27281To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 31 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honer to inform your Exclly of three Troops of horse belonging to the state of New Jersy well accoutred & their horses in best order, & the Gentlm. are verry desirious to go down to the lines. I received a letter from Major Jameson that the party of men now under the Command of Capt. Craig is to be releived, as I have send of all the Arms & accoutrements of the Cavalry to be...
27282Franklin’s Notes for Replying to Two Letters from Ralph Izard, [on or after 1 February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society This is a rare example of Franklin’s thinking on paper for his eye alone. Some of the notes are now beyond understanding and the meaning of others can only be conjectured; but what he is thinking about is clear: how to answer Izard’s letters above of January 28 and 30. All of his few identifiable references, down to the word “Personals,” are to the first...
27283To Benjamin Franklin from Franz Anton Mesmer, [before 1 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’aurai l’honneur de vous recevoir avec le plus grand Empressement ainsi que Madame de Brillon, le jour que vous indiqués. Je Regretterai de ne pouvoir donner à cette dame toute la Satisfaction qu’elle desire, mon harmonica n’étant point monté et ne pouvant l’être d’ici à ce têms. Je Serai flatté si je peux vous mettre à même de reconnoitre la Réalité et...
27284[Personal Receipts and Expenditures, 1778–1779.] (Adams Papers)
Account of Monies received Account of Monies expended £ s d £ s d 1778. Feb. 12. Recd, of the Hon. the Navy Board at Boston, in Sterling. 100: 0: 0 1778 Feb. To Sundry Expences at Boston, in making the necessary Preparations for my Voyage exclusive of the Articles furnished me by the Navy Board —in Sterling. 10: 0: 0 2400: Liv. Livres
272851778 (Adams Papers)
I was almost out of Patience, in Waiting for the Frigate till the Thirteenth day of February 1778, when Captain Samuel Tucker, Commander of the Frigate Boston, met me at the House of Norton Quincy Esquire, in Braintree, where We dined. After dinner I bid Adieu to my Friend and Unkle Quincy, sent my Baggage, and walked myself with Captain Tucker, Mr. Griffin a Midshipman, and my eldest Son,...
27286To John Adams from James Lovell, February 1778 (Adams Papers)
York, February 1778. RC ( Adams Papers ). Believing that JA could receive yet another letter in addition to those of 8 and 10 Feb. (above), Lovell wrote to wish him a happy voyage and to give him “an idea of our intended Progress into Canada” by quoting resolutions passed by the congress on 22, 23, 24, and 28 Jan. and 2 Feb. To provide JA with an understanding of the kind of representation...
27287General Officers Wanted and Proportioned to the Several States, February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February, 1778 . Heading reads: “In the present arrangement of the Army, there will be wanted 11 Major Generals & 25 Brigadiers. 3 Maj: Generals to act as Lt Generals, eight to command divisions—22 Brigades—for the Regiments of the line and 3 for light troops.” There then follows lists of major generals and other officers who “May be counted on.” AD , George Washington Papers,...
27288From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, [February 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You are hereby Authorised by order of His Excellency General Washington to impress any number of Waggons you stand in need of in the neighbourhood of the Camp—you don’t say what number you expect in tomorrow. General Green & Coll. Bidle write, that they meet with the greatest difficulty in foraging for want of Waggons. The General begs you to give them all the assistance you can. For Gods...
27289To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean-Paul, Chevalier de Berny, [February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La protection que vous accordés si généreusement a ceux, qui avec un nom, professent les sciences et les Arts, m’enhardit a prendre la liberté de Vous présenter ce petit Essai sur le Ministére, le fruit de la fréquentation de nombre de Cours ou j’ai résidé depuis la paix d[erniè]re. Connu de Mg. Le Comte De Vergennes , qui daigne m’honorer de sa protection,...
27290To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [February? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon voisin m’a assuré cétte aprés midi qu’il vous avoit proposé hiér de me venir voir, que vous aviés refusé, qu’il vous avoit pressé, et que vous aviés répondu que vous craigniés d’éstre a charge , de m’importunér . Comme nous connoissons tous deux la malice de ce voisin je ne voulois pas le croire, je croyois qu’il vouloit seulement me tourmentér un peu,...
27291To Benjamin Franklin from A.-R.-J. Turgot, [c. February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Note recommandée a Monsieur Franklin par Mr Turgot. Le Sr. Roulhac fils du Lieutenant General, ou premier officier de la senechaussée de Limoges est passé il y a un an a Boston en qualité de facteur des Srs. Raimbaud et Basmarein Negociants a Bordeaux. Il a parcouru les differens ports de l’Amerique septentrionale pour y former des relations de commerce, et...
27292To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [before 8 February? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mlle. daviés et mde. Brillon attendent avéc la plus grande impatience le papa Franklin qui ne manque jamais a sa parolle et qui a promis hiér de se rendre ce dimanche soir dans le sallon de passy. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin franklin / a Passy Our guess is based on “dimanche soir.” Cecilia Davies, in her note above of Jan. 30, had declined BF...
27293Franklin and Silas Deane to Gerard, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two AL (drafts): American Philosophical Society; copy: Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives Mr. Lee having signified to us, that on farther Consideration he has changed his Sentiments relating to the 12th Article; and that he cannot join in Signing the Treaty if that Article remains in it: And as Unanimity is of some...
27294Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Harvard University Library; AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (four), University of Virginia Library (two), South Carolina Historical Society We have maturely considered your Letter of the 30th past. And tho’ we cannot see the mischievous Consequences of the 12th. Article which you apprehend, yet conceiving that Unanimity on this Occasion is of...
27295From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy and transcript: Library of Congress You desired that if I had no Propositions to make, I would at least give my Advice. I think it is Ariosto who says, that all Things lost on Earth are to be found in the Moon; On which somebody remark’d that there must then be a great deal of Good Advice in the Moon. If so, there is among it a good...
27296Gérard to Franklin and Silas Deane, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de m’ecrire au sujet de l’article 12. du traité de commerce. Je tiendrai compte de votre demande, mais le traité etant en train d’etre copié, et cet article ayant eté agrée d’après le desir unanime que vous ainsi que Monsieur Lée en aviéz temoigné, je crains fort qu’il n’en resultat au moins des delais....
27297Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I enclose you a note of the price of Arms in the King of Prussia’s Manufactory, sent me by the Baron Schulenburg; with information that the Director had orders to let us have whatever we orderd. He says they will come cheaper if we do not want them so highly finishd as the King requires them. Shoud you think it proper that any of them shoud be sent to...
27298To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 1 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Before I leave Europe permit me to return you my most unfeighned thanks for the politeness and confidence with which you have treated me since your arrival in France and more particularly for the letter sign’d by yourself and Mr. Deane and addressd to the Committee of Congress for foreighn affairs. If I know my own breast my principal aim has been to...
27299To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes, [1 February? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Having an opportunity, without expence, of seeing the Procession of the Cordon Bleau to morrow Morning at Versailles, we are tempted to comply with an Invitation, and are just setting off for that Place; but it is impossible anything should, on our part, prevent our happy addition at the Teatable to morrow afternoon. I am, with the warmest Sensibility,...
27300To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Ruthefaud, 1 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Cantenac, February 1, 177[8?], in French: I see in the newspapers that you have communicated a cure for dropsy to the doctors of Paris, and that they have successfully tested it at the Invalides. The papers did not explain how much tobacco ash is needed, or whether it is applied externally or internally. I should be greatly obliged if you would send this...
27301To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Tartivot, 1 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <February 1, 1778, in French: If Frenchmen emigrate to America, I am asked to tell you about two young men from a respectable family who want to spend some years there. They are only sixteen and eighteen but have been trained in agriculture and the lumber trade; they can write a little and have some arithmetic, as well as “l’Esprit de Sagesse et baucoup de...
27302General Orders, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Brigade Quarter-Masters are to call on the Assistt Quarter Master General at the Adjt Genl’s Office tomorrow morning at ten oClock for their proportion of 320 camp kettles. Resolved, That the Commissaries General of Purchases & Issues and their respective deputies for neglect of duty or other offences in their respective offices shall be subject to military Arrest and trial by Order of the...
27303From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of yesterday. As it is my wish to cut off the intercourse with Phila. as effectually as possible, I desire that no passes may be granted by you to any persons upon any pretence whatsoever; and that you will do all in your power to apprehend those who attempt to go into the City with marketting. There is no way so likely to put a total stop to this practice as making an...
27304To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
As My Regt was destitute of a Paymaster when I quitted Camp, from the Resignation of Mr Joseph Egglestone who Resigned with Yr Excellencys Permission, I have taken the Liberty, to propose Mr Duncan Rose, who is now on his way to Camp & has promised me that he will make what haste he can to arrive there soon, to fill that post; he is a Gentn whose firm attachment to the American Interest, whose...
27305From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I will just write you a few lines in acknowledgment of your Letter of the 14th Ulto; which was detaind by the Posts not being able to cross Susquehanna, till the Evening before last. I congratualte you upon the birth of another daughter, & Nelly’s good health; & heartily wish the last may continue, & the other be a blessing to you. The money received for your Land was, I think, well applied,...
27306From George Washington to Major John Jameson, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The quantity of provision, Flour especially, that is carried into Philada is by all accounts so great that the British Army is well supplied with almost every Article. The Committee of Congress now here having expressed a desire that this pernicious intercourse may be cut off as effectually as possible, I know of no other way to prevent the supply of Flour but disabling the Mills as we have...
27307To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enclosed I send you at the Request of Captain Samuel Sacket, and Captain Timothy Hughs of Colonel James Livingston’s Regiment and as I have no Reasonable Objection against the proposed Exchange, have refered them to Your Excellency, Only Observeing, that if it meets with Your Approbation and Colonel James Livingston is perfectly Satisfied with these proposals which I Shall Acquaint him...
27308To George Washington from George Slaughter, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The abrupt manner in which you was pleased to refuse me leave of absence: the difficulties and hardships that an American Officer inevitably labours under; the ridicule, that I shall probably incur from the unthinking, for my apparent mutability of temper, would I Apprehend, deter the generality of mankind from an Application Similar to this: but the attachment I have to your Excellency, for...
27309To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 1 February 1778 (Jay Papers)
Congress have sent me here in Conjunction with some other Gentlemen to regulate their Army and in Truth not a little Regulation hath become necessary. Our Quarter Master and Commissary Departments are in the most lamentable Situation. Opportunities have been neglected last Campaign which were truly Golden ones but omnipotent Fatality had it seems determined that the american Capital should...
27310To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 1 February 1778 (Jay Papers)
It is whispered here that an Expedition into Canada is to take place under the Command of the Marquis Fayette, Gen l . Conway & Gen: Starke with 3000 Men. Entre nous I may venture my Opinion, which Is that the body is Insufficient should they be able to penetrate Into Canada, which I much doubt, as nothing (as far as I can learn) has been prepared: the men are In want of the proper Cloathing...
27311To John Adams from John Hancock, 2 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hancock’s Compliments to Mr. Adams. The Inclos’d Letter from the Baron De Kalb he Received under Cover. Mr. Hancock would have been exceedingly Glad to have Seen Mr. Adams at his house at any time when he has been in Town, and had Mr. Hancock have known when he was in Town he should have Sent to him; if Mr. Adams should Come to Town on Wednesday next, and it would be agreeable to him to...
27312George Washington to William Livingston, 2 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 2, 1778. Discusses detection of plot to assassinate Livingston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27313Gérard to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Translation reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution . . . (revised ed.; 6 vols., Washington, D.C., 1857), I , 472 I have acquainted his majesty’s ministers with the fresh demand respecting the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce. The king having approved these two articles, agreeable to your unanimous wishes, they can not be...
27314Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday I arrived here from England after effecting my escape from Mill Prison. I have in Company Capt: Eleazer Johnson of the Dalton. I am going on to Dunkirk as fast as possible. Shall be Obliged to your Honours if you’d let me know whether it will be necessary for me to come to Paris. I shall wait at Dunkirk for your answer. I shall not now endeavour...
27315The Navy Board for the Eastern Department to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Having presumed to draw a Bill on you in favour of Mr. William Dennie a merchant of this Town for one hundred pounds Sterling, it becomes necessary to Appologize for this Step by Explaining the reasons of our Conduct, which otherways must Appear very extraordinary, as we have neither the Express Orders of Congress for it or have...
27316To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee has the Honour of presenting his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and shall be obliged to him for the loan of the two last Boston papers he has, which shall be returned in an hour and also for the last English papers. Mr. Lee would be glad to know if any determination is come to, relative to supplying him with the necessary funds, for his appointment...
27317General Orders, 2 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial to sit tomorrow 9 oClock A.M. whereof Coll Wigglesworth is appointed President a Captain from each Brigade will compose the Court. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book notes that the general court-martial was to take place at the bakehouse, and it also includes these additional orders: “The broken and worn out Axes are to be collected and...
27318To George Washington from Thomas Bond, 2 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Bond, Jr., 2 Feb. 1778. On 3 Feb., GW wrote Bond : “In answer to your letter of yesterday.”
27319To George Washington from Major John Jameson, 2 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Recd your’s of Yesterday and shall executed your Commands as soon as possible, I have not been able to see Genl Lacey these several days The Militia on this and the ridge Roads have abandoned their Posts since Saturday and are not yet replaced I shall go in search of Genl Lacey tomorrow and fix on a day to do the business you have Ordered. The Mills on Pennipack and Frankfort have furnished...
27320From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your favour of the 26 ulto. The recent detection of the wicked design you mention gives me the most sensible pleasure, and I earnestly hope you may be alike successful in discovering and disappointing every attempt, that may be projected against you, either by your open or concealed enemies. It is a tax, however, severe, which all those must pay,...
27321From John Adams to Lafayette, 3 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of receiving, from the Hand of my worthy Friend General Knox, your kind Letter to me, together with five others, which, with Submission to the Fortune of War, shall be conveyed and deliverd as you desire. I am happy in this opportunity to convey Intelligence from you to your Friends, and think myself greatly honoured and obliged by your Politeness and Attention to...
27322George Washington to Thomas Bond, 3 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 3, 1778 . Refuses Bond’s request that Bond’s father be permitted to visit in territory held by enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Thomas Bond was the son of Dr. Thomas Bond, a Philadelphia physician who had helped to found the Pennsylvania Hospital.
27323The American Commissioners to Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Mr. Dorsius of Charlestown South Carolina is a Gentleman we would recommend to you as one much employed, and of Confidence, and one very proper to act for you in your Affair at that Place. Should Mr. Dorsius be engaged in other Business, or should he or his Friends be so interested in that Privateer which made Prize of your Vessel (which is possible) that...
27324The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: National Archives We have just receivd information that Mr. Thomas Morris, at Nantes, one of the commercial Agents of Congress, is at the point of death; and that his Papers, on that event, will be taken possession of by the Officers of the Crown. As some of these Papers may very materially concern the public business, we beg an Order...
27325From Benjamin Franklin to “Prince” Mostowski, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society M. Franklin sera chez lui Jeudi prochain vers midi, quand il recevra avec beaucoup de Plaisir l’Honneur du Vis. M. Franklin will be at home on Thursday at Noon, ready to wait on Prince Mostowski, if he should then do him the Honour of calling on him as proposed. Paul Michael (Pawel Michal) Mostowski (1721–81) was a self-styled prince. In Poland he had...
27326Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been for several Days down to the Ship and left her at St. Nazare. I have done with both the French Ships. I beg you will please to apply for an order to wait in Quiberon ’till all the Ships join else I am afraid the Brune will be left. Poor Mr. Morris has finished his affairs in this world. I am much concerned at being absent, but every care was...
27327To Benjamin Franklin from Lucas Butot, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Zêlé pour la liberté j’apprends avec satisfaction les progrès que fonts les braves Ameriquains pour la leur et pour ÿ cöoporé autant qu’il m’est possible je prends la respectueuse liberté d’envoÿer à votre Excellence le memoire inclús. Daignez le parcourir, et le trouvant utile m’honorer de vos hautes ordres. Etant prêt d’en donner le secret a votre...
27328To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le Jeune, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de vous prévenir que votre caractere est prêt a partir. Je vous prie de me marquer par quelle voyes vous voulés que je vous l’expedie. Cela contient Deux caisses contenant une fonte de Petit Romain, Romain, Italique, Cadrats, Espaces cy . . . Pézant . . . . . 274 l. ½ a 34s. . . . 465 l.t. 16 La demie . . . . . . . . . . 17. Deux caisses...
27329To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The enclosed letters will explain themselves. Mr. Wren is a very worthy man (I believe a dissenting Minister) at Portmouth who has devoted his attention in the most charitable manner towards the relief of the prisoners at Forton. When Mr. Thornton went to Forton I advanced him £50 according to your desire. If you approve the Continuance of his plan I can easily...
27330To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Hartley, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am desired by my friend DH to forward you the enclosed Letter which I do thro’ the hands of my Banker Mr. Veron. Should you have occation to write our mutual friend under Cover you may address your Letter to my House under the firm of Messrs. Eyre & Hartley Negts. London. There is no doubt of its coming safe to my hand and you may rely upon my care and...