34051To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je vois avec une très-grande satisfaction, par les deux honorées vôtres du 7 et 25 xbr., que vous approuvez ma conduite sur ce qui en fait le sujet. J’ai donné un Extrait de toutes les deux à notre Ami: ce qui lui a fait plaisir; surtout de voir que vous désapprouvez le projet. Au surplus, j’ai lieu de croire que ces...
34052To Benjamin Franklin from Lavabre, Doerner & Cie., 15 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le 5. Novbre. 1777. nous payames de vôtre ordre a Monsieur Grand la somme de six cent Livres Tournois, & vous eutes la bonté décrire a Monsr. Pre. Tymothy a Charlestown, de payer cette valeur a un Jeune homme en Caroline nommé Colomb de Nismes qui entra au service des Etats unis de L’amerique dans le Regimt. de Savanah en Georgie, comme il est a presumer...
34053General Orders, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW was absent from his Middlebrook headquarters from 21 Dec. 1778 to 5 Feb. 1779, having gone to Philadelphia to discuss plans for the new campaign with Congress’s committee of conference. During GW’s absence, the general orders continued to be issued at Middlebrook by Major General Stirling, whom GW had left in command of the troops there (see GW to Stirling, 21...
34054To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have wrote you all the News of this Country til now; Except the distruction of the greatest part of a British Fleet which sailed from Portsmouth the 31st Ulto and it is said they were bound to the Continent of America, which I do not believe but be it as it will, the greatest part of them were lost, and drove on shore upon the coast of France, on the night of the last Day, of the...
34055To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Intelligence is just now received from Co’os, by Messrs Blodget and Hurd, that the Magazine of Provisions Your Excellency ordered to be Formed there last Fall, is threatened to be destroyed, by a Strong Scout from the Enemy’s Army at Sorell. Colonel Bedel’s Regiment, which was raised last February, by Order of the Marquis de la Fayette, are the only Troops that can at present be posted for the...
34056To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter to your Excellency of the 10th I recd the Inclosed intelligence from the Susquehanna it justifies your Excellys doubts of the Success of an Attempt on Chemung at this Season —tho I have reason to think from Intelligence from an Other quarter, as much to be depended on, that the Strength of Chemung is greatly exagerated. the Strong parties that infested our frontiers—the last...
34057To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the application of Colls Biddle & Furman to the Governor in Council, the Council advised me to issue a Proclamation requiring the Magistrates to be attentive to the application of the persons employed in collecting forage for the troops & in executing the Law of the State for that purpose made. At the same time desiring me to represent to your Excellency, the general scarcity of grain &...
34058To George Washington from Captain Robert Sanderson, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. Robert Sanderson of the British light dragoons, 15 Jan. 1779. GW’s aide-de-camp John Laurens wrote Sanderson on 20 Jan.: “I have it in command from His Excellency to acknowlege the receipt of your Letter of the 15th and to inform you that as all the American Officers who had been suffered to return home on parole have lately been called into New York—it is out of...
34059From John Jay to Beaumarchais, 15 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Congress of the United States of America sensible of your Exertions in their favor present You with their thanks & assure you of their Regard. They lament the Inconveniences you have suffered, by the great Advances made in support of these States— Circumstances have prevented a compliance with their wishes but they will take the most effectual measures in their power to discharge the debt...
34060From John Jay to Philip Schuyler, 15 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
As the Secretary has neglected to furnish me (as usual) with the dates of your late Letters to Congress, and your Express Sets out early in the Morning I must describe them by the Subject-Matter.— The one on the Subject of your Resignation still remains under consideration— The one respecting the Request of the Oneidas is referred to a Committee appointed to confer with General Washington who...
34061Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16[-18] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 16[-18], 1779, in French: The French ambassador has informed a number of high officials that Dutch shipping except for that of Amsterdam henceforth will be excluded from French trade privileges. These officials expressed their displeasure, claiming it was unprecedented that France should treat with only...
34062C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 16 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Je sais que vous avez reçu mes Lettres des 2 et 8 Dec. J’ai eu l’honneur depuis de vous en écrire 3 autres, du 18–24 Dec., 1–3 Janv., et 12–15 Janv. Hier 15 au soir, au moment où j’avois expédié ma derniere, Mr. l’Ambassadeur me fit chercher, pour aller confirmer de sa part à notre Ami, que ce matin il présenteroit un Mémoire au Président de L. H. P. avec le nouveau reglement du Roi, qui...
34063C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 16 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I know that you received my letters of 2 and 8 December. Since then, I have had the honor of writing you three more, dated 18–24 December, 1–3 January, and 12–15 January. Yesterday, the 15th, in the evening, just as I was sending off my last, the French Ambassador sought me out in order to have me meet with our friend to confirm, on the Ambassador’s behalf, that this morning he will present a...
34064To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I write and write and write again and again to you, but I cannot hear whether or not my Letters, any of them, ever reach you— It is now many months since we had the happiness of a Line from you— Not long since, I wrote you a very long letter Via Baltimore by the Brig Saratoga, but I find she is carried into Newyork, the Captain of her is come here & tells...
34065To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I writ you the 30th. Ulto. advising you of my Proceedings, and the two Captors I had made since I Left Brest on the 1st. Ulto. Vizt. a Brigantine Laden with dry Codd Fish, from Nw.fd.Land a Dutch Dogger from Barcelona with Nutts &c. Bound to London the Cargoe by the Captains Declaration was the Property of some Merchants there— The Court of Admiralty here...
34066To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to my promise I send you two of your Chapters. I have but 3 & take the Liberty to keep one for myself which hope you will permit.— The wind & weather has been the best possible for outward Bound Ships these 15 Days past, had I been under Sail I should be at least onehalf the Distance between this & America. I impatiently wait the arrival of Monsr....
34067General Orders, 16 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
34068To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 16 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have long doubted the propriety of writing you an Account of what I sincerely wish you to know relative to the circumstances of the Army here And nothing but the hopes I entertain of your pardoning me where I Err not with an Evil intention could induce me to attempt it For upon my Honor I know no Circumstance would give me more pain than incurring your displeasure. Nothing but a love for my...
34069To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 16 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have waited in anxious expectation of answers to my letters sent by the Deputy Adjutant General of the Troops of the Convention, but your Excellency not leaving Philadelphia so soon as expected, and my Officer not being permitted to go on to that Capital has created a delay which has occasioned my waiting here some days. Since I have been at Bethlem I have seen and read a Philadelphia...
34070To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the happiness to inform you that the box, containing the orderly books & some returns, which has been so long missing is found. It was carried to Reading, from whence it was lately brought to this city with Genl Mifflin’s papers. ’tis now at the War Office, & waits your orders. I am desired by the board to remind your Excellency of their request to know your sentiments relative to the...
34071John Watson and John Swain to Franklin and Arthur Lee, 17 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With submission I shall take the Liberty of Acquainting Your honour that thair is two of us that is in this Prison that Was taken the 15th of October 1777 in the west indians And Sent to England whare we was condemed to prison And thair confind for Eleven months Before we could make our Escape from Fortain prison in England which after we Maid our Escape...
34072To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 17 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I did myself the pleasure of writing a long letter to you very lately, but am afraid it is taken as I beleive many of yours are, I am unwilling to think you neglect us, tho Mr Ingersolls coming from France without letters from you has given me great uneasyness, he lodged too in the same house with little Ben, and not a line from him, I hope soon however to be made...
34073General Orders, 17 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
At a Brigade General Court Martial held near Millstone January 9th 1779. whereof Major Grier was President, Lieutenant Patrick Fullerton of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment was tried for “Ungentlemanlike behaviour,” found guilty of the charge and sentenced to pay Captain Tolbut a reasonable price for two shirts, two stocks and one blanket and to be dismissed the service agreeable to the 21st...
34074To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 17 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The last Division of the troops of the Convention arrived here this day and were transferred by me, as have been the others, Successively as they arrived to Col: Harvie who was appointed by the Board of War to take Charge of them in Quality of Commissary of Prisoners, his Instructions for which, he shewd me soon after my arrival at this Place. Enclosed Yr Excellency will Receive a Genl Return...
34075To George Washington from Major General Riedesel, 17 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I hope your Excellency has received my Letter dated from Newburgh, and which I forwarded to Head Quarters by my Aide du Camp Lieutenant Cleve, who arrived at Middle Brook a few days after your Excellency’s departure for Philadelphia. Lord Sterling opened my Letter, and was so obliging as to grant all the Requests it contained, in the most ample manner. I have met with here, some Hessian...
34076To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 17 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, 17 Jan. 1779. Schuyler refers in his letter to GW of 25 Jan. to “the Information contained in mine of the 17th Instant.” Schuyler also wrote GW on 1–7 March : “I shall continue to employ proper persons for the same purpose in Canada from whence I have had some Intelligence since my last; but in Nothing materially different from what was...
34077To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 17 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Before I left Williamsburg I did myself the Honor of Inclosing your Excellency a Copy of the Act of Assembly for recruiting the Virginia Regiments which passed the 19th of last month; and have now taken the Liberty of Inclosing Copies of Such Acts and Resolutions as respect the Army. the Assembly have Deferred Opening a Land Office from a Just Apprehension that it wou’d engross too much of the...
34078John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman, Mr. Boardman of Newbury Port, is going, and by him I send you a few Lines. In England nothing is talked of, but Admiral Keppell, whom they are daily trying by a Court Martial. His Defence, I suppose is our security, viz. the shattered Condition of their Navy. They are almost ripe for cutting each others Throats to all Appearance, yet they are about sending Reinforcements to...
34079To John Adams from Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie, with a Contemporary Translation, 18 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ay l’honneur de vous envoyer les details relatifs a l’Etablissement de la correspondance generale sur les sciences et les arts que j’ay preparé depuis quatre ans, et dirigé particulierement depuis le comencement de l’année derniere; la consistence qu’il a acquise d’abort par la recomandation de l’academie des sciences, et ensuite par des temoignages recues de la protection de Leurs Majestés,...
34080Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie to John Adams: A Translation, 18 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to send you some Particulars relative to the establishment of a general Correspondence upon Sciences and Arts which I have prepared, four years since, and particularly directed since the Beginning of the last year. The Consistency which it has acquired firstly by the Recommendation of the Academy of Sciences, and since by many Proofs of the Protection of their Majesty’s, make...
34081Richard Price to the Commissioners, 18 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Dr. Price returns his best thanks to the Honourable Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee, and John Adams Esquires, for conveying to him the resolution of Congress of the 6th. of October last, by which he is invited to become a member of the united States, and to give his assistance in regulating their Finances. It is not possible for him to express the Sense he has of the honour which this resolution...
34082George Washington to the Board of War, [18 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 18, 1779. ] Outlines a “Plan for paying arrearages of Clothing to the troops.” Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34083Richard Price to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society <London, January 18, 1779: Dr. Price returns thanks for the invitation from Congress to become a member of the United States and assist them in regulating their finances. Honored as he is at their favorable opinion of him, he knows himself not qualified, and is at such an advanced age...
34084To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François Nicolas, 18 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous addresser un exemplaire de ma dissertation chymique sur les eaux minerales de la Lorraine; la theorie que je donne de la formation du Gas dans ces eaux et de cet être singulier que les chymistes pneumatiques nomment air fixe, air Méphytique &a &a. a tant d’analogie avec vos propres idées que je la regarde en quelque sorte comme...
34085To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price: Two Letters, 18 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) AL : American Philosophical Society The Bearer has been recommended to me; and, I believe, he has no improper views. He has urgent reasons for going abroad; and if Dr F——n will be So good as to enable him to get access to the persons he wants to See, he will oblige one who is, with great affection and respect, his very Humble Servt: and Friend I...
34086General Orders, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve (viz.) Whereas it may happen that part of the monies paid for the months of September, October and November to the Officers and soldiers of the United States for their pay and subsistence may be of the emissions of the 20th of May 1777 & April 11th 1778. Resolved—That in such case the Pay-Master General and Pay-Masters...
34087From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your letters of the 9 and 16th Inst. upon the subject of paying the arrearages of Cloathing due to the Army for the year 1777 —I have drawn up the inclosed rough plan, which contains the heads of what, in my opinion, will be necessary to establish some general Regulations for a settlement with the line of the Army at large. That justice may be equally distributed to the...
34088From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 5th and 9th instants. The first containing a representation of the dispute with Mr Gilliland respecting the payment for Forage. As he has brought a Civil suit, it must go thro’ the usual forms of process, and if you are cast, and it appears that there was no delinquency on your part as an Officer of the public, the public must undoubtedly bear you harmless. In the mean...
34089From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, c.18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.18 Jan. 1779. GW wrote George Measam on this date : “I have given directions to Genl Putnam who commands the three Brigades near Danbury and to Genl Mcdougall who commands the troops at Fishkill, Peekskill and West Point to draw any of the above Articles as they may have occasion.”
34090From George Washington to George Measam, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 3d instant inclosing a Return of Cloathing—It was my intention that you should keep a proportion of every Article on the East side of Hudsons River for the supply of the Troops in that Neighbourhood, and as Fis[h]kill will be more convenient to the whole than Springfeild, I think with you that it will be the most proper place of deposit for the small Articles of Shirts,...
34091From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favor dated thro’ mistake the 31st Inst: and one of the 8th. The mutiny of the Soldiers in Huntingtons brigade was on its first appearance of a very alarming nature, but I am in hopes from the success with which your spirited exertions were attended in dispersing them, that there is no danger of farther commotion. The Conduct which a Commanding Officer is to observe in...
34092From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favs. of the 1st and 2d instants with their several inclosures. Since my arrival in this City, to which I was called by Congress to confer with them on matters relative to our future operations, several circumstances have, in the course of our enquiries and deliberations, convinced us of the absolute necessity of contracting our system. It has...
34093To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 14th Yesterday Morning: I went over to your Quarters and had Capt. Bibby to dine with me there; after dinner I dispatched him in very good humour with the enclosed letter to General Phillips; he left with me the two enclosed letters for your Excellency No. 1 & No. 2. one of which he says encloses a letter to the president of Congress....
34094From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 8th inclosing No. 6 from C——. Your former inclosing C——s No. 5 came also safe. The Dragoon was detained a few days to recruit his Horse and to get some repairs to his Accoutrements. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NHi : George and Martha Washington Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The letter designated “No. 6,” which...
34095To George Washington from Joseph Webb, Jr., 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I Enclose you a Letter from Mr Barrel part owner of the Privateer Vengence informing your Excellency, of haveing the good fortune to capture a Number of British Officers; amongst which is some Colonels, I feel myself much Interested & happy on every Acct but more particular & pleaseingly so, as the owners have been polite enough to express their desire that Colo. Webb be exchanged for one of...
34096To John Jay from Nathanael Greene, 18 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
It cannot be unknown to Congress that in the different Departments of the Army there are many Persons employed in the Character of Officers who have no other Commission than a kind of Warrant or Appointment from the Head of the Department in which they serve. They consequently have no Rank in the Army, but are left on the Footing of private Soldiers as to Arrests, and Modes of Trial. Amongst...
34097To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 18 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
I had not the pleasure to receive Your favor of the 8 th ult: until last night, pray accept my best thanks for your Congratulations on my Acquital. I did myself the pleasure to write you some time ago from this place and Since that from Albany were I passed the holidays. In the first of these letters I advised you of my Intention to resign. In the last that I had, and In both gave the reasons...
34098Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19[-24] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 19[-24], 1779, in French: The only thing that happened at the Assembly of Holland was the reading of the ambassador’s latest memorandum. I met five times today with the French ambassador and as often with our friend. January 20: The pensionaries of Amsterdam have expressed to the ambassador their hope...
34099John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I can only tell you that I am not well. A bad Cold only. The others are all well. Not a Word of News from any Part. None from America a long time, i.e. since Mr. Cheever and Sears sailed. None from Congress this Age. Mr. Gridley, Cheever and Sears, brought me only a Line from your Uncle and a Duplicate from Mr. Cushing. These I answered before. RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed: “Mrs. Adams.” The...
34100James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 19 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Yes, lovely Portia, you have written to one “who lives in the continual practice of mortification and self denial,” who therefore can and does most “feelingly commiserate your situation.” I am pleased when You speak of my dis interested attachment to the public weal: for, I know you judge from Sensibilities to which the herd of worldlings are intire strangers. They would stare at your opinion,...