Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, 29 August 1776
From: Tudor, William
To: Adams, John

      Dr. Sir
      New York 29th. August 1776

     I had a Warrant on Sunday Morning last, from Head Quarters, for the Trial of Lieut. Col. Harman Zeidwitz Commanding Officer of Brigadier McDougal’s late Regiment, charged with “holding a treacherous Correspondence with, and giving Intelligence to the Enemies of the united American States.” The Prisoner was arraign’d, but beg’d Time till next Morning to plead, and prepare for Trial. Monday Morning the Court, consisting of a Brigadier General as President, and 12 field Officers, met in the City Hall, on Account of the great Number of Persons who had collected to hear the Trial. The Evidence against the Prisoner was an intercepted Letter in his own handwriting and sign’d with his Name directed to Governor Tryon on Long Island; and the Deposition of one Steen a German, who swore that Zeidwitz two or three Days before he gave him the Letter, sounded him with Respect of his Inclination to join the Enemy; Steen suspected something of Zeidwitz’s Scheme, and affected to like the Design of Desertion. Zeidwitz told him we were ruined, and if he would go over to General Howe and carry a Letter, it would be the making his Fortune. He promised to go and Z. gave him the Letter which was produced to the Court. The Prisoner acknowledged the Letter to be his, and the Declaration of Steen to be true; and in his Defence said, that the English Government had cheated him out of £2000 sterl. and he took this Method to get it. That he thought he had so well laid the Plan that Govr. Tryon would have sent him the Money, when he intended to have sent back a Receipt for the Money as being in full of the old Arrearages due to him from the English Government and if Tryon had sent him a Letter to have laid it before the General. In Support of this Story he produced Lord Stirling who swore that 3 Weeks before this Letter was detected, the Prisoner told him, that he intended now to get the Money which England owed him, and went on to tell him how they were indebted to him, but his Lordship added that he was engaged at the Time and paid so little attention to the Story that he could not recollect the Particulars of it. That Zeidwitz told him he would have his Money at all Events, but did not mention the Plan he meant to pursue to obtain it. The Letter is made up of Falsehoods from the first Line of it to the last, and the Prisoner’s Defence which was in writing was confused and unintelligible. The Result of the Trial was, the Court was unanimous in the Opinion “that the Prisoner was guilty of concerting a Plan, and of attempting to treacherously correspond with and give Intelligence to the Enemy.” And yet they would only cashiere him. Because it was only an Attempt. This strange Judgement has not yet been approved of, and I suppose never will. It is probable, had not the Action on Long Island taken Place next Day, that the Proceedings would have been sent back for a Reconsideration. But the General has been so constantly employed by the Motions of the Enemy who are now become our very near Neighbours, that I have heard Nothing of the Matter since. This Man is a German and had very genteel Connections in his own Country, but being fond of gambling found it necessary to come to America to escape the disagreeable Consequences of being much in Debt. He was with General Montgomery in the Expedition to Canada and, in the Assault of Quebec.
     In Answer Sir to your Letter of 24th. I wish I could say that A—— Discretion was equal to his Genius or Education. He always had more Wit than Prudence; more Brilliancy than Solidity. Yet he has Merit. I can tell You no more of Major Brooks than, that he studied Physick with Doctor Tufts of Medford,was a Major last Year in Col. Bridge’s Regiment, and is at present in that Command in Col. Webb’s. He is universally allowed to be a good Officer. Lee, Brooks, and Henley, are the 3 best Majors we have in the Army, they are spirited and sensible and have taken great Pains with their respective Regiments.

      Augst. 31st.

     Mr. Rutlege will acquaint you with the Situation of our Army here, and the Reason of the Retreat from Long Island. It was extremely well conducted. We have now 7 or 8 Line of Battle Ships lying within a mile of Fort George. The Enemy are in Possession of all Long Island, and of Governor’s Island. From last Tuesday’s Action we are convinced that Many of our Men are Cowards. And it will scarce be credited in Europe, that after all our Talk we have never been able to assemble an Army of 30,000 Men, Although we must have known, a Force little Inferior to this would in the Course of the Summer Attack Us.

      I am interupted, and can only assure You that I am, with great Esteem Dr Sir Yours.
      Wm. Tudor


Title: John Adams’ Service in the Continental Congress
From:
To:

JA increasingly felt the weight of committee work during the six weeks that remained before he could take a much-needed rest. He unburdened himself about his need for relief in almost petulant tones to James Warren in more than one letter; yet for this period there is no significant documentary evidence of JA’s contribution to committee reports. The editors are reduced simply to listing committee assignments and their consequences not previously mentioned. The form follows that of earlier lists in Volumes 3 and 4 which summarize JA’s participation in committees.

       Eliphalet Dyer, Thomas Lynch, John Jay, JA, Francis Lewis, Thomas Heyward Jr., Lyman Hall, Benjamin Rush (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 2:250; 5:463, 636).
      A standing committee to devise ways for supplying the Continental Army with medicines. See vol. 3:156.
      To consider a petition from Peter Dicthery (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 5:723).
      Other duties assigned: 16 Sept.—to consider a letter from Dr. William Rickman; 20 Sept.—to forward 300 pounds of Peruvian Bark to the southern department; 23 Sept.—to consider a letter from Dr. William Shippen; 24 Sept.—to obtain medicines from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety (same, 5:761, 788, 809, 813).

       James Duane, George Wythe, JA, Roger Sherman, Joseph Hewes, Thomas Johnson, William Whipple, Thomas Jefferson (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 4:293–294; 5:608).
      To ascertain the value of gold and silver coins in relation to Spanish milled dollars. See vol. 4:17–18.
      Reported and report tabled: Dft in the hand of Thomas Jefferson (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 5:724–728; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-., 1:515–518).

       Robert Morris, Richard Henry Lee, George Wythe, JA (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 5:827).
      To draft letters of credence for the commissioners to France and to suggest means for their subsistence.
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 28 Sept.; Dft not found (same, 5:833–834).

       George Wythe, Francis Hopkinson, Edward Rutledge, JA, Thomas Stone (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 5:830).
      To consider two letters from George Washington of 24 and 25 Sept. with enclosures.
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 30 Sept.; Dft not found (same, 5:836–837).
      Further resolutions adopted: 7 Oct.; Dft not found (same, 5:853).

       Richard Henry Lee, Roger Sherman, JA, Elbridge Gerry (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 5:838).
      To consult with Thomas Mifflin on his resumption of the post of quartermaster general.

      Reported and resolutions adopted: 2 Oct.; Dft not found (same, 5:839–840).


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 4 September 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Cooper, Samuel

      Dear sir
      Philadelphia Septr. 4. 1776

     Mr. Hare, a Brother of Mr Robert Hare, the Porter Brewer in this City is bound to Boston. He has boarded, Sometime in the Same House with me, and is very desirous of seeing the Town of Boston. He is travelling to Boston merely from the Curiosity of a Traveller, and meddles not with Politicks. He has an Inclination to see the public Buildings, your Church and the Chappell particularly. I Should be much obliged to you, if you would procure him the Sight of as many of the public Buildings in Town as you can conveniently.
     Our Generals, I fear have made a Mistake in Retreating from Long Island. I fear they will retreat from the City of New York next. These are disagreable Events. I dont like these Measures. I wish there was more firmness. But let not these Things discourage. If they get Possession of New York, Long Island, and Staten Island—these are more Territory than their whole Army can defend—this Year. They must keep their Force together. The instant they divide it they are ruined. They cannot march into the Country, for before they get Ten Miles into the Country they are surrounded or their Retreat cutt off. They cannot go up the North River to any purpose—because, a few Months, will make Ice in it in which their Vessells cannot live. They must keep the most of their Ships in the Harbour of New York to defend their Army. I sometimes think, that Providence, against our own opinions and Inclinations has provided better for Us in this Instance than our own Wisdom would have done. Had the Enemies Fleet and Army been kept from Long Island, they must and would have made an Effort elsewhere for Winter Quarters. At Staten Island they could not have wintered. They must therefore have wintered at Boston, Rhode Island, or have gone to the Southward to Virginia, one of the Carolinas or Georgia, and either of these Cases would, perhaps have been worse, for Us. The Panick, which is Spread upon this occasion is weak and unmanly. It excites my shame, and Indignation. But it is wearing off. If our whole Army had been cutt to Pieces it would have been Shamefull to have been So intimidated, as some are or pretend to be. Congress I hope will Stand firm. I am, my dear Sir, in all Conditions of Affairs public and private, your Friend

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 4 September 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      Dear Sir
      Philadelphia Septr. 4. 1776

     It is in vain for me to think of telling you News, because you have direct Intelligence from Ticonderoga much sooner than I have, and from N. York sooner than I can transmit it to you.
     Before this Time the Secretary has arrived, and will give you all the Information you can wish, concerning the State of Things here. Mr. G. got in the day before Yesterday, very well.
     There has been a Change, in our Affairs at New York. What Effects it will produce I cant pretend to foretell. I confess, I do not clearly foresee. Lord Howe is surrounded with dissaffected American Machiavillians, Exiles from Boston and elsewhere, who are instigating him to mingle Art, with Force. He has sent Sullivan here, upon his Parol, with the most insidious, ’tho ridiculous Message, which you can conceive. It has put Us rather in a delicate Situation, and gives Us much Trouble.
     Before this day, no doubt you have appointed, some other Persons to come here, and I shall embrace the first Opportunity, after our Affairs shall get into a more settled Train to return. It is high Time, for me, I assure you: yet I will not go, while the present Fermentation lasts, but Stay, and watch the Crisis, and like a good Phisician assist Nature in throwing off the morbific Matter.
     The Bearer, Mr. Hare, is a Brother of the Gentleman of the Same Name, in this City, who has made himself So famous by introducing the Brewery of Porter, into America. He wants to see our Country, Harvard Colledge, the Town of Boston &c. If you can help him to such a sight, I should be glad. Cant you agree with him to erect a Brewery of Porter in Mass. Your Barly and Water too, are preferable to any here.
     Upon the Receipt of yours and Mrs. Temples Letters, I communicated the Contents of them to Congress, who appointed a Committee to consider them, who reported that the Trees should be paid for as Wood. The President, I Suppose has communicated the Resolution upon it, which agrees with the Report. I should be glad to write Mrs. Temple on Account of this, but have not Time. You will be So good as to let her know it. I answered her Letter before her affair was determined.


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, 6 September 1776
From: Tudor, William
To: Adams, John

      Dr Sir
      New York 6th. Sepr. 76

     I am exceedingly concerned to find that the New Articles of War, though passed, are not to take Place yet. The infamous Desertions, the Shameless Ravages, and seditious Speeches and mutinous Behaviour which prevail throughout your Army, call in the loudest Language for a Reform. With the present Articles, the military Government, without making Soldiers, is breeding Highwaymen and Robbers. As to the Militia that are here, they are only an armed Rabble. And indeed all Troops who are without Discipline are such. To inlist an army, without that Severity of Government which will alone make Soldiers, is to collect Numbers only to be slaughtered. But it is not enough that we have Severity in the Government. Officers and Men must make a Business of fighting, and the latter pursue it as a Livelihood. I hope in God that the Short Inlistment of the present Army may not prove our Destruction. This is certain that if Congress does not raise an Army for 3 Years or during the Contest, all the best Officers in the Service will quit it. There is even at this very critical Juncture a most scandalous Relaxation in the Discipline in most of the Continental Regiments. And the Reason is, that the Time of Inlistment is almost expired, and the Officers think that if they shew any Severity, the Men will not again inlist. Had we been so wise as to have engaged the Men at first in the Service during the War, we should now have had an Army to have met British Troops on an equal footing. Now—the Disparity is so great, I fear an Attack will be a Defeat. As to having Recourse to a Militia, it is a most wretched Subterfuge, it is worse than Nothing, because it is taking Men who might be useful at home, and bringing and supporting them at a vast Expence in a Scene where they are useless. For Experience has demonstrated they will not stand Fire. They may defend their own Farms and Houses, but a Militia will not fight from home. Men Must be gradually train’d to War, and learn to fight as they learn any Thing else.
     If You would have an Army to depend upon, You must inlist them for three Years at least, and to engage them so long a handsome Bounty must be offered. Each Regiment should have a Man of Sense and Honor to command it, a spirited and indefatigable Major and Adjutant, and each Company two good Sargents at least. It is the Non commissioned Officers chiefly who train and make British Soldiers what they are. The Officers are inquiring whether Congress don’t mean to have an Army next Year. If they do—surely it is Time to set about inlisting one. Many People imagine if the Army here is defeated, America is conquered. I am of a very different Opinion; I think a sound Beating will be of Service to Us, and we at Length learn to beat Britons, as the Russians did the Swedes, though I hope not at so dear a Rate. We much want General Officers. And I know of no Officer more essential in the Formation of an Army than the Adjutant General. He ought to be completely vers’d in the Routine of military Duty: thoroughly acquainted with the Details and Arrangement of an Army; sensible, prompt and indefatigable, well skill’d in military Science, and an old Soldier. Such a Man Congress might have employ’d, but they did not, and the Brigade Majors and Adjutants who are Young and look up to an Adjutant General for Directions feel the Want. The Loss of General Gates is Universally acknowleged throughout the Army.
     The Character you have drawn of a General Officer may perhaps have been exhibited by, a Turenne, Eugene, Marborough or Saxe, but no Country can boast such a one now. We have an exceeding good Commander in Chief, who though he may approach nearer the Character of Fabius than of Hannibal, is not wanting in Intrepidity or the truest Patriotism; I pity his Situation and wish him more able Counsellors and spirited Assistants.
     Let me earnestly (through You) intreat Congress to forward the New Articles that we may check the dayly Villainies which now escape Punishment, or next to it, from the Lenity of the present Set. Be Assured Sir that our Men have in a great Measure lost that Virtue which first engaged them to fight, their Enthusiasm is fast wearing off, and they are sinking into an Army of Mercenaries. And as they are not to be restrained by a Sense of Honour or of Duty, pray make them governable by a Fear of Punishment. I am very sincerely yours

      Pray write me, Dear Sir, as often as You can. I will return the Favour. And endeavour in future to atone for my past Neglect. The Removal of the Post Office 30 miles from York, will disappoint me of Conveyance that Way.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 6 – 12 September 1776
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Boston September 6, 1776

     I have the honour of your Letter of the 20th of August. Agreeable to your desire have inclosed a Return of the Continental armed Vessels fitted out in this State.
     If the two grateful Brothers should pay us a visit, I will omit nothing in my power to give them a reception suitable to their gratitude. And if they should not bring too much Company with them I should be glad to wait on them.
     I thank you Sir, for the many just remarks in your Letter; your firm attachment to the Rights of your Country and your Abilities to support them I know well, and therefore your Sentiments have singular weight with me; if at any time they do not carry conviction, they always demand my serious attention.
     Far be it from me to derogate from the merits of the celebrated General; he has great merit and deserves the esteem of his Country. I believe he fills the rank he now holds with dignity, and that it was wise to appoint him to the command of the Troops of his own State; but from hence I think it does not follow that he ought to command our Troops in preference to our Officers; for with all his accomplishments he wanted one (if I am not misinformed) which many of our Officers had, that is, tried courage and approved abilities in the field of battle. This is an essential and capital article to compleat a Solders character. Not that I doubt his courage or abilities in Action, but there will always be a difference between real proof and the strongest presumption; and our presumption in cases of this kind oftener deceive us than in any other. I know, Sir, an Officer of rank, who was esteemed by the principal Gentlemen of his Colony the first military character in it, and I was told by one of those Gentlemen who was celebrated for his superior abilities, that they placed their chief dependence upon this Officer as a man of fighting talents—yet since that time I have been informed from the best authority, ’That the people in his own Province have not much Confidence in their own Generals.’
     If there was weight in the reasons urged by the Gentlemen here for a Southern General to be first in command, those reasons I conceive could not apply to the second with any degree of force. And Sir, if both those Gentlemen had been sent here, not-withstanding their merit, it would infallibly have dishonoured this State in the Eyes of America; it would have been an acknowledgement, and by “the principal Gentlemen,” that we had not Officers fit to command our own men in defence of our own State. Is this the character of Massachusetts? Then who would not weep that he was born here! A State once venerable for her wise and martial Sons, but now her departed glory and degenerate children call for the tear of pity and lamentation.
     I have long known, to my sorrow, that many of the people of our own State have not much confidence in our own Generals. I have long been sensible of the cause and have laboured to the utmost of my influence to remove it. There is a ridiculous weakness in many men more especially the Citizens, which inclines them to prefer every foreign commodity to the superior productions of their own State; this superlative folly induces them to bewray their own nest. Men in this State are not without imperfections, but I conceive they are equal to any of the Sons of Adam.
     You know Sir, the first General in this State entered the service under the great disadvantage of bad health, which cast a gloom over his mind, and this in fact has clouded his whole administration. This circumstance has cost me more Care labour and concern than can easily be imagined. I have done all in my power to promote the honour of his command and to turn the bright side to the day; if that will not bear the light I cannot help it. He certainly has many Virtues and qualifications to form the General, and had he been in high health he would have made a very different figure.
     A General should have popular talents, be active and enterprising, free from gloom or despondency, and by an uniform air and conduct shew the Army that he is superior to difficulties dangers or misfortunes; this never fails to inspire the men and gain their esteem and confidence. In some of these particulars perhaps our Generals may have been wanting. A compleat General is a great and a singular character, it is I believe the rarest in the world.
     You are pleased to ask who among the Colonels are most fit for Generals. I can better answer this question a few days hence, after their conduct at New York shall be tried. I have been told that Col Jonathan Brewer has been talked of for a General, but I trust he never will be appointed, for he is so unpopular he could not fill up his Regiment, neither Officers nor privates like to be under his command; for although he has some military talents he has so many vices that it might be dangerous to advance him.
     I apprehend that the public good requires that the line of succession should not be an invariable rule of promotion, for the best men do not always stand first. If a few old Colonels should resign it might be no disadvantage to the Service; very few of them take much pains to qualify themselves for higher command; they want education, knowledge of the World and genuine ambition to make them shine as Generals. I apprehend that Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. (now a Major General in the militia) is a good man for a Brigadire General; he has never been a Continental Officer nor had much experience, but he is a man of abilities and appears to me to have a good mind. I am well informed that he would like to engage in the Service.
     With regard to myself, I assure you Sir, did not a view to the public interest prompt me to continue in the Army more than any private considerations I should long since thought of leaving it, for personal interest or honour is not a motive sufficient with me to indure the fatigues and dangers of war; nothing but principles that will do for a man to “carry with him,” will support the mind with true dignity when the arrows of death fly so thick he hardly knows which world he belongs to. Nothing but the scarcity of men fit for command induces me to think of it. I have served a short apprenticeship with Generals, and know the burden of command; but as there is not a Colonel in the Army who is acquainted with the various duties of this Department, I was willing to accept the command here. I suppose the reason why General Whetcomb did not accept was his being unacquainted with the duties to be performed; but as he is an active good man I am sorry he did not accept, I would willingly have served as an assistant to him, knowing him to be a worthy character by experience, in the first of the war.
     If Succession is to be the rule of promotion, and you begin the line at the commencement of this War, I am of right before every Colonel in the Army, as I was appointed to my present Rank before either of them had any appointment at all, and was in service and Action before any of them, consequently I must rank before them. It cannot be supposed that I have lost my original priority by continuing in my first appointment in order to do more extensive services, and it is well known to every man who was acquainted with the business at Head Quarters, the first months of the war, that my duty was more than double to a Colonels. It is also well known that it was so easy to obtain a Regiment in the first formation of the Army, that some without many civil or military accomplishments, or even the accidental circumstance of family or fortune, got a Regiment; and therefore I might suppose, as I was so early engaged in the service, that a Regiment was my right, and was attainable.
     There are a number of Colonels who came into the service long after me; one who commanded a Company last year now commands a Regiment; can it be supposed that all these are to stand in the way of my rising to a command superior to theirs, not-withstanding I was their superior, because they now have a Regiment? If so, my extra services instead of raising will degrade me.
     The rank of an Aid de Camp in our Army has never been settled, but in my appointment it is ordered, “that all Orders coming from the General by an Aid de Camp whether written or verbal are to be forthwith obeyed,” and as discretionary orders are often given he has the direction of Colonels in many cases.
     Pardon my prolixity upon a subject of so little importance, so far as it relates to myself, and permit me to assure You, Sir, that I never wish any of my Friends should think of my promotion but with a view to serve my Country; for nothing could make me more unhappy than to be advanced to the injury of the public, and (consequently), to the dishonour of my Friends. I should not have wrote a line upon this subject, but with this view, that if at any time it should be thought that I might serve my Country, the objection with regard to Colonels might not stand in the way; or at least that it may be viewed in a just light. However I trust that I shall always think it my duty to submit to the Decisions of Congress with a “respectful silence.”

      12 September

     This morning General Ward returned from Worcester, where he has been for near a fortnight upon public business in that County; he will I believe comply with the Request of Congress, and continue his Command some time longer until there are further operations at New York. Our affairs in that Quarter do not wear so agreeable an aspect as we wish, however I trust they will terminate well. We are informed that some Members of Congress are to have a conference with the two grateful Brothers, and that You are to attend the conference. I trust you will easily see through the designs of those Wretches, and let them know the States of America are too sensible of their own dignity and importance to listen to any propositions that are inconsistent with the freedom and glory of America.


Title: To John Adams from John Winthrop, 17 September 1776
From: Winthrop, John
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Cambridge Septr 17. 1776

     I have received your favor of —— but it is so old a date, that I am ashamed to put it down. I should have answerd it seasonably, and congratulated you on the glorious Declaration of Independence which has long been the object of my wishes, as well as yours. But by all the accounts I have had, I have been expecting you here from week to week. This Declaration you have at last obtained, tho I doubt not, with infinite struggles. I do not at all wonder you are weary, tho I am heartily Sorry for it. For the sake of your personal ease, for the happiness of your amiable Family and your Friends, and for the particular advantage of this State, I should be glad of your return; but when I consider the vast importance of the department you are now acting in, and the very critical situation of this great Continent, I cannot help wishing, that your patience might hold out a little longer.
     By the Papers, I find that Dr. Franklin, Judge Adams and Mr. Rutledge are appointed a Committee to confer with the two Hs. Would it not be better, to have this conference (if it must be called so) carried on in writing, than by a personal interview? Litera Scripta manet. I am in no pain for the independence of America, while in the hands of men whose sagacity and firmness are beyond all question, but I apprehend, the conference treaty, in whatever way it be managed, must be fruitless. I cannot suppose those Commissioners have power to treat with America as an independent State; and, till that affair is settled, which I trust the Congress will never give up, it should seem to little purpose, to treat of other matters. This grand affair must be decided by war, not by treaty. Our inveterate enemies will never give it up, till they find themselves compelled to it. I hope we shall be able to prosecute this war effectually and successfully. Our principal defect at present is in the article of cannon; which are here very scarce, and in such demand for privateers, that they have risen to an enormous price. Our privateers have met with great success; but our Bay is infested with 3 or 4 frigates, which have retaken some valuable Prizes, and interrupt our coasting trade. If the Continental ships built in New England could be furnished with cannon, and ordered upon this service, I should hope they would clear the coast of these cruisers, and perhaps take some of them. The General Court last week made application to Congress for such orders; and if they obtain them will supply cannon for one of those ships at Newbury, tho at the expence of stripping our Forts.
     Yesterday a Resolve passed for erecting a public Foundery, which I hope before another year will supply us with all the cannon we shall want. The Court has ordered near a fifth of our Militia for New York. I hope they will soon arrive there, and that General Washington will be able to prevent the enemy from gaining footing on the Main.
     The Superior Court are now on their western circuit. General Warren, you doubtless know, has declined a seat on that bench. The place is not yet filled up; but I suppose Mr Sergeant of Haverhill will be the man.

      When you return, no man will embrace you with greater pleasure than, Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servt


Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 22 September 1776
From: Sullivan, James
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Hartford 22d Sepr. 1776

     Since I received your favour of the 27th of May on the Subject of Representation I have heard of a Letter being in the post office in Boston for me which I flattered myself was from you in reply to my answer to yrs above mentioned but some body has taken that with one other out of the office and embezzled them.
     In my answer to yours of the 27th of May I let you know that I was convinced, that as the qualification of Voters was the first Step from a State of Nature to civil Government it would probably be of dangerous tendency to attempt an Alteration but there is a large Committee out on the Subject and I have no doubt but they will alter the qualification of Voters.
     You have doubtless had the intelligence of our sending one 5th part of our Militia under the command of General Lincoln to reinforce General Washington. I wish they may not be too late. We have been a long Time lulled with the Story of a Conferrence but are now awakened by the loss of New York which we apprehend is a Most Alarming Stroke. It is said that the Enemy may send their largest Ships up N River near Sixty Miles—that General Washington has nothing to build Barracks with—and many reports of that kind—and what is worse than all—that our Army retired from N York in the greatest confusion some throwing away their Arms &c. Surely Sir if this is the State of their Minds we have but Little to hope and our Enemies but Little to fear.
     The Capture of General Sullivan is the Most disagreeable circumstance I have met with in my whole Life. I am extreemly anxious about him, had he died in Battle then I should have done with him but the Idea of his Captivation has ever been disagreeable to me. And since I have been here it is reported that though he has been to the Congress with proposals of exchange he is not in any probable way to be released, this Suggest to me something unfavourable to his Character and has affected my nerves so that I am Scarcely capable of writing. Pray rob the World of one moment and write me plainly on this matter and either by confirming or dispelling my fears give me a moments rest.
     The Superior Court Sat at Braintree on the 2d Teusday of Sepr. and had the honour of dining with your Lady. At this Court the privateer Company of Philadelphia Moore Mercer and others had a prize Tried. The opinion of the Court was for discharging a part of her but the jury did not agree and the Cause is continued. I understand that the Captors are Much disatisfied with the Court. It seems she was taken on the 12th May brot in the 16th of June and Libelled the 22d part British part West India and part Spanish property. The Spanish property was in money. The Captors urged that on the Day of Lexington Battle there was a War begun between Britain and America that each Individual in Either State had a Right from that Time to Seize the property of any Individual of or Subject to the other State whereby the property of the West Indians became Liable to Seizure by Americans—that the Resolve of the 24th of July for extending that of the 24th of April to Seizure of West Indian property had a Retrospect and that it Justified the taking this Ship on the 12th of May. The Court was not of that opinion. Why the Captors did not withdraw their Libel and make a new Seizure and declare de novo on that I Cannot tell but that might have healed the difficulty at once. I trouble you with this that the Congress or Pensilvanians may not Suppose that Massachusetts is unwilling to Condemn prizes but I should wish the world to know that we will not pervert Justice on any account. I am Dr Sir with the greatest Esteem & Respect Your Most obedient Humble Servan

      Ja Sullivan

      PS Should write a line please to direct for me at Watertown.


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, 23 September 1776
From: Tudor, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Plains of Haarlem 23d Sepr. 1776

     Every Day more thoroughly convinces me that an absolute Tyranny is essential in the Government of an Army, and that every Man who carries Arms, from the General Officer to the private Centinel, must be content to be a temporary Slave, if he would serve his Country as a Soldier. The Legions of antient Rome and the modern Battalions of Britain have owed their Triumphs principally to this Cause. I not long since pointed out to you the Defects of the present military Code which governs the Army of the united American States. I have only to add that, almost every Villainy and Rascality that can disgrace the Man, the Soldier or the Citizen, is dayly practised without meeting the Punishment they merit. So many of our Officers want Honour, and so many of our Soldiers want Virtue civil, social and military, that Nothing but the severest Punishments will keep both from Practices which must ruin Us. The infamous and cruel Ravages which have been made on the wretched, distress’d Inhabitants of this unfortunate Island by many of our Soldiers, must disgrace, and expose our Army to Detestation. I have heard some Tales of Woe, occasioned by the Robberies of our Army, which would extort Sighs from the Hearts of Tygers. It is true some have been detected, but cashiering for an Officer and 39 Lashes for a Private is the extent of Punishment which our present Articles admit of. When Death itself would hardly atone for the Barbarity which in some Instances has been exhibited. Our Men are at present only Robbers, that they will soon be Murderers, unless some are hang’d, I have little Doubt. For God’s Sake then give Us a New Set of Articles, that if we cannot reform Men we may at least punish their Crimes.
     I do not write you any News because I know every Movement of the Enemy and every Occurrence in our own Army worth sending, is constantly and immediately transmitted to Congress by the General. For this Reason I have not sent You any Account of the shamefull Conduct of some New England Regiments On Sunday the 15th. in their precipitate Retreat, to call it by the softest Name. But Nothing else was to have been expected from Regiments commanded by such Officers as those were. New England may continue to pour forth her Inhabitants by thousands, but as she sends Men without Commanders, she only sends them to meet Defeat. Our Men will fight if led on by good Officers, and as certainly run away if commanded by Scoundrels. Sunday was an Instance of the last, and the next Day a Confirmation of the first Assertion. New England has Men of Sense and Honour who might soon become good Officers, but the Gentlemen there are so totally absorb’d by the Auri sacra fames, and the Views of making Fortunes by Privateering, that no other Consideration seems to be attended to.
     I had a very narrow Escape from the Enemy on Sunday the 15th. I continued in the City three Hours after they landed, intending if they got Possession of the Town to get over to the Jersey Shore in some Boat. After I found our Men were running before the Enemy I thought it necessary to take Care of Myself, but found it impracticable to cross the North River unless I swam across. I put on by the Side of N. River, and pass’d the Enemy about two Miles from Town within Musquet Shot, but taking into the Woods I got off with the Loss only of a little Baggage. I am with great Respect Dr Sir very truly Yours

      Wm Tudor

      We last Night lost a most intrepid Officer in Major Henley Aid de Camp to Genl. Heath, in a Skirmish at Montresor’s Island. He landed with Lt. Col. Jackson of Sargent’s Regiment with a small Party, but was not supported, and fell a Sacrifice to the Cowardice of some Poltroons. This young Officer is universally lamented he bid fair to have been a great military Character. Col. Jackson was wounded and most of the Party in the Boat kill’d. How many of our best Officers must we lose before we learn to beat the Enemy brave are Victims to the Baseness of the Poltroons.


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 25 September 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      Dr sir

       Septr. 25. 1776

     This Express carries a new Plan of an Army. I hope the General Court without one Moments delay will Send Commissions to whole Corps of their Officers, either by Expresses or Committees to New York and Ticonderoga, that as many Men may be inlisted without delay as possible. It may be best to send a Committee with full Powers to each Place. There is no Time to be lost. I inclose you a sett of Articles as lately amended. Discipline I hope will be introduced at last. I am

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 25 September 1776
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

      Dear sir
      Heights of Harlem Septr 25 1776

     Thro’ the hurry and confusion of one retreat after another I have omitted to answer your last favor. You are pleas’d to desire a list of the Officers from Massachusetts Bay noting such as bid fair to rise superior to the commonality. I have endevor’d to procure the whole list but in vain. The General sometime since order’d a list to be given in of the Officers of evry Regiment in Order to go to the War Office at Philadelphia. This must be more correct than any other that can be procur’d. The Character of Major Brooks is that of a sensible, brave, good officer, a man of reading and who will if God spares his Life be an ornament to his Country. Lt Coll Shepard is brave and clever but his view of things is not so extensive or his education equal to the other. Major Austin’s Genius is equal to any science, but I am not so certain that his application is. If Austin could by any ways or means have infus’d into him certain principles of inflexible honor and sentiment, and a proportion of Judgement with his Genius, I think he would be one of the first Characters coming on the stage. These in my opinion would be essential of a Lieutenant Colonel Artillery. “If another Battalion of Artillery shall be rais’d who are to be the field Officers?” This sir will be difficult to answer without the Congress or the General know persons suitable for those Offices. I confess I do not, at least not in the army and there are so few inducements, excepting a Love to their Country which seems to go a precious little way thus I know not how we shall get them. There is but one Lieutenant Colonel to the present Battalion and but one Major altho the Congress allow of two of each. The Lt Colo is David Mason, who is but so so, the Major is an exceeding fine Spirited fellow (Crane) and were his education equal to his station he must cut An excellent figure. He was wounded some time ago in the foot so that he is disabl’d for the Campaign. Mason has been sick for Some time. I am alone and have been so for a long time. The petty business of paying the regiment which till Now has been I think impos’d upon me together with the arrangement, and disposal of all the Cannon and Stores and discipline of the regiment has so fully employ’d me that I have scarcely had time to take the common refreshing of nature. This I mean not by way of complaint for I rejoice exceedingly that I have been in the least Assisting my injur’d and insulted Country.
     I am sorry to observe the same popular plan for raising a new Army still continuing—which will most assuredly give the continent the same unmeaning puppies for officers with which she has been curs’d. If the Congress do not administer a radical Cure they will in the end repent it. Military Accademies must be Instituted at any expence, We are fighting against a people well acquainted with the Theory and practice of War—brave by discipline and habit furnish’d with every implement of war necessary for any enterprize. What do we oppose to these? We oppose a —— Tho they are brave and furnish’d with all these matters yet from some causes They discover very little of the great or vast in their designs or executions. Otherways this army would have been annihilated. Had they at their head our amiable and worthy General I think poor America would have ere’ now have felt the  severely. We had one chance and only one for the defence of New York and that they completly put into our hands, and which some of our Genera most vilely miss’d improving. The ignorance of the Grounds and the not occupying the passes on that Island sufficiently has been the sole and only cause of our subsequent Retreats and —— had General Greene been fit for duty I flatter myself matters would have worn a very different appearance at present. These and other matters may form some very pertinent inquiries in some future day.
     The enemy have now suffer’d us quietly to fortify heights which they cannot storm or take. When the Grounds on the other side Kings Bridge and above Morrisania shall be sufficiently fortified I think they will not be able to disposess us of the places where we now are. This will be a negative advantage and I hope some lapse in their Conduct will give some very capital and positive advantages. I am asham’d of this Letter it being written amid the Hurry interruption and Confusion of a tent. I am Dear sir Yours with the greatest affection and Respect Your most obt & hbl Servant

      Henry Knox


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 30 September 1776
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      My dear sir
      Boston Sept 30 1776

     I am much obligd to you for your two Letters of the 8th and 14th of this Month, which I receivd, together, by the last Post. The Caution given in the first of these Letters was well designd; and had it come to me as early as you had Reason to expect it would, I should have been relievd of a full fortnights Anxiety of Mind. I was indeed greatly “concernd” for the Event of the proposd Conferrence with Lord Howe. It is no Complement when I tell you, that I fully confided in the Understanding and Integrity of the Gentlemen appointed by Congress; but being totally ignorant of the Motives which inducd such a Measure, I was fearful lest we might be br’ot into a Situation of great Delicacy and Embarrassment. I perceive that his Lordship would not converse with you as Members of Congress or a Committee of that Body; from whence I concluded that the Conference did not take its Rise on his part. As I am unacquainted with its Origination and the Powers of the Committee, I must contemplate the whole Affair as a Refinement in Policy beyond my Reach, and content my self with remaining in the Dark, till I shall have the Pleasure of seeing you, when, I trust, the Mystery will be fully explaind to me. Indeed I am not so sollicitous to know the Motives from whence this Conference sprang, or the Manner in which it was brought up, as I am pleasd with its Conclusion. The Sentiments and Language of the Committee, as they are related to me, were becoming the Character they bore. They mannagd with great Dexterity. They maintaind the Dignity of Congress, and in my Opinion, the Independence of America stands now on a better footing than it did before. It affords me abundant Satisfaction, that the Minister of the British King, commissiond to require and fondly nourishing the Hopes of receiving the Submission of America, was explicitly and authoritatively assured, that neither the Committee nor that Congress which sent them had Authority to treat in any other Capacity than as Independent States. His Lordship, it seems, “has no Instruction on that Subject”; We must therefore fight it out, and trust in God for Success. I dare assure my self, that the most effectual Care has before this time been taken, for the Continuance and Support of our Armies, not only for the Remainder of the present, but for a future Year. The People will chearfully support their Independence to the utmost. Their Spirits will rise upon their knowing the Result of the late Conference. It has, you may depend upon it, been a Matter of great Expectation. Would it not be attended with a good Effect, if an Account of it was publishd by Authority of Congress? It would, I should think, at least put it out of the Power of disaffected Men (and there are some of this Character even here) to amuse their honest Neighbors with vain hopes of Reconciliation.
     I wish that Congress would give the earliest Notice to this State, of what may be further expected to be done here for the Support of the Army. The Season is advancing or rather passing fast. I intended when I sat down to have written you a long Epistle, but I am interrupted: I have a thousand Avocations which require my Attention. Many of them are too trifling to merit your Notice. Adieu, my Friend. I hope to see you soon.

      SA


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, 3 October 1776
From: Tudor, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Haarlem 3d. Octr. 1776

     By the Carelessness of an Orderly Sargent to whom it was given, I did not get your Letter, forwarded by Mr. Gerry from Philadelphia, and so have not as yet received any Answer to my last 2 Letters. I wish in future, Sir, You would write by the Post, and then I shall not again be disappointed.
     I find by a late Resolve of Congress they are determined to raise an Army for the War. Happy had it been for Us if Congress had not have waited for dear bought Experience to confirm to them the Necessity of this Measure. We should not now look forward to the End of the Year with Anxiety and Concern. To have our Army totally disbanded in the Face of a Numerous Enemy, is a Prospect I cannot contemplate without the most painful Apprehensions. For you may be assured all our Men will go home when the Time of their Enlistment is out. Your Bounty of 20 Dollars may in the Course of the Winter engage them again, but what is to become of our Lines in the mean Time. I have seen enough of Militia to despise them. No Dependance can be had on Militia out of the particular Colony they belong to. For this Reason I am extreme sorry to hear that 5000 Men are coming from the Massachusetts, although commanded by General Lincoln. These Troops I understand are raised only for two Months, and therefore at the very Time when they could be of any Service (if Militia could be of Service at any Time) will be discharged. Never before did any Country carry on so expensive a War as America has done this Summer. Calling in a Rabble, called Militia, who would run as soon as they saw an Enemy, and who when collected, at a vast Expence, would not stay half their Time, but desert home by hundreds, or get Certificates from Rascals of Surgeons that should carry them home under Pretence of Sickness, is a Peice of Policy which would have been fallen on only by Americans.
     I am much afraid that notwithstanding the high Bounty that has been offered, Congress will find it an extremely difficult Matter to inlist the Army they have voted. The little Care that has been taken of Many of the Sick, the uncommon Hardships which the Men have suffered, being in Want of every Thing but Flour and Beef, joined to the frightful Stories which the Runaway Militia will circulate in the Country, will give such an Idea of a Camp Life, that few will chuse to engage in it. But this Difficulty may be got over, while a greater one remains, and that is the Prevention of Scoundrels getting Commissions. If there should be as many despicable Animals with Command next Year as this, your Army may be numerous but it never will be formidable. One Way of remedying this, would be to increase the Pay of the Officers. Few Men are such Patriots, or so fond of Glory, As to risque their Lives while they are at the same Time beggaring their Families. I most heartily wish there was a little more of Roman Fire in New England. And that young Gentlemen in Boston and everywhere else would prefer engaging in the best of all Causes, that of defending their Country, to raising dishonorable Fortunes by privateering. The importance of having good Officers is such that too much Care cannot be taken in the Appointment. And without great Care is taken, we shall continue to be despiz’d and beaten by the Enemy. I wish some Measures might be fallen Upon to introduce young Fellows of Character and Spirit, who are without Families, into the Army. Many of our best Officers at present, have Wives and Children at home, and therefore feel that Attachment for home which makes a Camp Life peculiarly irksome. I have not the most distant View to myself in this Hint, being determined to leave the Army at the End of this Campaign.
     The new Articles of War are publishing throughout the Camp, and by General Orders are to govern the Army after next Monday. The Disorders of the Army, composed of Troops from nine different Colonies, keeps me perpetually employ’d. However I would not repine at the constant Business of my Department, could I prevail on Courts Martial to show that Severity in their Punishments which is essentialy necessary for the Good of the Service. There is such a Timidity and Backwardness in Officers to inflict capital Punishments, that it is as difficult to get a Villain hang’d in the Camp, as it used to be in our County of Suffolk. I have argued and beseech’d in Vain, and shall soon leave it to the Rhetorick of a more eloquent Advocate to effect what I have faild in. If we could but make our Punishments severe, and keep the Government firm and steady, the Army would become orderly, and disciplind. Next Campaign will produce, I hope, a thorough Reform in every Department. If we expect to be successful next Year, we must have a very different Army from that of this. I am Dr. Sir with great Esteem very truly Yours

      Wm Tudor

      Pray write me as frequent as your very important Employments will admit.


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 5 October 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

       Oct. 5. 1776

     Yours of September 19. came duely to Hand. You have raised every fifth Man to march to New York. But to what Purpose, Should you send forth Your Thousands and Tens of Thousands of Men, if they are all to run away from the Enemy when they come in Sight of them? If whole Brigades, Officers and Men are to run away, as Fellows’s and Parsons’s did on the fifteenth of September, throwing away their Arms, Cloaths Knapsacks and other Things that they might be the lighter and run the faster, what avail your Numbers?
     All the Events of this War together have not inflamed my Breast with such a Complication of Passions, as the many late Examples of such dastardly, infamous, rascally Behaviour. It is a serious Affair, Coll Warren, think of it as you will. You have certainly promoted a Multitude of Creatures who are totally un-worthy of the Commissions they hold. The least that your House can do is to appoint a Committee instantly to inquire into the Conduct of your Officers and to discard without favour or affection, all who have dishonoured themselves and their Country.
     Lincoln I hope will do better.
     I am glad you have thought of Cannon, Musquets and Lead, and I hope that Sulphur is not forgotten. But I should have been better pleased if I could have learned more particularly what you have done. Cannon and Arms, are of infinite Importance. They ought not to be neglected a Single Moment, and no Expence should be Spared, to insure them in Sufficient Quantities. Salt is growing here very scarce and dear, and what We shall do for Want of it, I know not. The Cannon Founderies in Maryland Pensilvania and Connecticutt, begin to perform very well. But the great Things must be done by the Massachusetts, if by any body.
     I am very sorry that the General Court, have arisen without choosing a Delegate in my Room. Of What Materials do they think that I am made? However they may do as they please, I will go home. If I were happier at Philadelphia than at home, as some People are, I would Stay here, with as stupid a Patience as they. But I am not. Besides, the melancholly Scenes, which have afflicted my family ever Since I have been here, would have induced Persons who cared more about me than the Reptiles of the Dust, to have relieved me, at least for a Time. But I find if I will do the Drudgery, my family may perish, with their good Will. The Members of both Houses are very happy I find with their Honours and Offices, and Profits, and very willing that I should be Sacrificed to protect them in the Enjoyment of them. If they expect that their Delegates here, should drudge till they are stupid or distracted, and their families Starve in the mean Time, they must look out for Men of fortune, who can afford it, and Men of stronger Bodies and minds too than mine, to bear it.
     The Frolic to Lord Howe you have seen e’er now. It has done no Harm.


Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 21 November 1776
From: Trumbull, John
To: Adams, John

      Sir

       ante 21 November 1776

     Since I had the pleasure of seeing You last, I have conversed with my Father on the plan you proposed to me of going into the Service; and tho’ we were both very sensible of the kindness of your Offer, and should have preferred the Office You engaged to procure me to any other Post, I could have expected to obtain, yet he seemed averse to my joining the Army on any Conditions at present. He talked of the fatigues of the Service, the dangers of war and sickness, the weakness of my constitution and fifty other such things, which did not affect me very much, and were not in my Opinion the true reason of his aversion to the proposed Plan—for I know he would have talked in a different strain a Year ago, on such an occasion. The true Reason I believe is that he is grown much more doubtful of our Success, and in the idea that we shall finally be overcome, imagines any place of consequence in the Army, only a higher step on the ladder, which will lead us all in due time to the gallows. You may probably recollect that I hinted to you another plan which I meant to propose to him—and as it is said that Marriage and Hanging go by Destiny, I conclude he supposed that my destinies were now trying that very case with regard to me. It cannot therefore be wondered at that he should use his influence to turn the scales in favor of Matrimony, and be desirous that whatever Abilities the weakness of my Constitution which he talked so much of allowed me, should be exerted rather for the increase than the diminution of the number of Mankind. For my own part, as I am not yet so far intimidated with our public prospects, I should have chose to engage in the service, if I could have procured the Place you proposed; but the Dislike, which my Father, as well as certain other People, who thought themselves entitled to a Voice in the Affair, showed to it, together with the other motives I mentioned to You in conversation, have determined me on the whole to decline the proposal—not without expressing my highest Sense of the Obligations I am under to You, as well for this token of your Regard, as for every other Instance of your Kindness and Patronage.

      I desire You to present my best respects to Mrs. Adams and believe me to be with the highest Esteem and Gratitude Your most Obedient Servant
      John Trumbull


Title: From John Adams to the Speaker of the Massachusetts House, 28 November 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Massachusetts House of Representatives, Speaker of,Warren, James

      Sir
      Braintree Novr 28. 1776

     I had this Moment, between two and Three o’Clock, the Honour of your Letter of this Days Date, requiring my Attendance, on the Hon. House of Representatives. Some particular Circumstances, render it inconvenient for me to Sett off this Afternoon, but tomorrow Morning I will do myself the Honour of waiting on the Honourable House. Mean Time I am, your humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 31 December 1776
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

      My dear Sir
      Boston Decr 31: 1776

     Mr. Lovell goes tomorrow. In him We shall find a Man of Spirit Fortitude, and Patience, three Virtues the most Usefull of any in these Times. But besides these he has Taste Sense and Learning.
     I hope every Gentleman, is now convinced that Discipline in the Army is necessary, and that a permanent Army must be had at all Events, and that temporary Draughts from the Militia will answer NO End but to undo Us. I am doing what I can to convince People here, that their system has been wrong in some Respects and must be altered. The Experience of so many Ages and Countries, have shown the Necessity of Discipline in an Army, that I think We should betray an obstinacy and a Blindness if We should dispute it. Our own Experience I am sure coincides with that of all other Nations.
     I should be happy to hear from you, a Pleasure I have not had Since I came home. My Compliments to Mr. Hancock and Mr S. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, 1 January 1777
From: Wolcott, Oliver
To: Adams, John

      sir
      Baltimore1 Janry 1777

     Your Favour of the 30 Nov came to hand last Evening for which I most sincerely thank you. I wrote to you the 15: Nov. which I hope you have received. Your Observations of the Necessity of establishing a respectable Army are in my Judgment Very Proper. Congress have impowered Genl. Washington to raise 16 Battalions in Addition to those Already granted and 3,000 Cavalry. Also have given the General a Power for six Months to Conduct at his Discretion the Operations of the War, establish Magazines, call upon the Militia when Necessary, regulate every Department in the Army, Displace and Appoint any Officer below the Rank of Brigadier General &c. In a Word the Whole of the Military Department is put into his Hand for six Months. Upon this that the Preservation of the Civil Liberties of the People, at the present Time, depends upon the full Exertion of the Military Power. An Embargo for six Months is laid upon fatted Provisions. For other Matters of publick Intelligence referr you to the enclosed. I hope We may Obtain further advantages against the Enemy in the Jersys. The Express is this Moment going off. I have only to say, that We must have an Army, to carry on a War without one is a New Peice of Business. That they ought to be provided for in the best Manner, and that without Discipline they will not be serviceable. And that I think if We can once bring one into the Feild, that they will be much better provided for disciplined and governed than they have hitherto been, in a Word I beleive if We can get an Army it will be a good one—more happy themselves and more Beneficial to the Publick than any We have yet had.
     Great Complaints are made that the Assemblys have Appointed great Numbers of Very insufficient Officers and have neglected the most Apparent Merit.
     Your kindness for me particularly exacts my Gratitude, I wish I was less sensible of the Injury I have received. Any but those who have exercised Power to Answer sinister Purposes to my Injury I can easily forgive, but those Men I hope may deserve not only my Forgiveness but that of their Maker. I am at no Loss as to what they deserve. But God forbid that this Villany shall ever induce Me to relax my Endeavours to serve my Country as far as I am able. I saw the Baseness of those Men’s Design and the Effect of my own Undertaking in a good Degree contrary to my own Opinion. I undertook and therefore ought to suffer. I am generally tho’t to be pritty inflexible in my own Opinion. I certainly will study to be more so.

      My Compliments to Mrs. Adams, and with Candor Accept this hasty Sketch from Sir your Most Obedient humble Servant
      Oliver Wolcott


Title: John Adams’ Service in the Continental Congress
From:
To:

In his final months of service in the congress, JA served on 26 committees, acting as chairman for 8 of them, and for most of the period he continued to act as president of the Board of War and as a member of the Committee on Appeals. From all this committee work, only two reports in JA’s hand have been found; they are printed below in their appropriate chronological order. Here, as with lists given before, the intention is to demonstrate the variety of tasks to which JA was assigned and to indicate with whom he worked.

       Samuel Chase, James Wilson, JA, who had not yet returned to the congress (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:9).
      To consider the form of a commission to Benjamin Franklin (the Committee of Secret Correspondence had brought in a draft; it was read, debated, and recommitted to this committee).
      Reported and resolution adopted: 2 Jan.; report not found (same, 7:10).

       JA, Roger Sherman, Samuel Chase (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:89).
      To consider a petition from Edward Southouse (n.d., no text).
      Report not found.

       Richard Henry Lee, James Wilson, Samuel Chase, JA, Roger Sherman (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:93–94).
      To consider proceedings of the committees of the four New England states (on price control), which were under consideration and reported by the Committee of the Whole.
      Reported and report tabled: 6 Feb. (same, 7:97).
      Reported and report discussed (with report of the Committee of the Whole): 12, 13 Feb. (same, 7:111–112, 118).
      Report recommitted: 14 Feb. (same, 7:121).
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 15 Feb.; report not found (same, 7:124–125).

       JA, Richard Henry Lee, Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, Roger Sherman, Thomas Heyward (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:95).
      To consider a motion made by Abraham Clark on Washington’s Proclamation of 25 January (text of motion in Journal).
      Reported and report tabled: 27 Feb.; report in JA’s hand (same, 7:165–166; PCC, No. 36, I, f. 5, printed below).

       Thomas Heyward, JA, John Witherspoon, Richard Henry Lee, Samuel Adams (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:127).
      To consider revising the regulations of the post office, and report a plan so as “to render the conveyance of intelligence more expeditious and certain.”
      Reported and report tabled: 25 Feb.; report in Thomas Heyward’s hand (same, 7:153–154; PCC, No. 61, f. 445).
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 12 April; report not found (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:258).
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 12 May; report in R. H. Lee’s hand (same, 7:346, 347; PCC, No. 61, f. 449).
      Reported and resolutions adopted: 17 Oct.; report in R. H. Lee’s hand (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 9:816–817; PCC, No. 61, f. 443).

       JA, George Read, Thomas Burke (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:172).
      To be added to the standing committee for hearing appeals (see same, 7:75 for original committee appointed 30 Jan.).

       James Wilson, JA, Roger Sherman (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:203).
      To consider a letter of 20 March (on riotous behavior of some American soldiers) with enclosures from the committee of Lancaster to the Pennsylvania delegates.
      Reported and resolution adopted: 29 March; report in James Wilson’s hand (same, 7:208; PCC, No. 20, II, f. 7).

       Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Burke, JA (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:219).
      To revise Dr. Shippen’s plan for the regulating of the hospital.
      Reported and report debated: 4, 5 April (same, 7:225, 227).
      Resolutions passed: 7 April; report in Thomas Burke’s hand (same, 7:231–237; PCC, No. 22, f. 19).
      Further resolutions passed: 8 April; two paragraphs of report in James Wilson’s hand (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:244–245; PCC, No. 22, f. 26½).

       James Wilson, George Clymer, Richard Henry Lee, Abraham Clark, JA (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:246–247).
      To confer with officials on the subject of possible enemy attack in Pennsylvania.
      Reported and resolutions passed: 10 April (same, 7:250–251).
      Other duty assigned 10 April: to write a draft letter to Washington, outlining the reasons that induced the congress to pass the above resolutions (same, 7:251; Dft in R. H. Lee’s hand [PPAmP]). A letter, dated 10 April, signed by these committee members was offered for sale by Dodd, Mead & Co., 1899.

       JA, Daniel Roberdeau, James Wilson (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:266).
      To consider the proper reward to offer for destroying or capturing the enemy’s ships.
      Report not found.

       William Duer, JA, Benjamin Rumsey (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:314).
      To confer with the executive power of Pennsylvania on general affairs of state.
      Report not found.

       James Wilson, JA, Richard Henry Lee (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 7:318).
      To inquire into the laws and customs regarding the neutrality of nations and report on whether the conduct of Portugal is a breach of neutrality and justifies acts of hostilities against its subjects.
      Report not found.

       William Duer, JA, Arthur Middleton (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:414).
      To confer with the Pennsylvania Board of War and evaluate the prospects for the defenses at Billingsport.
      Reported and report tabled: 10 June; report not found (same, 8:451).
      Resolutions adopted: 11 June (same, 8:451–452).

       Daniel Roberdeau, JA, Jonathan Bayard Smith (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:536).
      To consider a petition from the Rev. Francis Allison, John Ewing, and William Marshall on printing an edition of the Bible.
      Reported and resolution passed: 11 Sept.; report in Daniel Roberdeau’s hand (same, 8:733–735; PCC, No. 28, f. 203).

       Thomas Heyward, JA, James Lovell (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:553, 554).
      To communicate the congress’ resolution to Philippe Tronson du Coudray on his agreement with Silas Deane and his rank.
      Reported verbally: 17 July (same, 8:558).
      Other duties assigned 17 July: to consider the situation of Du Coudray (same).
      Robert Morris, James Wilson added to the committee: 17 July (same).
      Reported and report tabled: 21 July; report in Thomas Heyward’s hand (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:569; PCC, No. 19, II, f. 137).

       Henry Laurens, JA, Eliphalet Dyer, Daniel Roberdeau, Nathaniel Folsom (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:596).
      To report on the mode of conducting the inquiry into the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence and on the conduct of the officers there.
      Reported and report tabled: 19 Aug. (same, 8:653).
      Report recommitted: 20 Aug. (same, 8:659).
      Report debated and resolutions passed: 23, 25, 27 Aug.; report in Henry Laurens’ hand (same, 8:668–669, 674–675, 681–686; PCC, No. 29, f. 261).
      Resolutions ordered published: 28 Aug. (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:688; see Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 Sept.).

       Henry Laurens, James Wilson, JA, James Duane, Richard Law (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:599).
      To consider the state of the Northern Department; confer with Gen. Washington; and consider a letter of 28 July from Gov. Jonathan Trumbull.
      Reported and resolutions passed: 3 Aug.; report not found (same, 8:600–601).
      Other duties assigned 4 Aug.: to consider part of a letter of 3 Aug. from Gen. Washington asking to be excused from naming a general to replace Schuyler (same, 8:603–604).
      Reported and resolutions passed: 5 Aug.; report in James Duane’s hand (same, 8:614; PCC, No. 21, f. 115).

       William Duer, Richard Henry Lee, James Wilson, JA, Samuel Chase (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:648).
      To consider the state of the western frontiers and the Northern Department.
      Reported partially and resolution passed: 16 Aug.; report not found (same, 8:649).
      Other duties assigned 18 Aug.: to consider those parts of the public letters that relate to the Northern Department (same, 8:649–650).
      Reported and resolutions passed: 20 Aug.; report not found (same, 8:659).

       Henry Laurens, Richard Henry Lee, JA (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:688).
      To collect evidence and facts on the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence. (See Laurens and others, to Joseph Trumbull, 5 Sept. [below].)
      Letter from Lt. Col. Hale referred: 2 Oct. (same, 8:758).
      Portion of a letter from Gen. Schuyler referred: 9 Oct. (same, 9:786–787).
      Francis Dana, John Witherspoon, William Ellery added to the committee: 26 Dec. (same, 9:1053).
      James Lovell (in place of Dana) added to the committee: 20 Jan. 1778 (same, 10:66).
      James Smith added to the committee: 27 Jan. (same, 10:93).
      Reported and resolutions passed: 5 Feb. 1778; report in Henry Laurens’ hand (same, 10:125; PCC, No. 29, f. 26).

       JA, William Duer, Richard Henry Lee (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:688–689).
      To consider two letters from Gen. Sullivan with enclosures of various Quaker letters and documents.
      Reported and resolutions passed: 28 Aug.; report in William Duer’s hand (same, 8:695; PCC, No. 19, V, f. 439½).
      Other duties assigned 3 Sept.: to consider letters and papers found in the possession of some Quakers taken into custody (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:708).
      Reported and consideration postponed: 5 Sept.; report not found (same, 8:713, 714).
      Orders issued: 6 Sept. (same, 8:718). See Thomas McKean to JA, 19 Sept. 1777 (below).

       JA, Richard Henry Lee, William Duer, Elbridge Gerry, James Wilson (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:719, 720).
      To consider a letter of 1 September from Gov. Trumbull complaining about slowness in getting the Journals printed (Adams Papers).
      No report found.

       JA, Samuel Chase, Joseph Jones (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 8:732–733).
      To consider a motion on regulations for officers receiving rations in messes.
      Report not found.

       Richard Henry Lee, JA, Samuel Chase (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 9:783).
      To consider a resolution to prevent intercourse between towns held by the enemy and inhabitants of the country.
      Reported and resolutions passed: 8 Oct.; report not found (same, 9:784–785).

       JA, James Duane, William Williams (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 9:788).
      To consider a memorial from and papers on George McIntosh of Georgia.
      Reported and resolution passed: 10 Oct.; report in JA’s hand (same, 9:789–790; PCC, No. 19, IV, f. 23–24; printed below).

       Richard Henry Lee, JA, Elbridge Gerry (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 9:859).
      To consider a motion for directing the future operations of Gen. Gates.

      Reported and report recommitted: 4 Nov. (a canceled resolution is printed, same, 9:863).
      William Duer added to the committee: 4 Nov. (same).
      Reported and resolutions passed: 5 Nov.; report not found (same, 9:864–868).

       JA, James Duane, Joseph Jones, Richard Henry Lee (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 9:871).
      To consider a motion respecting the convention of Saratoga and a letter from Gen. Heath of 25 October.
      Reported and resolutions passed: 8 Nov.; report not found (same, 9:880–882).
      Ordered to sit again: 8 Nov. (same, 9:882).


Title: General Court to John Adams and Robert Treat Paine, 3 January 1777
From: Massachusetts General Court
To: Adams, John,Paine, Robert Treat

       3 January 1777

     The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider a Letter from General Washington to the President of the Council dated Decr: 18th: beg leave to report that we think it expedient that the honorable John Adams, and Robt. Treat Paine Esqrs: two of the Delegates to the Continental Congress now in this State be desired to attend this Court, that from them we may learn the general State of Continental Affairs, and that some Person be dispatched immediately to desire Mr. Paine to attend this Court for the purpose abovemention’d as soon as may be.

      The said Committee beg leave to sit again
      John Winthrop per order

     In Council Jany 2d: 1777.
     Read, and Accepted.
     Sent down for Concurrence

      John Avery Dpy. Secy.

     In the House of Representatives Jany 2d: 1777.
     Read, and Concurred

      J Warren Speaker

     A true Copy

      Attest Jno: Avery Dpy. Secy.


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 January 1777
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

      Dear sir
      Baltimore Jany 8th. 1777

     Since You left Philadelphia many important Events have taken place in the Council as well as the Field; those that are publick You are undoubtedly informed of, the other I shall briefly hint as they occur to my Mind.
     Congress have ordered Arms and Equipage for 3000 Horse and 150 brass Field peices to be imported without Delay. The General to expedite Business is invested with Great Powers, which are to continue six Months unless sooner revoked by Congress, and are confined to the person of G. Washington. Amongst other Things he is to raise, establish, and appoint the Officers for, 3000 light Horse, and as many of the Train; to officer and raise sixteen new Batalions, which in Addition to 94 before ordered make 110 of Infantry; Wherever he is, to take whatever he wants for the Use of the Army, from those who shall refuse to supply him for continental Currency, and profer the same, to the amount of the apprized Value of the Goods taken; to displace any officers under the rank of Brigadier and to fill up their places, as well as of Officers in other Departments. Three Magazines of military Stores are to be provided, in Virginia, Lancaster in Pennsylvania, and Brookfield in Massachusetts. A Committee is appointed to prepare a Report for regulating the Business of the Boards of War, Commerce, Admiralty, Treasury, Ordnance and Indian Affairs, and for conducting them by Gentlemen not Members of Congress. I wish to have your Sentiments fully on each of these six Departments with an Arrangement of the several Officers and their respective Powers. Further, the Treaty is revised and applications are made to —— for the Loan of two Millions sterling in Specie; and a supply of 100,000 stands of Arms; Commissioners are to be sent to the Courts of Madrid Prussia Vienna, and Tuscany; Doctor —— to the first. The Commissioners are instructed to inform their respective Courts, that Congress are informed of the insidious and artful Designs of the Court of G Britain to represent them, and the Inhabitants of these States as having an Inclination to return again to the Domination of his brittanic Majesty, and that It is the Determination of both the Government and the People at every Event to maintain their Independance. The Commissioners at the Courts of —— and —— are to use every Mean in their power to procure a Declaration of War against G B. and as an Inducement to propose to the first, that all the Trade between these States and the W I Islands shall be carryed on in —— and American Vessels. To offer provisions to the Amount of 2000000 of Dollars and six Frigates of not less than 24 Guns each, at the Expence of the Und. States, for carrying on Expeditions for reducing to the Govt. of —— the british West India Islands. (and all other Assistance in our power as good and faithful Allies;) to propose by the united Arms of —— and the States, to deprive G Britain of any Share in the Cod fishery by reducing Novascotia Newfounland and Cape Breton, and when the same shall be accomplished it is further proposed that the Fishery shall be enjoyed by  and the united States to the Exclusion of all other Nations whatever—Newfoundland to be divided between —— and the States, and the —— annexed to the States. The Commissioner at the Court of M —— as an Inducement for declaring War are to propose to his C. M. the Assistance of the States to reduce the Town and Harbour of Pensacola, and annex the same to his Territory and Government; and if the King of Portugal has caused any of our Vessels to be confiscated, to engage in behalf of the States that War shall be declared against the said King if the Measure is approved and will be supported by both the Courts before hinted. All the Commissioners are to sollicit the Interpositions of the several Courts for preventing further Embarkations of Foreign Troops to America and recalling such as are now here. General Washington is to offer six of the Hessian field Officers in Exchange for General Lee, and if Genl Howe refuses this to inform him, that these with a favorite british Officer in our Custody shall share the same Fate as the General; of whose Sincerity by the by I think there is now no Reason to doubt: this Resolution will at all Events be carryed into Execution, if I can form any Judgment of the Firmness of Congress, for the General not being in the actual Service of G Britain, can not be considered as they are desirous of representing him, a Deserter from their Army, he had doubtless a Right to give up a pension allowed him for Services heretofore performed, and having done this evidently ceases to be a Servant of or connected with the Crown and could not as an Officer be called to Duty; he had therefore as good a Right to engage in the Service as any Inhabitant of these States and will be so considered by Congress. Upon this Head I shall be also glad to have your Opinion, since the Consequence may be a War without Quarters, and the greatest Care should be taken to proceed on Justifiable principles which I think We are in this Case evidently pursuing.
     The Reduction of Fort Cumberland and Destruction of the Dock Yard and Magazines at Halifax are objects of great Importance; and if Matters are well conducted, they appear to me to be feasible. The Gentleman which You sent to Mr. Adams has been before Congress, and they have come to a Resolution That the Council of Massachusetts B. be impowered to attend to the Situation of the Enemy in that Quarter and when they are of Opinion that an advantageous Attack can be made, to raise subsist officer and pay a Body of Men not exceeding 3000 for carrying on the Expedition in the Course of the Winter or early in the Spring, to prepare and convey to any parts of the eastern Counties of Massa. sufficient Magazines of military and other Stores, and to draw on Congress for Money for these purposes. General Gates is here and is well acquainted with Mr. Allen’s Father as well as himself the former by Mr. Allen’s Account is a half pay Officer, he himself was a Member of the Assembly and says he left the province to avoid taking the Oath of Allegiance, his Wife Family and Effects are now in Nova Scotia, and therefore it may be necessary to be on our Guard, and take other Measures to gain Intelligence least We be decoyed into a military Trap, which an Enemy experienced in the Arts of War will be continually attempting. You will undoubtedly see some Members of the Council and push the Matter as far as may be prudent; It is supposed that the Militia of the eastern Counties which cannot be brot into the Field will readily engage for 3 or 4 Months to accomplish this plan, that if the Information of Mr. Allen “that the Enemy there are not above 800 strong” should be confirmed, the Matter can be conducted with such Secrecy as to take the Enemy by Surprize, that if they have Intelligence of our Intentions after Orders arrive in the eastern Country to embody the Men, Time will not admit of their receiving Reinforcements before the Expedition is carryed thro, and that Stores can be conveyed without any Suspicion of this kind previous to the Order for raising the Levies, by pretexts which Massachusetts Inhabitants are dexterous to fabricate and that Genl. Washington who has a Copy of the Resolve will furnish a General if wanted.
     Congress since their Removal from Philadelphia are exceedingly spirited and united; I was against leaving it but hope they will never return to that Sepulchre of Genius and Enterprize. The Nabob S and N Carolina continue to be Antipodes to the rest, and to sharpen Steel, Whetstones are necessary. I think the Intention of the Enemy next Campaign is to press N England in every quarter, and that by proper Exertions they will be foiled with their intended Reinforcements. The Support of the Credit of our Money is the only Difficulty that rests on my Mind, and I doubt not it will be soon removed. Pray communicate to the Speaker Major Hawley and Coll. Orne with my best Respects such parts of the Letter (if Oppertunity offers) as You shall think proper and believe me to be sir your assured Friend and hum sert.

      E Gerry

      P.S. We are in Expectation of important Intelligence from the Jersies, should our Arms be successful We shall push on this Side for driving the Enemy from N York; pray follow the Blow from N England and press them by the Way of Kings Bridge With your new Levies. I doubt not they will be stirred at Newport. Doctor Morgan and Stringer are dismissed from the Service in Consequence of the Clamours of the people, and their Misconduct.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 9 January 1777
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Baltimore Jany 9 1777

     I have every Day for a Month past been anxiously expecting the Pleasure of seeing you here, but now begin to suspect you do not intend to give us your Assistance in Person. I shall therefore do all that lies in my Power to engage your epistolary Aid. You will by every Opportunity receive my Letters, and, I dare say, you will be so civil to me as to answer at least some of them.
     I have given our Friend Warren, in one of my Letters to him, the best Reason I could, for the sudden Removal of Congress to this Place. Possibly he may have communicated it to you. I confess, it was not agreable to my Mind; but I have since alterd my Opinion, because we have done more important Business in three Weeks than we had done, and, I believe, should have done at Philadelphia in six Months. As you are a Member of Congress, you have a Right to know all that has been done; but I dare not commit it to Paper, at a Time when the safe Carriage of Letters is become so precarious. One thing I am very sollicitous to inform you, because I know it will give you great Satisfaction. If you recollect our Conversation at New Haven, I fancy you will understand me, when I tell you, that to one Place we have added four, and increasd the Number of Persons from three to six. I hate this dark mysterious Manner of writing but Necessity requires it.
     You have heard of the Captivity of General Lee? Congress have directed Genl. Washington to offer six Hessian Field Officers in Exchange for him. It is suspected that the Enemy chuse to consider him as a Deserter, bring him to Tryal in a Court Martial and take his Life. Assurances are orderd to be given to General Howe, that five of those Officers together with Lt. Coll. Campbel will be detaind and all of them receive the same Measure that shall be meted to him. This Resolution will most certainly be executed.
     We have this Day passd a Recommendation to the Council of Massachusetts Bay of a very important Nature. It will be sent by this Express to the Council, to whom I refer you for a Perusal of it.
     Our Affairs in France and Spain wear a promising Aspect, and we have taken Measures to put them on a respectable Footing in other Parts of Europe; and I flatter myself too much if we do not succeed.
     The Progress of the Enemy thro’ the Jerseys has chagrind me beyond Measure, but I think we shall reap the Advantage in the End. We have already beat a Part of their Army at Trenton, and the inclosd Paper will give you a further Account which we credit, though not yet authenticated. The late Behavior of the People of Jersey, was owing to some of their leading Men, who instead of directing and animating most shamefully deserted them. When they found a Leader in the brave Coll. Ford they followd him with Alacrity. They have been treated with savage Barbarity by the Hessians, but, I believe, more so by Britains. After they have been most inhumanly usd in their Persons without Regard to Sex or Age, and plunderd of all they had without the least Compensation, Lord Howe and his Brother (now Sir William Knt of the Bath) have condescended to offer them Protections for the free Enjoyment of their Effects.
     You have seen the Power with which General Washington is vested for a limitted Time. Congress is very attentive to the Northern Army, and Care is taking effectually to supply it with every thing necessary this Winter for the next Campaign. General Gates is here. How shall we make him the Head of that Army.
     We are about establishing Boards of War, Ordnances Navy and Treasury, with a Chamber of Commerce, each of them to consist of Gentlemen who are not Members of Congress. By these Means I hope our Business will be done more systematically, speedily and effectually.
     Great and heavy Complaints have been made of Abuse in the Director Generals Department in both our Armies. Some, I suppose, without Grounds, others with too much Reason. I have no Doubt but as soon as a Committee reports, which is expected this Day, both Morgan and Stringer will be removd, as I think they ought.
     To the Eighty Eight Battalions orderd to be raisd; Sixteen are to be added, which with Six to be raisd out the Continent at large will make one hundred and ten, besides three thousand horse, three Regiments of Artillery and a Company of Engineers. We may expect fifty or sixty thousand of the Enemy in June next. Their Design will still be to subdue the obstinate States of New England. It was the Intention that Carleton should winter in Albany, Howe in New York and Clinton at Rhode Island, that with Reinforcement in the Spring, they might be ready to attack New England on all sides. I hope every possible Method will be used to quicken the new Levies, and that the Fortifications in the Harbour of Boston will be in complete Readiness. Much will depend upon our Diligence this Winter.
     The Attention of Congress is also turnd to the Southward. Forts Pitt and Randolph are to be garrisond, and Provision laid up for 2000 Men for Six Months. By the last Accounts from South Carolina we are informd, that late Arrivals have supplyd them with every thing necessary for their Defence.
     I have written in great Haste, and have Time only to add that I am with sincere Regards to your Lady and Family, very cordially Your Friend

      Samuel Adams

      PS Dr. Morgan and Dr. Stringer are dismissd without any Reason assignd which Congress could of Right do, as they held their Places during Pleasure. The true Reason, as I take it, was the general Disgust and the Danger of the Loss of an Army arising therefrom.


Title: To John Adams from William Cushing, 14 January 1777
From: Cushing, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Scituate Jany. 14th 1777

     I return the two volumes of Hume (by my brother) which you were so good as to lend me, and should be glad of two volumes of Mrs. McCawley, if Mrs. Adams has got them home from her Asylum at Scadden; which my brother will call for on his return from Boston. Three first volumes I have read in quarto which go to 1642; the two next I want. If those are not at home I should be glad of the 2d. and 3d. Volumes of Hume. We got home pretty comfortably the Sunday we came from your house; the snow drifts were not great.
     At the same time that I Lament with you poor Lee’s fate, as much for himself as for us, I congratulate you on Washington’s Successful manoevre, a happy prelude to 1777. I wish you a good Journey when you go to Congress. But beware of the light horse. One Congress Man, I Suppose, will be equal to Two Generals. Mrs. Cushing joins in Complements to you and Mrs. Adams. I am Sir, your most humble Servt

      Wm Cushing


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 3 February 1777
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      Dear Sir
      Baltimore Feby. 3. 1777

     After a very tedious Journey, through the severist Weather, and over very bad Mountains, in one Part of it, and perfect Mortar, in the other Part, I am arrived in good Health, and Spirits at Baltimore.
     Congress is Sitting, and by the best Information I can obtain from our Friends, are very well united and much more Spirited than ever.
     The Recruiting Service goes on, as every Body tells me, from Boston to Baltimore, very well, and it is here said, in Virginia. I cannot Sufficiently express the Sense I have of the indispensible Importance that our State Should be the earliest and most exemplary in compleating our Quota.
     It may be depended upon, that our State is the Barometer At which every other Looks. If the Spirit Mercury rises, there, it will rise in every other Part of the Continent, if it falls there, it will fall every where.
     By all that I can gather, the British Ministry, have Sollicited for Cossacks. The Success is doubtfull. But it is the opinion of a Man in England, whose Intelligence has heretofore proved extreamly exact, that the Ministry will be able to obtain near Twenty thousand Recruits in England Scotland and Ireland and Germany. If this Conjecture is right there is great Reason to Suppose that they will not Venture upon So dangerous a Step as that of procuring Siberians. Their late great Successes will in their opinion render them unnecessary.
     But in all Events, it is our Wisdom, our Prudence our Policy our Cunning, our Duty, our every Thing to destroy, those who are now in America. They are compleatly in our Power and if We do not embrace the opportunity, We shall not only in dust and Ashes repent of our sloth, but it will be but Justice that We should Suffer the wretched Consequences of it. I am Sure, our brave New Englandmen can break the Force at Newport. And even the main Body at Brunswick May be imprisoned. But an Army is wanting. Dont let it be wanting long.

     Congress will do and have done what they can but if the States will not execute the Plans and Resolutions of Congress, what is to be expected?
     New England, I find is now in higher Estimation than it has been. Our Troops, have behaved nobly, and turned the Fortune of the War. Pray let us keep up our Credit, as I am sure We can. Adieu, my dear Friend.


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 3 February 1777
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      Dear Sir
      Baltimore Feb. 3. 1777

     It may not be a Mispence of Time to make a few Observations upon the Situation of Some of the States at this Time.
     That Part of New York which is yet in our Possession is pretty well united, and pretty firm. The Jerseys have recovered from their Surprize, and are lending as much Assistance as can well be expected from them. Their Assembly is now Sitting, and are Said to be well disposed to do what they can. The Assembly of Pensilvania, is also Sitting. They have abolished the oath which gave so much Discontent to the People, and are gradually acquiring the Confidence of the People, and opposition has Subsided. The Delaware Government, have formed their Constitution, and the Assembly is now Sitting. Maryland has formed its Constitution—and their Assembly now sitting in Consequence of it, are filling it up. There is a Difficulty in two of the Counties, but this will last but a little while. In Virginia Governor Henry, has recovered his Health has returned to Williamsbourg, and is proceeding in his Government with great Industry. N. Carolina have compleated their Government, and Mr. Caswell is Governor. In Virginia and North Carolina, they have made an Effort, for the Destruction of Bigotry which is very remarkable. They have abolished their Establishments of Episcopacy so far as to give compleat Liberty of Conscience to Dissenters, an Acquisition in favour of the Rights of Mankind, which is worth all the Blood and Treasure, which has been and will be Spent in this War. S. Carolina and Georgia, compleated their Governments, a long time ago. Thus I think there are but three States remaining which have not erected their Governments, Massachusetts, N. York and New Hampshire.
     These are good Steps towards Government in the States which must be introduced and established before We can expect Discipline in our Armies, the Unum necessarium to our Salvation.
     I will be instant and incessant, in season and out of Season, in inculcating these important Truths, that nothing can Save Us but Government in the State and Discipline in the Army. There are So many Persons among my worthy Constituents who love Liberty, better than they understand it that I expect to become unpopular by my Preaching. But Woe is me if I preach it not. Woe will be to them, if they do not hear.
     I am terrified with the Prospect of Expence, to our State, which I find no Possibility of avoiding. I cannot get an Horse kept in this Town under a Guinea a Week. One hundred and four Guineas a Year for the Keeping of two Horses, is intolerable, but cannot be avoided. Simple Board is fifty shilling a Week here, and Seven Dollars generally. I cannot get boarded, under forty shillings, i.e. five dollars and a third a Week for myself and fifteen for my servant—besides finding for myself all my Wood Candles, Liquors and Washing. I would send home my servant and Horses, but Congress is now a moveable Body, and it is impossible to travell and carry great Loads of Baggage without a servant and Horses, besides the Meanness of it, in the Eyes of the World.