28901General Orders, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Medicine Chests from Scotts and Woodford’s Brigades to be sent to the Yellow-Springs tomorrow where they will be refilled by the Apothecary General Mr Cutting. The sentences against David Rush & Thomas Fitzgerald mentioned in orders of the 18th instant are commuted to one month’s constant fatigue each. The Commanding Officers of Regiments are desired to prevent their men from stragling...
28902To George Washington from Major William Courtis, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
having Served my Country three years I hope with your Exelenceys Approbation and my frends, not tired with Serving it Longer, but am Constrained through Nessesity to Ask a Dismission, not having a fortune Sufficent to Suppote me, I was at the begin[nin]g of this war in Tolurable good Curcumstanaces but my Pay being not Sufficent to Supporte me, my family Living on what Little I had when this...
28903To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I writ to Your Excellency yesterday by Wilkinson, this Evening Your Excellency’s favour of the same date containing Copy of a Letter to M. General Tryon & Extracts from Govr Livingston & Genl Heath came to hand—these shall be presented to Congress to morrow. Within the present Cover Your Excellency will receive, an Act of Congress of 27th for enabling the General commanding the Artillery to be...
28904To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
You may better imagine than I can express the happiness which your letter gave me, tho at the time I receiv’d it, which was the night before last, there was some little drawback on my happiness—viz. a small attack of the gout, with indications of it’s being a severe fit, but by three doses of what Lord Chatham calls the great American Panacea, I find myself so much better and the indications...
28905To George Washington from Col. William Russell, 28 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. William Russell, Sr., 28 April 1778. On 19 May, GW wrote Russell , “I recd yours of the 28th ulto inclosing a Return of that part of your Regiment that is at Fort Pitt.”
28906To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 28 April 1778 (Jay Papers)
This Letter is to be handed to you by Gen l . Gates. Let me recommend him to your particular Attention. Vermont you will say prevents this. Policy may have induced him to flatter those People when he wanted their Assistance. Let us take it up on that Ground. In his present Command he will want the Assistance of our State the cordial Assistance of its Rulers. I have promised this. I write to...
28907To Benjamin Franklin from Oliver Pollock: Two Letters, 29 April 1778 and 1 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Having the Honour of being appointed agent for the United States of America in this part of the world I take the liberty of acquainting you that James Willing Esqr. Captn. in the service Came down the River Ohio to Mississippi with A party of Sixty men last month and has taken several prizes on his Route Amongst which is A letter of Mark...
28908Avril Vingt Neuf. Mercredi. (Adams Papers)
J’ai bien dormi, le derniere Soir. J’avois diné chez Le Marrechal De Maillebois avec Baucoup du Monde. Apres diner, went to the Accademy of Sciences and heard Mr. D’Alembert pronounce Eulogies upon divers Members deceased. On this occasion occurred the famous encounter—and embrace—between Voltaire and Franklin, described more fully in JA ’s Autobiography under this date . Voltaire, who was 84,...
28909[April 29. Wednesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
April 29. Wednesday. 1778. Dined with the Marshall De Maillebois, with a great deal of Company. Here also We were shewn the Marshalls Amie seated at the Table, with all his great Company. Mr. Lee and I had a good deal of conversation with her. Mr. Lee spoke french with tolerable ease. I could say little: but I understood her as well as any one I had heard in french. It appeared to me that the...
28910From John Adams to Samuel Tucker, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I this Moment had the Pleasure of your Letter of the 22d Instant, and am much obliged to you for your kind Congratulations on my safe Arrival, and agreable Reception here. The Commissioners have recommended a Lieut to you. Mr. Livingston, a Gentleman of good Character, as the Commissioners believe. But, altho the Hon. Commissioners have recommended him, as first Lieut. I hope he will, decline...
28911To John Adams from James Lovell, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I promise myself much from the eight or nine scrawls which I have sent to you since your departure from America, in the spirit, I own to you, with which Indians make their presents of feathers or bark. I must depend upon your imagination to comprehend what I will not undertake to describe—our chagrin and perplexity at our total ignorance of the situation and transactions of the Commissioners...
28912Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of the 15th Instant by Capt. Palmes with my Orders from your Honours of on the 26th Instant. Am very uneasy that I cannot imediately per sue them; I would inform your Honours that it is not possible for me to get the Ship to Sea in less than 16 or 18 Days, as my Mainmast detains me and in Cariening my Ship, the Galley fell down, for which Reason I’ve a Iron Hearth makeing to...
28913Vergennes to the Commissioners, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai communiqué à M. de Sartine, Messieurs, l’office que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’adresser dans la vüe d’obtenir des convois pour la sûreté du commerce que les négocians de Nantes et de Bordeaux font avec 1’Amérique Septentrionale; Je joins ici une copie de la réponse de ce Ministre; vous y verrez que le Roi a pris les mesures les plus efficaces pour protéger le commerce des Américains...
28914The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have submitted to M. de Sartine the communication you did me the honor to address to me regarding the obtaining of convoys to ensure the safety of commerce between the merchants of Nantes and Bordeaux and those of North America. I have enclosed a copy of his reply. You will see that the King has taken the most efficacious measures to protect the trade of the Americans as well as that of his...
28915To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (4to ed.; 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 249. I will take care of all your commissions. This moment a second packet of infinite value is received, which I shall cherish as a mark of affection from you. I opened the letter by mistake which came with it, and soon saw it was not for me. I...
28916From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, [29 April 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (4to ed.; 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 249. I thank you for your kind caution, but having nearly finished a long life, I set but little value on what remains of it. Like a draper, when one chaffers with him for a remnant, I am ready to say, “As it is only the fag-end, I will not differ...
28917Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of sending you an extract of a Letter received from Charles Town, in South Carolina, dated the 12th. of February. “A dreadful fire broke out in the morning of the 15th. January, the North end of Union-Street, which has consumed the most beautiful part of the Town. Upon the alarm’s being given, a number of people with all the engines were...
28918Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, April 29, 1778: I have received your orders but cannot carry them out immediately; repairs will take another two weeks and more. Mr. Livingston will be my second lieutenant, and I am obliged to you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73. In the commissioners’ letter of the 13th they had recommended Livingston as first officer, but Adams...
28919Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Versailles, April 29, 1778, in French: I passed on to M. Sartine your letter about convoys, and enclose his reply; you will, I am sure, be satisfied with the measures taken. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73–4. In the hand of Joseph-Mathias Gérard. He and his brother had directed bureaux of...
28920To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I must beg the favour of your Excellency’s attention for a few moments, from affairs of greater consequence, for the ease of the mind of a very worthy Lady, the Sister of Mr. Michael Wentworth; who, after being used ill here, went to France some Months ago and from whom She has had no tidings since he left England. I therefore must intreat the favour,...
28921General Orders, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Ledyard is removed from the 4th to the 1st New York Regiment. Each Officer who mounts guard will in future bring his Name Regiment & Brigade wrote on a Piece of Paper, which he will deliver to the Brigade Major of the day when he is appointing the Officers to the several guards. Strict compliance with this order is expected, as it will shorten the duty of the Parade. Those Regiments that...
28922To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th instant relative to the Laboratory at Lebanon. It has been with no small Concern that we have percieved the Affairs in the Commissary General’s Department exceedingly deranged. We cannot find any Neglect in the Gentleman at the Head of it as we believe him to be an active & good Officer. But the same Discontents &...
28923From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 6th & 13th Inst., have been duly received. I am glad to hear that General Burgoyne is gone, & wish his departure had been much earlier. At the time of his Capture he certainly must have entertained very favourable impressions of our force, & perhaps in point of good policy he should have been allowed to depart, before they were in the smallest degree done away, & before...
28924From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 21st instant. I am as much at a loss as you can possibly be how to procure Arms for the Cavalry; there are 107 Carbines in Camp, but no Swords or pistols of any consequence. Genl Knox informs me, that the 1100 Carbines, which came in to the Eastward, and were said to be fit for Horsemen, were only a lighter kind of Musket. I beleive Colo. Baylor and Bland have procured...
28925From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 18th instant, and am pleased to hear that your prospect of procuring Recruits and Draughts for the Army bore a more favourable appearance than when you wrote before. I must beg you to forward on all those for the Regiments at this Camp as fast as possible. I expect in a few days a general plan of operations for the Campaign will be settled; if one similar to that which you...
28926To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 29 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your letter in answer to ours respecting the Paymt of the Bounty to the re inlisted virginia Soldiers, we now send you thirty Thousand Dollars, by particular direction of the executive of our State, ordered into your Hands; it should however have been negotiated, in a less troublesome way to you, but the warrant was thro mistake made out in our Names. Eighty Dollars are sent...
28927From John Jay to Gouverneur Morris, 29 April 1778 (Jay Papers)
My last to you was written ab t a Week ago— I am now engaged in the most disagreable part of my Duty—trying Criminals— They multiply exceedingly. Robberies become Frequent. The Woods afford them Shelter & the Tories Food. Punishments must of Course become certain, & Mercy dormant—a harsh System repugnant to my Feelings, but nevertheless necessary. In such Circumstances Lenity would be Cruelty,...
28928To John Jay from George Clinton, 29 April 1778 (Jay Papers)
A few Days since M r . Benson enclosed Lord Norths famous Speech (in the English House of Commons) to M r . McKesson for the perusal of the Court & I now enclose you Copies of the two Bills aluded to therein. His Lordship is two years too late with this political Maneuvre— This at the Time of his former Conciliatory Proposition (as he calls it) woud have divided & ruined us. At this Day it...
28929To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 29 April 1778 (Jay Papers)
I won’t dispute who has written most. I have written more than twice what you acknowlege to have received but this is of no Consequence. I am sorry for your Session but I wish you had marked out what Taxes have been laid what Salaries given & a few more striking outlines of Legislation These with what I know of your Men would have enabled me to imagine proper Lights & Shades. My arithmetical...
28930To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Martin, 30 April–11 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Moscow, April 30 and May 11, 1778, in French: Some eighteen months ago the chevalier La Coste de Mezieres, a Frenchman, left the Russian service to return home. He is known to have reached Holland, and supposedly went to Madrid to enter the Spanish service. But his family has heard nothing, and has just sent me the most urgent request for news. I cannot...
28931Ap. 30. Jeudi. (Adams Papers)
Dined with the Mareschall De Mouchy—with the Duke and Duchess D’Ayen, their Daughter the Marquise De la Fayette, the Viscountess De Maillbois, her sister, another sister unmarried, the Prussian Ambassador, an Italien Embassador, and a great deal of other great Company. The Nobleman with whom We dined is Phillip de Noailles, Marechal Due De Mouchy, Grand d’Espagne de la premiere Classe,...
28932[April 30. Thursday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
April 30. Thursday. 1778. Dined with the Marshall Duke de Mouchy, with the Duke and Dutchess D’Ayen, The Marchioness de la Fayette, their Daughter, The Vicountess de Maillebois, her Sister, another Sister unmarried, The Prussian Ambassador, an Italian Ambassador, and a vast Collection of other great Company. I saw at Table a handsome Lady and perceived that she spoke a little English. As I...
28933John Thaxter to John Adams, 30 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I should have done myself the honor of addressing you before this, had I been so fortunate as to have known of opportunities previous to their passing. I have a prospect of sending this soon, and gladly embrace the opportunity. Ld. North’s propositions have occasioned much speculation here. Congress have expressed their opinion of them in their resolutions, which will doubtless have a good...
28934The Foreign Affairs Committee to the Commissioners, 30 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
By the Gazettes which accompany this letter you will see that the Enemy are entering upon a plan which must shortly perplex us much, unless we receive dispatches from you to enlighten us as to your Situation and Transactions of which we have had no information since the latter end of May. As we have heard of the loss of Capt. Johnston and Capt. Wickes and know that John Folgier was robbed, we...
28935George Washington to Thevenau Francy, 30 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 30, 1778 . Encloses letter to be transmitted to Mr. Penet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jean Baptiste Lazarus Thevenau Francy was an agent of Beaumarchais in America. Pierre Penet, who was in Nantes, France.
28936George Washington to Pierre Penet, 30 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 30, 1778 . Thanks Penet for gifts. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28937The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 30 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS (two): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives <York, April 30, 1778: We need to have word from you. The commerce committee will send you their contract with Hortalez & Cie., the heads of which are enclosed. We hear that you have concluded a treaty with France and Spain, and are anxious for confirmation before the British make...
28938To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès de Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie, 30 [April] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Blancherie (1752–1811) was a young man with a big idea. He had already spent two years in the French West Indies, where the treatment of blacks revolted him, and had published a treatise on education; now his energies were devoted to establishing an international cultural center for all the arts and sciences. The project had been under way for some time,...
28939General Orders, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
28940From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
On monday I received your favor of the 22d Inst. I should be extremely sorry if the incursions you apprehend, should take place. From the defeats and disappointments the Indians met with the last campaign, when pushed on and supported by a formidable regular Army, we had reason to hope, that they would remain peaceable, at least for some time. However there is no reasoning with precision from...
28941From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I thank you much for your obliging favor of the 27th. I think with you, that a most important crisis is now at hand; & that there cannot be too much wisdom in all our Councils for conducting our affairs to a safe and happy issue. There should in my opinion be a full representation of the States in Congress, which I have often regretted has not been the case for a long time past. I also concur...
28942From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of uniformity in discipline and manœuvres throughout the Army—have long occasioned me to wish for the establishment of a well organised inspectorship, and the concurrence of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a temporary institution, which from the success that has hitherto attended it, gives me the most flattering...
28943To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency the day before yesterday by Sharp. This bearer is dispatched by special order of Congress to return with the bundle of Papers, sent to Head Quarters some time ago by the Committee appointed to collect Evidence &ca on the loss of Tyconderoga & Mount Independence which Your Excellency will be pleased to deliver to him. I have the honor to be With the...
28944From George Washington to Pierre Penet, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received, not long since, your polite & obliging favor of the 12th of November last, accompanied by your agreeable presents to Mrs Washington and myself, for which we beg you will accept our acknowledgements. It will I am perswaded enhance the pleasure you feel on the occasion to be informed, that the extra shoulder and sword knots are destined for Generals Arnold and Lincoln; Gentlemen, who...
28945From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favord with yours of the 27th Inst. I had received the Resolution of Congress of the 23d extending my former powers. From your representation of the character of John Derrick, he seems a proper object to make an example of. You will be pleased to transmit me the proceedings of the Court Martial against him, that I may determine upon them. This I do not desire from the smallest...
28946To George Washington from Francis Wade, 30 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Francis Wade, 30 April 1778. On 1 May, GW wrote Wade, “I recd yours of the 30th last month informing me of your appointment to the Qr Mastership for the Delaware State and three Counties in Maryland.”
28947Session of Virginia Council of State, 30 April 1778 (Madison Papers)
present His Excellency the Governor; John Page David Jameson & Dudley Digges James Madison jr Esquires The Business hitherto done without a regular Board was this day laid before them and was approved of. Adjourned till Tomorrow 10 oClock This action demonstrates the council’s method of procedure relating to earlier business done by too few members of that body to constitute a quorum. Thus, at...
28948To John Adams from James Lovell, May 1778 (Adams Papers)
In aid to your scrutiny after the real robber of the Commissioners Dispatches, I send what I think a good Confirmation of Folgiers honesty. By comparing the Governor’s letter with Folgier’s Examination you will find the Governor led into a mistake about the number of Seals broken, by Folgiers forgetting that the outside Cover of the whole had anything more than “Dispatches” wrote on it. He...
28949From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th of Mar. from Bushfield came safe to hand, & gave me the pleasure of hearing, or rather inferring (for you are not explicit) that my Sister and the rest of your family were well. I thank you for your intelligence respecting the pamphlet of forged Letters which Colo. Lee has, & said to be written by me; not one sentence of which you may rely on it, did I ever write;...
28950[May 1778] (Adams Papers)
Aujourdhui J’ai été diner, chez Monsieur Le Duke D’Ayen, le Pere de Mm. Le Ms. Madame la Marquise De la Fayette. La Maison, Le Jardin, Les Promenades, Les Tableau’s, Les Garnitures, son tres magnifiques. Les Tableaux de la Famille de Noailles sont anciens, et nombreux. Mm. la Dutchess D’Ayen, a cinque ou Six Enfans, contre la Coutume de ce Pays ci. We were shewn, into the Library, and all the...