32251From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of yesterday that Capt. Leavensworth is safe. I hope that the Officer left behind will bring something material. I did not mean to reflect on Colo. Shelden or his Feild Officers, or the Officers of that Regiment in particular for negligence while upon commd. I only wished that the Feild Officers in general would point out to the Subalterns, who usually go upon...
32252To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Late last night I recd a letter from Colo. Gist informing me that the enemy wear leaving their Post Near Phillaps’s hous, and that he was told by a Country man from York that he Saw the troops imbarking when he Came away. I recd two letters from Colo. Armand one of Yesterdays and the other of this days date which for Your Better Information I enclose them to Your Excellency. I have given...
32253To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I omitted writeing to your Excellency yesterday as I was in hourly expectation of receiveing Intelligence from Sandy Hook, Capt. Burrows whom I sent for that purpose is Just returned and brought the two enclosd letters from Major Howell, and on further examining he says that yesterday Morning at Nine oClock there were Six Capital Ships at Anchor on the out side the Hook, two more Ships of war...
32254To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency at three oClock this day, I have Since received the enclosed letters and Intelligence from Colonel Dayton whom I on the 9th desired to go to Elizabeth Town for the purpose of getting Intelligence. Ad: Keppel Certainly makes the best of it, he does not pretend to say a Word of the loss of the french, it is Clear he had no Choice left but to return to Port [.] The Letter...
32255From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd advice that on the evening of the 9th about forty sail of Vessels were seen off Stamford standing to the Eastward. The weather was then, and has been since, so thick, that it could not be discovered whether they had troops on Board or how many of them were ships of War. It is more than probable that they are intended for Newport. You will therefore endeavour if they put in...
32256To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency<s> Favor of the 4th Instant, and shall invariably comply with your Intentions as pointed out therein respecting the Cloathing. I have no reason to doubt, but the Troops under my Command may be satisfactorely supply’d in the manner you propose. I was likewise duly honord with your esteemd favor of the 5th Ulto; and beg leave in answer, to assure...
32257From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th—inclosing a resolution of your legislature—directing two Companies of Colo. Enos’s Regiment to be stationed at Greenwich. I cannot but express my fears that they will be in danger, except they act as a kind of Patroll. The Light Corps of the Army under General Scott affords as much cover to that part of the Country as it is possible for me to give in our...
32258To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, [on or after 12 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld a l’honneur de faire ses complimens à Monsieur franklyn en lui envoiant une lettre qu’il a crû convenable d’écrire au Capitaine Jones pour lui rendre compte de sa conversation avec M. de sartine; la lettre est ouverte, et Monsieur franklyn est prié de vouloir bien la lire. Le duc de la Rochefoucauld se fera un grand plaisir de...
32259The American Commissioners to Sartine, 12[–15] October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, October 12[–15], 1778: We received your letter of the 7th. We believe the article in the commercial treaty applies clearly, strictly and fully to Mr. Izard’s case. The goods were shipped last April, when two months had not elapsed from the declaration of war. Mr. Izard assures us that his name is in many of the...
32260Monday. Oct. 12. (Adams Papers)
Samuel Harding of Welfleet Cape Cod says that Mr. Robert Bartholomew or Bartlemé, and Incleby of London, are largely concerned in the Whale Fishery. Richard Coffyn and Shubael Gardiner of Nantuckett are concerned with them. Dennis Debert carries on the Business for Mr. Bartholomew. Mr. Nath. Wheatly of Boston is in Partnership with Mr. Bartholomew.—One Ship of forty Guns, or 20 Guns, would...
32261The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us on the Seventh of this Month, We duely received. In our Letter of the twenty Sixth of the last Month respecting the Goods of Mr. Izard on board the Nile, we cited the Sixteenth Article of the Treaty of Commerce, in Support of Mr. Izards claim, which your Excellency thinks an Error, and that it is the Fourteenth Article which...
32262To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have hoped for Leisure to answer your favor as fully as, in my own Vindication, it demands. There are matters touched in it, which imply a Censure upon me, which a recapitulation of facts, I am satisfied, would convince you is unjust. But as I dispair of sufficient Leisure for some time, I must content myself with replying to what is immediately necessary. A desire to remove as much as I...
32263Daniel McNeill to the Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
After my Arrivall here I applyed to the Agent to recive the prisoners who promised he would the next morning, upon which I sent them a Shoar, but they ware refused to be Landed by the Comadant for want of Orders from the Ministry to that purpose, therefore was oblidged to Carry them onboard again, but shall not be able to Carry them out of France without turning at least twenty Americans a...
32264Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je n’ay point oublié, Messieurs, L’Intéret que vous prenez a M. Jones et la Demande que vous avez faite de lui accorder un Batiment armé qui puissé le transporter en Amerique. Le Roi a qui j’en ai rendu Compte est disposé a donner cette facilité a ce Capitaine. Mais Je desire prealablement de Scavoir s’il sera possible de composer de Matelots Americains l’Equipage du Batiment qui sera fourni a...
32265Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have not forgotten, gentlemen, the interest you took in Mr. Jones and your request that he be granted an armed vessel to carry him to America. The King, to whom I have rendered a report, is disposed to give the captain this facility. But I would like to know, beforehand, if it would be at all possible to make up the crew of the vessel, which will be provided Mr. Jones, from American sailors,...
32266To John Adams from William Whitmarsh Jr., 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Being a Townsman of yours and having suffered in the Grand Cause I have Made my Aplication To Mr. Coffyn in Behalf of the United States of Amirica for a Small Sum of Money sufficent to Bear my Exepences while in France which will be no Longer then I Can Geet a Vessell Bound To America which By the Assistance of Mr. Coffyn I hope will not be Long. Sir My affairs Stands thus — I was Taken a...
32267To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] October 12, 1778 . States desire of Captain-Lieutenant Daniel Gano, Second Continental Artillery, to resign. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
32268James Lovell to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress Congress having foreign Affairs now under Consideration, I shall not write to you on that Subject, more especially as it is quite uncertain how the present Papers will be conveyed to you. Nor shall I pretend to unravel to you the Designs of the Enemy. They are very inscrutable: The Printers know...
32269Daniel McNeill to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, October 12, 1778: After my arrival I applied to the agent to receive my prisoners; I sent them ashore but the commandant of the port refused them, lacking orders from the ministry. I cannot take them on board unless I send twenty Americans ashore. Since few opportunities for passage exist, this would be a great hardship for men who escaped English...
32270James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since the receipt of your favors 22d. and 31st. Augst. nothing occur’d worth troubling you with my letters. In consequence of your letter of 31st. August I apply’d to the Commissary of this port, to receive Cap. McNeill’s prisoners, but he refused taking charge of them, as he had no kind of orders to that effect from Government. Cap. McNeill since his...
32271Sartine to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives Je n’ai point oublié, Messieurs, l’intérêt que vous prenez à M. Jonet [Jones] et la Demande que vous avez faite, de lui accorder un Bâtiment armé qui puisse le transporter à l’Amerique. Le Roi à qui j’en ai rendu compte, est disposé a donner cette facilité à ce Capitaine, mais je desire prealablement de savoir, s’il sera possible de composer...
32272To Benjamin Franklin from [Pierre-Georges Cabanis], 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Made. helvetius demande de la part de mr. hebert à mr. franklin si le Diné projetté avec mr. le maréchal de Duras peut avoir Lieu samedy prochain ou mercredy de la semaine suivante. Mr. hébert chez qui doit s’exécuter ce diné, préférerait le samedy, mais toutes fois dans le cas où mr. franklin n’aurait aucun engagement pour ce jour là. Mde. helvétius sera de...
32273To Benjamin Franklin from John Lemon, Edward Driver and John Nichols, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Not doubting but your goodness will pardon our Presumption in writing to your Honour we take this freedom upon us to acquaint your Honour of the present Situation I am in. I was taken in the Washington Privateer brought to England and put on Board a Man of War against our Will and now taken in the fox Frigate by the French and [ torn ] Now confin’d in Dunnan...
32274To Benjamin Franklin from Necker, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19. de ce mois la note des Effets retenus à la Douane de Calais sur le Capitaine Pierre Colas de Boston. Comme aucun des effets n’a conservé la marque de son Origine il n’a pas été possible de les considerer comme ouvrage de France. On n’a pû d’ailleurs en permettre l’entrée parce que [...
32275To Benjamin Franklin from [Henry] Pattulo, 12 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Germain en Laye, October 12, 1778: Your reputation for knowledge, wisdom and virtue has made me long desire to meet you. Accidents prevented my being introduced to you in London seven years ago. I have some proposals to offer, based on a lifelong application to the study of rural and political economy. I am of a Scots family and was engaged “in a too...
32276General Orders, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32277From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have now—at your request—given my full consent to the Sale of the Lands wch I hold in right of Dower in a Tract in the County of York—to a Water Grist Mill thereon—To Lotts in the City of Williamsburg—and others in James Town—As also to your Renting, or otherwise disposing, of the other Dower Lands & Slaves which I am possessed of in the County of King William upon the terms which have been...
32278To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 29th Ulto per Brigr Genl Portail, and since, with that of the 4th Instant—The General has been taking a survey of the different Works every day since his arrival here, but has not as yet taken a plan. I shall pay strict attention to the injunctions of your Excellency’s Letter respecting the works. I beleive the intelligence communicated by...
32279From George Washington to Alexander McWhorter, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
There are now under sentance of death, in the provost, a Farnsworth and Blair, convicted of being spies from the enemy, and of publishing counterfeit Continental currency. It is hardly to be doubted but that these unfortunate men are acquainted with many facts respecting the enemys affairs, and their intentions which we have not been able to bring them to acknowlege. Besides the humanity of...
32280From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterdays date and its several inclosures. No such act of Congress exists as that on which Capt. Carter founds his claim for forage—By Genl Orders published about a twelve month since Captains of Artillery commanding two pieces—or commandg Regiments destitute of field Officers—-were allowed forage— the reason in the latter case is obvious—in the former it is...
32281To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Colo. Ball informs me that a Number of Men belonging to the 9th Regt who receivd furlows last Winter are still in Virginia, as well as those who were exchangd last Spring & reinlisted. He requests that Lieut. Overton may be permitted to go to Virginia for the purpose of Collecting & bringing them to Camp; if his proposal meets with Your Excellencys approbation, Lt Overton will set out...
32282From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Pendleton, 12 Oct. 1778. Pendleton wrote GW on 22 Dec. 1778 : “I thank you for yr esteemed favr of Octr 12th lately come to hand.”
32283To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Pursuant to Your Excellency’s Desire, signified to me on Saturday last, I send inclosed a Return of the Cloathing on Hand in the Quarter Master General’s Store, procured for the Use of the People employed in that Department. I avoid sending it to the orderly Office lest it should lead to some Mistake, as your Excellency was pleased to say it was not meant to be included in the Genl Order of...
32284To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment Recd a letter from Majr Lee who I sent Yesterday to Learn with Certainty Whether the enemy had Actually Imbarked. For Your Excellencys better Information I Inclose his Letter. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Maj. Henry Lee wrote Scott on this date: “I am sorry to acquaint you, that the intelligence received yesterday from the Colos. Armand & Gist has turned out...
32285From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Lordships favs. of the 6th 7th 8th and 9th instants and thank you for the intelligence communicated in them. I had no material directions to give or I should have answered them immediately upon their Receipt. As your Lordships force is so very unequal to that of the Enemy, I would not wish you to remain so near them as to intice them to aim a blow at you. Keeping their...
32286John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 13 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Letters this day from Couronna we have advice that the 30th Ultimo arrived at that Port an American privateer of 20 guns. She left Boston 14 August. He reports that Adml. How with the reinforcement he had receivd went down to Rhode Island. He there found Comte D’estaing who on his approach stood out to meet him. A Gale of wind prevented their engageing. Both Fleets sufferd severely by the...
32287George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 13 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 13, 1778 . Sends British account of naval battle in which Comte d’Orvilliers commanded French fleet. Reports that English fleet is still at “the Hook.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32288The American Commissioners to Ralph Izard, 13 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have the Honour of enclosing to you a Copy of M. de Sartines Answer to our Application in Support of your Demand of your Baggage taken on Board the Nile. We have agreable to your last Letter written again to Mr. De Sartine requesting him to Stop the Sale of the Things till you can make your Objections to their being...
32289The American Commissioners to Sartine, [13] October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; three copies: National Archives We had the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 7 Instant to which We shall take the Liberty of answering fully by another opportunity. As you mention that the Prize was condemned on the 20th Mr. Izard is apprehensive that the goods in Question may be sold, before the ordinary Course of Law can prevent...
32290John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 13 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 13, 1778: We learn from an American privateer which arrived at Corunna on September 30 that Admiral Howe tried to relieve Rhode Island. His and d’Estaing’s fleets were severely damaged in a storm; he has returned to New York and d’Estaing regained his post off Newport. The privateer took two packet boats from which he has brought into...
32291To Benjamin Franklin from Tristram Barnard: Oath, 13 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Passy, October 13, 1778: I, Tristram Barnard of Nantucket, swear I will proceed to England and, as soon as possible in a vessel of my own loaded with coal, to Spain. From thence, with a cargo of goods, I shall proceed to America to settle for life. I will not use this pass from the commissioners in any way contrary to the interests of America or France.> In...
32292General Orders, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial whereof Coll Patten was appointed President will sit tomorrow morning nine ôClock at General St Clair’s quarters. At a General Court Martial held at West-Point September 28th 1778—Lieutt Coll Burr President Elisha Painter Major of Artificers was tried for absenting himself from the Garrison & neglect of duty found guilty of the charges exhibited against him and...
32293To George Washington from Major John Bigelow, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last Evening I Received a Letter from Colo. Hamilton directing me to make an Exact Return of what Materials for Cloathing, and all Cloaths diliver’d by me, to whom and when, I am very Unhappy that my long detention at Congress has put the Business So far back, that ’tis not in my Power at present to make Such a Return as your Excellency Requires, and I could wish, the Accounts for making...
32294From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to send your Excellency the British account of the late engagement between the two Fleets respectively under the command of Monsieur D’orvilliers and Admiral Keppel, contained in a letter, published by authority, which I have just received from New york. The insipid terms of this letter—the frivolous pretext assigned for not renewing the engagement—the damage...
32295To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
in obedience to your Excellencys directions I send the within Letter to The president of Congress, which contains the Letters of Earl Balcarres; a Report prevails that the Enemy have Evacuated Fort Independence, and Their Works at Kingsbridge—I have nothing further from Major Gray since the letter of the 9th Inst:, which I transmitted to Your Excellency. I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble...
32296To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
My last trouble to your Excellency was dated the 9th by Messenger Dodd who was detained by bad weather and a little management of his own until yesterday. Within the present inclosure your Excellency will receive the undermentioned Papers. 1. An Act of Congress of the 12th Inst. strictly enjoining all Officers in the Army of the United States to see that the good and wholsome Laws provided for...
32297To George Washington from William Livingston, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter relative to the Quarter master Generals department, & also your favour on the Subject of Crowels flag of truce, to neither of which I can refer by their dates, not having them before me. The papers accompanying the first, I immediately laid before the house, but they being exceedingly hurried by the then approaching dissolution,...
32298To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter inclosing a Warrant For the Execution of Elisha Smith, was this day handed me by a Deputy Qr Master from Fish Kills. the Day being past which the Warrant point[s] out for His Execution, before it reached me, I am at a loss To know how to proceed. Fearfull I may commit a Blunder wish to have Your Excellencys farther instructions Respecting the matter. Being sensable of...
32299To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am informd by Capt. Virmiller a Very good Man who has been in New York in Quest of his Stock lately Taken by the enemy, that a considerable number of the Hessions have imbarked Since their Return from their Late position about Volentines Hill. and that they wear then whilest he was there imbarking Men, & Stors of all Sorts Such as hay large trunk and a Variety of things. he Says that he was...
32300To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Ward, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your Excellency’s Directions, I have endeavoured to ascertain the number of men in the several Battalions employed as waiters. By the Muster Rolls taken this month, it appears the number of waiters is much lessened since the last musters; there are but two men now returned waiting a Brigadier who in the last muster had six. This alteration may be owing to a check given to...