41451[Diary entry: 5 February 1780] (Washington Papers)
5th. Wind at No. West & cold—frost very severe. In the evening the Wind shifted to the Southward & moderated.
41452General Orders, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
A reserve Pickett of one Captain, one subaltern, four serjeants, four corporals two Drums and Fifes & fifty privates to mount daily in each brigade. These Picketts will assemble at troop beating every morning on the Grand Parade where the officers of the day will inspect them, after which they will retire to huts that are to be appropriated for the purpose in each brigade. The old guard will...
41453To George Washington from Colonel Armand, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to tell to your Excellency that Having Heard one of your most essential reasons against my promotion—was that I was a very young officer in france —your Excellency must Have Been miss informed, for I am in the kings gards with the rank of a Captain since the beginning of the year 1766—and by the time of my Services, I am not far from getting the Crosse of st louis —if your...
41454To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be deliver’d your Exellency by Capt. Campbell of the 71st British who you will perceive by the incloased Vote of the Council of War, is recommended to you for Permission to go into New Yorke for the purposes theirin expressed; as the Officers have Subsisted intirely at their owne expence tis necessary that they should be supplyd with Cash &c. I doubt not but your Exellency will...
41455From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I think it my ⟨duty to transmit⟩ Your Excellency the inclos⟨ed Representation⟩ and Request from sund⟨ry Officers⟩ in your line, which I re⟨ceived Two⟩ days ago. The Objects a⟨re of a⟩ delicate and interesting ⟨nature⟩ and such I am persuaded ⟨as will⟩ have, if they have not alread⟨y had⟩ it, the attention they deserve⟨. From⟩ the conversation and expostu⟨lations⟩ I had with the Gentlemen who...
41456From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
General poor sent down the Bearer Capt. Leigh for 10,000 dollars for the purpose of recruiting, but the military Chest here being intirely exhausted, I must request you, if possible to spare him that sum. But should your stock of Cash not admit of the whole, be pleased to let him have as much as you conveniently can. I am informed that the New Hampshire troops are just now in good temper and...
41457From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The state of Genl Heath’s health making a releif from duty necessary he has received my permission for this purpose — This with other considerations which will occur to yourself, (especially as the condition of the river may tempt the enemy to enterprise something in that quarter), renders your presence there essential I have therefore to request that you may return as soon as convenient to...
41458From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the Letter which I had the honor of writing to You on the 27th of January, I mentioned that Colo. Armand was young in the service of France; by the Inclosed Letter from him it appears that I had been misinformd. as the Colonel is apprehensive this idea may operate in future to His prejudice, I take the liberty to transmit what he has said upon the subject. I have the Honor to be with the...
41459From George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed You will receive an Extract from the General Orders of Yesterday, by which You will find that the sentence of the Court Martial against Thomas Warren of the Invalid Corps has been approved and his execution ordered. I have however since on account of the frequency of capital punishments and from General Woodford’s representation that this was the first offence the prisoner had been...
41460From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th ulto by Capt. Leigh. Our military Chest being at this time intirely exhausted, it is not in my power to send you recruiting Money by him, but I have given him a letter to Genl Heath, who I hope will be able to spare some from the Chest at the Highlands. I should have been glad had the state of your domestic Concerns permitted you to remain with your Brigade...
41461From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received two letters of yours from Wethersfeild—one dated the 15th January—the other without a date —By Colo. Blaine, who I expect will be the Bearer of this, I send twenty Guineas, and two Phials containing the counterpart and Stain for C—— junior, which I wish may be got to him, with as much safety and dispatch as the case will admit of conveniently. It is my further most earnest...
41462To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of Trade, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 5 Feb. 1780 . Requests advice for the disposition of six Negroes purchased for the state. Tr in Board of Trade Journal ( Vi ); 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii , 96. TJ’s reply has not been located, but the following minute appears in the Board’s Journal under the same date: “The Executive...
41463To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As the removal of the public Boards and Public Shops to Richmond may be Attended with very great inconvenience for the want of houses, The Board recommends to his Excellency the Governor to direct that all the escheated houses in Richmond be purchased for public use. Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ).
41464To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, [5? February 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
A plan for new modelling the Quarter Masters department in this State. The Quarter Master General, taken from the Line, to draw three rations four forages and receive six hundred dollars ⅌ month in Addition to his pay in the Line, be allowed the use of three public horses. Two assistant Quarter Master Generals to draw each one ration two forages and receive four hundred Dollars ⅌ month...
41465George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 6 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 6, 1780 . States that Pulaski’s and Armand’s troops are to be incorporated and sent to Georgia. Approves of Du Plantier’s desire to be “useful,” but cannot give him a command. Encloses certificate testifying to Armand’s services. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41466George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 6 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 6, 1780 . Certification of Armand’s service and conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41467George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 6, 1780 . Informs Huntington that Colonel Armand is not going to France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41468From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 6 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and two copies: Library of Congress I received but very lately your kind Favour of Oct. 14 Dr Ingenhausz who brought it having staid long in Holland, I sent the enclos’d directly to Mr L. It gave me great Pleasure to understand that you continue well. Take care of yourself. Your Life is a valuable one. Your Writings, after all the Abuse you & they have met with, begin to make...
41469[Diary entry: 6 February 1780] (Washington Papers)
6th. Clear and tolerably pleasant—wind rather South of West—Snow melting.
41470General Orders, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “A Detachment from the line with three Days Provision will march tomorrow Morning under Command of Major Winder, attended by a surgeon from the Second Pennsylvania Brigade.” “A Detachment from the Maryland line with two Days Provision to March to Morris...
41471From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 4th and fifth. Inclosed you will find a letter to the Board of War, recommending the incorporation of your corps with the late Pulaski’s including the troop command⟨ed⟩ by Capt. Bedkin. I do not unite the Marechaussee, because that corps is destined for a particular service, to which it will be altogether applied in the course of the next campaign, nor...
41472From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin. The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be...
41473To George Washington from Royal Flint, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having finished my service, under the late Comisary General, and having no further connection with the department, my authority, over the affairs of it, is at an end. My continuance here, in such a situation, will afford no advantage to the public, and consequently no great satisfaction to myself. The circumstances, that have occasioned my leaving the army, have no ways abated my wishes for...
41474From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The number of Genl Officers in Camp is so Small, & of that number, several very anxious for leave to be absent that I am, exceedingly distressed, & put to it to conduct the ordinary business of the Army, with the smallest degree of propriety. I must therefore request, that upon receipt of this Letter you will repair to Camp. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir—Yr obt Servt ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick...
41475From George Washington to Brigadier General William Irvine, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is a request to General Hand to return to Camp. I shall be obliged to you for causing it to be safe delivered. I hope your absence will not exceed the first of April—could you return sooner with convenience, it would be more agreeable to Dr Sir Yr obedt Hble Servt ALS , PHi : Papers of William Irvine; ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW signed the cover of the
41476To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s letter of the 22d ult: was received the 28th —I have ever Since employed myself in correcting the defects which your Excellency has been pleased to point out. The general want of officers throughout the army is an evil which has long ago broke upon us, attended with every prejudicial consequence. Most of the officers appointed of late have been taken from the Noncommissioned,...
41477To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 7 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you my best thanks for the trouble you took for me in the procuring me my passport— I find I cannot depart until Wednesday— I purposed to have gone this evening, but, on application at the Bureau, my servant found all the places taken. A thought has occurred to me, which has induced me to take the liberty (before my departure) to ask you a...
41478[Diary entry: 7 February 1780] (Washington Papers)
7th. Clear, mild and moderate in the forenoon but little Wind—afternoon rather lowering and cooler.
41479General Orders, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “Hands and Maxwells Brigades will relieve the Morris Town Pickett tomorrow at One o’Clock” (orderly book, 17 Oct. 1779–22 March 1780, DNA : RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 33).
41480From George Washington to Royal Flint, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Letter of the 6th—As I find by this that you are no longer to continue in the department in which You have for some time acted, I with pleasure avail myself of the present opportunity to inform You, that your conduct in the discharge of your duty so far as it has come to my knowledge, has been much to my satisfaction. From your activity and attention—your...
41481To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclos’d copy of a representation from Colo. Berry, an Assistant D.Q.M.G. in this State, will shew your Excellency that a new difficulty has arisen to delay transportation. It is very unfortunate that we should lose the advantage of this favourable turn of conveyance, as the time is just at hand when it will be almost impossible to bring forward the supplies. The Inhabitants are unwilling...
41482To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was Yesterday honour’d with your Excellency’s favour of the 5th Instt, and shall in Obedience to your request proceed to my command in a day or two, or Earlier, should you think it requisite, tho’ Some Business very consequential to me requires that time, if it can be Spared me without Injury to service. It has been very lately Suggested to me by one of my friends that your Excellency meant...
41483To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honour to forward the enclosed letter from Genl Lincoln address’d to your Excellency. As Major Lane the Express charged with this Letter was late a Prisoner in Savannah, and your Excellency must be anxious to know the State of the Prisoners in the southern Department; I have examined him on that Subject and taken his information in writing which is herewith enclosed, yet hoping...
41484To George Washington from Major Justus Christoph de Meibom, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
About nine months ago I did myself the honour to apply to Your Excellency for leave to send an officer into New York in order to bring out our pay and cloathing. Your Excellency was pleased to give me for answer, that circumstances would not admitt of complying with my request for that time All my endeavours to transact my business in writing having prouved ineffectual to this very time; I...
41485From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Brewster of the Artillery who is at Fairfeild has occasion for a Man for a particular service who can be depended upon for his fidelity, and who is acquainted with the use of Oars and the management of a Boat, He must be a Native. Be pleased to select such an one from the troops under your command and send him to Mr Brewster. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...
41486To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Nothing Extraordinary has happened here since my last, neither have I received any Intelligence of Consequence—My Man from New-York not yet being returned; I expect to see or hear from him this Evening—It is said that in consequence of the Report of some Deserters who got in to Paulus-Hook from Connecticut Farms, the day before the Detachment was relieved, that Post is reinforced every Evening...
41487From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have been favoured with from his Excelly the cheva[lie]r De la Luzerne I am led to expect the honor of his Compy at Camp in the course of this Month. As it is my wish to accomodate him in the best manner circumstances will admit of (which at best as you well know will be bad enough) and to pay him evy respect due to his high rank and Station I shall thank you for previous...
41488To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed memorial was referred from Congress to this board, who take the Liberty of forwarding it to you, as a matter entirely under your Excellency’s determination. I have the honor to be with the highest respect yr Excellencys most obed. Hble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The enclosed “memorial of Samuel Safford Lieut. Colonel of the regiment commanded by Seth Warner,” dated at Bennington, Vt.,...
41489To John Jay from William Churchill Houston, 7 February 1780 (Jay Papers)
It is not simply from being a Member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs that I take the Liberty of troubling you; my Curiosity to have Access to all the Sources of Knowledge in publick Affairs, is a further Apology. For this I confess I have a boundless Thirst and Eagerness. A Vessel, lately arrived to the Eastward, reports to have spoken with the Confederacy on the Coast of France, and I...
41490To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Chantilly, 7 Feb. 1780 . Acknowledges letter and enclosures of 2 Jan. Intends to go into next Assembly and will early procure lodgings in Richmond. Hopes the southern news is true. A letter from Arthur Lee of 28 Sep. brings news of naval fighting in European waters. Arthur Lee may not be able to leave Europe because he stands pledged for 300,000 livres which he has no means of paying. RC ( DLC...
41491To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 7 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing you a Letter from our worthy friend Mr. Fabroni. A powerful fleet of 18 Sail of the Line and 4000 troops has just left Brest for the W. Indies to restore the superiority of this Country in that quarter. The Enemy’s fleet has been successful on the coast of Spain in taking some Spanish men of war and a number of transports laden with naval stores, but as there is a...
41492To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 8–12 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 8–12 Feb. 1780 . Is still at Nantes but has been obliged to beg personal financial assistance from Tuscany. Action of the Spanish and British fleets off Cadiz; capture of numerous Spanish merchantmen by Admiral Rodney. French success under M. LaMotte Picquet at Martinique. Encloses extracts from French Gazette to show “the monstrous contrast” between the published accounts in Spain and...
41493George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 8, 1780 . Sends instructions for paying for transportation of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41494George Washington to Baron von Steuben, 8 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 8, 1780 . Asks whether a defensive or offensive campaign should be planned. States that money and foreign aid are needed for a decisive offensive campaign. Believes that a defensive campaign therefore is necessary. Approves of von Steuben’s estimates of men and cavalry needed. Questions value of incorporating regiments for the sake of economy. Df , in writing...
41495From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and two copies: Library of Congress Your kind Letter of Sept. 27. came to hand but very lately, the Bearer having staid long in Holland. I always rejoice to hear of your being still employ’d in Experimental Researches into Nature, and of the Success you meet with. The rapid Progress true Science now makes, occasions my Regretting sometimes that I was born so soon. It is impossible...
41496From Benjamin Franklin to the Baron de Servières, 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I never say or heard of the Book you mention. If such a Work has been published in England, undoubtedly you may obtain it by sending thither for it. Having never lived in that Part of america where Tobacco grows, I know nothing of its Cultivation. If I could give you any material Information on the subject, I should do it readily and chearfully. I have the honour to...
41497From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of Nov. 2. in which I see you have started a good deal of philosophical Game; let me know from time to time your success and send me some of the Venison. Mr. fabrony call’d to see me, but express’d no desire of altering his Voyage, and proceeded immediately to Italy. I received also yours of Jan. 4. with the Sheets of the appendix but I have not...
41498To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd et al., 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Humble Petition of the Mariners formerly belonging to the Patriote Captain Green. To his Excellency the Right Honorable Benjamin Franklin Prime Minister of the 13 United States of America. Sheweth That Your honours humble Petitioners as met with the Misfortune to be Cast Away and has lost the best Part of our Apparel Owing to the Vessel sinking so...
41499To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Herewith I send you the remedy I promised in my last. Somebody writes to me what follows “Un Capitaine arrivé depuis peu en Zélande m’a assuré avoir vu le Cape. Jones a plus de 50 lieues à l’Ouest de l’Irlande, tenant route opposée avec une prise.” 873. 337. 64. 833. 879. 470 419., 30 & 16 would 168. But 2. 879. 470. 601....
41500To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, D’Acosta frères & Cie., 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania May it please your Excellency, as we are ready to expedite to North America a vessel call’d the Kensington, to accept our services you may commit your dispatches to the Care of Samuel Smith Commander of sd. vessel: And at the same time, We beg, you would forward us immediately a Commission for war; you will find here annex’d the usual obligation with its...