1William Temple Franklin to John Adams and John Jay, 22 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Since the Letter I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 19th. Inst, the Duke de Lauzun is arrived at Versailles from Virginia, with the glorious News of the combined Force of America & France having forced General Cornwallis to capitulate. The English Garrison marched out of York Town on the 19th of...
2From John Adams to John Jay, 17 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
The States General have chosen Mr Brantzen Minister to negotiate for Peace. Yesterday he did me the honour to dine with me. He is represented to me to be a good Man and well fixed in the true System. I have very authentic Information that his Instructions will be such as France and America as well as his own Country ought to wish them. I have Letters from Boston 17 June —grand Rejoicings on...
Since the Letter I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 19 th . Inst, the Duke de Lauzun is arrived at Versailles from Virginia, with the glorious News of the combined Force of America & France having forced General Cornwallis to capitulate. The English Garrison marched out of York Town on the 19 th of Oct r . with the honour of War, & laid down their Arms: the Troops consisted...
4From John Adams to John Jay, 28 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is so long since I wrote You, that I am almost ashamed to recollect. I have been in the most curious Country, among the most incomprehensible People and under the most singular Constitution of Government in the World. I have not been able to write You, what could or would be done here, because I was not able to discover, nor did I ever yet find one Man in the Country, who would pretend to...
5To John Jay from John Adams, 28 March 1781 (Jay Papers)
It is so long since I wrote You, that I am almost ashamed to recollect. I have been in the most curious Country, among the most incomprehensible People and under the most singular Constitution of Government in the World. I have not been able to write You, what could or would be done here, because I was not able to discover, nor did I ever yet find one Man in the Country, who would pretend to...
6From John Adams to John Jay, 26 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
By the last Post, I recieved from L’Orient a sett of fresh Instructions from Congress, dated the 16th. of August, and with the more enjoined to open a Correspondence with your Excellency, upon the subject of them. I presume You have Copy by the same Vessel; but as it is possible it may have been omitted, I shall venture to inclose a Copy, and hope it may pass unopened. I have communicated it...
As I am informed that next Wednesday is appointed for the Signature of the definitive Treaties of Peace, I Suppose it will be thought proper to think of Some Conveyance of the Ratification of the Provisional Treaty, and of the Original of our definitive Treaty as Soon as it Shall be Signed To Congress. By what Vessell it will be proper to Send it, deserves to be considered as soon as possible,...
8To John Jay from John Adams, 13 May 1780 (Jay Papers)
I had two days ago the pleasure of yours of the 26 th . of April, and am very happy, to have at last recieved from your Hand an Account of your safe Arrival in that Capital. The C. de F. Blanca, is agreed to be a Man of Abilities, but some how or other, there is something in the European Understanding different from those We have been more used to. Men of the greatest abilities, and the most...
9To John Jay from John Morgan, 15 June 1779 (Jay Papers)
Congress having been pleased by its resolve of the 12 th Inst, on the full & weighty evidence before them to restore me in the most ample manner, to my former fair & unsullied reputation, I thankfully acknowledge the honourable approbation which it has been pleased, in consequence thereof to bestow on my Conduct in the Service of my Country— I consider it as a proof of the disposition of the...
10From John Adams to John Jay, 28 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform You, that Friesland has taken the Provincial Resolution to acknowledge the Sovereignty of the United States of America, and to admit their Minister to an Audience, and have instructed their Deputies in the Assembly of their high Mightinesses at the Hague to make the Motion in eight days from this. The States of Holland have also taken my last Requisition and...
11From John Adams to John Jay, 1 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour inclosing a certain Copy, I have recd, and in exchange Send you, two others, Fitzherberts Commission and the Dutch Instructions. The first you may have Seen or may not. The other may have been communicated to you in Part. I need not Say to you that it ought not to be known, from whence, either of them comes to you, or to me. RC (private owner, 1978). See John Jay’s letter of 1...
12To John Jay from John Adams, 26 November 1781 (Jay Papers)
By the last Post, I recieved from L’Orient a sett of fresh Instructions from Congress, dated the 16 th . of August, and with the more pleasure as I am enjoined to open a Correspondence with your Excellency, upon the subject of them. I presume You have Copy by the same Vessel; but as it is possible it may have been omitted, I shall venture to inclose a Copy, and hope it may pass unopened. I...
13To John Jay from John Penn, 27 August 1779 (Jay Papers)
I am thus far on my way home, I got to Annapolis as soon as Doctor Burke & M r . Randolp, I have the pleasure to tell you that I never saw such a prospect for Corn as the present crop, it is thought that there will be much more made than has been for many years past. M r . William Lee has directed his Brother to pay all the Gentleman in Virginia to whom he was indebted for Tob o . shipped to...
14From John Adams to John Jay, 7 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 28 Ult. was brought me last night. On Fryday last I was notified, by the Messenger of their H.M. that the Treaties would be ready for Signature on Monday (this day). I am accordingly at Noon, to go to the Assembly and finish the Business. But when this is done, Sometime will be indispensable, to prepare my Dispatches for Congress and look out for the most favourable Conveyances,...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, to John Adams, and to John Jay, 5 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. James Monroe who served some time as an officer in the American army and as such distinguished himself in the affair of Princetown as well as on other occasions, having resumed his studies, comes to Europe to complete them. Being a citizen of this state, of abilities, merit and fortune, and my particular friend, I take the liberty of making him known to you, that should...
16To John Jay from John Adams, 28 February 1782 (Jay Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that Friesland has taken the Provincial Resolution to acknowledge the Sovereignty of the United States of America, and to admit their Minister to an Audience, and have instructed their Deputies in the Assembly of their high Mightinesses at the Hague to make the Motion in eight days from this. The States of Holland have also taken my last Requisition and...
17John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society As I am informed that next Wednesday is appointed for the Signature of the definitive Treaties of Peace, I Suppose it will be thought proper to think of Some Conveyance of the Ratification of the Provisional Treaty, and of the Original of our definitive Treaty as Soon as it Shall be Signed to Congress. By what Vessell it...
18From John Adams to John Jay, 13 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had two days ago the pleasure of yours of the 26th. of April, and am very happy, to have at least recieved from your Hand an Account of your safe Arrival in that Capital. The C. de F. Blanca, is agreed to be a Man of Abilities, but somehow or other, there is something in the European Understanding different from those We have been more used to. Men of the greatest Abilities, and the most...
19To John Jay from John Laurens, 11 April 1781 (Jay Papers)
In thanking Your Excellency for the letter with which you have honored me, I should have to reproach myself for not paying my respects to you hitherto, if the novel and busy scene in which I have been engaged did not plead my excuse, and if I were not persuaded that Your Excellencys letters from America, which I committed on my arrival to the care of Doctor Franklin, will have given you every...
20From John Adams to John Jay, 2 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on the 10th. 13th. and 17th. of August, but have no Answer as yet to either Letter. All is well here, and will not only remain so but grow better and better. Since it is from Bows and Smiles and Invitations to Dinner and Such kind of Indications that We are to collect the deep Politicks of Courts, I Suppose I may augur well for your Negotiations with Spain, because I have lately...
21From John Adams to John Jay, 15 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I shall not always stand upon Ceremonies, nor wait for Answers to Letters, because useful Hints may be given, which would be lost if one were to wait Returns of Posts. The British Channel Fleet is reckoned this Year at from thirty to thirty seven Ships of the Line, but it is well known that they depend upon Seamen to be pressed from their first West India Fleet, in order to make up this...
22From John Adams to John Jay, 13 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
The public Papers announce Fitzherbert’s Comission to be, to treat “With the four Powers at War with Great-Britain” But whether they mean Hyder Aly, or the Marattas, is uncertain. I have obtained Intelligence of a Paper addressed lately from the Court of St. James’s to the Courts of Vienna and Petersbourg, as well as that of Paris, in which are the following words, vizt. Sa Majesté Britannique...
23To John Jay from John de Neufville & Son, 13 July 1780 (Jay Papers)
Never Letter could have been more welcome than the favor, your Exc y . honored us with of the 25 th of past month; as she expresses a true Concern about the Bills drawn on M r : Laurens and her approbation of our Conduct; as we from the beginning acted from Principle in the American cause & never will prevaricate; this is only from the same motive, but we must be sorry if we should not be...
24From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 26, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of July 26 not found. ]
25To John Jay from John Marsden Pintard, 19 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
Having been directed by my worthy uncle Elias Boudinot Esq r (now Presid t . of Congress) to appeal in Behalf of, and render every assistance to americans who by the Fortune of War were brought to this Place, I accordingly on every occasion, when any of my unfortunate Countrymen were brought in here, assisted them, not only with my advice but likewise my Purse; particularly in the Case of Cap...
26George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 17, 1779 . Speculates on destination of the British detachment that sailed from New York. Estimates number of British troops that sailed and number that remains. Mentions possibility of surprise attack on New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27From John Adams to John Jay, 28 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour to write you, on the 26 instant by the Post, a Conveyance which I am determined to try, untill I am certainly informed of its Infidelity, in which Case, I will ask the favour of the French or Spanish Ambassador, to inclose my dispatches. I received by the last Post, a Duplicate of Dispatches from Congress the originals of which I received Sometime ago. I presume you have recd...
28George Washington to John Jay, 3 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1779 . Advises that peace be made with only a part of the Indians. Thinks that Indians should be severely punished for past behavior. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29From George Washington to John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to John Jay, 23 Feb. 1779 . Jay wrote GW on 2 March (first letter): “accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult.”
30To John Jay from John Sullivan, 21 July 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have hitherto delayed troubling congress with any accounts from this quarter, from a hope, that before this time I should have been able to have given them more favourable accounts from this quarter, than is now in my power. My duty to the publick & regard to my own reputation, compel me to State to congress the reasons of the army under my command being so long delayed at this post, without...
31George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 16, 1779. States that England’s rejection of the Spanish offer of mediation “is more strongly tinctured with insanity than any thing she has done in the course of the contest, unless she be sure of very powerful aid from some of the Northern states.” Encloses a letter from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne concerning some of Wayne’s officers. Df , in writing of H, George...
32To John Jay from John McKesson, 8 February 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have the Pleasure to inform you that in pursuance of a Resolution of the Assembly on the second, and a concurrent Resolution of Senate on the 4 th . Instant (in both cases without a dissenting voice) your appointment as a Delegate to Congress is to be continued until thirty Days after the next meeting of the Legislature— M r . Allen in A late publication asserts, that all the Members of...
33George Washington to John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 29, 1779. Reports that the news of the embarkation of the British was false. Asks if powder can be obtained from Massachusetts or Connecticut. Df , in writing of H, with postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34George Washington to John Jay, 14 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, April 14, 1779. ] Explains dispute with Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35George Washington to John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1779 . Sends information concerning British attack and retreat at Elizabethtown. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
36George Washington to John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 5, 1779 . Reports that news from Great Britain “seems to breathe a vigorous prosecution of the war.” Asks that states be urged to complete their battalions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37From John Adams to John Jay, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I most sincerely congratulate You, on your happy Arrival in Europe, which must be the more agreeable to You, for the terrible Voyages You have had. Every good American in Europe I believe suffered a great Anxiety, from the Length of Time that passed between the day when it was known the Confederacy sailed, and the Time when the News arrived of your being at Cadiz. I too have had my Hair...
38To John Jay from John Adams, 28 November 1781 (Jay Papers)
I had the Honour to write you, on the 26 instant by the Post a Conveyance which I am determined to try, untill I am certainly informed of its Infidelity, in which Case, I will ask the favour of the French or Spanish Ambassador, to inclose my dispatches. I received by the last Post, a Duplicate of Dispatches from Congress the originals of which I received some time ago. I presume you have rec d...
39George Washington to John Jay, 7 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 7, 1779. Describes British troop movements in New York. Discusses probable British plans and advises building up American defenses in South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40George Washington to John Jay, 21 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 21, 1779. Explains steps taken to provide Major General John Sullivan’s men with clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 23, 1779 . Sends news of capture of Powles Hook by Major Henry Lee. Mentions Lord Stirling’s cooperation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 29, 1779. Asks permission to return to Camp. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
43To John Jay from Isaac Ketchum, 8 June 1776 (Jay Papers)
I have last night received intelligence from Israel Y. that he had discovered a plan, from where he did not expect, and time it was guarded against. He is not willing to explain it to any person but your Honour. Sir, as to my own liberty, I think I have clearly earned it, and well deserve it; though I should wait with more patience if I could be of any use to the public. But at present I am...
44George Washington to John Jay, 25 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 25, 1779 . Is concerned about the “predatory” fighting of British. Encloses instructions to Brigadier General Charles Scott concerning reinforcements in the South. Discusses British preparations in New York. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
45George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Encloses information concerning British troop movements and present position of American troops. Is about “to set out this day towards the Highlands, by way of Morris Town.” LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
46To John Jay from John Adams, 8 July 1782 (Jay Papers)
The Duke de la Vauguion has this Moment, kindly given me Notice, that he is to Send off a Courier this Evening at Eleven, and that the Dutch Fleet has Sailed from the Texel this Morning. I shall take Advantage of the Courier Simply to congratulate you on your Arrival at Paris, and to wish you and M rs Jay, much Pleasure, in your Residence there.— Health, the Blessing which is Sought in vain,...
47George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 23, 1779 . Asks why Continental frigates are kept in port. Asks if Conrad Alexandre Gérard is returning to France. Questions wisdom of supplying Bermudian ships with flour. Asks if “any thing … can be done to restore the credit of our currency.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
I may venture to write to you as whatever is useful to human Nature Cannot but be Pleasing. as nothing in the world is So useful and beneficial as Government founded on Comon Equity and prudance— So nothing ^ is ^ So Delights my mind as the Contemplation of the Happiness of having a Part in the well Regulated Comunity— Their is Such a Charm in good order and Stedy Descipline that the World ^...
49George Washington to John Jay, 15 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 15, 1779 . Reiterates request for a congressional plan “which would have a general operation throughout the States for compleating their respective Battalions.” Discusses need to continue Army at full strength and to reorganize clothing department. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50From John Adams to John Jay, 8 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Duke de la Vauguion has this Moment, kindly given me Notice, that he is to Send off a Courier this Evening at Eleven, and that the Dutch Fleet has Sailed from the Texel this Morning. I shall take Advantage of the Courier Simply to congratulate you, on your Arrival at Paris, and to wish you and Mrs Jay, much Pleasure, in your Residence there. Health, the Blessing which is Sought in vain,...