27421General Orders, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Regimental Pay-Masters who have not yet received the pay of their respective Regiments for november last to call on the Pay-Master General next wednesday morning & receive the same. The Meeting of the General Officers mentioned in orders of 8th instant is postponed ’till tomorrow ten ôClock in the forenoon, when it is desired they will attend at the place therein mentioned. In case any...
27422To George Washington from Continental Artillery Officers, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of the Officers of Artillery now in Service at the Park of Artillery Humbly Sheweth—That it is with pain we address your Excellency upon the disagreeable Subject before us; Your Excellency’s Ears have been so often wounded of late With Complaints that we wou’d rather sooth & Suppress our present Uneasiness than to trouble you with them at this time: But to remain silent We...
27423From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 27th and 31st ulto —The Officers and Men, belonging to the Artillery under the command of Major Stevens, had been sent back previous to the Rect of yours of the 27th—I have always found great inconveniences in keeping small parties detatched from their Corps. You must have heard that the Officers who had the British Cloathing in charge would not proceed...
27424To George Washington from Colonel George Gibson, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Gang of Villians employed by Mr Howe for the purpose of Stealing & otherways procuring horses, made their appearance in the vicinity of this Town, Apart of the Gang were apprehended by order of the Civil Majestrate, as I conceived they came within the Cognizance of Martial Law. I waited on the Marquis de la fayette Majr Genl, who was of the same oppinion. He immediately Issued the Inclosed...
27425From George Washington to General William Howe, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday the favor of your Letter of the 5th Instant. In answer to what ever it contains concerning General Burgoyn’s Army and the measures adopted relative to it, I have only to inform you, that this is a matter in which I have never had the least direction. It lies wholly with Congress, and the proposals you make, on this head, must be submitted to them; I have accordingly...
27426To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Day after I saw you last I was so unfortunate as to be taken exceedingly ill which has since untill now Incapacitated me from doing any Kind of Business—For the advantage of a Change of Diet and the attendance of my Surgeon who is also Sick in this Neighbourhood I was desirous of retiring here and applied to General Poor for leave who returned me for answer “That he had no Objection to my...
27427From George Washington to Robert Morris, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 19th Ulto by Colo. Armand came to my hands a few days ago. rest assured my good Sir, that that Gentn mis-conceives the matter exceedingly if he thinks my conduct towards him is influenced in the smallest degree by motives of resentment, arising from misrepresentn. I have ever looked upon him as a spirited Officer, and every thing that was in my power to do for him...
27428To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I send Your Excellency one of my Lancemen he is completely equiped—I find people here who are willing to serve—if you approve of it my General, I will advance them money for The Governor is here and promises to give me an answer as soon as a Council shall have been held, which will happen in a few days—Whatever is to be done for us I hope will be done without delay, our time is short, and I...
27429To George Washington from Colonel Rufus Putnam, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I find myself under the Necessity of Applying for my Commission as Engineer, which I Neglected when Opportunity Offered with more Conveniance than at present while in New York, after the Evacuation your Excellency had such a Multiplicity of Buisiness on hand and of more Importance, and still Omitted Applying, untill being seperated and find a great III Conveniance attends my not haveing it. By...
27430To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor received last Evening, and shall take every necessary precaution to obviate any design formed against this Post—but I am induced to think the Information was groundless, as we have now seve⟨n⟩ Prisoners taken on the Evening of the 7th, part of them taken by the mouth of Derby Creek going up with Provision, & the others above that, coming down from Philadelphia...
27431From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is matter of no small grief to me, to find such an unconquerable desire in the Officers of this Army to be absent from Camp, as every day exhibits; and my feelings upon the occasion are not a little wounded by perceiving that this passion is more prevalent among my country men, than in any other Troops in the whole Army—Mulenberg is now gone—you think it the hardest case imaginable that you...
27432From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 15th and 22d ulto with the several public Acts referred to, inclosed. I most sincerely wish that , for compleating your quota of Men, may be found adequate to the purpose, but I very much doubt it. I have ordered two proper Officers, from every Regiment belonging to your State, to repair to Lancaster, and take their recruiting instructions from you....
27433The American Commissioners to John Ross, 11 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Yours of the 6th. came to hand in Course; as Mr. W. Lee will be with you before the receipt of this we refer you to him for what has been done as to the Late Mr. Morris’s Papers &c. In regard to the Ship purchased by you, Commanded by Capt. J. Green which you Offer to assign over to the Public account we are content that you do it and Charge the amount to...
27434Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that Capt. Jenkins is just arrived from Nantucket. His last Accounts from Boston were the 25 Decr., at which time nothing material had happened. He left nantucket 6 Jan. He reports that Gen. Lee was exchanged for Gen. Prescot, the army were in high Spirits, and in want of nothing. Gen. Washington had no Intention of going into Winter...
27435To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hellfriedt, 11 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Marseilles, February 11, 1778, in English: Letters from unknown persons must arouse your skepticism; please inquire about me, therefore, from the bearer. I have commercial proposals of great importance to lay before you in person, and am ready to come to Paris as agent for a powerful merchant in Denmark, who has at his disposal a secure harbour,...
27436General Orders, 11 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Representation having been made by the Captains of the Pennsylvania line against the promotion of Michael Ryan Esquire to the Majority of a Regiment as irregular, he is suspended from doing duty in that rank ’till the matter can be adjusted by a proper board of officers. At a division Court-Martial whereof Lt Coll Sprout was President Feby 9th Captn Israel Davis of Coll Wigglesworth’s Regiment...
27437To George Washington from Gen. John Burgoyne, 11 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Gen. John Burgoyne, 11 Feb. 1778. In his letter to Burgoyne of 11 Mar. 1778 , GW referred to “your very obliging Letter of the 11th of February.”
27438To George Washington from a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 11 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The travelling is so bad that we wish you wou’d not attempt to meet us, while it continues. We shall employ ourselves in that part of our business which can be done without your personal attendance. We have been considering General Howe’s letter which you was pleased to lay before us yesterday, and seem agreed and confirmed in the opinion that he hath some latent meaning in those parts of it...
27439To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 11 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I must again trouble you with an account of my Inability, on account of my Numbers which is Redused to between Sixty and a hundred, I have informed the Presidend of the State of my Situation, but have not Yet Recd any Relief, or answer. I have in Conjunction with Major Jamosons party of Horse—Rendered the gratest part of the Mills Near the City intirely useless. one John Dennis of Bucks County...
27440From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: Library of Congress A thousand Thanks for your so readily engaging in the Means of relieving our poor Captives, and the Pains you have taken, and the Advances you have made for that purpose. I received your kind Letter of the 3d Instant, and send you enclosed a Bill for £100. I much approve of...
27441From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; ALS (draft): Library of Congress; copy and transcript: Library of Congress I wrote the above some Time before I receiv’d yours, acquainting me with your speedy and safe Return, which gave me Pleasure. I doubted after I had written it, whether it would be well to send it. For as your proud Nation despises us exceedingly, and demands and...
27442To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [12 February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld n’auroit pas actuellement le loisir de traduire la lettre d’ Amicus; et d’ailleurs il n’a pas les connoissances de banque nécessaires pour être sur de la bien traduire. Si donc Monsieur franklyn jugeoit à propos de la faire publier en françois, le Duc de la Rochefoucauld se chargeroit volontiers de la faire passer au Rédacteur du...
27443From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes Mr. Franklin did not wish to give M. le Duc the Trouble of translating the Letter sign’d Amicus . He put it into his Hands, rather to have his Opinion of it, as it contains Observations on the French Funds, which M.F. does not understand. He thanks M. le Duc for sending him the Judgment of so able a Statesman as M. Turgot, which he returns enclos’d, as...
27444Phillipp Jacques Kamm to Franklin and Silas Deane, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have had the honour to received a letter for you from Georg michel Bishoff in Sonnenberg. I took the first opportunity of the post to Send it to you. I wish have a better occassion to assure you of my care and you would well be persuaded that I am not in wrong, If I call me Gentleman Your humble and most obedient Servant Addressed: A Messieurs / Messieurs...
27445Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of my Arrival here this Day with only the Duke De Shasell and Brigg two Friends of our Convoy, the other ships not being ready, but I am in hopes the greatest part of them will Joyn us here in the course of this Week; on my Joyning the Fleet I Salluted the Commodore and Imediately Waited on him with my French Captn: to whome he gave...
27446Isaac Van Teylingen to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Navire le Chester, et sa Cargaison, dont la proprieté sans aucune restriction ou dubieté quelquonque appartenoit aux Negocians Hollandois, aiant eté pris par un Corsaire Americain, et conduit à Charlestown, Les proprietaires ont pris La Liberté de s’addresser le 30me. d’octobre a vous Messieurs, et aiant eté Honorés d’une Reponse Claire et satisfaisante...
27447To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis chargé de vous demander, mon cher Maitre, ce qui vous a fait manquer a la parole que vous aviez donnée de diner hier 11e chez Mesdes. les Princesses de Sapieha et de Sangusko où nous vous attendimes jusqu’a trois heures et un quart; et quand vous comptez pouvoir reparer cela et consoler ces Dames que vous avez désolées, et qui sont charmantes. Voicy...
27448To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [12 February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. Brillon a l’honneur de souhaitter le bonjour a son chér papa, et de lui faire dire que d’aprés la pérmission qu’il a bien voulu lui donnér mardi derniér, elle l’a engagé a disnér le samedi 14 fevriér chés mr. Wattellét ainsi que mr. son fils; elle prie mr. franklin le fils de vouloir bien lui faire un mot de réponse, et de méttre l’engagement du 14 sur...
27449General Orders, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Wigglesworth was President Feby 6th 1778. Captn Zane tried upon appeal to a General Court Martial, for acting in a cowardly manner when sent with a scouting party on 12th of December last in ordering his men to retreat when he had a considerable advantage over the Enemy, again found guilty of the charge being a breach of 13th Article 13th Section of the...
27450To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my Last I informed you, of Mr Henry’s Purchase of my Estate in King & Queen; He is very anxious as well as Myself, to have the proper Titles made to Him, in order to his Payment of the Purchase Money. I directed Mr Hill to call upon Mr Wythe to draw the proper Conveyance between you and Me, according to your Directions to Me, conveyed in a Letter of yours some time last Fall. Mr Hill has...
27451From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsylvania living in the vicinity of Philadelphia & near the Delaware River having sufferd much by the Enemy carrying off their property without allowing them any Compensation, thereby distressing the Inhabitants—supplying their own Army & enabling them to protract the cruel & unjust war that they are now waging against these States—And whereas by recent...
27452To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I enclose You a Letter just now rec’d from Govr Clinton as I dont Care to give a Discharge to the Person alluded to without your Approbation The Other Soldier meant is in Coll Cortlandts Regiment and Brother to the Bearer—I would only Beg leave to add that Colonel R. Livingstons Iron Works are of Great Public Utility. I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Resspect Your Excellencies most...
27453From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Congress, so long ago as the 30th November last, directed me to have an enquiry into the Causes of the losses of Fort Mifflin upon the Delaware, and Fort Montgomery upon Hudsons River—The peculiar Situation of the Army has hindered me from attending to this matter before this time. As most of the principal Officers, up the North River, were immediately concerned in the defence of Fort...
27454From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 7th instant, which is fully answered by mine of the 10th. When the Winter Quarters of the Army were arranged, it was agreed between Genl Armstrong and myself, that the Militia of this State should cover the Country between the Schuylkill and Delaware, in order to prevent the incursions of small parties of the Enemy, and to cut off the intercourse between the...
27455From John Jay to Philip Schuyler, 12 February 1778 (Jay Papers)
The assembly are preparing a Tax Bill & Debates run high on the Question whether unimproved located Lands shall be taxed. They have ordered a separate Bill for that Purpose to be prepared, and seem determined that it shall proceed pari Passu with the other. I hope you will seriously determine to serve your Country, at least in a legislative Capacity. Class yourself with those great Men of...
27456Session of Virginia Council of State, 12 February 1778 (Madison Papers)
present Dudley Digges David Jameson & } Esquires John Blair James Madison jr The Express sent with a Letter written by the Board Yesterday to the president of the Council at Rosewell being returned & unable to Cross York river by the Wind; and sundry other Matters of Importance presenting for the Consideration of the Council, a Letter was written to the Governor by Express informing him...
27457[February 1778] (Adams Papers)
Captain Samuel Tucker, Commander of the Frigate Boston, met me, at Mr. Norton Quincy’s, where We dined, and after Dinner I sent my Baggage, and walked myself with Captain Tucker, Mr. Griffin a Midshipman, and my eldest Son, John Quincy Adams, between 10 and 11. Years of Age, down to the Moon Head, where lay the Bostons Barge. The Wind was very high, and the Sea very rough, but by Means of a...
274581778 February 13. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Captain Samuel Tucker, Commander of the Frigate Boston, met me, at Mr. Norton Quincy’s, where We dined, and after Dinner I sent my Baggage, and walked myself with Captain Tucker, Mr. Griffin a Midshipman, and my eldest Son, John Quincy Adams, between 10 and 11. Years of Age, down to the Moon Head, where lay the Bostons Barge. The Wind was very high, and the Sea very rough, but by Means of a...
27459John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had not been 20 Minutes in this House before I had the Happiness to see Captn. Tucker, and a Midshipman, coming for me. We shall be soon on Board, and may God prosper our Voyage, in every Stage of it, as much as at the Beginning, and send to you, my dear Children and all my Friends, the choisest of Blessings—so Wishes and prays yours, with an Ardour, that neither Absence, nor any other Event...
27460John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with an unexpected Opportunity, by Mr. Woodward the lame Man who once lived at Mr. Belchers, and who promises in a very kind manner to take great Care of the Letter, to inform you of our Safe Passage from the Moon head, on Board the ship. —The seas ran very high, and the Spray of the seas would have wet Us, but Captn. Tucker kindly brought great Coats on Purpose with which he...
27461From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you, immediately after my arrival at Head Quarters, in answer to two letters I found here, from you. There is a matter, which often obtrudes itself upon my mind, and which requires the attention of every person of sense and influence, among us. I mean a degeneracy of representation in the great council of America. It is a melancholy truth Sir, and the...
27462George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Haskell, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 13, 1778 . Orders Haskell to rejoin regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Haskell, Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, was in Massachusetts on furlough.
27463George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 13, 1778 . Asks for a return of stores in Lewis’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lewis was deputy quartermaster general of the Northern Department.
27464Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: American Philosophical Society, University of Virginia Library Messrs. Franklin and Deane present their Compliments to Mr. Lee, and acquaint him that they propose to send away the Dispatches on Monday next. Endorsed: Feby 13. 1778 This copy, in Lee’s hand, was appended to his reply below, Feb. 14; the AL is in BF ’s hand.
27465To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am afraid, not having receiv’d a single Line from you since last May that my Letters to you have miscarried, and your’s to me. I wrote you the latter End of Octr. a long Letter giving as clear and particular an Account as I was able of the Northern Campaign, and it’s truly glorious Success. What has taken Place since will be related to you by Mr. Adams...
27466To Benjamin Franklin from John Hancock, 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Maine Historical Society I am reduc’d to the last moment of the Departure of the Ship, that I have only Time to Solicit your Notice of Mr. William Cooper Son of Mr. Wm. Cooper of this Town, and Nephew of the Revd. Docr. Cooper; he is on board the Boston Frigate; if you can Devise any mode of effecting his promotion in the Service, or fix him in any place of tolerable Emolument, it would...
27467To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley?], 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress This document is baffling. Other transcripts of Hartley’s letters, in the same hand and the same repository, have attributions to him; this one has not. But attributing it to any one else seems out of the question. The opinions expressed, when intelligible, are certainly Hartley’s; and who except him would have made the reference to Thornton? The difficulty is...
27468To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have sent to the Care of my Friend Dr. B, a stilton Cheese, which I hope may approve acceptable to you, and Mr. Dean. With the sincerest Respect for both of you, I am, dear Friend, Yours affectionately Addressed: A / Monsr. / Monsr. François / Passy. Notation: S.W. 13 Feb. 78 Identified by the handwriting like his letter above of Nov. 21. The bearer was...
27469General Orders, 13 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
After orders Feby 13th Lieutt Ebenezer Smith of Coll Wigglesworth’s Regiment is appointed to do the duty of Pay-Master in the Regiment ’till the return of Thomas Smart Pay-Master of the same. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . A German officer who was in camp at Valley Forge on this date seeking (unsuccessfully) a meeting with GW noted that “At 10 o’clock General Green and General Ween [Wayne], 3...
27470From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Haskell, 13 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am informed, that you have been since September last, absent from your regiment, on a furlough given you by General Gates; which must be supposed to have expired before this; I have to desire you will, without fail, immediately join your regiment. I am &c. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The Varick transcript incorrectly identifies the recipient as...