1From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20–26 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
At a time when the Army is about to undergo a material change —when Congress and the States individually, are disposed to establish it upon the best principles for the equal Administration of justice, and the preservation of the rights of the Officers, I am perswaded it will not be deemed presumptuous in me to offer any opinion, which in my judgment, may serve to promote either of these ends...
2John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You are now at an University, where many of the greatest Men have received their Education. Many of the most famous Characters, which England has produced, have pursued their Studies for some time at Leyden. Some, tho not many of the Sons of America, have studied there. I would have you attend all the Lectures in which Experiments are made whether in Philosophy, Medicine or Chimistry, because...
3John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have just received a Letter from Mr. Thaxter and another from your Brother, and should have been equally pleased with one from you. Write me as often as you can, and let me know what Professors you Attend and what Instructors attend you, whether you understand the Lectures &c. The Lectures upon the Greek of the New Testament, I would have you all attend, and those upon Euripides, Sophocles,...
4To John Adams from Joseph Mandrillon, 20 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Monsieur Le Professeur Henners à Utrecht vient de m’ecrire que Le libraire Wild a fait emprisonner Mr. Cerisier Sous le pretexte qu’il veut qu’il acheve son ouvrage à Utrecht et non à Amsterdam, ce procedé Est indigne comme il est injuste, comme je ne peux sortir avant midi je me hâte de vous en informer J’ecris La même chose à Monsr. de Neufville obligez-moi, Monsieur, d’agir de concert avec...
5Joseph Mandrillon to John Adams: A Translation, 20 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Professor Henners in Utrecht has written to inform me that the bookseller Wild has imprisoned Mr. Cerisier under the pretext that he can only do his work at Utrecht, not at Amsterdam. This proceeding is as undignified as it is unjust. As I cannot leave at mid-day, I have written hastily to inform Mr. de Neufville of the same thing. Oblige me, sir, by acting in concert with him and, through...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Major James McHenry, [16–20 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you Dear Mac for your poetry and your confidence. The piece is a good one—your best. It has wit, which you know is a rare thing. I see by perseverence all ladies may be won. The Muses begin to be civil to you, in spite of Apollo and my prognosis. You know I have often told you, you wrote prose well but had no genius for poetry. I retract. Adieu. Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C....
7To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third. We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate,...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I have the Honor to inform you that the Honorable Francis Dana Esquire is appointed to repair to the Court of Petersburgh in the Character of Minister from these United States. He will communicate to you his Powers and Instructions, and avail himself of your Information & Advice on the Subject of his Mission. And provided he shall proceed to that Court you are to supply...
9To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress A few days since—by the Chevr. De Chatteleaux I had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th. of March introductory of him, and thank you for bringing me acquainted with a Gentleman of his merit, knowledge, and agreeable manners.— I spent several days very happily with him at our Camp near the Great Falls of Passaic in...
10General Orders, 20 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The court of enquiry whereof Colonel Hazen is President will assemble next wednesday the 27th instant at West point at the request of Lieutenant Colonel Antill to examine into his conduct while with General Sullivan in his expedition to Staten Island. Application to be made immediately by those lines and regiments which have made their cloathing returns for their first dividend of cloathing....