32751To Benjamin Franklin from Walter Pollard, [before 23 July 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The Arrival of the inclosed Letter to Mr: Pollard makes it unnecessary for Him to trouble Doctor Franklin with the Parcel intended for England. It comes from the Gentleman to whom that Parcel was directed—his respected Friend Mr: J——s, who had undertaken to procure, if possible, what was necessary for Mr: Pollard’s Return to his Family. How the Efforts of...
32752James Smith to the Commissioners, November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your very extraordinary letter of the 17 of Novr. I have received and acknowledge myself Obliged to you for the representation of my Case to his Excellency the Count De Vergennes. You say you do not think you can consistantly Grant my request unless I previously Subscribe the decliration and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and that when I comply with this condition...
32753Franklin’s List of Books Lent, November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Books lent To Mr Le Roy, Adair on Heat Count. Montfort Priestly on Education Abbé de la Roche two Geneva Pamphlets Swedish Ambassador—Carver’s Travels On the last page of his Cash Book (Account XVI, XXVI , 3), BF began to keep a record of the books he was loaning to friends. Despite the November, 1778, heading, later publication dates of some of the works...
32754To Benjamin Franklin from John Williams, [November 1778?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the last Letter I had from Boston I am informed that my Brother had received upwards of £450 that was Due to me on a Bond Debt—and my Wife mentioned that she supposed my Brother had remitted part of that sum to me by the same ship, but I have not yet received any Bills from him since those he sent under your cover, and my Business has been greatly...
32755Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to J. D. Schweighauser, 1 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 1 November 1778. Dft , heavily damaged, MH-H : Lee PapersBenjamin Franklin and John Adams asked Schweighauser to help Mme. Gerard, wife of the French minister to the United States, obtain the return of portraits of herself and her son that she had attempted to send to her husband. According to the attached copy of a letter of 26 Oct. from Mme. Gerard to the Commissioners, the portraits...
32756The American Commissioners to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library We have receivd the enclosd from Made [Madame] Gerard Spouse of M. Gerard, Ambassador of this Court to the United States. She is a Lady that we much respect & if by any means you can procure her the satisfaction She requests you will exceadingly oblige Sir yr. most &c P.S. Any expence you may be at shall be thankfully repaid. A M. Schweighauser. American...
32757To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Porteur de la présente, Mr. Walter Pollard, m’ayant demandé une Lettre de recommandation pour vous, je me conforme à sa requisition avec d’autant plus de plaisir, qu’il m’a été adressé à moi-même de fort bonne part, & que je vois dans ses sentimens, & dans son mérite, tout ce qui est requis pour lui attirer vos bonnes graces & votre protection. Dans une...
32758To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum The inclosed letter for M. de Chaumont will I hope have your approbation. I wish it were possible that the first plan could be pursued—or if it is postponed, it is perhaps a delicate point, but I wish I could have some assurance that the Indien will not be put under the command of another, but...
32759General Orders, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32760To George Washington from John Beatty, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The present movement of the Enemy preventing my Obtaining Leave to go into New York or Long Island for my immediate and personal Attendance to the application of the < illegible > for the use of the Prisoners as Ordered by the Congress will I fear detain me hear some time longer—I am promised however as soon as the Fleet has Sailed and things thrown into their usual Channel to be admitted,...
32761To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Theodorick Bland, c.1 Nov. 1778. On 3 Nov., Bland informed GW that “I wrote to you a few days ago by Capt. Call relative to the officers.”
32762To George Washington from George Clinton, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to forward to your Excellency by Express an Act of the Legislature passed Yesterday the more effectually to provide Supplies of Flour, Meal and Wheat for the Army that the Commissary may take the earliest Opportunity of availing himself of the Advantages intended by it. I beg Leave to suggest that if the Commissary was to order into the State and deposit with his...
32763From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday, your favor of the 28th Ulto, and was sorry to find you were in want of flour. I had a Letter written immediately to the Commissary upon the occasion—and from his account, I hope you have obtained a supply before this. He says three or four parcels had gone from Danbury for Hartford in the course of the Week, and that more was on the road from Fredericksburg. Besides these...
32764From George Washington to Brigadier General La Neuville, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your favor of the 30th Ulto and am exceedingly obliged by the very polite terms, in which you are pleased to express yourself. As I applaud your zeal & the motives, which brought you to this Country, I cannot but regret, that the circumstances of the Army did not afford you more satisfactory opportunities of serving. I am persuaded if they had, you would have improved them...
32765To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
With this Your Excellency will receive my Letter of the 30th which has been two days in the hands of Colonel Gimat; this Gentleman being detained by some prospect of receiving an Act of Congress in his favor in a day or two, I judge it best to forward the public Dispatches by an Express Messenger. Yesterday I had the honor of presenting to Congress your Excellencys’ several Letters of the...
32766To George Washington from Brigadier General John Nixon, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to Solicit Your Influence in the Exchange of Capt. Goodale a worthy officer in my Brigde belonging to Coll Putnams Regt, who was taken Prisenor near mile Square & is Now on Long Island, He Distinguished himself as a Partizan the Last Campaign, thro his Activity, Good Conduct & Intripidity, he captured with his parties at Diffrent times upwards of 100 of Lt Genl Burgoyns army. he hes...
32767From George Washington to Brigadier General John Paterson, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 28th Ulto. I do not mean to place your Brigade on a different footing from the rest of the Massachussets—or the other Troops in the Army. In my Letter to General Gates of the 27th I advised him according to the information I had received—and which I was then and am now told was derived from yourself, but a little time before the Army left the White plains, that you...
32768From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th containing your opinion upon the cantonment of the Army, and of the 29th and 30th ulto with a variety of information. Matters seem drawing very near a Crisis, and a few days will in all probability determine our doubts. In a letter, which I recd from General Scott last evening, he mentions, that a report prevailed in New York that Jamaica was taken, and...
32769To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed letters your Excellency will find that the Enemy are in Motion notwithstanding the Badness of the weather; that to the amount of 50 or 60 Sail of Ships fell down to the hook yesterday is Confirmed from Amboy, with this addition that more are Continually falling down, this last Circumstance is also Confirmed from Staten Island. I have Just seen Six persons from New York, they...
32770To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Clinton having informed me that my Regiment is Shortly to Releive that of Colonel Gansevoort’s now at Fort Schuyler, I have taken the Liberty to request your Excellency for leive to precede the March of my Regiment a few days, in order to make some Provision for my Family at Albany, where I shall be ready to join the Regt and proceed with it to Fort Schuyler, my Lieutenant Colonel &...
32771From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 1 November 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I have got thro’ the bill ‘for proportioning crimes and punishments in cases heretofore capital,’ and now inclose it to you with a request that you will be so good as scrupulously to examine and correct it, that it may be presented to our committee with as few defects as possible. In it’s style I have aimed at accuracy, brevity and simplicity, preserving however the very words of the...
32772Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 2 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to You the latter End of last July which I hope You have received before this Time, by what Vessel it was sent I am not able to say. We were then making Preparations for an Attack on Rhode Island, a fine Body of Troops were raised with great Expedition and furnished with every Thing necessary. On the 8th. of Augt. they landed on Rhode Island (under the Command of Genl. Sullivan)...
32773George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 2, 1778 . Orders Putnam to assume command of division lately under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32774To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’éspérance que j’avois de vous voir ici mon chér papa m’a empésché de vous écrire pour le thé de samedi; l’éspérance est le reméde de tous nos meaux: souffre t’on, on éspére la fin du mal; est t’on avéc des amis, on éspére y réstér toujours; en est on loin on éspére les allér retrouvér; il ne me réste que ce dérniér point d’éspérance; je vais comptér les...
32775To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de la Corbière and Other People with Ideas to Propose, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On the day that de la Corbière is offering a plan for the joint sailing of eight frigates, a lawyer from Quimper, named Girard, suggests that the Americans select the little port of Benaudet in lower Brittany as one of the free ports allowed them by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. They will need another ample harbor, of course, and an outlet for their...
32776To Benjamin Franklin from Ed. O’Reilly and Other People with Goods to Offer, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Offers for goods of various kinds continued to pour in during the winter of 1778–79. The earliest, published below, comes from an Irish doctor in Montpellier who has heard about a great bargain in stockings. On November 10, the Parisian firm of Desgranges & Cie., on the rue St. Honoré, informs Franklin that they are able to furnish 200,000 soldiers’ shirts,...
32777To Benjamin Franklin from R. Parsons, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me (for the last time I shall ever presume to trouble you) to acquaint you that I have it now in my Power th’o upon very distressing and disagreable terms to obtain my liberty—My Landlord who I inform’d you Sir, in a former letter had seized all my cloaths &c: has at last come to a resolution to suffer me to depart for England— My declining health,...
32778To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your recommendation of mr. Holker as Well as His own Worth, intitiles him to every Civility & assistence in my power, in full faith & Confidence in your recommendation I have Undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt. They are Public Bills & doubtless will be honourd I have 2½ per Cent for the Business but 10 per Cent would be no Indusement Without your...
32779General Orders, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Campaign is drawing to a Close and the Commander in Chief is desirous of affording the Officers an opportunity of seeing their Friends and Families as far as it can be done consistent with the publick service; The Brigadiers and Colonels commanding Brigades are requested to grant Furloughs to the officers of their respective Commands under the following restrictions, viz., to one Field...
32780From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of yesterday, inclosing an Act of the legislature of your State empowering the Commy, under certain restrictions, to seize all Wheat, Flour or Meal in hands of Forestallers; or Wheat of the Year 1777 and Years preceding. I have immediately, in the absence of the Commissary General, transmitted this salutary law to the Asst Commy General, who is with the Army, that he...
32781To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letters from The Generals Heath, & Sullivan, clearly shew, that The Enemy do not meditate any Attack to the Eastward; it is now too Late: I also send Your Excellency a Memorial from the Offi cers of the three Brigades here. it is matter, which they seem exceedingly Anxious may be reconsider’d—Major Mesam has got the Orders he required, and Assures me General pattersons Brigade are...
32782To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Finding it impracticable for the Troops of the Convention to begin their march the Day after to morrow, as was intended, I am this moment obliged to defer it until Saturday morning when I hope every thing will be in readiness. Inclosed is a request made by Brigadier General Hamilton. I have consented to the Officers, Sick &c. mentioned in the Letter, remaining here until your Excellency’s...
32783To George Washington from George Measam, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take this first opportunity to represent to your Excellency the Number of Men each Regiment in General Gates’s Division has been returned for Cloathing, and which the General has been pleased to Order me to Deliver Cloathing to, agreeable to the proportion Cited in Your Excellencys Letter of the 27 Ulto, this may serve to prevent any part of them drawing again in Your Camp and is as follows...
32784From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The departure of General Gates makes it expedient to send forward another officer to his command. For this purpose I have ordered General Putnam to Harford. The Genl will communicate to you such of his instructions as respect the division, or any other information which may be necessary for your goverment. I am D. Sir your most hble servt Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...
32785From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Gates having been ordered by Congress to repair to Boston and take the command of the Eastern district; I have thought it best, that you should proceed to Hartford and take the command of the division late General Gates, consisting of Poor’s, Patterson’s and Larned’s brigades. This you will, therefore, be pleased to do without delay. The standing order for that division is that it is...
32786To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favour of the 31st October Came to hand the Same evening. I observe Your Surprize, that no intillegence can be had with any Degree of Certainty. Respecting the Magazines of Forrage and wood. I assure You Sir it has been my Constant instructions to every person in my imploy, to make particular inqurery into these Matters and have been astonished that so Semple a thing could not...
32787The Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11. Aug. 1778. We shall conform ourselves exactly pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress, and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and shall be always ready to receive your Accounts and to settle them, and pay the Ballance if any should...
32788C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Après le départ de ma Lettre du 30 Oct. j’allai souhaitter un bon voyage à notre Ami, qui reviendra Mardi prochain ce soir. Mr. Baker Secretaire de l’Amirauté d’Amsterdam avoit fait une visite de commande à Mr. le Pensionaire Van Berkel. Celui-ci, sentant qu’on vouloit le sonder, prit le parti de s’expliquer trés fortement. “Monsieur, lui dit-il, que l’Amiraute prenne garde au Pré-avis qu’elle...
32789C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Following the dispatch of my letter of 30 October, I went to wish our friend a good trip. He will return this evening. Mr. Baker, Secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, made a command appearance before the Pensionary, Mr. van Berckel, who, sensing that the Secretary wished to sound him out, took the opportunity to express himself in no uncertain terms. “Sir,” he said to him, “let the Admiralty...
32790To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 3 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ November 3, 1778 . On November 4, 1778, Hamilton wrote to Van Schaick : “I have received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found .]
32791The American Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles (1959); AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11th August 1778. We shall pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and Shall be...
32792From Benjamin Franklin to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archivo General de Simancas Nous devons des remerciemens à la personne qui nous a fait remettre, par vôtre canal, la notte que nous avons reçu contre Conyngham; & nous devons l’assurer de nouveau, qu’etant penetrés de respect pour S. M. C. rien ne nous peine plus que des plaintes de sa part contre nos Gens. Elle aura vû par les papiers que vous avez remis dans le temps de notre Part a S....
32793From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Niles, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am sorry for your Misfortune. On showing this Line to Mr Bondfield, he will supply you with what may be necessary to forward your Return, in which I wish you better Luck, being, with Regard, & Goodwill, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Capitaine Niles / Ameriquain / chez M. Bondfield / Negociant / à Bordeaux...
32794Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 3, 1778, in French: Our friend has warned Mr. Baker, the secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, that if the Admiralty’s preliminary advisory serves to weaken the protest to the English court he will communicate the action to the entire business community. Such an action would...
32795To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je n’ai pu refuser, il y a quelques jours, à un ancien Ami, très galant homme, une Lettre de présentation pour Vous, qu’il m’a demandée instamment. C’est Mr. Huet Duplessis, Médecin François revenant de St. Eustache avec sa famille, pour passer le reste de ses jours dans sa patrie. Samedi passé je me suis fait un devoir,...
32796To Benjamin Franklin from Walter Pollard, [c. 3 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The Gentleman, who was concerned in the Business which Mr: Dumas has hinted in his Letter to his Excellency, is sorry to say, that it was written only with the friendly Intention of introducing Him at Passy; for his Satisfaction would have been greater, had He been recommended, not by his Friends alone, or by any formal Declaration of his Principles, but by...
32797To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Roberdeau, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis by whose hands I received your introductory favr. last year is also the Bearer of this to acknowledge the service you did your Country, as well as the honor confered on me in that Instance. To be more particular in commending the good and brave conduct of this worthy Officer would be to sanctify the repeated acts of Congress...
32798General Orders, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Pennsylvania Brigades to hold themselves in readiness to march at an hours warning. The Deputy Cloathier General will exert himself to have the Cloathing that is returned in carried to Fish-Kill as soon as possible—The Officers now in Camp to procure Cloathing for the several Brigades, are desired to use all possible dispatch in drawing their respective quotas & sending them off. After...
32799To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Leiut. Col: Temple (who goes to head Quarters, for the purpose of settling some accounts with the Auditors,) I have the Honor to inform yr Excelly that I have taken every step in my power, to induce the men of my Regt to reenlist, and altho there appears among them a great disposition to Continue in the Service during the war, yet only one man has yet enlisted, They seem unanimously to...
32800From George Washington to Colonel John Crane, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd a request from Lieut. Dunnell of your Regt for liberty to resign. He has produced your Certificate that he is not indebted to the Regt or public. You may therefore indorse his discharge upon his Commission. Be pleased to inform me of the time of resignation that I may register and transmit it to the Board of War. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript...