31081George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 19, 1778 . Introduces Colonel Lewis de la Radière of the Corps of Engineers. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
31082The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have considered your plan and think it will be proper to send it to Congress for their Approbation. We desire you will purchase and ship on public Account in the best and cheapest Manner 28 Iron Cannon of 24 pound Ball and 28 of 18 lb. You will be so good as to send one set of Bills of Loading to us and another to...
31083The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Massachusetts Historical Society; copies (two): National Archives We desire you will furnish Lieut. David Walsh with twelve Guineas taking triplicate Receipts from him payable to the president of Congress or his order. We are Sir Your most Obedient On Oct. 8 Franklin accepted a draft of Welsh’s for 176 l.t. , dated July 22: Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 361.
31084Elisha Hinman to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure of acquainting you, that I arrived here the 17th and am happy in finding the Providence Frigate Captn. Whipple, ready to part for America I have embarked on board, and flatter myself with a Speedy and safe passage. After Compliments of Respect I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient very humble Servant Addressed: Honble...
31085Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <On board the Providence , Brest, August 19, 1778: I wrote you from Paimboeuf on July 31; since then the Boston joined me and on Aug. 8 we proceeded in company to Brest, delayed by unfavorable winds until the 14th. I found here that Lt. Simpson had obeyed my orders of July 24th in quickly preparing for sea. But I was surprised to...
31086To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Chew, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will Excuse the liberty I take in Writeing to you in the fameliar Stile I am about Respecting my brother Sufferers in forton Prison who are Really Distresst for the Necessaries of Life Which Could they Get a Small Part of what is due them from the Commissioners would in a Great Measure Relieve them from their Present Distresst Situation If not...
31087To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Hancock, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania As you have Been so good to Premitt Me to have the Honour to Pay you a Visit, Thought it my Duty to Aquint you that I Set out from hence in Two or Three Days. Would Have Come Amatley [immediately] on Recipt of your Letter To Mr. Le Grand only waits for the Arivell of the Englesh Post By which I Expect to Recive Some Letters. Mr. Le Grands Behavour to Me...
31088To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Valentin Millin de la Brosse, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 19, 1778, in French: As you certainly remember, I tried to join the American forces two years ago under Mr. Deane’s sponsorship. I failed and was subsequently treated by Mr. Deane and yourself with a severity I am now disposed to forget. My wish at present is to cross to America, a country I love, not as an officer but as an eager citizen. I...
31089General Orders, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is informed that many Corps which have had Cloathing sent to them from their respective States continue nevertheless to make returns and draw from the Continental Stores in the same manner as if no such Provision had ever been made for them—This Practice he does in express and positive terms forbid, unless the Officers commanding such Corps will evince beyond a doubt...
31090From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you by Monsr Laneville, to whom, I have no doubt, you will shew civility, as he appears to me to be a Gentn of sense & science. I hope, however, he will come too late to afford you any aid—I say so, because I could wish he may find the work already done, of which, I have some hope from Genl Sullivans last Letter. I have lately received a horse for you from...
31091From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you a Copy of a Letter from General Sullivan, dated the 17th Instant, which I just now received with the Letter Inclosed. It appears that Count D’Estaing was still out with his fleet—but yet that the General was in high spirits and entertained the strongest hopes of success. I flatter myself they are well grounded— and that in the course of a few days he will...
31092To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 19 Aug. 1778. On 24 Aug., GW wrote Malcom : “I recd yours of the 19th inclosing the weekly Return of the Garrison.”
31093To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Dear Sir —I yesterday wrote you concerning clothing for Major Whitcomb’s corps of rangers, and sent a return of the said corps. The bearer hereof waits on you for clothing, and can inform you of the sad condition of the men. I understand that Colonel Winship, deputy commissary general, has resigned. I know of no person so attentive to his business as Bethuel Washburn, assistant deputy...
31094From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 17th came to hand an hour and a half ago; and at the same time, that I regret extremely the Count not being arrived, for whose fate, I feel the greatest anxiety, I am happy to learn, that you had been able to extricate yourself from the difficulties you laboured under, and that you had so favourable a prospect before you—I shall wait the issue with the most anxious...
31095To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored this day by the receipt of your favor of the 16th Inst. Wherein you complain of my want of attention in giving you more frequently an acct of my situation and progress of my operations and in answer can assure your Excellency that want of interesting matter not of inclination has given rise to the suspicion—I can recieve no greater satisfaction than what arises from contributing...
31096To George Washington from Lund Washington, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Two Posts have past and no letters from you unless they have been sent on to newcastle where mrs Washington directed when she left home, hers shoud go —when I was below I see Mr Hill who Askd me whether you had given any orders about your Estate in his Hands—his meang I suppose was, as Custis and he are about to part, who was to take Charge of the Estate and further said, he wishd he had known...
31097To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 19 August 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburgh, 19 Aug. 1778 . Critical discussion of TJ’s “Observations on the late Eclipse” as sent to Rev. James Madison (see Madison to TJ, 26 July 1778 ). “I have annexed the Method used by the famous Short for finding the Effect of Parallax in a Transit of Venus, only applying it here to the Moon.” RC ( DLC ); 5 p. containing 4 rough astronomical diagrams. Text faded beyond legibility at...
31098Proceedings of a Council of General Officers, 20–24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the General Officers at Head Quarters White plains Augt 20th 1778 Present The Commander in Chief Major Generals. Brigadier Generals Gates Knox. Smallwood Sterling Woodford. Muhlenberg Lincoln. Wayne. Clinton McDoughal Huntington. Parsons Baron D’Kalb. Poor—Patterson Portail The commander in chief states to the council, that, by the articles of war, the highest corporal...
31099To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Bérenger, 20 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous aviez parlé de moi et de mon Histoire de Genève avec bonté; vous offriez de m’aider dans mon projet de faire l’Histoire des 13 Etats-Unis, et je crus devoir vous écrire, vous remercier, vous demander des conseils: j’ai fait tenir ma Lettre à un ami alors à Paris, qui devait vous la porter: vous ne m’avez point repondu et sans doute, ou vous n’avez...
31100To Benjamin Franklin from Georges Grand, 20 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay receu la Lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 7 de ce mois, et suivant Vos ordres, j’ay payé à la Veuve Macgrath f.76.3 pour la dépense de M. Welsh; suivant le Compte que Je vous ai remis Je luy avais fourni en deux fois 4 Ducats 21 et J’avais payé a M. Hancock dont Vous avés le Receu 200 Cf297.3s. Pour le Compte de Messieurs Les...
31101General Orders, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Tents of the whole Army are to be struck three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from ten in the morning ’till two in the afternoon when the weather will permit; The Officers will be careful to have the ground between and where the tents stood well cleansed. No Persons whatever whether belonging to the Army or not are to pass beyond the advanced Corps without Permits from...
31102From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge my obligations for your favor of the 31st Ulto & for its several Inclosures. The conduct of Governor Johnstone has been certainly reprehensible—to say no worse of it—and so I think the world will determine. His Letters to Messrs Morris and Reed are very significant and the points to which they conclude quite evident. They are, if I may be allowed so to express myself,...
31103To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
My last to Your Excellency went by Dunn dated the 13th since which I have had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s second of the 13th and one of the 16th Inst. I have at present nothing to trouble Your Excellency with but an Act of Congress of the 17th for exonerating the Commanding Officers on Hudsons’ river from any censure for the loss of the Posts in the...
31104To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency this Morning by Burwell and late the present Evening of receiving Your Excellency’s dispatches by Captain Riley. These shall be presented to Congress tomorrow. Inclosed with this will be found a Report of a Committee on Your Excellency’s letter, relative to Baron Steuben, which Congress request Your Excellency will take under consideration, and...
31105From George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
In what terms can I sufficiently thank you for your polite attention to me, and agreeable present? and, which is still more to the purpose, with what propriety can I deprive you of a valuable, and favourite Horse? You have pressed me once, nay twice, to accept him as a gift; as a proof of my sincere attachment to, and friendship for you, I obey, with this assurance, that from none but a Gentn...
31106John Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
If I knew of any more endearing Title I should certainly give it. But this appears to me to express the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth. It is at this Time a very still season for News. We are all Impatience to hear from America, having nothing certain since the 3d. July. My Son is well, and servant, and both behave well. The first is in high Reputation here.—Please to draw...
31107From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 21 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to inclose to congress, the last Gazettes and a Plann of the various Manoeuvres in the late sea fight by which the masterly Movements of the French Fleet in every Situation, and the ridiculous Confusion of the late Lords of the ocean as they called themselves are Said to be truly represented. Whether it was Want of Skill in the officers, or whether it was a Want of Men to...
31108Proclamation by George Washington, 21 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 21, 1778 . Pardons certain prisoners. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31109To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Mailhe, 21 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’horreur qe j’ai conçue dès long-temps pour la Tyrannie des Anglois, et la justice de la cause américaine, m’ont inspiré cette piece de vers. Que n’ont-ils la vertu d’entraîner quiconque n’est pas partisan du Congrès? Ce nombre est pourtant bien petit. On ne parle plus que de Vashington et de Franclin. L’Amérique, pour secouer le joug anglican, avait...
31110General Orders, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief has tho’t proper to pardon the following Criminals who were under sentence of Death and to have been executed this day—Solomon Lynes, John Craige, Zechariah Ward Richard Burk, Michaël Carmen, William McLaughlin, John Jenkins, Nicholas Fitzgerald David Potter and Neil Megonigle. Notwithstanding the general good Character of the Criminal as a soldier, the Wounds he has...
31111From George Washington to John Beatty, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lewis Johnson Costagan a Lieut. in the 1st Jersey Regt was taken prisoner early in 1777. I would wish that the speediest means may be used for the obtaining his Exchange, at the same time you will observe such caution in conducting the affair as not to alarm the enemy or induce them to detain him. You will not seem over anxious, and yet take such measures as cannot fail to procure his liberty....
31112From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst. by Mr Hulet the Pilot, who did not arrive in Camp till then. I am much obliged by your particular relation of matters, and request that you will continue it from time to time whenever oppertunity will permit. There was one circumstance in your relation, of which I was exceedingly sorry to hear. You will readily know which...
31113To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Patrick Henry, 21 Aug. 1778. GW wrote Henry on 13 Sept. : “I have been honored with yours of the 21st Augt.”
31114From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 16th, with the several papers to which it referred, came duly to hand on Wednesday Afternoon. I this minute received from General Sullivan the Letter I have now the honor of forwarding you, with One addressed to myself. A copy of the latter is also inclosed. The General seems to have been very near the Enemy’s lines—& on the point of opening all his Batteries. Things appear...
31115From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress the inclosed Memorial of Colo. Rawlings, presented in behalf of himself and the Maryland Officers, who were under his command in the year 1776. The facts which are stated in it, are generally true—and I can not but feel myself exceedingly interested in favor of these Gentlemen. The conduct of this whole Corps, when Fort Washington was attacked...
31116To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga being such as calls upon my earnest attention, will, I hope, plead for me in apology for giving you, Sir, the trouble of this Letter. By an Article of the Treaty made at Saratoga with Major General Gates it was to be allow’d that an Officer might be sent to Canada for the Cloathing for the Troops of the Convention —By application...
31117From George Washington to William Smith, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 15th Inst. by Lieut. Colonel Burr. It gives me pleasure to find that the conduct of the flag was such as contributed to your ease; and I am much obliged to you for the attention shewn to the convenience of my officers. It was really altogether out of my power to take any concern, (without interfering with the civil authority) in the matter of your request, but I...
31118To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am under the disagreeable Necessity of complaining of the Qr Mr General, of this Department, altho I could Cincerely wish, never to be under such Necessity, it is not only myself but almost Every Person, that has Business with him has Reason to Complain, as he seems very unwilling [to] oblige any Person whatever, he has no Tents, neither can I learn as he tries to provide any, by which means...
31119To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have within this hour had the honor of receiving your favor and am happy in having it in my power to relieve your Excellency from the state of anxiety you are in for the Counts safety. He last evening appeared of this harbour & I was soon after surprised with the inclosed letter from Count d’Cambis who was dispatched in a frigate by the Admiral for the purpose of more speedily conveying the...
31120To John Jay from James Duane, 22–24 August 1778 (Jay Papers)
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that M rs . Duane is in a great Degree restord to her Health; or rather that she has got the better of her nervous Complaint which entaild upon her Weakness & Lowness of Spirits and called for my utmost Care and Attention to prevent its ill Effects. That greatness of Mind and disinterested Love of her Country—to you I will boast—which have enabled her to...
31121The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter from Brest of August the 15th is before us, and We are very sorry to hear that Reports so groundless are circulated to your Disadvantage. However We trust they will do you no lasting Injury, as Insinuations so grossly false seldom hurt any but the Maker and Propagator. We write this Letter that you may have it in your Powers to assure any Body you think proper, that, so far from...
31122The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received your Letter of the 16th. and have written to Captain Whipple to appoint a Court Martial for the Tryal of Lieutenant Simpson provided there are a sufficient Number of officers to constitute one. We are This however is not to make any Change in the Command of the Ranger untill the Tryal is over, nor then unless the Judgment of that Court is against him. We are. LbC ( Adams...
31123The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We received yours of the 18 Instant. Mr. Bersoll has already been informed that he must send his Accounts and Vouchers to us before we can order him to be paid therefore you will inform him that ’ till he has furnished us with these for our Examination he must not expect payment and we hope that for his own sake as well as for ours he will not proceed to the indecent Violence you apprehend. We...
31124British Prisoners of War to the Commissioners, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This to inform your honouers we perisoners was Taken By Capt. Tucker Commander of the Boston was Sent on Shore the 3 Instant to Nantzs and from Nantzs to this town we humble beg Your Honouers to Grant us Lebertiy to Goe home for we have no mony and no Cridet here we have Dun Nothing amiss to our knowalage more then aney other Captains th e y all Gott there Liberty we humbley beg your honouers...
31125George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 22, 1778 . Sends information concerning position of enemy fleet in the Sound. LS , in the writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. The letter is endorsed as follows in writing of H: The expresses are positively ordered to ride day & night without fail. Head Quarters Alex Hamilton Augt. 22d. 78 Aide De Camp
31126The American Commissioners to James Moylan, 22 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We had the favour of yours of the seventeenth of August, and are obliged to you for this and several other Instances of your Attention to Us, in furnishing Us with early Intelligence. It is somewhat remarkable that a Vessel from James River should have brought no Letters. But We are happy to hear that affairs were in...
31127The American Commissioners to Thomas Read or Any Other Captain of Any Vessel Bound to America, 22 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two), University of Virginia Library Mr. Alexander Fowler with his Wife being bound to America, where he has heretofore resided as an officer in the British Army; and it having been represented to Us, that his Friendship to America occasioned his quiting that Service and has occasioned him some hardships, and...
31128The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 22 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 22, 1778: We received yours of the 18th. Tell Mr. Bersolle he must send us his accounts and vouchers before we will pay him; we hope for his sake as well as ours that he will not proceed to the indecent violence you apprehend. Dispose of the saltpetre as speedily and inexpensively as possible. Mr. Hall...
31129George Finlay, Thomas Anquetil, Wm. Allan and Brown Bencor to the American Commissioners, 22 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Ancenie, August 22, 1778: We are prisoners taken by Capt. Tucker of the Boston . From Nantes we were sent to this town. We beg you to grant us liberty or supplies, since we have done nothing different from other captains who have been freed. Commanders of American vessels have gained their liberty.> Published as “British Prisoners of War to the...
31130To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Herbaut de Marcenay, 22 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me flatte monsieur, que vous serez persuadé du regret que j’eprouve d’avoir passé tant de tems sans avoir l’honneur de vous voir. Beaucoup de voyages à la campagne sont causes de cette privation. Mais je n’ai point oublié que vous avez eu la bonté de m’engager a vous aller demander à diner à passy, et que vous m’avez chargée de vous mener ma soeur. Cette...