30511Christopher Gadsden to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny myself the Pleasure of endeavouring to introduce the Bearer Commodore Gillon to your Notice. He hath been always very active in promoting the American Cause and been of great Service to it in several respects as well generally, as particularly to this State and our Assembly during its last Sitting appointed him Commodore of our Navy and in...
30512Sartine to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, July 15, 1778, in French: Among the English prisoners on Belle Isle, taken from ships in French ports, are two who say they are Americans, James Niggins of Charleston, and John Selby of Baltimore. They want to be freed and sent home. They were on the Hancock , they say, en route to Charleston from Nantes when an...
30513To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [15 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mess. Kossakowsky et Strestsky gentilshommes Polonnois qui vous remettront ce billet mon Illustre Docteur nous donnent à diner à Mde. Le Roy et à moi Jeudy prochain avec plusieurs académiciens. M. Strestsky nous fera voir ses curieuses experiences sur l’air inflammable dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler. Vous devriez être de la partie et ces Mess. le...
30514To Benjamin Franklin from “Pierre Libertati” and Other Commission Seekers, 15 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Once France entered the war, its eager young men had an obvious outlet for their martial energies. Many of the commission-seekers, henceforth, come from abroad—even from England—but there remains a trickle of French applicants, special cases who turn to Franklin for help. A seasoned officer addresses Franklin on July 24. Captain C.F. de Wiebel, once in the...
30515To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
On my Return from Mt Vernon to this Place, I found the Packet, containing your Letter and Deed. I am much oblidged to you for the Trouble you have taken, to have a new Deed made out, from yourself to Me. It was the Method I proposed, but my Uncles Bassett and Dandridge thought it best, to have the Deed made from you to Henry; I shall be in no Hurry to have your Deed acknowledged, unless a good...
30516From George Washington to William Dobbs, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
A considerable fleet of french men of War, chiefly Ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D’estaing. As the Admiral is a Stranger to our Coast, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be immediately provided with a number of skillful pilots, well acquainted with the Coast &...
30517To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
This moment Colonel Armand & a major Ottendroff called at my quarters, and being about to set out for the Army, the Major desires I would write your Excellency that he is exceeding sorry for leaving the service the last year, and wishes you would over look it; that he desires again to serve in the Army. He has made several applications to the Navy Board to serve in the navy; he is now...
30518From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I desire you immediately to select Fifty of your best Bullocks, and give orders to have two hundred Sheep if to be procured and a parcel of poultry purchased in the most convenient part of the Country. They are intended as a present to the Count D’Estaing Admiral of the French Fleet now laying off Sandy Hook. You are to send them to the Coast as expeditiously as possible, and upon giving...
30519The Commissioners to Sartine, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 16 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:164 . The Commissioners told Sartine that the congress and the authorities in Massachusetts would be notified of his request, but that the presence of British warships on the Newfoundland and Halifax stations might make assistance to...
30520The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 16 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:163 . The Commissioners notified Schweighauser of Thomas Simpson’s appointment to command the Ranger and ordered him to provide Simpson with whatever he might need to prepare for sea. The Commissioners also informed him that the...
30521The Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 16 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:162–163 . The Commissioners informed Whipple of Thomas Simpson’s appointment to command the Ranger as part of a force under Whipple’s overall direction. He was ordered to make every effort to take or destroy the Jersey and Guernsey...
30522To John Adams from Thomas Greenleaf, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Pardon the presumption of addressing you in this manner at this unhappy Crisis of my life. Considering the distinguish’d nobleness of your sentiments, and your present exalted station as a support and defender of the American, glorious , Cause and persons, I at once resolve that this is an incumbent Duty on my part, and cannot entertain the least doubt but it will be attended too with that...
30523To John Adams from Edward Rutledge, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
The State of South Carolina, desirous of protecting her Trade, with as little Burthen to the United States as possible, has voted a Sum of Money for the purpose of purchasing three Frigates, has appointed Mr. Gillon to the Command of them and sent him to France to procure them. Satisfied as I am that, you would chearfully shew any Civilities, and if necessary, yield your Protection, to a Man...
30524From Alexander Hamilton to Patrick Dennis, [16 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
A considerable fleet of french men of war, chiefly ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D’Estaing. As the Admiral is a stranger, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be attended by some Gentlemen of intelligence and who possess an accurate knowledge of the Coast and...
30525The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We enclose a request from M. de Sartine, which we promised to send you. Americans will doubtless be inclined to supply the islanders, and the northern states be able to do so in the absence of, or perhaps even despite, British warships. We hope the attempt will be made; it will fetch a good price...
30526The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, July 16, 1778: We enclose a letter from M. de Sartine that we promised to communicate to Congress. We have no doubt— > See the preceding document and Sartine’s letter of July 14. The draft, without the incomplete second sentence, is published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 164. This letter, as explained there, was never sent; the...
30527The American Commissioners to Sartine, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We shall take the first opportunity to send to Congress and the government of Massachusetts your letter of the 14th; it will, we are confident, lead to exertions for the relief of the islanders. Success is undoubted if British warships are withdrawn from the area; if not the difficulty will be...
30528The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have ordered Lieut. Simpson, commanding the Ranger , to sea as soon as possible; please furnish him promptly with what he needs. The British prisoners on these ships are to be left behind, in such custody as you advise; we shall try tomorrow to get the ministry’s orders for their lodging.>...
30529The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two) <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have wanted to settle disputes among the Ranger ’s officers for some time, and at last have the pleasure of sending you a letter from Captain Jones which allows us to reinstate you on board the Ranger . Upon receipt of this, you will take command of the Ranger as first lieutenant, join...
30530The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Yale University Library <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have instructed Lieut. Simpson, on whom command of the Ranger devolves now that Capt. Jones is on another service, to join you under your orders. The Boston, Providence , and Ranger should put to sea with all dispatch. Do your best to take or destroy British...
30531John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to lay before your honors the foregoing State which by your interpossion we flatter ourselves may be relieved. I am most respectfully Honorable Sirs your most Obedient Humble Servant Notation: Mr. [Bondfield] Bordeaux 1778 Bondfield’s letter was written at the bottom of a request in French in another hand on behalf of Captain William Jones. Jones...
30532John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will...
30533Jean-Baptiste Le Roy to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs Les Députés du Congrès sont instamment pries de tirer d’inquiétude un Pere et une Mere qui sont dans les plus vives allarmes sur leur fils, dont ils n’ont, depuis très longtems, aucunes nouvelles. Ce jeune homme qui est fils unique est capitaine d’artillerie au service des Etats unis. Il s’appelle Ganot . Son Père est Lieutenant Colonel...
30534Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Beging leave to refer you to mine of the 9 inst. I have now to inform you that Capt. Whipple at his return to his Ship, having wrote to me that he wanted the goods you had pointed out to be sent by him in order to stow his hold properly, I made yesterday application to Mr. Williams’ Clerk for the Continental stores in his Posession, when he told me that he had...
30535Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the Remittance made to me by Mr. Delap of Bordeaux I have written the inclosed Letter to the officers and people of the Ranger, which if you approve please to return to be copied and forwarded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Your most obedient Servant Notation: J. Williams 16 July 1778. to Commrs At the request of the...
30536To Benjamin Franklin from Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous informer que nous venons d’apprendre avec peine que M. Suégasse [Schweighauser] de Nantes avoit nommé un particullier de cette ville pour correspondant du Congrès en ce Port. Cette Information nous mortifient d’autant plus que vous nous avez fait l’honneur de nous en charger depuis longtems par plusieurs de vos Lettres et par...
30537To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Levent, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. le Comte de Canowe qui me veut du bien a eû l’honneur de présenter à Vôtre Excellence l’Almanach général des Marchands, dont le plan est généralement gouté, mais cet ouvrage est éloigné de la perfection dont il est susceptible, et je ne pourrois espérer de l’y porter si le zèle patriotique n’y concouroit avec moy. Persuadé qu’il n’y a que les citoïens...
30538To George Washington from William Dobbs, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th Inst. by Express—Should have immediately complied with the Request contained therein—but that it met me on my Sick Bed, in which Situation I have lain very ill with a severe Fit of the Fever and Ague for four Days past—I have therefore recommended two Persons, every Way adapted to the Purpose of Serving their Country in so...
30539To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Varnum is at this place and has very lately returnd from Rhode Island, he says that there are 1500 State troops including the Artillery Regiment. There is the Continental Battallion commanded by Col. Greene about 130 strong. Besides these 2500 Militia are orderd from the Massachusets, Conecticut, & New Hampshire States, part of which are already arrivd; and the others dayly coming in....
30540To George Washington from William Livingston, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Livingston, 16 July 1778. On 16 July, Livingston wrote GW , “I did myself the honour this morning to acquaint your Excellency that I had been yesterday to the Southward.”
30541To George Washington from William Livingston, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour this morning to acquaint your Excellency that I had been yesterday to the Southward to forward pilots to the hook to conduct the fleet under the Command of his Excellency Count d’Estaing to New York —As each ship ought at least to have one, I am persuaded that it will conduce to the Service to secure some to the Northward least we should be disappointed in the requisite...
30542To George Washington from Maryland Officers, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
We beg leave to represent to your Excellency that our Service is rendered in some measure disagreeable by being subject to the Command of a Man who has incurred (as we presume) by his bad conduct a reputation incompatible with the Honor of the service. Colo. Price has been branded with, and still lays under the appellation of a Coward, he has once had an examination into his Conduct, and then...
30543To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor most sincerely to congratulate your Excellency on your late glorious Victory obtained in New Jersey—May Heaven continue its Smiles on the honest Endeavors of America and protect you from every Disaster. On the 11th Ult. Congress determined on an Expedition to the Detroit and into the Seneca Country: and directed that such of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs as might be...
30544To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
My reasons for Quiting the Service at the time I did you already have —two days after my arrival at home they were obviated by a letter which I receivd from Colo. Stevens informing me of my brother being Only Wounded, and likely to recover—I immediatly wrote to Our delegates informing them the Contents of Colo. Steven’s letter, and my desire of reentering the service, provided I coud be...
30545John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
In my letter of the 11th. inst. I mentioned the arrival of the French Ambassador at Chester. I am now to inform you that on the 12th. a Committee of Congress, escorted by a party of light dragoons, waited on him at that place to accompany him to this City. About two o Clock the same day he entered the City. The usual military salutes were paid him by two detached parties that were previously...
30546From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
In your forty Eighth Number of Affairs de L’Angleterre et de L’Amerique I find, in Page sixth, marked number I. Resolutions des sauvages contre l’armee Angloise, and in Page 7 marked No. III. Adresse des Principaux Habitans de cette Ville a Robert Rogers, Major General (nomme par le Congres) et Commandant en chef des savages. Both these Papers, you may rely upon it, are Forgeries, and that no...
30547The Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
We herewith communicate to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress relative to the Treaties, which we request may be laid before the King. Thereby his Majesty will perceive the unfeigned Sentiments of that Body, as well as those of the whole American People, whose Hearts the King has gained by his great Benevolence towards them, manifested in these Treaties, which has made so deep an...
30548C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je sois tous les jours avec le G—— F—— et avec notre Ami, cependant, comme il ne se passe rien d’extraordinaire, j’ai cru pouvoir différer de vous écrire, jusqu’à-ce que les Etats de la Province se séparassent. Ce qu’il y a eu d’essentiel pendant cette Assemblée, a été la proposition d’augmenter les troupes, laquelle ayant été absolument rejetée par la ville d’Amsterdam, n’aura...
30549C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Although I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, since nothing extraordinary has happened, I have postponed writing to you until the States General adjourned. The major question during this assembly was the proposal to increase troops, but because it was firmly rejected by the town of Amsterdam, it will certainly not be adopted. There were great debates in the Assembly on the...
30550Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am highly sensible of the Confidence you honour me with by your Approbation of my Drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for the expenditure of them up to the 30th May. The Charges since my Departure from Nantes, to go to new Account. As your Time is too constantly and too importantly employed to attend to the Details of commercial Concerns, would it not be well to appoint some...
30551The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: National Archives <Passy, July 17, 1778: We enclose a resolution of Congress about the treaties, and request that it be laid before the King. It will show him how he has won the hearts of that body and of the American people by a beneficence that time will never efface.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 298. See also the...
30552Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 17, 1778, in French: I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, but have waited to write until the States General adjourned. Increasing the army was the principal subject of debate; Amsterdam rejected the proposal, and it will not be adopted. Our friend differed on it with the Grand...
30553Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library <Passy, July 17, 1778: I appreciate your confidence in approving my drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for them up to May 30; the expenses since I left Nantes will go on a new account. Might you not appoint some one to compare the bills and receipts with the charges, subject to your later approval? > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 304....
30554To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to grant to the Marquis de Vienne (a major in the armies of his most Christian Majesty) the brevet commission of Colonel —we do ourselves the honour to signify it to your Excellency; and to intimate the wishes of the Marquis to be employed in some service of utility to the states, and in which he may have an opportunity to manifest his military talents & zeal for...
30555From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving the night of the 14th Instant, your very obliging and interesting letter of the 13th dated off Sandy Hook, with a duplicate of another, dated the 8th at Sea. The arrival of a fleet, belonging to his most Christian majesty on our coast, is an event that makes me truly happy; and permit me to observe, that the pleasure I feel on the occasion is greatly increased, by...
30556To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
The bar of the river Shrewsbury, the officer sailors and boats, that I have lost in the waves, have not hindered Colonel Laurens from bravg them twice to come and deliver me himself the letter, that you did me the honor to write me the 14th of this month. The desire of communicating with you alone could have induced me to hazard a descent myself the first, and with four grenadiers as my only...
30557To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
For the Garrison of West point, it is agreed by—Major General Gates, Major General Mac Dougall, His Excellency Govr Clinton, & Brigadier General Glover. That, Colonel Van Schaieks, Col. James Livingstons, & Col. Armands Corps; amm[o]unting as they are Estimated, to 900 Rank, & File; be sent immediately to relieve that post; & that one Other Continental Regiment, be added to them, as His...
30558To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday I received a letter from Peter Colt Esqr. A.C.G. of Purchases of which the enclosd is a copy The provissions in our Magazines are by no means very considerable; but finding Mr Colt so pressing, and not knowing but the most fatal consequences might take place if salted provisions were not sent on, I immediately gave orders for Six Hundred Barrels of pork and four...
30559To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 14th Inst. which came to hand pretty late last Evening I shall have the honor of presenting to Congress this Morning. At present I have no other Commands on me, but to transmit the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 15th Inst. for receiving & subsisting prisoners of War which may be taken by the Squadron under the Command of Vice Admiral Count d’Estaing to which I...
30560From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, of what you have probably heard before this time, that the Admiral Count D’Estaing has arrived upon the Coast, and now lays off Sandy Hook, with a fleet of twelve Ships of the Line and four Frigates belonging to his most Christian Majesty. The design of this fleet is to co-operate with the American Armies, in the execution of any plans, which shall be deemed...