28701The Commissioners to John [William?] Hodge, 19 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We find by our Bankers Account that you have received upwards of one hundred Thousand Livres of the public Money, for which there is no account from you among the Papers left by Mr Deane. Captain Cunningham of the Revenge writes Us, that you have claimed that Vessell as the Property of Mr Ross and you, and under your Direction. It appears too, as well by a Letter from the Merchant at Corogne...
28702The Commissioners to Vergennes, 19 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
By sundry Letters from Merchants of Bourdeaux and Nantes, we are inform’d, that many Adventures to America are discouraged by the high Price of Insurance, and the Number of Captures made by the English, which together have an Operation almost equal to an Embargo; so that the Commerce which might be so advantageous, to both Countries, by supplying their mutual Wants, is obstructed, and the...
28703From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, 19 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 19, 1778 . States that a horse not fit for service should be returned to a Mr. Sellers, its owner. Signed “A Hamilton ADC.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XVI (1892), 196.
28704The American Commissioners to Gustavus Conyngham, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; incomplete copy: National Archives; fragment of ALS : Musée de Blérancourt We have received a Complaint from the remaining Part of your Officers and Crew, of an unfair distribution of Prize Money by Mr. Hodge. To prevent any Such Complaints in future, We desire that you will put your Prizes into the Hands of Messieurs Gardoqui at...
28705The American Commissioners to William Hodge, 19 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) <Passy, April 19, 1778: Mr. Deane left no account from you of the approximately 100,000 l.t. in public funds that you have received. Capt. Conyngham writes that you have claimed the Revenge as your and Mr. Ross’s property, and the crew writes that you have taken the cargoes of her prizes and have unfairly distributed the prize...
28706The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library The Bearer of this, Captn. Livingston, is understood by us to be well qualified for the Office of Lieutenant in your Ship. If upon discoursing with him, you should be of the same Opinion, you will fill up with his Name the enclos’d Commission and date the same upon the Day. We leave this Matter to your Judgment; for tho’ we have a good Opinion of the Gentleman...
28707The American Commissioners to [Vergennes], 19 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Passy, April 19, 1778: We hear from Bordeaux and Nantes that high insurance rates and British captures create almost an embargo on shipping to America, which defeats the aim of the treaty. We earnestly request you to provide convoys.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 42. In WTF ’s hand.
28708To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Mr. Blake who is returning home I take the opportunity of assuring you of my most affectionate Respect. I wrote a few Lines to you by a Mr. Aguiton who has an account to settle for a widow and 6 Children with a Mr. Haywood from Canada, who desired a Letter of Recommendation from me to you. I am proud of being loved by you. I gave no Copy of two Letters I...
28709To Benjamin Franklin from Musco Livingston, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Livingston presents his Respects to Doctr. Franklin; begs the Favour of him to Send by the bearer the papers that he was so good as desire M L. to Send this Morning for. Addressed: Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / passy Livingston’s blank commission and the covering letter to Capt. Tucker of this date.
28710To Benjamin Franklin from Tronsson Desjardins, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Voicy les Doubles de la requete que j’ay eû l’honneur de vous présenter pour vous prier de faire revenir d’amerique le Certificat de la mort de mon frere. Vous avez bien voulu permettre que je vous les fisse passer par la petite Poste. J’espere que vous me ferez la grace d’employer votre Credit pour me faire avoir une piece aussi essentielle. J’ay l’honneur...
28711General Orders, 19 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Sub-Inspectors will each superinte[n]d the discipline of the Brigades according to the following division (viz.) Mr Ternant, Woodford’s, Scott’s & McIntoshe’s—Lieut. Coll Brooks 1st & 2nd Pennsylvania, Poor’s and Glover’s—Lieutt Colonel Davies Larned’s Paterson’s Weedon’s and Muhlenberg’s—Lieutt Coll Barber Maxwell’s, Late Conway’s, Huntington’s and Varnums. The Orderly-Office will be...
28712To George Washington from Col. Theodorick Bland, 19 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. Theodorick Bland, 19 April 1778. On 3 May, Bland wrote GW , “This day fort’night I did myself the Pleasure to Inform Yr Excy of my situation and prospects at this place.”
28713From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 1st inst. informing me of the appointment of Mr Hawkins to the Office of purchasing Commissary in the State of Virginia. I have heard so good an account of his Character that I hope the most salutary effects will ensue. I hold myself infinitely obliged to the Legislature for the ready attention which they paid to my representation of the wants of the Army and...
28714From George Washington to General William Howe, 19 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 16th Inst. Mr Lowry was never a principal Commissary of ours, but only acted occasionally, as a deputy, for purchasing provisions where he lived. I do not know, whether he was employed, at the time of his capture, even in this line. From this state of facts, you will readily agree with me that I can not with propriety accede to your offer. However,...
28715To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys Orders, a Considerable Number of Horses & Cattle were collected in the State of New Jersey—in Feby and March —for which the Inhabitants Recd Certificates for the price or Weight signed by Col. Ricd Butler Duplicates of which are now in his possession and will serve as a Check against forgery or Impossition. In these Certificates the people are Informed that...
28716Ap. 20. Lundi. (Adams Papers)
My Son has been with me since Saturday.—The Concert Spirituel is in the Royal Garden, where was an infinite Number of Gentlemen and Ladies walking. Dined with the Dutchess D’Anville, at her House with her Daughter and Granddaughter, Dukes, Abbotts, &c. &c. &c. Visited Mr. Lloyd and his Lady, where We saw Mr. Digges. Including the philosopher Condorcet; see JA ’s Autobiography under this date ....
28717[April 20. Monday 1778.] (Adams Papers)
April 20. Monday 1778. My Son had been with me since Saturday. This was delicious repast for me: but I was somewhat mortified to find that this Child among the Pupills at School the Pension and my American Servant among the Domesticks of the Hotel, learned more french in a day than I could learn in a Week with all my Books. Dined with the Dutchess D’Anville, at the Hotel de Rochefaucault, with...
28718John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I now Sit down to Write a few Lines To inform you That I am now at a good School which I like very Well. I will now give you an account how We live here at 6 o Clock in the morning We get up and go in to School and Stay till half after 8 When We Breakfast and Play till 9 When We go in & Stay till 12 When We dine after dinner we Play till 2 When We go in and Stay till half after 4 When We Come...
28719Vergennes to the Commissioners, 20 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recû, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire hier, pour representer l’interet dont il seroit d’assurer pardes Convoys le depart de vos batimens paur L’Amerique. Cet objet regardant uniquement, M. de Sartine, je vais lui faire passér la traduction de votre Lettre, et je Serai tres empressé, a vous faire Part de Sa Reponse. J’ai l honneur d’etre avec une tres...
28720The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation, 20 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write yesterday pointing out the advantages of providing convoys for the security of your vessels leaving for America. This matter concerns M. de Sartine only, I am therefore forwarding a translation of your letter to him and will send you his reply without delay. I have the honor to be with very perfect consideration, sirs, your...
28721George Washington to the General Officers, 20 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 20, 1778 . Lists three plans for next campaign, with possible modes of execution for each plan. Asks officers for opinions. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28722Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 20 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives <Versailles, April 20, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of yesterday about convoys. As the matter solely concerns M. de Sartine, I have forwarded a translation of the letter and will send you his reply.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 42–3.
28723To Benjamin Franklin from François-César Le Tellier, Marquis de Courtanvaux, 20 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Marquis de Courtanvaux a apris avec bien de la douleur que M. Francklin ne peut disposer que du samedy 25 du courant, qui est précisement le Jour du départ de sa maison pour une de ses terres, où il doit se rendre Lui même Lundy prochain et y passer six mois. Il prie Monsieur Francklin de recevoir ses regrets de ce contretemps qui le prive de la...
28724General Orders, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Passes signed by Doctor Cochran Director of the Flying Hospital to any in his department are to be deemed valid. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
28725To George Washington from Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell, 20 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell, 20 April 1778. On 23 April, GW wrote Campbell , “I was yesterday favd with yours of the 20th int [in]forming me of your arrival at Morris Town.”
28726To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wish some Mode could be adopted to procure the Release of our Subjects, w⟨ho⟩ are taken by the Enemy, not in Arms. Th⟨e⟩ Situation is truly distressing. Humanity and Policy combine to urge Us to take some speedy and effectual Measures to obtain their Discharge but one of two Modes occurs to Me, either to declare them not Objects of Capture, or to seise the Friends of Great-Britain, and...
28727To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In all great Enterprises, the first thing to be done, is to form a general Plan of Conduct, to which all the particular operations are to have reference, this general plan is as it were the touch Stone by which all the subordinate projects are proved—according as they agree or disagree with it, they are good or ill, deserve to be approved or rejected: now in this great Enterprise of supporting...
28728From George Washington to the General Officers, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Questions for the Consideration of the General Officers. There seem to be but three Plans, which may be premeditated for the next Campaign; one the attempting to recover Philadelphia and destroy the enemys army there—another the endeavouring to transfer the war to the Northward, by an enterprise against New York—and a third the remaining quiet in a secure, fortified Camp, disciplining and...
28729From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Kirkbride, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 18th I am to inform you, that the Resolution of Congress by which offenders of the description of those whom you have sent here, were subject to Trial by Court Martial, is expired —and that even while it remained in force it was not so extensive as to include all the cases which you mention—the Crimes of the two prisoners sent, being intirely of civil...
28730To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclosed in a letter Dated the 12th Inst. to your Excellency for your aprobation the Proceedings of a Court Martial, the tryal & Judgment against John Burk, Confined in my provo. this morning about four oClock he made his escape out of the Guard I expect he will make Directly to the Enemy. parties are Sent after him, but I have not the least expectation they will over take him. my Scouting...
28731From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
With your Letter of the 17th Instant and it’s inclosures, I was duly honored on Saturday afternoon. When I addressed you on the 18th, I was doubtful, whether the draught of the Bill then transmitted was not spurious and contrived in philadelphia; but it’s authenticity, I am almost certain is not to be questioned. The information from philadelphia seems clear & conclusive, that it came over in...
28732To George Washington from William Livingston, 20 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Livingston, 20 April 1778. In a postscript to his letter to Livingston of 22 April , GW wrote: “I received your favors of the 17th & 20 Inst.”
28733To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 17 Inst., enclosing the instructions of Mr Thomas Edwards, one of the Commissioners of this County for purchasing Flour &c., to Patrick Maguire. The liberty therein given by Mr Edwards to Maguire is as extraordinary as it is injurious—and by no means consistant with the orders which he receivd from Council. It is owing to such...
287341778 April 21. Mardi. (Adams Papers)
Dined, this Day, at Mr. Chaumonts, with the largest Collection of great Company that I have yet seen. The Marquis D Argenson, the Count De Noailles, the Marshall de Maillebois, the Brother of the Count de Vergennes, and a great many others, Mr. Foucault and Mm., Mr. Chaumonts Son in Law and Daughter, who has a Fortune of 4 or 5000£ st. in St. Domingo, Mr. Chaumonts own Son and Miss Chaumont....
28735[April 21. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
April 21. Tuesday. 1778. Dined at Mr. Chaumonts, with the largest collection of great Company, that I had yet seen. The Marquis D’Argenson, The Count de Noailles, the Marshall de Mailbois, the B r other of Count de Vergennes, Mr. and Mrs. Foucault, the Son in Law and Daughter of Mr. Chaumont, who were said to have a fortune of four or five thousand Pounds Sterling a Year in St. Domingo, Mr....
28736John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 21 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterdays post brought us advice of the Arrival of a Vessel belonging to this City from Baltimore in 22 Days at Bilboa, a passenger from on board said to be charged with dispatches for your Honors from Congress sett off for Paris on their Arrival. Letters from Bayonne give me Account of his having past thro’ that City on his road to Paris. I dont learn any Material Inteligence it may be...
28737Ebenezer Smith Platt to the Commissioners, 21 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
To the Honorable Commissioners of the United States of America. The humble Petition of Ebenezer S. Platt Most Respectfully Sheweth, That your Petitioner is a Native of America, and was a resident in the Province of Georgia, in the year 1775, And was Chosen a Member of the Parochial Committee of Savannah, in said Province. That in the month of July 1775, A Certain Ship Called the Philippa,...
28738John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 21, 1778: A ship arrived at Bilbao with a passenger said to be carrying dispatches for you; he has left for Paris and passed through Bayonne. A prisoner escaped from New York has asked me to write you for a privateer’s commission; a new ship suitable for him will be ready in twenty days, and might sail with the Boston . I await your...
28739Ebenezer Smith Platt to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Paris, April 21, 1778: The petitioner recounts his role in obtaining the gunpowder landed at Savannah in 1775, and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment in Jamaica and in England. He was released through the efforts of a committee for American prisoners, arrived in Paris destitute, and asks help in getting home.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI ,...
28740To Benjamin Franklin from John Luther, 21 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain de La Plainne belonging to the Continental troops of Georgia came to me to see and procure a passage for 8 french officers to that place. The Capn. of the ship to whom I address’d myself insisted on my giveing him my note payable in 6 Months for their passage, which had I the least orders either from you or Mr. Deane you may be assured I would have...
28741General Orders, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
No Pay-Master is to be discharged but by the Commander in Chief or Officer Commanding in a separate department and none of them are to apply for discharges without first obtaining and producing from the Pay-Master General, Auditors of Accompts and Officers Commanding the Regiments they belong to ample Certificates of their having settled their Accompts properly with the Publick and their...
28742From George Washington to John Banister, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
On saturday evening I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 16th Inst. I thank you very much for your obliging tender of a friendly intercourse between us; and you may rest assured, that I embrace it with chearfulness, and shall write you freely, as often as Leisure will permit, of such points as appear to me material and interesting. I am pleased to find, that you expect the proposed...
28743From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 29th Ulto. I think with you, that a Sterling debt cannot with any degree of propriety, be discharged in currt money at 33⅓ pr Ct because Bills will cost the purchaser 200. & have lately sold at 230. In this proportion most commodities have risen—But, as you do not raise many things for Sale, as Rents and Currt Money debts are discharged without...
28744To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Deane Brother to the Hon. Silas Deane Esqr. being on his way to Congress Charged with Dispatches of the most Happy & Interesting nature to the United States of america and being anxious to proceed Immediately I have not Time to write Save to Congratulate your Excellency on the Court of France having acknowledged the Independence of these United States and having entered into Two Treaties...
28745To George Washington from Col. David Mason, 21 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. David Mason, 21 April 1778. On 19 May, GW wrote Mason , “I recd yours of the 21st April by Colo. Syme.”
28746To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778. GW wrote Moylan on 29 April , “I recd yours of the 21st instant.”
28747From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
When your Lordship proposed meeting at General Knox’s Quarters to deliberate on the Subject of my propositions, I readily assented, without attending closely to the matter, or considering how far it accorded with my ideas & views; I therefore, as it is by no means my intention to have the collective opinion of the Officers upon the points mentioned would wish the meeting might be avoided, and...
28748To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I took the Liberty (some time since) to Suggest to your Excellency the Idea of making an Offensive Campaign against such place as afforded the Greatest prospect of Success to us & Injury to the Enemy—but the Object will depend upon your force—the first and most Desireable would be Mr Howe’s Army—the next New York. The Question will then arrise how is our Army to be supplied and the Stores...
28749The American Commissioners to John Ross, 22 April–23 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two); incomplete drafts: Library of Congress <Passy, April 22–May 3, 1778: You wrote us that you would, if desired, send the invoices of goods shipped for the public. We asked for them, to account for the money advanced you. Your reason for refusing, in yours of the 18th, is inadequate; send us all the accounts, and a copy of our...
287501778. Ap. 22. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at home and spent the day with Mr. Lee.