24541From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the inclosed copy of a letter from Congress, that they have appointed you to the command of the army in the Northern department, and have directed me to order you immediately to repair to that post. I have therefore to desire you will, in persuance of their intention, proceed to the place of your destination, with all the dispatch you can, and take upon you the command of...
24542To George Washington from John Hancock, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have it in Charge from Congress to inform you, that they have this Day appointed General Gates to the Command of the Army in the Northern Department, and to direct, that you immediately order him to repair to that Post —Any Instructions that may be necessary, shall be sent after him with the utmost Expedition. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect Sir your most obed. & very hble...
24543To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be Handed to you by the Count de Puluski General de Larme de la Republique de Poloigne, who has Come over to Serve in the great american Cause. Since my last we have Sent on near Three Hundred full Barrels of Powder, and a number of arms to Brookfield, A number of Shells 10 and 8 Inch with Some other Heavy articles are at Cambridge the Removal of which far by land will be very...
24544From George Washington to John Langdon, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Two Favors of the 12th & 17th Ulto have been duly received. I am happy in the arrival of the Packet from Nantes after so good a passage. I suppose the Accounts transmitted by the Commissioners are of importance, but I am not yet informed of the particulars. The Captains intelligence is agreable, and I wish much to hear it confirmed by a Declaration of War. We have been for some time and...
24545To George Washington from John Laurens, 4 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Laurens, 4 Aug. 1777. On 5 Aug. GW wrote to Laurens that “Your favour of Yesterday came to my hands late in the Afternoon.”
24546To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I met General Schuyler the 30th ultimo; a mile or two above Fort miller, just after the General officers had in council resolved to remove the army to Saratoga, as a place more tenable and convenient for disciplining the troops; I hope he will have it in his power there to make a stand, and be able soon to attack the British troops, or at least some parties of them, with success, And give a...
24547From George Washington to the New York Council of Safety, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored by your several favours of the 25th 27th and 30th of July. The misfortune at Ticonderoga has given a very disagreeable turn to our affairs, and has thrown a gloom upon the happy prospect, which the campaign previous to that event afforded. But I am in great hopes the ill-consequences of it will not continue long to operate; and that the jealousies and alarms, which so...
24548To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Recd yours of the 1st Inst. last evening & your favour of the 2nd this moment, In consequence of the Intellgience & Directions therein given Expresses were early this morning Sent to Govr Trumbull Genl Woolcut & Silliman urging in the Strongest manner the necessity of Speedily reinforcing this Post by the Militia —like Expresses have been Sent to Govr Clinton & to the Cols: of the Militia of...
24549From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 4 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edward Rutledge, c.4 Aug. 1777. When writing to Rutledge on 5 Oct. 1778 , GW says: “In the Month of August last year from the House of Mr. H[enry] Hill near Germantown (where I was then encamped) I wrote you a Letter as long as my arm” ( DLC:GW ).
24550To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
the Commanding officiers of the Corps Composing General Fermois Brigade having repeated their Request to be ennexed to other Brigades declaring that however high their Esteem of his military abilities might Be yet as They Could not understand his Language nor he Theirs, they had already laboured under inconveniencis and apprehended greather, I Communicated Thus to general fermoise and advised...
24551To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the unanimous advice of all the General Officers, I have moved the Army to this place—We propose to fortify our Camp in Hopes that Reinforcements may enable us to keep our Ground and prevent the Enemy from penetrating farther into the Country; but if I should be asked from whence I expect Reinforcements, I should be at a Loss for an Answer not having heard a Word from the Massachusetts on...
24552From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 4 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of the 28th ulto—I confess the conduct of the Enemy is distressing beyond measure, and past our comprehension—On thursday and friday last their Fleet consisting of two hundred and twenty eight Sail, were beating off the Capes of Delaware, as if they intended to come in. From this circumstance, nobody doubted but that Philadelphia was the immediate object of...
24553To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 4 August 1777 (Jay Papers)
Your Favor inclosing Holt’s papers of the 28 th July I received on my way down from Moses Creek, and you will readily excuse my not having acknowledged it sooner, when you reflect that with a retreating Army an Officer that commands has seldom a Moment’s Time to himself. I have not one. I am much obliged by the Measures you have taken to exculpate me, at least from the Charge of having ordered...
24554From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 5–9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 21st of June from Westmoreland, and 10th Ulto from Fredericksburg, are both to hand —Since Genl Howes remove from the Jerseys, the Troops under my Command have been More harrassed by Marching, & Counter Marching, than by any thing that has happen’d to them in the course of the Campaign. After Genl Howe had Imbarkd his Troops, the presumption that he woud operate upon the...
24555Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
If allarming half a dozen places at the same time is an act of Generalship How may boast of his late conduct. We have never since the Evacuation of Boston been under apprehensions of an invasion from them eaquel to what we sufferd last week. All Boston was in confusion, packing up and carting out of Town, Household furniture, military stores, goods &c. Not less than a thousand Teams were...
24556General Orders, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial ordered yesterday, is to sit to morrow morning, at nine o’clock, at Palmer’s tavern, at Schuylkill falls; and all members must attend without fail —A Serjeant from brigade to attend the court. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s military family expense account contains entries for this date for £263.4 to “Daniel Smiths acct for the expences of His Excellencys family &...
24557From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Received your favour of the 19th July & according to your request inclose a warrant on the Pay Master in Virginia for twenty thousand Dollars. I fully expected the sum you had drawn before would have compleated your Regiment. I must urge you in the most pressing terms to use your utmost exertions and diligence in compleating your Regiment and proceeding with it without loss of time to Camp....
24558From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have duly receiv’d your favor of 23d of July—I believe the Evacuation of Tyconderoga has dissatisfied the people in general, nor can I say, that I have as yet heard any reason, which makes such a step appear absolutely necessary to me, however, as a Strict enquiry into the conduct of the commanding Officers is soon to take place, the public will, no doubt, be fully satisfied with the...
24559From George Washington to John Laurens, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of Yesterday came to my hands late in the Afternoon. For reasons unnecessary to mention, I mean to delay the actual Appointment of my fourth Aide de Camp a while longer; but if you will do me the honour to become a member of my Family, you will make me very happy, by your Company and assistance in that Line as an Extra Aid and I shall be glad to receive you in that capacity...
24560From George Washington to Brigadier General Francis Nash, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on the receipt of this you will Embark your Brigade with the Artillery belonging to it, and also Colo. Proctors Corps; you are to proceed to Trenton and there wait till you receive further orders. With respect to Waggons, if you have not a sufficient number for the use of the Brigade, you will make application to Colo. Miflin, who will furnish you; they are to be order’d to meet...
24561To George Washington from Richard Peters, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Board have given Orders to the Commissary General to make a Return to your Excellency of every Thing in his Department as they have put all Arms Acoutrements & military Stores under your immediate Direction. All Arms repaired are under the Care of Col. Flower, but Orders for the Reparation of Arms must issue to Mr Thomas Butler—Chief Armourer, who has also Directions to put himself & his...
24562From George Washington to Richard Peters, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 3d which I should have answered Yesterday, but I was down the River visiting the different posts. The constant demands for Arms and Accoutrements notwithstanding the great quantities lately delivered, is a thing so unaccountable, that I think no means should be left untried to investigate the true Reasons of such deficiencies in almost every Corps. The first Step...
24563From George Washington to John Tayloe, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 21st of June came to my hands about Eight days ago by Colo. Thornton; whom on Acct of your recommendation—the regard I entertaind for his worthy Father—and I daresay I may add, his own merit, I have taken into my Family as an extra Aid de Camp—which is all I coud do with any degree of propriety. After Genl Howe had Imbark’d his Troops at Staten Island the presumption that he...
24564To George Washington from George Walton, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I moved Congress a few days ago, to order Brigadier-General McIntosh from his station in Georgia to join the grand Army; and it was objected to, because it was feared it might derange the Army, or that you would have no command for him. The cause of my having made this proposition was, that he had lately fought a Duel with Governor Gwinnett, in which the latter had fallen; and I was afraid the...
24565John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Price current.—Oak Wood £4:15s:od. Pr. Cord. Bad Beer, not so good as your Small Beer, 15d: Pr. Quart. Butter one Dollar Pr. Pound. Beef 2s:6d. Coffee a dollar a Pound. Bohea 8 dollars. Souchong £4: 10s. Hyson £6. Mean brown sugar 6s. 6d. a pound. Loaf sugar 18s. a pound. Rum 45s. a Gallon. Wine 2 dollars a Bottle. The Hounds are all still at a Fault. Where the game is gone, is the Question....
24566George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 6, 1777. Notifies Gates that De Malmady has been given permission to serve under Gates in Northern Department. LS , in the writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City François, Marquis de Malmady, was a colonel in the Continental Army.
24567Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters of Introduction, 6 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented you by Monsr. De Foligné Commander of a french Frigatte belonging to Mr. Montieu. He is lately arrived, after a successfull Voyage, from South Carolina, and comes to Paris on Business. I beg leave to introduce him to you as a Gentleman of exceeding good abilities in his profession and much attached to the american Interest, which he...
24568To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Duvaunoel, 6 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Gaillon, August 6, 1777, in French: I offer you my commercial services at home or abroad. The delicate work I have done makes me confident that I can be useful to you in a number of ways, and I will prove it by giving you the letters with which M. Turgot honored me when he was in office.>
24569General Orders, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
A board of General Officers, consisting of all the Major and Brigadier Generals in camp, is to sit to morrow at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at General Stephens’s quarters, at Dr Smith’s house near Schuylkill falls —to make enquiry why the pay abstracts are not regularly made out, and lodged with the Pay Master General, according to orders—The pay Abstracts of every regiment and corps in the...
24570I. Major General Du Coudray’s Opinion, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
a Definitive project upon the Defence of philadelphia in the present state of affairs. In the account which I have given the Honourable Congress, of the state in which fort miflin, Red bank, and billin’gsport were, the first of august, I think I have Demonstrated, that in the actual situation of things, Litle Dependance should be had on this fort, to Defend both the places, where the River is...
24571From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the inclosed, which was wrote a few days ago, that you were ordered to halt, for the Reasons therein given. The letter, by Mistake of the Express, was carried up the Morris Town road, and as you were not to be heard of upon that Rout, it was brought back. As we are under the same uncertainty as to the destination of the Fleet, that we were when the inclosed was wrote, you...
24572From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to be informed, whether Congress have written, or mean to write themselves to Generals Schuyler & St Clair to repair to Head Quarters, or whether they expect me to do it. My reason for this is, the Resolves for their recall, transmitted in your Favor of the 2d Instant do not mention how the same should be communicated. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble...
24573To George Washington from Richard Peters, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Board have employed the Bearer Mr James White to furnish a temporary Supply of Vinegar, Beer & Vegetables to the Army while they stay in their present Situation. As this Gentleman is not in the Commissary’s Department there will be some clashing unless your Excellency puts the Matter upon its proper Footing. Mr White will want Authority to get Waggons to hall the Articles he supplies & he...
24574From George Washington to George Walton, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your Letter respecting General McIntosh. You may Inform Congress that One Brigade in this Army is without a General Officer, occasion’d by Dehaas’s not chusing to accept of that Commission & should they think proper to order Genl McIntosh for that purpose, it wou’d be very agreeable to me were it not for the length of time it will take to get him here this, I apprehend,...
24575John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have not yet the least Intimation of Howes Design. He is wasting away the Time. Let him aim at what Object he will, he will have scarcely Time to secure that, and will have none left to pursue his Advantage, if he gains any. Burgoine I hope will be checked, and driven back. I hope the New Englandmen will now exert themselves, for it has cost Us, severe Conflicts, to get Affairs in that...
24576To John Adams from William Gordon, 7 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
This day 7-night I transmitted under cover to Mr. Hancock a number of anniversary sermons, printed at the request of the General Court, some of which were directed to those members of the Congress whose names I was acquainted with, others I requested might be directed, my design being to present one to each; yours I hope will be duely received. The particular occasion of my writing is not the...
24577From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I last Evening had the pleasure of your favour of the 2d. I am with you exceeding anxious for the Safety of your State, though the Numbers of the Enemy have very little part in producing the anxiety; the panic in the army (I am afraid pretty high up) and the want of zeal in the Eastern States are the only alarming Considerations, for tho Burgoine should be weak in numbers as I suppose him, if...
24578Release of Officer from German Battalion, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp Near German Town [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Certifies that “Monsieur Bernard Pally De Couseau, Ensign in the German Batalion, is by his own request permitted to leave said batalion.” ADS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
24579George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Notifies Gates that Du Bouchet has been given permission to serve under Gates in the Northern Department. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Denis Jean Florimond Langlois de Mautheville, Chevalier du Bouchet.
24580The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and two copies: American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Inclosed are duplicates of Commissions and Instructions for William Lee and Ralph Izard Esqrs and Triplicates of Letters No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Since our last No. 6 a Variety of Circumstances in the military Department have happened, many of which are so intricate and unfinished as not to...
24581Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Mr. DeSeGray has informed me of his sending an Account of the Seize and quantity of Cordage Sufficient for a Ship of 64 or 74 Guns I think it Needless to add any thing on that head. We are now all ready and Clear for Sailing, only wait your Orders, Our powder is Stop’d in the Magazine and will not be deliver’d without a positive Order from the Minester...
24582Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The Day my last was written I purchased the Ship in question for 55500 Livres and by her excellence and fitness for our purpose, I hope she will sufficiently make up for the Loss of the Duc de Chartres. I have this Day drawn on Mr. Grand in 6 different Drafts for 15000 Livres and have advised him accordingly, which please to desire him to honour; this makes...
24583To Benjamin Franklin from William Bingham, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Gentleman who will have the Honor of delivering you this Letter is Monsr. de Karsaint, who commands one of his Majesty’s Armed Vessels that has been Some time past Stationed in these Seas. He is a particular Friend of the General’s and of mine and has Strongly importuned me for a Letter of Introduction to you. Particular Circumstances would not permit...
24584To Benjamin Franklin from Laignel Sauvage, 7 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Calais, August 7, in French: A local shoemaker offers two thousand pairs of shoes at 3 l.t. 12 sols the pair; do you want them? I advanced four Louis to Mr. Meulens, an officer in the Berwick regiment who wanted to go to Liége and had no money, and who is now in the American service; please repay me if you can. Nowhere are shirts cheaper than here; I offer...
24585Silas Deane to [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library Your’s of the 2d. we have considered. M. de Melleville came to See us and tho’ we consider this Conduct in the Same Point of Light as you do, yet as there is Room for a Dispute, and as the Merchants appear in his favor at Nantes We think it better to give up the Vessel and take Care of Such Shuffling People in future. It is vexing for Men of Spirit and...
24586II. Major General Nathanael Greene’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia is an object of such magnitude, the prejudices of the People in the surrounding States so strong, in its fervor, as to its importance, and consequence, the manufactories & supplies for the Army so numerous in that City, that the loss of it would so effect the Country, and the Army, that very great injury would arise to the common cause of America. to prevent so great an evil, it...
24587III. Joseph Reed’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall make no Apology for troubling you with the following Hints because I well know that the Goodness & I may truly add the greatness of your Mind would induce you to listen with Patience & even Chearfulness to the Suggestions of the meanest Soldier if properly presented. Whether Philadelphia is the present Object of Attack is yet a Question & every one reasons upon it as his Fears Hopes &...
24588IV. Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Wayne’s Opinion of the Defences necessary for the River and Land in case the Enemy should Attempt the Reduction of Phila. The Works, as Contracted by Agent De Coudre to be Compleated and Supplied with Six or Eight pieces of Artillery and men Sufficient to fight them with about 500 Troops—One Redoubt on the High Ground at Darby Creek Sufficient to Contain 200 men. the fleet fire ships &...
24589General Orders, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial held the 18th and 19th days of July last, the following soldiers were tried for various crimes, and acquitted—viz. Timothy Brannon and William Smith of the 6th Maryland regiment—William Foster and Adam Brooks of the 10th Virginia—Isaac Proctor of the 15th Virginia, Richard Roach of the 4th Pennsylvania and William Montgomery of Col. Spencer’s Regiment. Joseph...
24590To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Relying upon your words bidding me to have an intire Confidence in you, I entreat Your Excellency to give this Letter a favorable Reception. I have just discover’d since my absence that there is a great deal of Discontent in my Regiment, and altho’ I am perfectly convinced, that no one can complain either of my conduct towards him or on any other account, I believe however that the Discipline...