20501To George Washington from Robert Morris, 7 September 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Morris, 7 Sept. 1776. On 12 Sept. GW wrote to Morris : “I have been honored with your favr of the 7th Inst.”
20502From John Adams to James Warren, 8 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am going tomorrow Morning on an Errand to Lord Howe not to beg a Pardon, I assure you, but to hear what he has to Say. He sent Sullivan here to let Us know that he wanted a Conversation with some Members of Congress. We are going to hear him, but as Congress have voted that they cannot Send Members to talk with him in their private Capacities but will send a Committee of their Body as...
20503From Benjamin Franklin to [Lord Howe], 8 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Whitehall had entrusted the peace mission to Lord Howe and his brother, but the Admiral played the leading part. He had carried on the lengthy maneuvering in London about the commission, he wrote the declaration that was disseminated on his arrival, and although he consulted with his brother he took charge of negotiating in America. His first problem...
20504From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 8 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Congress having appointed Mr. Adams, Mr. Rutledge and my self, to meet Lord Howe, and hear what Propositions he may have to make, we purpose setting out to-morrow, and to be at Perth Amboy on Wednesday morning, as you will see by the enclos’d, which you are requested immediately to forward to his Lordship; and if an Answer comes to your hands, that you would...
20505To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 8 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I was yesterday informed that my letter of thursday was not then gone I sit down now to make a little addition, fancying that I have not said all I have to say, for I wrote in haste. I think I gave you my family history pretty fully, as to public concerns, I know nothing, nor should I write of them to you if I knew anything, so I will give you some...
20506General Orders, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Alexander McIntire of Capt. Newall’s Company, James Butler of Capt: Dalley’s Company and John Knowlon of Capt. Maxwell’s Company, all of Col. Prescotts Regiment tried by a Court Martial, whereof Col. Malcom was President, and acquitted of “plundering a Celler belonging to a Citizen of New-York”—each ordered to be discharged, and join their regiments. Ames Reed Corporal in Capt. Vancleavers...
20507From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this day wrote to the President of the Convention of New York requesting that an Aid of Six hundred Militia may be sent to you from the Counties of Ulster & Orange or any other that is more proper and convenient, for the purpose of assisting you either in the defence of the Highlands in Case they should be attacked or of constructing New Works and Fortifications, by which they may be...
20508To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I Send you A Return of the Number of men at Each of the Fortifications in the Highlands And A Return of the Artillery Stores and Ordinance at Each place. we are at Present Buissily Employed in Fortifying the Post on the South Side of the Pouplops Kill we have four twelve Pounders Mounted there and Expects Soon to have More we are Likewise Employed in Building three Barracks Viz. one...
20509To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having appointed Mr Adams, Mr Rutledge & my self, to meet Lord Howe, and hear what Propositions he may have to make, we purpose setting out to-morrow, and to be at Perth Amboy on Wednesday morning, as you will see by the enclosd, which you are requested immediately to forward to his Lordship; and if an Answer comes to your hands, that you would send it to meet us at Amboy. What we...
20510From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honour of addressing you on the 6th Instt I have called a Council of the General Officers in order to take a full & comprehensive view of our situation & thereupon form such a plan of future defence as may be immediately pursued & subject to no other alteration than a change of Operations on the Enemy’s side may occasion. Before the Landing of the Enemy on Long Island, the...
20511To George Washington from John Hancock, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am this Minute honored with your Favour of the 6th Inst.; and am to acknowledge the Receipt of your several Favours to that Date. The Congress, concurring with the Proposal of exchanging Generals Prescot & McDonald for Genls Sullivan & Stirling, have authorized the Board of War to send the two former to you for that Purpose, as soon as possible. In Consequence of the Message which Genl...
20512From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have lately reciev’d information (on which I can in some measure rely) that it is impracticable for carriages to pass from Harlem point or any of the landing places contiguous to it, towards King’s bridge any other way than along the public roads; I should therefore concieve it would be highly expedient to throw every impediment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above mentioned...
20513From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter by Genll Roberdeau of the 8th of Sept., and am sorry to hear of your indisposition, which however I hope will in a Short time be removed; There has nothing very material pass’d in this Quarter since you were here; still matters wear so critical an aspect, that I have determined to Call over Colo. Ward’s regiment from the post Opposite mount Washington; you will...
20514To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with your two Favors of the 20th Ultimo and 4th Instant, the former Mr pallasier, the latter by Mr Allen. Mr Pallasier will leave this for Tyonderoga to Morrow Morning. Notwithstanding the Retreat from Long Island, I am still in Hopes, that the Enemy will not be able to accomplish their Intentions, and that you will in the End reap those Laurels which you so highly...
20515From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just reciev’d the resolve of your Convention respecting the removal of the bells belonging to the different churches & public edifices in this City, to New ark in the Province of New-Jersey; The measure I highly approve of, & shall accordingly have it carried into execution. I have lately been coversing with Genl Clinton concerning the defence of the forts on the high lands, who agrees...
20516From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 8 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you this Morning by your Express, but forgot to mention a Matter of Consequence. It being determined to remove our Sick to Orange Town, we shall want four large Albany Sloops for that purpose. The fatigue of travelling that Distance by land, would not only be more than the Patients could bear, but we have full Employ for our Waggons in transporting Baggage, Tents &ca for the Troops...
20517To John Jay from Lewis Morris, 8 September 1776 (Jay Papers)
I ^ am ^ very anxious about our Situation at NYork, I should have gone off this day but M r Lewis has taken flight towards NYork ^ that Place ^ in quest of his family, that were on Long Island, and there remains only three of us, I wish you would let me know how matters ^ stand ^ and at what Place our convention are. Gen l
20518[Monday September 9, 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday September 9, 1776. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, “United Colonies,” have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States. The Board of War brought in a report, which was read. On this day, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Edward Rutledge and Mr. John Adams proceeded on their Journey to Lord Howe on Staten Island,...
20519To John Adams from Daniel Hitchcock, 9 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Received, another of your kind Favours on Monday last, for which I thank You, the Demands of my Regiment from the hourly Expectation of an Attack upon the Island of New York, gives Me only Time to say, that this Country is ondone, if a sufficient Bounty is not given to raise a Standing Army; ten Pounds N England Currency must at all Events be given, or Men will not be obtained. The Militia are...
20520General Orders, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Elias Matthew appointed Quarter Master to Tyler’s regiment. Gardiner Carpenter appointed Pay Master to Colonel Huntington’s regiment. The Colonels, or commanding officers of regiments, or Pay Masters where appointed, are immediately to prepare and send in, their Pay Abstracts, for the Months of July & August—The Pay Master will attend at his old Office at Mr Lispenard’s on Thursday and Friday...
20521To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Two Persons who Came from Long-Island this morning (who we have Employed for the purpose of Secret Intelligence) we are Informed That the Enemy are Encamped in three Divisions, One at Newtown which is Head Quarters, One at Flushing, and One at Jamaica The Hessians are at Newtown, That 1500 waggons are Employed in Bringing aCross the Boats &c. That an Attack will Soon be made Some where East...
20522To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
At half after ten this Morning I received a Letter from General Gates, Copy whereof I inclose your Excellency. As it is most probable that the Enemy are attempting to cross the Lake, I have therefore thought it necessary to apply to the Neighbouring Counties of the New England States, and those of Ulster and Dutchess in this, to order their Militia to march up—As soon as they arrive I shall...
20523From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your favor of the 5th instant and am sorry to say that from the best information we have been able to obtain, the people on Long Island have, since our evacuation, gone generally over to the Enemy, and made such concessions as have been required: some through compulsion I suppose but more from inclination—As a diversion on the Island has been impracticable under these...
20524To George Washington from Abraham Yates, Jr., 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letters of the 8th instant this moment arrived, and we are happy to inform you that the Resolutions inclosed have anticipated your Excellency’s recommendation relative to a reinforcement for the fortresses in the highlands, and although we have done every thing in our power to raise them with dispatch, we are apprehensive that the whole will not arrive there within less than...
20525[September 1776] (Adams Papers)
Took with me to N.Y. 51 dollars and 5s. 8d. Pen. Currency in Change. An isolated entry in D/JA/25; an identical entry appears in D/JA/27 and is the last in that booklet. This is the only allusion in JA ’s Diary to his journey from Philadelphia to Staten Island and back, in company with Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge, a committee appointed by Congress on 6 Sept. to confer with Admiral...
20526Sept. 10. (Adams Papers)
Took with me to N.Y. 51 dollars and 5s. 8d. Pen. Currency in Change. An isolated entry in D/JA/25; an identical entry appears in D/JA/27 and is the last in that booklet. This is the only allusion in JA ’s Diary to his journey from Philadelphia to Staten Island and back, in company with Benjamin Franklin and Edward Rutledge, a committee appointed by Congress on 6 Sept. to confer with Admiral...
20527From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 10 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bruce Gimelson, Chalfont, Pa. (1978) It is possible that a Line from Lord Howe may be left for me at your good Mother’s, as I have appointed to be there to morrow Morning, in order to meet a Notice from his Lordship relating to the Time and Place of a proposed Interview. If it should come there to night, or very early in the Morning I could wish you would set out with it on horseback so...
20528To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, 10 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Lord Howe presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin, and according to the tenor of his favour of the 8th. will attend to have the pleasure of meeting him and Messrs. Adams and Rutledge tomorrow morning at the house on Staten Island opposite to Amboy, as early as the few conveniencies for travelling by land on Staten Island will admit. Lord Howe upon his arrival at the...
20529General Orders, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Major Popst of Col. Kackleins Battalion having been tried by a Court Martial whereof Col. Silliman was President on a charge of “Cowardice and shamefully abandoning his post on Long-Island the 28th of August”; is acquitted of Cowardice but convicted of Misbehaviour in the other instance—he is therefore sentenced to be dismissed the Army as totally unqualified to hold a Military Commission....
20530To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 8th of this Inst. I just Receiv’d and am Glad to hear your Excellency has Ordered a Reinforcement of Six hundred men which I hope will be Sufficient and are as Many as we Can find Barrack room for if the three Barracks were finish’d that I have Order’d to be built. I hope the Quarter Master General can supply me with the Nails—Agreeable to an Order sent him, and if not already...
20531To George Washington from Joshua Davis, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I tak liberty to Inform your Excy of my Safe arival Into Norwick last Evning, With two Sea Mortors after A long Detention in giting up the Sound by Reason Of the Enemy & Contarary Wind, altho I have Indavord to Mak all despach in my power, & from The best advice I Can git hear togather with my one [own] Judgment think it Not prudent to Com any farther By Warter Am Now making Preparation to...
20532To George Washington from John Hancock, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of 8th Inst. is now under the Consideration of Congress; as soon as they have come to a Determination upon it the Result shall be transmitted you, in the mean time Congress being Apprehensive that their former Resolution of 3d Int was not rightly understood, have directed me to Send you the foregoing, by which you will perceive that their wish is to preserve N. York & leave the...
20533To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Frog’s Point, Hunt’s point & Morrisania—I find the Enemy have been all this Day landing Troops on Montrosure’s Island where there appears to be a very large Number of them & Senteries posted all round the Island. In Addition to 150 Men sent down this morning near to Hunt’s point—I have this Evening ordered 200 as a Piquet to rendezvouz, at the Widow Morrises, & have...
20534To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
When Your Excellency was pleased to request the Militia of this State to be sent forward with all possible expedition to reinforce the Army at New York, no time was lost to expedite their march, and am happy to find the spirit and zeal that appeared in the people of this State to yield every assistance in their power in the present critical situation of our affairs. The season indeed was most...
20535To John Adams from Isaac Smith Sr., 11 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have not been favord, with any from you for sometime. As to News of any consequence this way, we have None. The most important is your way, trusting on the divine beaing for a blessing on Our Arms. Hope in the end we shall be crownd with success—though the present prospect Appears gloomy. I have been Appointed by the General Court last Year to take care of the poor belonging to the Almshouse...
20536Lord Howe’s Conference with the Committee of Congress, 11 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AD : New York Public Library The committee appointed by Congress left Philadelphia on September 9, Franklin and Rutledge in carriages and Adams on horseback. They spent the night of the 10th in New Brunswick, where the taverns were full. Adams and Franklin had to share a bed in a room with one small window, which the younger man wanted shut for fear of catching cold; Franklin, delighted at the...
20537General Orders, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Robt Williams of Col. Glovers Regiment is appointed Pay Master to said regiment. William Arnold and Samuel Clark of Capt. Smith’s Company, Col. Smallwood’s Regiment—Daniel Donovel of Capt. Hardenberg’s Company, tried by a Court Martial whereof Col. Malcom was President, on a charge of “plundering the House lately occupied by Lord Stirling”—Donovel was convicted of the crime and sentenced to...
20538From George Washington to the Continental Congress Committee of Conference or Edward Rutledge, 11 September 1776 [letter … (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to the Continental Congress Committee of Conference or Edward Rutledge, 11 Sept. 1776. In a letter of this date to GW, Rutledge , who was a member of the committee, refers to “your Favour of this Morning.”
20539To George Washington from the Continental Congress Committee of Conference, 11 September 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Continental Congress Committee of Conference, 11 Sept. 1776. In a letter to GW of this date, Edward Rutledge says: “We wrote you about 2 Hours ago by the Post.”
20540To George Washington from Certain General Officers, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Situation of the Army under your Excellency’s Command is in our Opinions so critical & dangerous that We apprehend a Board of General Officers should be immediately calld for the purpose of considering it. We do not mean to condemn as unwise or imprudent any Measures which have heretofore been taken; but We conceive a Reconsideration of an important Question determined at the last Board of...
20541From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 8th Instt accompanied by Sundry Resolutions of Congress, to which I shall pay the strictest attention and in the Instances required make them the future Rule of my conduct. The Mode of Negotiation pursued by Lord Howe I did not approve of, But as Genl Sullivan was sent out upon the business and with a Message to Congress, I could not conceive...
20542To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my last by Lieutenant Smith I have been able to collect no assisstance, the Malitia of Southold about one Hundred and fifty in number deserted me at the River Head on my way to Huntington haveing heard that long Island was given up to the Enemy, Colonel Mulford was gathering the Malitia of South and East Hampton when this Report (industriously Circulated by our Enemies) was spread among...
20543From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour by Colo. Weedon. As it seems every day more Probable that the Posts at Kingsbridge will be occupied by this Army & the principal defence made there, I have orderd Colo. Bradlys Regiment to move from Bergen. As that Post does not seem to be an Object of the Enemys Attention I am in doubt whether it is necessary for you to replace this Regiment or leave it to the...
20544To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of this Morning is just put into my Hands —in Answer I must beg Leave to inform you that our Conferrence with Lord Howe has been attended with no immediate Advantages—He declared that he had no Powers to consider us as Independt States, and we easily discover’d that were we still Dependt we would have nothing to expect from those with which he is vested—He talk’d altogether in...
20545General Orders, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The difficulty of procuring Milk, and other proper Food for the sick, has induced the General to establish an Hospital, where those Necessaries can be procured in plenty—The regimental Sick are therefore to be immediately mustered for this purpose—One of the Hospital Surgeons will attend with the regimental Surgeon—such as are able to remove themselves will be allowed so to do, under the care...
20546Council of War, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Gen. McDougals Qua⟨rters⟩ Sept. 12. 1776. Present His Excelly Gen. Washington. Major Gen. Puttnam[,] Heath[,] Spencer[,] Green[,] Brigr Gen. Mifflin[,] Parsons[,] McDougal[,] Nixon[,] Wadsworth[,] Scott[,] Fellows[,] Clinton. The General read a Letter signed by some general Officers proposing that there should be a Reconsideration of the Matter determined in Council...
20547To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of a Motion made in a late Counsel of Genl Officers (in which Contrary to former Determination) it was advised that the City of Newyork shoud be evacuated & that the Disposition of the Army shoud be changed & that those who adhered to the former Opinion shoud assign their Reasons for defending the City as one of those I now begg leave to lay before your Excellency the following....
20548From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your two Letters of the 8th and 10th Inst. the first inclosing Returns of the Number of Men and Ordnance and Artillery Stores at Forts Montgomery and Constitution; the last, Copies of two Letters from the Convention of the State of New York, by which it appears they had ordered in 600 Militia as a Reinforcement to the two posts, and which I hope will put them in a proper State...
20549From George Washington to Joshua Davis, 12 September 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Joshua Davis, 12 Sept. 1776. The letter that Davis wrote to GW on 10 Sept. is docketed in part “Ansd 12th.”
20550Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency being called from Head Quarters to day on business of Importance which prevents his Writing, I therefore do myself the honor to inform Congress of what has happened since his Letter of Yesterday. Last Evening the Enemy transported a number of Men from Buchanans to Montezors Island, and by their several movements more strongly indicate their Intention to land somewhere about...