26401II. Report of Committee of House of Delegates on Right of Senate to Alter Money Bills, [4 December 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed have according to order prepared what they think may be proper to be offered at the conference which is to be desired with the Senate on the subject matter of their amendments to a resolution of the house of delegates for paying to Thomas Johnson the sum of £15-5-6. The house of delegates has desired this conference in order to preserve that harmony and friendly...
26402From Benjamin Franklin to [the Chevalier de Kéralio?], 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
French translation: Public Record Office Lord Stormont, when he sent this translation to London with a dispatch of December 6, described the recipient as Franklin’s intimate friend. We are inclined to think that friend was the Chevalier de Kéralio who has not yet appeared in our volumes but whom Franklin had certainly met either through John MacMahon at the Ecole Militaire, or the dowager...
26403Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress Once the news of Saratoga arrived, the French government lost no time. This polite note arranged a meeting the next day, which revealed that a turning point had come in Franco-American relations. Gérard began the interview by telling the commissioners that Maurepas and Vergennes had sent him to congratulate them and to ask for any...
26404John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : National Archives I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by post under cover by Mr. Williams. I inclosed copies of two letters which I wrote you previous to my departure from Portsmouth, together with a plan which I drew up at Philadelphia on the Regulation and Equipment of our infant Navy. I now inclose you a letter which I had the honor to receive in charge from the Secret...
26405To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomtesse de Faudoas, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés, Monsieur, que la Personne du monde qui vous est le plus attachée vous dise combien elle partage la satisfaction que vous eprouvés dans ce moment cy. J’aurois bien desirés me joindre à mes parents pour vous faire mon compliment. Recevés le Monsieur et mes regrets de ne pouvoir Vous reiterrer moy même les sentimens que je vous ay voué pour toujours...
26406To Benjamin Franklin from [Barbeu-Dubourg], [5 December? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En attendant que j’aille vous faire mon sincere compliment sur vos succes, ce que je compte faire demain, Mon cher Maitre, voicy une Ode que je suis chargé de vous presenter, et ensuite l’auteur, qui est M. Courtney Melmoth Ami du Dr. Lettsom. Notation: Du Bourg sans datte Identified by the hand as well as by the “cher Maitre.” We assume that he wrote...
26407To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty of inclosing two introductory letters Addressed to you in behalf of my Lieutenant, who since his embarkation into the service in July last under my Command hath behaved with becoming dilligence and Attention to duty. Should I have the honor of being called to Paris or should any Alteration immediatly take Place in my Command I shall have an...
26408To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pray be so good to lett me know whether or no you have received authentical News last Tuesday from america or any news at all talking of a battle between Genel. Washington and Genl. Howe. A Gentleman told me yesterday that a friend of his homme digne de foi told him that being at Passy two Days ago he was by you when you received News from america of a...
26409General Orders, 5 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
26410To George Washington from Colonel John Gibson, 5 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Return Your Excellency will be made Acquainted with the strength of the Garrison at this place. Genl Hand ordered me to send the Deserters from the Different Corps at Camp down by Capt. Saml Miller of the 8th Pensl. Regt, which I Accordingly have done, Excepting those of the 13th Virga Regt and some who were sick. I shoud have sent the whole of them But at the time of Capt....
26411To George Washington from Richard Peters, 5 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 5 Dec. 1777. GW wrote to Peters on 14 Dec. that “Your several favs. of the 28th Novem. and 4th and 5th instants came duly to hand.”
26412Petition of Orange County Planters to the Virginia House of Delegates, [ca. 5 December] 1777 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Orange Hum[b]ly Sheweth That your Petitioners having nothing so much at heart as the Liberty and Independance of their Country are Extreamly Anxious to See every regulation take place that may be Conducive to their Final Establishment. That convinced of the Expediency at all times and the indispensible Necessity at Present of improving our...
26413Shearjashub Bourne to John Adams, 6 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Coll. Doane informs me, that he hath engaged you, in the Cause of his Brig antin e, and his property found in her, at the time of her Capture; And as Mr. Paine was not fully engaged at the time you was, he does not attend the Tryal (which is to be on the 16th. of this Month at Portsmouth). I herewith Inclose you a Brief of facts (without many perticular circumstances) which may give you a...
26414From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 6 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
You must expect for the Future, to find in me, Situated as I am by a blissfull Fireside, surrounded by a Wife and a Parcell of chattering Boys and Girls, only a Dealer in Small Politicks. I find the Same Perplexities here, that We felt at York Town— a general Inclination among the People to barter, and as general an Aversion to dealing in Paper Money of any Denomination. Guineas half Jo’s and...
26415From John Adams to James Lovell, 6 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Favours of 14 and 18 Novr. I received together, this Evening. I thank you, for your obliging Remembrance of me, and for your entertaining Anecdotes. Is there not Ground of Suspicion, that the Standards, Trophys, and other things, are concealed among, the Officers Baggage? But by the Convention Burgoignes Honour is to be relyed on, that nothing improper Shall be So concealed. A broken...
26416Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to the American Commissioners, [6 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Je recois, Messieurs, une Lettre de Messieurs Bérard freres de Lorient qui me confirme que vous leur avez donné des ordres positifs et réitérés de vendre la cargaison de l’amphitrite et de n’en remettre les fonds qu’à vous seuls. Ma situation souffrante ne me permet pas d’entrer dans de grands détails, mais cette cargaison m’appartient et je...
26417Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have kept the Duplicates of the Dispatches to this Time in Expectation of a private Hand, that failing I am now obliged to send a Man on purpose, but in the least expensive way. If you have no further commands for him please to discharge him directly; he is not to return Post unless you order him so to do. The minister lately sent orders to stop the Lion,...
26418To Benjamin Franklin from Duboisviollette, Genevois & Cie., 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or LS : American Philosophical Society Having made an agreement with Mr. John King in behalf of the Common Wealth of Wirginia for a quantity of Salt to be deliver’d in James River, per our Ship the Algonquin, as you’ll be pleased to See by the inclosed Contract, this Ship is quite ready Since a fortnight to put in Sea, only expecting a fair Wind, having for Pilote for the American Cost Mr....
26419To Benjamin Franklin from Jno. Hammond, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think there is no person, to whom I might apply to for Redress, Like as a person that is not acting not only for the Good of the publick, but also for the Good of the Common welth. I am Sorrow to trouble you nor neither Should I, had not my present Situation Required it. I am Sorrow to have occation of writing to you, in Respect to the marchant, with whom...
26420To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François Le Brun, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I deliver’d to you on Sunday Last the Letter of messrs. Delagoanere & Co. of Corunna I observed to you that they were very uneasy on account of one of your Letters which was missing because they Supposed it might have been intercepted. You approved of their idea of having your answers transmitted to them under my cover that they could go Safe and...
26421To Benjamin Franklin from William Moran, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Both my duty and present situation oblige me to take the liberty of writing to you; Had I been treated as any man of my station should Expect here at Dunkirk, I could have been of some Service to the Cause long since. Moreover there is no greater Sign of our Departure at present than was ten days Ago as the wind still continues in the same point, besides...
26422To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the 30th Ultimo and am glad the Bill is accepted. I imagine the Words added are not of much consequence, if the Customs here are as they are in England. I have in consequence given an order to Bilboa to supply Babson taking care however not to exceed what the Balance in my hands may be. I shall be able to judge of M....
26423General Orders, 6 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General says he has put six day’s provisions into the hands of the division and brigade Commissaries; if therefore the troops want provisions, it must be the fault of the latter; and this want will be attended with such pernicious consequences, that no excuse will be admitted in behalf of any Commissary who fails supplying his division or brigade, but a severe example will be...
26424To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 6 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit you an Accot of Necessarys sent off in nine Waggons, for the Virginia Regiments in continental Service. The goods have been deliver’d Colo. Finnie the Quarter Master, & he has put them under the Escort of Leiutent Mennis & a party of Soldiers, who I trust will deliver them safely. It is my Wish that the Troops of Virginia shall have them. I also send a...
26425To George Washington from Colonel Lewis Nicola, 6 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received an order from the Board of War to apply to your Excellency for some officers for the Regiment of Invalid, where they are much wanted as I cannot keep the men under proper discipline for want of officers which they well know. I have the honour to inclose Mr Nourses letter. Permit me to assure you that I am with respect Your Excellencies Most humle & obedt Servt Lieut....
26426To George Washington from Steuben, 6 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a Letter whose Original I Shall have the honor to present to your Excellency, will instruct you of the motives that brought me over to this Land. I shall add only to it that the Object of my greatest Ambition is to render your Country all the Services in my Power, and to deserve the title of a Citizen of America by fighting for the Cause of your Liberty. If the...
26427General Orders, 7 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
26428To George Washington from Enoch Edwards, 7 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are mooveing across the Old York road, about a m⟨ile bel⟩ow this Place, at Jinkin Town & continuing on to our Lift. it appears to be a large Body—there Horse was up here about two hours ago, & I believe Capt. Craig is taken—his Men is gone off & there is no reconoitring Party here at present. I shall tarry here if you have any Commands. Your most Obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . This...
26429To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to congratulate your Excellency on the safe arrival of the Ship Flamond at Portsmouth in 75 days passage from Marseilles having on board for the service of the United States, besides a General Officer, 48 peices of brass Cannon 4 pdrs with Carriages compleat. 19 nine Inch Morters, 2500 Bombs 9 Inch. 2000–4 pd Ball. a number of intrenching Tools, 3000 Fusees, 1110 of another Quality...
26430From John Adams to Francis Dana, 8 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wish you Joy of your new, Scaene and Stage: You will act your Part well I doubt not, and I hope you will have much Pleasure and Reputation in it. I should be much obliged to you for a Letter, now and then. Let me know if you please, the Principal Things done in Congress, and in Camp: but especially, I should be very anxious to know, every Intimation you may have in your Intelligence from...
26431To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since my last the Situation of the Camp has prevented the Committee of Congress from transacting the Business of their Appointment. The Enemy, the Evening after the Date of my letter, marched out with their whole Force, which is said to consist of twelve thousand five hundred Effectives. We received Information of their preparations, a Day or two before, by persons who left the City; and the...
26432To John Adams from James Lovell, 8 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since my signing a letter to you with Colo. Lee an excellent opportunity of sending to France presented; and the Colonel in his way home has carried a Packet to Baltimore, which will go to the Commissioners in a swift sailing armed Vessel. No: 1 contained Triplicates of Letters dated Octr. 31st. Novr. 1st. and Novr 8th No. 2 A Letter of Decr. 1st. and Resolves respecting Frenchmen Sept. 8. 13....
26433The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies: Archivo Historico Nacional The Commissioners from the Congress of the United States of America, beg leave to represent to your Excellency, that it is near a year since they had the Honour of putting into your Hands the Propositions of the Congress for a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with this Kingdom, to which, with sundry other...
26434Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We had the honnour to write You Our Last on the 21st of Last monthy since which we are honoured with Your moast Esteemed favour of the 23 of Last month in answer Serves that we are Greatly obliged to you for the Goodnes you have had to forward the papers Send you and as we are willing to send according Your good advice the Duplicat to our frends in st....
26435To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Goudeman, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ne croyez pas que je saisisse le moment de vos succès pour vous demander une juste faveur. Il y a longtemps que j’avois prévu cette victoire, et ce n’est pas la derniere que vos Braves et Vertueux compatriotes remporteront sur leurs tirans. Mais ce n’est pas de quoi il est ici question. Un de mes amis, de Province, me prie, Monsieur, de vous adresser le...
26436To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine Macaulay, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have some affaires which demand my immediat return to England. You are very sensible that the suspenssion of the Habeas Corpus Act subjects me to an immediat imprisonment on any suspicion of my having held a correspondence with your Countrymen on this side the Water. This Sir is the only reason why I did not fix a day to have the honor of seeing you at my...
26437To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [8 December? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the first opportunity, after my Arrival in Paris from the Country, to wait on the worthy Mr. Dubourg. He mention’d his having offer’d to your Inspection, Sir, a little hasty Ode that was addressed to you. When I avow myself the Author of that Copy of Verses, it is merely in the Hope that it may discover enough of my Heart and my Wishes to induce you...
26438General Orders, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief returns his warmest thanks to Col. Morgan, and the officers and men of his intrepid corps, for their gallant behaviour in the several skirmishes with the enemy yesterday—He hopes the most spirited conduct will distinguish the whole army, and gain them a just title to the praises of their country, and the glory due to brave men—They will remember, that they are engaged in...
26439To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Now that the Winter Season will put a Stop to the Operations of War, and Yr Excellency will probably have a little more Leisure than usual, I sit down to write to You, and tho’ I have Nothing to communicate worthy your Notice, yet if it be only to renew my Thanks for your late Kindness, and to keep up Your Remembrance of me it may not be improper but yet I ought not to do it so as to give You...
26440To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall not attempt to describe what, as a private Gentleman, I cannot help feeling, on representing to my Mind, the disagreeable Situation, which confidential Letters, when exposed to public Inspection, may place an unsuspecting Correspondent to; but, as a public Officer, I conjure your Excellency, to give me all the Assistance you can, in tracing out the Author of the Infedelity, which put...
26441To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last trouble of the 1st Inst. Your Excellency’s favor of that date reached me & was reported to Congress—I have at present only to transmit a Resolve of Congress of the 3d Inst. calculated for effecting the Exchange of the Baron de St Ouary now a prisoner with the Enemy in Philadelphia or to obtain for him treatment Suitable to his Rank in the french Army. Congress have taken under...
26442To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The favourable Sentiments which your Excellency has more than once been pleased to express of Coll Livingston both to the late Convention, & the committee of arrangement, with less effect than I had reason to hope for from their declared opinion of his merrit, & the respect due to your Excellencys recommendation, induces me to trouble you on his account, more especialy as the honour he...
26443From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 9 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Some day next Week Mr. John Thaxter, will Sett off, on his Journey for York Town. You may remember, the Want of Secretaries and Clerks, which We suffered before I came away, and that I agreed to send you one or more. Mr. Thaxter is of a good Family, was educated at H. Colledge, and has Spent three Years in the study of the Law in my office, and was last Summer Admitted to the Bar. You may...
26444From John Adams to Daniel Roberdeau, 9 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have never found an Opportunity, of presenting my Respects to you, Since I left York Town, till now. We had as prosperous, and pleasant a Journey, as bad Weather and worse Roads would admit: But I had great Pleasure in observing the growing Confidence of the People all along the Journey, in the Justice, Stability and Success of our great and glorious Cause. In this Part of the Continent We...
26445To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Bachelier, 9 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’aurois eté vous faire mon Compliment de felicitation sur les heureux succes dont l’Europe Retentit sans l’accident qui est arivé a mon Epouse une Epeingle qu’elle a avalé, nous à alarmé pour sa vie. Je profite du premier moment de soulagement qu’elle Eprouve pour me Rejouir avec vous de ce que la Cause de l’humanité est triomphante. Je suis avec Respect...
26446To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 9 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie de recevoir mes complimens de l’heureux succés de l’armé Ameriquaine qui vient de remporter une victoire complette sur les anglois; je vous en félicite. Je désire que leurs conquêtes prosperent de jour en jour pour que les treize Provinces ûnie jouissent de la liberté et de la Paix qu’elles méritent à tous Egards. Je prie M. votre petit fils...
26447To Benjamin Franklin from John Thurston, 9 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From the Knowledge I have of your Goodness, and the Small acquaintance, I was Hon’d. with by you, at Philadelphia and New York, I hope you will Excuse the freedom I take, in recommending the Bearer Mr. Fowler, who Am Certain, you’l find to be a faithfull Honest Man. I am your Excellencys Most Obliged Humble Servant PS. The Bearer is pofects [perfecting?]...
26448General Orders, 9 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The tents are near the bridge, on the Skippack road, and so many are to be immediately sent for and pitched, as are necessary for officers and men that have not huts, that will keep themselves and their arms dry: But the General earnestly recommends, that no more tents be pitched than are absolutely necessary to shelter the troops. Neither officers nor men are to be absent from camp upon any...
26449To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 9 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 9 Dec. 1777. In his letter to Clark of this date , GW wrote: “I am favd with yours of 8 OClock this Morning.”
26450From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 9 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of 8 OClock this Morning. I fancy your intelligencer is mistaken as to the number of wounded; but they had a pretty warm brush with Morgans Corps, in which he thinks he killed and wounded a good many —Genl Potter is gone over to the West side of Schulylkill again, be pleased to represent the matter of the provision to him and let him know it is my desire that Colo. Rankin...