1To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favor of the 29th directing a suspension of the troops and stores destined for the Western Posts. The light Infantry company which came from the Lines have returned, & I directed that the clothing drawn by them and the Artillery men to be redelivered to the Clothier. There are certain french refugees in this vicinity under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have...
2To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 3 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
In case that Congress should think proper to direct a Peace Establishment there are some Gentlemen of the Pennsylvania Line who wish to be employed and have requested me to mention them to your Excellency. They are Colonel Richard Butler; Lieut. Colonels Harmer; and Mentges; Major Moore Capt. Bowen and Capt. Zeigler of the Infantry; and Captain Armstrong of Lee’s Legion. The Characters of the...
3To George Washington from Robert Howe, 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inclose your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to the President of Congress from which you will see the Measures I have pursued upon an Occasion perplexing & intricate—& if in the Course of it I have so conducted Matters as not to merit your Excellency’s Disapprobation it will make me happy. I conceived that your Excellency would not wish to be Troubled with the Proceedings of...
4To George Washington from Robert Morris, 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favors of the twenty fifth and thirtieth of last Month the latter was by far the more agreable for I confess to you Sir that I beheld the attempt to Garrison the Western Posts with Pain and went into so much of it as concerns my Department with infinite Reluctance. I perswade myself that the only effectual means of getting a good American Establishment of any Kind...
5To George Washington from John Polson, Jr., 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
That your Excellency may know who takes the liberty of Addressing you I am a Brother to Capt. William Polson who was killed in the Service of Virginia in 1756 and the same that received Seven wounds in the Action in which my Brother lost his life, and for whom Your Excellency were pleased to obtain an Ensigncy in the Regimt you raised in Virginia after General Braddocks defeat, in which Regt I...
6To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the last Papers. The New Corps are to embark on Wednesday for Nova Scotia, and agreable to the Adjutant Generals returns there remains only ten thousand Inhabitants to be removed—Sir Guy Carleton in withdrawing his Troops from the upper Part of Long Island to their present Encampment between New Town and Bedford has left the Country...
7To George Washington from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 1 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Once more pardon the Effusions of Gratitude and Esteem, or Command the Muse no more to trouble you, for she Can not be restrain’d Even by timidity. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
8To George Washington from Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
By Doctor Craik I had the honour to write a few lines to your Excellency & having now nothing new to communicate I only repeat that nothing shall be wanting to finish all matters here when I flatter myself it will appear that invention or delay have not been among my faults with Every Respect I am Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obt hum. servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
9To George Washington from John Langdon, 30 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was happy enough to receive your Kind favour of the 4th Inst. by the Count Del Verme who did me the Honor to put up with me for a few Days. I am highly pleased with this Nobleman & think myself under great Obligations to your Excellency for his acquaintance. I shall always think myself highly Honored in shewing every civility in my Power to such Gentlemen as you are pleased to Introduce. Let...
10To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The chain at West-Point has already suffered considerably by the rust, and will be daily growing worse. If it is to be kept for future use, it cannot too soon be housed; and in this case it is said it may be preserved from rust by painting. If it is not necessary to keep it, the sooner it is sold the better. It would probably fetch about two thirds the price of bar iron. The chain contains...
11To George Washington from Aquila Giles, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to give your Excellency the trouble of perusing a state of a private concern of mine. I am sorry to be under the necessity of doing it, being conscious you have a great deal of public business of consequence on your hands; but I am emboldened by a thorough conviction that it is your Excellency’s great desire to see that justice done to every officer of your Army, which you , have...
12To George Washington from Robert Howe, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the part of Colo. Jacksons who were here marched off this morning Except some so lately recover’d as to render their moving improper and a few others still sick; of the latter class none dangerously & in all as major Norton says about thirty odd—I am hastening with all possible dispatch matters here to a close. I have the honor to be Dear sir...
13To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is now time to deposit at West-Point as much wood as will be necessary for the use of the garrison the ensuing winter. If it be practicable to determine, at this time, what shall be the strength of the garrison, and the number and ranks of the officers, I will lay in forage, as well as wood, in proportion, as soon as I am favoured with your Excellency’s decision thereon. The wood I propose...
14To George Washington from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
With all thy Countries Blessings on thy head And all the glory that Encircles Man, Thy martial fame to distant nations spread And realms unblest by freedoms genial plan Address’d by Statsmen Legislatures kings Rever’d by thousands as you pass along While Every Muse with ardour spreads her wings To greet our Heroe in immortal Song: Say, Can a female Voice an audience gain And Stop a moment thy...
15To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosing an Act of Congress for erecting an equestrian Statue in honor of your Excellency. The Bearer Mr Wright is recommended to me as an Artist skilled in taking Busts, & As I am anxious to execute in the best manner the part assigned to me in this agreeable business, I take the liberty of introducing him to you and requesting the favour of your Excellency to admit...
16To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
last evening I wrote to your Excellency per express, transmitting the information by Captain Farley, of the ill success of the Baron Steubens mission. By which it appears that it will be impracticable, to take possession of the posts at the Westward this fall. I requested your final orders concerning the detachment, and artillery, at this place, which are prepared for that service. I now...
17To George Washington from Lewis Pintard, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your letter to Messr Ino. Searle & Co. was safely received and duly forwarded, in consequence of which by my last advices from that house dated 15th Ulto they have shipped for your use two other pipes of choice Wine a box of citron & two baskets of figs by the Ship Hero Capt. Paul to Potomack the amount thereof being £74.9.6d. Sterlg which have I hope arrived safe. My Nephew who on his way...
18To George Washington from Jacques-Marie-Blaise, Chevalier [de] Segond de Sederon, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant de baulieu & I both of late pulansky’s legion and the only remains of it as prisoners of war, having no chief to support their claims before Congress, humbly entreat your excellency to submitt this letter before that honorable body, that we may be treated at this period of the revolution on the same footing, with armand’s legion officers, having incurred the same dangers & served...
19To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress feel a particular pleasure in seeing your Excellency, and in congratulating you on the success of a War in which you have acted so conspicuous a part. It has been the singular happiness of the United States, that during a War so long, so dangerous and so important, Providence has been graciously pleased to preserve the life of a General, who has merited and possesses the uninterrupted...
20To George Washington from Robert Howe, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your Excellency’s Favor of the 24th Inst. late last Night. That Part of Jackson’s Regt now here will march to-Morrow Eveg or next Day Morng—Vose’s shall follow as soon as Circumstances will admit—No Desire of unnecessarily detaining them, or remaining myself having the least Revalence in my Bosom. I was strongly persuaded my former Letters would have met your Excellency at...
21To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Captain Farley has this instant arrived here. The baron is at Saratoga and will be down in a few days. He has not been able to effect any thing with General Haldimand who he met at Chamblee. he would not upon any pretence admit the Baron, to visit the posts, nor would he enter into any agreement upon the subject. He added that if the definitive treaty was even signed he could not relinquish...
22To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 6th instant relative to the measures necessary for taking possession of the posts on the frontiers, I considered the nature of the service, and made such inquiries as appeared necessary to enable me to form an estimate of the expense. The next day I waited on Mr Morris, who desired me particularly to state my ideas on the subject. These I laid...
23To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Books which your Excellency requested should be forwarded by your letter of the instant were committed to the care of Colo. Cobb—I should have accompanied them with a letter but was confined to my bed with a severe fever from which I have only within a few days recovered. The Caps for the boys should have been forwarded before this had not the workman I employed undertook a matter for...
24To George Washington from J.A. Crajenschot, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Toute Nation, tout individu capable de penser, tout homme surtout qúi fait cas de la liberté, ne doit prononcer qu’avec respect le nom de Washington, nom à jamais célebre. Tous vous doivent des tributs de gloire & d’honneur. Trouvez bon, je vous prie, Monseigneur, que je vous présente le mien dans un exemplaire de L’Amérique Delivrée. C’est le premier ouvrage en vers où l’on ait célébré la...
25To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Johnny Lewiss trip to Philadelphia affords me an oppertunity to Congratulate you on the happy Change in our Affairs as I hope it will be the meanes of our Seeing you Soon, I have been at a loss how to account for your long silence, the multiplicity of Business you have on your mind is the only One I Can find that flatters me I am not quite forgot—but then my Dear Brother was there not one half...
26To George Washington from John Witherspoon, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inhabitants of Princeton & neighbourhood with the president & faculty of the college beg leave to embrace this opportunity of congratulating your excellency on the late glorious peace on your meeting with congress in this place & the present happy & promising state of public affairs. As the college of New Jersey devoted to the interests of religion & learning was among the first places in...
27To George Washington from Robert Howe, 24 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Gibbs marched with Sprouts Regiment yesterday morning very early—Having furnished him with a waggon to take the baggage of some soldiers who had been sick & who with that indulgence can march, his numbers will I imagine be about three hundred and fifty: and as the Court-Martial will now very soon close their proceedings I have not detached the small number deficient of the four hundred,...
28To George Washington from John Moylan, 24 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is copy of a Letter I had the honor of addressing your Excellency to Newburg. I have at present only to add to it that the Different Articles & Clothing wanted from this magazine, will be set in motion to morrow. I have the honor to be very Respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obedt Hble sevt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
29To George Washington from William Barber, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency the Abstracts of Muster of the northern Army for the Months of May and June inclusive, and for July—It was not in our power to execute the Business for the two former Months seperately and distinctly, or to have made a Return of them much sooner, on account of the deranged Condition of the Troops who were retained in Service at the Reduction in...
30To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
the King having honored me since my return to Europe with a commission of inspector of his troops, and the Regiments, I am to inspect being scattered through all the frontiers of this Kingdom, I am engaged in a progress of four thousand miles; but I find myself presently as near america as possible; and I wish heartily that instead of travelling on by land, I might embark at this place and...
31To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I arrived here last night, & had my health permitted should have continued my journey untill I could have had the honor to inform Your Excellency in person of the success of my mission. Lieutt Colonel Villefranche will present this, to him I beg leave to refer for such Observations relative to the situation of certain places, as I have been able...
32To George Washington from John Sheridan, 22 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
While the publick testify their Sentiments on your Arrival please to admit a private (but indigent) Character to address You in what he thinks will be agreable to Your Virtues the Wishes that the following Composition may be followed—’tis Extempore Since the firing of the first Gun this day, and with more propriety may be sung to the Tune of Smile America—than—Smile Brittania, Please to...
33To George Washington from Richard Varick, 22 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of inclosing to Your Excellency, a Letter for Lieut. Colo. Humphrys containing a Letter to His Excellency the president of Congress, praying an Answer to my Memorial formerly presented to Congress, for the Depreciation of my pay while acting as a Mustering Officer & for the 12 Months pay allowed those Officers as a Gratuity on their discharge. I have comprised in my...
34To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is but this moment that your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instt has got to Hand. The alarming illness of Mrs Washington gives Mrs Boudinot, myself & Daughter, real distress; our Prayers shall not cease for her recovery --Ere this I hope your Excellency has recd mine by the Secretery of War, which will inform of the Intentions of Congress, that you should make your Journey here entirely...
35To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Magistracy and the Inhabitants of the Borrough of Elizabeth beg leave to assure your Excellency that they want words to express the high satisfaction they feel on again beholding in their village, after a war of eight years, the Restorer of their freedom and the Father of his Country. During the awful suspence of that long and cruel period our hopes of success were centered in you—We adore...
36To George Washington from Robert Howe, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I find that Sprout’s will not be able to march off much more than Three hundred Effective Rank & File—The Rest of Jackson’s That are here fit for Duty are one hundred & sixty six—Vose’s a Little more than three hundred—as Jackson’s compose a Part of Paterson’s Brigade I submit it to your Excellency’s Consideration whether they shoud immediately follow Sprout’s or remain & march when the Rest...
37To George Washington from Robert Howe, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
As a peace Establishment is I hear to take place, and as I feel an inclination to serve my country in a military line whilst that sort of service is thought requisite, I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency of this Disposition—I had the honour Sir of mentioning this to you once before, & I now take the liberty to repeat that should you Deem me Worthy of your Influence & will Exert it in...
38To George Washington from Robert Howe, 20 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your Excellency’s letter received yesterday, I have ordered Colonel Sprouts Regiment to be ready for march on a moments warning, and shall direct them to take the rout prescribed. I do not believe they will be able to moove off before saturday, but they shall if possible. They will march under the command of one field officer—the other with the officers on Court martial duty...
39To George Washington from Robert Morris, 20 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the thirteenth of August from Newburgh—The Business mentioned in it does by no means fall within my Cognizance but is purely in your own Discretion. You may indeed by the Exhibition of your account at the Treasury bring it under my notice but this is exactly what I would advise you not to do because as the Ballance would in that Case be certified among the old...
40To George Washington from John Sullivan, 20 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter is an answer to a Letter received from Baron Stubend inclosing the plan for forming the society of Cincinnati. since writing the inclosed I have had the pleasure of being informed that your Excellency, has honored the society by becoming The president, I therefore take the Liberty of forwarding to your Excellency my answer for your perusal and should be happy in receiving...
41To George Washington from Frederick Haldimand, 19 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Extract of a letter from Govr Haldiman August 19th 1783 to his Excelleny Genl Washington. “As the Baron will communicate to your Excellency the substance of our conversation upon the subject of his Commission, I shall add no more here than to assure your Excellency, that every measure which obedience to the commands of my Sovereign and the most humane inclinations could suggest, & which the...
42To George Washington from Robert Howe, 19 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am just now honour’d with your Excellency’s favour of the 13th & shall take the measures Consequent thereto. As I inclose this to the President of Congress to be forwarded by any conveyance which may offer, I delay writing more fully until tomorrows Post as that Letter may arrive as soon if not sooner than this With the greatest Respect I am Dear sir your Excellency’s most Obt Servt DLC :...
43To George Washington from Jean [de] Neufville, 19 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
If I entertaind a wish to tread a land render’d sacred to Liberty by the virtuous efforts of men deserving the veneration of this, and after ages, for their deeds, which Heaven has already so well rewarded, the anxious one of paying the among them, the most unfeignd respect would urge me most there to. The bearer My son I hope, will have the honor of giving you this assurance of it, and I...
44To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 18 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is with the profoundest respect I presume to approach your Excellency on this most happy occasion the return of Peace to my bleeding Country: This Event so grateful in itself is still heighten’d in the preservation through so many toils and dangers of a life so valuable so dear to every individual. May I beg your Excellency to believe I shall ever esteem this the happiest moment of my life...
45To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am going to receive your thanks for putting it in your power to do good. A Miss Howard, a citizen of Annapolis, of an amiable character and reputable connections married a Capn Le Vacher de Vanbruen, a French gentleman. The Capn served with reputation in our army from the year 1776 til the capture of Lord Cornwallis when he obtained a furlough to visit France. He embarked in the Favorite...
46To George Washington from John Moylan, 18 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am this day favd with a Copy of Your Excellency’s Letter to my Assistant Mr Brooks, & on the 25th Every Article shall be forwarded from this that is wanting to Complete the Supply of Clothing You have ordered to be furnished the Troops Destined for the Westward the Delay of these few Days is Unavoidable owing to the Want of Several Articles, Shirts in particular, of which this Magazine is...
47To George Washington from Richard Varick, 18 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am again under the Necessity of applying to Your Excellency for a further Provision of Pay to the Writers employed under my Direction. Above six Months have elapsed since they have received any Money from the Public for their Services on which alone they depend, as their duty with me would not admit of their devoting any of their Time to the Means of making Money for their immediate...
48To George Washington from George Clinton, 17 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
If the Superintendent of Finance will transmit to Governor Clinton (or furnish the Quarter Master General) with his notes payable on sight; for a sum not exceeding £3,000 Currency The Governor will borrow to the ammount for the Purpose of defraying the Contingent Expences of Garrissioning the Western Posts—The Money will be advanced in this Case immediately so as to prevent any Delay that...
49To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 16 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
When I last had the honor of seeing Your Excellency, I mentioned the Circumstance of there being some Monies due S. Culper and others for secret Services, and that I was requested to make the same known to Your Excellency. In Consequence of this I was directed to obtain a Statement of the Accot, since which I have seen some of the Principals in this business, and have enclosed an Accot of...
50To George Washington from Lyman Hall, 15 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a copy of the resolution of the honorable House of Assembly of this State, expressing their sentiments on perusing your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th June last past, which agreeable to your desire was submitted to their view and consideration. With them Sir I sincerely and most heartily join; now can I in more emphatical language express my...