31201General Orders, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Guards are to be placed at proper distances in front and Rear of the Brigades to see that the soldiers make use of the Vaults prepared for them; The Purity of the Air and Wholesomness of the Camp depend so much upon the observance of this order that it is expected it will be strictly attended to and every soldier severely punished who is found guilty of a breach of it. The Brigade Quarter...
31202To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board recommend it to be inserted in General Orders, that half a Gill of Rice per Diem be issued, three Times a Week, in Lieu of one Quarter of a Pound of Flour; there being a large Quantity of Rice in Store; more in Proportion than Flour. The Board also request Your Excellency to repeat, in General Orders, the strict Injunction against any Horses being kept in, or near the Camp, by...
31203To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
there has passed by this Place to the Wtward, to day 3 Sloops & one Schooner Loaded with Hay—& one Row Gally, 2 Brigs & one Sloop from the Eastward come to anchor this afternoon Just Et of Hempstead Harbour, and as far Etward as I can see, appears to be 8 or 10 Sail Vessels, believe shall be able to give an Acct of them Tomorrow. I have the Honour to present your Excellency with 20 or 30 wt...
31204To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to recive your letter at ten last night, at two this morning I marcht for Bergan, to collect what intelligance I could. The Gentlemen mentiond in my instructions have not made any preparation to leave the town—the waggons are on long Iseland which prevents my informent giveing a perticular Acct of them. in a few days I Expect to be more fully inform’d—On Sunday morning a...
31205To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nearly our whole time for several weeks has been taken up in forwarding provisions, Stores &c. to Rhode Island, and in order to accelerate the operations of the Expedition we have sent to that place all the provisions that could possibly be spared from the Magazines, in particular Flour, of which upwards of 1000 Barrels have been forwarded. The unexpected destination of the Count D’Estaing’s...
31206To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to report the occurrences of the Day—Early this morning discoverd 16 Ships, Anchored off frogs point, Several of them appeared to be very large—upon my Return, two Boat loads, of the Inhabitants of City Island, attempted to cut off my Retreat—receivd sundry shotts from them—at 2 P.M. 2 large Briggs, & Sloop, from the Eastward, Anchored off, near Huntington Harbour, near the same...
31207To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency may depend on the following; as I have it from a Gentle Man of Varacity that came from Long Island yesterday Viz. Lord How went the day before yesterday off Barren Island out of the Hook and that day 4 Regts went down Long Island one of them Turnbuls, new levys, they said they were going on board of the Fleet to act as Marines but an express follow’d them that night, and they...
31208John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I shall inc l ose by this Opportunity, by Mr. Ingersol, Son of Mr. Ingersol of Connecticut, the late Judge of Admiralty at Philadelphia, but very different from his Father in his political sentiments, the Journals of Paris. But must refer you to the Public Papers for News. Indeed there is a Famine for News at present, here and in England. Not a Word from M. Destaing, nor from America since...
31209From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 27 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to inclose, the last Gazettes by which Congress will see the Dearth of News in Europe at present. We expect an Abundance of it at once soon, as We have had nothing from America Since 4. July. The French Fleet went out again from Brest the seventeenth: but We have not yet heard that the English Fleet is out. While the two Fleets were in Harbour, the British East India Fleet,...
31210To John Adams from Thomas Barnes, 27 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This day have had the pleasure of receiving Your much desired and welcome letter. Have also Received the feavour asked of 5 guineas which I greatfully Acknowledge. At the same time am sensible My letter to Doctr. Franklin deserves depricating Against as it was Imperfect in every particular. Now when to late I am sensible of my eror. How ever it is not my natural desire to adress a Gentleman of...
31211George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 27 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 27, 1778 . Instructs Du Portail to examine fortifications of Highlands and to execute instructions given him relative to the plan for defense of Delaware River and Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31212The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 27 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have before us yours of the 23d Inst. and are very sorry that Capt. Ayres is so indisposed as to prevent his return to America in the General Arnold. We wholly refer the appointmt. of a Master for this Vessel to you and Capt. Ayres and doubt not you will find a good Seaman and a person in whom you can confide. We...
31213To Benjamin Franklin from Georges Grand, 27 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis la Lettre que J’ay eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 20 de ce mois M. Hancok à attendu les 3 malles qui sont arrivées d’Angleterre sans avoir receu les nouvelles, et les remises qu’il attendait. Dans l’idée que les Lettres de son frere sont intercéptées, il s’est décidé à partir ce matin pour se rendre auprés de Vous, ou Je compte qu’il arrivera dans la...
31214To Benjamin Franklin from de Reine, 27 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hier a l’hotel De joui j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler d’un topique de plus merveillieux pour la reunion des os pour toute les fractures. Cette objet est trop interressant pour l’humanité pour être négligé: autant il paroit extraordinaire vérifié par nombre D’Experiance appuyée de certificat les plus autentique. Cependant je vous Supplie, Monsieur le...
31215General Orders, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the late Order respecting Brigade Inspectors of the day renders their duty very unequal, the Commander in Chief directs, that they be daily appointed in orders in regular rotation. Captn John Alexander is appointed Pay-Master Lieutenant John McCullan Adjutant and Lieut. John Hughes Quarter-Master to 7th Pennsylvania Regiment These appointments to bear date from the 1st day of June last when...
31216To George Washington from Lieutenant Caleb Brewster, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I left Long Island this Morning Governor Tryon was at Millers place with about three hundred Troops and the Main body at Brookhaven about nine Miles to the Westward under the Command of Genl Delancey; The whole party consists of a thousand men. The Party under the Command of Tryon are within half a mile of the Sound, those under the Command of Delancey a mile & a half; the Parties arrived...
31217To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the two Brigs & Sloop which Anchored near Hempstead Harbour Last Night, to day made Sail & went down, the Sloop was Armed Carrying 12 guns, the Brigs were not, but deeply Loaded, two Sloops past Wtward with Hay—the Vessels which I discovered yesterday, far Etward have made very Little Progress to day, they this Evening appeard to be Standing in to Oyster...
31218From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed as speedily as convenient to the Highlands and examine the several fortifications carrying on there for the defence of the North River. When you have done this you will make me a full report of their state and progress, with your opinion of any alterations or additions which may appear to you necessary in improvement of the present plan. In doing this, you will of course...
31219To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to inform your Excellency, the two Brigs, & Sloop, I mention’d in my last, have past this place, came to Anchor nere frogs point, soon after—One Sloop of force, & three Sloops, with forrage, went to the Westward—Just before sunset, 24. Sale, came to Anchor off Auster [Oyster] Bay; three ships appeard to be of force, hope I shall be able to Report, in my next, more peticular —I am...
31220To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 27 Aug. 1778. On 29 Aug., GW wrote Malcom : “I have recd yours of the 27th inclosing a weekly return of the Garrison.”
31221To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to Inclose to Your Excellency Major Howels Journal. I have it confirmed by another channel that the 7 Vessels of the Cork Fleet is arived, the day before yesterday; and that Lord How Sailed with his Fleet the same day to the Eastward; this is all I have at present only that I have Just got another Packet from the Commissioners to Congress and sent it on —I am Your...
31222To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, 27 Aug. 1778. On 27 Aug., Tench Tilghman wrote Muhlenberg: “His Excellency has recd yours of this date.”
31223From George Washington to Brigadier General Gold Selleck Silliman, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Brig. Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman, 27 Aug. 1778. On 14 Sept., Silliman wrote GW : “Your Favour of the 27th Ult. respecting a Guard at the Commissary’s Stores at the Landing in this Town I received the 2d Instant.”
31224To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Act of the General Assembly of this State for raising the two Battalions commanded by Colonels Enos, and McClellen provides, That the Battalions, or any Detachment therefrom, shall not be continued in actual service more than three months at any one time, to be compleated from the time they shall arrive at the place of their Destination —The exigency of the case requiring, they were...
31225To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 8th instant, requesting that the Fleet under the Command of Count D’Estaing might be supplied with Water from New-London, for which I gave immediate Orders; and sundry Vessels were employed in that business, by which conclude they were, and might still have been sufficiently supplied with that very necessary article, had they continued on that Station—but alas!...
31226To George Washington from Major Thomas Wickes, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have Just Receivd the Following Intelegence From Newyork, Yesterday morning Lord Hows fleet Consisting of about twenty Sail, went out of Sandyhook its Said he is, Bound to Rhode Island, its further Reported that two Expresses had arrived at newyork from Rhode Island, for him to Come to there releaf, one was an open boat, She Came in at the hook, Its Generaly believed by our friends in...
31227To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28–31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 21st came to hand the evening of the 25th. In my last I communicated to your Excellency the departure of the Count de Estainge with his fleet for Boston. This disagreeable event, has as I apprehended ruined all our operations. It struck such a panic among the Militia and Volunteers that they began to desert by Shoals. The fleet no sooner set sail than they began...
31228The Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
There are several Subjects, which we find it necessary to lay before your Excellency; to which we have the Honour to request your Attention. At a time when the Circumstances of the War may demand the Attention of Gouvernment, and without doubt call for great Expence, we are very sorry to be obliged to request your Excellency’s Advice respecting the Subject of Money but the Nature of the War in...
31229John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 28 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment been with Mons. De la Prévalaye by Accident. That Gentleman you know, Commands here in the Absence of Comte D’Orvilliers. He has told me that as there are now no Ships of War in the Road he can no longer furnish a Guard for the Prisoners taken by the Ranger and now on board the Prize Brigantine Patience. I could have no dependence on the Officers and Marines of the Ranger...
31230George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] August 28, 1778 . Asks Clinton to call out militia and states that French fleet has departed for Boston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31231George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 28, 1778 . Advises, for reasons of policy, that removal of French fleet from Rhode Island be attributed to damages caused by a storm. Asks Heath to use his influence to obtain assistance for fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31232The American Commissioners to James Smith, 28 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We received your Letter dated Paris Hotel de Saxe Aug. 24. and, altho We are altogether of a different opinion from yours respecting your Right of passing with your Effects Americans being intituled by the Treaty, no more than the Subjects of any other state in Europe in Amity with France, to pass with their Effects...
31233The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 28, 1778: We have several subjects that we must lay before you. One, unfortunately, is money. The nature of the war has necessitated far more emissions of paper currency than would ordinarily have been wise; to limit them Congress has borrowed...
31234John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 28, 1778: M. de la Prévalaye, who commands here in the absence of the comte d’Orvilliers, has just told me that he can no longer furnish a guard for the Ranger prisoners detained aboard the Patience . Unable to depend on the Ranger ’s officers, I had arranged for a guard with...
31235To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Joseph Odolant-Desnos, 28 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Comme pere d’une famille particuliere et de plus pere d’un grand peuple pour le bonheur duquel, dans un âge tres avancé vous avés fait tant de sacrifices particuliers, j’ose esperer que vous voudrés bien user d’indulgence pour un pere malheureux qui cherche de tous cotes un enfant cheri qui ne lui a jamais donné jusqu’à ce moment que des sujets de...
31236To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 28 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (letterbook draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Les Lettres que j’ai reçues, et les Dépêches que j’ai pu voir depuis quelque temps, ne me disent rien de plus que ce [ que ] publient en même temps les Gazettes, et surtout celle de Leide, qui est la meilleure, et laquelle je suppose que vous voyez regulierement. J’ai craint, depuis ma derniere du 18, d’abuser...
31237General Orders, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General observed on the 26th instant that there were several deficiencies towards a general movement of the Army—He expects every Exertion will be made to supply them without a Moment’s loss of time, that the Troops may in all respects be in a perfect State of readiness for marching at the shortest notice: The several departments of the Army will make their Arrangements accordingly—The...
31238From George Washington to the Board of War, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th Instant has been duly received. The object which the Board have in view is desireable—and I wish it may be accomplished; however I cannot entertain a hope that accurate returns can be obtained here of the Officers who have served in the Army from the beginning of 1777 to the present time, and I am certain it will be impossible to ascertain the dates of their Commissions....
31239To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to Inform your Excellency that the Fleet of Transports which lay at Frogs Neck have this morning made their appearence Round the Point they are now lying at Anchor, they are so Intersperced amonge the Islands that it is difficult to Assertain their Number their appears to be near 20 Ships I shall Acquaint your Excellency of there first movement, the Fleet mentioned in my Report of Last...
31240To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the Fleet from the Etward have now Past this place, there was in the whole Sixty Nine Sail Viz. 6 Ships, two of them Transports, 3 appeard to be of 18 or 20 guns Each, & one which Bro’t up the Rear of the whole had two Tier of guns—10 Brigs, 3 of them Armed, 21 Schooners, one of them Arm’d 6 Loaded with wood 2 with Hay, 32 Sloops, 13 Loaded with wood 2...
31241To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that I did not Inform myself any better as to the Shiping by going below, as they lie Chiefly behind the Islands, therefor was not able to discover whether there was Troops on Board or not. there appears to be 30 or 40 Sail of them, (I mean of those Transports from N. York) Chiefly Ships—Lt Hurlbut is Just Returned from Et Chester and can give no further...
31242From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received this day from Colonel Malcom I learn that the time of service for which the militia in the Highlands is engaged is very near expiring. I am to request you will be pleased to order out a relief of from 500 to 1000 as expeditiously as possible. Besides the call for them to carry on the defences of the river, there is at this juncture an additional necessity for their...
31243To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd inteligance that Yesterday betwixt two and three in the afternoon a signell Gun was fire’d at New york upon which a hunderd and forty sail of transports fell down to the hook (this is certain thayr numbers where told by severl persons on bergan shore) where thay are bound I am not able to lern—the day before Brass cannon was sent on board transports in the north river likewise...
31244From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant. The packet for the president of Congress, was sent forward by express. I inclose you a letter from General Patterson respecting silk for a set of colors: You will be pleased to give directions to the clothier to have it transmitted to camp. I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, MHi :...
31245From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unfortunate circumstance of the French Fleet having left Rhode Island at so critical a moment, I am apprehensive, if not very prudently managed, will have many injurious consequences, besides merely the loss of the advantages we should have reaped from succeeding in the Expedition. It will not only tend to discourage the people, and weaken their confidence in our new alliance, but may...
31246To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The fleet that were Anchor’d off Frogs point mov’d up Early this Morning, came to Anchor off City Island—72. Sail past this place to day, under Convoy of 4. Ships—Chief of them appeared to be very deeply Laden, But very few had Forage on deck—above half have Anchored off Heart Island, the Remainder joind the Fleet Below—they keep Constanly passing & Repassing from one fleet to the other—from...
31247To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 20th I have had the honor of receiving Your Excellency’s several favors of the 16th, 19th, 21st, 21st and 24th and of presenting them together with the several papers which accompanied them to Congress in due course. The proceedings of the General Court Martial for the trial of Major General Lee had been made an Order of the day for Wednesday the 26th, Congress then...
31248To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted for Your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 25th, the former receiv’d three days since, and the latter while I was in Congress this Morning; this takes my immediate attention—I feel convinc’d that had Your Excellency named a sum in Gold and apply’d for it to Congress, an order for the Amount would have pass’d without hesitation—but from circumstances which I have more than a few...
31249To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I forwarded to your Excellency yesterday a Journal from Major Howel with an Acct of Lord Hows being saild to the East Ward, 6 or 7 of the Cork Fleet having arived in the Hook &Ca which is all confirmed; it is likewise confirmed that the 4 Regts returned that was going on board the Fleet. Genl Clinton is on long Islan, it is said with 8000 Men but one half is most likely as I have both...
31250To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I sent You a Message By Capt. Anderson from Volentines hill informing Your Excellency of the Fleat in the sound I dispatched Colos. Butler & parker from That place for Intelligence, they are Just Returnd from the Waters edg opposit them and inform me that there are about 70 Sail Chiefly Transports the Bulk of which Lyes about the west end of City Island, A considerable part of those vessils...