32101From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys favor of the 21 Septr this morning. By what means it has been So long delayed, I cannot conceive. The conduct of Crowel appears to me to have forfeited the protection he derived from the flag and to justify in point of right the detention of his person and the confiscation of the Vessel and her effects. The obligation of a flag is reciprocal. On...
32102From George Washington to the President of the Maryland Senate and the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, 5 … (Washington Papers)
Among the various disputes upon the subject of rank in the Army, there have not been found any more difficult to settle, than the claims of this nature, in the Maryland line. These have been matter of employment for a Board of General Officers for several days, and, after all their care and assiduity, I fear, no arrangement that they can make, will prove entirely satisfactory. There is one...
32103From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Genl Gates of yesterdays date, I received the following intelligence—“Two Sailors belonging to Cape Cod—who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night, arrived here—they declare that the british fleet of Men of War, sailed ten days ago, in quest of the french fleet” —An event of this importance I think would not have escaped your notice—and I hope the report is...
32104From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Our corrispondance seems to be at an end; but why it is so, I am at a loss to discover—In the Month of Augt last year, from the House of Mr H. Hill near Germantown (where I was then Incamped) I wrote you a Letter as long as my Arm; since which I have not received a line from you; but enquire at every oppertunity how you do. Many great and important changes have taken place in our Military &...
32105From George Washington to John Rutledge, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to nominate Major Genl Lincoln (the bearer of this Letter) to Command the Troops in the Southern Department I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities & friendship. In this Gentn you will find a worthy character, & a brave & attentive Officer—My best respects are tendered to Mrs Rutledge. I have the honr to be with great esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr...
32106From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter of yesterday early this morning. Gen. Gates writes me of the 4th Inst. that “two sailors belonging to Cape Cod, who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare, that the British fleet of men of war, sailed ten days ago in quest of the French fleet.” Tho’ I think this relation somewhat improbable, and the fact of such...
32107To George Washington from William Shippen, Jr., 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a general Return of the sick & wounded in the Hospitals and army of the united States —and have the pleasure to inform you the Hospitals in this district a<re> in the best order & that thei<r> number will soon be reduced two or three, & they will only contain such as are proper objects for a chelsea . I flatter myself the Hospitals in the eastern...
32108From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have attentively considered the memorial you delivered me in behalf of a respectable number of officers in the Maryland line, requesting the restoration of Capt. Norwood —It gives me real pain, that I find myself obliged to refuse their request; but the duty I owe to justice and impartiality outweighs every other consideration. Notwithstanding the honorable testimony which is given of the...
32109From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received a letter from Gen. Gates which has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare that the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” Altho’ there is a certain want of probability in the relation, yet as it may be true, you will...
32110To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
About Eight oClock this Morning we were Alarmed with Accounts of the Enemy’s Advanceg, thro’ugh Hackensack. soon after that about 300 of them were on the heights behind Arent Schuylers house. both Accounts prove true. that Body which Come thro’ Hackensack halted on the heights near the head of the polyfly about one Mile S.W. from Hackensack and about four miles N.E. from hence, and there...
32111From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 3d Inst. with its inclosure. In a letter from Gen. Gates of yesterdays date he has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare, that the British fleet of men of war, sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” There is some shew of a...
32112To George Washington from Colonel Vienne, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be very much oblig’d if your Excellency will be So good as to Send me a forlorn [furlough] for one year according to your Excellency’s promise to me, with a Certificate of my behaviour in the time I have been under your Command. I will Still be much oblig’d to your Excellency if you will be pleas’d to Send me these two pieces as quick as your Excellency’s time will permit it, because I...
32113To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last inteligence I recd gives me great reason to think the Enemy are about to move—the inhabitants of Hackensack inform’d an Officer of Horse I sent out yesterday, that 100 Waggons pass’d that with Forrage to the Boats, & that 3000 Troops marched for New York. the Officers with them said they were to go immediately to the West India’s. I have a party down from whom I expect some thing to...
32114To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 5 October 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days past, since the last post left us, Mr. Harvey presented me your favor of August the 30th, to which this is an answer; and which I shall direct to Williamsburg upon a supposition that the Assembly has called you there by the time the letter can reach that place. The hand bill you have seen was certainly written by Mauduit, and circulated under the auspices of administration. It was...
32115To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
You have often complaind that taking care of the public Papers, and having the business of the Commission done in your rooms; was an unequal share of the public burthen apportiond to you. Whatever may be my sentiments on that point, yet to remove, as far as I can with propriety, all cause of discontent; I am willing to appropriate a room in my House for the meeting and deliberations of the...
32116George Washington to the Committee of Arrangement from Congress, 6 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 6, 1778 . Discusses problem of enlisting deserters and prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32117George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 6 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 6, 1778 . Thanks Van Schaick for removing boats at Kings Ferry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Van Schaick was a colonel of the First New York Regiment.
32118John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time to advise of the Arrival of a small Cutter from Baltimore which place they left 14 Augt. and the Capes the 23d. No advices when he left the Coast of Comte dEstaings operations. Another Cutter is in the River from the same port there probably may be letters on board. The fierre Rodrigue from Virginia they left within a Days run of Rochefort...
32119To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From the known, and amiable character you bear, and from the civilities Mr. Amiel and myself have had the honor to receive from you: thereon am I embolden’d to address you, and beg you would be so good to inform me whether you think there is any Prospect of Mr. Amiels succeeding in what he is gone upon, and at the same time, pray you will be so kind to push...
32120To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, [6 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL and partial AL (drafts): Algemeen Rijksarchief Honoré de vos deux Lettres du 22 Sept. et de la présence agréable de Mr. Austin, le desir de lui prouver tout le cas que je fais de sa personne et de la main qui me l’a adressé, me fera être aussi court aujourd’hui que je pourrai. J’enverrai demain copie à notre ami de votre Lettre, où il s’agit de...
32121To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte Gaspard de Galbert, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Un événement qui vient d’arriver a un battiment de bordeaux sur lequel j’avois quelques bariques des sucres provenant de la guadeloupe ou est ma fortune m’engage a vous prier de vouloir bien faire accélérer la décision de cet événement dont vous ettes sans doutte instruit. Le navire l’isabelle de bordeaux venant de la guadeloupe a étté arrétté par un...
32122General Orders, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Regimental Pay-Masters are to make out their Pay-Rolls for the Month of August and lodge them at the Pay-Master Generals for Examination as soon as possible. A Court of Enquiry whereof Lieut. Coll Temple was President which sat to examine into a Charge against Lieutt Eggleston’s Conduct on the 26th ultimo, report that the Charge was groundless and vexatious and that his Conduct was not...
32123To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received with all the pleasure which Your Excellencys letters give me, and all the utility that accompanies them, your favor of the 2d inst. The Wisdom and Depth of your Reasonings upon the ulterior views of the enemy—leave nothing to add—you particularise in a luminous manner whatever he can project, execute or fear—It will not be by the preparatives of his measures, and by what can be...
32124To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter of Yesterday from fish kill, came to my Hands at Nine o Clock, last Night; I shall endeavour, as You direct, to send to the West End of Long-Island, but believe the Enemy’s Design will be fully ascertain’d before the return of that intelligence; The French Fleet, & Boston, must be the Sole Objects of the British Arms upon this Continent; The Season of The Year will...
32125From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Major General the Marquis de la fayette, the generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and enter the Army of the United States, are well known to Congress—Reasons equally laudable now engage his return to France, who in her present circumstances claims his services—His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and Country, however great,...
32126From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a...
32127From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colonel G. V. Schaick advises me in a letter of this date, that he is “this moment informed, that, a ship, a tender and a galley are standing up the river—they were seen off Tallers point about ten O’clock this morning under sail. I have sent off a party of fifty men well officered to bring off a number of boats laying at Kings ferry.” You will give your attention to this information of the...
32128From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving three days since your letter of the 30th of September; and should have answered it at once but was delayed by being separated from my papers, a recourse to which was necessary to assist my memory. I recollect, that in a conference with the Committee of arrangement on the subject of inlisting prisoners and deserters, I gave my opinion explicitly against the...
32129To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd Your favor of Yesterdays date Late last night—I can hardly Suppose that the Fleet could possably have Saild without our Hearing of it. however every thing possable Shall Be immediatly don in order to know with Certainty whether that is the Case, particular attention Shall also be paid Respecting the disease. Capt. Leavenworth who was expected on Sunday last, is not Yet Come. I am afraid...
32130To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was informd by one of my Patrolls that there was lying of[f] Tarry town this morning one Frigat of about 24 Guns togather with two Galleys which Stood up the River with the Next tide and thaught would be able to reach the mouth of Croton before the tide would turn. She fierd a gun this evening which the inhabitance Say was in a Very good direction for that place (the mouth of Croton) where I...
32131To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Seymour, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose your Excellency Copy of Act of our Assembly, by Lt Ellsworth, directing me to apply for payment of the Troops of Light Horse while in Service in July 1776, under my Command. to this purpose have at last obtained the necessary Pay Rolls from the several Captains, & made out the Abstracts therefrom—it is possible that these may not, in all Respects, be conformable to...
32132From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had just now the honor of your letters of the 4th & 5th Inst. As we are often obliged to reason on the designs of the enemy from the appearances which come under our own observation and the information of our spies we cannot be too attentive to those thing[s] which may afford us new light. Every minutiæ should have a place in our collection—for things of a seemingly triffling nature...
32133To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 4th Instant. I am Surprized you should be so long without receiveing a letter from me, as I have daily wrote at least once. The Enemy after forageing all day on the West Side of Hackensack River within four Miles of this place, retired in the Evening to their former Station at & beyond the New Bridge, they had about Six thousand foot & 200 horse...
32134To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take this oportunity by an Officer of Colo. Cranes (who goes upon Business of the Regt) to Inform your Excellencey that Every thing Remains Quiet in this Quarter we have an Account which I fear is but too true That the Rawley is Taken She was first Ingaged with a Frigate & a forty gun Ship hove in Sight Came up & after giving her a few Broadsides She was oblidged to Strike —prizes Come in to...
32135To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment been informed that a Ship, a Tender & a Galley, are Standing up the River, they where seen off Tallers Point about Ten oClock this morning, under Sail, I have sent off a party of Fifty Men, well officered, to bring off a number of Boats lying at Kings Ferry. Your Exellency may rest assured, that if I receive, any further inteligence of the Motions of the Enemy, it shall be...
32136From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of this day, and thank you for the precaution you have taken in removing the boats at Kings ferry—Nothing ought to be left there which is of any use to us or might be to the enemy. I shall rely on your giving me instant advice of any further movements you discover and I should wish you at the same time to communicate them to General Putnam—at Robinson’s near West...
32137To Thomas Jefferson from Cyrus Griffin, 6 October 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be good enough, my dear Sir, to excuse this Letter. There are but few Men indeed with whom I could wish to be thus candid. It appears to me that Congress will shortly be dissolved. If the large Emissions of Money, and visionary Expeditions do not bring forth our destruction, I greatly fear that Party will complete the matter. Congress exhibit not more than two or three Members...
32138[October 1778] (Adams Papers)
Captain Richard Grinnell of Newport Rhode Island says, that the English have this Year 17 Vessells, in the Brazil Whale Fishery off the River Plate, in S.A. in the Lat. 35 South and from thence to 40. just on the Edge of Soundings off and on, about the Longitude of 65 from London. That they sail in the Months of September and October. Almost all the Officers and Men, belonging to these 17...
321391778 Oct. 7. (Adams Papers)
Captain Richard Grinnell of Newport Rhode Island says, that the English have this Year 17 Vessells, in the Brazil Whale Fishery off the River Plate, in S.A. in the Lat. 35 South and from thence to 40. just on the Edge of Soundings off and on, about the Longitude of 65 from London. That they sail in the Months of September and October. Almost all the Officers and Men, belonging to these 17...
32140Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 7 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recu Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 26 du mois dernier, par laquélle vous appuiez la demande de M. Izzard ministre des Etats unis en Toscane, qui reclame des effets chargés sur le navire anglois le Nil pris par le corsaire de Marsielle le Cesar. C’est par erreur que vous avez cité dans votre lettre, l’article 16 du traité fait entre sa majesté et les...
32141Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 7 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write the 26th of last month, in which you support Mr. Izard, United States Minister to Tuscany, in his request for the restitution of certain belongings carried aboard the British vessel, the Nile, which was captured by the Caesar, a privateer from Marseilles. It is by error that in your letter you have cited Article 16 of...
32142To John Adams from James Warren, 7 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
As I keep no Copies of the Letters I write to you, and have been so Careless as to keep no Memorandum of them I cant recollect either the Number or Contents. But this I am certain of, that they are both Numerous and Lengthy, and that I have not received a Single Line from you. This is equally a subject of Complaint among all your Friends, and I am to be satisfied while I dont find myself...
32143George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York ] October 7, 1778 . Discusses probable British moves. Instructs Gates to repair certain roads to the eastward. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
32144Sartine to the American Commissioners, 7 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, October 7, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of September 26 supporting the request of Mr. Izard for the restitution of his belongings. I do not see how the commercial treaty applies in this case as Mr. Izard’s name is not mentioned in the bill of lading and...
32145To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 7 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères By the Schooner Lively Cap. Dupuy arrivd yesterday at this place from Newbury Port which he left the 27th. August I received the Inclosd Papers from my friend and Partner. I have taken the Liberty to forward them to you with the Postscript of my friends Letter. By one youl find the dispositions made to...
32146To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Grinnell: Memorandum, [7 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society I Richard Grinnell of Newport Rhodeisland do heareby Sertify that on the Twenty third of Sept. 1775 I Sailed from Warren in Rhodeisland in the Ship George Aaron Sheffield master and that we went to the Coast of Braizels and obtained a bout Six hundread Barrells of oil and was bound for holland but was Taken and Carried Into Dover. There ware on the Coast...
32147To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Harrison, 7 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Comes with my kind adress to youre Honnor, hoping you will take it in Consideration to wards me. I Was Borne in Newbery north ameraca and sarve my time to my unklle at the Ship Carpinter trade. I shipt in Newbery With one Captain foster Bound to nance. Wee had the fortune to be taking by the Wasp Slope of Ware and Cared into Corke in Ireland. I Broak...
32148To Benjamin Franklin from –– De Tournelle, 7 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre ci joint un paquet a Votre adresse que j’ai reçu des Isles Canaries. Le mauvais état de l’enveloppe m’a obligé pour plus de sureté a en mettre une seconde, et vous me pardonnerés d’avoir profité d’une occasion si naturelle de vous offrir et mes services et mon respect. Je suis avec tout celui qui vous est dû a tant de titres...
32149General Orders, 7 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
32150To George Washington from Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 7 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few Days since I recd your Excellency’s Letter, in Maryld, dated white Plains, inclosing one from the Commissioners of Arrangement respecting my not performing the Duties incident to my Station, and desiring I may be orderd to my Regiment, without being previously exchang’d; and that in Case of Refusal there would be a Vacancy to which an active Officer might be entitled to succeed. The...