of artillery. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. John Hancock was President of the Continental Congress. Thomas Antoine, Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, was appointed a captain in the Continental artillery on April 15, 1777.
22814George Washington to Robert Morris, George Clymer, and George Walton, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. States objections to forming an army in Pennsylvania. Names Bristol as rendezvous. Orders Pennsylvania Militia to be kept at a distance from Continental troops until there is action. Again recommends removal of stores from Philadelphia. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Df , in writing of Tench Tilghman with minor...
22815Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When I wrote last the Cutter was arrived tho’ I did not know it. As soon as I received your orders I lodged the necessary ones at painbeuf for the Capt. when he should arrive. He had then come up to town and of course did not receive these orders ’till he returned to his Vessell. This little accident has been...
22816Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Since writing by this days post I have received the inclosed plans and Memorandum from Messr. Jean henry Wilfelsheim & Compy. who wish to be employed to build in some port in the Baltic Sea ships of war on account of the Congress if they or you for them will give orders. They say that they can do this in a very advantageous manner that being the Country...
22817To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am obliged to you for mentioning the welfare of my Friends which gives me great satisfaction. The many Instances you give me of your friendship demand my warmest gratitude and lay me under indispensable obligations to endeavour to merit your Favour by my conduct, which is the only return I can make. The...
22818General Orders, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
All the troops in Morristown, except the Guards, are to attend divine worship to morrow morning at the second Bell; the officers commanding Corps, are to take especial care, that their men appear clean, and decent, and that they are to march in proper order to the place of worship. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The following day was Sunday.
22819From George Washington to a Committee of the Continental Congress, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was, late last Evening, honored with your favour of the 10th, and perfectly agree with you upon the propriety of forming an army on the West-side of Delaware—I can only regret, that the situation of our affairs at present is such, that not a man of the Continental army, can yet be suffered to remain there, without endangering the small part, that is already collected here. But this is no...
22820From George Washington to Col. William Grayson, 12 April 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. William Grayson, 12 April 1777. Tench Tilghman docketed Grayson’s letter to GW of 1 April in part: “Ansd 12th April.”
22821To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel James Hendricks, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment received yours respecting the Situation of 6th Virga regiment, which imply’s a Censure I think I by no means deserve, it gives me much pain sr to think a regiment of which I had in Some measure the regulation of, Shou’d be more Neglected than others from the Same State, and much more if I was conscious any part of the neglect happen’d with me, Early in February I had the promised...
22822To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am inducd to write you in consequence of a [letter I] have just receivd from Lord stirling acquainting me that some troops from Virginia were on their march to join the army and that he had directions to quarter them between Baskenridge, and the first ridge of mountains next to Boundbrook as thereby in case of necessity, they would be well situated to march to the assistance of either...
22823To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your favour of the 2nd Inst. I am happy in your good Opinion of my conduct. Since I came to this Post, I caution’d the Asst Commissary against increasing the Stores at this Place, which I believe he has observ’d; a few Days, as I wrote you, would have greatly reduced them. The loss of the Rum, Wine, Sugar and Candles is much to be regreted for the reasons you mention. I take...
22824To George Washington from James Mease, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellencies letter of 10 Int. informing of an application from the State of Massachusetts for a share of the Blankets arrived at Portsmouth from France. I have not yet given any directions respecting any distribution of those goods further than the general orders to the Agents to forward all the supplies they possibly can to Head Quarters. There is no invoice of the...
22825From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the accident you have lately met with, an acct of which I receivd from B. Genl Woodford, whom I am glad to find will again enter into the Service. I have been favour’d with your Letter by Majr Taliaferro and shall always think myself happy in shewing proper attention to any Gentn of your recommending—Motives of prudence and policy however forbid me to be...
22826From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Price, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 4th instant inclosing a Return of your Regt which I am sorry to find, so far below my expectation. I have wrote to Governor Johnson, entreating him to endeavour to settle the unhappy dispute that has hitherto subsisted in your State respecting Rank; and I hope it may be effected. I desire you will immediately upon the Receipt of this order your Lieut. Colonel to march to...
22827From George Washington to the Justices of the Peace of Sussex County, New Jersey, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
It has been represented to me by Capt. Kinney, that there are many people in the County of Sussex, who are really innocent of any Crime or evil design against their Country, but having been seen in Company with some notoriously disaffected, who have been tampering with them, they fear they will be considered of their party, and have therefore fled. Capt. Kinney says he is informed, that if...
22828From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
As Mr Fornandez an Officer just released from Captivity by an exchange, informs me, that large and weekly supplies of fresh provision are brought into York, which, he was informed by a Friend of ours, came from Connecticut, but whether by Water or by Land he does not know—This information I have thought proper to transmit to your Honor by the earliest opportunity, that you may adopt such...
22829From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favourd with your Letter from Mount Vernon, and one other of the 8th Ulto which is now before me, from Bushfield. To my great surprize we are still in a calm—how long it will—how long it can remain, is beyond my skill to determine—That it has continued much beyond my expectation already, is certain, but to expect that General Howe will not avail himself of our Weak State, is, I...
22830From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
As you are appointed in the Arrangement of the Army to command a Brigade of Pensylvania Troops, I desire, that you will hold yourself in readiness and repair to my Head Quarters, as soon, as a General Officer arrives at the post where you now command. Your presence here, will be materially wanted, and I persuade myself, you will lose no time in complying with my requisition, when the...
22831From George Washington to Brigadier General David Wooster, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28th Ulto covering the Proceedings of a Court Martial against William Stone and Alexander Fulton I received a few days ago. Having maturely considered those Proceedings, I confirm the Sentence decreed against William Stone and transmit you a Warrant for his Execution. The Name of the person who will act as provost, you will insert in the blank left for that purpose. The...
22832John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed with this you have a Correspondence, between the two Generals, concerning the Cartell for the Exchange of Prisoners. Washington is in the Right, and has maintained his Argument with a Delicacy, and a Dignity, which do him much Honour. He has hinted, at the flagitious Conduct of the two Howes, towards their Prisoners, in so plain and clear a manner, that he cannot be misunderstood; but...
22833John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have spent an Hour, this Morning, in the Congregation of the dead. I took a Walk into the Potters Field, a burying Ground between the new stone Prison, and the Hospital, and I never in my whole Life was affected with so much Melancholly. The Graves of the soldiers, who have been buryed, in this Ground, from the Hospital and bettering House, during the Course of the last Summer, Fall, and...
22834From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
In considering a Letter from the General, sometime ago, in the Board of War, it was agreed to report to Congress a Resolution, approving of the Laboratory at Sprin g field, and such a Report was made, but upon some Opposition to it, it was ordered to lye on the Table, where it has lain ever since. I will, move to have it taken up and determined. Some Gentlemen will oppose it, par ticularly...
22835To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 13 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Enemy made an attempt to surprise General Lincoln. This morning they advanced by three divisions. One crossed the Rarotan about a mile above Head Quarters—the second division came up in front of the Town—the third to the left of the Town and crossed the River cald Boundbrook. Besides these three divisions there was a Corps of de reservs commanded by General Mathews. The Padroles and Guards...
22836General Orders, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
William Wilcocks Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Major Genl Lord Stirling, and to be obeyed as such. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Stirling wrote Alexander Hamilton on 12 April: “I wrote to his Excellency [GW] on Thursday last [10 April] about the Appointment of Wilcocks, If he is approved of I wish you would get both McWilliams & him in Orders, & that you would be so good as to write him to...
22837From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday Evening had the honor to receive the favor of your Letter of the 29th Ulto. It gives me much concern to hear, the recruiting service proceeds so slowly in most of the States; That it is the case in Virginia affects me in a peculiar manner. I feel myself much obliged by the polite respect your Honorable Board of Council are pleased to shew to my Opinion, & am under the necessity of...
22838To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1777. In his letter to Hancock of 12–13 April, GW writes: “13th I have this Moment recd a line from Genl Lincoln informing me that the Enemy attempted to surprize him, early this morning, at his post at Bound Brook, but he made good his Retreat to the pass of the Mountains just in his Rear, with trifling Loss.”
22839To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ I am just going off for East Florida with our Troops, & have not any Returns by me now, as I have hitherto regularly Sent th[e]m to General Lee, & Since his departure to Brigr General Howe in Charles town, I cannot avoid this opportunity of giving you some account of our present Situation & Circumstances in this state. Our present Military Force is between Seven & Eight hundred Men. the...
22840To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Board of War, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed copy of a letter which we have received this morning from our signal at Cape henlopen, your Excellency will be informed of the appearance of several of the Enemy’s ships in our Bay —whether this is intended as a feint, or a real attack upon this City, we are yet at a loss to determine, but as our defence on the river is greatly weakened by a detatchment of our state Regiment of...
22841To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival here, I met Major Blackden Who informed me that the Saddlery for the Regiment is nearly compleated, that Carbines for 4 Troops are ingaged to be made, that Pistols Could not be made, Wherefore he is endeavouring to buy up a number through the Country, that he has procured Steel for the Sword Blades & with the Hilts they are making. As to men & Horses we are nearly Compleat, I beg...
22842To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 5th Instant I received your Excellency’s Favor of the 12th Ulto; As I had previous thereto virtually comply’d with the Contents, can now only say, I delivered the inclosed Orders to Colonels Crary & Angell. From the first of January last, to the Rect of your Favor of the sixth, of March, the particular Command of the Post at Howland’s Ferry, Tiverton, devolved upon me by Order of General...
22843To Benjamin Franklin from Coder: A Memorandum, [after 14 October 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Notte pour monsieur le docteur franklin. En me retirant dans ma chaumiere je previens monsieur le docteur que les anciens fourniseurs emploies par M. deaene, acoutumés a gagnier cent pour cent sur les fournitures qu’ils font et n’ayant pu se resoudre a se contenter du profit modique qu’il y a a faire sur la miene et honteux de continuér la leur dont j’ai...
22844To John Jay from Lewis Morris, 14–17 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
I did not until this day receiv’d yours of 12 March. I have wrote by almost every opportunity and shall continue so to do as long as I remain at this Place—just now we had an alarm that the Enemy where coming up the river, I hope and wish the People of this State may act like men— A few days ago I made a Motion in Congress that the Congress should direct to be immediately made an Elegant...
22845Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 14 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
We hear of your being at Philadelphia and wish You a comfortable Session there. The spring is now opening and with this (probably) some grand Important Scenes that will call for the Wisdom of the Politician and the Skill and Bravery of the Warrior. Troops are dayly marching from this State to the several Places of their Destination and were all the Levies compleated from the several States,...
22846From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [14 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
I take occasion to inform you, that an ⟨attempt⟩ was yesterday made to suprize Bound Brook. It partly succeeded but not to the enemy’s wish. They got possession of Bound Brook, but our people eluded their design of surrounding and cutting off the whole party, and made good their retreat to the pass of the mountains in the rear. We lost however 3 field pieces, one iron 6 pounder, and 2 brass...
22847To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prens la liberté de Vous recommander un jeune Suisse, M. Guez, de Lausanne fils d’une ancienne connoissance de M. Hutton, et d’un de mes Amis, reçu Chirurgien à Montpellier, qui vient de quitter sa Patrie pour aller offrir ses services dans les Colonies Angloises qui vous doivent tant. Je verrai avec la plus vive reconnoissance, tout ce que l’illustre...
22848From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr. Guez, being well recommended to me as a skilful Surgeon, and otherwise of good Character for his Morals and Prudence, I recommend him to your Civilities and Advice, which as a Stranger he may have occasion for: And as he has not sufficient to pay his Passage here, and will not be able to provide such a Sum immediately there, I desire you to...
22849To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse Conway, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Commence to read, and write a litle the english but I Know not Speak yet that language; wherefore, I bold not, to go See you, nevertheles I pray you of Signify to me the a day, and a hour where I Can render my homage to you; I am the wiffe of thomas Conway departed by l’amphitrite, for to aid his Brother americains, end to Share the glory with them. I...
22850To Benjamin Franklin from Paul Veron, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Monge de Beaune vient de m’envoyer par sa lettre du 11 du courant la lettre que j’ay l’honneur de vous acheminer par la presente, en me recommandant de vous la remettre en main propre, s’il m’est possible. Comme j’ignore votre adresse, Monsieur, j’ay envoyé aux informations, d’un côté, l’on m’a dit que vous etiés souvent à la campagne, d’autres m’ont...