27101To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 19 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive by the present conveyance a Letter which I had the honour of writing the 14th & was returned to me with a Report that Susquehana was impassable. Congress having upon further consideration judged it impolitic & unnecessary to inform the Court of Great Britain authentickly of the suspension of Genl Burgoyne’s embarkation until such information shall proceed from him,...
27102To George Washington from Robert Morris, 19 January 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Morris, 19 Jan. 1778. On 10 Feb. 1778 GW wrote Morris : “Your favor of the 19th Ulto by Colo. Armand came to my hands a few days ago.”
27103From George Washington to George Read, 19 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am in hopes that the legislature of your State have fallen upon some mode to fill up the Battalion allotted to it, against the ensuing Campaign. If they have not, I beg leave to remind you how short the time is from hence, to that, in which we ought to be in the Feild. The Advantages, that will arise from our being able to begin our operations before the Enemy are reinforced, are too obvious...
27104To George Washington from the Rhode Island Council of War, 19 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since we had the Honor of addressing your Excellency by Mr Thompson, we received your favor of the 2d instant enclosing a proposition of Genl Varnum’s for raising a Battalion of Negroes. We in our Letter of the 15th current, of wh. we send a Duplicate, have fully represented our present circumstances and the many difficulties we Labor under in respect to our filling up the Continental...
27105To George Washington from Colonel Edward Stevens, 19 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Another Flag from the Enemy, Just arrived at this post with a Letter for yr Excellency, with a number of others from our prisoners. All of which I now Forward, with Thirteen Guinea’s Five Shillings and a portmanteau that also came with the Flag. With respect I am Sir Your very hum: Servt ALS , PHi : Thomas Bradford Papers. The letter is docketed: “the money sent to McCrea Reading by Col....
27106From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 19 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of observing, by a publication in Dunlaps paper, that before the adjournment of the Assembly of this State, they had, among other wholesome laws, enacted one “for filling the quota of Troops to be raised in this State.” As you may, perhaps, be ignorant of the reduced condition of your Regiments, I have thought proper to inclose you a Return, by which you will see how very...
27107John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 20 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am happy in having it in my power to furnish you with a Copy of Mr. Duche’s Letter, which is inclosed, as also an Extract from the public Ledger of Sept. 10. By the Journals it appears that Mr. Adams has accepted the appointment. The Appointment marks the Wisdom of Congress, and the Acceptation evinces his zeal in “the great and sacred Cause.” Upon those great and important Exertions which...
27108John Thaxter to John Adams, 20 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Lovell informed me last Evening of your acceptation of the appointment; and also that he should send an express immediately to the Eastward with dispatches, by whom I write. I feel a mixture of joy and grief on this event. As a Patriot, I ought to congratulate my Countrymen upon it, as having thereby a glorious prospect of seeing the liberties of America supported by so able an advocate;...
27109To John Adams from James Lovell, 20 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
The receipt of your letters of Decr. 24th variously directed gave equal and uniform satisfaction here yesterday. There was an error in the date of the Commission but it is judged to be of no importance. I send all the dispatches to you open as before that you may be acquainted with the contents, in case you should forward them before you sail yourself. I will endeavour to send your Chest by...
27110Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor to address you my last the 15th. inst. advising you the arrival of Two wounded Seamen taken in the Lexington, and by a former I inform’d you on a Seperate slit [slip] of paper of the Taking of the Brigantine l’aimable Reine Capne. Paul Berthelot, bound from Martinico to this port, by the Swan Capn. Wm. Meadows, which carry’d her to New...
27111William Lee to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Virginia Historical Society As you have now furnish’d me with the copy of the Treaty, I do not know of any reason for remaining here any longer, therefore propose setting out for Vienna in two or 3 daies to execute my appointment at that Court, provided you will supply me with the necessary funds to bear the expence of my Commission. The money will not be immediately requisite, as a...
27112To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Arnoux, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai pas perdu de vue, mon cher et respectable Monsieur, vos affaires d’Amerique; l’interest de vos colonies quand il ne seroit pas celui de la justice et de la vertu seroit le mien parce que c’est le votre. Je vois avec la plus grande satisfaction que vous touchez au moment de jouir d’une liberté qui est due à la prudence à la sagesse et à la Valeur; je...
27113To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Michael Dupee in a Small Schooner I dispatchd from this place for Newbury Port the 26th. Octr. with Salt and Cloathing has made his Voyage and returnd here the 17th. Instant which gives me an opportunity to Inclose you the Two latest News papers he brought; my letters from my friends there Contain Nothing Material. If these papers give you aney...
27114To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Purtchaires, 20 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Toul, January 20, 1778, in French: At forty-five I have served my country as a magistrate for the statutory term, and deserve to retire. A large family requires further work from me, and I have a thousand louis with which to make a good start in the United States, where land needs only men. To adopt this plan without advice would be irreparable stupidity;...
27115To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Bartholomäus Rogler, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I lately had the Honour to deliver Mr. Webb’s letter, you were So kind as to give me Leave to wait once more upon you, and to introduce my travelling Companion to the honour of your Acquaintance. Since that time I have been twice at Passy, but Business had always call’d you to town, and as I think that they will rather encrease at the present juncture...
27116To Benjamin Franklin from Sir James Rutledge, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of requesting one moment of your time, to Speake to you of a whole familÿ of british Subjects, their project is to go and Settle in North america. They are people of industry, familÿ and talents. The family consists in a father a daugther and two Cleaver young men. They intend to sett up in trade, and to correspond with europe. Every one...
27117General Orders, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Officers commanding Brigades are desir’d to meet at General Sullivan’s Quarters tomorrow morning at ten ôClock in order to consider of the expediency of opening a public Market in camp; They are to take into consideration the proper Places and days of holding markets the regulations and guards necessary to preserve good order. The prices proper to be offered upon each article; in...
27118From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a Commission, by which you will find, that you are restored to the rank you claim in the line of the Army. This I transmit by direction of Congress and in pursuance of their Resolution of the 29th of November. The situation of my papers & the want of Blank Commissions prevented me doing it before. May I venture to ask whether you are upon your Legs again—and if you...
27119From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 13th instant last Evening, and have immediately written to Govr Livingston upon the Subject. I make no doubt but the prosecution will be immediately stopped upon my representation of the matter in its true light, and of my pointing out the impossibility of getting persons to undertake this kind of Business in future if they are not protected by us. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
27120From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have not yet received an Answer respecting the Guard for the Salt works sollicited in your memorial. Till you hear further from me upon the subject, you may detain a Captain two subalterns and Sixty men of the detachment of your Regiment now in Monmouth, for the purpose of Guarding the works the remainder be pleased to send forward to Camp with Captain Combes, with whom be pleased to send...
27121From George Washington to General William Howe, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 8th Inst. inclosing Lieut. Eyres representation was duly received. I am not at liberty to contradict the facts which he has related; but I am inclined to think from his own state, that his conduct has not been so discreet, as it should have been: and that if he experienced a severer treatment than had been usually imposed upon Officers, prisoners with us, it proceeded in...
27122From George Washington to Archibald Kennedy, Jr., 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 15th last Evening. When I arrived at Morris Town last winter, you applied to me, thro’ Colo. Moylan, for liberty to remove from thence to your farm near second River. I consented to this, as I looked upon it as a thing more convenient to you and more proper than for you to remain in morris town under your particular Circumstances. I considered you then, as I do now, a...
27123To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recieved just now a letter from general connway who is gone on to york town, and mullens his aid de camp who is not a wit, lets me know that his going there is in consequence of two repeated letters from general gates, and miflin—that same man thinks that there are some projects to send Connway to Canada—they will laugh in france when they’l hear that he is choosen upon such a...
27124To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform your Excellency of an action, which happened this morning, between a party of the enemy’s dragoons, & my troop of horse. They were near two hundd in number, & by a very circuitous route endeavoured to surprize me, in quarters. About day break, they appeared, we were immediately alarm’d, & manned the doors & windows. The contest was very warm; the British dragoons trusting to...
27125To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have at length ascertained the real loss of this day’s action. Four privates belonging to the square patrole were taken, I am told they made brave resistance, & that some of them were badly wounded. The Quarter-master-sergeant who imprudently ran from our quarters prior to the commencement of the skirmish was also taken. The loss sustained stands thus: Taken one sergeant. four privates....
27126From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have given you my thanks in the general Orders of this day for the late instance of your gallant behaviour I cannot resist the Inclination I feel to repeat them again in this manner. I needed no fresh proof of your merit, to bear you in remembrance—I waited only for the proper time and season to shew it—these I hope are not far off. I shall also think of & will reward the merit of...
27127From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Copies of Two Resolutions of Congress you will perceive that they have restored Genl Arnold to the rank he claims in the line of General Officers, and have directed me to grant him a Commission for that purpose. This I have done, and he will receive it by the conveyance by which this goes. From your peculiar situation, and being one of the Officers within the operation of the...
27128From George Washington to William Livingston, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your several favors of the 9. 12th 13th 14th and 15th instants. I am pleased to find that your legislature have fixed a price circumscribing the avarice of your farmers, who like their neighbours are endeavouring to take every advantage of the necessities of the Army. I have mentioned to Mr Commissary Blaine what you say respecting Wilsons not having employed a sufficient...
27129From George Washington to William Livingston, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last Night recd a letter from Colo. Dayton informing me that John and Baker Hendricks and John Meeker had been apprehended upon a supposition of carrying on an illegal Correspondence with the Enemy as they had been several times upon Staten Island, and that they were to be tryed for their lives in consequence. In justice to these Men I am bound to take this earliest opportunity of informing...
27130To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 19th Ultimo should not have remain’d so long unanswer’d, had I not been oblig’d by indisposition, to absent myself from the business of the House of Delegates, for a fortnight past. What has been done during that time, I am not yet inform’d, having return’d only this day. The many difficulties that are thrown in the way of inoculating the Troops for the small pox, within this...
27131To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your orders dated 14th Jany respecting quarters at Fleming Town—previous to removing from hence I was desirous of informing myself whether this place might not be made suitable for us, but every one agrees that neither forage nor any other necessaries can be had in sufficient quantities for our use—on this account I am obliged to give Your Excellency notice that the Cavalry...
27132To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades in the Virginia line, having met in Consiquence of your Excellency’s directions of the 18th Instant to determine on Some fix’d system as a line to go by in the dismission of those Virginia Troops, whose time of Enlistment will shortly expire: Report as follows, Viz. They give it as their opinion; that the men whose time of service, is nearly out,...
27133Patrick Henry in Council to Virginia Delegates in Congress, 20 January 1778 (Madison Papers)
Francis Lightfoot Lee Esquirs Letter for the Committee on the Subject of provisions filled me with Concern & astonishment. I applied to the Deputy Commissary General to furnish some Active persons for throwing an instant Supply of Provisions to the Army to answer the present Exigency. I was told by him that he could get none such immediately but he would write to his Deputy to do the Business....
27134Bill Appointing the Place for Holding the High Court of Chancery and the General Court, [20 January 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas by the acts constituting the High court of Chancery and General court, the said courts are to be holden at such place as the legislature shall direct, and no place hath as yet been appointed for that purpose: Be it therefore enacted by the General assembly that for the term of one year after the end of this present session of assembly, and from thence to the end of the session then...
27135To John Adams from Daniel Roberdeau, 21 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
I acknowledge your favors of the 19th. and 24th. Ultimo, and with great pleasure find you obey the call of your Country. May it prove her advantage and your honor, of which I have not the least doubt, notwithstanding the deficiency you mention. I shall highly esteem a constant correspondence with you, which I shall endeavour to encourage and improve a friendship I so greatly value. A lex...
27136The American Commissioners to Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We wrote you the 12 inst. on the Subject of the Letter returned to Mr. Beaumarchais since which we are without any of your favours, except of the 12 inst. which relates to the Sales of the Cargo of the Amphitrite, the acct. of which sales you will please to favour us with a Copy of for our Settlement with that Gentleman. It is a little surprizing that Capt....
27137From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments respectfully to M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld. He will read and return as soon as possible the Papers mentioned. News is received this Morning from England, that a Vessel arrived from New York, which Place she left the 16th of December, brings Advice, that General Howe march’d out of Philadelphia the 5th, drove in G....
27138The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We mean in this letter to give you a succint view of the state of our military affairs. You must long before this reaches you have been made acquainted with the signal success of the american arms in the northern department, particularly the several Engagements in that quarter previous to the surrender of...
27139Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In Consequence of your letter of 12th: Instant we have acquainted Mr. Beaumarchais we were ready to account with him for the whole Proceeds of the Cargo of the amphitrite of which we have already remitted to him part of the amount and Shall continue. If our accounts of disbursements for the two frigattes have exceeded your expectations you cannot with any...
27140To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Bissey, 21 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, January 21, [1778? ], in French: Your virtues make me overcome the delicacy of my sex and write to ask your help. I am an orphan of eighteen, daughter of an infantry captain, and have no resources except a good education and the hope of a pension from the ministry of war. A court lady has interceded with the prince de Montbarey, but the times are...
27141To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have one more wish, which is, that our Brethren’s Settlements on the Coast of Labradore may not be molested by any of the American arm’d Vessels, and as our Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel send out a small Vessell every year with Provisions to our Missionaries on that Coast, without which they would probably be starved, I hope your arm’d Vessels...
27142To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you have not forgot the promise you were so kind as to make me of dining with M. De Bussy, formerly Plenipotentiary Minister at the Court of England, next Saturday, at my little appartment in town. The direction is Rue de Grenelle fauxbourg St. Germain, vis à vis La fontaine, chez l’Apoticaire where I expect to have the pleasure of receiving you and...
27143General Orders, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief approves the report made by the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades in the Virginia Line and orders that the men whose term of service is expired be discharged and march’d home by proper Officers in the manner there directed; The Brigadiers &c. are also to see that the Arms & Accoutrements of such men are return’d in the first instance to themselves in Order that...
27144From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 15th desiring you to have the Arms in Massachusets and New Hampshire collected and a Return made to me as soon as possible. I find by letters from General Heath that Arms have lately arrived in several Vessels from France, I beg they may be immediately sent to the different Arsenals and put in order. We shall want a considerable number in the Spring when the Levies come into...
27145To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency from Poughkeepsie, that as it was not probable the Train of Artillery at Albany would be wanted in Pennsylvania this winter it had better rest at present in Albany, and when the river opened in the Spring to be transported by water to New Windsor, and from thence across the country; also, that there was a report it had been, or was about to be, sent to New England....
27146To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since General Potter Left me, Dozens of the Inhabitants of Germantown and the Neighbourhood are applying, to Carry Flour Beef &c. to that Quarter; I would be Glad to know what Quantity to Permit them to Carry or weathr any. I Learn from Philadelphia that the Prisonrs are Bad off, for Beding If your Excellency pleases I would propose Sending them, one or two Waggon Load of Straw. The Fatigues...
27147From George Washington to James Mease, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this day recd yours of the 18th by Lieutenant Gamble who has brought down 463 Coat ready cut out. I could have wished that had not been done, as I intended to have had them made up in a new fashion which I think will save Cloth—be made up quicker and cheaper and yet be more warm and convenient to the Soldier. I desire that all the remainder of the Virginia Goods may be immediately sent on in...
27148To George Washington from Major Jacob Morris, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Williams who will deliver your Excellency this packet, handed me the inclosed papers from my Frie[n]d Genl Lee this morning. His being in some measure relieved from his confinement is an event upon which I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency. As I shall wait your Excellency’s instructions how to proceed with regard to the several applications contained in the Genls Letters; the...
27149To George Washington from Prisoners in Philadelphia, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
When we presume to address your Excellency be Assured it Cannot Arise from a trival affair humanity is the subject which we wish to dwell on & when that Amiable Quality is mentioned who can doubt that M/rs Gray is the Lady who amply has display’d that part of the grand scenery of Life which Shee was born for & which will Ever be indiliably impress/d in the Obliged Hearts. If individuals...
27150To John Adams from William Ellery, 22 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received a few days since a Letter from my good friend William Vernon Esqr., One of the members of the Navy Board in the Eastern department; in which he informed me that he was about to send his son, William, to France; with the View of placing him in a good, reputable, mercantile house; either in Nantz, Bourdeaux or Rochelle, and desired that I would obtain Letters recommendatory of him to...