52741To James Madison from William Gordon, 7 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
To excuse this letter which has for its object to introduce me to your acquaintance. The views of the Cabinet: the well organized Plans which are in operation through out the United States. The manœuvres of the U.S. Army on land, the expeditions of the U.S. Navy at Sea. And in fine the “Grand Object” which these public measures are calculated to accomplish is well known to me. With regard to...
52742To George Washington from William Gordon, 10 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
In arranging the intelligence obtained from the inspection of your papers, I found that an extract from the private letters Vol. 1st dated Oct. 22. 1779, which alluded to one of the most important events of the late war, was not so complete as I wish. It relates to the capture of Fort Washington, which I apprehend ought now to be placed in its true light, as the public cannot suffer from its...
52743To George Washington from William Gordon, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your fortitude has been put to a fresh trial, through the stupid neglect of the New England States, of the Bay particularly. I have been weeping inwardly for you & the common cause, ever since we have had the news confirmed of the Northern Keys being lost. Such blundering mismanagement as our general Court has been guilty of, puts me almost out of patience. The fault is chargeable chiefly if...
52744To George Washington from William Gordon, 28 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
My design of publishing is now in such forwardness, that I expect the proposals for the History of the American Revolution, will be circulated through the United States by the first week in January. I have given direction, that a few should be forwarded to your Excellency from New York as soon as printed. Shall think myself greatly honoured & served by your countenance. I have requested of my...
52745To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 6[–25] October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you lately by the way of Holland, and sent to the care of Mr. Sowden three anniversary sermons designed for Your Self, Mr. Deane and Mr. Lee. Hope you will receive them, but for fear lest it should be otherwise have sent three more on the same service. Pray you to forward Mr. Parker and Mr. Field’s letters by the first post to London; and Mr....
52746To George Washington from William Gordon, 15 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have for some time waited in vain for the pleasing occasion of congratulating your Excellency upon the evacuation of the United States by the British troops; but can delay no longer writing you a few lines. My tour was far more agreeable than can be generally expected so late in the fall. Genl Gates being orderd to Boston, while I was at Weathersfield in the neighbourhood of Hartford, I...
52747To John Adams from William Gordon, 27 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I expected some how or other to have had the happiness of falling into your company when you was last in this State, but was disappointed. I have had the pleasure of hearing that you and your fellow traveller had joined the Congress, and further of the Congress’s having got back to Philadelphia, where I hope they will be suffered to remain in peace and quietness. All things considered, and I...
52748To George Washington from William Gordon, 9 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
This will probably be the last letter, you will receive from me till I have crossed the Atlantic. Should I get safe to London, through the kind orderings of Providence, shall take the first opportunity of writing to you. Expect to sail next Wednesday wind & weather permitting. Shall take your present with me, to remind me of your friendship. The honour your Excellency has done me in confiding...
52749To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been for some time past in pain for your Excellency, but still in hopes that You would receive a reinforcement sufficient & soon enough to prevent the enemy’s crossing the Delaware, or marching down by it on the Jersey side towards Philadelphia. Accounts yesterday relieved us from our anxiety, & have given us reason to conclude that the regulars have left Brunswick & gone down by water...
52750To George Washington from William Gordon, 30 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You have been so obliging as to promise me your assistance in my designed history of the present glorious contest for liberty; & I have no doubt of your affording it. Truth & impartiality are what I aim at; & therefore am for getting the best information possible, which must be by having a recourse to original papers in the possession of those who have borne a distinguished & active part in...