25251Instructions to Commodore John Hazelwood, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy have cross’d the Schuylkill below the Army & are now on their March for the City of Philadelphia—I think it of the greatest Importance that the Fort upon the Island should be Garrison’d, If we can stop the Enemy’s fleet from coming up & prevent them from getting Possession of the Mud fort, & they take Possession of the City & our Army moves down upon the back of it, it will be the...
25252From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Polk, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby directed to proceed immediately to Bethlehem with the heavy Baggage of the Army, upon your arrival there you are to take a convenient Building and unload and store the Baggage in order that the Waggons may return under the conduct of the Waggon Masr General or one of his deputies. You are to remain yourself with a Guard of 200 Men consisting of such as may be at the time most...
25253From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our affairs in this Quarter calls for every aid, and for every effort. Genl Howe by various Manuvres & marching high up the Schuylkill, as if he meant to turn our right Flank found means by countermarching to pass the river last Night several miles below us, which is fordable almost in every part, and is now fast advancing towards Philadelphia. I therefore desire, that without...
25254To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I stayed at my House as long or perhaps rather longer than was prudent—the Enemy came there in about 15 Minutes after—I have collected a small Party here at the Meeting House about 1 Mile above my own House—& soon after we took two Prisoners whose Information is on the other Leaf —Your Excelly will judge of its Value—They are so ignorant of the Transactions of their Army that I could get...
25255From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with the detachment under your command to Dunks’s ferry on Delaware, if you find in your progress the way clear & safe. When arrived there, you will take the safest & most expeditious method of conducting the detachment to fort Mifflin; by water would be easiest & least fatiguing to your men; and if practicable & safe, will certainly be most eligible: otherwise you will cross...
25256From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just receiv’d your Letter requesting a Court of Enquiry to morrow or next day which I most readily agree to provided the Situation of the Army renders it practicable, but this I much doubt as I think it highly probable we shall March some distance to morrow. I am Dr sir your mo. Obed. servt LS , in John Fitzgerald’s writing, NhHi : Sullivan Papers. The letter is addressed: “The...
25257From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
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. By that, I directed Genl Smallwood & Yourself to march immediately with your Respective Corps by the way of Pots Grove to join me. You will both pursue the Line thereby marked out & which I have mentioned...
252581777 Wednesday Sept. 24. (Adams Papers)
Fine Morning. We all went to Meeting last Evening, where Mr. Edwine gave the People a short discourse in German, and the Congregation sung and the organ playd. There were about 200 Women and as many Men. The Women sat together in one Body and the Men in another. The Women dressed all alike. The Womens Heads resembled a Garden of white Cabbage Heads.
25259General Orders, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
25260From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour from the Connistoga Waggon without date was put into my hands on the Evening of the 21st Instt by a stranger who said he was going to Phila. and would call upon me as he returnd but have seen nothing of him since. The difference in our political Sentiments never made any change in my friendship for you, and the favorable Sentiments I ever entertain’d of your Honr, leaves me without...
25261From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
This Army has not been able to oppose General Howe’s with the success that was wished, and needs a Reinforcement. I therefore request, if you have been so fortunate, as to Oblige General Burgoyne to retreat to Tyconderoga—or If you have not, and circumstances will admit, that you will Order Colo. Morgan to Join me again with his Corps. I sent him up, when I thought you materially wanted him,...
25262To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Letter of the 22d directed to the President or any Member of Congress, I have conferred with William Henry Esqr. of this Place upon the most expeditious Method of collecting the Arms & Accoutrements in the Hands of the Inhabitants here, & he is of opinion that it may be accomplished by your Warrant to him grounded on the late Resolution of Congress for that & other...
25263To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last Evening I received the Honor of yours of the 14th Instant and this day that of the 6th—shall forward the Troops with all Possible dispatch, as the Regiments had no apprehensions of being Called Upon to march on so Short notice, They are not prepared for takeing the Field but the Utmost Vigilance shall be Exerted to prepare them, Their Strength is but Inconsiderable, Jacksons about 200...
25264From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by yours from Coryells Ferry that you are so near me. The Army will fall down to Night to a well known place called the Trap 24 Miles from Philada. Tomorrow we shall proceed further down towards Philada. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, owned (1997) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. The letter is addressed: “To Brigr Genl...
25265From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning, it has been determined in consequence of farther intelligence that it will be more adviseable to remain on the ground which we occupy at present, than to march to the Trap as was at first intended—you will therefore regulate your movements accordingly. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt LS , in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, NHi : McDougall Papers. GW franked the...
25266From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and learnt your Situation from him, & compar’d it with that of the Enemy, I have become exceedingly uneasy least they should attempt to Interrupt your March, which I think they can, and surely will do, if they have any good advice of your approach —& of this I have no doubt, as we are in a most disaffected Country. I have therefore, notwithstanding the two...
25267From George Washington to Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
—I last night read your favor of the 21st, and am much obliged to you for the book. This, and the one taken in the action at Chadsford, complete general Howe’s orders from April to the 10th inst. I am sorry for the captivity of Mr. Berry, whom you mention to be a young man of merit, but no proposition for his exchange can be made at this time, nor can he be exchanged but in due course, which...
25268From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The principal reason for halting the Army here to Night, is, that the Enemy from every Information I have receivd this day, have not advancd towards Phila. it follows I think, evidently (especially if it be true that part of them are at Bonners House where we dind) that this Army, and not the City, is their object; & of course that we should not be too far advanced towds them till our strength...
25269From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and by him learnt the situation of Genl McDougal, I am really uneasy to find how low he is down & near to the Enemy (if they continue in the same position they were this morning). Captn Faulkner says your Lordship proposed to send an officer to conduct him by some upper Road, but lest any other business should have withdrawn your attention from this matter, I...
25270To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, 24 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Trumbull on 1 Oct. : “I was yesterday honored with yours of the 24th ulto with its enclosures.”
25271To George Washington from Nathaniel Whitaker, 24 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathaniel Whitaker, 24 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Whitaker on 20 Dec. 1777 : “Your favour of the 24th of September . . . came safe to my hands.”
252721777. Thursday. Septr. 25. (Adams Papers)
Rode from Bethlehem through Allan Town, Yesterday, to a German Tavern, about 18 Miles from Reading. Rode this Morning to Reading, where We breakfasted, and heard for certain that Mr. Howes Army had crossed the Schuylkill. Coll. Hartley gave me an Account of the late Battle, between the Enemy and General Wayne. Hartley thinks that the Place was improper for Battle, and that there ought to have...
25273To John Adams from Samuel Freeman, 25 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Knowing how much you have at Heart the Establishing the Currency of this State and the United States—I take this opportunity to inform you that last Week the House, in a Committee of the whole, took under consideration the Report of the Committees lately met at Springfield—and voted to report, that 1. All the Money not on Interest (small Change less than a Dollar excepted) be called in and...
25274The American Commissioners: Memorandum for Vergennes and Aranda, 25 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; LS : Archivo Historico National This memorandum, under its calm surface, conveys a sense of depression; and the commissioners had reason to be depressed. They seem to have become suddenly aware that they were in deep financial trouble, because they had made commitments that they did not have the money to honor and that Congress could not....
25275To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Benyowski, 25 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ne pouvant pas avoir de nouvells de mon Amy, je Luy addresse quelqu’un, qui est le porteur de la presente, et Com je desire que ce jeun homme puisse passer avec agremt j’ose vous prié de Luy donner Une Lettre de recomendation, afin qu’il puisse des son arivé etre employé par Le General; Je me propose d’avoir L’honeure de vous voir La semain prochain pour...
25276General Orders, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial is to sit immediately at the house where Genl Conway quarters, for the trial of all prisoners which shall be brought before them—Col. James Wood is appointed president of this court. One careful Subaltern from each regt is to be sent off immediately to Bethlaem with Col. Biddle, to inspe[c]t the baggage of the army, to see if it suffers by dampness, and if it does, to...
25277To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 25 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 25 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Clark on 29 Sept. : “I recd yours of the 25th from Elizabeth Town.”
25278From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Despairing of seeing the bearer again, I wrote an answer to your favour from the Conestoga Waggon (without date) yesterday; and put it into the hands of a Man who faithfully promised to deliver it—since wch your own Messenger has called upon me, & that you may have two chances of getting my passport to the Camp, you will receive one under this cover. In my Letter of yesterday I assurd you, and...
25279To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Kindness hath increased my Gratitude for your many Favours and I hope it will last always, & that no Distance of Time or Place will efface the Remembrance thereof from my Mind. The Letter, which I gave to an Officer of Militia who was going down & who said he would try to get a Man to wait for Yr Excellency’s Answer, was written & sent off the 21st: But my staying two or...
25280To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote You a Line Yesterday desiring You to impower Mr Henry of this Place to collect the Fire Arms wanted for the Virginia Troops on their March to the Camp, since wch your Letter of the 23d is received, desiring that a Number of Blankets & Shoes may be also collected. I have seen Mr Henry within this half Hour, & he informs me that he has collected already about 250 Arms, & shall be able to...
25281From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with Yours by the Bearer of this. I wish you to proceed with your Detachment to the best Grounds near Markleys, about Two Miles below Pennibeckers Mill on the Skippack Road & there remain for further Orders. From the present view of things, I think, I shall join you there or somewhere near It, with this Army. Mr Thomas, who has this in charge, says he is well acquainted with the...
25282To George Washington from Col. Lewis Nicola, 25 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. Lewis Nicola, 25 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Nicola on 29 Sept. : “I am favd with yours of the 25th instant from Fort Mifflin.”
25283To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 25 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Major General Stirling, 25 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Stirling later on this date : “I have your favor of 8 Oclock now before me.”
25284From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of 8 Oclock now before me, & am surprized to find the Enemy in the same situation after the movement which they appear’d to be making, according to the Information given by Genl Reed. I am sorry the Piquets March’d from hence yesterday, & I am still more concern’d that Genl Armstrong with the Militia moved to the Trap as it was owing to a mistake they were not halted along...
25285To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 25 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Woodford, 25 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Woodford on 26 Sept. : “I have the pleasure of yours of the 25th.”
25286List of British Prisoners and Their Quarters in Albemarle County, [25 September 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
John Dow } Thomas West Feb. 2. 1777 William Nichols William Holderness } N. Lewis. Jan. 30. 1777. John Mann. Jacob Seading George Harvie Joseph Coupland John Normon Malcolm Shilcott Thomas Ruth. (Richd. Woods). Alexander Colvin. (Jamieson) Hugh Granville } Wm. Barksdale. Feb. 3. 1777 Wm. Jamieson Wm. Stokes
25287To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 26 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Vincent, The Young Gentleman who formerly lived with me, tells me he had the honour of seeing You, and of delivering my large packet to be forwarded either to Mr. Gordon, or Mr. Rumsey, as You should find most convenient. He is now returned hither, and tells me that on his return from Poitou to Paris, sometime between the 2d and 6th of this month, he...
25288General Orders, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The troops are to be ready to march at nine O’clock this morning, with all baggage packed and men paraded—To march off by the left, in the order given the day before yesterday—All the tent waggons to go next in the rear of the troops, in the order in which the troops march, and then the rest of the waggons. The leading division (Greene’s) to beat a march and march, to be followed by the other...
25289Warrant to Colonel Clement Biddle, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby authorized to impress all the Blankets, Shoes Stockings and other Articles of Clothing for the use of the Army, that can be spared by the Inhabitants in the Counties of Bucks Philada and Northampton, paying for the same at reasonable Rates, or give Certificates. Given at Camp near Potts Grove this 26th day of Septemr 1777. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...
25290From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received a Letter from Major Genl Dickinson informing me that 900 Militia had crossed the Delaware under your command & that they were to march Yesterday to Bristol. Considering the position of the Enemy, I am sorry you have fallen down so low because it will be impossible for you to form a junction with us safely without counter marching. As the Enemy have possession of Chesnut...
25291To George Washington from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 26 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 26 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Forman on 27 Sept. : “I received your favor of the 26th Inst.”
25292From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning favoured with your Letter of the 24th. When I wrote Congress, I was informed, that there were several Arms in Lancaster belonging to the public. These with their Accoutrements, I wished to be collected & put into the Hands of the Militia coming from Virginia; But I did not mean that any—the property of Individuals, should be taken, because I did not conceive myself...
25293To George Washington from John Hancock, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Arriv’d last Eveng at this place, where I was honour’d with your Letter of 23d Inst. which I shall lay before Congress as soon as the whole of the Members arrive here which I Expect will be this Day. The Inclos’d Letters for Commodore Hazelwood & Capt. Alexander, the Marine Committee judg’d best to forward, at least to induce them to Exert themselves to the last, they are left open for your...
25294To George Washington from Samuel Kennedy, 26 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Kennedy, 26 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Kennedy later on this date : “I recd yours of this date at this place.”
25295From George Washington to Samuel Kennedy, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of this date at this place. If the sick cannot all be accommodated at Reading part ought certainly to be removed to Lancaster, but I beg you will be careful to remove none to that place who will be soon fit for duty or who only want shoes Stockings or other Cloaths to make them so now. If you are obliged to make use of Churches or Houses that have no fire places you should...
25296To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that I have just arrived here, with my party, & expect to throw myself in to Fort Mifflin this night, the want of provisions has detained me much, & the men not being properly chosen for such an expedition has been a great stop to our march, Few of them have Shoes or Stockings, many of them without Coats or Blankets & scarce any who have more than...
25297From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the p⟨lea⟩sure of yours of the 25th but a⟨m⟩ sorry to h⟨e⟩ar that your Wound is so troublesome to you⟨.⟩ I have sent Colo. Biddle up purposely to see the Baggage properly ⟨di⟩sposed of, and I must beg of you to pay as much attention as your health will admit of to the conduct of the Baggage Guard, who will probably be licentious and distressing to the Inhabitants. Make my Compliments to...
25298General Orders, 27 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General Court-Martial of which Col. Wood is president, is to sit immediately, at the house next above Head Quarters. As the troops will rest to day, divine service is to be performed in all the corps which have chaplains. One orderly Serjt from each brigade is to attend forthwith at Head Quarters—And the Brigade Major will see this done invariably, every day, when orders have not been...
25299To George Washington from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 27 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have had some conversation with Mr Peters Secretary to our board, who informs me that in the month of June last 1000 tin cartridges boxes were sent to the army and delivered to a Captain French: Mr Peters moreover informs me that to his certain knowlege several of these cartridges boxes were converted by the Soldiers into cantines & by some officers into shaving boxes. Commissary Flowers...
25300To George Washington from Landon Carter, 27 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Landon Carter, 27 Sept. 1777. GW on 27 Oct. thanked Carter “for the good advice contained in your little paper of the 27th Ulto.”