26551To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 18 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society La Douairiere du Duc de Deux ponts demande à Monsieur le docteur franclin son appui pour faire passer un de ses neveux en Amérique et lui obtenir un poste militaire dans l’armée de la République. Ce jeune homme nommé M. de fontevieux a une vocation décidée pour les armes et surtout pour le service des vaillants Americains. Parfaitement bien né du côté du...
26552To Benjamin Franklin from Pageant veuve Rivaud, 18 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Tournus in Burgundy, December 18, 1777, in French: I beg you to forward a letter to my son in New England. I have received two of his, and he is extremely uneasy at having heard nothing from me and my family. He is one of the engineers that the government selected to send to America. I am a mother who has lost her companion in joy and sorrow; the only...
26553General Orders, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persons having any passes from Major John Clarke are to pass all guards. The Commander in Chief approves, the following sentences of a General Court Martial, the 22nd November last, whereof Major North was president. Adjutant Ralston of the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, charged with “Making a false return, and signing it; with ungentlemanly behaviour—disobedience of orders, and leaving his...
26554To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you sometime since, concerning some Provision I had sent by a Spy, taken by Warners Militia, & deposited in the hands of Col. Rankin—Your Excellency was kind enough to request me to give General Potter, a state of the matter, & let him know, “’twas your desire, that it shou’d be delivered to the guard,” all this has been done by me, Mr Trumbal waited on him Yesterday, but to no...
26555To George Washington from Joseph Galloway, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Apprehending that the Business of War by no Means excludes the Feelings of Humanity, and relying on that Candor and Liberality of Sentiment which those who are best acquainted with your Excellency agree you possess, I have presumed to request the Favor of your permitting Mrs Galloway with her Household Furniture and Effects to remove from my Seat in the Country to Philadelphia. Coud I imagine...
26556To George Washington from Colonel John Gunby, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to Troble your Excellency with those few lines by way of Informing in what Manner I claim Rank of Colo. Stone on Ower first astablishment & Raising Troops in the State of Maryland, I was appointed Second Capt. of an Independant Company, Colo. Stone was appointed first Capt. in Colol Smallwoods Regiment that then was, & by a resolve of that State at the time we took owr Commissions...
26557Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Repondu à la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee, du 8. Extrait de la Lettre de Mr. Stey[?] du 17. et de LLF [La Lande et Fynje] du 15. Messagers d’Etat envoyés dans les provinces et generalité &c. We have expanded his abbreviations. The names in the second sentence are virtually illegible. The States General, he wrote the committee for foreign affairs on...
26558To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library I this instant received the inclosed, and as I do not fully Understand the meaning of it I judged it Necessary to go immediately and see Mr. Gerard. I will be back by about Eight o’Clock. I think that it is designed that Our Letter should be sent by the Minister’s Messenger, it is perhaps the most proper. If so it must be Compleated this Evening, as well...
26559To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At my return here the day before yesterday, I found the chief Gentlemen of this house assembled, who are all wellwishers to your cause, and great admirers of your exalted and respectable character. They were highly pleased with the confirmation and detail of the good news I gave them. Prince De Montbarrey, who was not yet gone away, said that it was lucky,...
26560To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Reynaud, 19 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Villeneuve d’Avignon, December 19, in French: My congratulations on the glory that the brave Americans have deserved. I am myself American, though French, and would have wished with all my heart to share that glory on the famous day of General Burgoyne’s capture. May the Howe brothers have the same fate.>
26561To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The 16 of last Octr. Mr. Arrenberg dispatched a Letter of mine to his Correspondent in Paris, to be delivered to you. It was an answer of Your last to me concerning the Price, and containing a Specimen of the non Pareil of Enschede at Haerlem. Besides these it contained the following Articles: a recommendation of Mr. Arrenberg as one of the most proper...
26562To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
This day or tomorrow I design moving Over to the Bethlehem or rather the Eastown Road & near the Shamany & Shou’d have moved Sooner, had the weather & Other impediments permitted —the removal of Sick Soldiers & fragments of Continental Stores, with the Scarcity of Waggons to procure Our provisions have Stood in the way. Coll Pickering writes me that two or three hundred Arms, Tents &c. were...
26563To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
since the reception of your favor I dispatched several Spies into the City, to endeavor to find the intended hour of the Enemy’s march; one of them this moment returned from Philada, which place he left at three oClock this afternoon, at that time, they were leading about three hundred Horses covered with Blankets on the Commons, & were very busy throwing up a ditch from the Road above Middle...
26564From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I was honored with your favor of the 6th Instant, and am much obliged by your exertions for Cloathing the Virginia Troops. The Articles you send shall be applied to their use agreable to your wishes. It will be difficult for me to determine when the Troops are supplied, owing to their fluctuating and deficient state. However I beleive there will be little reason to suspect...
26565From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, 19 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 19 Dec. 1777. In his letter to GW of 20 Jan. 1778 , Nelson writes “Your favor of the 19th Ultimo should not have remain’d so long unanswer’d.”
26566To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In my preceeding representations I have been particular respecting the present State of the Cavalry, the means by which it may be augmented & compleated —but on this head I must necessarily know your Excellencys determination—The advantages that would arise from a Superiority in Cavalry are too obvious to be unnoticed—It may be further observed that during this war, the Country will daily...
26567From George Washington to George Read, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have recd information, which I have great reason to beleive is true, that the Enemy mean to establish a post at Wilmington for the purpose of countenancing the disaffected in the Delaware State, drawing supplies from that Country and the lower parts of Chester County, and securing a post upon Delaware River during the Winter. As the advantages resulting to the Enemy from such a position are...
26568From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan, you are to March immediately for Wilmington, and take Post there. you are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of defence, to do which, and for the security of it afterwards, I have written in urgent terms to the President of the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia —I have also directed an...
26569The American Commissioners to [Gérard], 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères The Persons going out with the dispatches are Mr. Simeon Deane and Mr. Anthony Knap both of New England. They will set out this Evening for Bordeaux, and will follow Your Orders, which You shall send; inclosed You have a Letter of Credit for the Captn. of Your Ship. We have the honor to be with the utmost respect Sir Your most Obedient and...
26570Gérard to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avec celle qui y etoit jointe et dont je suis chargé de vous remercier. Voici le paquet dont les deux passagers voudront bien se charger. Il est adressé au Commissaire ordonateur de la marine. On ne lui mande pas leurs noms, et celui de Deane...
26571The American Commissioners to Simeon Deane, [20 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Pennsylvania Library You will receive herewith a Packet for Monsr. L Moyne Commissaire &c. at Bourdeaux, and also a Packet for the Committee of Congress for Foreign affairs. You are directed to go for Bourdeaux without loss of Time and on your arrival within one Post of the City that you send forward your Servant to Mons. Le Moyne informing him that you have a Packet for...
26572The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library We are much obliged by your Favour of the 24th. October which brought us the first Intelligence of the Defeat and Surrender of Bourgoyne’s Army, which gave great Joy not only to us but to this whole friendly Nation. In return we can only tell you at present, that our Affairs hear wear the most promising Appearance, and that we have little Doubt of seeing...
26573Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society This Letter is design’d for the particular purpose of giving my Opinion respecting the Ship Duras which Mr. Berard wrote to you about when I was in Paris. She is a large old East India Ship in want of very considerable repairs, which I think would be very expensive and after all be an old Ship, not very fit for our use in her present position; If she was cut...
26574Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
26575To Benjamin Franklin from B. Giraudeau, 20 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Rochelle, December 20, 1777, in French: Our merchants’ desire to expand their commerce in conjunction with yours is resulting in shipments to New England from all our ports. I want to send my ship, the François of 350 tons, Jean de La Fontaine master, to Virginia or Maryland, but have no connections in that part of New England. He would have a warm...
26576To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Wilhelm Abraham Jaeger, 20 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 20, 1777, in French: I have a powder mill with twenty-six mixers, and am planning a new one on the model of an oil mill with perpendicular stone mixers, as in the enclosure. Ordinary stone may produce explosions; I experimented with marble and found that it apparently did not. A foreign powder-maker whom I met told me that it is...
26577To Benjamin Franklin from [La Rochefoucauld], [20 December? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Au moment où j’allois hier, Monsieur, envoier l’Extrait que j’avois fait de vos nouvelles, j’ai reçu le No. XXXIII . des Affaires d’Angleterre et d’Amérique qui contient tous ces détails; en conséquence je me suis borné à y envoier la lettre de M. Washington; vous trouverez ci jointes vos deux lettres Angloises à l’une desquelles il manque une feuille que...
26578To Benjamin Franklin from George Walton, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having but lately returned from Congress, where I have been ever since you left America, and Captain Dunn and Mr. Curlis being about to depart from this State to France, I do myself the honor and pleasure of congratulating you upon the great and signal successes of our arms this campaign. The two defeats of General Bourgyne’s whole army, and the subsequent...
26579General Orders, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl McIntosh is appointed to the command of the North Carolina brigade. The Major Generals accompanied by the Engineers are to view the ground attentively, and fix upon the proper spot and mode for hutting so as to render the camp as strong and inaccessible as possible—The Engineers after this are to mark the ground out, and direct the field Officers appointed to superintend the buildings for...
26580From George Washington to Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor of addressing you on the 17th Inst., I informed you, that I had transmitted a Copy of Your Letter to Congress. The inclosed Copy of their Resolution passed upon the Subject which I send in pursuance of their direction, will shew you the only Answer I have obtained to your propositions. It remains solely with Congress to grant the indulgencies which you request. The Bearer...
26581To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you last Night, & informed you that I expected a Spy from the City every hour —he has this moment come to me, & brings intelligence that near 1000 of the Enemy, crossed over to Jersey yesterday with six feild pieces from 4 to 6 pounders, with design to let the Country people have the benefit of the Market, the Militia hitherto having prevented—this Day, about 30 Waggons escorted by 100...
26582To George Washington from George Clinton, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was not honored with the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d Instant before Friday last —I am truely sensible that the Security of the North River is a Matter of the utmost Importance to the United States in the present War & that the Safety of this State in a more particular Manner depends upon it—It gives me real Concern therefore that so little has been yet done to effect...
26583From a Committee to Inspect Beef, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
We the subscribers being appointed a Committee to Inspect the Beaf drawn for Genl Learnard’s Brigade, under the Command of Colo. Bailey Commandant, we have examianed the Beaf and Judge it not fit for the use of human beings, unwholesome & destructive to nature for any person to make use of Such fude. DS , DLC:GW . A note signed by Maj. Gen. Johann Kalb beneath the text of the letter reads:...
26584From George Washington to Joseph Galloway, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 18th by Mr Potts. Commissioners being appointed by the legislative Authority of this State to take cognizance of and to dispose of the personal property of those who have willingly gone over to the Enemy, it is not in my power to grant a licence for the removal of any of your effects. I have not the least objections to Mrs Galloways going to Philada and I shall be ready...
26585From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday Evening received your Favor of the 7th Inst., and am happy to find the first account of the arrival of the Ship with Artillery &c. fully confirmed. This Event is fortunate & interesting, as it not only manifests the strong attachment of France to our Cause, but also makes us respectable in point of Artillery. I doubt not of your attention to secure the Stores, and wish your care of...
26586To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 17th Inst. I troubled Your Excellency by the hand of Messenger Jones. Under this Cover Your Excellency will receive two Acts of Congress of Yesterday’s date respectively—one for regulating & restricting the terms of payment for past unliquidated & future supplies of provisions & other necessaries for British Prisoners. The other requesting Your Excellency to inform Congress the intended...
26587Orders to Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the Enemy in their late excursions have carried off most of the Horses belonging to such of the inhabitants of the Counties of Philada and Chester as have been within their reach, whereby they have been enabled to increase their number of their light Dragoons. Therefore in order to prevent their making the like advantages in future and at the same time to enable us to remount our...
26588To George Washington from John Potts, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the decision of the present most direful and unhappy contest cannot in any degree be affected by or depend upon the distress which individuals must suffer by a seperation from their nearest and most indearing connections And as the benevolent & humane Character of your Excellency is universally acknowledged I am encouraged (altho personally a Stranger) to address you for permission to...
26589From George Washington to John Potts, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to your Letter, delivered me by Major Jamieson, When Mrs Potts applies she will have my permission for herself and children to go into Philadelphia. As to your Household furniture, I cannot consent to their removal, they being under the cognizance and direction of the Legislature of the State. The Bearer will escort you tomorrow morning as far as Our pickets. I am Sir Your Hble servt...
26590Proclamation on Threshing Grain, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
By virtue of the power and direction to me especially given, I hereby enjoin and require all persons residing within Seventy miles of my Head Quarters to thresh one half of their grain by the first day of February and the other half by the first day of March next ensuing, on pain in case of failure of having All that shall remain in Sheaves, after the periods abovementioned, seized by the...
26591To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Franziscus Scheffer, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is now a year, since we were taken prisoners; a time, the length of which, we have felt the more heavier, for the disagreeable situations, we have been thrown into, on account of our distance from the army. Want of pecuniary and other supplies exposes us so frequently, and especially now, to the greatest inconveniences; That we are obliged Sir, to lay our circumstances open to you, and to...
26592To George Washington from an Unknown Person, 20 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from an Unknown Person, 20 Dec. 1777. In his letter to an Unknown Person of 6 Jan. 1778, GW writes that “I recd yours of the 20th decemr.”
26593From George Washington to Nathaniel Whitaker, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 24th of September inclosing a discourse against Toryism, came safe to my hands. For the honour of the dedication, I return you my sincere thanks, and wish most devoutly that your labour may be crowned with the success it deserves. You also have my gratefl Thanks for your affectionate wishes. With great Esteem and Respect, I am, Reverend Sir, Your mo. obt & obliged hble servt...
26594Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux to the American Commissioners, [before 16 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The house of Basmarein & Raimbaux was going through difficult times. A dynamic man in his early thirties, Basmarein was full of schemes; he had helped Lafayette make his getaway on the Victoire , organized a packetboat service, opened a branch in Charleston, sent more than sixty ships to America in eighteen months. But his losses were tremendous, possibly...
26595To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
That you may excuse my vile manner of doing business, know that I am freezing in my little room this morning so that I can scarcely hold my pen, but, I am, here, in quiet. The sealed packet sent before contained Triplicates of Octr. 31st Novr. 1 and 8 which last were only an Introduction of the Bearer Col: Ewen, and an Annunciation of Mr. Laurens’s Election as President so that his Draughts...
26596To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
After the Resolve for stopping Burgoyne had passed, some were of opinion that a State of Facts found by the Committee should have preceeded the reasoning. Perhaps you will judge that it is already too laboured a report. I inclose for your own use the State of Facts alluded to which did not enter into the business of Congress; but was only talked of. We have intelligence now that 2 Hoits...
26597From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 21 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress; copy: Yale University Library I see in a Vote of Congress shown me by Capt. Franval, that Mr. Deane is disown’d in some of his Agreements with Officers. I, who am upon the Spot, and know the infinite Difficulty of resisting the powerful Solicitations here of Great Men, who if disobliged might have it in their Power to...
26598From Benjamin Franklin to [Robert Morris?], 21 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Yale University Library I remember that long before I was ordered here, you once did me the Honour to say, you should not dislike being sent to France with me. Since my being here, I have frequently wish’d that Appointment had taken place. I think I should have pass’d my time more comfortably. We are now five of us in this City, all honest and capable Men (if I may include myself in that...
26599William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 21 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I have this day renderd an account to Mr. Deane of the Sums disbursd by me on the Public service; I would have given it in sooner, but that I wishd and hopd to have had it in my power to have reimbursd the Whole. I render it to Mr. Deane because the money was cheifly expended under his orders and directions. I offer to become accountable to the Honorable the...
26600Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, [21 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee’s Compliments. Mr. Girard appeared much surprizd at the doubt about the frigate, as he had sent the necessary Dispatches to Passi yesterday which made it plain that no alteration had taken place respecting the frigate at Bordeaux. He thinks Mr. Beaumarchais shoud be desird to bring in his Account, and that we shoud send it to Count V. who will...