1775 Letters

Hanover, VA -

Patrick Henry letter to FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE... And again what powder was he to return, or did he take?

Litchfield, CT -

Your happiness, Matt., is really almost the only present thing I can contemplate with any satisfaction...

Mount Vernon, VA - 13 January 1775

two things are essentially necessary in the man to whom this charge is committed, a capacity of judging with propriety of measures proper to be taken in the government of a youth, and leisure sufficient to attend to the execution of these measures.

, VA - 20 January 1775

We are very busy at present in raising men and procuring the necessaries for defending ourselves and our friends in case of a sudden invasion.

Litchfield, CT - 2 February 1775

I have now and then an affair of petty gallantry, which might entertain you if you were acquainted with the different characters I have to deal with...

Richmond, VA - 25 March 1775

George Washington letter to John Augustine Washington... I have promisd to review the Independant Company of Richmond sometime this Summer, they having made me a tender of the Command of it...

Richmond, VA - 25 March 1775

I had like to have forgotten to express my entire approbation of the laudable pursuit you are engaged in, of training an independent company.

Salem, MA - 26 April 1775

I am still of opinion that a pacification upon honorable terms is practicable. This opinion I declared in the council of war at Cambridge last Thursday

Hartford, CT - 30 April 1775

The people of the city have seized the city arms and ammunition out of the hands of the Mayor, who is a creature of the Governor. Lord North will certainly be disappointed in his expectation of seducing New York.

Hartford, CT - 2 May 1775

OUR hearts arc bleeding for the poor people of Boston. What will or can be done for them, I can't conceive. God preserve them.

Hartford, CT - 2 May 1775

It is arrogance and presumption, in human sagacity, to pretend to penetrate far into the designs of Heaven.

Salem, MA - 2 May 1775

You as rightly as fully believe that we feel a sincere friendship for each other ; and let it be lasting as our lives. I regret the separation which probably must soon take place ; but God grant it may be a short one.

Braintree, MA - 4 May 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Things remain in much the same situation here, that they were when you went away. There has been no descent upon the seacoast.

New Kent, VA - 4 May 1775

Patrick Henry letter... a compensation for the Gunpowder lately taken out of the public Magazine by the Governour's order...

Hanover, VA - 4 May 1775

Patrick Henry letter to Robert Carter Nicholas... The affair of the powder is now settled, so as to produce satisfaction to me...

Braintree, MA - 7 May 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Great events are most certainly in the womb of futurity ; and, if the present chastisements which we experience have a proper influence upon our conduct, the event will certainly be in our favor.

Monticello, VA - 17 May 1775

Thomas Jefferson letter to William Small... Within this week we have received the unhappy news of an action of considerable magnitude, between the King's troops and our brethren of Boston...

Braintree, MA - 24 May 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Three sloops and one cutter had come out and dropped anchor just below Great Hill. It was difficult to tell their designs...

Philadelphia, PA - 29 May 1775

The Congress will support the Massachusetts. There is a good spirit here. But we have an amazing field of business before us. When I shall have the joy of meeting you and our little ones, I know not.

Philadelphia, VA - 31 May 1775

George Washington letter to George William Fairfax... Unhappy it is though to reflect, that a Brothers Sword has been sheathed in a Brothers breast, and that, the once happy and peaceful plains of America are either to be drenched with Blood, or Inha

Philadelphia, PA - 31 May 1775

Before this letter will come to hand, you must undoubtedly have received an account of the engagement in the Massachusetts Bay, between the ministerial troops... and the provincials of that government.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 June 1775

I wish I could write freely to you, my dear, but I cannot. The scene before me is complicated enough. It requires better eyes, and better nerves than mine ; yet I will not despond.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 June 1775

DR. CHURCH has given me a lotion which has helped my eyes so much that I hope you will hear from me oftener than you have done.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 June 1775

I can now inform you, that the Congress have made choice of the modest and virtuous, the amiable, generous and brave George Washington, Esquire, to be General of the American army

Weymouth, MA - 15 June 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I must entreat you to be as careful as you can consistently with the duty you owe your country.

Philadelphia, PA - 18 June 1775

THIS letter, I presume, will go by the brave and amiable General Washington. Our army will have a group of officers equal to any service.

, MA - 22 June 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... You inquire of me who were at the engagement at Grape Island.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 June 1775

I HAVE this morning been out of town, to accompany our Generals, Washington, Lee and Schuyler, a little way on their journey to the American camp, before Boston.

Braintree, MA - 25 June 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... MY father has been more afflicted by the destruction of Charlestown than by any thing which has hereto fore taken place.

Braintree, MA - 5 July 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I HAVE received a good deal of paper from you. I wish it had been more covered ; the writing is very scant, yet I must not grumble.

Philadelphia, PA - 7 July 1775

It is not at all surprising to me, that the wanton, cruel, and infamous conflagration of Charlestown, the place of your father's nativity, should afllict him. Let him know that I sincerely condole with him on that melancholy event.

Providence, RI - 12 July 1775

I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon your being appointed General of the Armies of the United Colonies, which hath given sincere pleasure to every friend of America

Lebanon, CT - 13 July 1775

Suffer me to join in congratulating you, on your appointment to be General and Commander-in-Chief of the troops raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty.

Saratoga, NY - 15 July 1775

I wish I may be able to proceed to Ticonderoga, as I am very much wanted there, the greatest confusion having taken place in the controversy between the officers claiming the command in that quarter.

Braintree, MA - 16 July 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... The appointment of the generals Washington and Lee gives universal satisfaction.

Lebanon, CT - 17 July 1775

On the 1st instant I met the Honorable Assembly of this Colony, to deliberate on the request and pressing reasons sent us from the Massachusetts for an immediate augmentation of troops from this Colony.

Ticonderoga, NY - 18 July 1775

You will expect that I should say something about this place and the troops here. Not one earthly thing for offence or defence has been done ; the commanding officer has no orders

Philadelphia, PA - 23 July 1775

Dr. Franklin has Been very constant in his attendance on Congress from the beginning. His conduct has been composed and grave, and, in the opinion of many gentlemen, very reserved.

Braintree, MA - 25 July 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Our army is restless, and wish to be doing something to rid themselves and the land of the vermin and locusts which infest it.

Philadelphia, PA - 25 July 1775

A certain great fortune and piddling genius, whose fame has been trumpeted so loudly, has given a silly cast to our whole doings.

Philadelphia, PA - 30 July 1775

We have nothing new, but the arrival of some powder. Three little vessels have certainly arrived, making about ten tons in the whole, and four or five tons have arrived from South Carolina.

Braintree, MA - 31 July 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... No one can tell the secret designs of such fellows, whom no oath binds. He may be sent with assassinating designs.

Ticonderoga, NY - 31 July 1775

Since my last I have been most assiduously employed in preparing materials for building boats to convey me across the Lake.

Providence, RI - 31 July 1775

I desire your Excellency to oblige me with a return of the army ; and when any thing of importance occurs, I shall esteem an early communication of it a favor.

Lebanon, CT - 31 July 1775

By the resolve in Congress of the 19th instant, it is recommended to the New England Colonies to complete the deficiencies in the -regiments belonging to them respectively.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 August 1775

We understand here, that batteries may be constructed at the entrance of the Bay of Boston, so as to prevent the egress and regress of any ships what ever.

Monticello, VA - 5 August 1775

Thomas Jefferson letter to John Randolph... I am sorry the situation of our country should render it not eligible to you to remain longer in it.

Ticonderoga, NY - 6 August 1775

Immediately on my arrival here, I issued such orders respecting the provisions and stores, (which I found had been most scandalously embezzled or misapplied,) as I hoped would effectually have brought matters into a right train

Providence, RI - 8 August 1775

This Colony, the last fall, not confiding entirely in the precarious supply of powder that might be expected from the merchants, imported a considerable quantity, though not so large as was ordered.

Providence, RI - 11 August 1775

some of the Bermudians had been at Philadelphia, soliciting for liberty to import provisions for the use of the Island. They gave information of the powder mentioned in your letter to me, and were of opinion it might be easily obtained.

Lebanon, CT - 11 August 1775

I am informed a quantity of powder for the camp is to be at Hartford this evening, and more to follow soon. We have none lately arrived, which is daily expected.

Albany, NY - 27 August 1775

on my arrival at Saratoga, I received information, that a large body of Indians of the Six Nations were to be here on Tuesday last, and that my presence was indispensably necessary.

Oyster Ponds, NY - 29 August 1775

The inhabitants here think that, had General Schuyler known their very exposed situation, he would not have ordered the companies away. The New York Congress suppose they have no right to counteract his orders.

Providence, RI - 30 August 1775

She hath since returned. The sending her on the enterprise you propose could not be done without some new and further powers from the General Assembly, which sat here last week

Ticonderoga, NY - 31 August 1775

General Montgomery leaves Crown Point to-day, with twelve hundred men and four twelve-pounders. I follow him this evening

Providence, RI - 2 September 1775

The Committee, appointed to act during the recess of the General Assembly, have given your proposal for taking the powder from Bermuda a full consideration, and have come to a resolution to make the attempt.

Lebanon, CT - 5 September 1775

Our coasts are kept in continual alarm. Three ships of war, with thirteen other vessels of divers sorts, were seen off Fisher's Island, and in the Sound, yesterday.

Isle Aux Noix, CAN - 5 September 1775

We have made an excursion to St. Johns with the small corps with which I left Ticonderoga.

Providence, RI - 9 September 1775

zealous to do every thing in our power to serve the common cause of America, the Committee have determined, instead of the small armed sloop, to send the large vessel, with fifty men, upon the Bermuda enterprise

Watertown, NY - 11 September 1775

I cannot retire to rest till I have written you a few lines, to excuse my casting so many discouragements in the way of your journey to Quebec.

Isle Aux Noix, CAN - 12 September 1775

I am, my dear Janet, so exceedingly out of spirits and so chagrined with the behavior of the troops, that I most heartily repent having undertaken to lead them.

Providence, RI - 14 September 1775

This, Sir, is the time to exert ourselves in sending to Europe for powder, as the vessels may perform their voyages and return upon this coast in the winter, when the enemy's ships are unable to cruise.

Lebanon, CT - 15 September 1775

New London and Stonington are still so menaced by the ministerial ships and troops, that the militia can not be thought sufficient for their security, and it is necessary to cast up some intrenchments.

St Johns, QC, CAN - 19 September 1775

Yesterday, I marched, with five hundred men, to the north side of St. John's, where we found a party of the King's troops, with field-pieces.

Ticonderoga, NY - 20 September 1775

We approached half a mile nearer and then landed without opposition, in a close, deep swamp, which extended to very near the fort. Here we formed, and marched in the best order we could towards the fort, to reconnoitre.

Ticonderoga, NY - 26 September 1775

If Job had been a General in my situation, his memory had not been so famous for patience. But the glorious end we have in view, and which I have confident hope will be attained, will atone for all.

Providence, RI - 26 September 1775

The time for which the combined army was enlisted being nearly expired, it is of great importance to provide some method of reenlisting them, in order to keep up a sufficient force to restrain the enemy

Philadelphia, PA - 26 September 1775

We have no late accounts from England ; but from what we have had that can be relied on, it seems almost certain, that our enemies there must shortly meet with a total overthrow.

St Johns, QC, CAN - 28 September 1775

Since my last of the 24th, we have opened a battery of two twelve-pounders, upon the ship-yards and schooner. She was obliged immediately to haul near the wharf, or rather as near the north end of the fort as she could get

Philadelphia, PA - 30 September 1775

Your letters, Numbers Four and Five, and two other letters not numbered, with the inclosures, have been duly received and laid before the Congress.

Weymouth, MA - 1 October 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... How can I tell you, (O my bursting heart!) that my dear mother has left me? this day, about five o'clock, she left this world for an infinitely better.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 October 1775

I feel, I tremble for you. Poor Tommy ! I hope, by this time, however, he has recovered his plump cheeks, and his fine tyloom.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 October 1775

I must beg to be excused, my dear, from hinting at anything for the future, of public persons or things. Secrecy is so much exacted. But thus much I may say, that I never saw so serious and determined a spirit.

Philadelphia, PA - 5 October 1775

If the vessels in the service of the Massachusetts Bay can be readily obtained, you are to employ them, and others, if you should think more necessary, to effect the purposes aforesaid if they can not, you will employ such as can be soonest fitted ou

St Johns, QC, CAN - 6 October 1775

Your vigilance and foresight have saved us from the difficulties that threatened us. We are no longer afraid of starving.

St Johns, CAN - 6 October 1775

Little change has happened since my last. I still wait for reinforcement ; the troops have hitherto gone home sick, almost as fast as they came.

Philadelphia, PA - 7 October 1775

The situation of things is so alarming, that it is our duty to prepare our minds and hearts for every event even the worst From my earliest entrance into life, I have been engaged in the public cause of America

St Johns, CAN - 9 October 1775

This evening I received my dear Janet's three letters to the 23rd September, which bring me the agreeable news of your recovery.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 October 1775

Pray, bundle up every paper, not already hid, and conceal them in impenetrable darkness. Nobody knows what may occur.

Providence, RI - 10 October 1775

I think it my duty to inform your Excellency, that the large sloop hath not yet returned from her Bermuda expedition, and that the small one is unfit for service

Ticonderoga, NY - 12 October 1775

I am extremely apprehensive that a want of powder will be fatal to our operations. I have sent Express to Albany and New York, but have not yet learnt whether I shall be supplied or not.

Philadelphia, PA - 13 October 1775

It is the constitution under which we are born, that if we live long ourselves, we must bury our parents, and all our elder relations, and many of those who are younger.

Kennebec River, ME - 13 October 1775

The men in general not understanding bateaux, have been obliged to wade, and haul them more than half way up the river.

St Johns, QC, CAN - 13 October 1775

Some time ago I informed you of my intentions to make my approaches on the west side, as soon as the expected reenforcement enabled me to undertake it.

Gunston Hall, VA - 14 October 1775

During the first part of the Convention, parties ran so high, that we had frequently no other way of preventing improper measures, but by procrastination, urging the previous question, and giving men time to reflect.

Salem, MA - 16 October 1775

I cannot forbear expressing my surprise at the principle advanced by a certain gentleman, with respect to the appointment of civil officers.

Philadelphia, PA - 19 October 1775

Really it is very painful to be four hundred miles from one's family and friends, when we know they are in affliction. It seems as if it would be a joy to me to fly home, even to share with you your burdens and misfortunes.

Royal Presidio Of Tubac, AZ - 20 October 1775

Juan Bautista de Anza letter to Antonio Bucareli y Ursua... By virtue of Divine Providence, the expedition has traveled this far with complete success, accomplishing our arrival by regular marches...

Braintree, MA - 21 October 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... By a man, one Haskins, who came out the day before yesterday, I learn, that there are but about twenty-five hundred soldiers in town.

Braintree, MA - 22 October 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... She swallowed a few drops, gasped, and fell back upon her pillow, opening her eyes with a look that pierced my heart...

St Johns, QC, CAN - 22 October 1775

I have received information, from different quarters, that the prisoners you have made are treated with cruel and unnecessary severity, being loaded with irons

Philadelphia, PA - 22 October 1775

Great bodies, you know, move slow, and it is as sure, that the most palpable and glorious events may be delayed, and the best causes finally lost by slow, timid, and indecisive counsels.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 October 1775

If I could write as well as you, my sorrow would be as eloquent as yours, but, upon my word, I cannot.

Providence, RI - 25 October 1775

Captain Whipple returned here from his voyage to Bermuda on Friday last. He had received authentic intelligence of the arrival of the packet at New York

Ticonderoga, NY - 26 October 1775

The reduction of Chamblee will, in all probability, be followed by that of St. John's, especially as General Montgomery has now a supply of powder

Philadelphia, PA - 29 October 1775

Does not natural morality and much more Christian benevolence make it our indispensable duty to lay ourselves out to serve our fellow Creatures, to the utmost, of our power, in promoting and supporting those great political systems and general regula

Philadelphia, PA - 29 October 1775

Education makes a greater difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and brute. The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing.

Philadelphia, PA - 29 October 1775

New England has, in many respects, the advantage of every other colony in America, and, indeed, of every other part of the world that I know any thing of.

Portsmouth, NH - 29 October 1775

I arrived here in about twenty-four hours after I left you; have collected powder, so as to make up near thirty barrels, and have since been preparing to set an example to the other seaports, by setting the fleet at defiance.

St Johns, QC, CAN - 1 November 1775

Having now acquitted my conscience, I must, to save time and prevent trouble, acquaint you, if you do not surrender this day, it will be unnecessary to make any future proposals.

St Johns, QC, CAN - 3 November 1775

I have the pleasure to acquaint you the garrison surrendered last night. This morning, we take possession ; to-morrow, I hope the prisoners will set off.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 November 1775

This town is as secure from the cannon and men of war as the moon is. I wish she had a little of your fortitude. I had rather be killed by a ball than live in such continual fears as she does.

, MA - 5 November 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I wrote by Mr. Lynch and by Dr. Franklin, the latter of whom I had the pleasure of dining with, and of admiring him...

Ticonderoga, NY - 6 November 1775

Should success crown our endeavours at St. John's, of which there seems to be little doubt, the entire reduction of Canada will, in all probability, be the consequence

St Marie, QC, CAN - 8 November 1775

I can only say we have hauled our bateaux up over falls, up rapid streams, over carrying-places, and marched through morasses, thick woods, and over mountains, about three hundred and twenty miles

Braintree, MA - 12 November 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I could not join to-day, in the petitions of our worthy pastor, for a reconciliation between our no longer parent state, but tyrant state, and these colonies.

Montreal, QC, CAN - 12 November 1775

My anxiety for the fate of Montreal induces me to request, that you will exert yourselves among the inhabitants to prevail on them to enter into such measures as will prevent the necessity of opening my batteries on the town.

Montreal, QC, CAN - 12 November 1775

The city of Montreal, having neither ammunition, artillery, troops, nor provisions, and having it not in their power to fulfil one article of the treaty, can claim no title to a capitulation.

Point Levy, QC, CAN - 13 November 1775

The winds have been so high, these three nights, that I have not been able to cross the river. I have near forty canoes ready

Montreal, QC, CAN - 13 November 1775

This morning we have taken possession of the town ; I send you their articles of capitulation, with my answer, and hope it may meet with approbation.

Montreal, CAN - 13 November 1775

This morning the Bostonians have marched into town ; the Governor, with his small garrison, having abandoned it two nights since, and retired towards Quebec

Colvil Place, QC, CAN - 14 November 1775

I wrote you yesterday from Point Levy, by an express sent from Sorel, by Colonel Easton, of my intention of crossing the St. Lawrence, which I happily effected between nine and four in the morning

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 14 November 1775

The unjust, cruel, and tyrannical acts of a venal British Parliament, tending to enslave the American Colonies, have obliged them to appeal to God and the sword for redress.

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 16 November 1775

I am very anxious to hear from you, and much more to see you here.

Montreal, QC, CAN - 19 November 1775

I have this morning had another express from Colonel Arnold, acquainting me he has crossed the river to the Quebec side ; that he had been near surprising the town ; that it was closely invested

Point-aux-trembles, QC, CAN - 20 November 1775

upon examination, great part of our cartridges proved unfit for service, and, to my great surprise, we had no more than five rounds for each man, and near one hundred muskets unfit for service.

Point-aux-trembles, QC, CAN - 20 November 1775

It was judged prudent, in our situation, not to hazard a battle, but retire to this place, eight leagues from Quebec, which we did yesterday, and are waiting here with impatience the arrival of General Montgomery

Montreal, QC, CAN - 24 November 1775

It is with great indignation I hear Lieutenant Halsey, whom I left as Assistant Engineer at St. John's, to put the barracks in a proper state for the reception of a garrison, has run away without leave

Montreal, CAN - 24 November 1775

The other day General Prescott was so obliging as to surrender himself and fourteen or fifteen land officers, with above one hundred men, besides sea officers and sailors, prisoners of war.

Braintree, MA - 27 November 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... He damped my spirits greatly by telling me, that the Court had prolonged your stay another month.

Ticonderoga, NY - 28 November 1775

The evening before General Montgomery landed on the Island of Montreal, Mr. Carleton embarked his garrison on board of some vessels and small craft, and made two attempts to pass our batteries

Philadelphia, PA - 29 November 1775

Thomas Jefferson letter to John Randolph... I am to give you the melancholy intelligence of the death of our most worthy Speaker, which happened here on the 22nd of the last month.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 December 1775

although I have a number of friends and many relations, who are very dear to me, yet all the friendship I have for others is far unequal to that which warms my heart for you.

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 5 December 1775

I continued at Point-aux-Trembles until the 3d instant, when, to my great joy, General Montgomery joined us, with artillery, and about three hundred men.

Abraham, QC, CAN - 5 December 1775

The season has proved so favorable as to enable me to join Colonel Arnold at Point-aux-Trembles, where I arrived with the vessels Mr. Prescott made us a present of.

Fort George, NY - 5 December 1775

I arrived here yesterday, and made preparation to go over the Lake this morning, but General Schuyler reaching here before day, prevents my going over for an hour or two.

Quebec, CAN - 5 December 1775

I suppose long ere this we have furnished the folks of the United Colonies with subject-matter of conversation. I should like to see the long faces of my Tory friends.

, VA - 6 December 1775

Patrick Henry letter to William Woodford... Every one, as well as myself, is vastly anxious to hear how all stands with you.

Abraham, QC, CAN - 6 December 1775

notwithstanding the cruelty you have shown to the unhappy prisoners you have taken, the feelings of humanity induce me to have recourse to this expedient to save you from the destruction which hangs over your wretched garrison.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 December 1775

The proclamation, there alluded to, we have seen. It proclaims martial law through Virginia, and orders freedom to all the slaves, calling their masters rebels, &c.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 December 1775

They have also directed General Schuyler to make diligent search for lead ; and, retaining so much as may be wanted there, to send the remainder to your camp.

Braintree, MA - 10 December 1775

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I was very politely entertained, and noticed by the generals ; more especially General Lee, who was very urgent with me to tarry in town...

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 16 December 1775

Yesterday we opened a battery of five guns and a howitzer, and, with very little effect, I attempted to summon the Governor by a flag of truce. He would not receive any letter.

Winter Hill, MA - 17 December 1775

Agreeably to your order, have again waited on Major Rogers, and strictly examined him. Have seen his several permits, and think them genuine, and in every respect agreeable to the copy sent you.

Fort George, NY - 17 December 1775

I returned from Ticonderoga to this place on the 15th instant, and brought with me the cannon, &c.; it having taken nearly the time I conjectured it would to transport them here.

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 18 December 1775

I have been near a fortnight before Quebec, at the head of upwards of eight hundred men ; a force, you will say, not very adequate to the business in hand.

Providence, RI - 19 December 1775

Should the force sailed from Boston be destined for Rhode Island, I tremble for the consequences, as the Colony, in its present exhausted state, cannot, without assistance, defend the Island.

Philadelphia, PA - 22 December 1775

I am authorized to inform you, that it is the pleasure of Congress that Mr. Mifflin, the Quartermaster-General, hold the rank of Colonel in the Army of the United Colonies, and that you establish his rank accordingly.

Quebec City, QC, CAN - 26 December 1775

I then had reason to believe the troops well inclined for a coup-de-main. I have since discovered, to my great mortification, that three companies of Colonel Arnold's detachment are very averse from the measure.

, QC, CAN - 31 December 1775

I make no doubt but General Montgomery acquainted you with his intentions of storming Quebec as soon as a good opportunity offered.