1To Benjamin Franklin from Augustin Mottin de la Balme, 14 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Au moment ou je me rejouissois d’avoir en mains deux letters de recommandation pour vous remettre a philadelphie, la renommée qui precède vos pas m’a appris votre arrivee a nante ou dit-ons vous devez sejourner. Frustrés de mon Esperance souffrés que j’aie L’honneur de vous Les Envoyer et vous prier de vouloir bien reparer un peu la perte que je crois faire...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having recd Advice from Govr Trumbull of the 6th Inst. that a large Fleet of the Enemy’s Men of War and Transports had appeared off New London, without doubt with an Intent to make a Descent either there or some part of the Coast of New England, and he desiring that some General Officers might be sent to take the Command of the Militia who were assembling. I must desire that you would...
3From George Washington to Brigadier Generals James Ewing, Hugh Mercer, Adam Stephen, and Lord Stirling, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lest the Enemy should in some degree avail themselves of the Knowledge (for I do not doubt but that they are well informed of every thing we do) I did not care to be so particular in the General orders of this day, as I mean to be in this Letter to You. As mutch Tim⟨e⟩ then would be lost (in Case the Enemy should a⟨ttem⟩pt crossing the River at any pass within your ⟨guard of⟩ it) in first...
4From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this comes to hand, you will have heard of the melancholy situation of our Affairs. I do not mean at this time to detail our misfortunes. With a handfull of men, compared to the Enemys Force, we have been pushed through the Jerseys without being able to make the smallest opposition & to pass the Delaware. Genl Howe is now on the other side, and beyond all question, means if possible to...
5From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 10th Instt. I am extremely pleased by the ready attention you have paid to my Orders and have only to request that you will proceed with your Troops with all possible expedition to Pitts Town, pursuing General Lee’s rout & where I expect you will join him. You will not lose a Moment. The situation of our Affairs demands industry and dispatch on all...
6From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your Letter of the 11th Instt by Major Dehart. I am much surprized that you should be in any doubt respecting the Route you should take after the information you have had upon that Head as well by Letter as from Majr Hoops who was dispatched for the purpose. A large number of Boats was procured and is still retained at Tinnicum under a strong guard to facil[it]ate your...
7From George Washington to Robert Morris, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favor of yesterday, and for answer would inform you, that I shall most chearfully cooperate with you in endeavoring to save the Frigate Delaware, and for this purpose shall immediately inclose your Letter to Colo. Cadwallader, with directions for Capt. Alexander, with his Officers and a sufficient number of men to proceed to Phila. without delay in order to carry the...
8To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Council this moment received a Letter from William Attlee Esqr. of Lancaster —extract from which we dispatch to you by express—he says (dated 13th instant). “The inclosed is copy of a Letter from Colo. Burd last night by express[.] I march with my whole Battalion on Monday next—Colonel Galbreaths Battalion, we are told, will move on Saturday next —The Militia of Lancaster seem rather...
9From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd Advices from Governor Trumbull that a large Fleet of the Enemy’s Ships of War and Transports were lying off New London, with an Intent to make a Descent on some part of N. England. He desires me to send some General Officers to take the Command of the Militia who are assembling to make the best Opposition in their power. I must therefore request, that you would immediately...
10From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Repair with all possible expedition to Genl Lee’s Camp—Know his Situation, Numbers, &ca—Send Officers you can confide in to Genls Gates, & Heath, to be informd of their numbers, condition & when they may be expected at Pitts Town. Use every possible means without regard to expence, to come with certainty, at the Enemys strength, situation and movements—without this we wander in a Wilderness of...