23451To George Washington from James Lovell, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by a German Officer who expresses much inclination to enter into the army under your command. The trouble which your Excellency receives from Foreigners commissioned by Congress has made the Committee, appointed to examine their pretensions, averse to offering any resolutions for places above the rank of subalterns. The Bearer speaks english very well, and has an...
23452To George Washington from Major Apollos Morris, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I receiv’d the inclos’d letters which Genl Firman was kind enough to have deliver’d seald thro’ Mr Wade of this City; injoining me to Suppress any thing improper. This I think it my duty to leave to your Judgment, as it was thro’ your Indulgence I took the oportunity of a private conveyance of the Letters to which they are answers. One of which Letters was the same shewn to Col:...
23453From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you upon a particular Subject Yesterday, to which I refer, and request to know your sentiments thereon, as soon as you can with propriety communicate them, because it may have some influence upon my movements in this quarter. An Express from Govr Trumbull, which came in last night, informs me that two Hessian Regiments and an half, and the 63 British had orders on the 17th Instt to...
23454From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday evening honored with your letter of the 22d instant—It is certainly of importance that I should have the earliest intelligence of the Enemy’s Movements, and I beg leave to thank you for the information you have been pleased to transmit on that head. Your anxiety for Troops to remain in Connecticut and my inability to grant them, when I examine matters upon a large, and I...
23455To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 26 May 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
I had this Morning, the Pleasure of your Favour of the Sixteenth inst, by the Post; and rejoice to learn that your Battallions, were so far fill’d, as to render a Draught from the Militia, unnecessary. It is a dangerous Measure, and only to be adopted in great extremities, even by popular Governments. Perhaps, in Such Governments Draughts will never be made, but in Cases, when the People...
23456To John Adams from Andrew Henshaw, 27 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Although I cannot boast a right to address you from an Acquaintance which would warrant it, yet a Gentleman of your Character and Station will not be surpriz’d, at such a freedom, when you are acquainted with my Situation; which may present an Opportunity for the Exercise of that Benevolence of which you are possessed, by drawing me forth from my present Obscurity, thereby rescuing me from one...
23457From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Communication between Britain and North America being cut off, the French Botanists cannot in that Channel be supply’d as formerly with American Seeds, &c. If you or one of your Sons encline to continue that Business, you may I believe send the same Number of Boxes here, that you used to send to England, because England will then send here for what it...
23458From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, Sr., 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society The above went by Capt. Adams. Since which I received your Favour by your Son, who appears an amiable sensible young Man. I have advis’d his Staying a few Months in France to acquire the Language, which, as we are likely to have more Connection and Commerce with this Nation than formerly, may be of considerable Use to him. He returns to Nantes with Mr....
23459From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Jewish Historical Society, New York City I was glad to understand by yours of March 29. that you and your Family continued in good Health and Spirits. You and your Country are engag’d in a good Cause, which God will finally crown with Success. Let nothing discourage you. Your Son John remains at Nantes. His Brother will probably find some Business there for him. I suppose he...
23460Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Three copies: National Archives I reached this three days from Munich and in expectation of hearing from you to Morrow shall not proceed till the 29th. Dresden will be my next Stage. There is a Cold tranquillity here, that bodes us no good. On ne peut pas echauffer la froi deur alle magne [froideur allemande]. From what I learn we need be under no apprehensions from Russia. I hope you will not...
23461To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous envoiér le surplus des modeles que m. dubourg, avoit cru pouvoir vous portér hier a passi, ainsi que la notte si jointe; vous verés Monsieur par le billet que je vients de rescevoir, le facheux etat de mdme. dubourg, que je crois sans ressoursse. Je verai M. bayar cet apres midi, et comme il seroit apropos de l’abouchér avec...
23462To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Seguins, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society La comtesse de seguins soeur de Mr. le comte Deslsnard desireroit avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin pour conferer avec lui sur le projet d’aller en amerique dont son frere lui a parlé. Elle prie Monsieur franklin, de vouloir bien lui faire dire si elle le trouvera ches lui jeudi matin, ou l’apres diner. Elle le prie d’adresser la reponce ches Mr....
23463To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received with great Pleasure yours of the 4th. February, because it brought me the Assurances of your own good Health, of the Welfare of our Friends in Philadelphia, and of your affectionate Remembrance of my Family. This will be delivered to you by a young Gentleman a Countryman of mine, bred to Physick, who comes to Paris for Improvement in his...
23464General Orders, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
One Sub.—one Serjt and twenty privates, of Lieut. Col. Olney’s detachment to do duty as Artillery Men, under Lieut: in Morristown, ’till further orders. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For the general orders regarding the establishment of guards and patrols to protect the new camp at Middlebrook, N.J., that Gen. Nathanael Greene issued on this date, see “Muhlenberg’s Orderly Book,” 33:259; see...
23465To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment the Commisary reports to me that the Provisions & supplies fall short and that its out of his power with his utmost exertion to procure a sufficient supply. I wish your Excellency would order the Commisary at Morris Town down here as soon as possible to the assistance of this. We must take Sheep & Cattle about the Country to supply the present deficiency. I think Trumbull should...
23466From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered the Assistant Commissary at this place, to repair immediately to Camp. It is the peculiar misfortune of this Army to have, generally speaking, the head[s] of the different departments always absent when they are most wanted—Two months was I labouring, as hard as a man could, to get the Comy Genl to this place, & had scarce accomplished it before the Congress ordered him to...
23467To George Washington from John Hancock, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour of transmitting at this Time sundry Resolves, to which I beg Leave to refer your Attention. From them you will learn, that Congress have ascertained the Limits of the Northern Department, and that they have ordered Genl Schuyler to take the Command therein. The Regulations respecting Chaplains in the Army are highly necessary. By encreasing their Pay, and enlarging the Bounds...
23468To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 10th Instant, and immediately sent on Lt Colo. Sprout who is an Active Spirited Officer to correct those Abuses committed by the Troops on the March mentioned by your Excellency. I have desired the same of General Nixon who is also on his journey to Pecks Kill, at which place he will have arrived before this reaches you. But surely all the Troops have...
23469To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hancock has directed me to inform you that upon the Request of several Members of Congress, who judgd my Attendance here for some Days necessary, I must remain in Philada unless the Buisiness of the Army cannot be executed to your Satisfaction by the Gentlemen who are now with you as Depy Qr Mrs Genl. In the mean Time I have my Hands filld with the Formation of the Department & the...
23470To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recived your favor at this Plas as I in company with ginrol Clinton thought proper to Com to this plas to see how the Obstructions in the rever went on and also to see what could be don as to Booms with Logs we have not as yeat Com to any Detarmenation what is beast to be don but when we shall Com to any detarmenation about it I Shall inform your Exelancy of it. as to your Plan of Supris by...
23471To George Washington from George Walton, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Well aware of the many great objects which necessarily & constantly occupy your mind, I would not trouble you upon the present occasion, were I not pressed to it by the bearer. He is appointed to the command of the fourth Georgia-Battalion, which is yet in great part to be raised, and that too in other states. I have suggested to him the several difficulties; I have told him, that; as Congress...
23472The Marquis de Brétigney: Memorandum for the Commissioners, [after 28 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society This memorandum is the first appearance of an adventurous aristocrat, about whose background little seems to be known. He had been an officer in the garde du corps of the comte d’Artois, the King’s brother, and went to America for much the usual reasons. “Le desir de me faire connoitre, l’envie d’apprendre mon métier , et peut-etre l’envie encore de faire ma...
23473Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
This is Election Day, but the news of the day I am not able to inform you of as I have Heard nothing from Town. The House is not so unwealdy a Body this year as the last. Very few Towns have sent more than one, and those are many of them new Members. Whether they have changd for the better time will discover. I recollect a remark of a writer upon Goverment, who says that a single assembly is...
23474John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
An horrid cold Day for Election—warm work however, in the Afternoon, I suppose. You will see by the inclosed Papers, among the Advertisements, how the Spirit of Manufacturing grows. There never was a Time when there was such full Employment, for every Man, Woman and Child, in this City. Spinning, Knitting, Weaving, every Tradesman is as full as possible. Wool and Flax in great Demand. Industry...
23475Resolution on Pardoning Power, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Resolved That the General, or Commander in Chief for the Time being Shall have full Power of pardoning, or mitigating any of the Punishments ordered to be inflicted, for any of the Offences mentioned in the Rules and Articles for the better Government of the Troops, raised, or to be raised and kept in Pay, by and at the expence of the united States of America, the fourth Article resolved in...
23476To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d a letter from you some days since. I have it not with me, and therefore cannot be very particular in the Answer. I re member you lament the general corruption of manners, and the increase of vicious habits that prevail in the Army; It is a serious truth, and much to be lamented; I know of nothing that a people can receive in exchange, for the loss of their Morals that is an...
23477To John Adams from John Sullivan, 28 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I Recollect That I Stand Indebted to you one Letter for your favor of the 22d. Feby and have nothing to plead in Excuse for nonpayment but want of Ability. I had Just before I was honoured with your Letter received a Fall from my Horse which Disabled me from writing. I Soon after went to the Eastward and did not return till the 15th Instant. Since which I have been much Engaged in getting...
23478George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1777. Encloses a letter from Major General Charles Lee. States that he (Washington) is on his way to Bound Brook. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Morris was a member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Continental Congress. Lee was a prisoner of the British.
23479To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 28 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies and transcript: National Archives The post in and nothing from you. I therefore shall proceed to Morrow and hope to reach my destination in eight days. The chief purpose for giving Money in my memorial was to pay the Interest of our Loans and Support our funds. I added the paying the Ship we were obliged to build in Holland in lieu of those requested. To these purposes therefore...
23480To Benjamin Franklin from James Shanly, 28 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From maney Solicitations Of The frinds To the Congress In Irland, And My Own Intentions To Serve In the Defence Of Liberty And My Contrymen In Amerrica Induced Me To Leave Irland for that Purpos About Six Weeks Ago And I Should Have been Here Long Ago To Weait On Your Hons. Onely I was Taken Ill on The Roade Which Retarted My Jorney A good Deale. You May be...
23481General Orders, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For the general orders regarding ammunition supplies, alarm signals, and guard duty that Gen. Nathanael Greene issued at the new camp at Middlebrook, N.J., on this date, see “Muhlenberg’s Orderly Book,” 33:259–60.
23482From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed, is a Copy of a Letter, received yesterday from Genl Howe. Congress will perceive by referring to the Copy of his Letter of the 21st of April, transmitted in mine of the 26th, that he persevered in his demand for an equal number of prisoners to be returned, for those sent out by him, and which have been the Subject of Controversy between us. As General Howe has called upon me...
23483From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
From your Letter of the 13th, and my answer of the 15th I expected, you would have been in Camp ’ere now; If you are not detained on Business, that is materially interesting and of consequence, I wish you to join me immediately. I this day move to Bound Brook, from whence I came yesterday morning. I am Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Servt Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The unfound receiver’s copy of...
23484From George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you the inclosed from General Lee which I have just received by a flag. The other inclosures, I beg may be immediately handed to the Gentlemen for whom they are. As I am this moment going off to the Camp at Boundbrook, I have only time to add, that I am with sentiments of real regard & respect, Sir Your most Obedient servant LS (photocopy), in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, NjP :...
23485Instructions to Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Olney, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your detachment is to remain at Morris Town till further orders, with which, and the Militia now here, you are to Guard the Stores of different kinds, in the most effectual manner you are able. Endeavour, as far as it is in your power, to Strengthen the works already begun upon the Hill near this place, and erect such others as are necessary for the better defending of it, that it may become a...
23486From George Washington to Jeremiah Dummer Powell, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I saw no prospect of the three Super numera[ry] Regiments allotted to your State being rais’d till lately by the legislature having adopted them, and given them the priveledge of the aditional bounty, I had order’d Colo. Henly on to Camp, with a View of providing for Him in Some other Capacity I consider Him as too valuable An Officer to permit Him to be lost to the Service But when that...
23487From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Trumbull, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Though your remaining at philadelphia longer, to compleat the Business, you are upon, may be a desireable circumstance, Yet, it is of infinitely more importance, that you should repair to Camp without a Moments delay. All our Troops in Jersey are nearly collected at a point. Every day, we are to hope, will bring in further Reinforcements. At this time, we are greatly distressed for provision,...
23488To John Jay from William Duer, 28 May 1777 (Jay Papers)
You have been undoubtedly surpris’d at my long Silence, but when I assure you what is Fact, that my principal Reasons for not writing have been want of Time, and of Satisfactory Matter I flatter myself I shall stand acquitted, (if not with honor) at least as a Wilful Offender against the Laws of Freindship— As General Schuyler expects to deliver this Letter in Person, I shall refer you to him...
23489To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 29 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wish, with you, that N. England may not fail to furnish their Quota of the Continental Army even to a single man; but am afraid we shall not be able to accomplish it soon. Some Towns have already rais’d and sent forward their full Proportion. This has done much more, besides Manning the State Vessels and Privateers: but others are yet greatly deficient; and yet all Circum stances...
23490George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 29, 1777. Orders Sullivan to send intelligence concerning the enemy as rapidly as possible. Repeats orders for rerouting men and wagons. States that John Parke Custis is not to come by the usual road. LS , in writing of H, postscript in the writing of George Washington, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Custis was Martha Washington’s son by her...
23491From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 29 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Count Pulawski of Poland, an Officer famous throughout Europe for his Bravery and Conduct in Defence of the Liberties of his Country against the three great invading Powers of Russia, Austria and Prussia, will have the Honour of delivering this into your Excellency’s Hands. The Court here have encouraged and promoted his Voyage, from an Opinion that he may be highly...
23492General Orders, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Ryan, who has done the duty of the Adjutant General, for some days past, is now excused from that service. The Commander in Chief directs, that all orders issued here, previous to his coming to camp, be observed in full force, ’till countermanded, or alter’d by him. As it is a matter of the greatest importance to have the Camp well secured; guards properly fixed; their respective duties...
23493To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Zebulon Butler, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persuent to Orders reced from your Exelency by the Hand of Majr Genl Lincoln I have Marched with the three detachments from Connecticut Regiments; Part of the Westmoreland Independant Companies have Joined me as was Ordered and more will be in this day. I am Now Encamped upon the Heights between Chatham and Springfield—Genl Stevens had Left this Place before my Arival & I am destitute of any...
23494From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning had the Honor of your Letter of the 27th with its Inclosures. I shall pay the strictest attention to the Resolutions transmitted me; However I am not without apprehensions, that the Regulation lately adopted, respecting Chaplains, will not answer. I recollect when One was assigned, in the course of last year, to Two Regiments, the prevailing Opinion was, and that founded on a...
23495To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Carnes being now in waiting, I have Time only to acknowledge the Honor of the receipt of yours of the 18th Instant and shall pay strict attention and obediance thereto, General Glover and Colo. Pickering set out this day or to morrow to join the Army And the French Officers on Monday, In my next I will transmit to your Excellency a Return of such Stores and Ordnance as are gone on to...
23496To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Putnam arrived here to the 22d, he has Since been Viewing the river and the Country, tomorrow he takes the command. A Flag I Sent to Newyork the day before yesterday, to exchange Families of ours on the Nassau Island, for Some of the Enemies, who had leave of Convention to leave this part of the State, has this day brought me the Following intelligence. “That they were not Suffered to...
23497From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I observe, by the late regulation of the Quarter Master General’s department, that the appointment of the Deputies and Assistants is left to you, subject to my approbation. As I must suppose, that you will appoint none, but such as are sufficiently qualified for their respective offices, I hope I shall not be under the disagreeable necessity of putting a negative upon any of your nominations....
23498To George Washington from Major Apollos Morris, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
My knowledge of Coll Tillingmans departure was too late to give me time to reexamine my letter. The leave therein was therefore too bald for the dictates of my heart or understanding, when speaking to a person whose character I revere, whose justly exalted Station demands respect from every one & to whom I look on myself as oblig’d by Tyes of gratitude for the Confidence shewn as well as for...
23499From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was just now favoured with your Letter of the 25th by Major Humphrys. The intelligence communicated by it, is truely interesting and agreeable, and now I shall take occasion, not only to give you my hearty approbation of your conduct in planning the expedition to Long Island, but to return my sincere thanks to Lt Colo. Meigs and to all the Officers and men engaged in it. This enterprise, so...
23500From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 May 1777. GW wrote Sullivan on this date : “I wrote to you this morning.”