1From David Cobb to John Pray, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is of great importance at this Crisis, to have the best possible information of the state of the Enemy’s affairs at N. York. His Excellency the Commander in Chief has commanded us therefore, to inform you, it is his wish that you will use your utmost endeavours to obtain such information, and that you will devote all the time & attention you can spare from your other Duties, to this very...
As I have some expectation of returning to Europe in the course of this Year, it will be particularly interesting to me to know the destination of the Diamonds which the Queen of Spain sent as a present to me; after my departure from that Country. If there be any difficulty in remitting them to me from a supposition of their having been destined to my Husband, I request reference may be had to...
3From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 27 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief who has just gone to Poughkeepsie, has left it in charge with me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 25th and to inform you that he has no objections to your coming to the Army for the purposes you Mention; at which time your friends will be very happy to see you at Head Quarters—Mrs Washington (who desires me to present her Complts to you) has often...
4From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General desires that you will give directions not to have any of the Beef Cattle distributed to Brigades or killed, untill you have been at Head Quarters, reported the number & received instructions—He also desires that no pork may be issued while there is salted Beef. I am Sir your Hble Servant MH .
5To James Madison from David Humphreys, 10 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The information contained in the Post-script of my letter, of the 1st. instant from St. Ildefonso, that Grand Cairo had surrendered to the English and Turkish armies, has been confirmed. As this letter may possibly have a speedy conveyance by a Vessel which is ready to sail for the United States from Bilbao, I enclose a French Gazette, containing the capitulation, and likewise the Treaty...
6To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Madrid. No. 269. Believes recent royal order stipulating that “every recaptured vessel should remain in totality to the profit of the Recaptors” has been revoked “in consequence of my Protest.” Conveys correspondence with Spanish government concerning South Carolina . Council of war has not yet tried the case. Reports king’s renewed confidence in his adviser, the “Prince of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon , 21 May 1791. Sends English papers. From talks with De Pinto and others, peace more expected to prevail than formerly. But newly arrived vessels from north bring nothing definite. By direct accounts from Paris at end of April, he finds tumults have subsided, Lafayette again in command of national guard, and his popularity and triumph complete despite English prophecies. The mischievous...
8To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 5 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
By means of a merchant vessel that sails from this place for L’Orient, I have the pleasure to inform you of my safe arrival after an agreeable passage of 32 day; altho’ I cannot give so high commendations on the accomodations of the French Packet, as I could have done on a former occasion. The fineness of the weather and the hilarity of the passengers, however, atoned for some circumstances...
9From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 2 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Merrit, who has permission to go into New York with a Sum of Money for the Naval Prisoners of Massachusetts, waits upon you in his route for your advice and assistance—If it shall be thought a small escort is necessary for the protection of the Money he is possessed of, the Commander in Chief wishes you would order one to attend him to Dobbs’s ferry—I am Dr Sir with perfect respect Your...
10To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
A few hours after your departure, I received a private communication from a friend in Congress informing me of my appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe —Tho’ pleased with the information I considered myself as unfortunate in not having recd the Letter while your Excellency remained in Town—because I wished to avail myself of Letters of...
11To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 3 Oct. 1793 . Having announced in his last their arrival here with the hope of sailing to Alicante with the Portuguese fleet, they have been detained and probably will not leave in less than five or six days. The Portuguese fleet passed through the straits the day before yesterday, part of it coming into this harbor and part falling eastward of the Rock, before taking advantage of...
12To George Washington from David Humphreys, 24 September 1786 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure, before I left New York, to receive your favor containing the enclosures respecting Asgil’s affair, and am taking measures for their publication —Interested, as I feel myself in your wellfare & happiness, I could not but be extremely affected by the account of your ill-health; and beg you will let me know in what condition your health is, as I shall not find myself at ease...
13I. David Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson, [4 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
‘I have made no contracts for the other four , viz. for Genl. Washington’s on the evacuation of Boston, for Morgan, Washington and Howard on the affair of the Cowpens, because the designs for them have not been in readiness for execution until the present time. Nor can that for Genl. Morgan be commenced without farther information of the numbers killed, prisoners &c in the action to be...
14From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes for the pleasure of your Company at dinner to day, if you are not particularly engaged. The General Officers are expected at Head Quarters, and if there should be time, His Excellency proposes laying before those who were at York Town some Matters, on which he also wishes to take your sentiment—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obed. Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
15To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
While I am detained for the sailing of the vessel in which I am to go to Lisbon; I cannot do better, in my judgment, than to give you such farther facts, occurrences, or reports of the day, as may be in any degree interesting, in America, when compared with other accounts: though those I may have the honor to give should not be of much importance in themselves.—In my communications, I have...
16To George Washington from David Humphreys, 23 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon July 23d 1792 I take the liberty of writing to you again, after a considerable interval, to assure you there can be none in my sentiments of affection & gratitude to you. At the same time, I enclose a Manuscript “Poem, on the National Industry of the U.S.,” which, after you shall have done with it, if it should be so fortunate as to meet your...
17From David Humphreys to New York Officers Commanding at Verplanks Point, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am Commanded by his Excellency the Commander in Cheif to inform you that five of the Enemys’ Vessels passed Dobbs ferry up the river just at Evening one of 22 another of 16 Guns the other three smaller—and to direct that no more Vessels or Boats whatever be permitted to come down the river untill further Orders—You will be particularly Vigilant at your Post, communicate the same intelligence...
18To George Washington from David Humphreys, 17 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
I cannot permit M. Houdon to depart for Mt Vernon without being the bearer of a line from me. I am very happy Mr Jefferson has been able to procure him to make the voyage, because I am persuaded he will be able to transmit an excellent likeness of you to the remotest ages. He is considered as one of the ablest statuaries in Europe & has performed some capital peices for the Empress of Russia....
19To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 24th. of Janry. I left Madrid, and arrived here this day. I remained a week beyond the time I had prescribed myself, in order that Mr. Carmichael might have an opportunity of confering fully with the Compte de Florida Blanca, after the King’s return from hunting at Aranjuez. We were, however, disappointed in the expectation of sounding that Minister; for at the time when Mr. Carmichael...
20To George Washington from David Humphreys, 12 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Finding there was a Vessel in this port destined for Virginia, I could not take my departure for Paris without informing my dear General of my safe arrival in france after a most delightful passage of twenty four days; and as I cannot give a better discription of the excellent accomodations & beautiful weather which we have had during the whole of our voyage, than I have already given in a...
21From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 14 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief desires that such Men as are acquainted with the repairs of Boats may be employed under the Quarter Master’s direction, in repairing those Batteaux which will be fit for service on the Western Waters. Those Boats will be wanted to proceed to Albany as soon as possible. I have the honour to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
22From David Humphreys to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon mentioning the subject of your favor of the 27th to His Excellency, he was pleased to direct me to inform you, that, as the service of many Engineers will not be necessary in the Camp we are about to take, which indeed is but a change of Position, and as you are so perfectly acquainted with the plan of the Works now carrying on at West Point & its dependencies, he would have you at...
23From David Humphreys to John Pray, 30 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The News of Peace (tho not official) is nevertheless so positive and the certainty that Hostilities were to cease in America on the 20th of this Month is so great, that the Commander in Chief has no hesitation in Ordering the Wagons, Horses, Drivers & every thing captured to be given up & returned to the British Lines without the least injury or delay. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC :...
24From David Humphreys to John Pray, 7 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Cheif, directs that the three new Whale Boats built at Wappings Creek under the Superintendance of Mr Sheaf, should be made use of as Guard Boats—Captain Pray will apply to Major General McDougal for the same, or if Genl McDougal has sent them to the Orders of Major Darby—Majr Darby will be pleased to deliver these three Boats to Capt. Pray, on his Order—Should they already be...
25From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 2 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Merrit who has permission to go into New York with a Massachusetts sum of Money for theNaval Prisoners, with upon you in his route for your advice & assistance. If it shall be thought as small effort is necessary for the protection of the money he is possessed of, The Commander in Chief wishes you would provide one to attend him to Dobbs Ferry.I am Dear Sir with perfect respect Your Most...
26From David Humphreys to Moses Knap, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the Commander in Chief’s Orders on the subject of your Letter, & have to inform you, that where men indulged with furloughs have not returned, but are struck of the Rolls as deserters, others who would have received leave of absence upon their return, may be furloughed Notwithstanding—this is upon a presumption the Commandg Officers of Regts in which such Desertions have happened...
27To James Madison from David Humphreys, 11 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to receive, upon my return to this Place, your letter dated the 14th of April last; in which you informed me, that the Accounts of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son had been adjusted at the Treasury. I immediately sent an extract of yours to that House; and I doubt not you will have forwarded the same statement. This prevents me from trespassing on your time with any remark, altho I...
28From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief sensible of the immense importance of preserving the Horses & Teams of the Army in good condition for service through the Campaign & considering that the Movements, supplies & success of an Army frequently depend on this Article alone; hath commanded me, to request from you Gentlemen in writing, a joint Report on the following Points, viz. What number of Horses & Teams...
The Secretary of the Commission by appointment waited on the Duke of Dorset & delivered to him two Letters from the American Ministers dated the 28 th instant: whereupon the British Ambassador desired M r Humphreys to inform the Ministers of the United States, “that being entirely unacquainted with the negotiations proposed through M r Hartley to the Court of London, he could say nothing on...
30From David Humphreys to Richard Varick, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I return you the Letters to Genl Gates—His Excellency wishes you will send by the first conveyance the Copy of General McDougals Instructions. I am yours affectionately DLC : John Davis Batchelder Collection.
31From David Humphreys to William Heath, 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes the distribution of the State Cloathing of Massachusetts may not be made, until the arrival of the Officer send by the Marquis to procure Cloathing for the Detachment of the Massachusetts line under his Command—As a part of that Cloathing may be necessary for these Troops—Capt. Heart, the bearer, informs the Officer may be expected every Moment. I have the honor to be...
32From David Humphreys to Bartholomew von Heer, 25 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief directs that You remain with your Troop, in the neighbourhood of your present quarters, untill the right Wing of the Army has moved—the next day after which, you will march your corps by the most convenient & easy route to Newburgh, where you will apply to Head Quarters for further Orders. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
33To James Madison from David Humphreys, 4 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 December 1801, Madrid. No. 296. Has had no news of Commodore Dale since he sailed from Málaga. Encloses copy of a 1 Nov. circular letter from Appleton “received this day” advising that the Tripolitans have purchased a twenty-two-gun ship at Smyrna for the purpose of cruising against Americans. Concludes from a 30 Nov. letter from Pinckney at Vitoria that he will arrive in the next week....
34To James Madison from David Humphreys, 21 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1801, Madrid. No. 284. Little has changed since his last dispatch. Great Britain, alarmed at Continental military maneuvers, has stopped all traffic to and from France. Chevalier Freire has arrived from Portugal, reportedly to renew treaty negotiations with the French ambassador and to act as minister plenipotentiary ad interim to Spain. Earlier report that two Tripolitan cruisers...
35To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have seen the letter which you addressed to a Gentleman in this City during my absence requesting him to obtain Cloth from my Factory for your own weaving. There is no broad Cloth finished at present except some Pecies made of the Wool of the half-blooded Merinos. I have directed one to be manufactured of the pure fleece. It will not be completed in less than six weeks or two months; owing...
36To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Feb. 1792 . Since his last letter of 1 Jan. he has received TJ’s of 29 Nov. He has left the letters for William Carmichael at the Spanish ambassador’s hotel. He has discontinued the Gazettes of Paris and Leyden but still receives the London Chronicle . He encloses the Gazette of Lisbon and has sent for that of Madrid. The enclosed dispatches from Thomas Barclay show the state of...
37To George Washington from David Humphreys, 13 August 1787 (Washington Papers)
I would not trespass upon your time, while I knew you was occupied in such momentuous affairs, as the revisal of the Confederation: but now that common Report says the principles are settled & the business, on which the Convenn assembled, nearly compleated, I take the liberty of addressing myself again to my dear General. And the rather as I do not know whether the letter I wrote from N. H.,...
38To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, [ca. 12 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of Decr. 4th. and on the subject of Gatteau’s application take the liberty to inform you that I never had an idea of his engraving the insignia of the Cincinnati. I clearly see the impropriety of it. I should therefore be much obliged if you would take the trouble of giving him definitive instructions on this and any other points that may occur in the...
39To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Private. My dear Sir, Mafra [Portugal] May 3d 1791. I write this short letter for the sole purpose of thanking you for nominating & appointing me Minister Resident at this Court. The language of affection & gratitude is brief. It is with a sensibility not expressed in words, that all the instances of your friendship & particularly the kind expressions in the close of your letter of March 16th,...
40From David Humphreys to Samuel Canfield, 18 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief, having recd intimations that the Enemy have in contemplation to make some movement to the Eastward, has directed me to request you will keep a vigilent look out & upon any appearance of their being in motion either by land or Water that you will give immediate intelligence to Colo. Sheldon who will communicate it to head Quarters—The General requests your...
41To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
A direct opportunity for America having offered itself thro’ the medium of Colo. Franks I again indulge myself in writing to my dear General; and take the most heartfelt satisfaction in acknowledging the receipt of the Dispatches which were so obligingly addressed for me to the care of Govr Jefferson—who arrived in this City about ten days before me. Tho I dare not undertake to say in this...
42To George Washington from David Humphreys, 16 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Although it is impossible for a stranger, in merely travelling through a country & remaining only a few weeks in its capital, to give a complete account of the state of affairs & system of policy in it; yet he may have opportunities of collecting some informations which will be perhaps entertaining, if not useful, to Persons in public life at a distance. Under this idea, in consequence of your...
43To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 14 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of five weeks, the four first of which were very tempestuous, I arrived in the Channel. In order to save time, and slip into London with the less probability of being noticed, I procured a boat from the shore to land me at Dover. From that place I took my passage in the Mail Coach, and arrived here at 6 O’Clock this morning. Having delivered the Dispatches to Mr. Johnson, and...
44To James Madison from David Humphreys, 5 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing Mr: Pollard of Boston, a gentleman of considerable literary taste & acquirements, who is travelling for the first time as far South as the City of Washington. His object is to see the Country & become somewhat more acquainted with its Inhabitants. Your pardoning this liberty is the rather to be hoped for, from a consideration of my not having before trespassed...
45To James Madison from David Humphreys, 18 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1801, Madrid. No. 297. Recounts 9 Dec. meeting at the Escorial with Charles Pinckney, when Pinckney delivered to him JM’s dispatch of 22 June enclosing the president’s letter to the Spanish king and instructions for his own departure. Will comply with instructions, “although it cannot escape your reflection … that it is very inconvenient & unfortunate for me to have received these...
46To George Washington from David Humphreys, 11 November 1784 (Washington Papers)
Colonel le Maire who is this moment Setting off for Virginia affords an opportunity for communicating the latest & most important intelligence respecting European politics. The Emperor & the Dutch have gone so far in their quarrel about the navigation of the Scheld that there is hardly a possibility that either should recede—indeed the act of recalling their Ministers amounts in the estimation...
47To George Washington from David Humphreys, 23 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
My last letter to you, My dear General, was dated in Febry at London and forwarded by Captain Clagget late of the Maryland line, in that I had the honor of informing you of my intention to return to America in the Spring, in this I have the pleasure to announce my safe arrival from L’Orient after a pleasant passage of 32 days—I am charged with Compliments & messages for your Excellency on the...
48To George Washington from David Humphreys, 10 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor to receive by the last Packet your favor dated in Feby last I have been unwell with a slight fever, & tho recovered at this moment it has retarded my public business in such a manner, as will prevent me from writing so particularly as I wished to have done by the present opportunity. I am extremely concerned & mortified to find that you have been under the necessity of...
49To James Madison from David Humphreys, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Madrid. No. 267. Encloses copies of remonstrances to Spanish government on behalf of American merchants who sold Spanish government commodities, expecting to be paid in specie, and instead were paid in depreciated paper money; also encloses Spanish replies. All communication with Lisbon has been interrupted, so funds to operate his office must come through a Dutch bank. The...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last public letter to you was dated Janry. 7th. and acknowledged the receipt of yours of Novr. 6th. Since that time, I have received your previous Dispatch in date July 12th, by way of Madeira. By these it appears that all my letters, except No. 52. had come to hand. Should that have finally miscarried, I will send a copy that the series may be complete. The Papers transmitted herewith...