35101General Orders, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
After orders March 17th—Major General Lord-Stirling’s division to be held in readiness to march at a moment’s warning with two days provision and their blankets. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders before the after orders: “The Troops to draw & cook two days provision, exclusive of the...
35102From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Clark, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received intelligence that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion—and appear as if they were on the point of some expedition. These appearances may either mean an operation in this quarter or may be only a feint to cover a design against some other. You will therefore be vigilant and hold yourself in readiness to act as circumstances may require. This is an additional motive for...
35103To George Washington from Lieutenant Thomas Douglass, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I understand by your letter to Colonel Procter, that the Arraingment of the Corps of Artillery, is to take place, and the officers desired to send Your Excellancy their Claims. on making enquiry of some Gentlemen, who Assisted in Arrainging the rank of the Army, whether any respect was paid to former Commissions or not, they informed me there was, I beg leave to inform Your Excellancy I at...
35104To George Washington from John Jay, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed a copy of an Act of Congress of the 16th Inst., for enlisting a Corps of Waggoners —And am With the greatest Respect & Esteem—Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Hble Servt. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. GW replied to this letter on 24 March. Congress passed this act, the enclosed copy of which has not been identified, after...
35105To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favour of the 15th Inst. did not arive before 11 oclock to day. I have had Accounts to day by a person from New York that Admiral Gambier Sailed out of the Hook the latter end of the week for Rhode Island; and on saturday last 13 Transports with a good number of small craft besides sailed up the sound it is supposed that there is 3000 Troops on the East end of Long Island and...
35106From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion, with more than usual demonstration and parade. This may intend an incursion into the Jerseys, or it may be meant to cover an expedition elsewhere— possibly against the posts under your command . I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, I have received to put you upon your guard and...
35107From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion with a more than usual demonstration and parade—This may intend an incursion into the Jersey’s—or it may be ment to cover an expedition elsewhere—possibly against the posts at the Highlands—I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, that you may accellerate the remainder of Gen. Poor’s...
35108To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s approbation of the Regulations I had the honor of presenting, gives me the greatest hopes that they will be easily reduced to practice, and prove agreeable to the Army. Encouraged by this hope, I Shall immediately present them to Congress for their Sanction. As I am convinced of the necessity of the Regulations taking place as soon as possible, your Excellency may depend I...
35109To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 18 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday’s advices from England inform us, that Gen. Lincoln was collecting an Army in S. Carolina to meet the Invaders, and that Prévot was to be re-inforcd from N. York; so that it looks as if the War woud be transferd to the Southward. The English loan rises rapidly in its value, as appears by the Omnium, which in a few days mounted from 4 PCt. to 6½. Besides this our Enemies will...
35110From Alexander Hamilton to Susanna Livingston, [18 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I can hardly forgive an application to my humanity , to induce me to exert my influence in an affair, in which ladies are concerned; and especially when you are of the party. Had you appealed to my friendship or to my gallantry, it would have been irresistible. I should have thought myself bound to have set prudence and policy at defiance, and even to have attacked windmills in your Ladyship’s...
35111George Washington to Henry Laurens and Thomas Burke, 18 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 18, 1779 . Discusses exchange of prisoners. Believes that civilian prisoners should not be exchanged at this time. Raises question as to mode of delivery of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Laurens was a member of Congress from South Carolina; Burke was a member of the same body from North Carolina.
35112From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favours of the 6 & 9 inst. & thank you for the Intelligence they Contain. I hope generals Clinton & Thomson will give a good Acct. of the Invaders of Georgia. But if they should remain there till the end of the summer, a general fever at least will do a great Deal towards demolishing them. With much Esteem I am &ca Surely BF wished for a good account...
35113From Benjamin Franklin to S. & J.-H. Delap, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I duly received the Letter you did me the Honor of writing to me, the 6 inst. mentioning a Prize “the sale of which was stopt by the Judge of the Admiralty untill she was deemed a legal Prize by me & the Council of Prizes.” and desiring my Decision “without Loss of Time.” I was ill when I received your Letter, and have not yet been able to go out, or attend much to...
35114From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly yours of the 3 inst. My Indisposition seems to be wearing off; and I hope will permit me to go abroad in a few Days. Mr. Neufville’s first Propositions were so much out of the Way, that I could not accept them. He required a fifth Part of the Loan to be sent over to him annually during the first 5 years in the Produce of America for Sale, & the Money...
35115From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I duly received the Letters you did me the Honor to write to me of Febry. 17 & Mar. 5. A continued Indisposition for near five Weeks, occasioned the Delay in answering them, which I hope you will excuse. I am much obliged by your kind Congratulations. Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgements and best Wishes for your Prosperity. I know not how it happened that my...
35116From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bennett Lloyd, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I duly recd. your favours of feb. 19 & Mar. 2 inclosing a Copy of the Letter to M. Hartley from the Board who have the Care of sick & wounded Seamen, relating to the Exchange of Prisoners. Accept my Thanks for the Pains you have taken in Behalf of those poor unfortunate People. M. Hartley writes me that he thinks they will now be soon exchanged. I hope your cold & the...
35117From Benjamin Franklin to William MacCreery, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress I received your Favours of Feb. 27. and March 6. Continued Illness, with want of Information on the Subject, have occasioned the Delay in answering them. I have endeavour’d to learn what the Duties are that are payable by the most favour’d Nation on the Exportation of Salt from France: I am at length told that the Duties are...
35118From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I hope you got safe home & had a happy meeting with your Family & Friends; and that you will succeed in your Undertaking. I have considered the Memorial of the Person who calls himself Baron de Mons, & have made some Inquiries. I have since your Departure received a long Letter from Me. La Baronne de Mons. Upon the whole I am of Opinion that their Story is all a...
35119From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Ridou, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I should be very happy in being possessed of a Remedy for that terrible Distemper a Dropsy; for I would communicate it immediately to all the world. But I have not, nor ever had, or pretended to have any such Knowledge. A Report of the kind has, I know not by what means, been inserted in the News Papers; but it was totally without Foundation. I regret therefore that I...
35120From Benjamin Franklin to Antonio Francesco Salucci et fils, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am honor’d with your Letter of the 5th. ult. and am glad to learn that you have ventured on an Expedition of Goods to America. I must heartily wish they may arrive safe and that the Returns may afford you an encouraging Profit. You may rely upon it that your Ship will meet with a most friendly Reception in any one of the U.S.; with all the facilities for your...
35121From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Stockton, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 9th per Mr Lee: I am told there is a Vessel at Rotterdam bound to N. America, but if you do not find a ready Passage from Holland, there are Vessels almost continually going from Nantes and Bordeaux. I do not at present think of any thing worth your while to stay in Europe for: and as Mr. Adams is returning & will...
35122From Benjamin Franklin to H. Sykes, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I return you enclosed Mr Haywoods Letter and am much obliged to you for communicating it, as it acquainted me of the Welfare of some Friends whom I much Esteem (Mr & Mrs Nairne) and at the same time inform’d me of that most Ingenius Invention of Mr Haywoods for making Globes, which I much admire. Mr Whitechurch never deliver’d that, He did me the Favor to design for...
35123From Benjamin Franklin to Jesse Taylor, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received but very lately your Letter & Memorial dated the 21 of Novr. last. If there be really a considerable number of Persons dispos’d to adventure upon the Voyage you mention, I will undertake to procure them all the security desired, You have only to send me a List of their names, expressing their Sex & Ages, and the names of the Vessels, Capt. &c. Sir E. N. has...
35124To Benjamin Franklin from Dorothea Blunt, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our friend Saint Hutton offers me a chance for getting a letter to you, which tho I have long’d a long while for, & have not had, or you w’d have stood a chance for one of my superiour epistles which I know you did not dislike because you always answer’d. Why did you come to my native country? Or continue so long time in it, and then so quarrel with some ,...
35125To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu M la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur décrire ce matin. Je desire que M. grand reussise mieux que M. de Chaumont à vous procurer les fonds dont vous avez besoin; le Roi tiendra à son égard les mêmes promesses que j’avois faites en son nom à M. de Chaumont, et s’il veut bien se rendre ici, je les...
35126To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your agreeable Favour of the 8th Instant per Mr Adams, who did me the Favour to send for me immediately— I pressed him very much to accept a Bed at my house, which he declined, I however had the pleasure of his Company to dine with me the Day after his arrival with several Gentlemen of this place. We went together on Sunday to Painbeuf, &...
35127General Orders, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following general order: “a Corporal & six Men from the 2nd M[a]ryland Brigade to parade at the Commisy Genl of prisoners quarters tomorrow morning with Two days provision and wait his orders.” (orderly book, 22 Dec. 1778–26 June 1779, DNA : RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 28).
35128From George Washington to Thomas Burke and Henry Laurens, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 15th with its inclosures—and shall with pleasure give you my opinion on the points which you have been pleased to suggest. With respect to the negotiation on the subject of an Exchange of Prisoners—I think the propositions held out on our part are substantially right, and, on general principles of justice and policy ought to be adhered to—How far the...
35129To George Washington from George Clinton, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s Letters of the 4th & 6th Instant, and am happy in being thereby enabled to give such general Assurances of Protection to the frontier Inhabitants, as I have Reason to hope will prevent their deserting their Settlements. This your Excellency may be assured will be done with the utmost regard to that Secrecy which is necessary to ensure Success...
35130To George Washington from Captain Isaac Craig, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Letter to Col: Procter the Officers of his Regiment received Orders to State their several Claims to promotion And in Order that the Validity of each may appear with the greater perspicuity we are directed to draw them up in as explicit a Manner as possible. It is with reluctance I give your Excellency and further Trouble respecting my Claim than stating the rank I have...
35131From George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 4th inclosing a Report of the Auditors of the Northern Army and your Account for disbursements in the Quarter Master Generals department settled by them—I make no doubt but that the Balance found by those Gentlemen to be due to you is right, but it is not in my power, did I conceive myself properly authorised, by the Resolve of the 5th Novr 1776 to which the...
35132To George Washington from Peter Scull, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Peter Scull, 18 March 1779. GW wrote Scull on 20 March : “I have your favs. of the 15th and 18th instants, with the latter, the Commissions for the Jersey Brigade and 1st and 2d North Carolina Regiments came safe.”
35133From Benjamin Franklin to Nathan Blodget, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I lately received yours of the 3d inst. I conceive that it is with the Capt. alone to give his Officers Leave of Absence; and that If I had such a Power it would be very improper for me to exercise it, especially at this Distance, unacquainted as I must be with the Persons & Circumstances. For it might be attended with great Inconveniencies to the Service & would...
35134From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Durif de Cazaneuve, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress It wou’d be a Pleasure to me if I could comply with your Request, and every other of the same Nature; But the great Excess of Demands upon me for Advances of Money, above the Supplies I receive obliges me to refuse all that are not of absolute Necessity. As M. Adams is now at Nantes, who probably is acquainted with you, I imagine he has been good enough to furnish...
35135From Benjamin Franklin to Daniel-Marc-Antoine Chardon, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai lû avec Admiration votre requisitoire sur le Proces du Capitaine Mc Neill. Heureux sont les Rois qui ont des Magistrats aussi scavants et aussi habiles que vous, Monsieur, pour eclairer leur justice. J’en sens tout le Bonheur pour la Nation Americaine que j ai l’honneur de representer en cette Cour: elle sçaura Monsieur qu’elle y est traittée en Frere, et que...
35136From Benjamin Franklin to Bernard Pées, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours with the Paper Money inclosed, (mostly of Georgia) which you desire me to change for you, abating for the Difference of exchange. As the value of that Money has been very variable, and I am totally ignorant of its present Situation, my appearing to set a certain Value on it here, by exchanging it at a particular Rate, might be attended with great...
35137From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have just received your favour of the 16 inst. I think it right that those poor Prisoners who want necessary Clothing shou’d be supply’d. Humanity requires it. I send you herewith Copies of several Letters written to Capt. Landais by which you will see that he has for some Time had the most positive Orders from me to take your Directions and make the greatest...
35138From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Dartmouth College Library; copy: Library of Congress In your receipts for M. Monthieu’s Copper there is mention made of Copper Ore . Explain this to me: For as we bought no Copper Ore of him and as it is not so valuable as Copper, it ought not to be given us instead of Copper. Mr Lee has yet sent me no Ansr—to mine relating to your Accounts. Let me know whether the Reference is accepted...
35139To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I receivd the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 13th. Relative to the few papers of our late joint Commission remaining in my hands. They are confounded among a multitude of other papers. I will examine the whole soon, and if I find any that relate to public Accounts remaining unpaid (which I do not...
35140General Orders, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
35141To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
When you were so kind as to permit me to resign my Command in this City, and retire from the Service until recovered of my Wounds, I expected to have done it immediately; but the Villianous Attacks made on my Character, by the President and Council of this State in their Publications, made it necessary for me to continue in the Command until their Charges were cleared up, or resign under the...
35142From George Washington to Colonel Henry Jackson, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this day recd a representation signed by yourself and several other Gentlemen in behalf of the Officer’s and Soldier’s of the detachment under your command. I shall agreeable to your desire lay it before Congress, and inform you of their determination as soon as I am furnished with it. The three Regiments are incorporated agreeable to an arrangement which I send to Genl Sullivan by this...
35143To George Washington from John Jay, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency, herewith enclosed, Copies of three Acts of Congress, One of the 18th Inst. for exchanging Captain Greene, who was made Prisoner at the Cedars in Canada in 1776, with an Extract from a Letter of Major General Schuyler on that Subject. Another of the 18th Inst. declining to accept General Schuyler’s Resignation—and a third of the 16th Inst.,...
35144To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am Just Setting off for Fort Laurens with about two hundred men I have Collected of the Militia & better than three hundred Continental Troops from this Garrison & Fort Pitt but unfortunately have not Collected Horses Enough to carry the Quantity of Provision I intended or would be Necessary & as the time will not admitt of an Hours Delay to wait for any more, I consulted the principle Men...
35145From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 3d and 9th instants. It gives me pleasure to hear that the mutiny of which General Varnum informed me some time ago was not so serious a matter as he seemed to apprehend and represented. I cannot see any reason for applying to me to order a Court of Enquiry into the Conduct of Colo. Jackson at Monmouth, when the power of appointing General Courts Martial is (by a...
35146From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 9th Inst. I would observe; that the sentiments contained in mine of the 14th of February Ulto were of a general nature; not pointed at any particular corps, or description of Officers; had reference barely to a prudence and circumspection of language before the soldier, and recommended severe or adequate punishment in case of licentious behaviour. I inclose you...
35147From George Washington to Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the inclosed Resolve of Congress accepting your resignation and directing me to give you a Certificate of your services, which I also inclose —I hope your success in the line of life which you are about to pursue will fully compensate for the losses you have sustained in the service of your Country and am Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, sold by...
35148Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of December 9 came to hand this Evening from Philadelphia, by the same post received a Letter from Mr. L ovel l transcribing some passages from one of the same date to him, and the only one he says which he has received since your absence, and his pocket proves that he has written 18teen different times, yet possibly you may have received as few from him; the watery world alone can...
35149To John Adams from Ralph Izard, 20 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I was favoured yesterday with your Letter of 12th and congratulate you on your safe arrival at Nantes. Accept of my thanks for the trouble you have taken in delivering my Letters into the care of Mr. Cumming, Mr. Ingraham, and Mr. Ridley. You say nothing of the Letter, and the two packets of Newspapers addressed to Mr. Lloyd; as I have not received a Letter from him, for the last three, or...
35150To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 20 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, March 20, 1779. Cannot obtain boats and other equipment needed to make a survey of Delaware River. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French; translation by H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Du Portail, brigadier general, Corps of Engineers, was sent by Washington to Philadelphia to make a survey of the Delaware River ( GW John...