201To John Adams from David Humphreys, 8 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with M rs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from M rs Washington that M rs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with M rs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
202To George Washington from David Humphreys, 31 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & Confidential) My Dear Sir. Lisbon Janry 31st 1794 Immediately after my return from Spain, I asked an audience of Mr Pinto the Secretary of State for foreign affairs for the purpose of learning decisively, whether the Truce between Portugal & Algiers was likely to be improved into a Peace, or not. Yesterday I waited upon him, and, with as much delicacy as I was master of endeavoured...
203To James Madison from David Humphreys, 31 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 July 1801, Madrid. No. 283. Encloses as “proof of the friendly dispositions” of the Spanish government the first secretary’s answer to his message on the object of Commodore Dale’s expedition. Encloses copy of letter from John Montgomery at Alicante and mentions letter from Málaga, both reporting movements of Dale’s squadron. Has received no further details about engagement near Gibraltar...
204From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 28 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
There is a french Officer returning Express from Boston to Philadelphia, who wants Horses to carry him to Chester, (where his own remain) if they can be furnished by the public, it is much the General’s wish they may be—if you have it not in your power, His Excellency desires you will hire tem for the Gentleman, who (if necessary) will pay the Money on his arrival at Chester. I am Sir Your...
205To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 25 July 1791 . A packet from Falmouth brings no news of sailing of British fleet or peace in the north. Fawkener, British envoy at Petersburg, momentarily expected at London with conclusive news, which public judgment thinks will be peace. Yet bounty for seamen extended to end of July. All accounts indicate the Empress stands by her original demands, and the fresh rupture between...
206To George Washington from David Humphreys, 1 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency some time ago from Hartford & enclosed you the draft of a letter on the subject we talked of when I left Mount Vernon. I hope you have duly received it, tho’ I shall not be free from anxiety until I know with certainty that has been the case. When I wrote that letter, I was in hopes that it might have been in my power before this time, to give you a favorable account of...
207From David Humphreys to David Hunt, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is the pleasure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief, that you put yourself under the Orders of Col. Sheldon who is appointed to command at Bedford and in that quarter. I am Sir Your Most Obd. Sert DLC : Papers of George Washington.
208To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791 . Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ’s of 15 Mch.—As minister, “I can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those … concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and … it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every...
209To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Aug. 1791 . He has just received TJ’s of 23 June, with gazettes for himself and dispatches for Carmichael. He has received TJ’s of 11 Apr., but not that of 13 May.—TJ will learn from French papers, sent herewith, what they know about the late “tumult in Paris.” Private accounts indicate the affair was much exaggerated. “The actual Period of the Revolution is however critical,” and...
210From David Humphreys to Alexander Scammell, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency requests the favor of your Company at dinner tomorrow if you are not engaged. At any rate he wishes to see you some time to morrow without fail, & that you will bring with you, an accurate state of the Troops under your command, and also of Major Porter’s Detachment; noting the present strength, and the number of men who from weakness or any kind of inability, are not very...
211David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
212From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 18 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The General is decidedly of opinion one Guide will be sufficient to be retained in service on the Lines. I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
213To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday, when the Nuncio and the Diplomatic Corps were at my house, the former with some of the latter mentioned the existence of a private report, that the King of France had attempted to make his escape and that he had been arrested near Strasbourg. Yesterday, I dined with the Duke of Alafoñes, where the same rumour was repeated. Last night, at the Royal Academy, I met with...
214To George Washington from David Humphreys, 28 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing you last, I have received Orders to march the part of my Regt which is raised in Connecticut to this place. Two compleat Companies arrived on Saturday last. They occupy the Barracks & take the guard of the Arsenal & Magazines. I intend to return to Hartford in a few days, & shall remain there probably for some time. As I conceived you would be anxious to...
215From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to acquaint you, that the General has just recd Dispatches from Philadelphia, by which it appears the necessity still exists for marching the Detachment as expeditiously as may be, the contents will be communicated to you by His Excellency tomorrow. I have the honor to be Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
216To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My Dear General Lisbon Nov 30th 1790. I have forwarded to Mr Jefferson for your information the continuation of my Proceedings until the present time. You will be pleased to observe by my letter to him of this date, that the Court of Lisbon, having, from a desire of opening an official intercourse with the U.S., made the first advances by appointing a Minister Resident to repair...
217From David Humphreys to William Heath, 1 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency will be at West Point before 10 OClock to morrow Morng (Nothing extraordinary happening to prevent it) and wishes if practical that Horses might be provided for him to visit the outer Works. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Humble Servt P.S. The General will not go if the Weather proves rainy. MHi : Heath Papers.
218To George Washington from David Humphreys, 24 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon March 24th 1793. I took the liberty of addressing a letter to you from Gibralter on the 8th of last month, which I hope will have come safe to your hand. I mentioned therein that my design in writing was only to suggest two hints, the first whether you would wish to make use of Mr Church in the Morocco business, as he was soon expected at Lisbon? The...
219To George Washington from David Humphreys, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum for His Excellency the Commander in Chief. In consequence of the frequent encouragement your Excellency has given me, to suggest freely whatever might occur which appeared benificial to the public Interest, I have the honor to submit the following observations respecting the object of the Campaign for your consideration & future decision. In the first place, I believe we may venture...
220From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
There appear to be a number of Men belonging to the 1st New York Regt who wish to go to Albany with their families, & who have no means of conveyance—if it is practicable to furnish them with a Batteaux, which can be returned to such place as you shall direct—or to give them a passage in any other way His Excellency desires it may be done. I am Sir Your Most Obed. Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript...
221From David Humphreys to Caleb Brewster, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency commands me to acknowledge the Rect of the Dispatches addressed to John Bolton Esqr. by the bearer of this; and also to request that you will keep up the communication, & give him regularly every information in your power. I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
222To John Adams from David Humphreys, 28 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
A combination of circumstances having prevented me from having the honour of paying my respects in person to Mrs Adams & yourself, I could not proceed on my journey to the Westward, without expressing in this manner my extreme sensibility of the disappointment. When I was in this Town, a few weeks ago, on my way to the Province of Main, I so fully indulged the expectation of making the visit,...
223To John Adams from David Humphreys, 5 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Smith has been so good as to take charge of a printed copy of M r Dwight’s Poem and a letter from that gentleman to your Excellency, which I found at my return from London had been forwarded under cover to me. He is also the bearer of a manuscript copy of M r Barlow’s Vision of Columbus together with letters from the Author and our friend M r Trumbull on the subject of its publication....
224From David Humphreys to Robert Oliver, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 24th & laid the subject of it, with the several Papers relating thereto before the Commandr in Chief, who thinks the manner in which Sergt Fisher has been so long absent as well as his application for a discharge two or three years after his time of service is said to have expired, are very extraordinary. Before the Genl will undertake to do any thing in the...
225To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private & confidential) My dear Sir. Gibralter Feby 8th 1793. An easterly wind having suddenly sprung up, I am obliged to leave this in an hour for the Port of Lagos, (not very distant from Lisbon) or run the risque of being detained here several weeks, or even perhaps Months. For information, I beg leave to refer you to my two last public letters, of equal date, to the Secretary State. My...
226To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not wait to become fully acquainted with the commercial intercourse which subsists between the United States and Portugal, before I resume the subject mentioned in my letter of the 19th of Novr. last, so far as relates to the manner in which our trade has been managed here, since the year 1783. Immediately after the war, upon the arrival of the first vessels from America, there appeared...
227To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A dispatch boat has just arrived from Algiers, which brings authentic intelligence, that a Truce for 12 months is concluded between Portugal and that Regency. In consequence of which eight Algerine cruizers, viz. four frigates, one brig and three Xebeques, have just passed through the Streights, into the Atlantic. Our vessels will now be exposed to the most eminent hazard of capture, as it was...
228To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 9 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 9 Sep. 1792. Since his last of 12 Aug. TJ has undoubtedly learned of the bloodshed in Paris, the provisional suspension of the King of France, the convocation of a new national convention on the 20th of this month, and the retreat of Poland to the old government. The Queen’s condition has worsened after Dr. Willis’s departure and the Princess of Brazil is believed to be pregnant. A...
229To George Washington from David Humphreys, 4 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon April 4th 1793. Since I had the honour of addressing you on the 24th Ultimo, I have seen two letters from Captn Obrian (the last of the 12th of February) to the Messrs Bulkeleys of this Town. In these he mentions, “that a Peace had been made by the instrumentality of Spain, between Prussia & Algiers for One hundred & forty thousand Mexico Dollars:...
230From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency commands me to inform you he approves of the Arrangements you have made, & would have the party from the Lines follow in the manner you propose. General Howe will meet the Detachment in the Clove tomorrow Morng. No Express or Information hath arrived from Philadelphia since you left Head Quarters last Evening—I have the Honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
231To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, attempted to go down the river at the time appointed: but contrary winds have prevented, so that she cannot before this evening reach Gravesend. For which place I shall proceed immediately by land. I have the honor to enclose a Paper containing a translation of the Correspondence between the King of France and his Ministers, consequent to the...
232To George Washington from David Humphreys, 16 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have written you twice within these few days, and agreeably to the promise in my last, I have now the honor of enclosing papers containing the state of facts respecting Captn Asgill’s confinement—I have no fear but that the truth will become generally known, I hope it is digested & printed in a manner that will be acceptable to you. I would have sent you several of the late papers from the...
233To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In addressing a letter to you the day before yesterday, and announcing the arrival of Captn. Cutting, I promised to write to you again by an opportunity which would occur in a few days. Determining there would be no sufficient compensation for the delay of going by Madrid, my hope was that you would have been informed, at this time, of our having at least secured a passage to Gibralter. This...
234To George Washington from Major David Humphreys, 23 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the liberty to present Your Excellency, with the Copy of an Address to the Armies under your command, which was begun for my own amusement, compleated with the Design suggested in the introduction, and suffered to be published, on the representation of my friends, that it might in some measure answer so valuable and important a purpose. Should it be so fortunate as to have any...
235From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 16 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency desires you will either go yourself, or send some Gentleman of your Department to the White Plains to examine the Position, number & state of the Ovens at that Place; & to report to him tomorrow Morng where they are, What number there are, what quantity of Bread they will Bake pr day, & what condition they are now in, with as much accuracy & precision as possible. I am Sir Your...
236To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
While I was in London I had the honour of informing your Excellency that as the commission to which I was attached as Secretary would expire in the Spring, I had given intimation to Congress of my having it in idea to return to America in the month of April, unless I should in the mean time receive such advices as might render it inexpedient. I also made the same communication to your very...
237From David Humphreys to Elisha Sheldon, 26 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Instead of being with your Corps at the White Plains between sunset & dark tomorrow Evening, as mentioned to you in the Commander in Chief’s Letter of yesterday’s date; it is his pleasure, that you should be with your Legion by 2 OClock P.M. tomorrow at the House where Lord Stirling quartered the last Campaign, (the name of the family I know not, but you will readily recollect it to have been...
238David Humphreys to John Adams, 30 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I write this to request information of you, what is necessary, right, & proper to be done by me on saturday next— You can doubtless tell, Sir, whether it is expected & wished that the whole diplomatic Corps should, be at Versailles on New-year’s day, or whether the concourse will probably be so great as that the presence of the smaller limbs of that great Body may readily be dispensed with— I...
239To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my first letter, I mentioned such circumstances of a political nature, relating to several of the principal Powers of Europe, as had then come to my knowledge. The facts, according to subsequent informations, were pretty justly stated. Leaving you to deduce such conclusions as your better judgment shall enable you to form, I proceed now to give you the sequel of intelligence which has...
240To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Knowing extreme jealousy of Spanish government and rigid regulations of this respecting all kinds of books, he almost despairs of being able to get those named in TJ’s private letter. Even if he had received it at Madrid, he could not have brought the books with him. But he will “revolve the matter in different views; and consult … my acquaintances” on means to effect it....
241From David Humphreys to William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of Yesterday; and to inform you, that he consents that the Six Teamsters required, should continue with Major Campbell untill the first of May, at which time they must positively join their Corps. I have the honor to be with the perfect respect Your Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
242From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 7 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a Letter from Colo. Swift respecting the expence incurred by keeping his Waggon Horses thro u ghout the Winter; on the subject of which I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you it is his pleasure; that ways & means may be devised, if possible for the payment of this expence before the Horses, are returned in; but in case you are not able to pay the Money that you adjust the...
243From David Humphreys to Mordecai Gist, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Cheif had the pleasure to receive your favor announcing the arrival of the Count de Grasse, at 1/2 past two oClock P.M. near Chester, and directed me to come forward to make some arrangement for expediting the Movement of the Troops, Ordnance, Stores &c. & ha ste ning the embarkation as much as possible. I have it in command from His Excy to write to you...
244From David Humphreys to William Heath, 28 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by His Excellency the Commander in Cheif to inform you that the Troops of the Massachusetts Line may receive four Months Pay. I have the honor to be Your most Obedt Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
245To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, which was dated the first of July, I have had the honour to receive yours of the 26th. of April, covering the Presidents Proclamation of the 22nd. of the same Month, and other communications on the subject of it. Hitherto hostilities have not taken place between this Country and France. Should they commence (which is not very improbable) I shall take care to comply with your...
246From David Humphreys to Richard Varick, 17 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is the Commander in Chief’s earnest desire that you will, without failure, forward all his Papers, recorded and unrecorded, to New York before the first of Decr next. I am with much esteem Dear Varick Your Most Obed. Servt P.S. I am recovering my health & strength slowly—I hope we shall see you in N. York where we may talk over matters & things at our leisure. NHi : Richard Varick Papers.
247To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, Madrid. No. 287. Has formally notified minister of state of American blockade of Tripoli; encloses copy of that note and minister’s reply. Confirms news of victory of the Enterprize over Tripolitan corsair, quoting from a 19 Aug. report by Commodore Dale. Notes that Portugal continues to delay peace negotiations with France. Plans to send his accounts by an American citizen...
248To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In referring to that part of the letter addressed by me, on the 28th. of June last, to the President of the U.S., which relates to the measures I took to avoid recieving without the consent of Congress the Royal Present usually offered to Ambassadors & Ministers who had resided near H.C.M. ; I now hasten to give information that Mr. Codman has brought from Europe to this Country a small...
249To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed my time here in communicating according to instructions the sentiments of the President on the navigation of the Missisipi, and other important points. Mr. Carmichael’s ideas are just; his exertions will be powerful and unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country: the task will now be difficult, if not impracticable, from the...
250To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Swedish vessel which was to have sailed with my last letters three days ago, has been unexpectedly detained until this time, I therefore take the liberty of addressing you again, principally with the object of recommending Mr James Simpson of Gibralter to be appointed Consul of the U.S. for that Port. This I am the rather induced to do, because I think a Consul at that Place highly...