29341To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have dispatch’d two Officers one to Governor Johnson at Annapolis & the other to the head of Elk for the purposes you required the result of which upon their return shall take the earliest opportunity of Communicating and in the Interim the troops shall Constantly be held in readiness to move at a Minutes warning. Just before I recd your favour I had wrote you yesterday, The party detach’d...
29342Bill Establishing a Clerkship of Foreign Correspondence, [18 May 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is necessary for the Governour and council to be provided with a person learned in the modern languages for assisting them in a communication with foreign states, and that a competent salary for such person should be provided by law; be it therefore enacted that a clerkship of foreign correspondence be henceforth established, under the direction and controul of the Governor and...
29343Bill Providing Speedy Remedy against Defaulters to the United States, [18 May 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas divers persons receiving money of the United states of America for publick uses, apply it to different purposes, and when called on refuse or neglect to repay the same; others enter into contracts for supplying the army and navy of the United states with provisions and other necessaries, and fail or refuse to comply therewith; and whereas in like cases respecting this commonwealth in...
29344To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19–20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your orders I sent Capt. Norwood to obtain a List of the Stores at the head of Elk, who returned this Evening with the Inclosed Lists from Hollingsworth, Rodolph & Huggins who could give no Acct of the Stores in the Peninsula below and at Charles Town, but Colo. Hollingsworth informs Capt. Norwood there were near as much more at those Stages & that he daily expected Several...
29345May 19. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Challut, one of the Farmers General. We were shewn into the superbest Gallery that I have yet seen. The Paintings, Statues and Curiosities were innumerable. The old Marshall Richlieu dined there, and a vast Number of other great Company. After dinner, M. Challut invited Dr. F. and me, to go to the Opera, and take a Seat in his Logis. We did. The Musick and dancing were very...
29346[May 19. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 19. 1778. We wrote to Congress, and to the Count De Vergennes. We have the Honor to inclose a Copy of a Letter received from Monsieur the Count De Vergennes, the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, with a Copy of a Letter inclosed in it, for the Consideration of Congress, not doubting that Congress will give it all the Attention, that an Affair of so much importance demands. We have...
29347[May 19. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 19. Tuesday. 1778. We dined with Mr. De Challut, one of the Farmers General.... We were introduced into the most superb Gallery I had yet seen. The Paintings, Statues, and Curiosities, were as rich and costly as they were innumerable. The Old Marshall Richelieu, and a vast number of other great Company dined with Us. After dinner Mr. De Challut invited Dr. Franklin and me to go to the...
29348To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Will you permit me to congratulate with you upon the favorable appearances in our American concerns and particularly upon your safe arrival at Paris, and further to request you will forward in the best manner the times will afford, the two inclosed Letters, one to Ralph Izard Esquire and the other to my daughter in Law in London the latter if War is kindled between France and England must take...
29349C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere, en forme de Journal, commencoit par le 7e. et finissoit par le 15e de ce mois. Vous y aurez vu ma marche, pas à pas; et qu’elle a abouti au vrai terme qu’il falloit, savoir, à faire connoître ici, d’une maniere non équivoque, et authentique, les dispositions amicales des Etats-Unis envers cette République, et à préparer ainsi les voies pour un heureux rapprochement, sans mettre...
29350C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last, in the form of a diary, began with the 7th and ended on the 15th of this month. You will there have seen my progress, step by step, toward the proper conclusion; that is, to make known here, in a gen uine and unequivocal way, the friendly disposition of the United States toward this Republic and thus prepare the way for a successful rapprochement without placing the British...
29351George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 19, 1778 . Discusses crimes and court-martial of Jetson, a Loyalist. Denies request to send flour to supporters of Revolution in Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29352The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 19 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; three copies and transcript: National Archives <Passy, May 19, 1778: We enclose for the consideration of Congress a copy of a letter from the comte de Vergennes, and of a letter enclosed with it.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 103. That above, May 15, about the misconduct of an American privateer.
29353The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 19 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; three copies and transcript: National Archives <Passy, May 19, 1778: We have received your letter of May 15 with its enclosure, and have forwarded copies of both to Congress. Justice, we have no doubt, will be promptly done.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 103 and discussed...
29354From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 19 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Lee, and acquaints him that M. Bertin (the Minister) requests his Company at Dinner on Tuesday the 26th Inst. at Chatou. Mr. F. also reminds Mr. Lee of their being expected at Dinner to day, at M. Chalut’s (Fermier General) Place Vendôme. Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Lee / à Chaliot Endorsed: May 19. 1778 Invitations...
29355Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 19, 1778, in French: From my letter of May 7–15 you will have learned of my progress in publicizing the friendly disposition of the United States. The Grand Pensionary has been most adroit. We believe that he shares our views; he has given copies of your letter in private to all the members of the provincial...
29356To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean-Georges?] du Buat, 19 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, May 19, 1778, in French: At the end of last year I sent two expeditions to America, of which one arrived safely at Charleston in March. No news has come of the other, and I am extremely anxious. My ship is the Vicomte de Vaux , twenty-four guns and a crew of ninety commanded by the Sieur Donat de la Garde; she left Lorient on December 31 with the...
29357To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 19 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society It was supposed, and asserted here that no Treaty could be had with you , without mixing the French with it, who had no business to interfere at all with our and your affair, in our Opinion not. That Advice you gave me in your Letters of Feb. 1. and 12. of which you certainly have a copy (as several copies have been handed about of those Letters, I have...
29358To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 19 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library C’est demain que vous devez prononcer mon jugement à l’Académie. Permettez que je vous supplie de vous y trouver et de vouloir bien y être mon Mecène. Je suis dejà bien dédomagé du travail immense que j’ai fait par les témoignages de Protection dont vous avez eu la bonté de m’honnorer jusqu’à cette heure. Ils me font espérer que vous acheverez votre...
29359To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [19 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon Illustre confrère on fera demain mercredy à l’Académie le rapport du projet d’Etablissement de M. De La Blancherie. J’espere que vous n’avez pas oublié que vous êtes un des commissaires nommés pour en rendre compte à la compagnie. Vos collègues commissaires sont M. De Lalande M. De Condorcet et votre serviteur. Or il est d’usage que les Commissaires...
29360To Benjamin Franklin from John Vaughan, 19 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 21 Ult. nothing has come within my knowledge worth your notice. The kindness you have already shewn me encourages me to apply to you now matters begin to assume a dangerous aspect. A heedless speech imprudently supported by an Irish young man here, has not only occasioned his own banishment, but also an...
29361General Orders, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Commanding Officers of Regiments are to make return to the Quarter-Master General of the number of Tents absolutely wanting in each for such men as cannot be accommodated consistent with their health and comfort in hutts—It will be relied upon in these returns that none will make a larger demand than the real situation of their respective Regiments requires—The Quarter Master General will make...
29362To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
An Intelligent Person, who left New York last Wednesday, say’s, that he saw many hundred Houses in that City, cleaning out, for the reception, of the Troops from Philadelphia, which were expected there, in a very short time—and that the general talk of the Town, was their evacuating Philadelphia. A Militia Officer, who this moment returned from Gloucester County, informs me, that the...
29363From George Washington to Colonel David Mason, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 21st April by Colo. Syme. I cannot with any degree of propreity consent to your Return from Alexandria to Williamsburg, there to remain till Mrs Masons health shall admit of your joining the Army. This is a matter of so much uncertainty that it would undoubtedly give umbrage to every Officer whose family requires his attention; and there must be many under the same...
29364To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed copy of a letter from Thomas Smith Esqr. will inform you of the distressed condition of the frontiers of this state. The counties of Westmoreland & Northumberland are equally exposed with Bedford. Other accounts correspond with that of Mr Smith, & shew that a general stroke is greatly to be apprehended; and that in addition to the barbarous savages, the disaffected inhabitants are...
29365From George Washington to Jeremiah Dummer Powell, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Two days ago I had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th Ulto with the Resolutions alluded to. I sincerely wish the drafts determined to be furnished by the several States were with the Army. It has ever been our misfortune not to be in a condition to avail ourselves of circumstances, which otherwise might have been most favourable—However, I trust in the end, that all will be well....
29366From George Washington to Colonel William Russell, Sr., 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 28th ulto inclosing a Return of that part of your Regiment that is at Fort Pitt, and giving me an account of the situation of matters to the Westward. The Commissioners had made a representation to Congress a good deal similar to that of yours and therefore in consequence of their direction to nominate a proper Officer to succeed Genl Hand, I have appointed Brig. Genl...
29367From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 17th instant, inclosing the proceedings of a General Court Martial held by your order. The character you give of Jetson, makes him so atrocious, that I regret his trial and sentence are not more clear and regular. There could be no more proper object for an example; if it could be made with propriety, than the circumstances you mention designate this man to...
On this Day the Commission for holding a Court of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery in and for the County of Albany expires. At this Court the following persons have been convicted of capital offences. They will have this Day Judgment of Death and we have agreed to order their execution on fryday the fifth day of June next. David Dick Robbery. On Sufficient Evidence. James Esmond Robert...
29369Bill Empowering the High Court of Chancery to Supply Vacant Offices, [19 May 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Be it enacted by the general assembly that the judges of the high court of chancery or any two of them may before the next term appoint a clerk thereof in the room of him who lately died by writing under their hands and seals and at any time hereafter when that office or the office of serjeant at arms shall by any means become vacant may in like manner appoint a successor and such succeeding...
29370To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, [before 3 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mde. De la fayette a recu des nouvelles d’amerique, et la relation d’une petite affaire ou s’est trouvé mr. De la fayette. Elle n’ose y ajouter foy, jusqu’a ce que monsieur franklin ait eu la bonte de lui confirmer. Elle espere qu’il voudra bien lui mander ce qu’on peut en croire, et lui envoye cette relation. Les nouvelles qu’elle annonce sont bien bonnes...
293711778 May 20. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
The french Opera is an Entertainment, which is very pleasing, for a few Times. There is every Thing, which can please the Eye, or the Ear. But the Words are unintelligible, and if they were not, they are said to be very insignificant. I always wish, in such an Amusement to learn Something. The Imagination, the Passions and the Understanding, have too little Employment, in the opera. Dined at...
29372[May 20. Wednesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 20. Wednesday. 1778. I wrote the following Letter Your Favour of the 26 of April I duely received, and it is with the utmost pleasure, that I am able to inform you, that an Officer of the name of De Fleury, whom I suppose to be your Son, having never heard of more than one of that name, is in the American Army under General Washington, to whom he has recommended himself, by his signal...
29373From John Adams to Fleury, 20 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 20 May 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:104 . In his reply to Fleury’s letter of 26 April (above), Adams noted the excellent reputation of François Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, then serving with the Continental Army, and congratulated Fleury and his wife “upon the honor of...
29374To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 20 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The preceeding is Copy of my last, via Bilboa. I have noted, that we have run out the Warren Capt. Hopkins from Providence, he happily escaped the vigilance of the Enemy, received the Fire of Two Ships in the River, as he passed them without any meterial damage, several ships follow’d him out from Newport and pursued a day or Two, he out saild them. He was ordered to Boston immediately, the...
29375To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Mesny, 20 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur d’envoyer a Monsieur francklin ainsi qu’il a bien voulu me le permettre cent exemplaires brochés dont 50 intitulés Recherches sur la préparation que les Romains donnoient a la chaux , et 50 du suplement intitulés memoire pour servir de suite aux recherches que les Romains donnoient a la chaux par M. de la Faye, priant Monsieur francklin de...
29376From Benjamin Franklin to Mesny, 20 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I will take care of the 100 Copies of M. de la Fay’s excellent Work which you have sent me, and forward them to America by the first good Opportunity, where I am convinc’d they will be very useful. I shall put them into proper Hands for Sale, who will in due time render you an Account. I have the Honour to be very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient...
29377To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Leveux, 20 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. De Chaumont a eu la Bonté de me faire parvenire hier la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 15. de ce mois. Je n’en desirois pas davantage pour etre authorisé a secourir tous les sujets des Etats unis de l’amerique qui pouroient en avoir besoin dans ce Canton. Le zele avec lequel je m’y employerai vous prouvera par la suite que vous ne...
29378An Anonymous Letter and Franklin’s Comment on It, [20 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D., F.R.S., &c . . . . (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 249–50. Une personne qui aurois quelque chose de tres interessant et pressé a vous communiquer, desirerois, Monsieur, que vous voulussiez bien luy donner un moment pour luy procurer l’agrément de s’entretenir avec vous sur ce dont...
29379General Orders, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Sgt. Ebenezer Wild of the 1st Massachusetts Regiment wrote in his journal on this date that “About 11 o’clk we were alarmed. The enemy came out as far as Swead’s ford. We turned out and had forty rounds delivered to each man; then grounded our arms, and were to turn out again at the firing of cannon from the park. We not being alarmed any more, our arms remained...
29380From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your very agreeable favor of the 4th Instant, with your acceptable present, came to hand last night. I shall direct a guard to releive Captn Hutchens at Reading, and give every necessary instruction for the safe conduct of his charge. I do not wonder at Gen. Masseys answer to your letter, it is in a stile of ignorant insult that has often, of late, characterised the writings of British...
29381From George Washington to Robert Lettis Hooper, Jr., 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I expect Capt. Hutchins of New Hampshire with three Waggons load of Stores from Boston will be at Easton in a few days. Inclosed you have a letter for him, which directs him to proceed to Reading where he will be releived by another party. Be pleased to inform me, by Express, of Capt. Hutchins’s arrival at Easton, that the Releif may be ready to meet him at Reading. I am Sir Your most obt...
29382To George Washington from Lord Howe, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Being on the point of sailing from Rhode Island when I received the application referred to in your letter of the 10th Inst I could not then obtain an answer to the inquiries it was necessary to make into the particulars of Mr John Chace’s case; Both with regard to the allegations, and the propriety of concurring in the discharge of a person not a prisoner , but retained in an office of trust...
29383To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Letter of the 17th within these few Hours—We had before ordered about three hundred Militia as Guards to the Stores at & in the Neighbourhood of the Head of Elk —In Consequence of your Letter Orders are already gone to the Lieutenant of Cecil to call out a Battalion of that County on the same Service—for three Companies from Baltimore and two from each of the Counties of Kent...
29384To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had this Morning the honour of receiving & presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favour of the 18th which is Committed to the Committee on the Army. Inclosed Your Excellency will receive extract of a Letter from General Sullivan of the 3d Instant & an Order of Congress thereon —Also one branch of the Army arrangement, which Congress Resolved this Morning, for establishing a Provost—the...
29385To George Washington from William Livingston, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
My writing to you in dutch on the 17th Instant by Bankson was to prevent his being the wiser for the Contents had he broke open the Letter as I find that his Brother is under some apprehensions that he is suspected, & officiously told me that he could produce a Pass from your Excellency if I desired to see it—I answered that I knew nothing of his Brother, nor had any reason to question his...
29386From George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Major General Sullivan of the 1st Instant he complains of wanting assistance in his command and begs that you may be desired to take post with him this campaign: You will therefore be pleased to join him as soon as possible. I am Sir your most obt and very humble servt LS (photocopy), in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
29387From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your two favors both of the 1st Instant with a general return of the troops under your command. I am sorry to find the States so backward in reinforcing you, and considering your weakness in forces, and the enemies strength on Rhode Island, their indolence is somewhat remarkable. If Gen. Stark has accepted of the appointment of Congress I can have no objection to the complying with...
29388From John Jay to Gouverneur Morris, 20 May 1778 (Jay Papers)
Accept my thanks for the last letter I received from you, and the papers inclosed in it. The report of Congress on the subject of Lord North’s Bills was too strikingly marked with Morris not to be known by his friends to have been produced by his pen. Your history of that business gives me pleasure, as it acquits you of certain paragraphs which I could not understand the propriety of,...
29389Bill Providing a Supply for the Public Exigencies, [20 May 1778] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas in order to carry into effect the several acts passed at this present session of General assembly for raising a regiment of horse, for raising a battalion of infantry for garrison duty, for raising volunteers to join the grand army [for recruiting the continental army] and [other purposes therein mentioned, and the resolutions of the twenty ninth of May one thousand seven hundred and...
29390May 21. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at home.