30901To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some Time in the month of april last Capt. Willoe of the Troops of the Convention, went to Canada by the way of Hallifax in order to forward to this Place the Baggage Belonging to those Troops—to which by the Convention they had a Right if it was found necessary, nothing has been heard of Capt. Willoe Since, General Phillips applies for leave for an other Officer to go to Canada by the way of...
30902To George Washington from Captain John Paul Jones, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Scene of War by Sea is now Changing from America to Europe I have been induced to give up the Command of the American Ship of War Ranger and to continue for some time in Europe in compliance with the request of the Minister of the French Marine in a letter to our Ministers Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles. I will not intrude on your Excellencies time even by attempting to pay...
30903To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have receiv’d your Excellency’s favor by general greene, and have been much pleas’d with the arrival of a gentleman who not only on account of his merit, and the justness of his wiews, but also by his knowledge of the country and his popularity in this state may be very serviceable to the Expedition—I willingly part with the half of my detachement tho’ I had a great dependance upon them, as...
30904To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lt. Col. John Laurens, 6 Aug. 1778. On 10 Aug., GW wrote Laurens: “I have only to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th Inst. and to wish that this may find you in the full possession of the object of the enterprize” (Df, DLC:GW).
30905To George Washington from New Jersey Field Officers, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from New Jersey field officers, 6 Aug. 1778. On 9 Aug., GW wrote Col. Israel Shreve : “I have been favd with a letter of the 6th signed by yourself and other Feild Officers of the Jersey Brigade.”
30906To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 6 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency that some time since three of the enemy’s frigates quited their former stations—sailed to the North end of Rhode-Island and anchored between Dyers Island and Bristal ferry—Count d’Estaign on the 4 Inst. meditated an attack upon them, and on the 5th issued orders that two of his ships should turn the North end of Connanicut Island and give them battle....
30907From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 7 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had a few days ago the Pleasure of your Letter of the 21. of June, which is the only one as yet received. I have written Several to you, some of which I fear have miscarried. You mention a Difference of Sentiment, among the Commissioners before my Arrival, concerning a particular Gentleman, and desire me to investigate the Grounds of it. If I should take the Pains, I might write you, a few...
30908To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 7 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Lee’s compliments to Mr. Adams. Mr. Lee has over and over again written to Mr. Williams that the Letters shoud be delivered to him whenever he chose to call, At Mr. Lee’s house and receive them, which he has refused in very indecent terms. It is this and this only that has prevented him from having them, for I have Mr. Lee has constantly left them out to be delivered to him when I He went...
30909To Benjamin Franklin from John Atwood, Jacob Vere, and Nathan Chadwick, 7 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We take Leave to write to your Honour to Let you know We are amaricans taken prisoners By the English and Endangered our Lives to get to france Expecting to get our Liberty and the people are suspicious of our Being English and we Desire the favour to Come Before your honour to answer for our Selves. We are your honours most humble and obedient Servents...
30910General Orders, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
All returns for Arms, Ammunition, Accoutrements &c. are first to be made out by the Regimental Quarter Masters, which after examined and signed by the Commanding Officers of Regiments are to be given to the Brigade Quarter-Masters who are to digest them into Brigade Returns, get them examined and signed by the Brigadiers or Commandants of Brigades, then present them to the Adjutant General for...
30911To George Washington from Lieutenant Caleb Brewster, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lt. Caleb Brewster, 7 Aug. 1778. On 8 Aug., GW wrote Brewster : “I have received your Letter of yesterday from Norwalk.”
30912From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon I had the Honor to receive your favor of the 30th Ulto. Major Gibbs is now at Rhode Island. I shall embrace the first safe opportunity to transmit him your Letter and the Commission, with which Congress have been pleased to honor him. Since my Letter of the 3d & 4th Instant, I have received no advices from General Sullivan, so that I can give no information of our...
30913To George Washington from William Livingston, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Livingston, 7 Aug. 1778. On 11 Aug., GW wrote Livingston : “I was favor’d with yours of the 7th in[stant] this morning.”
30914To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 7 Aug. 1778. On 9 Aug., GW wrote Malcom : “I recd yours of the 7th with the weekly returns enclosed.”
30915To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 7 Aug. 1778. On 8 Aug., GW wrote Vice Admiral d’Estaing : “I have just received a letter from Brigadier General Maxwell … dated yesterday at nine oClock in the forenoon”; GW also wrote Maxwell on 8 Aug. : “I just now rec’d your favor of yesterday.” For quotations from Maxwell’s letter, see GW to John Laurens, 8 August .
30916George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 8 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 8, 1778 . Regrets hardships that D’Estaing has had to face. Informs D’Estaing of movements of British fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30917George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 8, 1778 . Asks Sullivan to deliver enclosed letter to D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30918John Gibson to the American Commissioners, 8 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives In pursuance of an order of the Board of Treasury, I inclose you the following Resolutions, and beg leave to inform you, that notwithstanding the order of Congress for immediately striking Bills of Exchange to a greater amount, the Interest of the Continental Loan Office Certificates Issued to the 10th of March last will not exceed...
30919To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis chargé de vous recommander ce memoire, quoique j’en augure peu favorablement; on auroit pris mon refus pour mauvaise volonté. Je vous prie de vouloir me faire au moins a ce sujet un mot de reponse ostensible. Si vous avez, comme on le dit, de bonnes nouvelles, je vous prie aussi de m’en faire part; et de compter toujours sur le plus fidele...
30920To Benjamin Franklin from Granville Sharp, 8 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to recommend to your friendship and good Offices Mr. Laurence Brooke of Virginia, who came to Europe some Years ago, on account of Education; and tho’ he has since resided chiefly in Scotland, I cannot find that he has imbibed the least prejudice of that unhappy Country, but on the contrary entertains a most perfect regard for the natural Rights...
30921General Orders, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Regimental Pay-Masters are to apply to the Pay-Master General for Pay for the Months of April and May —Those who have not received their Ration money since the first day of January last are to apply immediately as the Pay Master General is ordered to forward the Accounts to Congress. Right Wing to be paid on Monday next Second Line and Artillery on Tuesday and Left Wing on Wednesday. At a...
30922From George Washington to Lieutenant Caleb Brewster, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday from Norwalk. Let me entreat that you will continue to use every possible means to obtain intelligence of the Enemys motions—not only of those which are marching Eastward, upon Long Island, but others—In a more especial manner, I have to request, that you will, by every devise you can think of, have a strict watch kept upon the Enemy’s ships of war, and...
30923From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor last night of receiving your favour of the 3d instant. I most sincerely sympathize with you in the regret you feel at the obstacles and difficulties you have heretofore encountered—Your case has certainly been a case of peculiar hardship; but you justly have the consolation which arises from a reflection that no exertions possible have been wanting in you to insure success, the...
30924From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor dated the 4th Inst. informing me of your arrival at Providence, and the flattering disposition of things in that quarter. We have just received an account from Genl Maxwell of Lord Howes sailing from the Hook with his fleet of armed vessels early on Thursday morning last. Whether it is to make demonstrations of fighting the Count d’Estaign, in order to favor the...
30925From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Afternoon I recd your favr of the 4th inst. You have my warmest thanks for your indefatigable exertions to promote the intended enterprise agt the Enemy, and my sincerest wishes that you may see them crowned with the fullest success. I shall be happy if things are in a proper train at the time you mention to begin our operation. About an hour ago I recd a letter from General Maxwell,...
30926To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been asked in such a Manner by the Board of this State to attend as a Commissioner in this quarter that I knew not how to refuse tho I had but little hopes of having it in my power to be of real Service, as a Treaty with the Indians I believed to be what was principally in View. I arrived at this place on the 1st Instant but found neither Indians, Agent, or Commissioner, from the State...
30927From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am uncertain whether you may not already have a party somewhere in Monmouth County but however this may be, it is my wish you should without delay have one of 50 Men stationd under a very vigilant and intelligent Officer, at some place in that County most convenient for commanding a view of the Hook & its environs; in order to watch the motions of the Enemy’s Fleet and to advise me from time...
30928To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
since my last nothing Extraordinary has Turned up, in this Department, Except Seven Deserters from Canada, who shall be sent to you as soon as possible—Colo. Butler has sent four Torys from the frontiers—I Inclose you a Letter found with one of them, & am in hopes by this time that the Writer is a Prisoner Likewise. I am Informed that forty Indians, from the Enemitical Tribes, are on their way...
30929To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Temple, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedly unhappy to find in your’s to Colo. Bland of July 22d, after all the pains and fatigue I have taken to be censured about the clothing of the Regt; I do not know what Colo. Bland has inform’d your Excelly nor do I know what is meant, by the greatest part of the clothing, I have engaged should have been apply’d for other purposes, by Mr Finne, he only made use of one hundred &...
30930The Commissioners’ Accounts with Ferdinand Grand: Doit Compte courant des Etats Unis par Messieurs Franklin, Lee, et … (Adams Papers)
1778 Debit Credit Payé a Monsr. Ar: Lee sur reçu { le 17 Juin 1200. } 6000. le 9 Juillet 4800. Aoust 9 Pour Solde du dernier Compte 25995. 5. 6 9 Acceptations de Mr. Franklin aux traittes de Hy. Laurens de Philadelphie du 14 9bre. a 30 Jours de vue ordre Ganot 887., Espencers 900., 1617., de la Balan 900. 4304. 11 Mandats de Mrs. Franklin Lee et Adams de ce Jour ordre B. Chew 360., a Wm. Tryon...
30931To John Adams from William MacCreery, 9 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I this day received the Letter which you did me the Honor to Write me under the 31st. Ultimo. Your other Letter to me was still longer on the way —which I mention to shew you that from some cause of which you may be ignorant, they do not come in the regular course of the Post. I return you compliments of congratulation on the late Naval affair between the French and English Fleets—in my...
30932George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains, New York, August 9, 1778 . Discusses desirability of forming a corps consisting of Hessian deserters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30933To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, 9 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania M. le Roy m’apprend que malgré les grands objets dont vous etes Occupé vous voulés bien nous donner votre avis sur la reconstruction du magazin des poudres de l’arsenal et que vous me faitte l’honneur d’accepter a diner pour mardy prochain ainsy que M. votre petit fils. Permettes moi de vous temoigner toute ma reconnoissance et de vous assurer de tout...
30934General Orders, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Coll Russell will take Command of the 10th Virginia Regt until further orders. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The orderly book of Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln includes the following additional orders for this date: “For detachment to parade tomorrow 5 oClock P.M. furnished with 40 rounds p. man and two days provisions ready cooked—Colonel Courtlandt Lt Colonels Mebbin and Millen Majors...
30935From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 30th ulto inclosing a return of the Troops in the City and of the Officers. All those of Pennsylvania had leave of Absence for a particular reason, and may therefore remain untill further orders. Those from other States, (Lt Colo. parke in particular) should be ordered to join their Corps, except they can make it appear that they are upon Business. I would...
30936From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
At 10 OClock last night the Inclosed Letter came to hand from General Sullivan with one addressed to myself, a Copy of which I do myself the honor of transmitting. The Enemy seem determined that none of their Ships of War shall fall into the Count D’Estaings hands. Yesterday I received a Letter from Genl Maxwell dated at 9 OClock A.M. on the 7th at Elizabeth Town, containing the following...
30937From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Fuhrer & Mr Kleinsmit have lately left the British lines and come in to us. The account they give of themselves is this—That they had been first lieutenants in the Hessian Corps—were taken prisoners at Trenton, resided during their captivity at Dumfries in Virginia—were lately exchanged and have since resigned their commissions—That having solicited permission to come out from the enemy and...
30938From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 7th with the weekly returns enclosed. I have not the least objection to making Robinsons House an Hospital if it is convenient. Doctor Treat must apply to the director General for the necessary Stores. I desire you will immediately order a sufficient number of Artificers from Windsor to Fort Arnold to build a Bomb proof Magazine and such other works as may be necessary. If...
30939From George Washington to James Mease, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Clough has informed me thro Capt. Smith that he has lately received a letter from Colo. Baylor by which he is made acquainted that he has not been able to procure any Cloathing for the use of his Regt. As it is represented to me that they are much in want, you will deliver to Major Clough’s order such articles as he may demand or you be able to supply him with. I am &c. Df , in Richard...
30940To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Thomas Nelson, Jr., 9 Aug. 1778. On 20 Aug., GW wrote Nelson : “Since writing the foregoing, I have been favoured with your Letter of the 25th Ulto from Baltimore, and 9th Instt from Philadelphia.”
30941From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with a letter of the 6th signed by yourself and other Feild Officers of the Jersey Brigade. You cannot feel, more sensibly than I do, the inconveniencies that arise from a delay of the new arrangement of the Army. Just as the Committee had made a beginning of that business at the Valley Forge, the removal of the Enemy from Philada obliged them to desist. Congress have since...
30942Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We do not think ourselves authorized to give any Orders concerning the Deductions to be made from the Seamen’s Price money or Wages, of what was advanced to them. The Resolutions of Congress must be complied with as to your Stores and Furniture, we suppose there can be no Difficulty, but that M. Simpson will as he ought to deliver you your private Property upon Request. We are not informed...
30943Sartine to the Commissioners, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Depuis la letter, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire, Messieurs le 29 du mois dernier, le Commissaire des classes a Nantes m’a marqué que l’agent des Etats unis lui avoit remis des Prisonniers Anglois qu’il avoit fait enfermer au Chateau ou l’agent pourvoit a leur Subsistance. M. de la Porte, intendant a Brest m’a egalement ecrit au Sujet d’une prise du corsaire americain le Ranger dont le...
30944Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since the letter that I had the honor to write you on the 29th of last month, the Commissionaire des Classes at Nantes has informed me that the agent of the United States has entrusted him with some British prisoners whom he had confined in the castle, the agent providing for their subsistence there. Mr. de La Porte, Intendant at Brest, has also written me concerning a prize taken by the...
30945George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 10, 1778 . Regrets “the tardiness of the militia.” Informs Sullivan of foraging movements of enemy on Long Island. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
30946The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 10, 1778: We are not authorized by Congress to allow deductions from the seamen’s prize money or their advances. As for your stores and furniture, M. Simpson will undoubtedly deliver your private property upon request. We cannot advise you regarding your indemnification, but we...
30947Sartine to the American Commissioners, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, August 10, 1778, in French: Since I wrote you on July 29 the commissaire des classes at Nantes informs me the American agent there has entrusted him with some British prisoners. M. de la Porte, intendant at Brest, has written me that the cargo of the Ranger’s prize is spoiling. I await your reply in order to...
30948To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Leveux, 10 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Deux americains se sont presentés chez moy il y a deux Jours et ont fait leur raport ainsy qu’au commandant de la ville qu’ils s’étoient sauvés des prisons d’angleterre ou ils avoient été conduits apres avoir été pris par les anglois. L’un est le Sieur Edward Leger lieutenant a bord du Navire le Hornit Cap. John Nicholson au service du Congrès et L’autre le...
30949To Benjamin Franklin from John Murfey [Murphy], 10 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You’l Exscuse the Liberty I take in Righting as Necesity oblidges me to Do it and ask your advice in my Present Situation. I Saild from the State of Rhode Island the 26 August 1777 In the Sloop Swallow Privateer Belonging to that State and had the misfortune to Be taking By one of King Georges frgates on the 12 of Septmr. following and sent to Jamica from...
30950General Orders, 10 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Carlton is appointed to take command of the Post at Terrytown. Ensign Alexander Benstead of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment is appointed Pay-Master to the same. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .