29451From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Philemon Dickinson, 24 May 1778. Later the same day GW wrote another letter to Dickinson revealing “some intelligence received ⟨si⟩nce I wrote you to day.”
29452From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From some intelligence received ⟨si⟩nce I wrote you to day, it would seem that the Enemy have a Land movement in view, but where or what their object is, is entirely a matter of incertainty. Some reports say they mean to make a push against us here and that this is the most common opinion—Others that their intention is to pass through Jersey. Lest the Latter should be their object, I think it...
29453From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your two favors of the 20 & 21st Instant with their Inclosures. I have transmitted General Howe a Copy of the Resolution of the 21st respecting prisoners, and supposing him willing to effect an Exchange immediately, I have written to Mr Boudinot and requested him, as he is in possession of all the papers concerning them, to come to Camp without delay and superintend the...
29454From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General of Forage has informed me that he can now accommodate the Cavalry in the Neighbourhood of the Camp. I therefore desire that you will immediately come over with all the Horse of your own Bland’s and Baylors Regiments that are in good order, Sheldons is to remain at Chatham. Good officers are to be left with the Horses out of condition, who ought rather to attend to...
29455To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
My Quarters at present At this place, 18 miles from the City. keep out Scouts Constantly, the Enemy Are at Coopers Point yet, Cuting Wood, Covered by the 55th—63rd, Allens, and Roman Catholick Cores, the whole not more than 700 foot, Hovendons Troop of horse about 30, they keep Close Quartr⟨s⟩. the Refugees At Billingsport are Daily Runing home, Delivering themselves up to the Civel Authority....
29456Monday [25 May]. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Home.
29457[May 25. Monday.] (Adams Papers)
May 25. Monday. Business as well as disputes increased and multiplied upon Us, and there was nobody to do any Business but me so that I found it necessary to decline invitations abroad and dine at home as much as possible, to answer the public Letters, but after I had written them I had trouble and delay enough in getting them signed by my Colleages. This day the following were written Your...
29458John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Celle ci etant la premiere fois que je ecrire en François ne sera surment pas trop bien Faites mais j’espere que vous le recevére avec le meme plaisir que si elle etoit mieux, si vous considerée le peu de tems que jai eté icí vous ne blamerez pas moi pour ne pas avoir apprit plus de françois. RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed in JA ’s hand: “Mrs. Adams Braintree near Boston.” Text is given here...
29459The Commissioners to John Bondfield, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 25 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:116 . Replying to Bondfield’s letters of 12 (above) and 17 May (not found), the Commissioners’ letter, drafted by Adams, commended Bondfield for his efforts to keep them informed and asked him to send an account of his disbursements and...
29460The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 25 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:112–114 . Responding to Jones’ letters of 9 and 16 May (both above), the Commissioners’ letter, drafted by Adams, congratulated him on his arrival at Brest, requested an account of his voyage, and advised him of their preference that...
29461The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 25 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:115 . Drafted by Adams, this letter, through enclosed extracts from letters of 25 May to John Paul Jones (calendared above) and Jonathan Williams (calendared below), informed Schweighauser that he was the authorized American agent at...
29462The Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 25 May 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:114–115 . Replying to Williams’ letters of 11 and 18 May (both above), this letter, drafted by Adams, advised Williams that he had no power to act at Brest in regard either to prizes or to American commerce. J. D. Schweighauser was the...
29463Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I addressed you on the 8th. of this Instant on a very disagreeable affair, not recieving any answer, or order from your Honours, I concluded my letter had miscarried, or your attentions were required on greater objects, and therefore was determined to rest a while, until you might be at leisure, to think on the matter, I had wrote you of. But the treatment I have since recieved from Captn....
29464George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 25, 1778 . Orders Maxwell to secure all available information concerning enemy and to remain in readiness to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29465The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: We thank you for your intelligence reports. Your bills on us will be paid when we have received and examined your accounts; please present the latter monthly so that we do not acquire more debts than we can pay, of which there is considerable danger.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 116.
29466The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft) and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: We congratulate you on your success and safe return. Until we hear about an exchange of prisoners we advise you to keep yours securely confined. If we can get an equal number of American seamen to man the Drake she will add to your strength, whereas sending...
29467The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: We enclose extracts of our letters today to Mr. Williams and Capt. Jones. Please give us advance notice of any large projected expenditure, so that we may decide whether we have the money for it; we are determined not to run into debt or make commitments we cannot honor.> Published in Butterfield, John...
29468The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; four copies and two transcripts: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: Your letter of the 18th informs us of a dispute with Mr. Schweighauser about the Ranger ’s prizes, with which you think you are charged until your orders are revoked. Congress authorized Mr. William Lee, and he in turn Mr. Schweighauser, to superintend...
29469From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 25 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress I am glad to learn by the Newspapers that you got safe home, where I hope you found all well. I wish to know whether your Ministers have yet come to a Resolution to exchange the Prisoners they hold in England, according to the Expectations formerly given you. We have here above two hundred who are confin’d in the Drake, where they must be kept, as we have not...
29470Thomas Simpson: Petition to the American Commissioners, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society <Pontaniou Gaol, Brest, May 25, 1778: I wrote you on the 8th about a very disagreeable affair, and have had no answer. My treatment by Capt. Jones constrains me to trouble you again. On the 20th he ordered me (the first time he had spoken to me since I left the Ranger ) to accompany a French officer to the Admiral’s ship. No admiral, I protested, had...
29471To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur and William Bryan, Jr., 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dublin, May 25, 1778: Our acquaintance with you when you were here encourages us to introduce our friend Captain Joy Castle. He and his family were driven from Philadelphia by the war and now, when peace is likely, are anxious to return. He is a fair and honest man and connected with some of the leading citizens of Philadelphia.> Merchants, presumably...
29472To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Co., 25 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Our Corrispondents Mess. F. & A. Dubbeldemitts of Rotterdam Transmitted us a letter for you, which we immediately forwarded on the 18 Current. They are desirous of establishing a Corrispondance in America and for that reason desire we woud request of you to favor them with as speedy an answer to their abovementioned as possible. We shall likewise be...
29473General Orders, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Regimental Surgeons will apply to the Flying Hospital store for hogs lard and sulphur; They are to make their returns more punctually on Mondays. The Regimental Pay-Masters to give in their Abstracts to the Pay-Master General immediately for examination for the Month of April. At a General Court Martial May 1st 1778, Coll Febiger President—Lieutt Adams of 10th Pennsylvania Regiment tried...
29474To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The impractibility of procuring Teams at this place for the want of money has prevented my Sending on the Arms Sooner then last Saturday, when I Sent to Fish Kill 2,000 well fixed fire arms &c. as ⅌ Invo. enclosed. By Some Teams Hired by this State for the purpose of Carrying Cloathing to the Grand Camp whom General Heath ordered to Call upon me & take Such Stores as I had in...
29475From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, yesterday, favd with your’s of the 21st inst. The Enemy have been constantly busy since my last in embarking their Cannon and Stores. I do not yet find, that any Troops have gone on board. They give out that they mean to attack this Army before they go off, but I rather think, if they move at all by land, that it will be across Jersey. Under this uncertainty, I cannot alter my position...
29476To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Colonel Armand is here with a number of recruiting Officers of his Corps. He has for some time been expecting orders from Congress to inlist such of the foreign Troops as appear disposed to enter our service, and is continually harrassing me to Cloath such as he has already inlisted—I wish to do every thing in my power to promote the public service, but at present am at a loss in this...
29477To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
My last to Your Excellency was under the 21st by Wilkinson. Doctor Scudder on his return to New Jersey is so obliging as to take charge of this, & also of a packet containing 100 Copies of an Act of Congress, half of these in En[g]lish & the other half in German—Recommending to the several States to exempt from Militia duty & to disqualify for acting as Substitutes all prisoners & Deserters...
29478From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
If any thing of greater moment, than declaring that every word contained in the Pamphlet you were obliging enough to send me, was spurious, had occurred, I should not have suffered your favor of the 6th Instt to have remained so long unacknowledged—These letters are written with a great deal of art—the intermixture of so many family circumstances (which by the by wanted foundation in truth)...
29479To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Mauduit Du Plessis, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Devoted as your whole attention is to the important concerns of your Country, it is with extreme reluctance i am Constrained to call off any part of it to the concerns of an individual—But i find myself in so disagreable a situation that i cannot be silent, consistent with the duty i owe Myself. During the fifteen months that I have been in this Country i have sought with eagerness occasions...
29480From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the two remaining regiments of your Brigade, to Mount Holly in the Jerseys, and order the other two regiments under Col: Shrieve to join you. In order to this, you will take the shortest route towards Coryel’s ferry, there cross the Delaware and repair to the place of your destination. You are to keep your Brigade when assembled, in such a situation as will...
29481From George Washington to Robert Morris, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 9th Instt informed me of the acceptable present which your friend Mr Governeur (of Curracoa) was pleased to intend for me, and for which he will, through you, accept my sincere thanks—these are also due to you my good Sir, for the kind communication of the matter, and for the trouble you have had in ordering the wine forward. I rejoice most sincerely with you, on the glorious...
29482From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your command, with all their Baggage Artillery &c. to join this Army. With the second and their baggage &c. you will move to some strong grounds in the neighbourhood of Chad’s ford and take a position, from whence you will have it in your power either to cover the stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt...
29483Session of Virginia Council of State, 25 May 1778 (Madison Papers)
present His Excellency; John Page Nathaniel Harrison Dudley Digges David Jameson & Thomas Walker James Madison jr Esquires The Board being informed that the Barracks at York Town were lately burnt by some unknown accident & it being absolutely necessary that the same should be rebuilt as speedily as possible they do advise the Governor to empower & direct Mr James Taylor to purchase Timber &...
29484May 26. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Bertins the Secretary of State at his Seat in the Country. Dr. F., his G. Son and I rode with Mm. Bertin, the Niece of the Minister, in her Voiture with 4 Horses. This was one of the pleasantest Rides yet. We rode near the back side of Mount Calvare, which is perhaps the finest Height near Paris. Mount Martre is another very fine Elevation. The Gardens, Walks and Water Works of...
29485[May 26. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 26. Tuesday. 1778. Dined at the Seat in the Country of Monsieur Bertin, a Secretary of State. Madam Bertin, the Lady of the Ministers Nephew, invited Dr. Franklin, Mr. William Temple Franklin and me to ride with her in her Coach with four Horses, which We did. This was one of the pleasantest rides, I had seen. We rode near the Backside of Mount Calvare, which is the finest Hill near Paris,...
29486To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 26 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Two foregoing Letters are Copys, thinking it necessary to transmit at least Three Copys these precarious Times, which I shall think no trouble in transcribing, if a single line thereof gives you the least satisfaction. The building the 74 Gun Ships are order’d to be stoped for the present, I suppose it to be in consequence I of what You requested me to write Mr. Ellery upon the subject....
29487To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, [26 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je vous prie de prendre lecture de la lettre cy jointe que j’ai reçue de M. Busson Lt. g[énéra]l de la fleche qui vous avoit eté recommandé par notre pauvre Ami Dalibard avec qui il etoit fort lié; et de me marquer ce que je dois lui repondre. On m’a chargé aussi de vous demander si les hernies (ou descentes d’intestins) sont plus ou moins rares en...
29488To Benjamin Franklin from Turgot, 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library M. Turgot à l’honneur de renouveller à Monsieur francklin la prière qu’il lui a faite en faveur de M. Roulhac. M. Roulhac est fils de M. Roulhac magistrat distingué dans sa Province, Lieutenant général et chef en cette qualité du Présidial de Limoges. Ce jeune homme après avoir fait de très bonnes études, s’est attaché au commerce. Il y a près de dix...
29489To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...
29490General Orders, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief perceiving that the regimental returns materially differ in the number of sick absent from the Hospital reports notwithstanding these were lodged with the Adjutant General that the regimental returns might be rectified and adjusted by them, calls upon the Commanding Officers of Regiments to make returns tomorrow to the Adjutant General specifying the names of all their...
29491From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 15th of April I received your Letter of the 31st of March, accompanied by Captain Chace’s and two for Lord Howe. When the Letters came to hand Lord Howe was not at Philadelphia—nor did I hear of his arrival for some time after. This and the intervention of other circumstances prevented me sending the Letters addressed to him, and my intercession in favour of Mr Chase, as early as I...
29492From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 11th Instt with a Deed to Mr Henry came safe by Mr Lund Washington—In lieu of the latter, I have executed a Deed to you, conveying all the right title and Interest which I, or any person claiming by, from, or under me can have to the Land. More than this cannot be expected, as I purchased the Land at your own desire; by the advice of your friends; and without intending, or...
29493From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was not a little suprised to see by a letter from Colo. Hooper to Colo. Harrison, copy of which you have inclosed, that 728 Stand of Arms, which had come on as far as Sussex Court House, had returned to New Windsor, in consequence of directions given by Mr Andrew Taylor D. Q. M. Genl to Mr Lansing. Mr Taylor says this was done by your positive orders as appears by copy of his letter to Mr...
29494To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by the Marquis Devienne lately from France. He has come to serve in our Army, and requested a line to you. We have a report this day that a number of the Enemy from Rhode Island, yesterday morning surprised a party of our men who were posted at Warren Neck and made prisoners of nearly the whole, burnt the meeting house & destroyed a large number of Boats...
29495From George Washington to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having been pleased to direct me, to appoint an Officer to command at Fort pit and in the Western Frontiers, in the room of Brigadier General Hand, I am induced, but not without reluctance, from the sense I entertain of your merit, to nominate you, as an Officer well qualified from a variety of considerations, to answer the Objects they may have in view. I do not know particularly...
29496To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon rect of your favour of 23d Inst. late at Night, the next morning early I gave orders Immediately for the removal of such Stores and Baggage as were retain’d here, to one Bells between Kennett Square and Chads-ford, proposing to take a position on the most Advantageous ground between Gibsons & Chads-ford, as nearly opposite to Dilworths as the ground wou’d Admit, which position not Knowing...
29497To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favour of the 25th Inst. & am happy to find the Measures I had Adopted have in a great Measure Coincided with your views and the Possition you have recommended, I had just finished my Letter to send by Mr Fitzhugh, shall send the Express off with him —I hope my reasons for remaining here thus long will Suffice for deviating from your orders in not Marching Immediately as...
29498To George Washington from Solomon Southwick, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I herewith inclose You a Return of Assistant Commissaries of Issues for the Troops within the State of Rhode Island, &c. which I shou’d have done before, but that I did not, some Time back, understand the Resolve of Congress, respecting this Matter, to mean the same I now think it does. Any Commands or Directions from Your Excellency, relative to my Department, will be very cheerfully...
29499From George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my letter to you of the 20th Instant I was induced at the particular request of General Sullivan to desire that you might join his command. I did not then know that Congress had taken the matter into consideration; or that General Sullivan at the same time he wrote to me, had made application to them. But I have since received a resolve of theirs of the 20th inst. in which you are ordered...
29500From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my last to you of the 20th Inst. in answer to yours of the 1st I inclosed my directions to Gen. Stark for his joining your command, not knowing at that time the sentiments of Congress on this head. But since that I have received their resolve of the 20th Inst. by which I find General Stark is ordered to the Northern department. I have inclosed him a letter signifying this which you will be...