*

mit

SIR,

TO WILLIAM FRANKLIN.*

Head-Quarters, Ramapo, 25 July, 1777.

I have this moment received your letter, of the 22d instant, by express. I heartily sympathize with you in your distressing situation; but, however strong may be my inclination to comply with your request, it is by no means in my power to supersede a positive resolution of Congress, under which your present confinement took place. I have enclosed your letter to them, and shall be happy if it may be found consistent with propriety to concur with your wishes in a matter of so delicate and interesting a nature. I sincerely hope a speedy restoration of Mrs. Franklin's health may relieve you from the anxiety you must naturally feel from her present declining condition. I am, with due respect, Sir, &c.

SIR,

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Ramapo, 25 July, 1777.

I do myself the honor to transmit to you the enclosed letter from Governor Franklin, which came this minute by express. As Mr. Franklin was confined by order of Congress, I could not think myself at liberty to answer him on the subject of his request, and therefore have referred it to their consideration. At the same time I would observe his situation is distressing, and must interest all our feelings, as I have no doubt of the

Governor Franklin was a prisoner in Connecticut, where he had remained from the time he was first taken into custody the year before. He was now in Litchfield jail.

great indisposition of his lady. I should suppose, after his solemn assurances, and being laid under such further restrictions as Congress may judge necessary to impose upon him, that he might be indulged to see her. Humanity and generosity plead powerfully in favor of his application, and I am certain it will be duly considered. If it is granted, he should have the earliest notice, or the end and the views of Congress may be disappointed in the death of Mrs. Franklin before his arrival.

I have the honor to be, &c.*

SIR,

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES.†

Coryell's Ferry, 30 July, 1777.

As we are yet uncertain as to the real destination of the enemy, though the Delaware seems the most probable, I have thought it prudent to halt the army at this place, Howell's Ferry, and Trenton, at least till the fleet actually enters the bay, and puts the matter beyond a doubt. From hence we can be upon the proper grounds to oppose them, before they can possibly make their arrangements and dispositions for an attack. I take it for granted, that the preparations by water are ready to resist the sudden attack of any ships, that may run up previously to the landing of troops. That the posts on the Highlands may not be left too much exposed, I have ordered General Sullivan's division to halt

Congress declined granting this request, assigning as a reason, that letters of such a nature from Governor Franklin while under parole had been intercepted, as to make it inconsistent with the safety of the States to allow him, under any restriction whatever, an opportunity of openly conferring with the enemy.

† General Gates was now in Philadelphia, to which place he returned when General Schuyler resumed the command in the northern depart

ment.

at Morristown, whence it will march southward, if there should be occasion, or northward upon the first advice that the enemy should be throwing any force up the North River. General Howe's in a manner abandoning General Burgoyne is so unaccountable a matter, that, till I am fully assured it is so, I cannot help casting my eyes continually behind me.

As I shall pay no regard to any flying reports of the appearance of the fleet, I shall expect an account of it from you the moment you have ascertained it to your satisfaction; and I desire that, at the same time you advise me of this, you will send an express to Lord Stirling, or the commanding officer at Trenton, to move on with the troops from thence. I am, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.

DEAR SIR,

Coryell's Ferry, 31 July, 1777.

I have just received information from Philadelphia, that the enemy's fleet arrived at the Capes of Delaware yesterday. You will therefore please to order the two brigades, which were thrown over the North River, to march immediately towards Philadelphia through Morristown and over Coryell's Ferry, where boats will be ready for them. The troops are to march as expeditiously as possible without injuring the men. I beg you will endeavour to make up your garrison with militia. from Connecticut and New York, as soon as possible; and I desire that you will forward this account by express to General Schuyler and to the eastern States. I hope, as they now have nothing to fear from General Howe, that they will turn out their force both Continental and militia to oppose Burgoyne. I am, &c.

SIR,

TO GOVERNOR TRUMbull.

Coryell's Ferry, 31 July, 1777.

I ho 113

I was just now honored with your letter of the 25th instant. The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence was an event so unexpected, that I do not wonder it should produce in the minds of the people, at least the well attached, the effects you mention. I am entirely in sentiment with you, that the cause, leading to this unhappy measure, should be fully and minutely examined. Public justice, on the one hand, demands it, if it was not the result of prudence and necessity; and, on the other, the reputation of the officers concerned, if they are not blameworthy. Had not Congress considered that as a separate department, appointed the officers in some instances to that command themselves, and been fully possessed of all the facts that I am respecting the events, I should not have doubted a single moment about directing an inquiry. These matters, I say, have laid me under some doubts as to the line I should pursue; but I am persuaded, that an examination will be ordered in a few days, either by the Congress or myself, when I hope the subject will be properly discussed, and that done which is right.

As to sending Continental troops from Peekskill, no more can be detached from thence to the northern army, than are already gone. Two brigades, Nixon's and Glover's, have been ordered from thence to their aid; more than were ever intended in the arrangement of our forces. Not a man more can go, as all the Continental troops at that post, excepting two thousand, are called to join this army. For I have to inform you, that General Howe's object and opera

tions no longer remain a secret. At half after nine o'clock this morning, I received an express from Congress, advising that the enemy's fleet, consisting of two hundred and twenty-eight sail, were at the Capes of Delaware yesterday in the forenoon. This being the case, there can be no doubt but he will make a vigorous push to possess Philadelphia, and we should collect all the force we can to oppose him.

Fearing from report and from the event itself (the abandonment of the northern posts), that distrust, jealousy, and suspicion of the conduct of the officers might arise in the militia, and that degree of confidence in them wanted, which would be necessary to success, and to give a more promising aspect to our affairs in that quarter, I sent Generals Lincoln and Arnold to assist in that command. These two gentlemen are esteemed good officers, and I think very deservedly. I am persuaded, that nothing their judgments shall direct will be omitted to stop the progress of General Burgoyne's arms, so far as in them lies; and I am equally sure, that their personal exertions and bravery will not be wanting in any instance. Their presence I trust will remove every ground of diffidence and backwardness in the militia, and that they will go on, when and where their services are demanded, with a spirit and resolution becoming freemen and the sacred cause in which they are engaged. As the troops are on their march from hence, I shall not add more, than that I have the most entire confidence in your exertions upon every occasion to advance the common interest; and that I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, &c.*

* The appointment of the Marquis de Lafayette as a major-general in the service of the United States, one of the most important events of the revolution, took place on the 31st of July, and is thus recorded in the Journals of Congress.

"Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette, out of his great zeal to the cause