61From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Officer or Non Commissioned Officer commanding the Detachment of the Marichausie Corps now with the Army, will receive Orders from the Quartr Master General respecting impressing of Teams, and carry the same into execution. By Command of His Excellency the Commander in Cheif DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
62From David Humphreys to William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency commands me to acknowledge the receipt of your favor by Doctr Evans, and to acquaint you, that altho’ the business in question, as a military point is of some considerable consequence, yet he would not make it interfere with your arrangements—however if you can make it convenient to stay one day longer, not only your attention to this last call of duty, but your company at...
63[To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 4 Apr. 1786. Entered in SJL as received 31 Apr. [1 May?] 1786. Letter not found. See William Short to TJ, 2 Apr. 1786.]
64From David Humphreys to George Fisher, 6 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency requests you will have the Letters sent herewith, delivered to the Commanding Officer of Col. Hazen’s Regt before his departure for Albany. I am Sir your hble Servt Privately owned.
65From David Humphreys to Edward Hand, 11 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by His Excellency to send you the inclosed, to be issued tomorrow, He also requests (if possible) that from the result of your inspection, or by the return of the Recruits who have joined since the first of April, you will afford the means (this evening) of assertaining our present force with great precision. I have the Honor to be With perfect respect, Your Most Obt Servt P.S....
66From David Humphreys to William Heath, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have it in command from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to inform you, that Lieut. Col. Hull may have leave of absence for five Weeks. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Your Most obdt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
67From David Humphreys to Edward Hand, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is pleased to authorize any three of the Board, appointed to decide the despute respecting numbering the Regts of Connecticut, who shall meet at Horton’s tomorrow, to proceed to the decision of that dispute, & to report accordingly—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
68From David Humphreys to William Heath, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency (who has just rode out with Colonel Menonville first Deputy Adjutant General of the French Army) desired me to inform you, that he will be at West Point tomorrow Morng if the weather is fair : that he must return before dinner, and will expect the pleasure of your company up the river, if your health, & occasions will permit. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Dear Sir...
69From 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...
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To 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...
73I. 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...
74From 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...
75To 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...
76From 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...
77From 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...
78From 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...
79From 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...
80From 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...
82To 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....
83To 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...
84To 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...
85To 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...
86To 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.,...
87To 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...
88To 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,...
89From 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...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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...
95To 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...
96From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Before the departure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief for Philadelphia, he wrote a Letter to you, dated the 11th of July, of which he has received no acknowledgement, & therefore suspects it may have miscarried; the purport of it was, to relieve Capt. Dayton, to stop all Correspondence with Ward McMichael & every other person within the Enemy’s Lines, and to hold the Brigade in...
97To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Captain Burnham, who will have the honour of delivering this letter, was commander of the first American Ship captured by the Algerines in Octr last. He has lately been ransomed for 4000 Dollars paid by himself, through the medium of the Dutch Admiral, who concluded the Treaty of Peace between Holland & Algiers. Captain Burnham will be able to give you a good deal of information on Algerine...
98To George Washington from David Humphreys, 11 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to receive, last evening by the Post, your letter of the 23d of Jany, and am happy to relieve you from your apprehension, by informing that your confidential favor of the 26th of Decr with its enclosures had long since been safely received; & duly acknowledged in a private letter which was forwarded more than a fortnight since, by Colo. Wadsworth. But as he has business at New...
99To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 21 May 1792 . The remoteness and tranquility of Portugal makes it both inadvisable and unnecessary for him to trouble TJ with reports about the general political and military situation in Europe resulting from the declaration of war by the King of France against the King of Hungary. “But there is one circumstance of considerable moment towards the success of the French cause, which is...
100From David Humphreys to John Pray, 20 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Smith, who is to remain at Dobbs Ferry, for the sake of transacting the business of his Department, will also have the superintendance of that Post—he will have the charge of receiving & granting Flags, he will send only such as are proper & necessary; The General desires therefore you will furnish such Boats for the purpose as he shall have occasion for; and co-operate with him in any...
101From David Humphreys to Job Sumner, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief desires me to inform you, that upon maturer consideration he does not think himself authorized to give an order for the payment of your forage Account; because it would be contravening the regulation of Congress, as fixed in the late system for conducting the Qr Mastrs Department, which enumerates the Officers who shall alone be entitled to move forage, from the public,...
102To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you, under yesterday’s date, letters to be forwarded by four different conveyances, containing information that a Truce for twelve months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a Fleet of eight Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic. I observed in a Postscript, that I should afterwards explain by whose instrumentality the Truce was made. I...
103From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to request that you will immediately and without Loss of Time, make a Report to the Commander in Chief, in Writing of the general State of the Quarter Masters Department at this Moment, so far as relates to this Army, with Regard to Camp Equipage, Quarter Master’s Stores &c. noting as far as may be, the Quantities and Species in possession of the Troops, the deficiency of every Article...
104To James Madison from David Humphreys, 28 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1801, Madrid. No. 274. Encloses copy of proclamation of Czar Alexander I as he succeeds his father. Reports Nelson’s victory at Copenhagen and rumor of British defeat near Alexandria. Notes that Portugal flouts French ultimatum and French forces are poised for invasion. Has entrusted U.S. consul and commerce in Tuscany to the new king, who “had always discovered a particular...
105To James Madison from David Humphreys, 26 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you a letter from our friend Genl. Lafayette, which he put into my hand at Paris. Dispatches from Mr. Monroe will also be forwarded by this conveyance with which I was charged in London. The last advices which we have brought from thence were to the 16th. Ulto., When the arrival of the American Sloop of War, Revenge, was anxiously expected, as was the...
106To George Washington from David Humphreys, 15 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
There is no great alteration in the complexion of the political world since I had the honour of addressing you last, except that there appears to be more probability that the contest between the Emperor & the Dutch will be accomodated without bloodshed, than there did at that period—preparations for war are however continued, & the Count de Maillebois—Leiut. Gen. in the Armies of France, now...
107To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1803, New York. “In compliance with a request from Mr. Thomas Bulkeley of Lisbon, now conducting the Commercial House of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son, I have the honour to forward to you the enclosed letter, which has just come to my hand. The subject of the claim of that House on the Department of State being so fully explained, I cannot doubt that a satisfactory arrangement will be...
108To George Washington from David Humphreys, 20 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place just a Month from the time of my leaving Mount Vernon, perfectly free from Misadventures, altho’ attended with disagreeable roads & the coldest weather I ever experienced—in my route I had the pleasure of executing all your commands, except that of delivering your verbal Message to Govr Clinton, this, the impracticability of passing the Hudson below Kings-ferry...
109From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 11 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the absence of Colo. Trumbull, I took the liberty of opening your Letter of the 9th & laying the subject of it before the Commander in Chief—in ansr to which His Excellency directs me to inform you, that upon proper Certificates & left monies from Persons on the spot that the Provisions in question were lost by inevitable accident & without any carelessness or fault of those concerned in...
110To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 September 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
After a long suspension of our correspondence, I take occasion of resuming it by enclosing to you a Prospectus for the publication of my works . To this measure I have been induced principally for the sake of inserting among the others a Poem on the death of Genl. Washington, of considerable length, in which I have paid the tribute of gratitude & have attempted to do whatever justice my...