30151To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have Receiv’d your orders for marching as fast as I Could and I have march’d without waiting for the provisions tho’ we want them extremely—general forman and Clel hamilton Sat out last night for to meet the other troops and we schall be toGether at hides town or some what lower —general forman is firmly of opinion that we may overtake the ennemy—for my part I am not So quick upon the...
30152To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I hope you have receiv’d my letter from Cramberry where I aquaint you that I am going to hice town tho’ we are schort of provisions—when I got there I was very sorry to hear that Mister hamilton who had been riding all the night had not been able to find any body who could give him certain intelligences—but by a party who comes back I hear the ennemy are in motion, and theyr Rear about one...
30153From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favors of last night and this morning. I have given the most positive & pointed orders for provisions for your Detachment and am sorry that they have not arrived. In order that the Troops may be supplied, I wish you would always send up, an Active Officer in time to the Commissary, who might never leave him till he obtained the necessary supplies. This will be attended with...
30154To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have Receiv’d your excellency’s favor notifying your arrival at cramberry and am glad to have anticipated your orders in not going too far—I have felt the unhappy effects of the want of provisions for I dare say if we had not been Stopp’d by it, as we were already within three miles of the ennemy’s rear, we would very easely have overtaken them, and fouht with advantage. I have Consulted the...
30155From George Washington to Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Lafayette, 26 June 1778. GW apparently wrote four letters to Lafayette on this date. The first , written in the morning; the second, written around 6:30 p.m., has not been found. In his third letter to Lafayette of this date, docketed 8:30 p.m., GW refers to “my Letter written about two Hours ago,” ordering Lafayette to march on Englishtown.
30156From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor dated at half past four this afternoon, and must refer you to my Letter written about two Hours ago which in effect supersedes the necessity of a particular answer on the points contained in your present one. You will see by that, you are to move to Englishtown, after which it may be in our power to give you countenance & support in case of an Attack, or to cover...
30157From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Lee’s uneasiness on account of yesterday’s transaction rather increasing than abating, and your politeness in wishing to ease him of it, has induced me to detach him from this Army, with a part of it, to reinforce, or at least cover, the several detachments under your command, at present. At the same time that I felt for General Lee’s distress of mind, I have had an eye to your wishes,...
30158To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your orders have reach’d me so late, and found me in such a situation that it will be impossible to follow them as soon as I could wish—it is not on account of any other motive than the impossibility of moving the troops and making Such a march immediately for in receiving your letter I have given up the project of attaking the ennemy, and I only wish to join general lee —I was even going to...
30159From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your uneasiness, on account of the command of yesterday’s detachment, fills me with concern, as it is not in my power, fully, to remove it without wounding the feelings of the Marquiss de la Fayette—I have thought of an expedient, which though not quite equal to either of your views, may in some measure answer both; and that is to make another detachment from this Army for the purpose of...
30160To George Washington from Captain James Morgan, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Sir this Coms to in form you that the Shipin and Smal Bots is Comin to Sholharber and the Enemy is advensin tords middel Town I am out of Horses to Send Entligenc from your Humbel Sarvent ALS , DLC:GW . James Morgan, Sr. (1734–1784), of Perth Amboy was a captain in the 2d Regiment of Middlesex County, N.J., militia. Shoal Harbor, also known as Port Monmouth, was located on the shore of Sandy...
30161To George Washington from Captain James Morgan, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
According to you order I have Cut dwon all the Bridges and this morning Was on the Shouer and Cant See anny Shiping or Bots Of mor then yesorday But a Hors man from frehold informs me the Enemey is thare and in ful Body So no move But Remain your Exelency most Humbel Servent Post Crep I have no Hors men makes it Difecul to send you the Exspris. ALS , DLC:GW .
30162To George Washington from Colonel John Neilson, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By order of Major Genel Dickinson I marcht a small Detachment of Militia consisting of about 200 Men on this Road to Endeavour to gain the Front of the Enemy to throw what Obstructions we could in their way, I got to this Place About one hour Since, and by the best Intelligence I can get am Inform’d the Main body of them are at Monmouth Courthouse and cant find that they are Advanced beyound...
30163From George Washington to Colonel John Neilson, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this date and thank you for the intelligence contained in it—various and uncertain information relat⟨ive⟩ to the enemy’s movements, has made it diffi⟨cult⟩ to determine the part to be taken by this army—I shall rely upon you to advise me constantly of their situation—it is essential for me to know where they encamp each night, and the extent of their encampment—at...
30164To George Washington from Major Francis Nichols, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure to inform you that the front of the Enimy moved of[f] this morning at foure oclock—at Half after Seven I precured a guide and went under civer into thire incampment and found all the army moved But the Rear Guard—on our Return we fell in with two British Solders Neare thire incampment (who say they are Disarters) they inform us that the Enimy Moved as above Mentioned and is...
30165To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received a letter this morning from Col: Harrison—with your Excellencys directions respecting the Mate, & two Privates left with Capt. Stevenson, & have inclosed his Promise which contains his, & the Privates Names. Col: Hamilton has ordered me to ⟨put⟩ my detatchment under the Command of the Marquis De la Fayett—as every inteligence will be given to him, I suppose he send to your Excellency...
30166From John Jay to Peter Van Schaack, 26 June 1778 (Jay Papers)
It is but three Days since your Favor of the 3 d . Inst. was delivered to me. A fair wind, good Company, the Prospect of a short Passage, and thereby avoiding the Fatigue & Inconvenience of a Journey by Land, induced me to return from Albany by Water. The Letter you mention to have written on the Subject of a Pass &c. has never come to Hand. on conversing with the Governor Yesterday on that...
30167XXII. Thomas Jefferson to Jerman Baker, 26 June 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a state of the tickets received by Mr. Wayles and to whom sold. It is taken from two or three states made out by him at different times and corresponding with one another. One of these appears to have been in Colo Byrd’s hands for examination and has some small queries and annotations in his hand writing which shews it to have been approved. Their authenticity is further...
30168Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[–30] June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, June 27[–30], in French: I have written the Grand Pensionary that the treaty has arrived, and the Grand Facteur has approved my letter. June 28: The Grand Pensionary has set our interview for tomorrow morning. Last night came your packet of the 22nd, which I devoured with interest. I could not avoid the...
30169To John Adams from John Williams, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Tho I have not the honor of a Parsonal acquaintance yet from your high Station and Character, and the Genteel as well as faithful conduct, you have Shewn to my Son who had the happiness of being Several years under your tuition, I take the liberty of Addressing you at this time, to express my Grateful Sense of your Goodness to him, and the Satisfaction I feel on hearing of your Safe arrival in...
30170John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Engagement of La Belle Poule is esteem’d at this port as a prelude to the declaration. Sugar Coffee and every other forreign Produce is buying up on Speculation which Acts are the Merchants Compass governing their views by the appearances of the times. We have Letters of the 10 and 13 May from America but as they came by the Nymph Frigate can of course contain nothing more than what you...
30171C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Voici copie de la Lettre que je viens d’écrire à Mr. le G—— P—— “Monsieur, Le Traite d’amitié et de commerce entre la France et les Etats-Unis de l’Amérique m’a été envoyé. Quand il plaira à Votre Excellence de me prescrire le jour et l’heure ou il Lui seroit commode de me donner audience, je recevrai ses ordres avec le profond respect avec lequel je suis, &c.” Avant de porter cette Lettre, je...
30172C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Here is a copy of the letter I have just written to the Grand Pensionary. “Sir: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and the United States has been sent to me. When it will please Your Excellency to indicate the date and time when it would be convenient for him to grant me an audience, I will receive his orders with the profound respect with which I am, &c.” Before sending this...
30173Abraham Whipple to the Commissioners, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
In my last letter I had the pleasure of Acquainting you, that it was in my power to take some Goods on board in account of the United States, agreable to Capt. Wm: Jones information, who ac quainted me that you had some Goods on hand, which you desired to forward for America. My Ship is already graved, and now taking in ballast if am to take any Goods, would be extreamly glad to know, that I...
30174From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Charles Scott, [27 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
This part of the troops marches instantly. We are to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor’s Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly. If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack. I am sir Yr Obed serv. You will endeavour to keep up a communication of intelligence. ALS , New York Public Library.
30175John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 27, 1778: The Belle-Poule ’s engagement is considered here a prelude to war; all foreign produce is being bought up as speculation. Admiral Byron is apparently not bound for America. These developments may further recruiting there, which I am told needs a spur. The marquis d’Almodóvar left on the night of the 25th. The nonarrival of the...
30176Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; variant copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, June 27, 1778: In my last letter I told you that I could take aboard some of the goods which, Captain William Jones informed me, you wish to send. In that case I should be glad to know so that I may load the ship accordingly. Masts are so expensive that I have repaired the lower ones, and believe they will...
30177To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Forestier, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Hesdin in Artois, June 27, 1778, in French: I feel compelled to warn you that a man has recently appeared here who calls himself de Bonne. Until lately he was a merchant, and he left town because of business troubles and misconduct. He is dressed in brown, vulgarly known as puce, with yellow trousers, vest, cuffs, and collar, and a gold epaulette like a...
30178To Benjamin Franklin from Poreau, Mackenzie & Co., 27 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society By a Letter from Mr. Peter Amiel of the 23. instant, we find he was to have that day the Commission in pocket, and to sett out immediately for this place; in Consequence our Mr. Poreau would give him to morrow a meeting at Lille agréable to his desire (and with our Chaise). We remark that the Bond which we are to sign would be presented to us by Mr. Coffyn...
30179To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Teissier, 27 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Sieur Teissier chirurgien qui a eu l’honneur d’estre présenté et Recommandé a Son Excellence par Mr. le Comte de Sarsfield, se Dispose a partir Dans les premiers jours du Mois prochain sur un des vaisseaux que Mr. De Monthieu fait armer a nantes, pour aller offrir ses serviçes aux Etats unis. Il supplie son Exçellençe, de vouloir bien lui accorder la...
30180To Benjamin Franklin from John Thompson: a Petition, [c. 27 June 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <[Brest, c. June 27, 1778 ], in the third person: He was a gunner on the Lexington when she was captured on December [September] 19, 1777, following an engagement in which he lost his leg. After five months in hospital in England he escaped to Dunkirk, and Franklin provided him with clothes. On May 3 he left for Nantes to get home, but was driven ashore in...
30181General Orders, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
As we are now nigh the Enemy and of consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary, the Commander in Chief desires and enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and march at a moments warning as circumstances may require. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide James McHenry wrote in his diary on this date: “March...
30182To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Cornet Fauntleroy, I have sent from this Place fifty one Horses all in Good order, besides which I have directed him to take along with him such as the officers which lye in his Route may have ready. They shd have been sent on sooner had not the Men (who are new recruits) been destitute of Cloaths and accoutrements. And indeed I am now under the necessity of delaying them longer or sending...
30183From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. Dickinson wrote to GW on this date: “I this moment, am favor’d with your Excellencys of this Day.”
30184To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. In another letter to GW of this date, Dickinson writes that “I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express.”
30185To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment, am favor’d with your Excellencys of this Day —& am extremely happy, to hear the army is so far advanced—hope, & think there is great reason to believe, Sir Harry will meet Burgoynes fate—your Excellency’s approach, will give great Spirits to the Militia—who are now collecting very fast—I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express, ⟨&⟩ gave you a particular account of the...
30186From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Between 11 & 12 to day I received your favor of the 25 by Major Armstrong. The movement you proposed to make I highly approve and thank you for it. Whether any reinforcements would have come from york is a matter which neither of us can determine—but this will certainly prevent it. I wish you to take every means in your power to keep up their ideas of an attack & have not the smallest doubt...
30187To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I did not receive your order to halt until the head of the Detachment was within a mile of English Town Creek —I immediately halted on the receipt—indeed it was not my intention to proceed further than the first brook or Water—I have taken a tolerable strong Post in the wood where I shall wait for further orders—unless the expediency of making some movement is so forcible as to oblige me—I the...
30188To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place Yesterday encamp’d in the woods—sent out small parties—capt. Leong fell in with fifteen Granadeers and made them prisoners—deserters are continually comeng in—I have several parties out—whom I expect something from—I shall continue on the enemies Right till I have orders to the contrary—Thay keep in so compact a body that it is impossible to do them much damage—However...
30189To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
every thing looks in the Same Situation as yesterday at Freehold, we took three prisoners whom I send to your Excellency, they Say it is the opinion which prevails in their Camp, that they will march to morrow morning for So. Amboy. I saw a man yesterday from Middletown point, who Says there were no vessels of any Consequence in the Bay, that there was no collection of boats at Princes Bay—I...
30190To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just come from Longstreets hill. I sent an officer Since sunset close in to the Lines and from his report, with my own observation there was no appearance of a movement, I sent an officer on the Middletown & Shrewsbury roads, who makes the Same report, I will be out before the Sun, & if any thing new you will hear it from Sir your most ob. H: St ALS , DLC:GW . This Presbyterian church,...
30191To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
We arrived here this morning & it being the best position we can find to observe the motions of the Enemy—have remain’d—we have advanced our parties so near as to fire a Pistol at their Horsemen whilst feeding their Horses—They now lay encamped one Line on the main Road by the Court House & another Line extended on their left from the head of their Column which is not advanced One hundred &...
30192From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Altho Col. Meade has already signified to you my desire that our present Camp should be minutely reconnoitred—it is a matter of such serious importance that I cannot forbear repeating to you my wish that yourself aided by General du Portail and some other officers would critically examine the position, all it’s avenues, and the adjacent ground—that in case we should have occasion to make use...
30193From George Washington to Brigadier General William Winds, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your Letter of Yesterday and was much concerned to find that you had declined advancing to join this Army or to act in this Quarter. Your aid I deem of great importance, and if you are not too far beyond Brunswic when this reaches you, I must request that you will immediately face about and proceed as expeditiously as you can with the Troops under you, to Spotswood,...
30194To George Washington from Brigadier General William Winds, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
After Sending off the letter from Brunswick Yesterday for General Dickinson, which Was Delivered to your Excellency, being Impatient to Come up with the Enemy, about 5 oClock I put My little Corps In Motion for Spotswood, Intending to reach it in the Evening, but had not Gone far When I was Informed by two Men Imediately from there that the bridge at that place & the South River bridge Were...
30195To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 28 June–6 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to yr Excs. Orders in Company with Major Beatty, I met Mr Loring Commy of Prisrs for the Brit. Army at German Town on Saturday the 6th June Inst. when among many other things, he represented to me that the English army would soon evacuate, the City of Philadelphia, and that Sir Henry Clinton was exceedingly averse to the removing of our Prisoners from Philadelphia with his army, as...
30196To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean-Etienne Mauduit de la Varenne, 28 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library L’assemblée publique de la Société roiale de medecine a laquelle j’ai eu, conjointement avec Mr. De Vicq sécretaire de la compagnie, l’honneur de vous inviter, est différée. La société de medecine m’a chargé de vous en prévenir. Nous aurons soin de vous faire savoir le jour où cette assemblée sera indiquée de nouveau. Je briguerai, comme la premiere...
30197To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Major who was on Duty on the Lines last Night, this moment informs me, that the Enemy are in Motion—marching off—my Picket at the Mill drove the Enemy of[f] last Eveng & kept the Ground. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St I am moving down two or three hundred Men to amuse & detain them—& have parties out to gain Intelligence—shall take down the whole of my troops, as soon,...
30198To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Intelligence this moment received, which may be depended on The Enemy’s front, three hours ago, was within two Miles of the heights, beyond Van marters Mills, moving with a quick pace—Col: Lawrence say’s, tis now beyond a doubt, they intend for the Watering-place—& that this Eveng, they will get into perfect security—The Enemy have left the Court House, I am just informed by Express. I have...
30199To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Intelligence this moment received, from a Person, who was within three miles of the Court House, the Enemy had not advanced upon the Middle town road, further than two Miles—& that no Baggage, has been sent down that road. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St ALS , DLC:GW .
30200To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by Genl Lee to Inform your Excely That The Enemy’s Front have advanced One and a half Miles On The road leading to Middle Town and South Amboy. When The Express Come off They ware at The fork of the ⟨rode⟩ one leading towards Middle Town The Other to South Amboy. I have no doubt of Middle Town being Their distination, as Amboy would Expose There Left flank to your Excelys Army. I...