Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

Plunder before the Officers could know the Contents of the Paper and prevent it.*

With great Esteem, I am, Sir,

Your most obedt hume Servt

B FRANKLIN

[P. S.] Inclos'd is the English Copy, wch. is requested to be return'd, it belonging to the Congress-mislaid

Col McKean

Sir,

91. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO
GEORGE WASHINGTON.1

PHILADA. August 24, 1776.

The late Conduct of Lord Drummond is as extraordinary, as his motives are dark and mysterious. To judge the most favourably of his Intentions, it should seem that an overweening Vanity has betrayed him into a criminal Breach of Honour. But whether his Views were upright, or intended only to mislead and deceive, cannot at present be a Matter of any importance. In the mean Time, I have the Pleasure to acquaint you, that Congress highly approve of the Manner in which you have checked the officious and intemperate Zeal of his Lordship. Whether his Designs were hostile, or friendly, he equally merited the Reproof you have given him; and I hope for the future he will be convinced, that it is highly imprudent to attract the Attention of the publick to a Character, which will only pass without Censure, when it passes without Notice.

The Congress having considered the Matter thoroughly, are of Opinion to decline taking any public or farther Notice of his Lordship, or his Letters; and particularly as you have so fully expressed their Sentiments on the subject in your Letter to him. It was the Consideration of this Point that induced Congress to detain the Express till now.2

Genl Washington.

4 See the Journals, Aug. 9, 14, and no. 96, post. Cf. Washington to the President of Congress, Aug. 26 (Writings, ed. Ford, IV. 369). Lieutenant-Colonel Zedtwitz, who was employed by Washington to translate the document into German, sent the contents to Governor Tryon and offered to become a spy (see ibid., p. 370 n.). The court-martial of Zedtwitz is in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., Î. 1159-1163. Cf. the Journals, Nov. 18, 22. 5 This postscript is erased in the original.

[91]1 Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, XI. 200; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1135.

2 See Washington's letter to Congress of Aug. 18, and the propositions of Lord Drummond, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1025-1028; also Washington's letter of Aug. 26, enclosing a letter from Lord Drummond, dated Aug. 19, ibid., I. 1158-1159, and Writings (ed. Ford), IV. 369. See also the Journals, Aug. 20, 22, 28. Cf. no. 94, post. For an earlier Drummond episode, see the Journals, Feb. 29, Mar. 5, and vol. I. of these Letters, nos. 527, 536. Cf. the conference with Lord Howe in September (nos. 102-132, passim, post).

Dear Sir

92. JOHN ADAMS TO HENRY KNOX.1

PHILADELPHIA August 25, 1776

I am a constant Advocate for a regular Army, and the most masterly Discipline, because, I know, that without these We cannot reasonably hope to be a powerfull, a prosperous, or a free People, and therefore, I have been constantly labouring to obtain an handsome Encouragement for inlisting a permanent Body of Troops. But have not as yet prevailed, and indeed, I despair of ever Succeeding, unless the General, and the officers from the Southward, should convince Gentlemen here; or unless two or three horrid Defeats, should bring a more melancholly Conviction, which I expect and believe will one day, or other be the Case.2

Coll Knox 3

Sir:

93. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO
ARTEMAS WARD.1

PHILADA. August 26th 1776.

The Service in the Eastern Department requiring an Officer of Rank and Experience, and Colonel Whitcomb having declined accepting his Commission, the Congress have been induced, both from a Regard to your Merit while in the Army, and your Zeal and Attention since you left it, to request you will, if consistent with your Health, take the Command of the Forces in that Quarter. As soon as Congress can fix on some Officer to relieve you, they will do it, and only desire you, in the mean Time to continue in Command until such Appointment. Your readiness to comply with the Wishes of your Country, gives me the strongest Reason to believe, you will not resist their Application at this Juncture.2

[92]1 Mass. Hist. Soc., Knox Papers, III. 25.

2 Cf. no. 86, ante.

3 Knox was made brigadier-general Dec. 27. "I am ashamed and grieved to my inmost soul for the disgrace brought upon the Massachusetts in not having its proportion of general officers. But there is not a single man among all our Colonels that I dare to recommend for a general officer, except Knox and Porter, and these are so low down in the list, that it is dangerous promoting them over the heads of so many." Adams to Joseph Hawley, Aug. 25, Works, IX. 433. Cf. nos. 71, 72, 85, ante.

[93] Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 23; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1156.

2 See the Journals, Aug. 21, and a letter from the Massachusetts council, Aug. 8, signed "Richard Derby, Junr., chairman ", Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 859. Ward's resignation had been accepted by Congress Apr. 23. See vol. 1. of these Letters, no. 615; also the Journals, Nov. 7.

A recent life of Ward, by Charles Martyn (The Life of Artemas Ward, the First Commander-in-Chief of the American Revolution, New York, Artemas Ward, 1921), avows the purpose of both author and publisher of assuring General Ward his proper place in American history, which, in their opinion, has hitherto been lower than he deserved.

Dear Sir:

94. JOSIAH BARTLETT TO WILLIAM WHIPPLE.1 PHILADELPHIA, August 27, 1776.

Last week the Articles of Confederation were finished by the Committee of the Whole House. They are again printed as now amended by the Committee, and are delivered to the members in the same manner as before, and are to undergo one operation through Congress more before they are sent to the several States for confirmation. What alterations will be made in them I know not; but am afraid none for the better. This will occasion such a delay that there is no probability it will be sent in time to be laid before our Assembly before your return here: so I would not have you wait for it, but return as soon as convenient. The new Articles of War have passed Congress. The plan of a treaty of foreign alliance has passed in the Committee of the Whole.*

By the leave of Lord Howe, the famous Lord Drummond has, by a flag to General Washington, proposed sundry articles as the basis of a negotiation or conference, (they are nearly the same as those proposed by Lord North, called Lord North's Conciliatory Propositions;) and he requested leave of General Washington for himself and one or two more to repair to this city to propose those terms, which he had the impudence to say would have been accepted by the Colonies a few months ago. The General did not think proper to give him leave to come here, but in his answer told him he should send the papers to the Congress and wait their answer. He severely reprimanded Lord Drummond for his officiousness in meddling with the business, but especially for his going to the Army under General Howe, contrary to his parole of honour which he gave when he was permitted to leave the Continent. I need not tell you the Congress have not accepted the proposed conference with his Lordship." Lord Howe has wrote an answer to Dr. Franklin's letter to him which you saw. It is full of professions of friendship for America, and of esteem and regard for the Doctor-very polite, but very artful.® .

Sir:

95. THE PRESident of CongRESS TO GEORGE Weedon.1

PHILADA. August 28th. 1776.

The Congress being informed that you are on your March to New Jersey, with Intention to pass through York Town and Philada, I have it in Charge to direct, that you continue your March from York Town by the nearest Route to New Jersey, (avoiding Philada on acct of the

[94]1 Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1179.

2 See the Journals, Aug. 20. Cf. nos. 33, 34, 43, 68, 73, 83-85, ante.

3 This is incorrect. See the Journals, Aug. 19, Sept. 20; cf. no. 85, ante.

* See the Journals, Aug. 27, Sept. 17. Cf. nos. 26, note 2, ante, 101, 146, post.

5 See no. 91, ante.

See no. 25, note 2, and no. 88, ante.

[95]1 Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 24; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1191.

Small Pox) where on your Arrival you will execute such Orders as Genl. Washington shall think proper to give you.

2

your most obedt and very hble sert,

I am Sir

To Colo. [George Weedon] '

J. H. Prest.

Dear Sir,

96. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO HORATIO GATES.1 PHILADELPHIA, August 28, 1776.

The Congress being advised, that there was a probability that the Hessians might be induced to quit the British service by offers of land, came to two resolves for this purpose, which, being translated into German and printed, are sent to Staten Island to be distributed, if practicable, among those people. Some of them have tobacco marks on the back, that so tobacco being put up in them in small quantities, as the tobacconists use, and suffered to fall into the hands of these people, they might divide the papers as plunder, before their officers could come to the knowledge of the contents, and prevent their being read by the men. That was the first resolve. A second has since been made for the officers themselves. I am desired to send some of both sorts to you, that, if you find it practicable, you may convey them among the Germans that shall come against you.2

97. WILLIAM HOOPER TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL, JR.1 Dear Sir

I have the pleasure to inform you that we have all the reason in the World to believe that France will soon take an active part in our favour. She has opened all her ports to our Merchandize, privateers and

2 Cf. the Journals, Aug. 28, where the reason for the order is not given. This order was modified Aug. 30. See no. 99, post. For the original order to march, see the Journals, July 21, and Hancock's letters to Gov. Henry and Gen. Lewis, July 22, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 494.

The name of the colonel is not found in the original. When the resolution was passed Congress was apparently not informed as to which one of the Virginia battalions was marching toward New Jersey, or who was its commander. From a letter of Gen. Andrew Lewis to Congress (Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1053), read in Congress Aug. 22, it is learned that the battalion was the third, and under the command of Col. George Weedon.

[96] Writings (ed. Smyth), VI. 451; Wharton, Rev. Dipl. Corr., II. 133; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1193.

2 See the Journals, Aug. 9, 14, 27, and Franklin to McKean, Aug. 24, no. 90, ante. The action of Aug. 27 was taken in consequence of a letter from Col. James Wilson, Aug. 22 (Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1110), read in Congress Aug. 26. (This Col. James Wilson was not the delegate, who was himself a member of the committee appointed on this business. The index to the Journals shows some confusion of the two men.) See also two documents printed as foot-notes in the Journals (ed. Ford) under Aug. 14 and 27 (pp. 655, 708-709), the one a preamble written by John Adams, the other an address prepared by George Wythe. Both documents are found among the Jefferson Papers. Wythe's address was probably an outcome of the resolution of May 21. He was not a member of that committee, but Jefferson was. Cf. the Journals, Nov. 27.

[97]1 Conn. Hist. Soc., Papers of Jonathan Trumbull, jr., vol. I., no. 145.

prizes, and has offered us Warlike Stores in the Islands and every other Article which may tend to induce an intercourse with her.2

I write in the Congress lobby and am called for in Congress must therefore conclude this Scrawl. I beg a very particular account of the State of your Northern Army and Navy.

Sir

PHILADELPHIA August 28 1776

98. FRANCIS LEWIS TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Jr.1
PHILA. 29th Augt. 1776

I have been duly favored with your letter of the 8th Inst. . .

2

Upon the Application in your Letter, I moved Congress and obtained. a Resolve for 500,000 dollars, to be Issued for your department. whenever I can render you any Services here please to Command,

J. Trumbell Jur. Esqr.

Sir

99. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GEORGE WEEDON.1

IN CONGRESS 30 Augt. 1776

You are Directed (notwithstanding a former order to March to New Jersey and wait the orders of General Washington) to March your Battalion immediately on Receipt of this to New York, and inform the General of your Arrival.

I am Sir, Your very hum Servt

JOHN HANCOCK Pres

To The Officer commands the 3d Batt" of Virginia Troops.2

100. PHILIP LIVINGSTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK CONVENTION (ABRAHAM YATES, JR.).1

PHILADELPHIA, August 30, 1776.

Sir: Your favour, dated 28th, came to hand by the post, who returned before we had any opportunity to apply to Congress, as you desired. The appli

2 Josiah Bartlett mentions in his letter to William Whipple, Aug. 27 (no. 94, ante; paragraph omitted there), that this information was received in a letter from the agent who was sent to Martinico in the Reprisal, Captain Wickes. This agent was William Bingham. See the secret committee to Bingham and to Capt. Lambert Wickes, June 10, in Force, Am. Arch., fourth ser., VI. 783. See also nos. 136, 153, 178-180, 224, post. [98]1 Conn. Hist. Soc., Papers of Jonathan Trumbull, jr., vol. I., no. 151.

2 This presumably has reference to the appropriation Aug. 15. Cf. nos. 63, 80, ante. [99]1 Haverford College, Roberts Coll., 720.

[ocr errors]

2 This was Col. George Weedon. See no. 95, ante. The address on the wrapper is: "To The Officer Commands. the Third Battalion of Virginia Troops in the Continental Service, On the Road to New York." Besides the usual endorsement, " On Publick Service", it bears also the endorsement: Congress, Philada, John Hancock." This modification of the order of Aug. 28 is not found in the Journals. The new order was doubtless given in consequence of the action on Long Island Aug. 27, and particularly in view of General Mercer's letter of Aug. 28 (Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1193). See also the letter of R. H. Harrison, Aug. 27, read in Congress Aug. 29, and Washington's letter of Aug. 29, read in Congress Aug. 30 (ibid., I. 1183, 1211).

[100]1 Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 1564; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., I. 605, II. 494; N. Y. State Lib., Minutes of the Committee of Safety, I. 449 (copy).

« AnteriorContinuar »