1John Adams’ Instructions Respecting a Commercial Treaty with Great Britain, 16 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:183–184 . Like those for the peace treaty (calendared above), these instructions had been adopted on 14 August ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington,...
2To John Adams from the President of Congress, 1 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces of the low Countries, with Instructions for your Government on that important Mission; as also a Plan of a Treaty with those States, and likewise a Resolve of Congress relative to the Declaration of the Empress of Russia respecting the Protection of neutral Ships &c. Proper Letters of Credence...
3To John Adams from the President of Congress, 18 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Duplicate of my Letter of the 30th of July, with a List of the original Letters and Duplicates which I have had the Honor to receive from you since that Time. The Pleasure and Satisfaction which I have received from the Perusal of those Letters, especially that of the 26th of June with the Despatches accompanying it, makes me lament the Want of Leisure to...
I have the honour to transmit you herewith enclosed Two Commissions wherein you are Authorized and appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from these United States to Negotiate Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Great Brittain; Accompanied with instructions in each Case, for your government in the Execution of those Several Commissions. For your further Information and benefit, are enclosed Copies...
5To John Adams from the President of Congress, 10 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Congress consider your correspondence with the Count de Vergennes on the subject of communicating Your Plenipotentiary Powers to the Ministry of Great Britain as flowing from your Zeal and Assiduity in the service of your country: but I am directed to inform you that the Opinion given to you by that minister relative to the time and circumstances proper for communicating your powers and...
6Commission to Conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Whereas an Intercourse between the Citizens of the United Provinces of the Low Countries and the Citizens of these United States founded on the principles of Equality and Reciprocity may be of mutual Advantage to both Nations, Know Ye therefore that We confiding in the Integrity, Prudence and Ability of the Honourable John Adams late Commissioner of the United States of America at the Court of...
7II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
8John Adams’ Instructions Respecting a Peace Treaty with Great Britain, 16 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:181–183 . Although dated 16 October, the instructions had been adopted on 14 August ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 14:956–960)....
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
10To John Adams from the President of Congress, 9 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of Credence, mentioned in my other Letter of this Date; the one addressed to the Stadtholder; the other to their high Mightinesses the States General &c. You will please to observe the Cover of each is unsealed, that you may take them off and superscribe the Address on each of the enclosed Letters that are sealed, in the proper Stile and Titles on each of them...
11III. Instructions to the Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...
12To John Adams from the President of Congress, 20 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed a letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty; with a Copy of the Same for your information. Also a Commission constituting the four gentlemen therein named in addition to yourself our Ministers for negotiating peace. Also another commission and duplicate Authorizing them to accept the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany and Empress of Russia, in one of...
13Instructions Respecting a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will herewith receive a commission authorising you to negotiate a treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Provinces of the low countries. You will also receive a plan, in articles which you are to adopt in whole or without any essential alteration, being always cautious not to admit anything inconsistent with the treaties already concluded between these United States and France, and...
14To Samuel Huntington, enclosing an Intercepted Letter from Leslie to Cornwallis, 10 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose your Excellency an intercepted Letter from Major General Leslie to Ld. Cornwallis. It was taken on a person endeavouring to pass through the Country from Portsmouth towards Carolina. When he was apprehended and a proposal made to search him, he readily consented to be searched but at the same time was observed to put his hand into his Pocket and carry some thing towards his mouth as...
15Samuel Huntington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 27 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I am favour’d with your letter of yesterday also one from Colo Hamilton of the 19th instant. I have not receiv’d any official or particular intelligence from the Count D’Estaing or the southern Army since you left this City. The enclos’d papers contain all the information I am able to give you either from the southern, northern or eastern Armies. I am with esteem & regard your hble Servt LC ,...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 5 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, National Archives In my Letter of the 4th of January last I had the Honor to transmit to you Sir the Resolve of Congress of the 21st of December signifying their Desire that you should apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for the Release & Exchange of the...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Instructions, 28 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: South Carolina Historical Society; draft: National Archives These instructions do not reveal that in conjunction with them various members of Congress had opened a campaign to undercut Franklin’s authority as minister to the French court. This was the first concerted attack upon him since the failed recall attempt in the spring of 1779. On November 22 Congress had resolved to appeal to...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 1 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed, a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, as also a Copy of the same for your Information, together with Instructions of the 28th of November & 27th of December for your Government on the important Subject contained in the Letter to the King of France; likewise a Copy of the Instructions...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 12 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of introducing to your favourable Notice the Honble James Searle Esquire the Bearer. This Gentleman hath been for some Time past, and now is a Member of Congress for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and comes to Europe charged with Business of Consequence from that State. The Honour that State hath conferred upon him, and the Confidence...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 4 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: National Archives, University of Pennsylvania Library Agreeable to the Act of Congress of the 21st. Ulto herewith enclosed I am to desire you to apply to the Court at which you reside to use Means for obtaining the Release and Exchange of the Honorable Henry Laurens Esqr. From your own Inclination as well as...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 2 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library, Franklin Bache Huntington (Washington, D.C., 1938); copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed, the Copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 27th Ulto, expressing the high Sense that they entertain of the distinguished Bravery and military Conduct of Captain John Paul Jones. Conformable to the enclosed Resolve, you will please to communicate...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Two Letters, 19 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, National Archives; (II) LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Library of Congress; copy: National Archives You will receive herewith enclosed a Letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty, with a Copy of the same for your Information, also a Commission constituting yourself with the four other Gentlemen...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I have the Honor to inform you that the Honorable Francis Dana Esquire is appointed to repair to the Court of Petersburgh in the Character of Minister from these United States. He will communicate to you his Powers and Instructions, and avail himself of your Information & Advice on the Subject of his Mission. And provided he shall proceed to that Court you are to supply...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; partial copy: National Archives Congress have appointed the honble. John Jay esq minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of amity and commerce and of alliance between his Catholic Majesty and the united states of America And the honble. John Adams esqr. minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of peace and a treaty of commerce with Great Britain....
25To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, [27 December 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Since your last Instructions Congress have thought it expedient to send Col. John Laurens with powers to negotiate specially the important Affairs to which they more immediately relate. This gentleman from the nature of his services & situation has had opportunities of information which...
26Commission as Lieutenant Colonel, [25 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The United States of America In Congress Assembled To Alexander Hamilton Esq. Greeting. We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you, to a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the first day of March A. D. 1777. You are therefore carefully and diligently to...
27From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress this Morning by post, I received a Letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, requesting me to accept his resignation and assigning his reasons for the same. Having never acted on an application of this sort from an Officer of his rank, I beg leave to lay the matter before Congress & to transmit them a Copy of his Letter, by which they will be more...
28From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By advices just received from Col. Brodhead, dated at Fort Pitt the 10th Ulto I am informed there are strong indications from several quarters, that Hostilities will be committed pretty extensively on the frontiers by the Savages, at the Opening of the Campaign—that the Troops under his command are very much distressed for want of Provisions, that they have been at half allowance of meat ever...
29George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 7, 1779 . Sends information concerning British fleet; enemy attempts to depreciate American currency; and probable future movements of British army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st. General Greenes letter so strongly points out the increasing danger to the Southern States, and the detachment of the pennsylvania Line to their succour makes such an alteration in our prospects here, that different dispositions, from those originally intended, are become adviseable. On this principle, I beg leave to suggest to...
31From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit the Copy of a letter which I received last evening from General Wayne who had been to reconnoitre the situation of the Enemy upon Paulus Hook —Should the Fleet, which he mentions to have fallen down to the Hook, proceed to Sea, Your Excellency will receive information of it from Major Lee, who is stationed in Monmouth, and who is directed to advise...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 30 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Foster Webb you will receive in part of the requisition of Congress of 1,953,200 Dollars, the following sums, to wit 650,000 Dollars in money, and bills for 780,239 8/9 Dollars, making in the whole 1,430,239 8/9 Dollars. There remains a deficiency of 522,960 1/9 dollars which I hope to be able to send on within four weeks from this time. I should have been very happy to have been...
33From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have on different occasions done myself the honor to represent to Congress the inconveniences arising from the want of a proper gradation of punishments in our military code; but as no determination has been communicated to me, I conclude a multiplicity of business may have diverted their attention from the object. As I am convinced a great part of the vices of our discipline springs from...
34From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing a New York paper of the 8th which gives a more particular account of Admiral Rodney’s success than any we have yet seen. I cannot but hope that the enemy have dressed it in the most unfavorable Colours for us. I have the honor to be with very great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt P.S. since my last I have recd information from New York that another...
35From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that I arrived here yesterday about 12 o’clock on my return from Hartford. Some hours previous to my arrival Major General Arnold went from his quarters which were at this place, and as it was supposed over the river to the Garrison at Westpoint, whither I proceeded myself in order to visit the post. I found General Arnold had not been there during the day,...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 10 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Having but just been acquainted with this Opportunity which goes directly, I have only time to write a few Lines; and only leave to send a Letter without any Pacquets of News Papers. Count d’Estaing is gone to Spain to take the Command of the United Fleet. The important Alliance of the Neutral Powers for the Protection of Trade, is nearly compleated It...
37From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honoured with your Excellency’s dispatches of the 12th 13th & 16th and shall duly attend to the contents. Your Excellency, probably by this time, has heard of the revolt of the Jersey Troops in imitation of the Pensylvania line. Advice that this had been the case with a part of them, with an expectation of its becoming general, reached me the night before last—their...
38From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency the Extract of a Letter of the 23d Instant, which I received to day from Colo. Vanschaick. This will inform Your Excellency, that the Indians have lately made Two incursions on our Frontiers & taken Five of the Inhabitants of Tryon County & killed one & captured a Guard of Thirteen Militia posted at Skeensborough. I wish I had no other intelligence...
39From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 6th and 9th instants, with the Acts and papers to which they refer. The first did not reach me ’till the 13th in the Evening. I shall, in obedience to the order of Congress, take the proper steps for a Court of Enquiry to be held on the Conduct of Major Genl Gates as Commander of the Southern Army; and also shall, agreeable to their...
40From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st inclosing a Report from the Board of War, upon the application of Colonel Armand for promotion to the Rank of Brigadier in the service of the United States, on which, Congress have been pleased to request my opinion. I am ready to acknowledge the Grounds, on which, Colo. Armand founds his pretensions to higher Rank, so far as they...
41George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 31, 1781 . Encloses reports of the New Jersey mutiny and the “West Chester” enterprise. Commends troops in both operations. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
42From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to acquaint Congress that I have been informed by a letter from Governor Jefferson to their Committee in Camp, lately received, that the Legislature of Virginia had a Bill before them, when His Excellency wrote, for raising Five Thousand Men for Eighteen months to supply their Battallions; and that by a Letter, with which he was pleased to honor me at the same time, he requested...
43From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 26th and 29th ulto with the inclosures to which you refer—They shall be duly attended to. Under cover of the letter of the 26th is one from General Gates to Congress, indorsed by the Secretary "Ordered to be transmitted to the Commander in Chief." without any particular directions respecting the subject of it. Congress have been informed...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 27 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the desire of Congress expressed in their resolutions of the 17th Ult. I shall endeavor to inform them what has been done by this state in consequence of the several resolutions there referred to. 1779. Mar. 9. Recommendation to the states to compleat their respective quotas of 80 battalions. 1780. Feb. 9. United states to furnish their respective deficiencies of 35,211 men on or...
45George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 31, 1780 . Encloses and discusses a report of the commissioners for prisoner exchange who met at Amboy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 3, 1780 . Pleads cause of officers of additional regiments. Discusses dissatisfaction in Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
47From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Cochran, Physician and Surgeon General of the Army in the Middle Department, will have the honor of presenting this to Your Excellency, and of explaining to you the distressed situation of the Hospitals for necessary Stores, even at this time, when the number of sick are exceedingly few. From present prospects of the operations of this Campaign, we must expect to have a considerable...
48From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place today, having yesterday broke up the Camp near the Passaic Falls and detached the Troops to their different places of Cantonment. I shall repair to New Windsor where I purpose to establish my Winter Quarters, after having made some necessary regulations here, and visited the Hospitals. The following will be the general position of the Army during the Winter—The...
49George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Has sent “definitive proposals of co-operation to the French General and Admiral.” Is proceeding on assumption that the states “will ultimately consult their own interest and honor; and not suffer us to fail for want of means which it is evidently in their power to afford.” Reiterates need for transportation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlottesville, 28 May 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to George Washington, same date, q.v. for variations in the two texts. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed in part: “Read June 4. Referred to the board of War.” FC ( Vi ). Tr ( DLC : TJ Papers).