27501To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Bertholon, 15 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je cherchois depuis quelque temps, Monsieur, une occasion pour vous faire tenir un exemplaire imprimé d’un mémoire sur le tonnerre etc.; et je viens seulement à present d’en decouvrir une qui est sure; je la saisis avec le plus grand empressement, pour vous présenter cette petite bagatelle comme un hommage que tous les physiciens vous doivent à si juste...
27502To Benjamin Franklin from Rawleigh Colston, 15 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letters were left with me by a Mr. Shores of Virginia, who expected the honour of delivering them in person, had not some accident obliged him to return to America. I got the favour of a French Gentleman here, to inclose them to his friend in Nants, with directions to forward them by the safest and most expeditious conveyance. Considering you...
27503To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Dominique Roberdeau, 15 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I duly received the favour you have honoured me with and the inclosed Letter from General Roberdeau of the first May past by way of a proof of his real existence. I have discovered in our Family papers, that one James Roberdeau has left his Country in the last century, and I am quite persuaded that this very same is related to me; I write to him the inclosed...
27504Franklin’s Copy of News Brought by Captain Jenkins, [c. 15 February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères The use of this news is an interesting example of American propaganda at work. The Captain brought a mixture of true and false information that was supposedly available on Nantucket when he left it for France on January 6. The island at that time of year, even today, is scarcely the nerve center of American news; where, then, did his come...
27505General Orders, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the public teams are now employed and the troops are in immediate want of straw, the Commander in Chief anxious to have them furnished with every necessary to make them comfortable, desires the Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades each to send out a party properly officered to procure straw and impress waggons to haul it to camp where they will deliver it to their respective Brigade...
27506To George Washington from Richard Caswell, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Favors of the 25th & 29. December last, the former advising of the recet of A Resolve of the General Assembly of this State respecting resignations of Officers of the Troops raised here, the latter inclosing a Return of the No. Carolina Regiments in the Grand Army. I am really much concerned to find those Regiments so exceedingly short of their...
27507From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 Feb. 1778. In his letter to GW of 12 April 1778, Dandridge referred to “Your favor of the 15th of Feby.”
27508From George Washington to William Gordon, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you abt the end of Jany I have been favourd with your Letter of the 12th of that Month, which did not reach my hands till within these few days. The question there put, was, in some degree, solved in my last—But to be more explicit, I can assure you that no person ever heard me drop an expression that had a tendency to resignation. the same principles that led me to embark in...
27509To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
We are in want of some of the Deputy Q. M. Generals to conduct the business of that department—please to send us one—I receivd two Letters from Col. Biddle—he has got but few Waggons—The Inhabitants conceal them the Col. complains bitterly of the disaffection of the people—I sent out a great number of small parties to collect the Cattle Horses &c. &c. yesterday but the collection was...
27510To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Biddle is here and informs me there is but a poor prospect of geting Waggons I wish all those at Camp that can be spard from the ordinary duties of the Camp, may be forwarded to us as fast as posible—We have a great number of small parties out collecting to day of Cattle, Horses, and carriages—their success has not been reported this evening, but I am afraid there will be nothing...
27511From George Washington to Robert Lettis Hooper, Jr., Nathaniel Falconer, and Jonathan Mifflin, Jr., 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this Minute received your Favor of the 14th Instant with its several Inclosures. I am constrained to inform you, that the situation of the Army is most critical and alarming for want of provision of the meat kind. Many of the Troops for four days and some longer have not drawn the smallest supplies of this Article. This being the case, it is needless to add to convince you of their distress....
27512From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 2d Ulto from Chantilly, inclosing Lieutt Colo. Frazers orders for the management of the Granadiers & light Infantry in an action, & upon a March, came to my hands in the course of last Month & merits my thanks, as it may be of use to such Corps, one of which (consisting of light Infantry) we are now forming. The Enemy are governed by no principles that ought to actuate...
27513To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have sent you as ⅌r the Inclosed List, such Goods as you wrote for, so far as the Prize wou’d furnish (escorted by Serjeant Sprig —& Guard all trusty Men) which I hope will suit, as they are the best in Quality in the Prize. There were but two steel mounted small Swords (& none other tolerably genteel) these are small & rather short, however I think them genteel, & have sent them both, that...
275141778. Feb. 16. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Another Storm for our Mortification—the Wind at N.E. and the Snow so thick that the Captain thinks he cannot go to Sea. Our Excursion to this Place, was unfortunate, because it is almost impossible, to keep the Men on Board. Mothers, Wives, Sisters come on bord, and beg for Leave for their Sons, Husbands, and Brothers to go on Shore for one Hour &c. so that it is hard for the Commander to...
27515[Monday February 16. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
On Monday February 16. 1778. We had for our mortification another Storm from the North East, and so thick a Snow that the Captain thought he could not go to Sea. Our Excursion to this place, was unfortunate, because it was almost impossible to keep the Men on board. Mothers, Wives, Sisters came and begged leave for their Sons, husbands and Brothers, to go on Shore for one hour &c. so that it...
27516George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Describes sufferings at Camp because of lack of food and clothing. Asks Clinton to do all that is possible to forward supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27517George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Asks Hollingsworth to aid Captain Henry Lee in securing supplies from Head of Elk and Dover. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Hollingsworth was deputy forage master general.
27518George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 16, 1778 . Is sending Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Livingston to present picture of distressing state of the Army. Repeats request to Livingston to help relieve situation by sending goods stored in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27519The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : South Carolina Historical Society; transcript and two copies: National Archives We have now the Pleasure of sending you the Treaties of Amity and Alliance with France compleated after long Deliberation and signed the 6th. Instant. This is an Event that will give our States such an Appearance of Stability, as must strengthen our Credit, encourage other Powers in Europe to ally themselves...
27520From Benjamin Franklin to Balthazar-Georges Sage, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library J’ay Lu le memoire de Madame de la Chevalerie que vous m’avez envoyé. Je suis persuadé qu’elle n’aura pas Negligé de Justifier au Congrès de sa qualité de francaise Si on luy a promis a ce titre la Restitution des Marchandises qui luy apartenoient et qui etoient Chargés dans Le Navire Le glocester pris par la fregatte americaine le requin a la hauteur des Bermudes....
27521To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Robert Le Blanc, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je dois presumer que vous ignorez le differand qui existe entre Monsieur Deane et moy, car vous estes trop juste pour autoriser un manque de parolle, toutes les personnes de consideration qui s’interessent pour moy y sont fort sensibles. C’est votre Equité que je prends pour juge, cette déférence est due à la Reputation dont vous jouissez. J’ay lieu de...
27522To Benjamin Franklin from “Prince” Mostowski, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Prince Mostowski Palatin du Duché de Mazovie après avoir pris lecture de l’interrogatoire que Monsieur Franklin a subit avec une présence d’esprit héroique, et une fermete rare, et après avoir examiné les belles Constitutions qui ressemblent presque à celles de sa Nation, a tout a fait changé des Sentiments et s’il avait eù Connaissance de ces...
27523General Orders, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
27524From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is with great reluctance, I trouble you on a subject, which does not properly fall within your province; but it is a subject that occasions me more distress, than I have felt, since the commencement of the war; and which loudly demands the most zealous exertions of every person of weight and authority, who is interested in the success of our affairs —I mean the present dreadful situation of...
27525To George Washington from William Duer, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I esteem it my Duty to inform you that a certain Mr John Biddle has lately gone into the Enemy, who has an Exact Draft of your Camp; before he went in he told a Person confidentially that he could put the Enemy in a Way of investing it in such a Manner as to cut off your Communication with the Country, and thereby prevent the Supply of Provisions &ca—How far this can be Effected your...
27526To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I make no doubt but you will be surpriz’d to have a Letter of this date from me at this pla⟨ce.⟩ I was detain’d Nine days on the other side Susquehan⟨ah⟩ for an oppy of crossing it & when I did it was not without great difficulty & some danger. Upon my arrival here on Saturday after noon, I waited upon Mr Laurens, who (then being much engag’d) asked me to Breakfast next Morning giving me to...
27527From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday and have given instructions to the Quarter Master to supply your demand of Waggons, by sending forward as many as can be spared from the Camp and pressed in the neighborhood—however I would not have your exertions abated, by a Reliance on Success in this quarter. As it is impossible to secure the Hay on the Jersey Shore, for our own use it is certainly...
27528To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your Excellencies answer by Col. Hambleton to mine of yesterday morning —I wrote you again last Evening proposing the burning the Hay on the Jersey Shore, also another forage in Buck County—upon revolving the matter over in my mind I think the following would be the best plan to execute it upon—Waggons cannot be got in this Country and to attempt to collect them in Bucks County will...
27529From George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am under the painful necessity of informing you that the situation of the army is most critical and alarming for want of provision, especially of the meat kind. The troops have not had supplies of the latter for four days and many of them have been much longer without. I have sent Captain Lee to forward, from the Head of Elk & Dover, all the provisions, that may be at either of those places,...
27530From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you the inclosed Letter from a Committee of Congress, now here. These Gentlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of provision so fully, and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to trouble you with many observations upon the subject. I shall only add, if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is because the colouring is not...
27531To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your Excellencys two Letters one of the 15th and the other of the 21 ultimo. I have given your Excellencys directions about the arms: There are in this Town and the Magazines at Springfield between 6 & 7000 new arms, I dont know the precise number but beleive it to be somewhere thereabouts, I propose to send on to Pensylvania 4000, the others will be scarcely sufficient to arm the...
27532From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed, with a party of Horse to Dover and the Head of Elk, and in conjunction with the commissaries there, exert your utmost endeavours, to hasten to this Army all the flesh-prov[is]ions, deposited in the Magazines, at those places. In order to this, you are empowerd to impress th[r]oughout the Country any number of Waggons you may stand in need of. I have also written...
27533From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you a day or two ago, and transmitting a letter from the committee of Congress now at Camp, containing a representation of the present alarming distresses of the army for want of provisions: They press upon us with such increasing violence, and threaten such fatal consequences, unless the most vigorous measure be persued to effect an immediate remedy, that I have...
27534To George Washington from William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Favour of the 14th instant, this day; & that of the 4th a few days since. It would give me pleasure to consent to let three troops of Jersey horse enter into the continental Service till the opening of the next Campaign, as it would not only give me an Opportunity of obliging your Excellency, but would be of Service to the Troops in acquiring skill &...
27535To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 16 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Montgomerie, 16 Feb. 1778. On 28 Feb., GW wrote to Montgomerie: “I yesterday received your favor of the 16th Instant.”
27536From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The distress of this army for want of provisions is perhaps beyond any thing you can conceive; and unless we strain every nerve to procure immediate relief, a general mutiny and dispersion is to be dreaded. Our nearest Magazines are at Dover and the Hd of Elk; and it is absolutely necessary, by a vigorous effort, to push on all the provisions at those places, for the present subsistence of the...
2753717. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
I set a Lesson to my Son in Chambauds French Grammar and asked the Favour of Dr. Noel to shew him the precise, critical Pronunciation of all the French Words, Syllables, and Letters, which the Dr. very politely did, and Mr. John is getting his Lessons accordingly, very much pleased. The Weather is fair, and the Wind right, and We are again weighing Anchor in order to put to Sea. Captn. Diamond...
27538[Tuesday the Seventeenth of February 1778] (Adams Papers)
On Tuesday the Seventeenth of February 1778 I set a Lesson to my Son in Chambauds French Grammar and asked the favour of Dr. Noel to shew him the precise critical pronunciation of all the french Words, Syllables and Letters, which the Dr. very politely undertook to do, and Mr. John proceeded to get his Lessons accordingly very much pleased. The Weather was now fair and the Wind right, and We...
27539The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We have given Capt. Courter whom we have entrusted with our Dispatches one hundred Louis D’Ors: His Journey to Corogne will be very expensive. He will keep an Account of his Expences which he will give you and we recommend him to you for such further allowance, independant of the Actual expence of his Voyage, as you shall judge adequate to his Services. He...
27540The American Commissioners to Harmon Courter, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We Deliver you herewith our Letters and Dispatches for Congress which you will take Care of, and on no account Let them go out of your Possession until you deliver them up to the Hon’ble Committee of Foreign Affairs. On your embarking secure them in a Proper manner for being Sunk, in Case of being actually taken by the Enemy. We give you 100 Louis D’ors for...
27541The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Board of War, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society This will be handed you by Capt. Courter who goes express with our Dispatches to Congress and is to inform you that we have wrote by the Capt. of the Frigate in which Capt. Courter takes Passage, for you to Pay the Capt. of said Frigate the Sum of 15,000 Livres money of France which Letter of ours we are Confident will meet with due honor; and we have...
27542From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Board of War: Extract, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Goodspeed’s Catalogue, no. 517 (1963), pp. 50–1. I was much oblig’d by your Favour of Oct. 20. containing the History of the Campaign, and exceeding good news of Gen. Burgoyne’s Deafeat, etc. I communicated it immediately to the Ministry at Versailles, to whom it gave the most perfect Satisfaction. I have now the Pleasure to acquaint you, that two Treaties between France and the...
27543From Benjamin Franklin to John Langdon, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Letters by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Others. Written during and after the Revolution, to John Langdon, New Hampshire (Philadelphia, 1880), pp. 81–2. I was much oblig’d by your News of Gen. Burgoyne. Accept in Return my Congratulations on the Conclusion of two Treaties with France, one of Amity and Commerce the other of Alliance: which are on the most equal Terms, leaving...
27544Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les nouv[elles] de Hambourg du 10e, le Mercure de Janvier et l’article de Nantes 6e fevrier dans la gazette de Leide Suppl[ément] No. 14 &c. The news from Hamburg was doubtless another report from his correspondent in Berlin; the one in his letter of Feb. 10 came via Hamburg. The issue of the Mercure is impossible to trace. The news...
27545General Orders, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a division Court Martial (Feby 13th 1778.) whereof Lieutt Coll Sprout was president, Lieutt Austin Alden of Coll Brewer’s Regiment, tried for behaving in many instances unbecoming the Character of an officer and gentleman, 1st in taking Jack Brown’s allowance of Whisky and drinking it and then refusing to pay for it—2nd In messing, frequently drinking & sleeping with the soldiers—3rdly—For...
27546To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The bad Weather has detain’d Me at this Place untill this Day. I shall now begin my Journey as the Weather appears more favourable. I did Myself the Pleasure to write you on the 12th inst. and inclosed you our Draught, Law, and every Article of News worth communicateing. I should not have troubled you so soon again, if the Post had carried my Letter, but through some Accident neither Post has...
27547To George Washington from Israel Evans, 17 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Israel Evans, 17 Feb. 1778. GW wrote Evans on 13 Mar., acknowledging “Your favor of the 17th Ulto inclosing the discourse which you delivered on the 18th of December.”
27548To George Washington from Colonel George Gibson, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit herewith the proceedings of a Genl Court Martial by order of Generl Wayne for the tryal of Lieutt Dickinson which I hope will meet Your Excellys approbation, The proceedings of a General Court martial for the Trial of Lieutt McMichael were deliver’d by the Judge Advocate to the Marquis de la fayette to be by him transmitted to Your Excellency—I have been told they...
27549From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 Feb. 1778. John Laurens docketed Greene’s letter to GW of 16 Feb. “Answd 17th.”
27550To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I sent on to Camp yesterday near fifty Head of Cattle—I wish it had been in my power to have sent more, but the Inhabitants have taken the alarm, and conceal their stock in such a manner that it is very difficult finding any—they have done the same with their Waggons and Harness—Our poor fellows are obligd to search all the Woods and swamps after them—and often without success—I have given...