1To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [before 14 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This is the earliest document in a correspondence that stretches over six weeks and gives an example of the way Franklin handled a diplomatic crisis. Gustavus Conyngham was, once again, at the center of it. On May 31, his cutter, The Revenge , seized the Henrica Sophia , a Swedish ship laden with a Spanish cargo. The Swedish ambassador to Versailles, Count...
2John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
This goes by Captn. McNeil, who is an Adventurous Cruiser. It is not safe to write much by him. If Expressions of Tenderness, were necessary my Heart is full enough to write a great many. I send some Letters from Johnny, who intended to have written to his Brothers and indeed has written but there is not time to copy them. I think, that the Distance of Place, and the present perfect security...
3John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have been thinking of a subject for a letter to you, & I can find none more agreable than that which is the constant employment of my thoughts, I mean the French Language, & as you will very soon begin the same study, it will be profitable to you as well as to myself, to sketch a little plan for the more easy & effectual acquisition, of so elegant & useful accomplishment, as that of reading,...
4From John Adams to Ralph Izard, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure of yours of the 28th, and agree with you in Sentiment that if the Money which has heretofore been Squandred upon Articles of Luxury, could for the future be applied to discharge our national Debt, it would be a great Felicity. But is it certain that it will? Will not the national Debt itself, be the Means, at least a Temptation to continue if not increase the Luxury? It is...
5From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to inclose the latest Gazettes by which Congress will perceive, that We have no Intelligence from America, Since the Departure of the Comte D’Estaing from Sandy Hook. Our Anxiety is very great, but We hope that a few Hours will relieve it. In the Midst of a War in Germany, and between France and England, there was scarcely ever a greater Dearth of News in a Time of profound...
6To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The preceeding is copy of my last, of the 26th. May, being without any of your favors, which I promised my self the happiness of receiving before this date, and of the pleasure of hearing that my Son, was Placed with some Gentleman of business, where he might acquire a competent knowledge of business and such other accomplishments, as wou’d make him a useful member of society. I shall not take...
7C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Si vous n’avez pas eu de mes nouvelles depuis ma derniere du 13 au 18 Sept, je n’en ai pas moins été occupé au service des Etats-Unis, comme Sir G. pourra vous l’attester. De 10 jours que j’ai passés à Amsterdam, j’en ai employé un aux ordres du g—— F——, deux avec notre Ami, et les sept autres, renfermé dans une Chambre, à écrire sur vos Promesses 615 Numeros, 2460 folios, 2255 fois A, et 2255...
Although you have had no news from me since my last of 13–18 September, I have nevertheless, as Sir Grand will attest, been busy in the service of the United States. Of the ten days I spent in Amsterdam, I employed one in waiting on the Grand Facteur, two with our friend, and the other seven shut up in a room writing 615 numbers, 2460 folios, 2255 times A, and 2255 times Passy 31. Aoust 1778...
9Pay Order, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York ] October 2, 1778 . Directs Paymaster to send pay to Godlip Danroth of the German Regiment. ADS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
10George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 2, 1778 . Sends news of enemy’s movements in New Jersey. Regrets that no reinforcements can be sent to Boston. Df , in writings of John Laurens and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.