1Editorial Note on the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, 15 July–28 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Franklin’s deepest involvement in the affairs of Pennsylvania, aside from his work on the Assembly’s committee of safety in 1775, was as president of the convention that sat in Philadelphia from July 15 to September 28, 1776, and during those weeks governed the province. The convention and its administrative arm, a council of safety that replaced the committee, directed the war effort,...
2To John Adams from David Sewall, 15 – 19 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 15th. ultimo reached me at Watertown some few days since. Gladly would I have remained unnoticed in these Times of difficulty. But I am unexpectedly and unprepared drawn forth (litterally from the Plow) and I fear by some evil Genius in order to stop some greater ability, from lending Aid to Guide the State. Unacquainted With the Arts of Warr, Raw and unexperienced in the Grand...
3John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
My very deserving Friend, Mr. Gerry, setts off, tomorrow, for Boston, worn out of Health, by the Fatigues of this station. He is an excellent Man, and an active able statesman. I hope he will soon return hither. I am sure I should be glad to go with him, but I cannot. I must write to have the Guard relieved. There is a most amiable, lawdable, and gallant Spirit prevailing, in these middle...
4From John Adams to James Warren, 15 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have Time only to tell you that I am yet alive, and in better Spirits than Health. The News, you will learn from my very worthy Friend Gerry. He is obliged to take a Ride for his Health, as I shall be very soon or have none. God grant he may recover it for he is a Man of immense Worth. If every Man here was a Gerry, the Liberties of America would be safe against the Gates of Earth and Hell....
5To John Adams from Nathaniel Barber Jr., 15 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
You being President of the board of War, I make bold to ask a favour of you. I have the care of all Military Stores under The Honble. General Ward, as you will se by my return of the 2d. Instant. My pay is not fixt, and I know of no better method to get it done than by making application to The Honble. board. I have not the Pleasure to be personaly acquainted with you, yet hope you’l excuse...
6To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 15 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me high Pleasure, if my Narration of Nantasket was acceptable to you. I did not lay the least Imputation upon your Neighbors. They did all that Circumstances would allow. Canada, you know, lay much upon my Mind. I was long ago apprehensive. There was too much Neglect on all Sides of that important Quarter, and, without doubt, great Misconduct there. Pray let it be strictly examin’d,...
7To John Adams from Thomas Cushing, 15 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
The last Will and Testament of Mr Josiah Quincey junr has lately been left at the Probate Office. I find he appointed Francis Dana Esqr his Executor and in Case of his Death and refusal he appoints Mr. Jonathan Jackson of Newbury Port and in Case of his Death or refusal he nominates and appoints John Adams Esqr. his Executor. As Mr. Dana and Mr. Jackson have both refused to Accept the Trust,...
8General Orders, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Pay Abstracts for the month of June, are immediately to be made up carefully, examined by the Colonels or officer commanding the regiment, and then certified by the Brigadiers; after which to be lodged with the Pay Master General. A working party of one hundred and fifty men, with a Field Officer, three Captains, six Subs:, twelve Serjts twelve Corporals, and three Drums and Fifes, to...
9To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your Favour of the 13th Instant yesterday at this Place previous to which about 9 oClock Satturday Morning the Signal at Fort Constitution being given & the Masters of two Sloops which about the same Time came too opposite my House having informed me that the Enemy had attacked New York the Evening before & that they judged by the Report of the Cannon that their Shipping had passed...
10To George Washington from Colonel James Clinton, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to Your Orders of the 12th Instant I Dispatched an Express to Albany by Land by the way of Esopus and Another to Poughkeepsie to Employ the Ship Carpenters in makeing fire Rafts an Answer to which I Send you with my Return The same Day I Received Your Letter my Brother Came with a Reinforcement of the Millitia and many of them has Come in Yesterday and to Day as for further...