MUHLENBERG, GEN. (continued): 1780.-October 27. Petersburg.-Glad to hear of his (Weedon's) arrival at Richmond. Advice as to the arrangement of the new levies. Col. Bufort's letter reports that Col. Campbell, in a late action with part of Fulton's corps, killed seventy of them. Making preparations to march for Cabbin Point. Has ordered London Volunteers to join ninety of Gibson's RegiNo. 47. ment. Be 1780. October 28. Cabbin Point.-Arrived at Cabbin Point this P. S.-Hears that enemy encamped two nights before at 1780.- October 31. Baker's Mills, Isle of Wight.-Militia, 100 Bush, can give all the intelligence procured thus far. If possible, will form a junction with Col. Parker, before night, who has 250 men. Will endeavor to surprise enemy's outposts. In great need of horse for reconnoitering purposes. No. 22. 1780.--November 5.-Encloses letter for the Governor. Reinforce ments received, so trifling that he is obliged to stand aloof and not venture further. Difficulties of his position, the enemy MUHLENBERG, GEN. (continued): having destroyed all boats. mit of his attacking them. Force of enemy too large to perCapt. Gaines with small body of horse surprised the advance picket. Officer of the guard, a Hessian, lost his life through speaking English imperfectly. Any chance of getting arms for militia? Enemy lie still P. S.-Twenty-two bushels of oysters just arrived. No. 51. 1780.-November 5. Stoners Mills.—Since writing has received enclosed letters from Gen. Gregory and Col. Lamb. Enemy's present manœuvres make reinforcements at this post absolutely necessary. Advises Gen. Weedon if he moves down to take the nearest route to Stoners Mills. Flag just got to Smithfield from Portsmouth, with letter from Mr. Blair on a very frivolous errand. Intends writing to Gen. Leslie to send flag only when there is something worth communicating. [No. 54. 1780.—November 11. Stoners Mills.-Just received his favor by express; glad to hear that he is coming on. from choice, while he does it from necessity. surprise the enemy's post at Dr. Hall's, but will put it off until Gen. Weedon's arrival. Ship-carpenters not needed at his post. Expects Gen. Weedon and Gen. Nelson to supper Monday evening, "hail, rain or snow." No. 58. 1781.-April 6. Camp near Scott's.-Acknowledging letter of the 4th. Sent Gen. Phillips's letter, regarding exchange of prisoners, to the Baron. Enemy's designs uncertain. Thinks their main object a junction with Cornwallis, by which route time only will discover. Two deserters from Portsmouth insist that Gen. Phillips has only two regiments. Advantages of his own position; description of the distribution of his forces. 1784.-February 15. No. 77. Philadelphia.-Acknowledging favors of 10th and 18th of January. Never received letter enclosing Act of Assembly. Inconvenience of having to set out at once at such short notice for the meeting at Louisville. Instructions concerning personal money matters in case he fails to return from this expedition. Laments the selling of Gen. Weedon's lands and the consequent end of their fishing together. The effect on Mrs. Muhlenberg. Would like to send by post some new books, but it costs too much. Steuben hard at work. Baron No. 150. MUHLENBERG, GEN. (continued): 1786.-July 18. Philadelphia.-Delay in getting letter of May 29th. Prize money cannot be drawn unless tickets are presented. Sends bundle of newspapers and the anniversary oration, delivered by Major Jackson before the Society of Cincinnati. The purchase by him and the vice-president of the famous Big Spring tract in Berks Co., Pennsylvania. A description of its advantages. (Note on back of MSS., dated October 12.) Speaks of letter on other side, dated three months before. No time since to write. NELSON, THOMAS. 1777-October 28. No. 151. No. 7. Williamsburg.-Wishes to know if report is true that Burgoyne has really surrendered. If true, will not independence be immediately established? Attack on Fort Mifflin, having failed again, their momentary possession of Philadelphia will avail them little. His (Nelson's) sympathy with the army, but his strong wish to raise a body of men, not thought proper at this time. Promises to do it in the future. The Assembly appointed to meet nine days before, has not yet made a House. Terrible remissness at such a critical time. Fears the enemy will hear of it. Nine ships of war in Hampton Roads; their object, perhaps, an attack on Portsmouth. Enemy, in want of water. Trusts they will not be able to relieve their distress in Virginia. 1777.-December 19. Williamsburg.-Acknowledging favor of 27th inst. Letters from York report that Gen. Howe has marched to Chestnut Hill with entire force and an engagement hourly expected. Wishes a general battle could be avoided. Condition of our men compares unfavorably with the enemy's. Also, a defeat on our side might prevent France from declaring war on England. Bill, brought into the House by him, to raise 5000 men to serve six months, thrown out. Might interfere with completing the regular battalions. 1780.—November 3. Williamsburg.—Acknowledging letters delivered by Captains Prosser and Kirkpatrick. Difficulty of arranging militia when they arrive in such small detachments. One regiment under Col. William Nelson will take their station below York; he needs a Lieut.-Colonel and a Major. Will form light corps for Captain Kirkpatrick as requested. No. 10. NELSON, THOMAS (continued): Getting together flat-bottomed boats. In great need of arms, 1780.-November 4. Williamsburg.-Orders just issued to bring boats at the shipyard to Burwell's Ferry. Before receiving his letter of 2d inst., had sent two detachments of horse to Gen. Muhlenberg, and a third will follow. Col. Southall with part of his troops is around Hampton, sent thither as a man of discretion to prevent any intercourse between the enemy and the inhabitants. Thinks he ought to stay there, but, if necessary, will send him to join Gen. Muhlenberg. Medicine needed. No. 53. 1780.-November 22. Rich Neck.-Acknowledging letter of the 19th. Does not understand why English fleet remains in Hampton Roads. They have an idea that his (Nelson's) force is 3000 strong. Several negroes have joined the English. Prospect of a glorious ending to the campaign. Detached condition of his brigade. No. 59. 1781.—June 18. Leeds.-Informing him that he has sent up six prisoners under guard. Incloses proceedings of a general court-martial held for their trial. Necessity of guarding them closely. Incloses also general return and copy of circular letter to the county-lieutenants of Northumberland and Lancaster, on back of which is a copy of orders to the officers commanding two companies for the defence of Westmoreland and Richmond. His present command the most pleasant in all his military experience. Forming legions of Westmoreland and Richmond, in order to furlough the rest of his command. Question of cavalry. No. 131. 1781.-June 19. Leeds.-Concerning the trial of some "vile rascals." Happy effects produced by this tribunal. When it is over will send prisoners under guard to him to be forwarded to their respective destinations with statements of their crimes and the sentence of the court martial. More about the granting of furloughs. Begs permission to go and assist his family who are without food, raiment or lodging. Complains of never receiving a line from any militia officer. Houses burned by enemy. Robberies committed by enemy's privateers since NELSON, THOMAS (continued): the flag vessel went up to Alexandria; this matter ought to be 1781.-July 2. Charlottesville. - Indisposition prevented his answering despatches before. Thanks him for his vigilance and activity in apprehending tories on the borders of the Rappahannock. Desires some intelligence respecting the disaffected. Montague's being tried by a court-martial may bring matters to light. Other measures which might be taken. No. 148. PAGE, MANN: 1777-April 22. Philadelphia.-Mrs. Page's illness prevented an earlier reply. Best Generals think the enemy's principal attack will be against this place. On Sunday, 13th inst, nine of their men-of-war came into this bay. Camp ordered by Congress to be formed under Gen. Schuyler on west side of Delaware. Enumerates the reasons for it. Gen. Washington approves in part, and ordered camp to be formed at Bristol. Enemy anxious to obstruct trade of Philadelphia. Their army mouldering away with sickness. On 14th Gen. Steven surprised enemy's pickets, killed seven and took sixteen pris oners. P.S.-Surgeon has gone to Dumfries to inoculate southern troops. PARKER, (Col.): 1777.—January 24. Springfield.-Detailed account of a fight on the road leading from Brunswick landing to Woodbridge. Col. Parker's superior officer, Col. Buckner, left on horseback as soon as firing began, and riding four miles to his quarters, announced that all was lost. By this desertion Col. Parker was forced to draw off his troops, none being wounded and only two taken. English loss nearly one hundred killed and wounded. Charges Col. Buckner with cowardice. No. 1. PRYOR, MAJOR : 1781.-April 9. Richmond.-Agreeable to request, has procured a proper vessel as a floating magazine, to be stationed at Sandy Point. Promises shortly to supply a sufficient quantity of ammunition. No. 82. PROC. AMER. PHILOS. SOC. XXXVIII. 159. G. PRINTED JULY 18. 1899. |