1John Adams’ Instructions Respecting a Commercial Treaty with Great Britain, 16 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:183–184 . Like those for the peace treaty (calendared above), these instructions had been adopted on 14 August ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington,...
2To John Adams from the President of Congress, 1 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces of the low Countries, with Instructions for your Government on that important Mission; as also a Plan of a Treaty with those States, and likewise a Resolve of Congress relative to the Declaration of the Empress of Russia respecting the Protection of neutral Ships &c. Proper Letters of Credence...
3To John Adams from the President of Congress, 18 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Duplicate of my Letter of the 30th of July, with a List of the original Letters and Duplicates which I have had the Honor to receive from you since that Time. The Pleasure and Satisfaction which I have received from the Perusal of those Letters, especially that of the 26th of June with the Despatches accompanying it, makes me lament the Want of Leisure to...
I have the honour to transmit you herewith enclosed Two Commissions wherein you are Authorized and appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from these United States to Negotiate Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Great Brittain; Accompanied with instructions in each Case, for your government in the Execution of those Several Commissions. For your further Information and benefit, are enclosed Copies...
5To John Adams from the President of Congress, 10 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Congress consider your correspondence with the Count de Vergennes on the subject of communicating Your Plenipotentiary Powers to the Ministry of Great Britain as flowing from your Zeal and Assiduity in the service of your country: but I am directed to inform you that the Opinion given to you by that minister relative to the time and circumstances proper for communicating your powers and...
6Commission to Conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Whereas an Intercourse between the Citizens of the United Provinces of the Low Countries and the Citizens of these United States founded on the principles of Equality and Reciprocity may be of mutual Advantage to both Nations, Know Ye therefore that We confiding in the Integrity, Prudence and Ability of the Honourable John Adams late Commissioner of the United States of America at the Court of...
7II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
8John Adams’ Instructions Respecting a Peace Treaty with Great Britain, 16 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:181–183 . Although dated 16 October, the instructions had been adopted on 14 August ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 14:956–960)....
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
10To John Adams from the President of Congress, 9 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of Credence, mentioned in my other Letter of this Date; the one addressed to the Stadtholder; the other to their high Mightinesses the States General &c. You will please to observe the Cover of each is unsealed, that you may take them off and superscribe the Address on each of the enclosed Letters that are sealed, in the proper Stile and Titles on each of them...
11III. Instructions to the Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...
12To John Adams from the President of Congress, 20 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed a letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty; with a Copy of the Same for your information. Also a Commission constituting the four gentlemen therein named in addition to yourself our Ministers for negotiating peace. Also another commission and duplicate Authorizing them to accept the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany and Empress of Russia, in one of...
13Instructions Respecting a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will herewith receive a commission authorising you to negotiate a treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Provinces of the low countries. You will also receive a plan, in articles which you are to adopt in whole or without any essential alteration, being always cautious not to admit anything inconsistent with the treaties already concluded between these United States and France, and...
14Samuel Huntington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 27 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I am favour’d with your letter of yesterday also one from Colo Hamilton of the 19th instant. I have not receiv’d any official or particular intelligence from the Count D’Estaing or the southern Army since you left this City. The enclos’d papers contain all the information I am able to give you either from the southern, northern or eastern Armies. I am with esteem & regard your hble Servt LC ,...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 5 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, National Archives In my Letter of the 4th of January last I had the Honor to transmit to you Sir the Resolve of Congress of the 21st of December signifying their Desire that you should apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for the Release & Exchange of the...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Instructions, 28 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: South Carolina Historical Society; draft: National Archives These instructions do not reveal that in conjunction with them various members of Congress had opened a campaign to undercut Franklin’s authority as minister to the French court. This was the first concerted attack upon him since the failed recall attempt in the spring of 1779. On November 22 Congress had resolved to appeal to...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 1 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed, a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, as also a Copy of the same for your Information, together with Instructions of the 28th of November & 27th of December for your Government on the important Subject contained in the Letter to the King of France; likewise a Copy of the Instructions...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 12 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of introducing to your favourable Notice the Honble James Searle Esquire the Bearer. This Gentleman hath been for some Time past, and now is a Member of Congress for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and comes to Europe charged with Business of Consequence from that State. The Honour that State hath conferred upon him, and the Confidence...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 4 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: National Archives, University of Pennsylvania Library Agreeable to the Act of Congress of the 21st. Ulto herewith enclosed I am to desire you to apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for obtaining the Release and Exchange of the Honorable Henry Laurens Esqr. From your own Inclination as well as...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 2 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library, Franklin Bache Huntington (Washington, D.C., 1938); copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed, the Copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 27th Ulto, expressing the high Sense that they entertain of the distinguished Bravery and military Conduct of Captain John Paul Jones. Conformable to the enclosed Resolve, you will please to communicate...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Two Letters, 19 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, National Archives; (II) LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Library of Congress; copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, with a Copy of the same for your Information, also a Commission constituting yourself with the four other Gentlemen...
22To 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...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; partial copy: National Archives Congress have appointed the honble. John Jay esq minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of amity and commerce and of alliance between his Catholic Majesty and the united states of America And the honble. John Adams esqr. minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of peace and a treaty of commerce with Great Britain....
24To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, [27 December 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Since your last Instructions Congress have thought it expedient to send Col. John Laurens with powers to negotiate specially the important Affairs to which they more immediately relate. This gentleman from the nature of his services & situation has had opportunities of information which...
25Commission as Lieutenant Colonel, [25 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The United States of America In Congress Assembled To Alexander Hamilton Esq. Greeting. We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you, to a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the first day of March A. D. 1777. You are therefore carefully and diligently to...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 27 April 1781, enclosing a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard. You will observe by the Journals of Congress under the 20th of July 1778, Encouragement given to this Gentleman to collect Materials for a History, and a Recommendation to the several States to aid and assist him in such Collection. If any of the Manuscripts &c. to which his Letter...
Since writing my Letter of the 6 th of October last (a Copy of which is enclosed) I have been honored with yours of July 10 th & September 16 th ; by the latter I am happy to find that we may expect soon to receive further & more particular Intelligence from you Congress, it is probable, will soon establish an Office for foreign Affairs, to be managed by an Officer stiled Secretary for foreign...
Your Letter of the 6 th of November last detailing your Proceedings from the twenty sixth of May down to that Period, has been received by the United States in Congress assembled; at the same Time was received your Letter of the 30 th of November with the several Papers therein referred to. It is with Pleasure, Sir, I obey the Direction of Congress to inform you that throughout the whole...
Congress having since their Instructions to you of the 29 th of September 1779 and the 4 th of October 1780, relative to the Claim of the United States to the free Navigation of the river Mississippi, and to a free Port or Ports below the 31 st Degree of North Latitude, resumed the Consideration of that Subject, and being desirous to manifest to all the World, and particularly to his Catholic...
By the treaties subsisting between his most Christian Majesty and the United States of America, a power is reserved to his Catholic Majesty to accede to the said treaties and to participate in their stipulations at such time as he shall judge proper, it being well understood nevertheless, that if any of the stipulations of the said treaties are not agreeable to the King of Spain, his Catholic...
31Instructions from Congress to John Jay, 4 October 1780 (Jay Papers)
Instructions to the Honorable John Jay Minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of Madrid agreed to unanimously in Congress Oct r . 4 th . 1780 That the said Minister adhere to his former instructions respecting the right of the United States of America to the free navigation of the river Mississippi into and from the sea, which right if an express acknowledgment...
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Commission constituting yourself and the three other Gentlemen therein named, in Addition to M r Adams, our Ministers for negotiating Peace Also another Commission & Duplicate to the same Ministers, authorizing them to accept of the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany & Empress of Russia, in one of which you will observe the Emperor is first named & in the...
The Delegates of the united States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia In congress assembled— To all who shall see these Presents send Greeting— Whereas an intercourse between the Subjects of his Catholic Majesty, and the Citizens...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 31 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30 Instant, herewith enclosed, your Excellency will observe that Majr. Genl. Greene is appointed to take the Command in the southern Department; and you will also receive the necessary Information of the Powers and Instructions given to him by Congress, and that it is earnestly recommended to the Legislatures and Executives from the Delaware State to Georgia...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 10 Oct. 1780. Enclosing a resolve of Congress of 7 Oct. “appointing Commissioners to endorse the new Bills of Credit to be issued by Virginia, and Letters to the Gentlemen informing them of their Appointment.” A postscript acknowledges TJ’s letters of 27 Sep. and 3 Oct. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington; endorsed. Enclosures: 2 copies ( Vi ) attested by...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 9 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 9 Oct. 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolutions relative to Continental finance (see note below); asks promptness in payment and regrets that the state quotas are so large. RC ( Vi ); 3 p.; signed: “Samll: Huntington President”; endorsed by a clerk. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14). Enclosure: copy of a series of resolves of Congress signed by Charles Thomson ( Vi ):...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 21 Mch. 1781 . Encloses proclamation of 20 Mch. recommending that Thursday, 3 May 1781, be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); at head of text: “Circular.” The enclosed proclamation, attested by Charles Thomson, was printed in Va. Gaz. Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, 1751–1780, and Richmond, 1780–1781). Abbreviations for publishers of...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 19 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed, the Copy of a Resolve of the 17th Instant, recommending to the several Legislatures to enact Laws making further Provision (as specified in the Resolve) to guard against the Abuses and deceitful Practices of the British, by making Use of Papers and Clearances they may take in American Vessels. The Measures recommended in this and the former Resolve of the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 June 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 1 June respecting supplies to be furnished over and above quotas fixed by Congress’ resolve of 25 Feb. 1780. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xvii , 480.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 4 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 4 Apr. 1780 . Encloses a resolve of Congress of 27 Mch., “by which you will be informed that the Recommendation of Congress of the 17th of August 1779 in their Opinion makes Provision for the Case of the Widow and Children of the late Lieut. Colo. John Sayer [Sayres, Seayer, Seayres].” Also a resolve of 30 Mch. requesting the State of Virginia to supply provisions for the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 20 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Mch. 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 18 Mch. “calling upon the several States to bring in the Continental Currency by monthly taxes, or otherwise as shall best suit their respective Circumstances, … and making provision for other Bills to be issued in Lieu thereof.” Requests that there be no delay in submitting this resolve to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 4 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 4 Dec. 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing copy of a resolve of Congress of 30 Nov. requesting the states to furnish Commissary General Blaine or his deputy with the names of the principal agents or commissioners appointed to supply the army in each state “and to oblige them [the agents] to give Information from Time to Time to the Commissary General, or his...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 Jan. 1781. Encloses extract of a letter from General Washington of 27 Dec. concerning the embarkation of the British from New York. RC ( PHi ); docketed: “Pr. Congress enclosg. extract of Genl Washington recd Jany 13. 81.” Tr ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); addressed to the governor of Maryland; at foot of text: “N. B. The like verbatim to the governors of Virginia & North Carolina.”...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 2 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a copy of a resolve of Congress of 25 Oct. “recommending to the respective States, to exert their utmost Endeavors to furnish their Troops with Cloathing, on the Terms formerly mentioned.” FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington,...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 28 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 28 July 1780 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 25 July authorizing the states furnishing wagons for Continental service to make adequate allowances for wagon hire until deputy quartermasters are appointed for the states. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; endorsed. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). Enclosure ( Vi ): copy of Congress’ resolution of 25 July 1780,...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, [9 January 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 9 Jan. 1781. ] Encloses copies of resolutions of Congress of 5 and 8 Jan. The former relates to “the unwarrantable and cruel Treatment which … Prisoners with the Enemy have of late received,” necessitating the “Exercise of the Law of retaliation”; recommends that measures be taken for carrying into execution the resolves of Congress of 13 Jan. 1780 respecting prisoners taken by...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 5 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 June 1780. Encloses a resolve of Congress and asks that orders for executing it be carried out. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Caption reads “To Governor Lee,” but at foot of text is the notation “The like verbatim to Gov Jefferson.” Enclosure ( Vi ); see below. The resolve enclosed was one adopted by Congress on the day this letter was written (see JCC Journals of the...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 19 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress have received authentick Information that his most Christian Majesty is preparing to send a powerful Naval and land Force to some Part of the Continent of North America. This Force generously calculated, either to produce a Diversion in our Favour, or to forward the Operation of our Arms by being directed to the same Object, may either by our Exertions be made the happy Means of...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 Aug. 1780 . Encloses acts of Congress of 12 and 24 Aug. 1780 for the provision of the officers and soldiers of the Continental Army, with recommendations to the states, and for the extension of the half pay approved for officers to their widows and orphans. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); 1 p.; at head of text: “Circular.” Enclosures: Resolutions of Congress, 14 and 24 Aug....
50To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 16 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 June 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s “Despatches” of 9 June. They have been referred to Board of War and Committee on the Post Office. Encloses resolutions of Congress of 14 June authorizing Gen. Gates to call on Virginia and other southern states for militia and supplies and recommending those states to give every assistance in their power to carry into execution “such Measures as...