1New York Delegates to George Clinton, 3 February 1779 (Jay Papers)
Major General Arnold has it in Contemplation to establish a Settlement of Officers and Soldiers who have served with him in the present War, and to lay the necessary Foundation without Loss of Time. From a Desire to become a Citizen of New York he gives our State the Preferrence and now visits your Excellency to make the necessary Enquiries, it being out of our Power to give him any...
The polite and respectful terms in which you are pleased to communicate your approbation of our conduct, in an important office, demand our most sincere and grateful acknowledgments. Honoured by the united suffrages of our fellow-citizens, and animated by a sense of duty, and the most cordial affection for our oppressed country, however unequal to the delicate and arduous task, we undertook it...
When our common Liberties are invaded, our dearest Rights in Danger, and a whole Continent loudly called upon to defend and secure themselves against high handed Oppression: the Confidence reposed in us as Delegates of your respectable County is a distinguished Honour, which excites our most affectionate Esteem and demands our most grateful Acknowledgments. While we lament that our Talents are...
4James Duane and Ezra L’Hommedieu to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 1 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We enclose you an Extract of Dispatches from his Excellency our Governor received this Day, respecting the Instructions of the Legislature at their last Sessions for the Security of the Western Posts. You will be pleased to observe that an official Report on a subject so interesting to the State is deemed to be necessary; as well as a particular Detail of the Motives which influenced Congress,...
5To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am now on a Visit to the General from ⟨Kingston,⟩ where the Legislature is convened. The British King’s ⟨speech to⟩ his Parliament and his Secretary’s Letters to the Lord ⟨Mayor⟩ of London, which we had the pleasure of meeting here afford us the fairest prospect of a speedy Peace. I have but one anxiety remaining and that respects a better Establishment of our General Government on a Basis...
6To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 23 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquiss de la fayette handed me your favour of the 14: Instant which woud have been sooner answerd had not my Time been fully employd. you will learn the difficulties of constituting a Commitee plenipo . from another Channel; tho’ a little Reflection upon human nature and a republican Government, might have brought them fully to your View without Assistance. What is not committed Congress...
7To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 10 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 10, 1791. On the back of Hamilton’s letter to Duane of August 4, 1791 , is the endorsement: “Answered 10th.” Letter not found. ]
8To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 24 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I called upon you within the time limited to give you my answer on the Communication which in expressions so honorable you was pleased to make me this morning. As you was abroad I am deprived of the pleasure of a personal Interview. Warmly attached to the Constitution from the clearest conviction that the happiness of my Country depends on it’s successful administration, I think I ought to...
9To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 10 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your Favour of the 28 Augt and your obliging assurances that you will comply with my Request, unless my anxiety for the Events of the Campaign had been very great I should not have been so unreasonable as to impose this Burthen on any of my much respected Friends at head Quarters; well knowing that they of all others have the least Leisure. I find the British Reinforcement...
10To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, [7 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Be so good if in your power to acquaint me of the issue of our friend the Baron’s afair in the house of Representatives? I know you will pardon my Sollicitude as I embark in the morning for the North. I am affectionately your’s ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Baron von Steuben had petitioned the House of Representatives for compensation for his services during the American...
11To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 16 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had no earlier opportunity to acknowledge the Receipt of your very agreeable favour of the 7th Instant. To yours of the I transmitted an answer by the post. I perfectly agree in opinion with you what the Enemy ought in good policy to attempt; but as they uniformly contravene their best Interest, and persue measures which can produce their least possible advantage, I conclude they will...
12From James Duane, John Jay, and Robert R. Livingston to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones, 9 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the agents appointed by the state of New York to manage their controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —it is agreed that a general retaining fee be given to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones Esqrs. as Counsellors and Solicitors on the part of this State that the brief already prepared together with the necessary papers be put in their hands—That they compleat the...
13To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 4 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have spent some days at this place with our Legislature and have been happy in finding their Zeal for the Common Cause undiminished. Every thing which can be asked for the Army they will most cheerfully grant & Col. Wadsworth is gone away perfectly satisfied. It is a circumstance to their honor that amidst all their wants & distresses Flour & Carriage have been supplied at 25 per cent. less...
14To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 5 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I am much pleased to find that you have set yourself Seriously to the Study of the Law. You are welcome to the use of any of my books of which you will inform Mr Lansing. I know that I can depend upon your care of them. Whether I shall see Albany, or Philadelphia first remains undecided tho’ I feel myself oblig’d by your friendly wishes to see me. A seperation from my Family is extremely...
15To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 23 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I find I have given our Friends Tighlman and Meade an opportunity of exercising their Risibility . The whole Expence ought to be mine, and it is taking an ungenerous advantage to oblige you to contribute your Club. Tell them from me that however they may carry it at Head Quarters, if you and I could catch them at the Manour it is possible they might be convinced that my Enquiry was not...
16To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 8 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Princeton, New Jersey, September 8, 1783. On September 26, 1783 , Hamilton wrote to Duane: “I received last night your letter of the 8th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
17To John Jay from James Duane, 27 August 1784 (Jay Papers)
I feel the disappointment in being deprived of the pleasure of your own and M rs . Jays Company! I now send my Judgem t in M rs Rutgers’s Cause, & entreat you to peruse ^ it ^ and to give me your candid opinion whether the publication of it is likely to produce any politick advantage and whether my decisions will stand a Scrutiny— Yours most respectfully & Affect ly ALS , NNC ( EJ :
18To John Jay from James Duane, 20 December 1788 (Jay Papers)
I set off in a hurry which alone prevented my calling upon you for which I had a variety of motives. One was to explain the reasons which induced me to transmit to you a State of facts on a subject which I thought somewhat interesting, and the more so as it ^had^ produced a Visit from three reverend Doctors the evening before I commenced my Journey— Their object was to prevent a flame which...
19To John Jay from James Duane, 22–24 August 1778 (Jay Papers)
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that M rs . Duane is in a great Degree restord to her Health; or rather that she has got the better of her nervous Complaint which entaild upon her Weakness & Lowness of Spirits and called for my utmost Care and Attention to prevent its ill Effects. That greatness of Mind and disinterested Love of her Country—to you I will boast—which have enabled her to...
20To John Jay from James Duane, 31 July 1795 (Jay Papers)
Among your numerous and respectable friends none can participate with more sensibility in events which concern your happiness than myself. I felicitate with you on your safe arrival, on the success of your arduous mission, and on the distinguished manner in which you have been elected to the chief seat of this government. May every blessing attend you in your domestic concerns and your public...
21To John Jay from James Duane, 16 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
Yesterday, my dear Friend, was an important day, productive of the Resolutions of which I enclose you a Copy. I shall not enter into particulars; the Resolution itself first passed and then a Committee was appointed to fit it with a preamble—Compare them with each other and it will probably lead you into Reflections which I dare not point out. I hope you will relieve me soon as I am impatient...
22To John Jay from James Duane, 25 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
I conclude, my dear Sir, that the late Resolution of Congress recommending the Assumption of Government will induce you to give your Attendance for a few days at our own Convention— If this shoud be the Case it will [be] of Advantage to you to be informed of the Temper and proceedings of the Neighbouring Colonies on this great Revolution. You recollect the Maryland Instruc t . which, upon any...
23To John Jay from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of New York, 2 October 1784 (Jay Papers)
To the honorable John Jay Esquire late ^ one of the ^ Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America for negociating a Peace.— Sir Be pleased to accept the Congratulations of the Mayor Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New York on your safe Return to the Place of your Nativity. The Revolution, which hath secured our Liberties and Independence, will not be more celebrated for...
24To John Jay from James Duane, 2 December 1777 (Jay Papers)
I have had so much Publick Business on my hands that I have been unavoidably deprived of paying that Attention to my Friends which always gives me Pleasure. As one of the Number I have the Honour of considering yourself; & of you I have not been entirely unmindful— At the same time that I cannot boast of much Encouragement: or any great Merit. To the Governour and Council of Safety I have...
25To John Jay from James Duane, 23 December 1777 (Jay Papers)
I did not receive your very obliging Favour of the 14 th . Untill this morning. which It gave a Double pleasure as we have your promise of a Visit at the Manshion. M r . Livingston, & indeed the whole Family, Join me in requesting that M rs . Jay will be so kind as to accompany you. When the Legislature assembles you will be confind, & by that Time I shall be calld on Business to Albany, with...
26To John Jay from James Duane, 11 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
I received, my dear Sir, your favour of the 8: Instant and really feel for you in the double distress which attends you. I sincerely wish that in both Instances you may be speedily relieved by the Recovery of Persons so near and dear to you. The Report you mention of the Arrival of Commissioners is not founded on any authority nor Credited— A Resolution has passed a Committee of the whole...
27To John Jay from James Duane, 18 May 1776 (Jay Papers)
I wrote you, my dear Sir, a hasty Scrawl by the post on a most important Subject—you know the Maryland Instructions and those of Pensylvania— I am greatly in doubt whether either of their Assemblies or Conventions will listen to a Recommendation the preamble of which so openly avows Independence & Seperation—The lower Counties will probably adhere to Pensylvania—New Jersey you can form a good...
28James Duane to Robert R. Livingston, John Jay, Gouverneur Morris, and Robert Yates, 19 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
We arrived in this City on Wednesday afternoon. If you talk seriously to its Inhabitants you’l find them full of the Expectation of ^ a Visit from ^ Gen l Howe’s but examine their Conduct and the Appearance of everything about you, & you cannot but conclude that they are in a State of the most perfect Tranquility and Security. Talk to them about the scandalous depreciation of the continental...
29To John Jay from James Duane, 3 August 1777 (Jay Papers)
I enclose you a Letter from France for yourself and another to M r . Platt which ^ last ^ you’l be pleased to forward with my respectful Compliments. General Howe and his grand fleet to the utter Astonishment and Vexation of the People here have disappeard as every necessary preparation for his Reception was made. He has left us to guess at his next Attempt— General Schuyler to humour the...
30New York Delegates to Alexander McDougall, 20 February 1779 (Jay Papers)
We had the Pleasure of receiving your Favor by M r Barclay of the 11 th Instant and beg you to be assurd that we shall always be ready to facilitate your Command and support your applications for Assistance. The Commander in Chief has spent some time here with a Committee of Conference. He is vested with the fullest power to take every Department & Detachment of the Army, under his own...
31To George Washington from James Duane, 10 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have done myself the Honour of seeing your Excellency yesterday Evning but was so long detaind in Congress that I coud not collect some Information which was necessary to be laid before you. I expect Mr Peters has furnished you with such papers as will give you a State of the Post At Fort Pitt & the plan of Operations suggested by General McInTosh. I gave a Verbal direction to...
32To George Washington from James Duane, 28 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I found myself so much indisposd this morning that it was imprudent to go abroad; which will I hope apologize for my not meeting the Committee of Conference at your Excellency’s Quarter’s as was proposed. General Knox has paid me a Visit and given me an opportunity of comparing his Remarks with the propositions of the Board of war. I am not sufficiently master of the Subject to decide; & must...
33To George Washington from James Duane, 3 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I want words to express, as I ought, my grateful acknowledgements for the high honor of your communication this day enclosing my Commission as district Judge. Happy in seeing, thro many difficulties, the first object of my wishes accomplished by the establishment of our national government, I aspired after no personal emoluments or promotion; but was contented to contribute the little in my...
34To George Washington from James Duane, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is with great Pleasure that I find your Excellencys arrival at Newburgh announced in the publick Papers. The Circumstances of my Family prevent me from paying you my Respects at present: but the visit shall only be deferred till the Impediment is removed. I long, my Dear Sir, to see you: to congratulate you on the glory which you have acquired the last Campaign: and to felicitate with you...
35To George Washington from James Duane, 17 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honourd with your Favour of the 3d Instant & have communicated it to my Colleagues. when I wrote to your Excellency respecting the Exchange of Citizens in the power of the Enemy, I did not Attend to the distinction between Civil and military Prisoners: but conceivd your Authority competent in all Cases. I cannot think it adviseable to leave the negociation of the Exchange even of Citizens...
36To George Washington from James Duane, 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have Intelligence from Charles Town which leaves it in our possession as lately as the 3d or 4th Inst. and we may from the Silence of the Enemy at New york extend our Hopes to the 10th or 12th. The best and most direct account is to our Friend Mr Jones from Gen Woodford. He has this moment promised me to communicate it to your Excellency which he will do much better than I can from my...
37To George Washington from James Duane, 10 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I reflect with the utmost sensibility on the frequent instances I have experienced of your attention and benevolence, and particularly in the manner in which you was pleased to confer on me the office of Judge of this district. It manifested a mark of your esteem which I shall always prize as a distinguished honor. The disorder which I contracted by a sedentary habit, the effect of close...
38To George Washington from James Duane, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I receivd with infinite pleasure your very friendly favour by Lt Col. Smith. I shall have occasion to give you some Information on passages of it which you ought to know but I have already trespassed on my Health to assist our new Minister. I have just got rid of a Violent Inflamation in my Throat and find myself at an extinguishd fire an hour after midnight. The provision you wished is made...
39To George Washington from James Duane, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Resolution which lately passed—and which I have long had at Heart—makes it necessary that I should inform your Excellency that the foreign dispatches last received, and which were referred to a Committee of which I was Chairman, are returned into the Secretary’s Office, and ready for your Excellency’s perusal whenever it suites Your Convenience. With the most perfect Esteem and Respect, I...
40To George Washington from James Duane, 16 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
I entertained the pleasing hope of meeting you at this place; on no better authority indeed than report; and yet I feel the disappointment in proportion to my affection for your Person, my gratitude for your publick Services, and the kind attention with which you have always indulged me. Be pleased to take in good part the Address which I have the honor to transmit with the Freedom of our City...
41To George Washington from James Duane, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I beg Leave to recommend the enclosed papers transmitted by Governour Clinton to your Excellency’s Attention—As you have full power to conduct the Exchange of Prisoners it is needless to lay them before Congress. Permit me to request your Excellency to favour Governour Clinton with the Directions you may think proper to give on this Subject. I have the Honour to be—for myself and the Delegates...
42To George Washington from James Duane, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour has been presented to the Committee of Conference. I beg you will do me the Justice to believe that my Zeal for the publick good—and may I be permitted to add—my Respect and Affection for your Excellency, will never suffer what you have at Heart to languish for Want of my best Exertions: Yet must I ask for Allowances for your Representatives, who are too much incumberd with a...
43To George Washington from James Duane, 9 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I need not tell you, my dear General, what I felt on the critical Arrival of Count de Grass’ Squadron. Accept my warmest Congratulations. The most decisive advantages may reasonably be expected from this generous & formidable Cooporation: but I will not anticipate. The Financier has relieved my Solicitude for the New York Line. A Month’s Pay however inadequate to their Claims will raise their...
44To George Washington from James Duane, 9 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
In order to give Dispatch to the several Matters mentiond in your Excellency’s Report to the Committee it is proposed to offer Resolutions to Congress on the Heads you enumerate. We wish that the Remedy may be effectual and think it happy that we can be favourd with your Assistance: We therefore request that you will be pleased to point out what ought to be done with respect to the Arrangement...
45To George Washington from James Duane, 4 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
We are here in anxious Suspence for the Fate of Charles Town: it is not to be wondered at when we consider the greatness of the Stake; and the Uncertainty and Importance of the Event. The Governour Council and Magistrates have shut themselves up in the Town determined to share the Glory of preserving it, or to perish in the Attempt! We understand that this Resolution was submitted to with...
46To George Washington from James Duane, 10 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the Honour of your Excellency’s very friendly Letter of the 4th Instant for which be pleased to accept my warmest Thanks. Before this reaches your Hands you will have received the new Arrangement of the Army: submitted, as it is, to your Opinion it is only to be considered as an Essay open to such Alterations as you may suggest. The Idea of a Majority of Congress was clear that...
47To George Washington from James Duane, 10 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
An Opportunity at length presents itself of forwarding to your Excellency a packet which has been detained ever since I left Trenton, as I did not wish to hazard it by the Post. Congress are fixed here for the present apparently to their Satisfaction. They are busily employed in arranging the national Affairs. Mr Adams is appointed Minister for the Court of London Mr Jefferson for Versailles:...
48To George Washington from James Duane, 8 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Arent Schuyler, Son of Mrs Livingston, has requested an Introduction to Your Excellency. The Situation of the Young Gentleman for whom he intercedes I believe is truly deplorable. I have been some time attending the Legislature at this place and hope to have the pleasure of accompanying Mrs Duane to pay our Respects at Head Quarters next week. The Assembly have voted the full...
49To George Washington from James Duane, 11 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed papers have this day been referred to the Committee of Conference with your Excellency: Not with any View to the immediate Contents of those papers: but to introduce a general Enquiry whether Humanity & policy demand from Congress a further proposition for the Exchange of Prisoners? Upon this great Point we wish in a free Conference to consider the State of the Prisoners on both...
50To George Washington from James Duane, 30 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress are much affected at the Wants and distresses of the Army another Committee is appointed on your Excellency’s late Representation to the Board of War, & a Letter from Commy Blane. It is now found that the Supplies already demanded from the States are incompetent and in some Instances anticipated. It is to be lamented that we were not furnished with better Estimates at first; but we...