6951To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I informed you in my last that the Farmers insisted on the payment of the Duties, & even made a merit of not seizing the Goods. I am sure this is because they do not understand the nature of my Request for it is not an exemption from any Duty which I ask, but I ask not to pay a Duty which I am only liable to by having...
6952From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 18. instant the enemy came from Portsmouth up James river in considerable force, tho’ their numbers precisely are not yet known to us. They landed at Burwells ferry below Williamsburg and near the mouth of Chickahominy above it. This latter circumstance obliged Colo. Innes who commanded a body of Militia Stationed on that Side the river to cover the country from depredation, to retire...
6953From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 1 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I arrived here, I received Your favor of the 17th Ulto. I am sorry the Country about Minisincks or within supporting distance could not afford forage sufficient to subsist Count pulaski’s Horse. Matters respecting them and their Quarters are arranged before this. As to the German batallion—should any pressing circumstances arise to make it essential, you may call it from Easton. With...
6954To George Washington from Joseph Hawley, 27 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
For God’s Sake! If it is possible Let all Ward’s People be instantly orderd to Canada or to Some place where they are More Needed than they are here—Pray Sr Consider that they are Officerd Armed and equipd in all respects—Every thing is to do for the Militia—Our People will fight here pro Aris & focis —But very few of them (Believe Me) will be got to Canaday this year—I Pray your Excellency to...
6955To George Washington from Comfort Sands, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Mode proposed by your Excellency for settling the disputes between the Officers of the Army and us is perfectly agreeable to us and we should thankfully have embraced the first moment of your information by Col. Stewart, to have named a Gentleman of reputation on our part, But that our Comfort Sands was sett out on Urgent business to Philadelphia. the preceeding day. we now propose either...
6956To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 29 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Very late last night the following intelligence was sent me that sir Henry Clinton was return’d from Long Island, that most if not all the British Regiments had cross’d over and had marchd by the way of Kings Bridge to York Island, that they passd over at Hell Gate Frogs Neck & some other places, and that it was very Confidently talk’d of that you wou’d be attack’d very shortly, that Flat...
6957From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am much indebted to your Excellency for announcing my election as a member of the Philosophical Society. I feel myself particularly honored by this relation to a society whose successful efforts for promoting useful knowledge have already justly acquired them the highest reputation in the literary world. I entreat you to pres[en]t my warmest acknowledgments, and to assure them that I shall...
6958George Washington to Baron de Kalb, 8 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 8, 1779 . Asks De Kalb to appoint an officer “ protempore ” to take the place of Major Henry Hardman. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6959From George Washington to Elizabeth Nicholas Randolph, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your polite Note of yesterday, and beg leave to assure you, that your obliging Congratulations are very acceptable to me. I have the pleasure to inform you that measures are adopting, for making an equitable compensation to the Inhabitants for such Articles as have been taken for the use of the Allied Army—The Governor has engaged to have a valuation made of them—In...
6960Officers of the Admiralty of Guadeloupe to the American Peace Commissioners, 3 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society En conformité des ordres du Roi, les Officiers de l’Amirauté de la Guadeloupe ont l’honneur d’adresser à Vos Excellences, deux copies de procedures instruites au sujet des prises amenées à la Guadeloupe par des corsaires Americains. Nous Sommes avec respect, Messieurs, de Vos Excellences, Les très-humbles & très-obéissans Serviteurs Notation: Salimon 3. avl....
6961To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 11 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lewis Nicola, 11 Oct. 1779. On 19 Oct., GW wrote Nicola: “I have recd yours of the 11th Inst.”
69621775. Aug. 28. (Adams Papers)
Took with me £70:0:0 consisting in £62:10 Pen. Currency in Paper Bills and £20 L.M of Mass, in silver and Gold. This was the day JA set off from Braintree, but he went only as far as Watertown, where he stayed until at least the 30th, attending Council, before starting for Philadelphia. See Mass. Council Records, 17:61, 68, 69 ( M-Ar ). With Samuel Adams he left Watertown probably on 1 Sept.,...
6963To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 5 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been under the Necessity of drawing on your State Payable to Col: Thomas Polk for the Purpose of purchasing Provisions for the Army in the District of Mecklenberg and Roan [Rowan] Counties, for One Hundred Thousand Pounds Lawful Money of your State in one Bill Dated the 14th Ultimo, and also on the 11th. of same Month I drew on you for 150,000 in two Bills, one for 54,712. Pounds the...
6964From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 8 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The copy of my Letter of the 21st of April to His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, with a Copy of his reply to me, which I had the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, will have informed Congress, that the 5th of this Month was agreed upon between us for an Interview at this place. In Consequence of this Arrangement I arrived here on the 4th. The Contingents of a Water passage in a frigate,...
6965To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favors of the 2d & 3rd instant & 31st Ulto have been duly received and laid before Congress. Herewith you will receive a Copy of an Act of the Senate and Assembly of New York of the 2d of March, together with an Act of Congress of the 4th Instant; by which you will be informed that Congress in Compliance with the Desire of that Legislature have approved of their raising a...
6966From George Washington to Oliver Clarke, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of June which a multiplicity of business has prevented my answering before. There can be no doubt that you are entitled to the year’s pay allowed to supernumerary officers—This is expressly provided for by a resolve of Congress of the 22d day of May 1779; agreeable to which I have requested General Gates to order you payment on application — I am only...
6967To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 18 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency the Second day the enemy open’d their batteries; they have since continued a fire from their two Bomb Batteries and red hot balls from their works at the Port [pest] houses, as yet without much damage. Yesterday an unlucky shell fell in a barracks where the soldiers had gone contrary to orders, which killed one and wounded 3 others, two of them very slightly. They have...
6968From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 7 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved yours of the first. Will You be so good as to explain to me, what is meant by “Instructions to endeavour to inspire American Agents at Madrid, with Distrust and Jealousy of one another, at present employed in Europe?” What the armed Neutrality will come to, I know not. I believe it would have been much easier to have negotiated all the Maritime Powers of Europe into an...
6969To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is a Son of our friend mr Russell. I take the Liberty to recommend him to your Civilities in doing Which you will Oblige yr Dutyfull Nephew Addressed: His Excellency Benja Franklin Eqr / Passey / Paris— / pr favour of Mr. Russel This is probably the same Mr. Russell who later served as a clerk in JW ’s countinghouse in Nantes: JW to BF ,...
6970Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written and signed by JM, “By order of the delegation.” Docketed, “Jas Madisons Letter Recd May 81.” The Executive of New Jersey in consequence of authority vested in them by the Legislature for that purpose, by an Act of the 27th. Ulto. established the rate of exchange between the old continental currency and the bills issued pursuant to the Act of...
6971To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 20 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Disease I have been Afflicted with has given such a Shock to my Constitution, as still disables me from Travelling to Cambridge, where I want much to be, but Sickness must be Submitted to; I hope soon now to be able to Travel, if the Weather is tollerable. I have been making every necessary preparation, within my Department, for the Subsistance of the Army, & find I have got a good Supply...
6972To Benjamin Franklin from Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie., 14 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Aussitôt la reception de la lettre que vous nous avez fait L’honneur de nous ecrire le 11. Courant par un exprès, nous avons remis votre incluse au Capitaine Wickes, et nous avons eté avec lui et avec le Capitaine Nicholson chez M. Guillot Commissaire General des Ports et Arsenaux de la Marine. Nous lui avons fait part de l’ordre que vous...
6973To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intended to do myself the honor of waiting on you this morning, but my foot being a little painful, & the appearance of the Sixteen Gun Sloop of War, with a Galley & a few boats round the Dunderberg point, determined me to remain in my Quarters, shou’d anything further turn up your Excellency may depend upon the earliest Intelligence. I wished to have spoke to you on Major McCormicks affair...
6974Enclosure: Extract of a Letter from Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 22 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
After declaring that neither the Letter from Mr. Marbois nor the conversation respecting the Fishery, Boundaries, Royalists and recommending Moderation in our Demands, are of Weight sufficient to fix in his Mind an opinion, that the Court of France wishes to restrain us in obtaining any Degree of Advantage We could prevail on our Enemies to accord to, the Doctor goes on— “I ought not however...
6975From John Adams to the President of Congress, 5 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
On the 10 of Nov. 1780 The Memorial of Sir Joseph York to the States General, was presented for a Disavowal, Satisfaction proportioned to the Offence, and Punishment of the Guilty. The 28 Nov. a formal Disapprobation of the States General, of the Conduct of the Regency of Amsterdam. 12. December: Second Memorial of Sir J. York, for a Satisfaction proportioned to the Offence, and the Punishment...
6976From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit you a General Return of the Forces in Jersey. It is regimentally digested and will shew the strength of each Corps. I should not have sent it so particularly made out, had I not conceived the conveyance, by which it goes from hence, entirely secure. I have nothing material to add respecting the Enemy. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most...
69771780. January 12. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Arrived at Bribiesca, where there are two Convents, one of Men, the other of Women, both Franciscans, and two Parish Churches. The Tavern We are in is a large House and there are twelve good Beds in it, for Lodgers. Yet no Chimneys, and the same Indelicacy as in all the others.—Smoke and dirt, yet they give us clean Sheets. A Spanish Kitchen is one of the greatest Curiosities in the World, and...
6978To George Washington from Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 13 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I arived here, haveing previously done all in my power, to forward on the Militia, from the Massachusets Bay, and Connecticut, upwards of six Thousand of which I hope are in the Jerseys, before this Time. There is at this place & in the Vicinity, about Two thousand Men, part of six Thousand Ordered from the New England States, The others are on their March, & expected in, in a few...
6979To George Washington from John Singer Dexter, 1 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the afternoon of the 22nd of September last, with two companies of Light Infantry of my battalion, I relieved Major Ashley with a like number of companies of his at Dobbs’s Ferry. On the 24th I received Your Excellency’s instructions of that date for my particular government relative to the Commissioners who sat at Orange-Town. On the 25th three flag-vessels, having on board the british...
6980From John Adams to Unknown, 28 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
We are now very near the Month of May, and the Enemy, are in the Midst of Us. They have an Army, in Canada, another in Rhode Island another in New York and the Jersies, which will enable them to take the Field, much earlier, than they did last Year. Where is our Army, to oppose them? General Washington, has but a Small one, with him. At Ticonderoga, by Letters received this day from General...
6981General Orders, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Army having moved to the present ground in Consequence of the Enemy’s dispositions to make a combined attack upon our Allies at Rhode Island, for the purposes of taking such advantages as their absence from New York might afford or obliging them to relinquish their intended Expedition; and the latter having apparently taken place probably in consequence of the movement on our part, the...
6982From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 17 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 28th Ulto came to my hand by the last Post—Inclosed is a duplicate of my Letter to Count de Grasse, which I hope will get to his hand, if the original—committed to the care of the Chevr De la Luzerne—miscarried. I am glad to hear your Son William is so well satisfied with the reception given him by Genl Greene—and with the Country he is in. Cloathing has been sent on for the...
6983Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Financial Quota, 28 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 75, fols. 380–81). This manuscript is twice docketed on folio 381. One docket, probably written in Virginia, reads, “Resolution of assy of Virginia relating to payment of the requisitions of Congress to be laid before Congress.” The other docket, probably written by one of Charles Thomson’s clerks, is as follows: “Resolutions of Legislature of Virginia 28 Decr. 1782 for...
6984From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 15th and 26th ulto the first enclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial agt Capt. Lieut. Young, the last a return of your Regiment. I find myself under the necessity of disapproving the sentence agt Capt. Lt Young, on account of the irregular constitution of the Court—The power of ordering Genl Courts Martial is only vested in the Commander in Chief or a...
6985To George Washington from Lund Washington, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 12 Inst. is at hand —lately I recieved a Letter from Colo. Lewis wherein he informs me he cannot learn who has Blairs Bond, nor who is authorised to recieve his Debts, & that he believes he did not appoint any one to do it before he left the Country—I shall write to Mr Mercer concerng it & other matters as you mention. I shall not go among your Tenants over the Ridge until I...
6986To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 20 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library May I take the liberty to introduce to you the two Gentlemen who will attend upon you with this note? Any notice, however slight, that you will take of them, they will reckon an honour. One of them, Mr Milford, is a young gentleman of good character, the son of a considerable merchant at Exeter , whose views are to amuse himself by an excursion on the...
6987Notes on Debates, 23 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The Report of the come. last mentioned consisting of a state of the variations in the Treaty of Amity & commerce with the States General from the plan...
6988To John Adams from Benjamin Hichborn, 28 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
If tears of blood were to follow my pen, they wou’d but faintly marke the distressing anxiety I have suffered for near three months past, to be betrayed into a situation which equally exposed me to the Insults of my Enemies and the Suspicions or Contempt of my Friends, by a Scoundrel whose base duplicity, I coud neither expose or counteract, excited feelings, which often proved too severe a...
6989To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): M.D.A.F.H.H. Hartley Russell (1955) on deposit in the Berkshire County Record Office; transcript: Library of Congress I writ to you as long ago as the 14th of last month to tell you that the administration here had given their consent to the exchange of prisoners at Calais and that they would agree to give any ship on your part a free passport from Brest to Calais upon your sending...
6990From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency directs me to reply to the several Queries contained in your Letter of this Day—and to inform you that the mode you propose for Officering the four Regiments, is perfectly agreeable to him—or any other method that you shall find necessary to accomodate to the Views of the Officers concerned, so as to make the matter as agreable as possible to them. This he leaves entirely to...
6991To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 19 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prie votre Excellence d’agreer Les assurances de mon respect et supposer qu’elle n’ait plus besoin des Lettres de William Pen, de vouloir bien les remettre au porteur de ce billet, parceque jai promis de les rendre a mon retour a Paris qui sera mardi ou mercredi. Si votre excellence a occasion d’envoyer a Paris faire quelque commission je lui serai...
6992Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I am just Setting off for Nantes. Have Setteled Accounts with Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard fils & Co. for the Disbursements of the ship Dolphin and have drawn on You for the amount of the Same 4703.10.0 Livres. I have taken fifty Guineas of this Amount along with me in case I Shou’d not find Mr. Williams at Nantes. I shall as usual give the Dolphin Credit for...
6993From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 3 August 1779 (Adams Papers)
On the Twenty Eighth of February, I had the Honour of writing to Congress, informing them of my Intention of returning home, in Consequence of the new Commission which Superceded mine: on the first of March, I had again the Honour of writing Some interesting Information concerning the unprecedented Interest which the british Government are obliged to give for the Loan of Money, for the Service...
6994From George Washington to Elkanah Watson, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Masonick Ornamts which accompanied your Brotherly Address of the 23d of Jany last, tho’ elegant in themselves, were rendered more valuable by the flattering sentiments, and affectionate manner, in which they were presented. If my endeavours to avert the Evil, with which this Country was threatned by a deliberate plan of Tyranny, should be crowned with the success that is wished—the praise...
6995To George Washington from David Waterbury, 19 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s Orders of the 1 3th instant I send enclosed an exact return of the Troops under my Command—I likewise enclose a Letter from Greenock in Scotland intercepted by some of my Troops upon Long Island. am with respect your Exellency’s most Obt Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6996John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 29 July came by this days Post, and made me very happy. Nabby, Charles, and Tommy, will have the small Pox, well, I dont doubt. Tell John he is a very lucky young Gentleman, to have it so much better, than his Mamma, his sister, and Brothers. Mr. S amuel A dams will set out for Boston, on Monday, the 12. of August. I shall write by him. But I will not neglect Writing a few Lines by...
6997From John Jay to John de Neufville & Son, 29 July 1780 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th Ins t. was delivered to me last Evening— I admire the generous principles which lead you to take so decided & friendly a part in favor of America— I have too great confidence in the Honor; Justice & gratitude of Congress to Suspect that they will permit you to be sufferers by your Exertions in their favor— On the contrary I am persuaded they will entertain a proper...
6998To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 25 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have reced the Letter your Excelly did me the honor to write me the 18 Instant with the amount of expences incurred by the Expresses which formed the communication with the Marquis de Vaudreuil the Treasurer of our Army will pay to your Quarter Mr General the 537 Dollars he has been so kind as to advance for that purpose—I beg also that you would please to send me the amount of expences...
699911th. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon I went with Mr. D. to see Mr. Normandes. Several persons dined here. After dinner Mr. D. went and took a ride. Took a walk upon the quay after supper.
7000To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 21 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The following Extract of a Letter just sent me dated the 18th Inst: from your Excellency’s Quarters coming from an Agent who I have directed to correspond with General Arnold—& the Letter being brought as I hear by a Horseman from Robinson’s House, He may probably have conveyed to you the Intelligence it contains, & have rendered my troubling you unnecessary —As however it may possibly be...