27541[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...
27542The 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...
27543The 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...
27544The 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...
27545From 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...
27546From 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...
27547Dumas 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...
27548General 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...
27549To 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...
27550To 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.”
27551To 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...
27552From 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.”
27553To 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...
27554To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to reply in answer to your Letter just received That Mr Blain has been with Me and he fixed 150 Waggons as a Sufficient Number for his Department, and I wrote directly to Mr Young to forward that Number. Mr Blain also gave Me the places where the Waggons should be loated with Flower, Porck & Salt. & I desired Mr Young that the Waggons must be loated. This Letter I got this...
27555To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Doctor mcKnight, who attended me in my Illness, having asserted to me with great confidence that my Constitution had received So great a Shock, it was in Vain for me to think, of returning to the Army till the opening of the Campaign; was the reason of my removing so far from Camp, to a place of Safety. I think he was mistaken; for my Health is now perfectly restored; but I cannot say the same...
27556To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to write to your Excellency on the 13th Inst. & have since recd your favour of the 12th. It is with some concern, that I find you obliged to remind Council of the stipulation made by Genl Armstrong. You may [be] assured that on the day of last orders were sent out for the immediate march of two Classes of the Militia of York, Cumberland & Northampton Counties; & a Class of...
275571778. Feb. 18. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Last night, about Sunsett We sailed out of Marblehead Harbour, and have had a fine Wind, from that time to this, 24. Hours. The constant Rolling and Rocking of the Ship, last night made Us all sick —half the Sailors were so. My young Gentlemen, Jesse and Johnny, were taken about 12 O Clock last night and have been very seasick ever since. I was seized with it myself this Forenoon. My Servant...
27558[February 18. Wednesday.] (Adams Papers)
February 18. Wednesday. We had a fine Wind for twenty four hours; but the constant rolling and rocking of the Ship, made Us all Sick. Half the Sailors were so. My young Gentlemen Jesse and John were taken about twelve O Clock the last night and had been very Sick all day. I was seized with it in the afternoon. My Servant Joseph Stevens and the Captain’s Will, were both very bad.
27559George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 18, 1778 . Suggests methods to stop communication between Philadelphia and surrounding countryside. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lacey was a brigadier general in the Pennsylvania Militia.
27560George Washington to the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 18, 1778 . Asks inhabitants to supply cattle. Promises a “bountiful price.” Df , in writings of Gouverneur Morris and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27561To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma mere vous avoit invité, Monsieur, à un concert qui doit se tenir demain chez nous, et elle se faisoit un grand honneur et un grand plaisir de pouvoir vous procurer un petit amusement; mais voici une circonstance qu’elle ignoroit et dont elle me charge de vous prévenir. Ce concert est formé par souscription, et Lady Stormont est une des souscrivantes....
27562From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld and the Duchesse d’Enville, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes M. Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Made. la Duchesse d’Enville, and to M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld. He sees clearly with them the Impropriety of his appearing at the Concert, under the Circumstances mentioned, and returns his Thanks for the Notice given him, which he shall observe. Our Advices from England are that Lord Chatham has had...
27563From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress I received your Favour by Capt. de la Plaigne, and in consequence of your Recommendation have assisted him with Money, and recommended him to honest Merchants here, who have furnish’d him with Goods that you ordered. He appears to have had the Interest of your State at heart, and to have acted in your Affairs to the best of his Judgment; and I hope you will...
27564Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 12th Inst. from this Place at which time I thought we were all Happy on board, but fortunately I believe I may Venture to say, Capt. Corvisen[?] and my self had some small difference, on account of which he and his Officers have done all in their power to throw every thing into Confusion, but very fortunately Mr. Williams Came on board the...
27565To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress Hartley, writing the day after Lord North revealed the government’s conciliatory plan, was more euphoric than that plan warranted. It had been in preparation since early December, precipitated first by the news of Saratoga and then by increasingly strong intimations of a forthcoming Franco-American alliance....
27566General Orders, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a brigade Court Martial whereof Lt Coll Beauford was president (Feby 16th) Lieutt John Rust of 10th Virginia Regiment, tried at the request of Lieutt Broadwater for abusively aggravating said Broadwater to strike him, for getting drunk, playing Cards and beating Captn Lard on the sabbath day whilst he the said Captn Lard was under arrest and found guilty of a breach of 21 st Article 14th...
27567Proclamation on Cattle, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
To the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia. Friends, Countrymen and Fellow Citizens! After three Campaigns, during which, the brave Subjects of these States have contended, not unsuccessfully, with one of the most powerful Kingdoms upon Earth, we now find ourselves, at least, upon a level with our opponents; and there is the best reason to believe, that...
27568From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter of the 17th Ulto from Major General Riedesel after setting forth that a certain number of British Officers prisoners of War had been exchanged for an equal number of Officers in the Continental Army, at the request of Genl Burgoyne, he complains that upon application to you for the exchange of a proportionable number of German Officers likewise prisoners of War you answered no...
27569To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 Feb. 1778. On 23 Feb., GW wrote Gates: “I am honoured with your two favours of the 14th and 18th instant.”
27570From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 27th of last month. Since from the circumstances you represent, your continuance where you are, may be for some time necessary, I cannot but acquiesce in it, while that necessity continues; but I must hope, you will not delay a moment to Join your Brigade, when the exigency, which now detains you from it, ceases. Your presence, as that of every other General...
27571To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday that I was afraid we had lost one of our small parties, but they came in a few minutes after I sent the Letter off—Has there been any great desertions from Camp, or any report of prisoners made on the other side of the Schuylkill—I am perswaded, there was some of our prisoners paraded for some purpose—If there has been no report of any being lately taken they...
27572From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of yesterday and to day—there has been no considerable desertion from this camp to my knowledge within a few days past, nor have the Enemy made any number of Prisoners on the other side of Schuylkil; the persons said to have been paraded in the city, were perhaps defenceless Inhabitants that have been seized upon by the traiterous parties who style themselves...
27573To George Washington from Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
your favr I recd pr Capt. Lee am Sorry to Read it contents, I have Just retund from a tower down the Penensilo on a purchas for the Army for a department which Gen. Gates and the Honble Board of War has done me the Honnour to appoint me to, I then set out two trusty Hands to seek out Cattle and Pork & requested them to informe me of the number of Cattle fit for Imediate use, and fit for fating...
27574To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honour of transmitting to your Excellency, papers collected as Evidence, by the Committee appointed to enquire into the Causes of the Loss of Tyconderoga & Mount Independence, those Members of the Committee who had the papers in hand for Inspection & arrangement & from whom I received them, have informed me there were Several which they had not intended to have troubled Your...
27575To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your’s of the 16th of January, about Eight Days Since at this Place, where I had returnd to take Charge of my Brigade—In the Present State of the Army I shall continue in my Command lest a different Conduct may prove injurious to the Cause of my Country at this critical Conjuncture of Affairs. However my Inclination may induce me to retire to the Injoyments of...
27576To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Recruiting Officers, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed we send you a Copy of the Instructions we received from the Executive Council for the Recruiting service, And Beg leave to remark the Grievance we labour under, in the sum allow’d us for that service being nothing equal to the expence which must necessarily Accrue. The Legislative Body are to meet in a few days—until that time we shall proceed in our duty and then intend remonstrating...
27577To George Washington from Lund Washington, 18 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Thornton and Captn Lewis came here last night by the latter I got your Letter. your Mare Shall be taken great care of, and Silla sent your mother if required, tho I believe she will be very unwilling to go, she haveg Cooper jack for a Husband, and they appear to live Comfortable together Lewis tells me Fitzgerrald (who is on the way I am told) is to bring the Horse you mention’d—I...
27578Feb. 19. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Arose at 4 O Clock. The Wind and Weather still fair. The Ship rolls less than Yesterday, and I have neither felt, nor heard any Thing of Sea Sickness, last night nor this Morning. Monsr. Parison, one of General Du Coudrais Captains, dined with us, Yesterday, and made me a present of a Bottle of a nice French Dram, a Civility which I must repay. He seems a civil and sensible Man. The Mal de Mer...
27579[February 19. Thursday. 1778] (Adams Papers)
February 19. Thursday. 1778. Arose at four O Clock. The Wind and Weather still fair. The Ship rolled less than the day before, and I neither felt nor heard any thing of Sea Sickness last night nor this morning. Monsieur Parison, one of General Du Coudrai’s Captains of Artillery, dined with Us Yesterday, and behaved like a civil and sensible Man. We learned from him, that the roads from Nantes...
27580[February 19. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
February 19. 1778. In the morning We discovered three Vessells a head of Us. They appeared to be large Ships, and Captain Tucker observing them with his Glasses, gave it as his Opinion that they were British Frigates and was preparing to give orders to avoid them. But a murmur arising among the Men which was countenanced by some of the petty Officers, if not by some of the three Lieutenants,...
27581George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 19, 1778 . Describes distressing situation of Army. States that unless effective measures are taken, another campaign may prove impossible. Requests Henry to send all available supplies to Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Henry was governor of Virginia.
27582To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique Lefebvre Delagrange, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brancourt, near St. Quentin, February 19, 1778, in French: An honest family begs your help in its shameful poverty. I must support my wife and five children on an income of 400 l.t. , and have only twelve sous a day for food; as for clothes, we are almost naked. My curé will confirm this. The farmers general helped me out six months ago, but I dare not ask...
27583To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I understand the Abbé Condillac , to whom I have a Letter of recommendation, is just come to Town from his attendance on the Duke of Parma. As I recollect that I put the Letter into your Hands it will very much oblige me Sir, if you will please to return it by the bearer. I am going to engage in a Performance which I hope may serve the Cause I profess to...
27584To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having the honor of knowing or being known to Doctor Franklin, I can be only influenc’d to give him this trouble, by a very sincere and anxious desire to be employ’d in a cause supported and protected by him, and, from his universally allow’d Character, hoping for that encouragement which I shall endeavour, by my services, to merit. I feel my situation,...
27585To Benjamin Franklin from John Risdel, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, February 19, 1778: I served on the Reprisal for twenty months and was then in hospital for three. I am not yet able to do hard work, and lack clothes and cash; wages and prize money are due me. Please send me either money or a draft on a St. Malo merchant; I am in great need of help.> A seaman left behind when Wickes sailed the previous...
27586General Orders, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The officers of the day are to cause strict search and inquiry to be made whether any Sutlers or other Persons whatever sell any spirituous liquors contrary to General orders, particularly near the picquets and out lines of the camp, or within a mile or two of them, and if such liquors are found in those places they are to be seized, secured and reported. No prisoner to be sent to the Provost...
27587Circular to the Chief Executives of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
For reasons that will be obvious to you, it is thought the publication of the inclosed address may answer valuable ends; and I beg leave to submit to you, whether it may not serve to increase its effect, if it were ushered into the papers of your State with a recommendatory line from yourself. If you should suppose there will be any impropriety in this, you will be pleased notwithstanding to...
27588To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the Honour to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 9th Inst., and earnestly hope, no more of that Time so precious to the public, may be lost upon the Subject of General Conways Letter. whether that Gentleman does, or does not deserve the Suspicions you Express, would be intirely indifferent to me, did he not possess an Office of High Rank in the Army of the U.S. for that...
27589From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The melancholy prospect before us, with respect to supplies of provisions induces me, reluctantly to trouble you on a subject which does not naturally fall within the circle of your attention. The situation of the Commissary’s department and of the army, in consequence, is more deplorable, than you can easily imagine. We have frequently suffered temporary want and great inconveniences, and for...
27590To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Reced Your favour of the 8 Instant. I am well acquainted with the Horrid Intercorce kep up between the Country and City, but, I am Sorry I have it to Say, my Strength heretofore has been So weak as Rendered it impossible for me to put a Stop to it. My numbers begin to increase, and I expect in a few Days to be in a Condition to incamp Nearer the City, at present I have out of Better than Six...