26221General Orders, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
For the information of the troops lately arrived, the General Order issued some time since is repeated; That Tatoo is not [to] be beaten in camp. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See General Orders, 6 September .
26222To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Without such an acquaintance of the Enemies lines as wou’d discover to you where they are more or less accessible I can not well approve of an attack upon them, nor can I conceive the opposite numbers at Philada under Six thousand or upward—And question whether an attack can be Succesful if the lines are not penetrated in so Short a Space of time (perhaps some Seven or at most ten minutes) as...
26223To George Washington from Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will have observed by the dispatch from Sir Willm Howe to me which passed thorough your hands, that it was matter of great doubt whether the transports destined to carry the troops to England according to the Convention would be able to make the Port of Boston in this advanced season of the year; & therefore that it might be advisable to send them to Rhode Island, upon the...
26224To George Washington from Richard Caswell, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to Inclose you a Resolve of the General Assembly of this State, respecting the Resignation of the Officers of the Troops raised here; And am to request you will be pleased, in case any of the Officers who come within the meaning of the said Resolve, do resign, to Certify the same to me so soon as you find the same practicable. I am sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble...
26225From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 22d & that of the 24th Instant have been duly received. I thank you for your exertions to procure intelligence and hope they will be continued. I have inclosed you a List of Questions to which I wish the most satisfactory Answers that can be obtained. You will direct your Emissaries & Spies particularly on these Head, and will request their pointed attention to them. I...
26226To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
To attack the Enemy in their Lines appears to me a difficult and dangerous Project, it has especially this very considerable Inconvenience, the exposing our Army in case it does not succeed to a total Defeat. This is easily demonstrated—One of the principal means proposed is to throw two thousand men in the rear of the Enemy—if we do not succeed these are so many men absolutely lost—as to the...
26227To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment receivd intelligence the enemy are embarking from Glouster and [c]rossing over to Philadelphia Col. Comstock sends this intelligence and sais it may be depended upon —I have orderd General Varnums & General Huntingtons brigade to advance immediately to fall upon the enemies rear and prevent their geting off their stock—I wait your Excellencies Orders to march where you may think...
26228From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Mead delivered me Yours this Morning as I was upon my way to reconnoitre the Enemy’s Lines from the West side of Schuylkill. I had a full view of their left and found their works much stronger than I had reason to expect from the Accounts I had received. The Enemy have evacuated Carpenters Island and seem to be about doing the same by province Island. Accounts from the City say Lord...
26229To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this afternoon that the enemy were crossing from the Jerseys to Philadelphia and that the intelligen[c]es came from Col. Comstock—he is stationd at Haddenfield to collect intelligence—I have receivd two letters from the Col. to day the first dated at 12 oClock the last at three both of which I have inclosd —It appears to me the enemy are crossing their Cattle but I much...
26230To George Washington from Brigadier General James Irvine, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have seriously revolved in my mind the subject that was debated in council last night, and notwithstanding the present disagreable situation of our affairs, cannot think that we are yet reduced to the necessity of hazarding the total destruction of the army by a general attack, on the very ground that general Howe would wish to fight us on; to attack redoubts &ca with any prospect of...
26231To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
According to His Excellency General Washington’s orders, and desire of having every Gentleman’s opinion on the Subjects laid before the Council last evening. Mine is to attempt an attack on the lines & City, as Soon as the Plan thereof can be properly laid, all necessary dispositions and calculations made, as to the mode & time. In respect to the Plan much must depend on intelligences of the...
26232To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to Your Excellencys request of last night that I should give my opinion this morning in writing concerning the making an attact on Philidelphia immediately. I am not for attacting it at present and will proceed to give some reasons why I would not Viz. It is but a few days ago; before Generals Green & Huntington crossed the Dellaware that we determined in a full council that an...
26233To George Washington from Brigadier General John Paterson, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The proposed attack on Philidelphia in my Opinion will be so hazardous that we cannot be Justified in Prosecuting of it, as a Failure will most certainly be attended with the loss of great Numbers of our Troops which I am fearfull would be attended with Fatal Consequences. my perfect Ignorance of the Country renders me intirely incapable of recommending any other Plan, but shall with...
26234To George Washington from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am Sencuble that the Situation of our Country loudly Calls for the Exertions of this Army. But fear an atact upon the lines Round the City of Philidelphia will be unsucesful therefore dont advize to it. as I have Jest arived to Camp & not acquainted in the Country beg to be Excused from proposing a new Desposition of the Army. I am your Excellencys Most obediant Hue Servt ALS , DLC:GW ;...
26235To George Washington from George Read, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with yours of the 8th Instant delivered to me the 15th by Col: Pope, by whom I immediately wrote to persons in Authority in the Counties of Kent & Sussex to give him every Assistance in procuring Cloathing & Blankets for the Use of our Battalion with you. I know not what may be the success but have hopes that sufficient for their immediate wants will be obtained. The State had...
26236To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am for making an attack, So soon as things Can be put in readiness. as to the plan I can Think of none better than that proposd by Genl Cadwalader, with this alteration, that the partie proposd to land in the City be detached from Genl Green and not taken from this armey. I Have two reasons for this, the one is that those Men with him are the Flower of the armey and That it will requier, the...
26237To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have revolved in my Mind the Subject of your Requisition last Night, and placed it in every Point of View, and must confess I am much embarrassed, I see the Propriety and Necessity of an Attack, I view with Pain the pressing Expectations of the Public, the Reputation of the Army at Stake, the depression of our Money, the difficulty & hazard of the proposed Attact, and the Misfortunes & I may...
26238To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Compliance with your Excellency’s request that each of the General Officers met in Council Yesterday Evening, should give you their Sentiments in Writeing on what Measure’s had best be pursued in the present Exegency of our Affairs; I must now beg leave to give it as my opinion That as all the reinforcements we had any reason to expect, have now Joined the Main Army, and as a Considerable...
26239To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to yr ordr of Last Eveng I have Consd the practicability of making an Attack upon the Enemy in Ph.—& weighed its probable Consequence in Every view That occurred to me. In order to Determine whether Such an Attempt is Likely to Succeed it is Necessary to Consider the Enemys Situation. The manner of our making the Attack on the Lines & the Mode of attack we must adopt for Carrying the...
26240To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
After the most Dispationate & Deliberate Consideration of the Question your Excellency was pleased to propose to the Council of General Officers last Evening; I am Solemnly and Clearly of Opinion; that the Credit of the Army under your Command, the Safety of the Country—the Honor of the American Arms—the Approach of Winter which in a few days will force you from the field—and above all the...
26241To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I cannot help viewing the purposed Attack upon the Enemys Lines as attended with many Hazards & Dificuties. But these are over ballanced by the following considerations Vizt first the necessity that something should be attempted by this Army before it retires into Winter Quarters, both for its own Cr. & the support of our paper currency. Secondly, that from my knowledge of the State of the...
26242From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26–27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday morning honored with your Favors of the 22d Inst. I wish the measures Congress have adopted may effectually suppress the disturbances in the Western Department. Should they prove successful & the Savages & wicked deluded Inhabitants receive a severe check, it is probable, they will not be induced again to take a part against us—or at least for some considerable time. Colo....
26243The American Commissioners to Bérard frères, 26 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Yours of the 17th is before us. Our Letter by your Express will direct you how to proceed with the Cargo of the Amphitrite. The Ship herself is at the Order of Mr. Peltier, and the sooner he has her the better, but the Cargo is at ours. In regard to which we have nothing to alter from the Directions given in our former untill you favour us with an Answer to...
26244To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, 26 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, votre billet du 17. et j’ai appris avec plaisir le retour de l’Amphitrite, les bonnes nouvelles qu’elle a apportées de vos prises sur les Anglois, et la certitude que la bataille annoncée du 11. 7bre. n’est pas vraie, puisque’elle auroit été sue à Charlestown le 21. J’ai vu une lettre de Bordeaux trop belle pour être crue, et j’ai...
26245General Orders, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
If any Gentlemen of the army can give information to the General, of shoes, stockings or leather breeches, in quantities, he will be exceedingly obliged to them—He will likewise be obliged to any of the General officers, for recommending proper persons to be employed in collecting these articles. General Smallwood, and the Colonels of the Maryland regiments are to meet to morrow morning, at...
26246To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 25th I received, and will strictly adhere to the contents thereof—this moment my Friend from Philadelphia came to me and informs me he left the City this Evening—previous to his departure he viewed the Wharfs & Streets none of which have any Cannon on, this Day upwards of thirty Sail of Transports came up the River, above one hundred now ly opposite the City—several of which have...
26247From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter ⟨of⟩ yester night (wro⟨te af⟩ter I returnd from a view of ⟨the Ene⟩my’s Lines from the other side Schuylkill) I must refer to. Our Situation, as you justly obs⟨erve, is⟩ distressing, from a variety ⟨of irreme⟩diable causes; but more espe⟨ci⟩ally from the impracticabillity of ⟨an⟩swering the expectations of the world without running hazards w⟨hich no⟩ military principles can j⟨ustify;...
26248To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th reached me at this place—I halted the troops on the reciept of it those that had not got into the town—Genl Varnums & Huntington’s Brigades got to this place before the letter came to hand—I am sorry our march will prove a fruitless one—the enemy have drawn themselves down upon the Peninsula of Gloucester—the Ships are drawn up to cover the Troops—there is...
26249To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
At the request of Lt General Burgoyne I do myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency a packet which I have this day received from him. The Subject of his Letter will not be new, as you saw the grounds of it in the Letter from General Howe brought by Lieut: Vallancy. Genl Burgoyne is anxious to know your Excellency’s pleasure as soon as possible with respect to the Army, or himself & Suit...
26250To George Washington from General William Howe, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am averse to Altercation, and therefore wish to be explicit, and understood in my Answer to your Letter of the 14th Instant, and to your very importunate Requisition of the 23rd. I shall never agree to a partial Exchange of Prisoners, until you have on your Part fulfilled the Cartel agreed upon; but as that Matter has already been sufficiently investigated in the Course of our...
26251To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I exceedingly lament my want of experience and ability to fill properly the important Station in which I am, and I am more particularly distress’d when such important Questions are refer’d to my decission as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the people of America may be the consequence of a right or erroneous judgement. Much lately has...
26252To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I went down to this place since the day before yesterday in order to be acquainted of all the roads and grounds arround the ennemy—I heard at my arrival that theyr Main body was betwen great and little timber creek since the same evening—Yesterday morning in recconnoitring about I have been told that they were very busy in crossing the delaware—I saw them myself in theyr boats and sent that...
26253To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to my last trouble unacknowledged of the 22d by Jones. Your favor of the 23d containing the Six papers refered to I had the honour of receiving in the minute I was Sitting down to pay my present respects, the whole Shall be duly presented to Congress to morrow. I am ordered to convey to your Excellency the undermentioned Resolves which will be found covered...
26254To George Washington from Major Francis Mentges, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I find by a late arrangement of the field Officers of the pennsylvania State, I have been much injured in point of Rank, being reduced from the first to the Eleventh Major in their Line; and that without even an imputed Charge that ever I heard of, or any tryal Whatever, in express Violation of the Article of War in which it is declared that no Officer shall be reduced untill he has had a...
26255From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letters of the 26th of Octr and 7th Instt have come safe to hand —by the last, it would appear that a Letter which I wrote you about the 18th of Octr had not reached you which I am exceeding sorry for as, to the best of my recollection, I wrote you very fully on the posture of our affairs and should be exceedingly concernd if it should have fallen into the hands of the Enemy or some...
26256Commission for Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee, and John Adams, 27 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to all who shall see these presents send greeting. Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most Christian majesty the king of France and the...
26257Resolution on Property Confiscation, 27 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
Resolved That it be Earnestly recommended to the several States, as soon as may be, to Confiscate and make sale of all the Real and Personal Estate therein, of such of their Inhabitants and other Persons who have forfeited the same, and the right to the Protection of their respective States; and to invest the money arising from the Sales in Continental Loan office Certificates, to be...
26258Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 27 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Princeton University Library We should be glad to see you as soon as convenient to you, in order to consult on the Dispatches. We are, Your most obedient Servants Addressed: Honble Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot Notation: F & D In BF ’s hand. The meeting is discussed in the headnote on the commissioners’ dispatch below, Nov. 30.
26259General Orders, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A detachment of 300 men are to parade to morrow morning on the Grand-parade, precisely at half past three o’clock in the morning—Col. David Hall, Lt Col. Craig and Major Tyler are appointed Field Officers for the detachment. Twelve light dragoons are to go on the same command, and to repair this evening to Col. Biddle’s quarters. After Orders. A detachment of 100 men to be under the command of...
26260From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday and am obliged for the particular information which you give to the points I gave you in charge. As I have now got the necessary information as to the Enemy’s Works, position &ca what your Friends will particularly attend to, will be, the Return of Lord Cornwallis and his Troops, and what appear after that, to be their intentions. Whether to sit down in quarters for...
26261To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday I receivd last Night about 12 OClock—The greater part of the troops returnd to this place last Night and marched early this morning to cross the Delaware—I staid at Haddenfield my self with General McDougals division to give the necessary Orders to the Militia—I have left the riffle Corps at Haddenfield and Capt. Lees troop of light Horse to encourage the Militia and...
26262To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Express going off I recd the Honor of yours of the 13th Inst. to which I shall pay strict attention. I shall be hapy in every matter of great importance to have a signification of your Excellency’s pleasure, and shall be very cautious how I act without your advice or direction, am most fully sentiment with your Excellency respecting the Troops of the Convention as expressed in...
26263From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favd with yours of the 11th inst. The inattention of the Officers to the dress of their Men has been I beleive one principal cause of their present bareness and want of Cloathing. I have repeatedly given positive orders that such a list of Necessaries as you call a Rag Roll, should be kept and the Articles weekly inspected, but that, like too many other wholesome Regulations has...
26264William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777[–4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have herewith the honor to convey to you Copy of my last Respects. You have doubtless heard of the glorious Success of the Army under General Gates, upon which I sincerely congratulate you and all the Friends of America. Betwixt the Date of the Gazettes which I had the honor to enclose you, and the 15 October, there were four Engagements, by the last...
26265To John Adams from James Lovell, 28 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
I shall not in my great hurry repeat to you any of the matters which I have written to Mr. S. Adams as you can have them, on sight of him. I expected Brother Geary would have written to you but he has just requested me to inclose two Letters which he opened in consequence of your orders; and to give his Compliments to you begging your excuse of his further silence as he is preparing to go on a...
26266To John Adams from Daniel Roberdeau, 28 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
I would not take pen in hand until I could reasonably suppose you safe arrived to your long wished for home, on which I now presume to congratulate you and sincerely hope you have met with Mrs. Adams and your Children well and every domestick concern to your entire satisfaction for all which I feel myself much interested from the sincere regard contracted for you in our short intimacy, which I...
26267Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777: abstract (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les feuillets du Mercure Novembre sur le Genl. Arnold, &c.; et la Gazette de Delft sur le même. Les Barrils expediés à Mr. Holker à Rouen. Extrait de la Lettre de Lalande et Finje. Probably the Mercure historique et politique , The Hague. The shipment of butter and cod.
26268To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 28 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield’s compliments to mr. franklin and has the honour to inform him that, as he Seemed to like better, the dinner with mrs. macaulay will take place moonday next half an hour after two o’clock and that he hopes for the honour of messrs. franklin’s and mr. Deane’s company. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Chez mr Rey de Chaumont / A...
26269General Orders, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial held the 24th instant, of which Col. Grayson was president, Major Ross, charged with “Leaving his arms in the field, in the action of the 4th of October near Germantown”—was tried, and acquitted with the highest honor—The Commander in Chief approves the court’s judgment—Major Ross is released from his arrest. The General Court Martial of which Col. Grayson is...
26270To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
We are under a Necessity of drawing your Excellency’s Attention, once more, to the Frigates at this Place. Notwithstanding our Endeavours, we have not been able to raise the Effingham—she still lyes on her Beam Ends in a very disagreeable Situation. After the Destruction of our Fleet at Red Bank, the Officers & Crews of the several Vessels came up to this Place, to the Amount of between three...