1778 Letters

unknown - 1 January 1778

The soldiers are nearly covered with good huts. The North Carolinians are the most backward in their buildings, and for want of sufficient energy to exert themselves once for all, will be exposed to lasting evils.

unknown - 3 January 1778

By this day's courier, you will be informed of a base insult offer'd to the Commander in chief, which will raise your indignation.

Savannah, SC - 4 January 1778

You request in your letter that I would candidly give my opinion of your conduct, while you acted under me in a military capacity

unknown - 5 January 1778

Some commercial technicalities puzzled me in the letters which you sent me to translate. My French acquaintance here are almost as much at a loss

Valley Forge, PA - 6 January 1778

General Lafayette letter to wife...What a date, my dearest love, and from what a region I am now writing, in the month of January!

Trenton, NJ - 9 January 1778

I arrived here yesterday with the cavalry, where I expected to have found forage sufficient to subsist the cavalry, at least for a few days.

Trenton, NJ - 12 January 1778

Add to this that the men of the Navy are so quartered thro' the Town that it is with the greatest difficulty our men can get covering from the weather, & at best must be billeted with the Jacks scattered thro the Town.

unknown - 14 January 1778

This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier de Mauduit de Plessis, whose name I mentioned to you in one of my late letters. I am happy in having an opportunity of recommending so worthy a man to your protection.

Lancaster, PA - 15 January 1778

how ever it may be in other States, we cannot reasonably expect, in this State, where property is in general very equally divided, that farmers will exert them selves to enlist their neighbours children in the service

unknown - 17 January 1778

first, I would advance those who are unjustly deprived of the rights of mankind to a state which would be a proper gradation between abject slavery and perfect liberty, and besides I would reinforce the defenders of liberty with a number of gallant s

Williamsburg, VA - 20 January 1778

Patrick Henry letter to Congress... I applied to the Deputy Commissary General to furnish some active persons for throwing an instant Supply of Provisions to the Army...

Williamsburg, VA - 23 January 1778

I got safe to this place on Tuesday following the day I left home, and at the earnest invitation of my kinsman, Mr. Madison, have taken my lodgings in a room of the President's house

unknown - 23 January 1778

The resolution of Congress respecting Gen'l Burgoyne and his army, I think both founded in justice and policy. It might have been better perhaps if a little more republican laconism had been used in explaining the reasons for it.

unknown - 28 January 1778

The intended expedition to Canada that gentleman had communicated to me the day before in confidence, and by giving me the perusal of his letter to you on the subject had discovered his aversion to a certain general as second in command.

Valley Forge, PA - 1 February 1778

Congress have sent me here, in conjunction with some other gentlemen, to regulate their army, and in truth not a little regulation hath become necessary. Our quartermaster and commissary departments are in the most lamentable situation.

unknown - 2 February 1778

You seem to think, my dear father, that men reconciled by long habit to the miseries of their condition, would prefer their ignominious bonds to the untasted sweets of liberty, especially when offer'd upon the terms which I propose.

unknown - 3 February 1778

I am happy in having an opportunity of introducing to your acquaintance the brave Col Fleury, whose reputation is not unknown to you.

unknown - 3 February 1778

I am happy in having the pleasure of introducing to your acquaintance, Colonel Fitzgerald, the senior aid in our family.

unknown - 8 February 1778

I forgot to inform you of an interesting letter which the general received this morning from Sir Wm. Howe, in which he declares that he is ready to give his consent to a General exchange of prisoners upon the terms formerly offered by Gen'l Washingto

Hemingtown - 9 February 1778

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...I go on very slowly; sometimes drenched by rain, sometimes covered by snow, and not entertaining many handsome thoughts...

unknown - 9 February 1778

I have to thank you, my dear father, for two shirts, and a piece of scarlet cloth. I wrote to James for some hair powder and pomatum, but received only the latter with a comb.

Chatham - 9 February 1778

I am happy to inform that I have already better than 100 pairs of leather breeches on hand & the remaining Complement for the Regt. is are engaged & will be ready for us shortly

Cambridge, NY - 11 February 1778

I leave to your feelings to support that which regards my private situation, only begging leave to recall to your recollection the offer you made, in regard to my personal embarkation.

unknown - 12 February 1778

I hope you will seriously determine to serve your country, at least in a legislative capacity.

unknown - 15 February 1778

The presumption which would lead me to pursue my project after what you have said upon it, would be unpardonable ; praying your forgiveness therefor, my dear friend, for the trouble which I have given you on this eccentric scheme

Trenton, NJ - 16 February 1778

It would give me pleasure to consent to let three troops of Jersey horse enter into the Continental service till the opening of the next campaign

unknown - 17 February 1778

We have lately been in a most alarming situation for want of provisions. The soldiers were scarcely restrained from mutiny by the eloquence and management of our officers.

Albany, NY - 19 February 1778

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...Why am I so far from you and what business had the board of war to hurry me through the ice and snow without knowing what I should do, neither what they were doing themselves?

Williamsburg, VA - 20 February 1778

Patrick Henry letter to George Washington... But there may possibly be some scheme or party forming to your prejudice.

unknown - 24 February 1778

I deplore the misfortune of Charlestown if it has fallen upon individuals of moderate fortune ; if it affects only a number of rich men, it will contribute to equalizing estates, I shall not regret it.

unknown - 24 February 1778

I have but one pair of breeches that are wearable.

, NY - 26 February 1778

as I have too long kept you in suspense relative to the farm you was so kind as to offer me, I ought now to acquaint you that I am under a necessity of denying myself the pleasure of being your neighbour.

unknown - 28 February 1778

I was obliged to write briefly and in haste, by the last courier. I have since had several long conversations with the Baron Steuben, who appears to me a man profound in the science of war, and well disposed to render his best services to the United

Valley Forge, PA - 2 March 1778

Nothing can be more painful to me, than the repetition of a request, which is known to be disagreeable to a Commander, to whom America in general, and myself in particular, stand so much indebted.

York - 2 March 1778

I am exceedingly mortified that you did not accept of my offer at Albany, to go to England in a vessel, that the State of Massachusetts Bay would, at my request, have provided.

Williamsburg, VA - 5 March 1778

Patrick Henry letter to George Washington... I am anxious to hear something that will serve to explain the strange affair, which I am now informed is taken up respecting you.

Williamsburg, VA - 6 March 1778

who affirmed that they saw in Providence a London paper giving an account that Bourgoyne's disaster had produced the most violent fermentation in England; that the Parliament had refused to grant the supplies for carrying on the war

Chatham - 7 March 1778

Am now to inform that L.t Col.o Blackden has obtained Coats & Waistcoats for the Regt. & Col.o Sheldon has been for some time expecting orders for Recruiting purchasing horses for the Regt.

, MA - 8 March 1778

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... T'is a little more than three weeks since the dearest of friends and tenderest of husbands left his solitary partner, ... for the dangers of the sea...

unknown - 9 March 1778

The method which you allude to, of procuring the necessary article in question, has been clandestinely practiced by many.

Lancaster, PA - 10 March 1778

There is not any State on this Continent which has been so oppressed with Continental business as this has been, from the beginning of the present controversy to this hour.

, NY - 11 March 1778

Pennsylvania, I believe, is sick unto death. It will nevertheless recover, though perhaps not soon. Weak and bad constitutions incline to chronical disorders.

, MD - 12 March 1778

Recruiting in this and the next county below succeeds better than I expected. One half of the quota required of each county is, I am well informed, made up, and the remainder will soon be completed.

unknown - 14 March 1778

The dislike of some of his officers to him as a stranger, the advantages which they have taken of him as such, and their constant contrivances to thwart him on every occasion, made it impossible for him to command

Hingham - 17 March 1778

Would not an early attempt upon the city of New York, by part of the Continental troops and the eastern militia, be attended with great probability of success ?

Yorktown, PA - 19 March 1778

in the language of an old soldier and of a citizen, that, in coming to America, my sole object has been to devote myself entirely to her welfare and glory, in using every exertion in my individual power to secure her freedom.

unknown - 22 March 1778

This will be delivered to you by Brigadier General Du Portail, commanding officer of Engineers, whom I am glad of having an opportunity of introducing to your acquaintance.

Albany, NY - 25 March 1778

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...I have received a letter from the board and a resolve of congress, by which you are directed to recall me and the Baron de Kalb...

unknown - 25 March 1778

I am grieved that you persevere in your resolution of retiring from Congress. Your reelection is a testimony of the good opinion of your countrymen

unknown - 28 March 1778

we had some serious conversation together upon the subject of your retiring from Congress, in which we determined that your presence in that assembly is more necessary now, than it would have been at any other period since the revolution.

unknown - 1 April 1778

Our commissioners proceeded yesterday morning to German Town according to agreement, and a strict neutrality and suspension of hostilities are to be observed in all the extent of the village during the conference.

unknown - 1 April 1778

I snatch a minute to congratulate my dear father, upon the important intelligence from France. As the matter is represented she seems to have acted with politic generosity towards us

Yorktown, PA - 4 April 1778

While General Burgoyne was at General Schuyler's house, in Albany, he wrote as follows to Lord George Germain, October 20th, 1777, concerning the American troops.

Cambridge, NY - 4 April 1778

I should have few greater private gratifications in seeing our melancholy contest at an end, than that of cultivating your friendship.

unknown - 4 April 1778

I thank you my dear father for your kind favour of yesterday, and again congratulate you upon the important intelligence from France.

unknown - 5 April 1778

The conduct of Congress in giving orders to officers on detached commands, without communicating them to the General, is not only a deficiency of politeness, considered as an omission of a compliment which is due to him, but likewise a breach of mili

Williamsburg, VA - 7 April 1778

Patrick Henry letter to Richard Henry Lee... the necessity of adopting vigorous measures in the Comissariate induced me to appoint Hawkins...

unknown - 7 April 1778

Yesterday we celebrated the new alliance, with as much splendour as the short notice would allow. Divine service preceded the rejoicing.

Yorktown, PA - 8 April 1778

Upon reading the first, I took occasion to intimate to Mr. Duer the distressed situation of his friend General Schuyler, as described by the General himself in a late letter of the 15th of March

Camp - 10 April 1778

In my weekly returns, your lordship may have observed that Captain Tom has been returned--absent without leave.

unknown - 11 April 1778

I must confess to you, with grief, my dearest friend, that upon a nearer view, I have a far less respectable idea of my countrymen than when I beheld their struggle from afar, and could not distinguish the vices with which they are oppressed.

Whitehall, ENG - 12 April 1778

you should have a dormant commission giving you the rank of General in America only

Valley Forge, PA - 14 April 1778

General Lafayette letter to wife...If thirty opportunities were to present themselves at once, my dearest love, you may rest assured that I would write thirty letters...

Yorktown, PA - 14 April 1778

Congress, with great concern, perceive that your sensibility is wounded by their resolutions. Placing the firmest confidence in your prudence, abilities, and integrity, they wish to preserve that harmony with you, which is essential to the general we

York Town, PA - 17 April 1778

I received great pain from being informed, that you are distressed on my account. Be of good cheer, I pray you. I have all that happiness, which flows from conscious rectitude.

York Town, PA - 18 April 1778

We have determined to send Gates to Hudson River, where he is to command very largely. But he is to receive instructions, which shall be proper.

unknown - 18 April 1778

The General sends you a handbill which has been artfully thrown out by the enemy, and which, unless properly counteracted, will undubitably tend to foment disunion, perhaps the only and evidently the surest method of destroying us.

unknown - 20 April 1778

You will receive by this courier, L'd North's recantation. It would make an admirable contrast with a vehement oration which I heard him pronounce in the confidence of success, while I was in England.

unknown - 21 April 1778

The Marquis made a brilliant retreat, and left the surrounding enemy to return to the city with precipitation.

York Town, PA - 24 April 1778

Thomas Mifflin letter to Anthony Wayne... wishes to be establisd as a Chaplain in a Brigade under your Command...

Passy, FRA - 25 April 1778

If human nature could be made happy by anything that can please the eye, the ear, the taste, or any other sense, or passion, or fancy, this country would be the region for happiness.

, MD - 27 April 1778

I always proposed spending the active part of the campaign in camp, but I did not conceive the enemy could possibly take the field till towards the 1st of June

Yorktown, PA - 27 April 1778

I am directed, by Congress, to request your Excellency will immediately require all officers, civil as well as military, in the army, who are at present delinquent, to comply with the terms of an act of Congress of the 3d of February last

Yorktown, PA - 27 April 1778

Your Excellency is too well acquainted with the integrity of your own heart, and too well assured of the good opinion of your countrymen., to admit any anxious impression from the forgeries of an enemy.

unknown - 27 April 1778

The pardons offered to the subjects of the states who had embraced the party of the enemy, will, I am persuaded, be attended with extensive good consequences.

Yorktown, PA - 28 April 1778

I choose that my friends should write freely, and those who know me must know that such freedoms need no apology. I never thought the person you allude to so steady as could be wished. We have all of us our weak sides ; would to God that were the wor

Albany, NY - 29 April 1778

I am now engaged in the most disagreeable part of my duty, trying criminals. They multiply exceedingly. Robberies become frequent : the woods afford them shelter, and the tories food.

Providence, RI - 1 May 1778

I found, upon my journey home, That there was not the least probability of the enemy's attempting to rescue General Burgoyne and army. I therefore went to New Hampshire, where I tarried about twelve days.

Yorktown, PA - 3 May 1778

The present will cover an act of that date for ascertaining the rank and pay annexed to Brevet commissions. Whether this is, or is not, intended to have a retrospective effect, I think is not clearly expressed

Chatham - 3 May 1778

I should be wanting in my duty should I omit to mention that our Supply's of every kind have been much retarded for want of money. Capt. Seymour's Troop has been supply'd wholly on Credit...

Yorktown, PA - 5 May 1778

Human nature pervades every human breast. A residence at Paris will not exempt men from infirmities of the mind

unknown - 12 May 1778

I felicitate you upon the declaration of war between England and France ; for though we have no positive intelligence of the event, its immediate and sure precursors have taken place

York, NY - 16 May 1778

Give me leave, dear Sir, to congratulate you on the happy event of our treaty with France being so effectually concluded. Congress have ratified it on their part

, MA - 18 May 1778

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... But now every vessel which arrives sets my expectation upon the wing, and I pray my guardian genius to waft me the happy tidings of your safety and welfare.

Valley Forge, PA - 19 May 1778

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...Give me leave, now, to present you with some observations delivered to me by many officers in that brigade...

York Town, PA - 21 May 1778

the bulk of us bipeds know well how to balance solid pudding against empty praise. There are other things, my dear Sir, besides virtue, which are their own reward.

York Town, PA - 27 May 1778

I have a word to say to you on the subject of promotion, which we have just now finished, or rather unfinished, at least if that matter was before in an unfinished situation.

, MA - 0 June 1778

Abigail Adams letter to son John Quincy Adams... It is a very difficult task, my dear son, for a tender parent to bring her mind to part with a child of your years going to a distant land

Worcester, MA - 1 June 1778

I was honored with your kind favor of the 7th ultimo, on the 19th, accompanying your valuable present, the epaulettes and sword-knot.

Passy, FRA - 3 June 1778

It would be endless to attempt a description of this country. It is one great garden. Nature and art have conspired to render every thing here delightful.

Yorktown, PA - 8 June 1778

My colleague, Mr. Drayton, having shown me, about a fortnight ago, the draft of a report which he had prepared, stating charges against the General Officers who lately abandoned Ticonderoga, and flattering me with assurances that he would soon offer

unknown - 9 June 1778

Some people are of opinion that the arrival of the commissioners at Philadelphia is a proof that war is not yet declared between England and France

unknown - 9 June 1778

The insolence and infatuation of the British minister in sending commissioners to treat with America, under the act of Parliament which he pretends to call conciliatory, are without parallel.

unknown - 11 June 1778

The commissioners ventured out yesterday as far as German Town with an escort of light troops, which with the number that have crossed into the Jerseys, left only 800 men in the city according to the account of a very intelligent deserter.

unknown - 14 June 1778

The inquiry into the conduct of the late quarter masters, must give pleasure to every man who wishes to see the betrayers of public trusts brought to condign punishment.

Artillery Park, RI - 15 June 1778

In all considerable armies in Europe, a General Officer has the command and direction of the artillery, and the preparation of every thing pertaining to the ordnance department

unknown - 15 June 1778

The world looks with anxious expectation for the answer of Congress to the British commissioners. A paper was said to have been pasted up in camp, which contained the terms that are offered on their part.

Passy, FRA - 16 June 1778

We long to hear from America the ratification of the treaty with France, the captivity of General Clinton's army, and of Lord Howe's fleet.

unknown - 16 June 1778

The state of intelligence yesterday was as follows : That the baggage of the commissioners was packed up, their linnen ordered from the washerwomen finished or unfinished

Philadelphia, PA - 17 June 1778

I must beg that your lordship will be so kind as to lay my most humble request before his Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to permit me to return to England.

Williamsburg, VA - 18 June 1778

Patrick Henry letter to Richard Henry Lee... The Assembly voted three hundred and fifty horse, and two thousand men, to be forthwith raised, and to join the grand army.

Yorktown, PA - 18 June 1778

Yesterday there was an extraordinary motion on our floor for calling upon members to lay before Congress such letters as they had received from the Commissioners, or other persons, meaning persons in Great Britain, on political subjects.

Philadelphia, PA - 22 June 1778

Fifty volunteers have engaged to go with General Cadwalader, who this minute informs me he expects to collect a considerable number more in the morning

Peekskill, NY - 25 June 1778

To prevent the enemy's army, now marching across the Jerseys, from receiving any considerable reenforcement from the troops in and near New York, I propose moving the main body of this army to the White Plains

Allentown, PA - 26 June 1778

We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is, their rear), and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their route towards Shrewsbury.

, NJ - 28 June 1778

The result of what I have seen and heard concerning the enemy is, that they have encamped with their van a little beyond Monmouth Court-House, and their rear at Manalapan's River, about seven miles from this place.

, MA - 30 June 1778

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... SHALL I tell my dearest, that tears of joy filled my eyes this morning at the sight of his well-known hand?

English Town - 30 June 1778

The delay, however, will be attended with this advantage, that I shall be better able to give you an account of the enemy's loss ; tho I must now content myself with a very succinct relation of this affair.

New Brunswick - 2 July 1778

I have since had of the enemy's strength and designs, it is evident to me that Mr Clinton's whole flying army would have fallen into our hands, but for a defect of abilities or good will in the commanding officer of our advanced corps.

New Brunswick - 6 July 1778

I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance, and recommend to your civilities the Marquis de la Yienne. He arrived in camp while we were at Valley Forge, with recommendatory letters to the Marquis De Lafayette

Philadelphia, PA - 7 July 1778

my hearty congratulations with my countrymen on the success of the American arms, under your Excellency's immediate command, in the late battle of Momnouth,

New Brunswick - 7 July 1778

We are just about to march. Seventy miles are between us and King's Ferry, where we shall probably cross the North river.

At Sea - 8 July 1778

I have the honor of imparting to your Excellency the arrival of the King's fleet, charged by his Majesty with the glorious task of giving his allies, the United States of America, the most striking proofs of his affection.

Delaware Bay, DE - 10 July 1778

I have now the pleasure of acquainting your Excellency of my arrival here yesterday, on board the Languedoc, commanded by his Excellency Count D'Estaing

Sandy Hook, NJ - 13 July 1778

The desire of communicating speedily with your Excellency determines me to make a debarkation on the coast of Jersey, in a village which, according to the map, is to the northward of the river Shrewsbury.

unknown - 13 July 1778

my heart overflows with gratitude at the repeated proofs of your tender love ; and must defer answering your kind letters of the 6th and 10th , till my return from Count D'Estaing's fleet

Sandy Hook, NJ - 17 July 1778

The bar of the River Shrewsbury, the officer, sailors, and boats that I have lost in the waves, have not hindered Colonel Laurens from braving them twice, to come and deliver me himself the letter that you did me the honor to write

Philadelphia, PA - 18 July 1778

Prizes are finding the way into the Delaware. One, laden with rum, limes, &c., intended for the enemy's refreshment, embraced one of our wharves the evening before last, and I learn a rich ship is on her way up.

unknown - 18 July 1778

I am very happy in having an opportunity of introducing to your acquaintance, General Forman, a gentleman for whom I have the highest esteem

Black Point - 18 July 1778

Upon my arrival here with dispatches from the General to Admiral D'Estaing, I found that the fleet laboured under the greatest difficulty in procuring water

Black Point, NJ - 20 July 1778

Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from Count D Estaing. He has had the river sounded, and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island to-morrow evening

Camp At The Plains - 21 July 1778

Your Excellency has made me very unhappy. I can submit very patiently to deserved censure ; but it wounds my feelings exceedingly to meet with a rebuke for doing what I conceived to be a proper part of my duty, and in the order of things.

unknown - 22 July 1778

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance the Baron D Arendt, Col. of the German batallion, who in consequence of disputes with his corps of officers, which he thinks make it inconvenient with his honour to serve with them again

Newark, NJ - 23 July 1778

The Count had received his expected despatches from Congress, and was to sail, as I mentioned before, the first fair wind.

Poughkeepsie, NY - 24 July 1778

I have already ordered out one fourth part of the militia of Orange and Ulster to the western frontier of those counties, who will amount to near six hundred men

Providence, RI - 25 July 1778

General Sullivan estimates the enemy's land force here at seven thousand. The state of their shipping, he informs me, is as follows...

Philadelphia, PA - 28 July 1778

I had the honor of receiving on the 4th of March last, in a letter from Mr Lovell, (a copy of which I now enclose,) the orders of Congress, announcing my recall, and directing my immediate return.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 August 1778

I was in your debt. It is my fate always to be so with my friends. But, believe me, my heart owes nothing.

At Sea - 3 August 1778

General Sullivan has done me the honor to come and see me, and to communicate his views. I will second them with all my power. He is full of that spirit of activity and combination, with which you inspire

Providence - 4 August 1778

Upon my delivering Gen'l Washington's dispatches, and Gen'l Sullivan's containing a plan of operations, the Admiral informed me his intention had been to proceed immediately into the main channel of Newport and attack the enemy's batteries.

Providence, RI - 6 August 1778

General Lafayette letter to General Washington...I willingly part with the half of my detachment, though I had a great dependence upon them, as you find it convenient to the good of the service.

Pall Mall, ENG - 6 August 1778

at present he cannot dispense with your service in North America, especially as your lordship has a dormant commission to command all the forces there

unknown - 13 August 1778

Should the enemy come out to attack us, our dependence must be upon the superiority of our numbers and the point of the bayonet. How our militia may behave on such an occasion, I am unable to determine.

unknown - 22 August 1778

According to the first plan proposed by General Sullivan, the American forces were to land on the east side of Rhode Island under cover of the fire of three frigates stationed in the eastern channel for that purpose.

Newport, RI - 23 August 1778

It seems that the Captains of the French fleet are so incensed at the Count D Estaing's being put over them, he being but a land officer, that they are determined to prevent his doing any thing that may redound to his credit or our advantage.

Newport, RI - 23 August 1778

General Sullivan will inform your Excellency of the fatal determination of the Count's officers in a Council of War, as well as of the several remonstrances, and final solemn protest, made by the American Generals.

Newport, RI - 28 August 1778

In my last I communicated to your Excellency the departure of the Count D Estaing with his fleet, for Boston. This disagreeable event has, as I apprehend, ruined all our operations.

Philadelphia, PA - 29 August 1778

This morning, upon inquiry, I was confirmed in my belief that the former Camp Committee had made no application to Congress for gold or silver, to be deposited in your Excellency's hands for public uses

, SC - 29 August 1778

By order of Col. Williamson, you are hereby required to embody the State draft from your company, and march with them, well armed and accoutred, with three days provisions

Providence, RI - 2 September 1778

The movements which your Excellency has observed at New York, the arrival of seventy sail of vessels in the road of Newport, the appearance of twenty sail off Boston, are circumstances which keep us in suspense

Providence, RI - 3 September 1778

I found means to restore the former harmony between the American and French officers of the army. The Count D Estaing and myself are in the same friendship as heretofore. The reason of the protest has been explained to him

Philadelphia, PA - 8 September 1778

I pray your Excellency to remind the Congress, that I still wait to receive their orders

Bristol, RI - 11 September 1778

General Lafayette letter to father...I received, with heartfelt gratitude, the advice you gave me to remain here during this campaign...

Philadelphia, PA - 11 September 1778

I received your note, in which you politely informed me that you had laid before Congress the letter, which I did myself the honor of writing to your Excellency a few days since.

unknown - 15 September 1778

The intelligence which we have received since my last, confirms the idea of a grand move on the part of the enemy.

Boston, MA - 16 September 1778

The growing extravagance of the people, and the increasing demand for the article of forage in this quarter, have become a very alarming affair. Hay is from sixty to eighty dollars a ton, and upon the rise.

Philadelphia, PA - 22 September 1778

I had the honor personally to inform Congress generally, of my public transactions under their authority from the time of my departure from Philadelphia in March, 1776, until my return.

Passy, FRA - 23 September 1778

A VERY idle, vain conversation at a dinner has produced you this letter from a venerable old lady in this neighborhood, the wife of Monsieur Grand the banker.

Roundhill - 23 September 1778

The Scarcity of forage in this Department has induced Col.o Sheldon to order an assortment of the Horses belonging to this Regt. that those which in all probability will never be fit for the Dragoon Service again may be put to some other service...

unknown - 24 September 1778

The information which you give me relative to my hospitable acquaintance, gives me great pain. I had conceived an esteem for him, and it afflicts me to find a new instance of the depravity of my species.

Philadelphia, PA - 24 September 1778

Being informed that letters from Mr Izard, reflecting on my character and conduct whilst in the service of the public abroad, have been read in Congress, I have to ask that honorable body to grant me copies thereof

New Bridge, NJ - 28 September 1778

a considerable body of militia and a raiment of light dragoons were assembled in the neighbourhood of Taapan, in order to interrupt our foraging, a plan was formed on the evening of the 27th for surprising them.

Danbury - 30 September 1778

I am sorry for the disgrace we have suffered in the Jerseys; but imagine that the enemy take ad vantage of the supine ness that constantly seizes our people, when they have been long unmolested.

Boston, MA - 0 October 1778

Those who have the happiness to be under your Excellency's orders, find in you a father. The Marquis de la Fayette has a superior title to your Excellency's affection ; he respects, admires, and loves you.

Philadelphia, PA - 5 October 1778

description

unknown - 7 October 1778

The M. de Lafayette will not long have delayed after his arrival to open to you a plan for introducing French troops into Canada.

Philadelphia, PA - 7 October 1778

I had the honor of receiving the order of Congress of the 26th, directing me to attend on the 29th, at three o'clock in the afternoon

New York, NY - 8 October 1778

On the return of the troops from the expedition to Bedford, &c., I proposed taking a forward position with the army, as well to procure a supply of forage

Philadelphia, PA - 10 October 1778

in removing my desks and their contents from one part of the house to a more convenient, I have mislaid among my private papers, and, after as much search at different times, and particularly this morning

Philadelphia, PA - 12 October 1778

I received your letter of the 7th instant, in which you informed me, that mine of the same date to you was by Congress ordered to lie on the table, until the examination of Mr Carmichael should be finished.

Philadelphia, PA - 12 October 1778

I find charges which respect me, supported by his opinions, and by what he declares to have heard from the honorable Arthur Lee, who, by his own account, is my irreconcilable enemy.

Philadelphia, PA - 12 October 1778

I beg leave to lay before Congress a few observations on the extracts from Mr Arthur Lee's letter, dated Paris, June 1st, 1778, read in Congress

Philadelphia, PA - 12 October 1778

On my return to Paris, I laid M. Gerard's proposals before my colleagues, who agreed generally to the justice and propriety of them

unknown - 13 October 1778

The late bad weather drove that detachment of the enemy, that was posted on Valentine's hill, into the city, and they now confine themselves within Kingsbridge.

Philadelphia, PA - 26 October 1778

The conduct, which the enemy may pursue, with relation to us, is not quite decided. But I have not a doubt, that their efforts during the next campaign will be chiefly towards our frontiers, with a view to weary us into submission.

Ny - 28 October 1778

You, in my opinion, carry your ideas of delicacy too far when you propose to drop your pay while the recovery of your health necessarily requires your absence from the service.

Elizabethtown, PA - 28 October 1778

The excessive heat and occasional fatigues of the preceding campaign, have so impaired my health and constitution as to render me incapable of immediate service.

Philadelphia, PA - 0 November 1778

I am still so unhappy, as to be without the honor of any reply to the several letters I have written through you to Congress, praying that honorable body to favor me with an audience

Monticello, VA - 1 November 1778

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Wythe, Esq... I have got through the bill for proportioning crimes and punishments in cases heretofore capital, - and now enclose it to you with a request

Philadelphia, PA - 1 November 1778

The providing for the redemption of our money, and the establishment of a marine, are objects, which in my view, far exceed in the magnitude and extent of their importance

Passy, FRA - 6 November 1778

My anxiety for you and for the public is not diminished by time or distance. The great number of accidental disappointments in the course of the last summer are afflicting.

unknown - 8 November 1778

John Sullivan letter to Anthony Wayne... my friend ship for & attachment to your person and Character have been Regularly Increasing without the Least Interruption.

Philadelphia, PA - 19 November 1778

I send it enclosed, to show Congress that the monies mentioned by Mr A. Lee, in his letter of the 1st of June last, to have been received by that gentleman, have, in the opinion of two of the commissioners, been well laid out

Bedford, CT - 19 November 1778

I have been hourly waiting, for more then two Days, for a letter from Culper, & I am confident the failure must be attributed to those employed in crossing the sound...

Philadelphia, PA - 20 November 1778

I believe, and upon good ground, the scheme for an expedition into Canada, in concert with the arms of France, originated in the breast of the Marquis De Lafayette, encouraged, probably, by conferences with Count D Estaing

New York, NY - 24 November 1778

I have consented that Lieut-General Earl Cornwallis should return to England

Passy, FRA - 27 November 1778

Europe is the dullest place in the world. No news but the lies which the emissaries of England are making and spreading in every part.

Passy, FRA - 2 December 1778

Draw for more as you may have occasion. But make them give you gold and silver for your bills.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 December 1778

It is no small mortification to me, that, by not entering early into the service, I lost the opportunity of sharing the honors which many officers have gained by serving under your command.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 December 1778

my detention is extremely prejudicial to my private affairs

Passy, FRA - 18 December 1778

I have written several answers ; but upon a review, they appeared to be such as I could not send. One was angry, another was full of grief, and the third with melancholy, so that I burnt them all.

Charleston, SC - 19 December 1778

The troops have been supplied by this State ; and the heads of the several departments of Medical, Commissary, and Quarter-master, when supplies were necessary, have applied to the civil authority

Elizabethtown, NJ - 21 December 1778

I am happy to find your Excellency concur with me in sentiment respecting the prisoners lately be longing to the British ship, stranded on our coast

Philadelphia, PA - 21 December 1778

I have now committed to writing as particular an account of my agency of their affairs in Europe as my situation will permit, and wait the pleasure of Congress to lay the same before them.

Charleston, SC - 25 December 1778

I fear with some reason (as it comes north about), that a damned infamous cabal is forming against our commander-in-chief, and that whenever they shall find themselves strong enough they will strike an important blow.

, MA - 27 December 1778

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... We have had four of the coldest days I ever knew, and they were followed by the severest snow-storm I ever remember.

Passy, FRA - 27 December 1778

Last night I walked to Paris and saw the illumination for the birth of the princess Maria Theresa Charlotte, Fille du Roi. Splendid indeed !

Passy, FRA - 30 December 1778

WE wait, and wait, and wait forever, without any news from America. We get nothing but what comes from England and to other people here, and they make it as they please.

Philadelphia, PA - 30 December 1778

When I had the honor of waiting on Congress last, I was informed that I should be favored with an opportunity of finishing my narrative without delay.