31851The American Commissioners to Sartine, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives The Honourable Ralph Izzard Esqr., Minister from the United States to the Grand Duke, having ordered his Baggage to Italy from London has had the Luck to have them taken in an English Vessell, and carried into Marseilles. We have written to the Compte de Vergennes on the subject who refers Us to your Excellency. We...
31852The American Commissioners to James Smith, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives On the 28 of the last Month We had the Honour of writing to M. the Comte de Vergennes, concerning your Goods, and in the same Letter, We requested that some Mode might be prescribed by which Americans, well affected to their Country, might pass through this Kingdom in their Way home with their Effects Duty free. The...
31853The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 26 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, September 26, 1778: Last evening we received your letter of the 24th and shall observe the rules prescribed by M. Necker. We also received your letter of the 25th; article 16 of the treaty of commerce applies to Mr. Izard’s goods as they were shipped before...
31854From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I very much approve your Plan with regard to our future Accounts, and wish it to be followed. The Accounts that have been shown you, are only those of the Person we had entrusted with the receiving and paying our Money; and intended merely to show how he was discharged of it. We are to separate from that Account th Articles for which Congress should be...
31855Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 26 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives <Nantes, September 26, 1778: After I wrote you asking instructions about M. Peltier du Doyer’s claim on the cargo of the Thérèse , I decided to put a stay on his action and demanded delivery of the goods to me to prevent his remitting the proceeds of his sales to Paris. The inventory of the arsenal is completed. Mr. Williams wants me to sign the annexed receipt which I...
31856Joseph Wharton, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, September 26, 1778: In order to lessen the scarcity of salt in America and to benefit myself I propose to send several cargoes of it from Portugal this coming winter. As you informed me there is no congressional resolution against direct trade from Portugal to the United States, I ask passports for the vessels I may load there. Because of the...
31857To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Paper Contains a short sketch of Dr. Blacks Doctrine of Latent heat. It is there applied only to a few phenomena but the Dr. has experiments to shew that it is also the Cause of vapour, and He Explains How Evaporation Generates Cold, and the whole Theory of fluidity. After you have red this short paper, When you meet with my B[rothe]r He will...
31858To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Machillot Desplaces, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le nommé J.B. Machillot desplaces Valet de Chambre de Mr. le Mquis. de lafayette suplie Son Exelence d’avoir la bonté de le faire payer de la somme de 400 l.t. qu’il a prêté a Mr. le Maire pour un mois seulement, le tems que Son Exelence devoit lui faire rembourcer les avances qu’il avoit fait pour Elle. Sans le connoître que pour l’avoir vû chez Mdme. La...
31859To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Gabriel Montaudoüin de la Touche, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je profite de L’occasion de Mr. Blanchet qui va a Paris et qui a grande envie de vous rendre ses hommages pour me rappeller dans l’honneur de vôtre souvenir. Mr. Blanchet est eleve du celebre Agriculteur Tull. Il parle Anglois. Il a traduit le Commun-Sens , il est fort zelé pour la cause Ameriquaine. C’est un homme sans faute. Il a les moeurs et la candeur...
31860General Orders, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
31861From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress have authorised me to lay in magazines of provisions & forage for an expedition into Canada, and have consented to an enterprize of the kind if circumstances will admit of it —The commissary general of purchases informs me that Mr Cuyler will do every thing on his part towards effecting this end. but if notwithstanding, there should be any delay, or difficulty, give me immediately...
31862To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you I have been out to make what discoveries I could of the Enemy’s position & numbers. they are encamped from the new Bridge on the Hackingsack River, to the foot of the hill opposite to Fort Lee; in bush Huts. they are fortifying a very commanding Hill a little on this side of the new Bridge, which appears to be extensive. they have also thrown up small intrenchments across...
31863From George Washington to John Beatty, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the enclosed from Mr Mercerau respects your department I send it to you. The reasons, which induced Genl Sullivan to hinder the prisoners of the 71st Regt from going in at that particular time, do not now exist, and you had better order them on, if it does not contravene any of your own arrangements. As to what Mr Mercerau mentions respecting repairing Barracks &ca you will please to give...
31864To George Washington from Silas Deane, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Tallmadge, a gentleman for whom I have a particular regard is desirous of seeing me here for a few days, and as I have a Phaeton and horses in his care, it would be extremely convenient for him as well as for me to have him come down with them, as by that means, I may probably have the opportunity of accompanying of him back; if it be consistent with the service to permit him to make the...
31865To George Washington from Royal Flint, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unexpected demands for provisions at the eastward have nearly exhausted all the magazines of Flour east of Hudsons river. Should there be an expediency, during this campaigne, of collecting any considerable army, in either of the eastern states, I am convinced that with common exertions only, they could not be suppplied with bread. Our dependance cannot with the least degree of prudence be...
31866From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 23d Inst. That the Enemy have a movement in view seems more than probable—but whether they mean to leave—or still to act on the Continent, is a point difficult to determine. If they move from New York and the latter is their plan, I think with you, that they will direct their force to the Eastward. The french squadron under Count D’Estaing, is an...
31867From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to give directions for building temporary Barracks at Springfeild for about Sixty and not exceeding one hundred Men. If the Quarter Master will furnish the Materials the Artificers will erect the Building themselves—Genl Knox will give orders to the Artificers to do the Work. I am Yr most obt. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
31868From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday. There are three facts contained in it which I would wish you to ascertain if possible. The embarkation of the Troops, their number and destination. The embarkation of the Cavalry, and whether there was a meeting of the Refugees and what was the Business proposed to them. From the correspondence which you say you have now established I hope for information that will...
31869To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yours of this date, and observe Your Excellencys wish Respecting three facts as for the embarkation of the troops it is doubtless True, and that they did fall down with the tide Towards the Hook the same Night is also true. But their Destination I am as Yet a Stranger to and also of their Number. I have not been able to Learn any thing farther of the Cavelry than a confirmation of their...
31870To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informd by an officer of majr Lees that the enemy are advancing in a Very Considerable force. he left them about a mile Below Your Quarters at white plains. their Horse persued him almost to the Hospital near Claps Tavern. there has been Som Scattering fier on Wards Road and also on the north river. I suppose It has been with our hors patrolls on those roads I have not Yet...
31871To George Washington from Brigadier General William Winds, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am < mutilated > at Slaugter Dam with about 600 Men Marchi<ng> toward Sadle River In order to Join Col. Dey the Enemy are in the English Neighbourhood and So along the Road Toward Hackingsack as far as the New Bridge whare they Are Intrenching on the Heighth on booth sides of the New Bridge: I have this Moment Recd Inteligence that the Enemy Are Advancing towards Hackingsack the Bearer will...
31872John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
My Pappa enjoins it upon me to keep a journal, or a diary, of the Events that happen to me, and of objects that I See, and of Characters that I converse with from day, to day, and altho I am Convinced of the utility, importance, & necessity, of this Exercise, yet I have not patience, & perseverance, enough to do it so Constantly as I ought. My Pappa who takes a great deal of Pains to put me in...
31873John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
it is some time since I wrote you a Letter & if I should neglect it a great while longer you would have no right to complain because you have been negligent in writing to me. however I think I will not take advantage of you. But what Subject Shall I write you upon as you have now the honour to be miss in her your teens I suppose you begin to look about the world for Diversion if you was here...
31874The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us on the 21 instant, relative to the Isabella, retaken from a Guernsey Privateer, by Captain McNeil in the General Mifflin. As it is extreamly probable that the Compte D’Estaing has retaken several American Vessells from the English, We shall no dout Soon have Intelligence, what has been done in those Cases. We...
31875The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire, Messieurs le 28 du mois dernier vous avez rapellé la promesse que le Roi a faite par l’Article 8 du Traite d’Amitie et de Commerce Signe le 6 fevrier dernier de S’emploïer auprès des Regences Barbaresques, pour procurer aux Sujets des Etats unis toute Sûreté dans la Mediterranée pour leur Commerce et leur navigation. J’ai communiqué...
31876The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
In the letter which you did me the honor to write to me the 28th. of last month, You recall the promise which the King has made in the 8th Article of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce signed the 6th. February last, to employ his good offices with the Regencies of Barbary, to procure for the subjects of the United States, every security in the Meditteranean for their Commerce and...
31877George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 27 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 27, 1778 . Instructs Baylor to join brigade that Major General Israel Putnam is sending to Clarkstown. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Baylor was a colonel of the Third Continental Dragoons.
31878George Washington to Baron de Kalb, 27 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 27, 1778 . Instructs De Kalb to send a brigade to Fishkill to replace a division that Major General Israel Putnam is sending to New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31879The American Commissioners to Sartine, 27 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; four copies: National Archives <Passy, September 27, 1778: We received yours of the 21st relative to the retaking of the Isabelle by Captain McNeill. Since comte d’Estaing has probably retaken American vessels from the English, we should soon have intelligence on how this was handled. In the meanwhile we have advised Captain McNeill to turn over...
31880Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 27 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: National Archives (three), Library of Congress (two), Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives <Versailles, September 27, 1778, in French: In your letter of the 28th of last month you recalled the King’s promise in article 8 of the...
31881To Benjamin Franklin from James Laurens, Jr., 27 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Though I have not the pleasure of being personally known to you, I take the Liberty to address you as the Common friend of America and to request the favour of your assistance in procuring me a Pass, which may serve as a safe conduct for me and my Family in travelling from City to City through this Kingdom, which I am informd by the Commandant of this Town,...
31882General Orders, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
31883From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Putnam to detach a brigade on the West side of the river, to take post somewhere near Clarks town —You will join this Brigade with the cavalry under your command and act with it ’till further orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For these orders, see GW to Israel Putnam, this date .
31884To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 11th Instant came to hand the 20th; the Contents of which I shall punctually observe. Inclosed I send your Excellency Copies of some depositions concerning one of my parties under the Command of Major Posey Killing one Demon who Attempted making his escape after the party had made him Prisoner of which I wrote your Excellency in my last —Complaint having been made to Govr...
31885To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
je m’étois engagé a suivre de près mr de laumoy a philadelphie, mais j’avoueray a votre excellence que j’ai une Repugnance singuliere a faire le voyage voisy pourquoy. Cette Campagne-cy est peut estre la derniere qui se fera dans le Continent de L’amerique. si elle etoit Donc terminée par quelque action, je serois desespéré de ne m’y estre pas trouvè. je ne Crains pas Certainement que les...
31886To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning at two o’Clock I was honour’d with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday’s date. From the beginning of the War, I devoted myself to the service of the United States; and while I continue to serve, I shall cheerfully obey all Orders from Congress, or Your Excellency, or any my superior Officer: Your Excellency has therefore, only to signify your Commands, to have...
31887From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 21st Instant and thank you much for the intelligence it contains. I hope we shall have a confirmation, ’ere it be long, of the advantages said to be gained over Admiral Keppel, in public dispatches to the Count and Monsr Gerard. When I wrote you on the 23d, I apprehended that the General Court had been induced to order in the Militia, merely from General...
31888From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Putnam to send a Brigade on the West side the river to protect the Country from the light parties of the enemy, now in the Jerseys —In order to replace this, You will detach a brigade of your division to Fish Kill town, where it will wait General Putnams orders to join him if it should be necessary. I am Sir Yr Most Obed. ser. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing,...
31889To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency the 20th Instant by Colonel Hazen. This will be accompanied by an Act of Congress of the 25th Inst. for the immediate defence of South Carolina and Georgia, to which I beg leave to refer. Congress have appointed Mr John Ternant Lieutenant Colonel in the service of the United States, and Inspector of the Troops in South Carolina and Georgia and...
31890From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yours of the 19th & 22 Inst. As the party of the enemy now on a forage in the Jersey, are in considerable force, and from the latest intelligence have taken post at the liberty pole, extending themselves to the New-bridge on the Hackinsac River—You will therefore immediately march to the high grounds west of acquacanack with your Brigade, in order the better to cover the Country the...
31891To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take this oportunity by Mr Woodroof to inform Your Excellency of our affairs for some days past. I have desired that Coll Baylor would give you constantly an Account of the Hackinsack affairs, The day before yesterday we had a Flag Boat at New york with a little Flour, they saw one 20 Gun ship between 12 & 15 small armed Vessels and about 50 Flat bottom’d Boats go up the North River They...
31892From George Washington to Otis & Andrews, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Capt. Smith of Colo. Baylors Regiment, the Officer appointed to procure Cloathing. By the directions of the Board of War, you are only to provide for the number of Men actually now in the Regiment, which amount by the Adjutant Generals Certificate to 159. But there are between twenty and thirty Recruits on the way from Virginia not included in the Return who...
31893From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to send Genl Woodfords Brigade to the West side of the River with orders to fall down towards Clarks town, for the purpose of hindering the Enemy from advancing parties from their main body about Hackensack Bridge, to carry off the Stock which has been drove out of the Necks. I have directed Baron Kalb to send a Brigade from his Division to Fishkill, who will be ready to come to...
31894To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the latest accounts from the other side of the River, the Enemy, have been reinforcing considerably, and have got 17 Feild peices at the liberty pole. Their intention I amagine is to plunder the Country, of all the stock they can collect and return. I have not an Idea of their Visiting us at this post. We continue to send Fatigue to the Fort daily. I am dear sir Yr Most Obedt Servant. LS ,...
31895From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of yesterday late last night. There are one or two facts with respect to the enemys affairs of great importance to be known which I would wish to have communicated as soon as possible. you will therefore ascertain with certainty and precision whether the forage which they have drawn from the Jersey and by means of the party from Kingsbridge has been stacked in their yards or...
31896To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
From the best account that I have been Able to get the enemy have no design of Moving Their main body farther than their presant incampment, about Volentins hill, they keep out Strong Forraging parties up as high as dobs’s ferry and on the other Side to wards House, they have taken off large Quantitys of wheat in the Straw and all the hay that is in that Country which is carryed Immediatly on...
31897To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing You this morning I am Inform’d from Colo. Gist who is Near Tarry town that about two hundred of the Greens and about a hundred horse was up as fare as Tarry town Plundering every body in their way. Majr Lees Corps was Just mounted to go down in order To Join Gist when I recd the infermation I am in great hopes they will be able to do Somthing Cleaver—I have heard nothin farther...
31898From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 22d 23d and 24th instants. I cannot conceive what transports those can be that have come into Newport Harbour, except they are those from Hallifax. None have lately gone from New york—It will be very material to know with certainty from whence they came and whether they had any troops on board. If they are those from Hallifax, and empty, it gives weight to an...
31899To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have heard little from the Enemy since the date of my last. They are erecting Barracks on the Island, and have sent off many of the Inhabetants. Circumstances, which convince me they propose taking up their Winter Quarters there. I have the honor to be, with the most exalted esteem, Dr General Yr Excellencys most obedt hble Serv. LS , DLC:GW . Sullivan’s previous letter to GW is dated 25...
31900To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I received your Excellency’s Instructions, I have Obtained an Extract from the Act of Assembly of Virginia, allowing an Additional Bounty; which I do myself the Honor of Inclosing; it Came in a Letter from Colo. Lyne who is now a member of the House. I have put the money which I received from the Pay master Genl into the Hands of five Officers of the Brigade, who I think the most likely...