26361To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
One of my Spies this moment arrived from the City, which place he left this Day at 12, oClock—he confirms the account transmitted you this Day at one oClock with respect to the Enemy pressing Horses & Carriages—but seen no Boats &c. on Carriages—he went thro the greatest part of the City assures me Troops are quarter’d in almost every House—they are pulling down a great many frame Buildings...
26362From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the North River in the present contest and the necessity of defending It, are Subjects so well understood and so familiar to you, that it is needless for me to enlarge upon them. I therefore only mean to mention, that no exertions can be too great to render it secure against any future attempts of the Enemy, and that the present opportunity should be improved to effect it, as...
26363To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The enemy have not made any movement since I had the Honour of Adressing Your Excellency. I have been inform’d since my last, that, the Number that Crossed Schoolkill Consisted of Three Thousand Men, with six field pieces, The Took a Number of flat Bottom’d Boats, with which the intend to Cross on your Excellencys rear, the enemy are very Diserous to Know where our Stores and Baggage are at...
26364From George Washington to Capt. Charles Craig, 3 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Capt. Charles Craig, c.3 Dec. 1777. Craig’s letter to GW of 3 Dec. is docketed in part “Answd.”
26365To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have examined anew with all the attention of which I am capable, the Project of attacking the English and it still appears to me too dangerous—the great Body of Militia with which we might be reinforced for this purpose does not give me any additional hope of succeeding—it is not the number of Troops which is of importance in this case, but it is the quality, or rather their nature and...
26366To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Subject under Consideration before the board is whether a plan to draw together a large Body of militia in aid of the continental Troops in the dead of winter to attack General Howe in his winter quarters is eligible or not. However desireable the destruction of General Howe’s army may be & however impatient the public may be for this desireable event; I cannot recommend the measure. I...
26367To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
When your Excellency recommended sometime ago the Consideration of the practicabity of an attack on the Ennemy, I was already of opinion for Such an attack if it was possible to make an attempt on the City behind the lines, either by Sending troops in Boats down Delawar River to land on, or below the wharf, or by crossing Schuylkill river below middleferry either by throwing over Bridges or...
26368To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your Excellencys orders to give my sentiments “upon the advisability of making a Winters Campaign, and Practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia, with the aid of a considerable body of militia to be assembl’d at an appointed time & place” —Were it probable that Sir Wm Howes destruction would be the consequence of a Winters Campaign I would most chearfully give my voice and...
26369To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
the project of calling a large body of militia for such a day, in order to attack the ennemy in philadelphia, seems to me attended with so many difficulties, inconveniences and bad chances, that if it is not looked upon as a necessary and almost desesperate enterprize, tho’ it is a very shining and highly pleasing idea, however I cannot think it is a prudent and reasonable one. the reasons for...
26370To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Green directed me on his departure, to tarry on this side the river, & assist in protecting the inhabitants from the depredations of the enemy. We have been active in executing the Generals directions, & have visited the shore from this town, down to Sweedsborough, daily. The enemy still possess Billingsport, they have a garrison of four hundred men in that fort, & two nine pounders. Good...
26371To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of this date requesting my Sentiments on “the Adviseability of a Winters Campaign; and the practicability of an Attack upon Philadelphia with the Aid of a Considerable Body of Militia to be Assembled at an appointed Time and Place.” I have duely Considered, and in Answer to the first Question am of Opinion—that in order to Undertake a Winters Campaign the Troops should...
26372Extract from a Boston Newspaper, [after 4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Cornell University Library In a Letter from Philadelphia, giving an Account of the Battle at Brandywine, between the Armies of Generals Washington and Howe, is the following Passage. “A great Number of French Officers were in the Action. The Marquis de la Fayette, that most accomplish’d Youth, behaved with a Bravery equal to his noble Birth and amiable Character. The Polish Count Pulawski...
26373Order of Battle, 4–5 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The order of Battle is to be agreeable to the above Plan Morgan’s rifle Corps is to form upon the left of the Maryland Militia and Webbs Regiment upon the right of the Pensa Militia—these Corps and the Militia (who are to act in Detachment, and not in a solid or compact body) are to skirmish with, and harrass the Enemy as much as possible, taking especial care to gain their flanks & rear....
26374The American Commissioners: A Public Announcement, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Jonathan Loring Austin had ridden post haste from Nantes with his dispatches. On Thursday morning, December 4, he paused in Versailles for an hour’s sightseeing, and then at 11:30 A.M. he arrived in Passy. Rumor had preceded him, or so the story goes, and the commissioners were waiting in the courtyard. “Before he had time to alight Dr. Franklin addressed...
26375The American Commissioners to [the Comte de Vergennes], 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères We have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency that we have just receiv’d an Express from Boston, in 30 Days, with Advice of the total Reduction of the Force under General Burgoyne, himself and his whole Army having surrendered themselves Prisoners. General Gates was about to send Reinforcements to Gen. Washington, who was near Philadelphia...
26376From Benjamin Franklin to Hevin de Navarre and the Baron de Seyffertitz, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I am sorry that the Miscarriage of my Letter to you has occasion’d you so much repeated Trouble in writing. I therein inform’d you that I had no Authority from the Congress to entertain Officers for their Service, excepting a few Engineers and Officers of the Artillery, who are long since gone: That all others who have passed to America have gone of...
26377From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The Bearer of this, Mr. Holcker, is a Gentleman of excellent Character, of great Credit in this Country, and one of my particular Friends. He can give you good Information of the State of Public Affairs here. I beg leave therefore to recommend him to your Acquaintance, and to all the Civilities you usually show to Strangers of Merit, of which you will find him...
26378John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed you have copies of letters which I had the honor of writing you from Portsmouth the latter of which could not have reached your hands as I understand that the mail was destroyed. I sailed from Portsmouth the 1st. Ulto. and arrived safe in this River in the Ranger the 2d. Current having taken two brigtines from Malaga laden with Fruit for London. I...
26379Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have at present to inform you of the arrival of the Frigate Ranger Capt. Jones with the Duplicates of the Dispatches I sent you by Mr. Austin. This Ship left portsmouth the 1st of November but brings not a syllable in addition to what we have had, and as Capt. Jones tells me that his Dispatches were on board before Mr. Austin sailed, I conclude that the...
26380To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 4 [December] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur votre fils vient de nous apprendre les admirables nouvélles de l’amérique nous lui avons tous sauté au col, et nous voulions allér sur le champ, vous témoignér la joye inéxprimable que nous cause cet événement: il nous a dit que vous étiés fort occupé et que nous pourrions vous gésnér; nous réspéctons vos affaires; mais mon chér papa, mon coeur est...
26381To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society These Lines will be conveyed to you by the Elector Palatine’s secretary of the ambassy, Mr. David, who setts out for Paris to morrow, and will, I hope, come safe to Hand. What has been the Fate of my 3. last Letters from my House, at Rockhau, near Bienne in Switzerland, written September 21t. and 26. and another the 9th. of last Month, I don’t know. If...
26382General Orders, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The troops are constantly to have one day’s provisions on hand, ready cooked—The officers are to pay particular attention to this, and consider it as a standing rule, that if they are suddenly called to arms the men may not be distressed. Major General The Marquis La Fayette is to take the command of the division lately commanded by General Stephen. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
26383To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In regard to the Advisability of a Winters Campaign, I answer —In keeping the Field, the hardships on both officers and privates are manifestly great, nor is there an alternative presenting your Excy with less inconvenience, at best you have but a choice of difficulties of which Hutting in the field is in my Opinion the least of the two, and most in Character for the Army. The only Semblance...
26384To George Washington from William Dewees, Jr., 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Have Just Recd Information which I Beleive to be the Best Can be Obtaind that the British Army had Last Night Packd up all their Baggage & each Man four Days Provision Coock’d; their Horses hitchd to their Artillery & every Appearance of marching out Immediately But something happening which is Not accounted for the orders were Countermanded; the Reason Assignd to me is they Expect our army...
26385To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment informed that a Ship is arrived at portsmouth with a valuable Cargo of Ordnance & ordnance Stores for the use of the United States. as soon as we are fully ascertained of it measures shall be taken to secure, and forward them to the Arsenals. A large Quantity of Lead is on the Road, which with upwards of one Hundred Thousand Musket Cartridges, will be forwarded from...
26386To George Washington from Brigadier General James Irvine, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
If posting the army in a position similar to that I advised in my last letter, be to form a winters campaign, the measure in my opinion is not only adviseable, but absolutely necessary, as the more I think on the subject the more I am convinced that retiring into winter quarters and leaving the country uncovered will be followed with the ruin of our friends, give ease and plenty to our...
26387To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favour of yesterday I received concerning the Adviseability of a winter Campaign, and the practicability of an attack upon Philada with the Aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled at an apointed time and place. I do ashure Your Excellency I think the object a verry desireable one could it be put properly into execution and without tacking a winter Campaign to it, which...
26388To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency was pleasd to desire the Opinion of your General Officers on “The Adviseability of a Winters Campaign, & practicability of an Attack upon Philadelphia, with the Aid of a considerable Body of Militia to be Assembled at an appointed Time & place” —I must Confess that to me this Question seems so much interwoven, with the Question Your Excellency was pleasd to put a few days ago,...
26389To George Washington from Brigadier General John Paterson, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bad State of our Army at present, destitute of Clothing and many other Necessaries the Necessity of its being reunited this Winter that we may be superior to Mr How in the Spring induces me to give my Opinion in favour of going to Winter Quarters. The Attack on Philadelphia, from the best Knowledge I can obtain of the Strength of their Works I must think wou’d fail, the Consequences of...
26390To George Washington from Richard Peters, 4 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 4 Dec. 1777. GW wrote to Peters on 14 Dec. that “Your several favs. of the 28th Novem. and 4th and 5th instants came duly to hand.”
26391To George Washington from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the question Recevd by note from your Excellency yesterday —a winters Campain I am Sure it will be attended with the Graet loss of our numbers as to the Militia troops their is but little Dependence upon them in Case you make an Asolt upon Philidha besides if the Rivers Should be froze over the Enemy Doubless will Contract lines & make their Situation nearly as Strong as it is...
26392To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
your excelancey by your letter of yesterday Requested my sentements on two points. first the advisabelity of a winter Campaign secondly the Practicability of an Attact upon Philadelphia —Ass to the first of these points my Sentiments is that a winter campaign is Practable—I confess the verey thought of a winter Campaign in our Sercumstances appeers dredfull But it is liek meny other Evels,...
26393To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I made a report to your Excellency immediately on receiving intellegence of Mr Zulinski’s affair. The same dragoon who was witness to what happened I sent with my Report, with respect to Mr Zulinski’s behaviour on the occasion. It was not as Mr Moylan has represented. The encounter was accidental. Neither had Mr Zulinski any other design than to retaliate on Col. Moylan in the same manner that...
26394To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ the Consideration of a Winters Campaign, & Practicability of an Attack on Philada have been so lately proposed, every Gentleman who extended his Views beyond the present Hour, must have turnd his Thoughts upon these Subjects so as to be able to form something more than a sudden Opinion. There cannot be any Person, Sir, either on a publick or private Account, upon whom the Motives for a...
26395To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd Your Excellencys letter of Yesterday. I well remember the proposition made. I then thaught there was a probability of Success in Such an attempt, but after Your Excellency returnd from Reconoitring the Enemy’s Lines and hearing Your oppinion with regard To their Strength, I lost every Idea of a Winters Campaign. I must confess I never Promised my self any Certainty of Success In it. But...
26396To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
It will be unnecessary to point out the sufferings of the Continental Troops, from their various hard Duty, & distresses for want of Cloathing, particularly in the Articles of Blankets, Shoes, Stokings, the most essential part to enable them to encounter the severity of a Winter Campaign, and the improbability of procuring those necessary Supplies, without which our prospect of success in an...
26397To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Excellenceys Directions I have Considered upon the Advisability of making a winters Campaign and the practicability of making an Attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a Body of Militia to be Called in for that purpose. Though The Attacking & carrying Philadelphia is an object much to be wished yet as the attempt carries with it an Idea of a winters Campaign I must give my...
26398To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am not for a Winters Campaign in the Open field—the Distressed and naked State of your Troops will not admit of it. But if taking post at Willmington & the Villages in it’s Vicinity—or Hutting at the Distance of about Twenty Miles West of Phila. (which will not only support the Honor & Reputation of Your Army in the eyes of the Enemy—and the States of Europe —but will give Confidence to...
26399To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have from the first moment it was Suggested to your Excellency, “that an attack on Philadelphia this winter with the aid of Militia was practicable and promised success,” kept in mind the desirable Object; have compaired and viewed it in every light, and on every ground I could place it, and after Mature consideration on the matter cannot promise a single Advantage that would justifie the...
26400To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 4 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I did not recieve your Excellency’s Letter till my return from Head quarters last Evening, or I should have comply’d with your requisition sooner. I have before given my reasons for being against exposeing this army to a Winters Campaign in their present condition. I would add to them the present Temper of the Soldiery, who I am convinced are very generly against it. The practicability of an...
26401II. Report of Committee of House of Delegates on Right of Senate to Alter Money Bills, [4 December 1777] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed have according to order prepared what they think may be proper to be offered at the conference which is to be desired with the Senate on the subject matter of their amendments to a resolution of the house of delegates for paying to Thomas Johnson the sum of £15-5-6. The house of delegates has desired this conference in order to preserve that harmony and friendly...
26402From Benjamin Franklin to [the Chevalier de Kéralio?], 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
French translation: Public Record Office Lord Stormont, when he sent this translation to London with a dispatch of December 6, described the recipient as Franklin’s intimate friend. We are inclined to think that friend was the Chevalier de Kéralio who has not yet appeared in our volumes but whom Franklin had certainly met either through John MacMahon at the Ecole Militaire, or the dowager...
26403Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress Once the news of Saratoga arrived, the French government lost no time. This polite note arranged a meeting the next day, which revealed that a turning point had come in Franco-American relations. Gérard began the interview by telling the commissioners that Maurepas and Vergennes had sent him to congratulate them and to ask for any...
26404John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : National Archives I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by post under cover by Mr. Williams. I inclosed copies of two letters which I wrote you previous to my departure from Portsmouth, together with a plan which I drew up at Philadelphia on the Regulation and Equipment of our infant Navy. I now inclose you a letter which I had the honor to receive in charge from the Secret...
26405To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomtesse de Faudoas, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés, Monsieur, que la Personne du monde qui vous est le plus attachée vous dise combien elle partage la satisfaction que vous eprouvés dans ce moment cy. J’aurois bien desirés me joindre à mes parents pour vous faire mon compliment. Recevés le Monsieur et mes regrets de ne pouvoir Vous reiterrer moy même les sentimens que je vous ay voué pour toujours...
26406To Benjamin Franklin from [Barbeu-Dubourg], [5 December? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En attendant que j’aille vous faire mon sincere compliment sur vos succes, ce que je compte faire demain, Mon cher Maitre, voicy une Ode que je suis chargé de vous presenter, et ensuite l’auteur, qui est M. Courtney Melmoth Ami du Dr. Lettsom. Notation: Du Bourg sans datte Identified by the hand as well as by the “cher Maitre.” We assume that he wrote...
26407To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty of inclosing two introductory letters Addressed to you in behalf of my Lieutenant, who since his embarkation into the service in July last under my Command hath behaved with becoming dilligence and Attention to duty. Should I have the honor of being called to Paris or should any Alteration immediatly take Place in my Command I shall have an...
26408To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pray be so good to lett me know whether or no you have received authentical News last Tuesday from america or any news at all talking of a battle between Genel. Washington and Genl. Howe. A Gentleman told me yesterday that a friend of his homme digne de foi told him that being at Passy two Days ago he was by you when you received News from america of a...
26409General Orders, 5 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
26410To George Washington from Colonel John Gibson, 5 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Return Your Excellency will be made Acquainted with the strength of the Garrison at this place. Genl Hand ordered me to send the Deserters from the Different Corps at Camp down by Capt. Saml Miller of the 8th Pensl. Regt, which I Accordingly have done, Excepting those of the 13th Virga Regt and some who were sick. I shoud have sent the whole of them But at the time of Capt....