32801From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 29th Ulto, I transmi<tted> you a Copy of a Resolution of Congress, directing the removal of the Convention Troops; a copy similar to which had been forwarded before to General Heath. By a Letter from him of the 28th, he asks whether it may not be best for their Heavy baggage to be sent by Water. It appea<rs> to me that it will, and it may be waterborne, as far as the falls...
32802To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Gray, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am happy that I can inform your Excelly that there hath been no Robberies nor plundering done by any Boats that I have sent to the Iland. it was intimated to me about 3 or 4 Weeks since that a Privateer whale Boat from this Port had robbed a Person on the Iland six mile from Shore, I have Indeavoured as much as in me lay to Obtain proper Proofs of it but have not been Able to obtain them,...
32803To George Washington from Colonel Josias Carvil Hall, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Excellencys Instructions I have sent a Return of the Draughts inlisted in the 2d Brig: of Maryld. None of the Regts have recruited any but the 4th and they only two since they received the Money. In recruiting we are confined to our respective Regts & the 4th have no more Draughts worth the Bounty. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys very H’ble...
32804From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your several Letters of the 23d—26th & 28th Ulto—the first and last of which came to hand last night and this morning. On the 29th, I wrote you of the difficulties that attend the procuring of flour. The Commissary I am persuaded, does not leave a step untried to obtain supplies; but it will be, at least, immensely difficult to do it. The loss of the Biscuit was an...
32805To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
32806From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 15th Ulto came to my hands by the last Post. Soon after the date of my Letter giving you an acct of Captn Henry’s having left the Service, I was informed (upon further enquiry after him) that he had got no further than Elizabeth town in the Jerseys & was there rather distressed for want of money, having been indisposed at that place for sometime. Colo. Bannister being then in...
32807From George Washington to Colonel Henry Jackson, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd requests from Lt Jno. Jackson and Ensign William Barber both of your Regiment for liberty to resign. The former has produced your Certificate that he is not indebted and if the latter is in the same situation, you may give them discharges which are to be indorsed upon their Commissions. Be pleased to inform me of the times of their resignations that I may register and transmit them...
32808To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you last, I was favoured with your Excellencys Commands of the 24th Ultimo; throˆ Farmington. If the Enemy had appeared in the neighbourhood of Connecticut, or near it, I should not have considered the spirit of my first orders, binding to remain at Hartford, till I should receive others, as I knew the object of marching the Troops, from Fredericksburgh and...
32809To George Washington from John Mitchell, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency favor of the 26th past. have inform’d Mrs Montgomery that you wou’d not want her Carriage it has been no loss to her waiting your Answer. am extreamly sorry the large Bowl was broke, if I can procure an Other will send it as carefully as possible, Shou’d the Trunks prove too large when you see them will indavour to procure smaller. have sent four Table...
32810To George Washington from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send the Proceedings of a Brigade General Court Martial for your approbation. General Gates set out from this place for Boston yesterday and carried with him Docter Brown the only Hospital Surgeon we had here. I beg that he may be order’d back, (as I think he cannot be wanted there) Or some other one may be Orderd here to take care of and provide for the Sick of this Division, as we...
32811To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning favoured with your Excellency’s letter of the 1st. The fleet at the hook was yesterday encreased to 108 Sail. this morning at Seven they weighed Anchor and Stood out to Sea at Eight they were out of Sight from Amboy, among them were five or Six two Deckers, but as to the Size & Number of Men of War & frigates I expect this afternoon to be more particularly Informed. My...
32812From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 31st Ulto inclosing Major Talbots Account of the capture of the schooner Pigott. It was really a well concerted plan and gallantly executed. Be pleased to present my approbation and thanks to the Major—his Officers and Men. The enemy’s fleet consisting of 150 sail of transports lay at the Hook the 31st ulto. It is the general opinion that the evacuation of New York will...
32813The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have at length obtained a sight of Mr. Bersoles Accounts, and take this opportunity to communicate to you, our Observations upon them. As by the Resolutions of Congress, the whole of all Vessells of War, taken by our Frigates belong to the officers and Men: nay farther as they have even an Additional Encouragement of a Bounty upon every Man and every Gun, that is on board such Prizes: it...
32814C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere est d’hier. Je viens de chez notre Ami; et je prends le parti, quoique ma Lettre ne puisse pas partir aujourd’hui, de vous rendre notre conversation pendant qu’elle est encore fraiche dans ma Mémoire. Mrs. d’Amsterdam sont revenus avec des instructions vigoureuses de leurs commettants. Ils seront peut-être suivis d’une troisieme adresse plus sérieuse encore que les précédentes. Si...
32815C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last was of yesterday. I have just returned from seeing our friend and, although this letter cannot be mailed today, take the opportunity to give you an account of our conversation while it is still fresh in my mind. The gentlemen from Amsterdam returned with strong instructions from their constituents. This perhaps will result in a third address, even more serious than the previous ones....
32816John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I took the liberty some time ago to write to your Excellency’s informing you of the Situation in which I found myself, and requesting to be supplied with Money for necessary Expences in the manner in my Letter mentioned or otherwise as should seem meet. Not having since that time been favoured with any Answer, I am under the necessity of applying to Your Excellency’s again to be informed, by...
32817To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Milford, Connecticut, November 4, 1778 . On November 8, 1778, Hamilton wrote to McDougall: “I have received your favor of the 4th.” Letter not found .]
32818From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, [4 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of Yesterday. His Excellency desires me to inform you, that you are to march Immediately on receiving your Clothing to Fort Schuyler. He wishes you to Arrive there as speedily as possible. This you will pleas[e] to communicate to General Clinton and Act accordingly. I am sir Your most Obedient servant Copy, MS Division, New York Public Library. Van Schaick had been...
32819The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) <Passy, November 4, 1778: We have at last seen M. Bersolle’s accounts. According to the resolutions of Congress, all captured vessels of war belong to the officers and crew, who in fact receive a bounty for every man and gun on board. Congress never intended to be accountable for further expense on account of these prizes. Every...
32820Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 4, 1778, in French: I have just seen our friend and take this opportunity to report our conversation. Amsterdam has sent strong instructions to its representatives and if the evasions continue will use other means, about which they did not wish to tell me. Sir Joseph Yorke has...
32821John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 4, 1778: I am applying to you again for money to meet my necessary expenses. Without assistance I can neither avail myself of an opportunity to sail for America nor fulfill my duty to Congress; my attachment to the American cause precludes my receiving help from my family. Had I not been captured on my last attempt to get to America, this...
32822To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bell, 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Expect to Sail for Phila’ in 12 or 15 days if You have Any Letters to Send You may depend on my Care of them. I had the pleashur of Living, in Manheim at Mr. Morris for 5 or 6 Weeks Whare Mr. Beach & family Was Thay Ware All Will in July Last When I left them Mrs. Beach Wold not Go to Philad till Octobr. on Account of hir daughter for fear of hir Health...
32823To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messieurs Girardot, Haller & Co’s best Compliments to Dr. Bn. Franklin, and desire he wil be so good as to forward th’ in Clos’d letter to The Rt. Honble S. Deane Esqr. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Frankelin / près du Couvent de la Visitation / de Ste. Marie / Chaillot / hotel Colbert The firm which, in its former guise of Germany, Girardot &...
32824To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of addressing this Letter to you by Col Duplessis who goes to France to fulfill the Duties of his Station there. This Gentleman I can assure you has distinguished himself remarkably in our Service having been in frequent Action & always supported the Character of a brave & gallant Officer. He possesses the good Opinion of the Commander in...
32825General Orders, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
A General Court-Martial of the Line whereof Lieutt Coll Williams is appointed President to sit tomorrow morning nine ôClock at Genl St Clair’s late quarters for the trial of all Persons brought before them. Three Captains from the North Carolina Brigade, four from the 1st Pennsylvania and five from the second to attend as Members. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32826To George Washington from Colonel Ichabod Alden, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last July I was Ordered By Brigr Genl Stark to the Command at this place; Ever since I have done what was In my Power to unite the People and Defend & Secure the property of Those that Are Freinds to the Cause of America, Being Stationed at this place & Being Informd that there was a Number of People Living at a place Distance from this about thirty Miles Called the Butter nuts, Which place...
32827To George Washington from Colonel Christian Febiger, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Order of Generall Woodford I have been in philadelphia and gott made up and procured for the Virga Troops a Quantity of Cloathing Viz. 2194 pair of Breeches, 2068 Vests, 2200 Shirts 1294 Blanketts some Caps, Shoe Buckles etc. etc., which I have brought on with me, Those Goods the Governor of Virginia has order’d either to be sold to the Troops at the Reasonable Rates mention’d in the...
32828To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclos’d Your Excellency will Receive an Account from Timothy Downing who Seems to be a very Intelligent person. You have it in his own hand writing also an Account from Capt. Walls who Came to my Quarters Last evening. I have an imperfect Acct from Colo. Gist that all the Sick wear embarked Last Thirsday. but as I cant learn it from any other Quarter I must Suppose the Colo. has been...
32829To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your Excellencys favor of the 29th Instant Nothing new in the Enemys movements has taken place Since my Last. your Excellencey was pleased to Inclose me a Resolve of Congress respecting General Gates—I am at a Loss to know Either the Reason or the meaning of it. how far his Command will Interfere with mine his Conduct will Explain & point out the path I ought to pursue. in...
32830The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 5 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of the 5th. of this Month, but as the Memoire, of the French surgion, which your Excellency proposed to transmit to Us, was, by some Accident omitted to be inclosed in your Letter, We are ignorant of his Case, and consequently unable to inform your Excellency whether it is in our Power to afford him any Relief. If your Excellency, will have the...
32831To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Fredericksburg, New York ] November 5, 1778 . Needs equipment and money with which to pay troops. Asks for certificate of service from Washington. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Columbia University Libraries.
32832George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 5, 1778 . Reports that British ships have sailed from Sandy Hook. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32833Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui m’a été adressé d’Alresford, par un Chirurgien François pris sur le Batiment Americain Le Gest. Si les Etats unis ont adoptés quelques precautions pour faire passer des secours à leurs Sujets, detenus en Angleterre, je ne doute pas que vous ne les...
32834The American Commissioners to Sartine, 5 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, November 5, 1778: We received your letter of the fifth of this month, but since the memoir concerning the French surgeon was omitted, we cannot give you an adequate answer. The United States has no official policy for prisoners in England. We have loaned small sums to those who have escaped English captivity to...
32835From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 27th past, enclosing the Resolve of Congress relative to Mr T. Morris’s Papers. The Trunk said to contain them was deposited with me by W Lee Esqr. on Acct of his going to Germany. One of the Seals you mention was broken in bringing it to my House, and I got him to put on his own Seal instead of it. In this State it remains,...
32836To Benjamin Franklin from Bartholomew Byrne et al., 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or L : American Philosophical Society Yor Humble peticeenors begs lave to acquaint your Excelency of the misfortune of becomeing preseners, and being Americans which we Can justly justify, but unhaply was takeing by an English Ship And brought to England, and went passengers to Ireland to Get in the Letteramarque We were takeing in bound for Jamaca thinking To get home once more to our...
32837To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Melin Dutartre, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis longtems, monsieur, il ne m’a pas été possible d’aller à passy: et j’ai toujours oubliée de vous demander reponse d’un memoire que je vous ai envoyé un jour par mon domestique: on me prie de vous la demander; aurrez vous la bonté de vouloir me la faire par ecrit soit en anglois soit en françois pour que je puisse la communiquer; j’irois bien la...
32838To Benjamin Franklin from William White, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will Excuse the Liberty I now takes in Troubling you with those few lines, which Serves to Acquaint your Honour that I am a Native of America born in Boston in the Year 1748, and Served my time with my father, a Shipwright, Ebenezer White of the sd. Town of Boston, and was Married in the year 1773 to one Sarah Bartlett, daughter of Roger...
32839To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 18th Octor. only a few Days ago owing to the Tedious way in which it came. I have settled my affair with Mr Schweighauser, without a lawsuit. I thank you for getting my Request to the Minister about the Prizes at Rochelle. I have since had a decisive and satisfactory Letter from him.— I sent you some of your Prints by Count...
32840General Orders, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Pay-Masters of Regiments and Corps are to apply to the Pay-Master General immediately for the Months of August & September’s pay. A Field Officer from the Maryland Line to relieve Lt Coll Ball who is superintending the Hospitals at and near Fish-Kills—Lieutt Coll Ball will furnish him with the Instructions. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32841To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will receive this by the Hands of my Son in Company with Capt. Frye Bayley who was one of the Flagg I mentioned to your Excellency that was detained in Canada with Two others by Genl Carleton, He left Quebec 11th August Past, and Hallifax in October and will give your Excellency an Account of what he knows relative to Canada &c. Three Frenchmen I sent to Saint Charles’s are returned, and...
32842To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Bedel, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Capt. Frye Bayley, with his Two Lieuts. who were Ordered by the Honorable Major Genl Gates to go with a Flagg to Saint John’s with Lieut. Singleton of the Eight Regt British, and was detained, are now Returned Capt. Bayley will be able to Inform Your Excellency of every particular relative to their Confinement and the Enemies motions, shall be glad your Excellency will give Orders...
32843From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress having determined to remove the Troops of the Convention from the neighbourhood of Boston to Charlotteville in Albemarle County Virginia, an Officer of Rank and prudence will be necessary to regulate and conduct their march. I must desire you to undertake this duty. The first division of the troops was to have marched off as yesterday, and will be followed by four others, at proper...
32844From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd the inclosed letter and depositions from Congress, from which it appears that the inhabitants of Minisink are under apprehensions of another visit from the enemy. Under present appearances I think Colo. Cortlands Regiment may as well move over towards Delaware and take such a position as will best answer the purpose of protecting the settlements. Upon delivery of the...
32845From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be exceedingly obliged to you for information, either from your own knowledge or that of others, whether there is a possibility of marching a Body of troops from the head of Susquehannah across the Country to Niagara. Among many other Routes pointed out for carrying the War into the Indian Country, when circumstances will permit, the above has been mentioned as one. The distance...
32846From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency an Extract of a letter from Major General Lord Stirling of the 3d by which you will perceive, that a fleet of One hundread and eight sail, left Sandy Hook the morning of that day. This probably contains a division of the troops, the departure of which we have so long expected. The Marquis De La Fayette arrived three days since at Fish Kill two and...
32847From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit you an Extract from a Letter just received from Lord Stirling, advising that a fleet of 108 sail left the Hook & stood to sea on the morning of the 3d. I have no other intelligence than what this contains. You will be pleased to forward the Letters for His Excellency Count D’Estaing & the Honble Mr powell. I am Sir Your Most Obedt servant P.S. You will find inclosed a...
32848To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Gray, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
last Night Leeutt Smith and Two other Officers returned from Long Iland by whom I have received the following Intellegence—they recd their Information from a Person who left N. York monday Evening. he says that the Enemy are still Imbarking—the Ferry stairs were much crouded with Soldiers; that a Considerable Numbr of Waggons are shipped—the Prices of Murchandize especially of West India Goods...
32849To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Painter was not consider’d by us as a feild Officer—We However Submitt to your Excellencys Pleasure and he will be Tryd at Fish Kill landg to Morrow. Expecting the Operation of the Arrangement of the Army—and also the event of an application to Col. Pickering for Cloth of a Particular Colour &c.—I have delayed Solliciting for Cloathing to my Regiment—altho’ they want it very much—I now give up...
32850From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of yesterdays date, with its several inclosures to acknowlege; and those of the 2d Inst. and the 31st Ulto. It is not my desire to detain you longer than the time necessary for making the proper communications to the officer who is next in command, and who will succeed you till I may find it proper to make another arrangement. You will therefore open to him the train of obtaining...