25181To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 19 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I am informed, that some of the Members of Congress are dissatisfied with my allowing, as Chief-Justice of this State, writs of habeas corpus for twenty persons confined in the Free-masons Lodge in Philadelphia. Next to the approbation of a good conscience I esteem the good opinion of good men; and of my friends in particular. This occasions you, Sir, the trouble of reading the following brief...
25182George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Reading Furnace, Pennsylvania ] September 19, 1777. Orders McDougall to join main Army. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
25183To Benjamin Franklin from [Thadée-Humphrey?] O’Doüin, 19 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You was so kind as to grant to my request your letters of reccommandation to the Honourable Congress for a young nobleman [?] who intended to go over to Philadelphia. The Circumstances having not allowed him to perform that Journey, his family refusing him (tho very rich) the necessary supplys, your good will towards both him and me became of no use to...
25184To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [19 September 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete ALS : Library of Congress We have debated at length whether this letter, which lacks an opening, continues Vaughan’s note to Franklin in December, 1776, or was written immediately after their meeting at the Bains de Poitevin the following September. There is some evidence for guessing each way, but nothing conclusive. As for the first way, the opening sentence here seems to follow...
25185General Orders, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Lt. James McMichael’s diary entry for this date reads: “At dawn, broke camp and crossed the Schuylkill at 2 P.M. , at Parker’s Ford, where we had to strip to wade. Reached the great road to Reading, passed the Trappe, crossed the Perkiomen, on the eastern bank of which we encamped. Through false alarms we got no rest, tho’ after such fatigue rest would have been...
25186From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12th instant was delivered me last night. I recollect, that Permission was granted Mrs Hatfield to visit her Husband, & had not the least Doubt, but she would be suffered to return whenever she had an Inclination, unless some singular Circumstances should render it ineligible for a Day or two. Her Detention seems to be by the Mayor, to whom she was referred for a Passport. As...
25187From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 19 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 19 Sept. 1777. Dickinson wrote GW on 20 Sept. : “I . . . have had the honor of receiving your Favor of Yesterday’s date.”
25188From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured this Morning with your Favors of the 17th & 18th, with their Inclosures. I am much obliged to Congress for the late instance of their Confidence, expressed in their Resolution of the 17th, and shall be happy if my conduct in discharging the Objects, they had in view should be such as to meet their approbation. I am now repassing the Schuylkill at Parkers Ford, with the Main body...
25189To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
N.B. if from each Brigade was ordered an officer to bring all unnecessary Guards whi[c]h are Gone allong with the Baggage it would strenghten the Regiments. There is a great Complain[t], That where ever our Baggage marches—they Soldiers & Waggoners plunder all houses & destroy every thing. it is the Waggon Masters Genl or his deputys duty as allso the Commanding officers—Sergts &ca to prevent...
25190From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The exigency of our affairs makes it necessary, you should use all the diligence and dispatch in your power to join this army, with the troops under your command. The enemy are making the most vigorous efforts to succeed in their attempt upon Philadel: and it will require our utmost exertions to disappoint them. We shall this day cross the Schulkill at Parkers ford about thirty miles from...
25191To George Washington from John Page, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Not having received the least Intelligence of your situation, or the disposition of the Enemy for seventeen days past, and knowing that they were then so stationed, that possibly they or their adherents may have intercepted dispatches of importance, from you, or Congress to this State, I have thought it proper to send an Express to your Excellency, and to our Delegates, that if any of your...
25192To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Last Night Colonel Gist joined me he has * Troops—our united Force amounts to §. I am now on my march and rest assured every Effort shall be exerted to §§—as expeditiously as possible which I hope to effect Tomorrow—the Shameful neglect in the Commissarys Department throws many Obstacles in my way and retards my March—I am reduced to the Necessity of sending Officers forward to provide for the...
25193To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 Sept. 1777. GW in his letter to Sullivan of 20 Sept. refers to “your favr, and request of yesterday.”
25194To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the Enemies Beating the Revellee I ordered the Troops under Arms and began our March for their left flank—But when we Arrived within a half a Mile of their Encampment found they had not Stired—but lay too Compact to admit of an Attack with prudence—Indeed their Supineness Answers every purpose of giving you time to get up—if they Attempt to move I shall Attack them at all Events. this...
25195To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are very quiet, washing & Cooking—they will probably Attempt to move towards Evening —I expect Genl Maxwell on their left flank every Moment and as I lay on their Right, we only want you in their Rear—to Complete Mr Howes buisness—I believe he knows Nothing of my Situation—as I have taken every precaution to prevent any Intelligence getting to him—at the same time keeping a Watchful...
25196To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 20–22 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Washington, 20–22 Sept. 1777. GW wrote his brother Samuel on 27 Oct. : “Your Letter by my Nephew Thornton, begun on the 20th of last Mo. and ended the 22d came safe to my hands.”
25197Septr. 20. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Mrs. J. B. Smiths. The old Gentleman, his Son Thomas the Loan Officer, were here, and Mrs. Smith’s little Son and two Daughters. An elegant Break fast We had of fine Hyson, loaf Sugar, and Coffee &c. Dined at Williams’s, the Sign of the Green Tree. Drank Tea, with Mr. Thompson and his Lady at Mrs. Jacksons. Walked with Mr. Duane to General Dickinsons House, and took a Look at...
25198General Orders, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with the utmost concern, that the General observes, a continual straggling of soldiers on a march, who rob orchards and commit other disorders; and that many officers pay little or no attention to prevent a practice attended with such mischevious consequences, notwithstanding the orders relative thereto—The officers are reminded that it is their duty, and the General expects, that for...
25199To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 20 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 20 Sept. 1777. Dickinson wrote GW later on this date : “I wrote your Excellency this morning.”
25200To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this morning, since which have had the honor of receiving your Favor of Yesterday’s date —Your Excellency will be much surprized to hear, there are not more than one thousand of our Militia now embodied, all of which are at this Post—since the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter, I have been considering in what way I could most speedily reinforce the Army under your...
25201To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing your excellency; on the 17th from Tapan. Colonel Durkee returned in the Evening; and brought unquestiable intelligence, that the Enemy had returned to Fort Washington, Newyork and Bergen; and from the last place to Staten Island. The next morning I marched for Paramus, in order to Collect Provisions; to Supply me on my March to join your Excellency; which I...
25202From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favr, and request of yesterday, I wish it was in my power to give you the compleat satisfaction you desire—but how is it possible? I saw nothing of the disposition you had made, not getting up till the action was, in a manner over; & then, employed in hurrying on a reinforcement; and looking out fresh ground to form the Troops on, which, by this time, were beginning to give...
25203From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it seems most probable to me that the Enemy will ford the River upon our Right, I desire you will immediately send parties to break up and throw Obstructions in the landing places of all the Fords from Richardsons at least as high as parkers where we crossed Yesterday. Advise the Officers who superintend, not to neglect such as the Country people tell them are difficult, because at such...
25204From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 Sept. 1777. Wayne wrote GW on 21 Sept. : “Whilst I am writing I received yours of the 20th.”
25205To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg Leave to inform you that my Wound is so much better that I am able to hop about again, and as I am not yet well enough to join my Regiment I should be happy to render any Service to my Country while I remain here. Being the only Field Officer now in Town I have been frequently applied to by Captains Barre and Reid of the two Frigates and many of the Inhabitants to act as such, and order...
25206Franklin’s Notes for a Dispatch, [before 28 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library These jottings are beyond question an early step in formulating the dispatch below, November 30, to the committee for foreign affairs. They afford the first insight we have had into Franklin’s approach to the drafting of such a document, and also into his determination to dabble in French even when preparing notes in English. The list can be assigned...
252071777 Septr. 21. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
It was a false alarm which occasioned our Flight from Philadelphia. Not a Soldier of Howes has crossed the Schuylkill. Washington has again crossed it, which I think is a very injudicious Maneuvre. I think, his Army would have been best disposed on the West Side of the Schuylkill. If he had sent one Brigade of his regular Troops to have heald the Militia it would have been enough. With such a...
25208Abigail Adams to John Adams, 21 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I immagine before this reaches you some very important Event must take place betwen the two Armies. Affairs on all Sides seem to be workd up to a crisis, How is putting his whole force in action and seems determined to drive or be driven. I feel in a most painfull situation between hope and fear, there must be fighting and very Bloody Battles too I apprehend. O! how my Heart recoils at the...
25209Major General John Sullivan to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ September 20, 1777. On September 21, 1777, Hamilton and Laurens wrote to Sullivan : “We have just received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found .] Laurens, like H, was an aide-de-camp of Washington. A native of South Carolina and the son of Henry Laurens, John Laurens was H’s closest friend in Washington’s official family.
25210Bill for Expenses of George Washington’s Staff, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
paid at Christiana for family’s breakfast, horses &c.— £6.5 paid on the road from thence to Wilmington for lodging &c— 6. paid for breakfast the morning we crossed brandywine— 1.12 pd. 1.12 15.9 Received the above from Capt Gibbs ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Town on creek of same name, which flows into the Delaware near Wilmington. I.e., Washington’s staff. The...
25211Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens to Major General John Sullivan, 21 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We have just received your favour of Yesterday, desiring from us a Testimony of your Conduct, so far as it fell under our Observation, the day of the Battle on the Brandywine. As we had not the pleasure of seeing you in the fore part of that Action when the Line at large was Engaged, We are unable from our own Knowledge, to say any thing of your Conduct at that time. But we can chearfully...
25212To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you...
25213From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress Three Spanish Gentlemen, Natives of Peru, and Officers in the Army of that Country, [ in the margin : here insert their Names] propose to pass into North America with a View of entring our Army, being ambitious of serving as Voluntiers under your Excellency, whose Reputation as a General stands high all over Europe. They are represented to me by Persons of...
25214Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my leaving St. Malo I wrote You giveing You an Account of the Sailing of the Reprisal and Dolphin. Capt. Brown Arrived here in the Dolphin the Night before last, and Agreable to his Orders from Capt. Wickes, Under french Colours, and to the Address of Monsr. Peltier as Comeing from St. Austatia, but haveing no Clearance from that Place or any other...
25215To Benjamin Franklin from ――― de La Faye, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de la faye qui fait mille sincéres complimens à Monsieur de Francklin, et à Monsieur de heyn [Deane], à l’honneur de leur annoncer avec le plus grand plaisir, que la Personne qui leur remettra le present, est Mr. Ponteney, d’Auxonne en Bourgogne; qui se propose de leur faire des fournitures de différens Genres, soit pour armement, soit pour équipement de...
25216To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Republicks of Switzerland have been treated with the same Contempt by the present Rulers of G. Britain as all other States and Républicks in Europe. A private Secretary to Mr. Norton has been these several Years, and during the whole Negotiation of the inclosed Treaty of alliance with France, the only Representative of his Brittish Majesty amongst us,...
25217General Orders, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable Congress have been pleased to appoint The Count Pulaski, to chief command of the American light dragoons, with the rank of Brigadier General. Some diligent officers of each brigade are to be sent immediately to all the houses within four or five miles of the camp, to find and bring all stragglers to their respective corps—the Brigadiers will see this done. The Major Generals and...
25218To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Dickinson on 22 Sept. : “I am favd with yours of the 21st.”
25219To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to disturb Your Excellency at this time with a Letter upon private Business; but when I set out from Home I did not expect it would have been so difficult to get to Camp as I have found it, having rode round a great ways & being still at some distance from it. Your Excellency knows that I have had the Misfortune to differ in Opinion from many of my Countrymen, and I am sure...
25220Instructions to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you...
25221To George Washington from General William Howe, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
There being some wounded Officers & Men of your Army at Howel’s Tavern & the neighbouring Houses, with whom a Surgeons Mate is left, having Orders to join me on the 23d if not sooner relieved by one of your Surgeons, I am to request you will lose no Time in sending whom you shall think proper for this Purpose with Directions to give Receipts for the wounded so delivered up as Prisoners of War...
25222From George Washington to General William Howe, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this date was received this Evening & agreable to your request have sent Doctor Wilson to take charge of the Wounded Officers & Men of the Army under my command who have fallen into your hands at Howels Tavern & the neighbouring Houses. The Doctor has directions to give a receipt for All that are delivered him, and they will be considered as Your prisoners. I am Sir with due...
25223To George Washington from Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
There has Just fell in to my hands, found in the Tract of [the] Enemy by Some of my people some Eight or ten days ago, One of the Enemy’s Orderly Books. It Commences in April last, and Ends Since they landed at Elk. I have perused it, and being of opinion that it might be Verry Usefull, provided you are not previously informed as to the matters it Contains, have sent it [to] you by a private...
25224To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote his brother Jack on 18 Oct. : “Your kind and Affectionate Letters of the 21st of Septr & 2d Instt came Safe to hand.”
25225From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Wayne on 23 Sept. : “I received Your favor of Yesterday morning, and am apprehensive, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of a Letter, I wrote you the Night before, that It has fallen into the Enemy’s hands.”
25226To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
About 11 OClock last Evening we were alarmed by a firing from One of our Out guards—The Division was immediately formed, which was no sooner done than a firing began on our Right flank—I thought proper to order the Division to file off by the left, except the Infantry and two or three Regiments nearest to where the Attack began in order to favour our Retreat—by this time the Enemy and we were...
25227To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Filleul: A Wedding Invitation, [on or before 30 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Monsieur FILLEUL a l’honneur de vous faire part de son Mariage, avec Mademoiselle BOQUET, et vous prie d’assister à la Bénediction Nuptiale, qui leur sera donnée Mercredi premier Octobre 1777, à cinq heures du matin, à Passy. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de francklin / en sa Maison / a Passy Or, more strictly speaking, an invitation to attend the blessing...
252281777. Monday. Septr. 22. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Ringolds in Quaker Town, dined at Shannons in Easton at the Forks, slept at Johnsons in Bethlehem.
25229Order to Continental Officers, 22 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Having here observed a diligent attention to the sick and wounded, and a benevolent desire to make the necessary provi sion for the relief of the distressed as far as the power of the Brethren enable them, We desire that all Continental officers may refrain from disturbing the persons or property of the Moravians in Bethlehem; and, particularly, that they do not disturb or molest the houses...
25230From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I left camp last evening and came to this city to superintend the collection of blankets and cloathing for the army. Mr. Lovel sends to inform me there is an express going off to Congress, and I do myself the honor to communicate a brief state of things, when I left camp. The enemy moved yesterday from where they lay opposite to valley forge &c. higher up the river on their old scheme of...