32851From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd advice from Lord Stirling that a fleet of 108 sail left the Hook on the morning of the 3d. There were five or six two Deckers among them. I have not yet learned whether any more were preparing to follow, but as there are persons in New York and upon Staten Island, I expect to be speedily informed of any further movements of the Enemy. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt. P.S....
32852From George Washington to Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd advices from Minisink which indicate an apprehension of another visit from the Indians. I have therefore desired Govr Clinton to consider of and fix upon such a position for your Regt as will best cover and secure the settlements in case of an attack. When this matter is determined upon, you will march as expeditiously as possible to the place appointed, and upon your arrival take...
32853From George Washington to Major William Washington, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Should you in consequence of your application to the Board of War and Committee of Arrangement be appointed to Colo. Baylors Regiment, you will immediately thereupon proceed to Bristol where the Regiment is assembled and take the command of it. I shall send orders to the Officer commanding at present to march the Regiment into Winter Quarters. You will therefore, if you join, call upon him for...
32854To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Lee, [before 19 March 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Brave Assistance most Wisely given by you, to Set the Gallant Americans at Liberty, Emboldens me a poor prisoner of War, to beseech your protection, and Aid, in gaining me my freedom; I have many friends in America, Defending their Rights, and Priviledges, and as my Wish and Intention was, the first Conveyance to go to them friends, I now Humbly beg...
32855John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received Information that so many of our Letters have been thrown overboard, that I fear you will not have heard so often from me, as both of us wish. I have written often. But my Letters have not been worth so much as other Things which I have sent you. I sent you a small Present by Captain Niles. But he is taken by a Jersey Privateer. I sent you also, some other Things by Captain...
32856To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 6 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
From the Many favours and Civilitys I Received whilst I had the Honour of Paying you My Respects at Passy I am Bound in duty and Gratitude to Make you a Tender of My best Acknowledgements, which Please Accept. Since My Return to My House here about ten days Agoe I find no other Novelty than An Order from Court to the Governours of All the Sea-ports of Spain that they Shall Permit all Cruising...
32857Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de M’écrire le 30. du mois dernier. Je vous suis très obligé d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer ce qui vous est revenu sur les avantages que les Anglois tirent de la pêche de la Baleine, qu’ils font sur les côtes du Bresil, à la hauteur de la riviere de la Plata....
32858To Benjamin Franklin from James Harriman and Other Favor Seekers, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With James Harriman’s letter of November 6, published immediately below, we encounter the first of many people who between November 1, 1778, and February 28, 1779, either ask Franklin for a favor for themselves or recommend others to his good graces. Our first category of favor seekers consists of those who, still unaware that Franklin was not empowered to...
32859To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Tressan, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Borel auquel je m’interesse beaucoup, et qui se rend agreable aux Gens de bien et eclairez, par la publication qu’il est prest a faire de son Estampe de L’Amerique independante vous suplie de luy doner l’Empreinte du Sceau des Etats unis pour le faire graver au bas de son Estampe, si vous voulez bien Monsieur me remettre cette empreinte Mardy prochain a...
32860To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress M. Le Comte de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin douze Exemplaires de notre traité d’Amitié et de Commerce conclu entre les Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale. The French foreign minister must have been sending copies of the treaty as amended by the deletion of two controversial articles. The exchange of declarations annulling articles XI and...
32861General Orders, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s expenses for this day included 16s. “To cash paid Servant for Bringing Cheese from Mrs. Tabors” (Revolutionary War Household Expenses, 1776–1780, DLC:GW , ser. 5, vol. 28).
32862To George Washington from George Clinton, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with the Receipt of your Letters of Yesterday with their Inclosures. I will make it my Business to forward your Excellency’s Letter to Colo. Cortlandt—as I am not sufficiently acquainted with the particular Situation of the Minisink and other Settlements on the Delaware to be able to point out the Spot he ought to occupy for their Protection I will take the Liberty of desiring him...
32863From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am led to beleive by a letter from Major Genl Phillips, that he may not, in consequence of the late Resolve of Congress, have recd orders to remove to Virginia with the Convention Troops. He had been for some time past, for particular reasons, confined to the limits of his House and Garden by Genl Heath, who informs me that he recd the approbation of Congress for so doing, and upon...
32864From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 30th ulto by Captain Master, who waits in this Neighbourhood until he can hear from New York, having written to Sir Henry Clinton in order to effect his exchange. a Resolve of Congress lately passed put it out of my power to indulge his wish of going in himself. From part of Genl Phillips’s letter I am led to believe, that he had not received orders from you to prepare...
32865To George Washington from Jean Holker, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of returning your Excellency’s last letter to Count d’Estaing: I should have been glad to have open’d it & to have forwarded a vessel if necessary on purpose; But I had not positive orders on the Subject, & would not take it upon myself, though I have seen all your late correspondence with him. I have the pleasure of forwarding to you some Coppys of the Count’s proclamation,...
32866From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday Evening I received your Excellency’s favors of the 30th ulto & 1st Inst. with their several inclosures. I will direct the best & cheapest disposition, I can, to be made of the cavalry for their accommodation in Quarters—and will instruct the Forage Master on the occasion. The remittance to the Pay Master which you mention, I presume has come to hand, having been applied to by him,...
32867To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last Letter under the 1st Instant I have had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellencies favors of the 29th and 31st Ulto together with the Papers which accompanied each the former is committed—Doctor Connelly’s case has been long submitted to a Committee and I am told a Report will be made very soon. I sent your Excellency’s Letter to him in Goal. Inclosed with this Your...
32868From George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter of the 29th Ulto by Captn Masters. The several packets which he had in charge have been sent into New York, but from recent and particular resolves of congress I could not comply with your intention respecting Captn Masters’ interview with General Clinton—He has however made his application in writing for an exchange, and waits in this neighbourhood for his...
32869To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to send you my Passports by Mr Gerard. I did wish to do it my self; but the Indisposition in wich I am since several Days hinders me. I am here without forrage, if that is to last long, the horses will suffre great deal. I shoul’d wish before my departure for Europe to be to some Service; If it will please you my General you may furnish me with the Occasion. I expect here...
32870To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favour of Yesterdays date Came to hand with Sundre letters late last night. the letters for New York I forwarded by a flag Early this morning and Sent Some of the Manifestos to be left about the lines and one to be carlesly Shown to the officer who receives the flag. I have not been able to git any intelligence these tow days owing to the High Winds preventing our passing the...
32871To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
A small Touch of the Rheumatism in my right Hand and Shoulder prevents my writing to your Excellency myself. Some Circumstances in Major Howells last journal induces me to send you the inclosed Original. they have become very strict within these few last Days at New-York about permitting any Persons to pass or repass. I have therefore found it difficult to get Intelligence from thence. they...
32872To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 7–8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this Day have seen a Person from New-York who has had an Opportunity of being in a Variety of Company there lately, who “says: that the Embarkations of Troops and Stores are still going on the Day before Yesterday. that they talk there is a Garrison to be left for the Protection of Privatiering, of which there is now fifty Sail belonging to that Port. that there is a great Scarcity of...
32873The Commissioners to the President of the Congress, 7 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour to inclose a Copy of the Declaration concerning the 11 and 12 Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, which we have received from his Excellency the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in exchange for a similar one signed by us, in Pursuance of the Instructions of Congress. We have also the Honour to inclose Copies of a Correspondence with his Excellency Mr. de Sartine, the...
32874J. D. Schweighauser and Others to the Commissioners, 7 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
The repeated Captures of American Vessells, many of which notwithstanding the Convoys we have had off this Coast have been taken the day after their Separation, and the Knowledge obtained by Our Enemies of the time of Our Vessells sailing, which induces them to cruize at a greater distance to watch the Moment that the French Frigates part from their Convoy, incline us to wish for more...
32875The American Commissioners to Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives We had the honor of receivg. yr. commands relative to the Portraits taken & carried into Guernsey. We have accordingly written to Mr. S——r at Nantes, who we hope may be able to recover them. As soon as he shall inform us of the success of his endeavors we shall acquaint you with it. We have the honor &c. French minister Gérard’s wife. In Arthur Lee’s hand. Schweighauser.
32876The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, South Carolina Historical Society, National Archives (two); two transcripts: National Archives <Passy, November 7, 1778: We enclose copies of our declaration concerning articles 11 and 12 of the Treaty of Commerce, correspondence with M. de Sartine on rescues and recaptures, and correspondence regarding negotiations with the...
32877Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 7, 1778: Repeated captures of American vessels off this coast induce us to seek more effective protection. The intelligence our enemies obtain about the departure of our ships allows their capture as soon as the French frigates part from their convoy. Not only are supplies to our country threatened, so are the American gentlemen intending...
32878From Benjamin Franklin to Edme-Jacques Genet, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Frederik Muller & Cie. (Amsterdam) sales catalogue, May 3–7, 1909, p. 5. <Passy, November 7, 1778: Franklin sends him some letters of Drayton. > Head of the bureau of interpreters at the French foreign ministry and editor of their secretly sponsored journal Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique : XXVI , 271n. Recently he had asked BF and his fellow commissioners for material...
32879To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The papers you so kindly send me I had not and will make a proper use of them. Of Mr. W. H. Drayton’s letter of the 18th. July to the Commissioners I had only the concluding part, relative to Johnstone’s assertion concerning your opinion of the 29th. of March, and you’ll see it translated in the 58th. Number of my periodical Pamphlet. I present you my most...
32880To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is now a long time since I have troubled your Excellency with a Letter: for I have had no encouragement to give you my Sentiments— I am lost in conjecture, why you should not have favour’d me with a Reply—perhaps the multiplicity of applications by Letter, has made it necessary for you to reject all correspondence perpost. I am willing to believe your...
32881To Benjamin Franklin from Father de Sollicoffre, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Grande reputation que vous avez acquise, à bien justes Titres & le desir de faire du bien qui vous anime me fait prendre la liberté de m’adresser à Vous, Monsieur, et de vous prier d’aceüillir avec bonté mes sollicitations, pour un de mes parents d’une famille noble et distinguée de la Suisse; feu son pere, qu’il vient de perdre, occupoit une plaçe de...
32882To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your recommendation of Mr: Holker as Well as his own worth Intitles him to all the Civilities & Assistance in my power in full Faith & Confidence in you I have undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt: they are public Bills & Doubtless Will be honourd I have 2 ½ per Ct. for doing the Business but 10 per Ct. would be no Indusment without your Letter by...
32883To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Jean Zollicoffer, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je crois ne pouvoir mieux m’énoncer vis à vis de Vous que dans une Langue que j’ai beaucoup désiré d’apprendre, et que je ferai ensorte de cultiver par Goût, je vous Suplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien agréer mes Dévoirs réspectueux et de m’accorder l’honneur de Votre Protection et Appui dans le Déssein où je Suis d’offrir ma Personne et mon peu de Talens au...
32884General Orders, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a Brigade General Court Martial held at Camp near Hartford by order of Brigadier General Poor October 31st 1778. Coll Hazen President, Lieutenant David Gilman of the 2nd New-Hampshire Regiment was tried first for ungentlemanlike behaviour in associating with Private Soldiers and offering them a reward of twenty dollars and engaging to secure them from harm, in case any should arise in...
32885To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I thank your Excellency for the Letter you caused to be Sent to me Some time ago. As it came from England I think it proper to mention to you, that it was from Mr Stewart, who married Mrs Bowdoin’s Sister, and beside family-matters contains nothing but a wish for the re-istablishment of peace between Britain & America. The Gentleman, who waits on you with this Letter, is John Temple Esqr....
32886To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
About two Weeks hence the Commissioners will be ready (as they have informed me) to send off the last Cargo of Persons who have refused to take the Oath of Allegiance, as prescribed by Law, to this State and are sentenced to be banished within the Enemy’s Lines. I have therefore to request that your Excellency will be pleased to direct the Commanding Officer at West Point to furnish an Officer...
32887To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st Instant, with the intelligence from Lord Stirling inclosed; being then at Springfield, I sent an Express to General Poor, immediately, with Copies thereof. I arrived here Yesterday Morning, and find General Heath has indulged the Convention Troops, to remain until Monday Morning in their present Quarters, as they hourly expect...
32888To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 29th Ulto inclosing a Resolve of the Honorable Congress of the 22d. Major General Gates arrived here yesterday and has taken the Command this Day. The Summerset Man of War is on shore on Cape Cod, and is taken possession of by our people. It is said Seventeen Sail of British Men of War of the Line had actually entered our Bay when the late severe Storm...
32889To George Washington from William Livingston, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was lately presented with a Petition from a considerable Number of the well-affected in the County of Bergen, shewing by an enumeration of particulars their inability to furnish a sufficient guard for their own Security against the Depredations of the Enemy, or the attempts of a set of domestic ruffians hired to carry them into Captivity; & praying me to procure them assistance by...
32890From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your letter of the 3d instant, inclosing the court martial proceedings in the case of Lieut. David Gilman. I have approved and confirmed the sentance, and shall direct its publication in this days orders. Major General Putnam who commands in the room of Major Genl Gates will take measures respecting a surgeon for the sick. I am & Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...
32891From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately proceed to Harford, and take the command of Poors—Pattersons and Learneds Brigades till further arrangements can be made. You are to hold the troops in a state of preparation to march at the shortest notice; and upon certain advices from Major Genl Gates of the british army appearing off Boston you will put them instantaneously in motion, and march by the shortest and most...
32892To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the New York Brigade is Reduced to two Regiments, Only; & that, the Officers & Privates of the one I have the honour to Command at Present, are mostly Born on Long-Iland, & are well acquainted with the Shores, & every Individuals there, and Consequently, would be of more service, in some Posts on the Sound, where I am Informed, some Troops are to be Stationed this winter, who perhaps, are...
32893From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday. I had not the least conception that Colo. Gist’s Comm[issio]n was older than Colo. Henley’s and I yet think there must be some mistake. But be it as it may, I never had any intention of giving him the command when you quit it. If Gist will not be satisfied where he is at present, I must recall him. As Colo. Henley will have the command, you may begin immediately...
32894To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosd letter is from the Gentleman that I place so much Confidence in. Your Excellency will See how Desirous he is to have it Destroyd. But as I could not so well Convey the Intellegence without Sending the letter I have (in order that it Should go Safe) Sent it by an officer. I am informd by Lt Brewster that Genl Clinton has this day orderd the Boats men that was with him to Join their...
32895From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favors of the 31st Ulto the 1st 3d & 4th Inst. with their several inclosures. As your Lordship observes, the intelligence from the City must now become more important, since the sailing of so large an Embarkation of Troops—and will serve to determine in a great measure whether a complete evacuation of the place is intended. I need not pray your attention, and am, My...
32896From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored by yours of the 28th. I had, previous to the receipt of it, determined upon such a disposition of the Troops for the winter, as will serve the purposes you mention. As soon as the intentions of the Enemy are more clearly known I shall fix upon the places of cantonment, and assign the Troops to their respective Stations. A Fleet of upwards of one hundred sail left the Hook on the...
32897From John Adams to Jonathan Williams, 8 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received your obliging Favour of the 27 of October, and am very much obliged to you for the Trouble you have taken, in sending me the Rum. I have not yet received it, but as soon as it comes, I will send a Dozen to Dr. Bancroft and a Dozen to Mr. Alexander as you desire: But I must decline accepting the Remainder as a Present, for obvious Reasons, one among others is that there is no...
32898From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will direct a couple sets of tools provided and sent to General McDougall to blow up rocks which greatly impede his carting &c. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
32899From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Alexander McDougall, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 4th, and shall with pleasure communicate the intelligence we have at Head Quarters. On the morning of the 3d. one hundred and eight sail of vessels sailed out of the Hook, supposed from the best calculations to contain 7 or 8000 men. They first steered to the Eastward; but soon after changed their course and bore S.E with the wind at NW. The general accounts...
32900To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [c. 8 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Comme Le Courrier de Mr Lambassadeur part demain Il faut lui remetre votre Notte demain matin, en Consequence il seroit necessaire quelle fut prette aujourdhuy apres y avoir ajouté le dernier paragraffe qui se trouve á La fin de ma traduction si vous lagrées. En menvoyant cette notte pour La remettre a Lambassadeur Il vous plaira y Joindre ma traduction La...