29151George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Junior, 11 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 11, 1778 . Is disappointed that so few militiamen are available. Asks that a plan be devised to keep the militia in constant readiness for the field, and that 400 militiamen be kept between the Delaware and the Schuylkill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29152James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this moment informed by a Gentleman from Brest, that the Ranger Frigate Cap: J. Jones arrived in that port with a prize of 16 Guns the 8th. Instant after laying a Town on the Coast of Ireland under contribution. I have not yet learned any further particulars of his Voyage, but I suppose Cap: Jones will inform you of them when he gets ashore. I have the...
29153Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 11, 1778: You will have heard the news of Capt. Jones. He needs about £2,000, he tells me, to equip the Drake before the French court intervenes; he can only draw on you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 107–8.
29154General Orders, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Court of Enquiry to sit tomorrow morning nine ôClock at General Varnum’s Hut to take into Consideration a Complaint exhibited by Coll Greene against Coll Steward—Brigadier General Varnum is appointed President—Colonels Grayson & Biggelow Lieutena[n]t Colonels Wiessenfels and Brearly & Major Ward will attend as Members. The General Officers are requested to attend at Head-Quarters tomorrow at...
29155To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the third instant I receivd by Capt. Lewis and shall endeavour to merit your approbation, by dispaching the business in which I am engaged. I have not heard from Colo. Bland respecting your orders for sending the Recruits and Horses to Camp in Squads. but I have agreeable to your former directions sent off forty Men and fifty Horses. they left this two days since. On my arrival...
29156To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having been disappointed by a Series of Accidents in visiting you the Winter past, I am now oblidged, to lay aside all Thoughts of gratifying Myself in the wish of seeing you shortly, in Duty to the Gentlemen of Fairfax, who elected Me, so honorably to myself, their Representative. I suffer no smal Uneasiness at being absent so long from the House. I was in Hopes to have carried my Colleague...
29157To George Washington from Benjamin Day, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have lately had an offer made me in the civil Department of this State, which I think to my Interest to accept. The post I held in the Army, is for several Reasons undisirable to me: I therefore beg Leave Sir to decline a Continuance of it. From the frequent Applications on this Subject, I fear it is troublesome to you: but the Concurrence of many Circumstances I hope may plead my Apology...
29158From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, some little time past, empowered by Congress to call for 5000 Militia from the States of Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. This Resolve was, I beleive, occasioned by a report, which has proved groundless, that the Enemy intended suddenly to evacuate Rhode Island —to draw part of their force from New York, and attack this Army before its expected reenforcements arrived. Finding no...
29159From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General Potters return from the Westward, affords me an opportunity of releiving you in the command of the pennsylvania Militia, which must have been fatiguing, considering the smallness of your numbers, and the constant motion which you have consequently been obliged to be in. As General Potter is in a great measure a stranger to the Country and to the people among whom he is to...
29160From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit to Congress a copy of a Letter from General Howe, which I received at three O’Clock this afternoon. The contents are exceedingly interesting to the unhappy prisoners in his hands. I thought it my duty to forward ’em immediately, and I must request that Congress will be pleased to inform me, as soon as possible, what line of conduct I am to pursue upon this...
29161To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 6th Instant by Sharp I have not received any of Your Excellency’s favors. Colonel Gimad takes the trouble of conveying this & also of a Packet containing 50 Copies of an Address by Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America—Your Excellency will be pleased to direct a dispersion of these papers so as most effectually to answer the purposes intended....
29162To George Washington from Jonathan Lawrence, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Legislator of the State of New york agreable to the Resolution of Congress of the 26th Febr. Last have Raised their men for Compleating the Continintal Battalions of Said State, with Direction to Deliver them here to an officer to be appointed by your Exellency for that purpose, but as no officer is yet here with Such Authority, have taken the Liberty of forwarding a line to your...
29163From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th instant inclosing a Return of the Troops under your command. From the accounts which I had received, I expected that the Connecticut Regiments had been much fuller. That the persons who are draughted should procure substitutes of any kind to releive themselves is not to be wondered at; but that the Officers who are appointed to receive the Draughts should suffer...
29164To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now at the Cross roads refreshing the Men Major Haws sent me a light horse by way of crooked Billet that he was near there on his way to joyn me with the Cannon and Provisions I have heard nothing certain from Trenton or Bordenton to day but some flying reports that the Enemy was gone back when I get farther Inteligen[c]e I will inform you and am your Excellencys most obedient Humble...
29165From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterdays date. I had no particular person in view when I issued the order respecting the slow progress of the works, at the same time, I acknowledge, that I am exceedingly mortified at seeing, & beholding the delay of them—whether unavoidable, or not, I do not undertake to determine. Colos. Brealey & Barber informs me that the Officers of their Regiments are...
29166From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 5th. It is matter of regret, that the want of arms and the other causes you assign afford but an unpromising prospect as to the number of militia which might be drawn out from this state, on any emergency. The Quarter Masters and commissarys departments are still far behind hand, not having yet had time to recover from the disordered and...
29167To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 11 May 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
We have once more ventured into the field of composition as the inclosed Address will shew you. And I have the pleasure to acquaint you that Congress have unanimously ratified the Treaties with France, and directed the ratifications to be presented for exchange in due season. The inclosed pamphlet I t[ake to] be a production of Dr. Franklin. It is well written, and was published first in...
29168From Benjamin Franklin to Courtney Melmoth, [on or after 12 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society It was with greater Inconvenience to myself, than you perhaps imagined that I furnished you with the 38 Guineas before, and now with 12 more, which make the whole 50 Guineas. I have too many Occasions for Money here, and too little to answer them. But I have relied and do rely on your Honour and Punctuality for the speedy Repayment: I wish you and...
29169May 12. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined, at Mr. Dupré’s, at the Montagne. The Gardens and the Prospect are very fine. It lies adjoining to the Seat of the President of the Parliament of Paris. We met his Lady, who desired the Gentlemen to shew Us the Place, but not the Whole, for she wished to enjoy our Company, there, at her own Invitation, and she chose to reserve a Part of the Curiosities of the Place as an Inducement to Us...
29170[May 12. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 12. Tuesday. 1778. Mr. Deane had left the care of his Son Jesse with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Bancroft, so that I had no longer any responsibility, on his Account. Mr. Vernon had chosen to remain at Bourdeaux, although I had proposed to him to come to Passi and assist me as my private Secretary, a Situation which would at least have borne all his Expences, and initiated him very early, into...
29171From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 12 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:96–97 . Replying to Vernon’s letter of 10 April (above), Adams commended Vernon for his decision to reside at Bordeaux, a rich commercial center. JA referred him to John Bondfield for advice about which commercial house he should choose...
29172John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday came into this Port the Brig Peggy Captain Kelly from No. Carolina. She has on board One hundred and forty eight hhd Tobacco for account of Messrs. Willing and Morris addrest to Mr. Delap. I apply’d for the publick Letters. I apprehend there are none as Mr. Delap has not sent any. The vessel saild 4th. April. I have Letters from Mess Hewes Smith and Allen of the 30 March. They write...
29173C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je ne vous parlerai de mes opérations ici, en conséquence de vos ordres du 30e. Avril, que lorsque je pourrai vous donner quelque chose de plus qu’un embryon. Je tiens un petit Journal de mes opérations, que vous aurez en son temps. Je me contenterai de vous dire que j’ai fait usage avec Succès de la Lettre ostensible du ioe. Avril qui m’est adressée à moi. Je n’ai pu encore présenter la...
29174C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I will not refer to my dealings here with respect to your orders of 30 April until I am in a position to give you something more than a mere embryo. I keep a little record of my operations that you shall receive in due time. I will limit myself, therefore, to saying that I made a successful use of your ostensible letter of 10 April addressed to me. I have not yet been able to present the...
29175Oath of Allegiance, [12 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I Alexander Hamilton Lieutenant Colonel and Aide De Camp to His Excellency The commander in Chief do acknowledge the United States of America , to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse and objure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I...
29176George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 12 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 12, 1778 . Discusses courts-martial. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Connor was a lieutenant colonel of one of the Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments.
29177To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wish you would (in the present Exigence) extend your Confidence in me for the 15 Louis, as it would be of infinitely greater Service; and I hope you will believe I would not forfeit my Esteem with Dr. Franklin for 5 Guineas more or less. No, Sir, be assur’d I will, in the course of a very short time , either come myself to discharge my Pecuniary...
29178John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: Letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just time in Compliance to Mr. Livingstons request to write your honors that an offer has been made him of a vessel to be compleatly fitted and armed provided your Honors will grant a Commission. His desires in this appears to spring from the advance it would give him of rank at his Arrival in America. If this should meet your...
29179Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, May 12, 1778, in French: I shall not speak of my compliance with your orders of April 30 until I have more to tell. Your sealed letter I have been unable to present because a wind from the west prevented me. I have persuaded my friends to send a single ship to America, uninsured to preserve secrecy, and have promised to recommend them. >...
29180To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Gabriel Bouffé, Gabriel Bouffé, and Louis Guillaume le Veillard, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Deux Particuliers desireroient acquerir une ou plusieurs parties de Terreins dans la Province de Pensilvanie pour chacun une Somme de Douze Mille Livre Tournois, ensemble Vingt quatre Mille Livres a Employer dont Douze Mille Livres pour et au nom de Gabriel Bouffé de Paris Douze Mille Livres pour et au nom de Pierre Gabriel Bouffé de Paris. Les dits Sieurs...
29181To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 12 [May] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Gemeente-Archief, Statserf, Breda To Dr. Franklin in passy that sir john should recommend in his case the [ illegible ] aethiopicum, if he could relay on the frensch making well the sal diureticus and reducing antimonie into an impalpable powder, but that [ they? ] faced this difficulty little. I acquaint him with my invention of kindling a candle by an electric explosion...
29182To Benjamin Franklin from C.-J. Le Roux, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tandis que vous travaillez avec autant d’ardeur que de succès au bonheur des hommes je m’occupe essentiellement de celui des enfans. Puisse cet Ecrit mériter votre suffrage! Il est digne de votre approbation, au moins quant aux vues que je m’y propose, qui sont: de diminuer le temps, les peines et les dépenses qu’exige le mauvais système d’Education. J’ai...
29183General Orders, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court-Martial whereof Coll Febiger is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow at the usual place whereof Coll Bowman is appointed President—A Captain from each Brigade to attend as Members. Elnathan Haskell Esquire is appointed Brigade Major in General Paterson’s Brigade, vice Majr McClure, and is to be obeyed and respected as such. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
29184From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your two favours of the 25th of April and 6th of May, with the inclosed proceedings of two General Courts Martial held by order of the Board of War. With respect to Boyer, his trial does not appear to have been regular; The resolution of Congress empowering the Board of War to appoint Courts Martial extends only to those persons and cases, cognizable by the rules and...
29185To George Washington from James Hunter, Sr., 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from James Hunter, Sr., 12 May 1778. On 15 June, GW wrote Hunter : “Your favor of the 12th Ulto did not come to my hands till yesterday.”
29186From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive in due time, your several favors of the 3d 6th & 9th Inst., with the Papers to which they respectively alluded. After much consideration upon the subject, I have appointed General McIntosh to command at Fort Pit & in the Western Country for which he will set out, as soon as he can accommodate his affairs. I part with this Gentleman with much reluctance, as I esteem...
29187From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, a few days ago, honoured with yours informing me of the probable strength of Militia which might be collected in your State if called upon —This was a piece of information which I wanted more for my guidance in future than for any sudden plan. There are several matters which render the drawing together a large Body of forces just at this time impracticable: The deranged State of the...
29188To George Washington from Richard Peters, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board ever since their Institution have been anxiously endeavoring to establish a Communication on a permanent Footing from the lower Parts of North Carolina to your Camp in Order that the Supplies of Provisions & Stores might be reduced as nearly to a Certainty as our Circumstances & the Nature of the Bussiness would admitt. They have procured the Promises of Assistance from the...
29189To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
It often happens that soldiers are discharged without being paid off, or furnished with a certificate of what is their due. A number of such men have been discharged lately by General McIntosh. One of them is now at the board, & presents an account of twenty one pounds & upwards, due to him for wages. As he has been long at the hospital, ’tis not improbable the demand is just; yet we cannot...
29190May 13. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at M. Chaumonts, with a great deal of Company. After Dinner took a Walk to Chaillot to see Mr. Lee, who had a large Company of Americans to dine with him, among the rest Mr. Fendell of Maryland and Dr. Smith Brother of Mr. Smith of N. York the Historian. James Smith (1738–1812), College of New Jersey 1757; M.D., Leyden 1764; first professor of chemistry and materia medica at King’s...
29191[May 13. Wednesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 13. Wednesday. 1778. Dined at Mr. Chaumonts, with a great deal of Company. After Dinner took a Walk to Chaillot to see Mr. Lee, who had a large Company of Americans to dine with him, among the rest, Mr. Fendell of Maryland and Dr. Smith, Brother of Mr. William Smith of New York the Historian. This Gentleman has been occasionally mentioned before.
29192To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 13 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Our public letter does not leave me much to add, but friendship will not suffer me to let this opportunity pass, without expressing my wishes to congratulate you on your safe arrival in France. You will find our affairs at your Court in a much more respectable Train than they have been heretofore, and therefore, no doubt more agreable to you. Finance seems now the only rock upon which we have...
29193Vergennes to the Commissioners, 13 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Les fermiers-generaux viennent de me faire passer, Messieurs, un proces-verbal relatif au refus que le S. Tucker, capitaine de la fregate américaine le Boston a fait de subir la visite des employés de la ferme. Je vois par cette pièce que ce capitaine a fondé son refus sur l’exemtion done il a prétendu que jouissent tous les batiments de guerre. Avant de pouvoir statuer sur cette prévention,...
29194The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation, 13 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Farmers General have just brought to my attention a report concerning the refusal of S. Tucker, captain of the American frigate the Boston , to submit to a visit on board by the clerks of the farm. I see in this document that the captain based his refusal on the exemption that, he said, is granted to all war vessels. Before making a decision regarding this claim, we must first ascertain if...
29195The American Commissioners’ Passport for Joseph Waldo and Thomas Brattle, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Boston Public Library Nous Benjamin Franklin, arthur Lée et John adams deputés plenipotentiaires des treize états unis de L’amerique septentrionale pres sa majesté tres chretienne, Prions tous ceux qui sont a prier de vouloir bien laisser passer surement et librement Messieurs Joseph Waldo et Thomas Brattle Ecuyers Americains et Sujets des dits Etats, allant en Angleterre par Calais sans...
29196James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer you to my last of the 11th since which I received a letter from Lisbon dated 21st. April of which the following paragraph is a copy. “The Peace and Plenty Privateer from Belfast, has brought in here the Brig Dolphin Cap: Turner, bound from Boston to Bilboa with 135 Hhds. of Tobacco a parcel of Rice tar and Staves. She is about 140 Tons...
29197Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, May 13, 1778, in French: The farmers general have informed me that Capt. Tucker of the Boston has refused to allow their agents on his vessel because she is a warship. We must know whether she is, or merely a privateer; once you have established that, she will be treated like the ships of...
29198To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Having been inform’d that the French Frigate from Corunna with Duplicates for the Congress, is immediately to sail, I sit down to congratulate you on the agreable Prospect of our Affairs, and to acknowledge your kind Favors of the 17th. and 27th Feby. last, which were the more welcome as I had not heard from you by Letter for a twelve month, and as they...
29199To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, Sr., 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I am now to Acknowledge the receipt of your agreable Favor of the 27 Feby. last. I sincerely rejoice with you on the Success of your Negociations in France, in the Completion of two Treaties with his most Christian Majesty. I sincerely wish they may be attended with the happiest Consequences to both Countries: Congress had received Lord North’s...
29200To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I must first of all congratulate and thank you, for and upon the treaties. We have not had them yet from Congress, but have learnt their contents in general, and approve of them. As a native of GB I could have wished that my countrymen had been wise in time, and had known in their day the things that made for their peace and happiness; but heaven means...