32001From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 29th at this place, to which I have removed for the convenience of gaining intelligence of the Motions of the Enemy who are out in considerable force on this side of Kingsbridge, and in Bergen County in Jersey. They seem to be foraging, in which they are busily employed. A few nights ago the party in Jersey made an unlucky stroke at Colo. Baylors Regt of Horse laying at...
32002To 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...
32003John 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...
32004John 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,...
32005From 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...
32006From 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...
32007To 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...
32008C. 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...
32009C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
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...
32010Pay 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.
32011George 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.
32012George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 2, 1778 . Orders repair of road from Bulls Iron Works to Litchfield. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32013George Washington to the Director of Clothing at Hartford and Springfield, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 2, 1778 . Orders shoes, stockings, and blankets for Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32014The American Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie., 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; National Archives (two) Nous voyons avec Plaisir, par votre Lettre du 17 Septembre, que vous avez bien compris L’arrangement proposé pour notre Emprunt et que vous y confirmerez, a l’exception de la Retinüe que vous demandez pouvoir faire dans la premiere Année de dix pour Cent qui ne doivent vous entrer que par dixieme chaque Année. Nous ne pouvons...
32015The American Commissioners to Sartine, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of yesterdays Date, requesting Us to give to the Sieur Fagan all the Security in our Power, for three Vessells, to transport the Merchandises of France to England. We have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that we have accordingly given the Sieur Fagan, three...
32016Joy Castle to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This May Inform you That I have got My Ship Which I ham Much Obliged to you all for and Shall Sail for the Contanent Verey Soon. If there is aney thing In My power to Sarve you In I Should be glad To have the honner to Execute your Comand. I Shall Mack for the Caps. of Virginia if Posable. I Should a Sailed Before this But My Whife has Been Verey Bad I...
32017Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, October 2, 1778, in French: Since my last letter I have spent ten days in Amsterdam in the service of the United States-one day with the Grand Facteur, two with our friend and seven writing 615 numbers, 2460 folios, 2255 times “A” and 2255 times “Passy 31. Aoust 1778” on your promissory notes. When I left...
32018To Benjamin Franklin from Laurent Laffitte, François Mongin and Jacques Fraissignes, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Laurent lafitte francois mongin lieutenans et jacques fraissigner chirurgien du corsaire legust [ The Guest ] commendé par eduard mackaller de la nouvelle yorce ayant eu le malheur d’etre pris le 14 du mois d’octobre mil sept cens soixante dix sept, apres un combat de trois heures et demy ou dix hommes ont perdeû la vie, et trente huit grievement Blessés,...
32019To Benjamin Franklin from R. Parsons, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding the ill Success of my two former applications to you, I am by dire necessity compelled once more to address you. As a drowning Person will catch at the least twig, so I am led by the last ray of hope, to solicit your Protection before the finishing stroke is put to my calamity, which is already begun. My Landlord yesterday seized all my...
32020To Benjamin Franklin from Griffith Williams, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Captn. T. Barnard has been very liberal to the Unfortunate. You will readily Conceive my meaning without Mentioning particulars. His attachment to the Rights of Mankind Keeps Pace with his Benevolence. Whatever favour he may require (which I dare say will be not unreasonable) grant it if Possible. The Papers by Mr. Channing you Safely Received as...
32021To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Félix Wuybert, Joseph Lunt and Edward MacKellar, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having been Buoyed up with the hopes of an Exchange for Six, or seven Months, we began to surmise the Reason why it was so long delayed was owing to a Nonconformity on the part of the British Ministry. Yet they disclaimd the charge; Alledging that they have complyed with every requisite on their part, and that the Completion of it rests wholly with you; yet...
32022General Orders, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captain Thomas Buchanan and Ensign Andrew Johnson of the 1st Penn sylvania Regiment are appointed the former Pay Master and the latter Quarter Master to the same, from the 2nd of June last—Likewise Lieutt Aaron Norcross is appointed Adjutant to the same from Feby 20th last. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Thomas Buchanan (c.1747–1823) of Newville, Pa., who had been appointed a third lieutenant in...
32023To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a few days ago from Albany of my intentions to send a party to attack the enemy at Unadilla, last night I sent off my advanced party & am just marching the body consisting of above 200 men—I take the command of the party myself, & hope on my return to be able to give your Excellency a satisfactory account of the expedition. This will be delivered your Excellency by Capt. Long, an...
32024From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Machin has been employed since the year 1776 in the engineering Branch, without ever coming to any regular settlement for his Services. He does not chuse to fix any price himself, and I am really ignorant of what is just and proper. You have been a witness of a good deal of his work, and he is willing to submit the matter to your decision. Captain Machin holds a Commission in the...
32025From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter dated the 25th instant made me happy by communicating the intelligence of Mr D’Ovillier’s victory. I entreat you to accept my repeated congratulations on an event pregnant with such important consequences to the common cause; as well as my warmest thanks, for the interesting collection of advices, you are so obliging as to make. The British Admirals, both at home and...
32026To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I entreat Your Excellency to accept my sincere thanks—for your kindness to Mr de Choin—I share in the gratitude with which he is penetrated—his personal qualities and his connexions in france, had inspired me with friendship and consideration for him. these sentiments derive additional strength from the profound veneration with which he takes a pleasure in depicting to us, that amiable...
32027To George Washington from William Greene, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was Honour’d with your favor of the 22d Ulto together with Colo. Biddle and Charles Pettit Esqrs. upon the subject of Forrage —prier to the receipt of yours, I received one from Major General Greene mentioning the same difficulties. I then Call’d the Council of War and in the mean time the General proceeded to Boston on business of the same kind and laid it before the Legislative Authority...
32028To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 27th I have had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d Ulto which is still in the hands of a Committee. I have at present only to forward the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 30th September for Marching Count Pulaski’s Legion and other Continental Soldiers in and near this City to Princeton. I have the honor to be &c. LB ,...
32029From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wish you and General McDougal to whom I have written upon the subject, to send a Fatigue party from your Divisions on the Road from Fredericksburg by New Milford—Woodberry and Waterbury to Farmington to repair it. This will facilitate our movement, if we proceed to the Eastward. Genl McDougal will only furnish for the fatigue from Nixon’s brigade, as I may find it necessary to make a...
32030To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I find by the report of an Officer, I sent to observe the state of the roads, by Bull’s Iron works & New Milford, to Litchfield (30 odd Miles) that some parts of the road are much out of repair—but that the bridges are passable—On this Road the Troops may halt well at the distance of nine Miles (Draper’s Tavern) next at Peets Mill 9 Miles, next at Stones over Mount Tom , 8 Miles after that, to...
32031From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with your letter of yesterday morning. I have no particular orders to communicate except that I wish you and Genl Lincoln to send from your divisions a fatigue party to repair the Road from Fredericksburg by New Milford, Woodberry, and Waterbury to Farmington. I have written to Genl Lincoln upon the subject. This measure will facilitate the movement of the Army if it should be...
32032From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th Sepr. Lord Stirling who is now in Jersey, and has the general command of the troops there, will be a better judge than I am of the necessary and proper dispositions to be made. You will therefore implicitly obey him, and either remain where you are at present with your whole Brigade, or detatch such a part of it as His Lordship may direct. He mentions the...
32033From George Washington to George Measam, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the army with respect to blankets stockings and shoes is so distressing that I am to desire you will forward on those articles from Springfield & Hartford with all possible dispatch; particularly the shoes, for want of which a great part of the men would be incapable of marching any distance, should it become ever so necessary. You will therefore send on the shoes in the first...
32034To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd a letter last night from Capt. Leavenworth who informs me that he has Met many Difficulties in fixing a proper Train for obtaining intilligence, owing to the Enemys Chain of posts from the east to the North River and above the persons whom he Made use of, but with Much Difficulty he Has got past them by Water, and informs Me that he will be able to give me Somthing From York about...
32035From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 30th Sepr and 1st instant from Kakeate. You will make such a disposition of the troops as shall seem to you most eligible for your own security and for checking the excursions of the enemy. The inclosed for General Maxwell directs him to obey your orders. You will therefore draw up such part of his Brigade as you shall think proper. He and all the people...
32036To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 2 Oct. 1778. GW wrote John Augustine Washington on 26 Nov. : “Your Letter of the 2d of last Month—though long on its passage—came safe to hand.”
32037From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will send a proper fatigue party from your division, on the road leading from Bull’s Iron works to Litchfield to be employed in repairing the road, in case it should become necessary to march that way—The party will continue out ’till the purpose be completed; and measures must therefore be taken to supply them with provisions—Other similar parties are ordered on the other roads. You will...
32038John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams and Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
in my last letter to you of Septr. the 30th I promised you to sketch a plan for learning French and in a letter to Tommy I promised him a list of books such a list will fullfill my Promise to both I will therefore send a Copy of this letter to each of you. The grammers in common use in america are Boyer Chambaud & Tandam every one of which is imperfect and inaccurate in addition to these I...
32039John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 3 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
We are yet without any Arrivals from any part of America, from Carolina as an embargo is in force for the exporting of Rice, it is not extraordinary, but from all the other Provinces some Vessels may be expected as there are many french Vessels in Virginia Maryland and No. Carolina, should vessels belonging to the States be wanting, which I apprehend is rather the Case, some of the other ought...
32040Thomas Grant and Joses Hill to the Commissioners, 3 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
We the Subscribed first and Second Mate, for us and eight more Sailors, of the Snow the Nancy of Edington Edenton Nord Caroline, James Morrisson Master, enterd her the 3d of May this Year, according to the Subscribed Indenture, to stire her either to Spain or France loaden and bring her back in any Port of the united Provinces i.e. United States , for the stipulated Quantity of Pounds monthly...
32041George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 3 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 3, 1778 . Discusses problem of supplies for expedition against Canada. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Bayley was a brigadier general in the New York Militia.
32042George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 3, 1778 . Sends information concerning enemy’s movements in New Jersey. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
32043John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 3, 1778: No ships have arrived from America; that none have come from [South] Carolina is to be expected because of the embargo on rice, but many French vessels are in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, even if American ships are lacking. A ship belonging to Mr. Ross was sold here. The crewmen who shipped for the round trip demand...
32044Thomas Grant and Joses Hill to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 3, 1778, with two paragraphs in French: We the first and second mates contracted on May 3 for us and eight other sailors of the snow Nancy , Edenton, North Carolina, James Morrisson master, to sail for Spain or France, load the ship and return to the united provinces. We were advanced a month’s wages in dollars and in July, on arrival in...
32045To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire, 3 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Suivant les conditions que Mr. gruel a fait de son Navire sont arretées, je vous en ai envoyé cidevant copie, je vous enverrai par le courrier de mardi le Marché. J’ai enfin décidé M. L’ée a prendre ce parti, c’est à mon avis le plus sur moyen de reussir a faire parvenir tous les objets en Virginie que le gouvernement a demandés. J’ai recours a vous,...
32046To Benjamin Franklin from –– Luet de Biscontin, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Venice, October 3, 1778, in French: I wish to apply for the post of American consul in Venice. My knowledge of this Republic’s laws and customs, as well as the many personal connections I have formed over my fifteen years’ residence here, will enable me to defend American interests efficiently. I shall, if needed, provide you with references.> He signs...
32047To Benjamin Franklin from [Turgot], 3 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Madame Helvetius me charge, Monsieur, de vous demander si vous serés libre samedi prochain 10 pour aller chéz Mr. De St Lambert avec elle. Si vous n’étes pas libre, elle vous prie de me mander le premier jour où vous le serés, afin qu’elle propose ce jour la a Mr. De St Lambert. Je me chargerai de lui faire savoir votre reponse. Vous connoissés, Monsieur,...
32048General Orders, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32049From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Young has just delivered me your favour of the 21st of September—I wrote you a few days since, to the care of Col. Hazen, informing you, that a satisfactory answer had been received from Congress relative to carrying on the expedition, if circumstances will permit; and to making the necessary preparations for that purpose, and that Mr Cuyler had agreed with the Commissary of Purchases...
32050To George Washington from George Clinton, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 2d Instant by Capt. Machin. I am entirely unacquainted with the Allowances that have been made to Officers for extra Duty and am therefore an improper Judge of the Allowance—which ought to be made to Capt. Machin for this Service. While I had the Command at the Works when Capt. Machin was employed as Engineer, he was in that Capacity exposed to...