1IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
2John Jay’s Draft of a Letter from the Continental Congress to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Jay Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you by order of Congress the only Tribute which a free People will ever consent to pay, the Tribute of Thanks & Gratitude to their Friends & Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory, and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that as a peculiar...
3To George Washington from John Jay, 8 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Jay, 8 Jan. 1777. On 20 Feb. GW wrote Jay that “your Card of the 8th Ulto I have had the honour to receive.”
4To George Washington from John Jay, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Bedlow of this Place (whom I have long known to be an exceeding good Man) tells me, that Coll Freer near Poughkeepsie lately assured him that Morris Hazard, of that Place had purchased of him, for public use expresly, a Quantity of Flour, which in a few Days afterwards he sold at an advance of between four and five hundred Pounds. Capt. Bedlow further tells me that Coll Palmer of...
5To George Washington from John Jay, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW ....
6From John Jay to George Washington, 19 November 1778 (Jay Papers)
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant His Excellency...
7To George Washington from John Jay, 12 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Among the various Duties incident to the Appointment with which Congress has been pleased to honor me, that of corresponding with those public Characters whom I most esteem, will be particularly agreable. This Consideration, added to those of a public Nature, will constantly press my Attention to every Thing which may respect your Excellency; and permit me to assure you of my Endeavour, to...
8To George Washington from John Jay, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s three Letters of the 13th Inst. have been laid before Congress, & the two respecting a certain Expedition & Colonel Fleury are committed. The Idea of an Interview prevails and there is reason to expect that this useful Measure will be adopted. I have the Honor of transmitting the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 16th Inst. & am with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Your...
9To George Washington from John Jay, 22 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 21st Inst. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Your Excellency’s most Obed. & Hb. Servt LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. Jay wrote similar letters on this date to major generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and John Sullivan; paymaster general William Palfrey; deputy paymasters Ebenezer Hancock...
10To George Washington from John Jay, 23 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving and communicating to Congress your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st Inst: respecting Coll Rawlins—Copies of two Acts of Congress of this day, One on that Subject, & the other refusing a Request of Major General Phillips to go to New York & ordering him to Virginia, are herewith enclosed. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your...
11To George Washington from John Jay, 27 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Letter, of this day, was this morning communicated to Congress, & immediately taken into consideration—By the enclosed copy of an Act, on the Subject of Captain Stoddard’s request, You will perceive that it is granted. Your Excellency’s Recommendation respecting Provision for the speedy recruiting the Army is referred to the Treasury. The Congress have, by Acts of the 22nd &...
12To George Washington from John Jay, 30 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d Inst., Congress passed two Acts, One relating to the Commissary of Prisoners, the other to the Director General; Copies of both are herewith enclosed. Both your Excellency’s Letters of the 29 Inst., One covering an Extract of a Letter from Governor Clinton, the other, a Letter from General Du Portail, have been delivered to me—Whatever Acts they may become the Subjects of, shall be...
13To George Washington from John Jay, 31 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress, agreeable to Your Excellency’s Recommendation, have directed the Commissary, and Quarter-Master General to pay such of the Accounts, mentioned in Governor Clinton’s Letter, as he shall certify —And by their Act of the 30th Inst., of which the enclosed is a copy, have consented to Your Excellency’s Return to Camp. The Opinion of Congress, respecting the continuation of the Committee...
14To George Washington from John Jay, 1 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress have this day passed an Act, of which the enclosed is a copy, on the Subject of your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th Ult:, whereby they have resolved that You give such directions, as you may think proper, for arranging the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s Departments to the Westward &c. I have the honor to be Sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most Obedt & very humble...
15To George Washington from John Jay, 3 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will herewith receive a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 2nd Inst: on the Subject of Aid to the States of Georgia & South-Carolina. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14 The enclosed act of 2 Feb. consists of resolutions directing that Pulaski’s Legion and the Continental troops said...
16To George Washington from John Jay, 5 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed Copies of two Acts of Congress of Yesterday—The one for recruiting Count Pulaski, & Coll Armand’s Corps to their full Complement of Infantry—The other for completeing the Arrangement of the Army, & settling the relative Rank of Officers under the Degree of Brigadier. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt & Hble Servt LS , DLC:GW...
17To George Washington from John Jay, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to transmit to Your Excellency the enclosed Copies of two Letters—One from Major Genl Schuyler to Congress—the other from Mr James Deane to him —The State of Delaware has acceded to the Confederation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt & Hbl. Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed copies of Maj. Gen. Philip...
18To George Washington from John Jay, 22 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with Your Excellency’s Favor of the 19th Inst: It shall, with the Papers enclosed, be communicated to Congress this Morning, & their Orders on the Subject immediately transmitted to You. Your Excellency will find herewith enclosed Copies of two Acts of Congress, of the 20th Inst: One respecting Brigr General McIntosh, & the Proceedings of a Court-Martial held by his...
19To George Washington from John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress consider Genl McDougall’s Application worthy of Attention, & the better to enable your Excellency to comply, if you think proper with his Request have ordered a thousand Dollars to be forwarded to You—The enclosed is a Copy of the Order for that purpose. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellys most Obedt & Hble Servt LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. GW had...
20To George Washington from John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed with this Letter Copies of two Acts of Congress, one of the 18th Inst. establishing Regulations for the Department of Inspector General—The other of the 25th respecting the Defence of the Western Frontiers, with the Applications of Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania to Congress on that Subject. I have the Honor to be Sir With the greatest Respect &...
21To George Washington from John Jay, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult. and be pleased to add to the obligation by a Repitition of them. The arrival of a Reinforcement from Rhode Island at New York seems to indicate, either another Embarkation to the Southward, or offensive operations in your Quarter. but of military Matters I have too little Knowledge to hazard Conjectures, especially to Persons familiar...
22To George Washington from John Jay, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letters of the 24th & 26th Ulto with their several Inclosures have been received and communicated to Congress. A Copy of an Act of Congress of the 27th Feby is herewith enclosed, by which your Excellency will perceive that the Letter of Coll Wigglesworth is referred to the Delegates of Massachusetts Bay, & that General Glover is to be indulged with a furlough for such time as...
23From John Jay to George Washington, 2 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult. and be pleased to add to the obligation by a Repetition of them. The arrival of a Reinforcement from Rhode Island at New York seems to indicate, either another Embarkation to the Southward, or offensive Operations in your Quarter, but of military Matters I have too little Knowledge to hazard Conjectures, especially to Persons familiar...
24To George Washington from John Jay, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The opinion that greater advantage results from communicating important Events to the People, in an authentic manner, than by unauthorized Reports, is certainly just, tho often neglected. The Intelligence alluded to, is unfortunately of such a Nature, or rather so circumstanced, as to render Secrecy necessary. As Congress with the Consent of the Minister of France, have directed it to be...
25From John Jay to George Washington, 3 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
The opinion that greater advantage results from communicating important Events to the People, in an authentic Manner, than by unauthorized Reports, is certainly just, tho often neglected. The Intelligence alluded to, is unfortunately of such a Nature, or rather so circumstanced, as to render Secrecy necessary. As Congress with the Consent of the Minister of France, have directed it to be...
26To George Washington from John Jay, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of acknowledging the Receipt of Your Excellency’s Favor of the 1st Inst., which, with the Paper enclosed in it, was immediately communicated to Congress. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient And Humble Servant LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. GW acknowledged the receipt of this letter on 11 March. Jay is acknowledging GW’s second...
27To George Washington from John Jay, 5 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed three Acts of Congress of this day—One for accepting the Resignation of Brigadier Genl Warnum, another accepting the Resignation of Major Pawling of Colonel Malcolm’s Regiment, and the third authorizes your Excellency at your discretion to settle with the Enemy a Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s...
28To George Washington from John Jay, 12 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of acknowledging the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favor enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Major General Putnam. Herewith enclosed is a copy of an Act of Congress of the 5th Inst. for the Payment of certificates given to Inhabitants from whom Supplies have been irregularly obtained —Another of the 9th for recruiting the Army, & a third of the 10th Inst. for accepting...
29To George Washington from John Jay, 14 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Jay, 14 March 1779. GW wrote Jay on 20 March : “I am honored by yours of the 12th and 14th insts. with their inclosures.”
30To George Washington from John Jay, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a copy of an Act of Congress of this day for the Releif of such of the Troops of the United States as are not included in the Quotas assessed on the different States. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect And Esteem your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. This letter apparently was carried to GW by Maj. Benjamin...
31To George Washington from John Jay, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed a copy of an Act of Congress of the 16th Inst., for enlisting a Corps of Waggoners —And am With the greatest Respect & Esteem—Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Hble Servt. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. GW replied to this letter on 24 March. Congress passed this act, the enclosed copy of which has not been identified, after...
32To George Washington from John Jay, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency, herewith enclosed, Copies of three Acts of Congress, One of the 18th Inst. for exchanging Captain Greene, who was made Prisoner at the Cedars in Canada in 1776, with an Extract from a Letter of Major General Schuyler on that Subject. Another of the 18th Inst. declining to accept General Schuyler’s Resignation—and a third of the 16th Inst.,...
33To George Washington from John Jay, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of acknowledging the Receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 20th Inst., with the Memorial enclosed with it—On the 15th I had the Honor of transmitting to You by Major Talmage an Act of Congress of that day for the releif of such of the Troops of the United States as are not included in the Quotas assessed on the different States—This Act I hope has reached your Excellency &...
34To George Washington from John Jay, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Act of Congress of this day authorizing the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department to order Supplies of Provision to the Oneidas & the other friendly Indians whose Necessities may require it, & directing the Commissaries in that Department to obey such Orders. Altho’ this Act may not require your immediate Interposition, yet as every circumstance that may...
35To George Washington from John Jay, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The less is written on the Subject about which the Bearer will confer with you, doubtless the better—It may be proper however for me to inform you—that I have known him well for many Years. In my Opinion he is an honest man, and firmly attached to the American Cause from the Commencement of the present Troubles. I have seen his Conduct in several Instances directed by generous Sentiments of...
36To George Washington from John Jay, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favors of the 24th 26th, and 29th Ulto have been received & communicated to Congress—The enclosed is a copy of an Act of Congress of the 1st Inst., relative to a Body of Men lately raised by the State of New York for the Defence of their Frontiers. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC ,...
37To George Washington from John Jay, 6 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Jay presents his Compliments to General Washington, and encloses an Extract from a Letter in a certain Degree interesting. AD , DLC:GW . Jay addressed the cover: “Private His Excellency General Washington Head Quarters.” Jay enclosed two extracts in his own writing from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates’s letter to him of 15 March, which read: “The enclosed Copy of my Letter to General Washington of...
38To George Washington from John Jay, 7 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 29th Ulto, & 2nd Inst., And have now the pleasure of transmitting an Act of Congress of the 5th Inst., providing for the pay of the Officers in the Cloathing Department; Copies of which will, this day, be sent to the different States, And also an Act of the 3rd Inst., for sending Blank Commissions to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs...
39To George Washington from John Jay, 8 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed Extract from the Minutes of the 6th Inst., Your Excellency will perceive that Messieurs Henry Rutgers Junr, and Azariah Horton are appointed Deputy-Commissaries-General of Musters in the Room of Messrs Bradford & Noarth who have resigned. I have also the pleasure of transmitting Copies of two Acts of the 7th Inst: One for cutting a Road from Penobscot River to St Johns River...
40To George Washington from John Jay, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed Copies of the following Acts of Congress—vizt: Of the third Instant, for trying Major General Arnold by a Court Martial on the charges specified in the Papers therein referred to, & which are herewith sent—Of the 9th Instant, appointing four second Lieutenants in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Harrison—Of the...
41To George Washington from John Jay, 14 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
This morning I had the Pleasure of receiving & communicating to Congress, your Excellency’s favor of the 12th Inst., The enclosed Act, on the Subjects of it, will inform your Excellency, that Congress cannot agree to the Request of Major Harnage & Captain Hawker, but do not object to their remaining where they are —And that the Proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of the Officers at...
42To George Washington from John Jay, 18 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 15th Inst., and now transmit Copies of two Acts of Congress, One of the 14th Inst., to prevent Persons going within the Enemy’s Lines unless authorized in the manner mentioned in it—The other of the 17th Instant repeals a former Act of the 16th March respecting the Enlistment of Waggoners, & establishing other Regulations on that...
43To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency, herewith enclosed, Copies of two Acts of Congress of the 19th Inst., One for accepting the Resignation of Major General Schuyler, the other granting to a Colonel, when commanding a Brigade, Six extra-Rations. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14....
44To George Washington from John Jay, 21 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 Inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many Reasons grateful to me—I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions, respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports, had come to my Knowledge. Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when...
45From John Jay to George Washington, 21 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many reasons grateful to me— I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports had come to my Knowledge— Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when here—...
46To George Washington from John Jay, 25 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
After Congress adjourned yesterday I was favored with two Letters from your Excellency, both of the 23rd Inst.—They shall be communicated to Congress in the morning. Herewith enclosed are sundry respecting Coll Steele’s Tryal at Fort-Pitt—They ought to have accompanied the others on that Subject. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your Excellys most Obedt Sert LS , DLC:GW...
47To George Washington from John Jay, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Questions contained in your Favor of the Day of April Inst. are as important as the Manner of introducing them is delicate. While the maritime Affairs of the Continent continue under the Direction of a Committee, they will be exposed to all the Consequences of Want of System Attention and Knowledge. The marine Committee consists of a Delegate from each State. It fluctuates—New Members...
48From John Jay to George Washington, 26 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Questions contained in your Favor of the [23] April Inst. are as important, as the Manner of introducing them is delicate. While the maritime affairs of the Continent continue under the Direction of a Committee, they will be exposed to all the Consequences of want of System Attention and Knowledge. The marine Committee consists of a Delegate from each State. It fluctuates—new members...
49To George Washington from John Jay, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Act of Congress of the 1st Inst., authorizes your Excellency to call upon Massachusetts-Bay for the Continental Cannon lent to that State. I am directed to inform you that if you want Specie for secret Service, you may draw for any Sum, or Sums to the amount of two thousand Guineas upon the treasurer who will pay the same. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem...
50To George Washington from John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed is a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 4th Inst., respecting a Brigade of fifteen hundred Men proposed to be raised by the State of Rhode-Island. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s Most Obedient And Humble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed resolution of 4 May expressed Congress’s approval of Rhode Island’s...