28851To Benjamin Franklin from Claude Julien, 26 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous adresser ci jointe, copie d’une Lettre que m’écrit mon Correspondant d’aix-la-Chapelle, le 20 de ce mois, par laquelle il se charge de faire livrer à Amsterdam 5. à 600,000. Tonneaux de houilles, de toute espèce et d’excellente qualité à un prix moins haut que Vous ne les payez aujourd’hui en Hollande. Si ma proposition peut...
28852John Julius Pringle to Ralph Izard, 26 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, New-York Historical Society; copy and two transcripts: National Archives In compliance with your request I waited on Dr. Franklin and deliver’d to him your Letter; he had scarcely read it when he said “Mr. Izard has written me a very angry Letter; please to tell him, that he has only made use of general assertions of my having done wrong, which I cannot...
28853General Orders, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief has been informed that it is a common Practice for soldiers to go about the Country and make use of his name to extort from the Inhabitants by way of sale (or gift) any necessaries they want for themselves or others he strictly enjoins it upon officers to take the most effectual measures to put a stop to a practice so daring and infamous and assures all concerned that if...
28854To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 24th Inst. by the Bearer as I expect Genl Lee is now upon his return hither, I shall wait his Arrival & proceed immediately with him to Head Quarters. By a Letter I have just received from Lieut: Col. Troup, dated Fish Kill the 18th Instant, I am inform’d, that Col: Hughes D. Q. M. General in that Department either has, or is about to...
28855To George Washington from the German Battalion Officers, 26 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the German Battalion Officers, c.26 April 1778. On 26 April, Alexander Hamilton wrote to James Mease: “By command of His Excellency, I inclose you a letter to him from the officers of the German batalion. There appears, by the representation, to be something particular in the circumstances of that batalion, with respect to cloathing, which deserves attention. You will do...
28856To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been Honored with yours of the 8th Instant. I do myself the Honor to enclose the resolves of the General assembly of this State for Drafting a number of men to Compleat their Battalions, and to Serve on Hudsons River which They appear to be Determined to accomplish without Delay. On the 13th Instant I Published an order in the publick Papers for all Soldiers in this Quarter belonging to...
28857From George Washington to William Livingston, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 15th Inst., with the papers alluded to. Your reasoning, upon the subject of Deserters attending Flags, is certainly right & not to be disputed. Their appearing in that character is an additional crime, and it is the practice of War in such instances, founded in principles of common reason & the delicacy of Truces, to execute them immediately. This is the...
28858To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Report of the general Hospitals. 26th April 1778. Hospitals In What Time Men now in Hospital Dead and Deserted discharged and sent to Camp Other Occurances & Remarks. Prince Town, Jersey From 14th Jany to 8 april ’78 53 52 135
28859To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received a Letter from Lt Colonel Willett commanding officer at Fort Schuyler inclosing a Speech of the Oneidas and Tuscaroras in Answer to a Message I sent them in March, Copy of the Speech I do myself the Honor to inclose —Your Excellency will percieve that some of these Nations intend to join you as soon as the Fort promised to be built in their Country shall be finished—The...
28860From George Washington to William Tryon, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 17th and a triplicate of the same were duly received. I had had the pleasure of seeing the Draughts of the two Bills, before those which were sent by you, came to hand; and I can assure you, they were suffered to have a free currency among the officers and men under my command, in whose fidelity to the United States I have the most perfect confidence The inclosed Gazette...
28861From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The season for action is advancing very fast, and it is highly necessary for me, in forming plans either offensive or defensive, to know with certainty what succours, I may look for from the country in any emergency. With this view I am to request you will be pleased to let me know as speedily as possible, what number of well armed Militia, your State could afford if called upon, and what time...
28862Monday. 27. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Boulainvilliers, at his House in Passi, with Generals and Bishops and Ladies &c—In the Evening went to the French Comedy, and happened to be placed in the first Box, very near to the celebrated Voltaire who attended the Performance of his own Alzire. Between the Acts the Audience called out Voltaire and clapped and applauded him, the whole Time. The old Poet arose and bowed...
28863[Monday April 27. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
Monday April 27. 1778. Dined with Mr. Boulainvilliers, at his house in Passi, with Generals and Bishops and Ladies. In the Evening I went to the French Comedy, and happened to be placed in the Front Box very near to Voltaire, who was then upon his last Visit to Paris, and now attended the representation of his own Alzire. The Audience between the several Acts, called Out, Voltaire! Voltaire!...
28864To John Adams from J. P. Mercklé, 27 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to note yours and Mr. Franklin Joint favour of the 13th Instant, but before I enter into particulars permit me to Congratulate you on your safe Arrival in Europe. I think, Sir, ’tis a duty I owe to you as also to my own Interest to make you Acquainted with the Purport of several letters I have had the honor to Address to Messrs. Deane and Franklin on the subject of a Number of...
28865James Moylan to the Commissioners, 27 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have only time to inform you that I have just received an account from Brest of the arrival in that port of the prize Ship Lord Chatham of 250 Tons loaded with Beer and Gran. taken by the Ranger Frigate about five leagues from Cape Clear. I will advise you more particularly in my next regarding this matter, not having at present any other account from Brest, than the above. I am very...
28866George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 27, 1778 . Discusses British practice of seizing and imprisoning civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Chase was a member of the Continental Congress from Maryland.
28867From Benjamin Franklin to the Comte de Milly, 27 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Summarized in Sotheby & Co. auction catalogue, July 14, 1970. <Passy, April 27, 1778: Franklin presents his compliments and will be pleased to see the comte and his friend M. Broignard at 11:00 on Wednesday morning if they will do him the honor of calling on him.> Jean-Baptiste Le Roy’s father-in-law: above, XXIII , 128 n. Doubtless Brongniart, the electrical experimenter; see his note...
28868James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 27 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, April 27, 1778: The Lord Chatham , a prize taken by the Ranger , has arrived in Brest.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 61.
28869To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 27 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The interruption of our correspondence is truly mortifying to me. I wrote to you some time in march, and as I have received no answer I think either your letter or mine has been stopt. Why our letters should be detained I cannot see, for I am sure I can give you no political intelligence, and as no purpose would be answered by your giving it to me, I am...
28870To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [27 April 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon Illustre confrère j’ai l’honneur de vous prier de la part de M. le Comte de Maillebois à dîner chez lui mercredy prochain avec Monsieur votre petit fils et M. Adams. On dinera exactement à une heure précise pour avoir tout le temps de diner et d’aller ensuite à l’Académie de bonne heure. La maladie de Mde. La Duchesse de Luxembourg a empeché M. De...
28871General Orders, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieutt Coll Fleury is to act as Sub-Inspector and will attend the Baron Stuben ’till Circumstances shall admit of assigning him a Division of the Army—Each Sub-Inspector is to be attended daily by an Orderly-Serjeant drawn by turns from the Brigades of his own Inspection that the necessary orders may be communicated without delay. A few Continental Lottery Tickets to be sold at the...
28872To George Washington from John Cadwalader, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was on the western Shore when your Favor by Capt: Lee reached my House; & as I was daily expected home, Gen: Dickinson did not forward it; by which means I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you so soon as I could wish. I always proposed spending the active part of the Campaign in Camp, but I did not conceive the Enemy could possibly take the Field till towards the 1st of June (owing to the...
28873From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 20th instant, I have received—The practice of seizing & confining the friends to America in the civil line, however barbarous it may be is a favourite engine of policy with the enemy; from which, I believe it will not be easy to make them depart. Their object is to deter men from taking an active and leading part in our governments; the firm establishment of which they...
28874From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been informed by a Gentleman, actuated solely by a regard to the public good, and by an apprehension that we might fall short in the indispensible article of musket Cartridges particularly, that there are not, in his opinion, a sufficient number of Workmen kept employed, in the Elaboratories of Carlisle and Lebanon, to answer the exigencies of the Campaign. As the hint was thrown...
28875To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
27 April 1778. Recommends Col. Henry Jackson to GW’s notice as “an Honest man a worthy Citizen and Good Officer.” States that he has “taken the Liberty to enclose under Cover addressed to your Excellency” a letter to the president of Congress and asks that it be “forwarded by the first Conveyance.” ADf , MHi : Heath Papers. Heath’s letter to Henry Laurens of 27 April requested congressional...
28876To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a return of the Militia under my Comand. I hear that more are on their way to join me. I moved from Norwales, (where I had retired to discharge the Northampton Militia) last Saturday about twelve oClock. on hearing a party of the Enemy had filed off from the Germantown Road toward the York Road. I proceed as far as edge Hill hoping to fall in with them, but found on my Arival to...
28877From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor, yesterday afternoon, to receive your Letter of the 24th continued to the 25th, with it’s important inclosures. Congress will be pleased to accept my sincere thanks for the fresh instance of confidence, manifested in their Resolution of the 23d and other proceedings, and they may rest assured, that whatever powers are intrusted to me, shall be invariably directed to promote the...
28878To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of writing to Your Excellency the 24th Inst. by Mcklosky. Yesterday about ½ p. 5 oClock P.M. Your Excellency’s favor of the 25th was brought to me in Congress & was immediately presented, the person who had been the bearer of it was anxious to obtain a receipt for the Letter to express the time of delivery & he complained of unnecessary detention half the day at Susquehanna...
28879To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The News papers which I received from Your Excellency in company with the honour of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th afford me sometimes amusement in intervals from the necessary duties of my present station. I am particularly indebted to Your Excellency for the notice which is included in the kindness of this favor. Your Excellency is too well acquainted with the Integrity of your own...
28880To George Washington from William Livingston, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour yesterday of your Excellency’s favours of the 15th and 22d April.*** I am obliged to your Excellency for the enclosures in your favour of the 22d of April. I entertain exactly the same sentiments with you concerning the design and tendency of the bill and instructions—but I hope in this they will be (as in every thing else they have been) disappointed by that Providence which...
28881To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 27 April 1778. On 1 May, GW wrote McDougall , “I return you my thanks for your favor of the 27th Ulto.” McDougall wrote in his journal for 27 April, “Mr Deane left this in the morning wrote Genl Washington the advice He brought” ( NHi : Alexander McDougall Papers).
28882From George Washington to Robert Morris, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 22d instant. I take the hint in the freindly light in which it was meant, and thank you for your attention to a matter of the utmost importance. I shall write to the Board of War, and, without mentioning names, let them know that there is not that activity and exertion in the Conductors of our Elaboratories, that the advanced season demands. Some allowance must be made,...
28883To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
It gave me infinite pleasure to hear by my Worthy Friend Woodford that you was in fine health, a circumstance the more pleasing, as it could scarcely have been expected, after such uncommon & unremitted toil For near three years. I am not Superstitious, nor disposed to offend you by what I know you abhor, yet it is firmly my creed that Heaven has raised & will preserve you For the Sake of the...
28884To George Washington from Brig. Gen. William Smallwood, 27 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. William Smallwood, 27 April 1778. On 30 April, GW wrote Smallwood , “I have been favord with yours of the 27th Inst.”
288851778. Avril Vingt-Huit. Mardi. (Adams Papers)
Dejeunois, chez nous, avec Messrs. Chaumont, Dubourg, Chaumont le jeune, Franklin, Grandpere et Grandfils. M. Dubourg disoit un Conte, touchant, C. Mazarine. Un Officier demandoit, de lui, de le faire un Capitaine, d’une Guarde de son sa Vie. Le Card, repondoit, qu’il n’avoit pas Besoin d’autre Guarde que de son Ange tutelaire.—Ah Monsr. dit rofficier—on, le poussera, avec, un peu de l’au...
28886[April 28. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
April 28. Tuesday. 1778. Breakfasted at home with Mr. C h aumont, Mr. Dubourg, Mr. Chaumont the Son, Mr. Franklin and his grandson. Mr. Dubourg was a Physician, a Batcheller, a Man of Letters and of good Character but of little Consequence in the French World. Franklin had been introduced to him, in his first Visit to Paris, and Dubourg had translated his Works into French. He must have been...
28887The Commissioners to Pieter van Bleiswyck, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour of acquainting your Excellency, that the United States of North America, being now an Independant Power, and acknowledged as such by this Court, a Treaty of Amity and Commerce is compleated between France and the Said States, of which we shall speedily send your Excellency a Copy, to be communicated if you think proper to their High Mightinesses, for whom, the United States,...
28888To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 12 Instant. I shall pay perticular attention to see every article you have mention’d in your memorandum compleated and Shipt with care on board Captain Tucker directed as you have laid down. I hope you enjoy your health in the Air of Paris and that every thing around you contributes to your Satisfaction. Wherever my Services can be to you perticularly useful...
28889John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Messrs. Palmes Livingston and Heywood arrived here the 25th by whom I was favor’d with the Letter you honor’d me with under date 15th Instant. In consiquence of your Instructions I have received from Captain Tucker an Indent for the provission the respective officers will attend the examination tomorrow to inspect the quality which with the other articles required I shall endeavour to expedite...
28890C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’espere que vous avez reçu la Lettre du 23, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire d’Amsterdam, et dans laquelle se trouvoit votre Minute de la Lettre en question. Nous sommes deux ici, et un à Amsterdam, qui comptons les momens jusqu’à ce qu’elle me revienne de votre part en forme, afin que je puisse la présenter &C. Nous sommes convenus, que j’ajouterai de bouche l’insinuation, d’avoir cru...
28891C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I hope that you have received my letter of the 23d, which I had the honor to send you from Amsterdam, and in which is found your draft of the letter under consideration. Two of us here, and one in Amsterdam, are eagerly awaiting its return from you, in due form, so that I may present it, &c. We have agreed that I would add, verbally, the insinuation that, from what I have gathered from your...
28892Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last to your Excellencies was of the 18th Instant since which I am without any of your Favours. I sometime since received from Holland 13 Bales and Packages containing oznaburgs, Sail Cloth, Medicines &c, which the Shippers informed me were on Account of Mr. Grand, from whom I had no advice relative to the Business, I in consequence wrote to him, and have for answer that altho’ the Goods...
28893From Benjamin Franklin to Genet, 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon Enquiry I am informed that the Accounts of Public Money for the Year you mentioned are not yet published in England, but will be soon, when I am promised a Copy that shall be at your Service. I return you the Newspaper with many Thanks. I am, Sir, with much Esteem, Your most obedient humble Servant Genet presumably wanted the material for the Affaires...
28894John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 28, 1778: I received on the 25th by Mr. Haywood your letter of the 15th, and have from Capt. Tucker the list of provisions; the officers will inspect them tomorrow. The mast has delayed the work.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 63.
28895Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, April 28, 1778, in French: We await the return of your letter in final form, so that I may present it. The memorandum for which Mr. Lee provided the material will be published within a few days; the public here must learn that Congress will make peace only on equal terms and in concert with its allies. Beware...
28896Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 28, 1778: I have received a consignment from M. Grand, which he tells me was shipped on your account; what do I do with it? I have also received 196 swivel guns for which you paid Mr. Merckle; they are the worst I ever saw and should be sold for scrap. From the same source come muskets and parts for them. Of the clothes, arms, etc., remaining...
28897To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Aguiton, 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Aguiton presents his respects to Mr. Franklin and Sends him Inclos’d a Letter from his friend Hutton, which he would have deliver’d in person but that he understands Mr. Franklin is frequently engaged on business, and as he Should be happy to wait upon him before he Leaves this Country he would take it as a particular favour if Mr. Franklin would permit...
28898To Benjamin Franklin from Sebastian Hartwig, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Gotha, April 28, 1778, in German: I have heard that you plan to return to America this summer, and make you a humble request: would you send me a bill of exchange for a hundred louis? You have a safe means of forwarding it by Privy Councilor Grimm, who is in Paris as ambassador and would send it to my Duke. My brother in America will then repay you or the...
28899To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am sure I shall tell you something which you will have no pleasure in repeating again, when I inform you that Lord Chatham is very ill indeed. Alarming symptoms have appeared, and no likelyhood of his getting rid of them, as he grows weaker every day. This intelligence is fresh from Hayes, where he now is. As I am afraid this great man is dying, I think it...
28900To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favour of the 18th Instant and immediately wrote to a Friend in England to convey some necessary supplies to Capt. Collis drawing on me for the amount. The Prize Money I refer’d to in my Letter was what was carried to the Commissioners Credit at Morlaix and L’orient, which will be found to be so much Deduction, from the Lexington and the...