251From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 71, 23 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 23 May 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand with postscript by JA ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 71–73). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:698–699. In this letter, read in Congress on 21 Aug., John Adams sent extracts from newspaper accounts originating in Stockholm,...
252From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 72, 26 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 26 May 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 75–77). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:702–706. John Adams began this letter, which was read in Congress on 11 Sept., by quoting from the addresses exchanged by “the gentlemen of the law” of Dublin and Henry Grattan...
Since my Departure from America I have had the Honor of writing the following Letters to your Excellency Vizt. 20′ 22′ 24′ 25′ 25′ 26′ and 27 th . December 1779 from Martinique, and 27 th . January, 20′ 28′ 29th. February 3 3′ 3′ 3 d . March 1780 from Cadis. I am still uncertain whether any and which of them, have come to your Hands; and request the favor of particular Information on this...
254From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27–28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite pain I inform Congress, that we are reduced again to a situation of extremity for want of meat. On several days of late, the Troops have been entirely destitute of any, and for a considerable time past they have been at best—at half—a quarter—an Eighth allowance of this essential article of provision. The men have borne their distress in general with a firmness and patience...
255From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 73, 27 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 27 May 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 78–80). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ; notation by Thaxter: “NB. Nos. 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 were delivered to Come. Gillon on the 30th. May, with several packets of Newspapers & private Letters.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States ,...
256From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 74, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 28 May 1780. LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ). Although a letter from John Adams of 28 May was read in Congress on 11 Sept. ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 18:817), no letter of that date is in the PCC . Notations on the Letterbook copies of Adams’ letters of 1 and 5 June (Nos. 75...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 29 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed two Acts of Congress of the 26th and 27th Instant. The former recommending to those of the States where Debts are due to their Inhabitants from the Quarter Masters and Commissary’s Department by Notes or Certificates given as mentioned in the Act; to make Provision for discounting and discharging such Debts by empowering the Collectors to receive...
258From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : National Archives; ALS (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I wrote to your Excellency the 4th. of March past, to go by this Ship, the Alliance, then expected to sail immediately. But the Men refusing to go ’till paid their Shares of Prize Money, and sundry Difficulties arising with regard to the Sale and Division, she has been...
259From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Sherburne I expect will have the honor of presenting this Letter to your Excellency. This Gentleman entered into the Army at the beginning of the War and from that time to this has served his Country as a brave & good Officer. His conduct in attempting to relieve the post at the Cedars in 1776 was distinguished, and will be recollected by Congress. In the beginning of 1777 from the...
260From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that I am under the necessity of transmitting the inclosed Gazette extraordinary to your Excellency, by which it appears that Charles town surrendered to the Enemy on the 12th Instant —You probably will, by the time this reaches you, have received a confirmation of this unfortunate event, directly from Carolina. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most...
261To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30th Instant herewith enclosed your Excellency will observe, they deem it not expedient at present to make any partial Reduction in the Army of the United States. This Resolution passed in Consequence of a report from the Committee at Head Quarters for reducing some of the New York Battallions, and a Petition from a Number of the Officers in those Battallions,...
262From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 75, 1 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 1 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 86–88). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “NB. Nos. 74 & 75 were delivered Como. J. P. Jones on the first of June 1780.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:750–751. In this letter,...
263From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 76, 1 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 1 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 82–85). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:747–749. In this letter, read in Congress on 15 Sept., John Adams included the text of resolutions adopted on 11 May at a meeting of the citizens of Dublin. The resolutions...
264From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 1 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress Commodore Jones, who by his Bravery and Conduct has done great Honour to the American Flag, desires to have that also of presenting a Line to the Hands of your Excellency. I chearfully comply with his Request, in recommending him to the Notice of Congress and to your Excellency’s Protection, tho’ his Actions are a more effectual...
265From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 77, 2 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 1 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 90–95). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:752–758. This letter, read in Congress on 5 Sept., contains John Adams’ analysis of Lord George Germain’s speech of 5 May opposing Gen. Conway’s bill to end the American war,...
266From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 78, 2 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 2 June 1780. LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ) notation by Thaxter: “N B. Nos. 76. 77 and 78 were delivered Capt. Robeson of S. Carolina to carry to L’orient, on the 4th. June 1780.” Despite the docketing and the indication in the Journals that Congress received the letter on 5 Sept. ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 ,...
267To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th of May being referred to a Committee with Instructions to confer with the Assembly, and Supreme Executive Council of this State, the report of the Committee herewith enclosed will inform your Excellency in some Measure of the Proceedings of this State, on the Subject of Supplies of Men, Money and Provisions for the public Service on the present Emergency,...
268To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 June 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 1 June respecting supplies to be furnished over and above quotas fixed by Congress’ resolve of 25 Feb. 1780. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xvii , 480.
269From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 79, 4 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 4 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 98–101). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:762–764. In this letter, read in Congress on 25 Sept., John Adams provided a digest of newspaper accounts from Cádiz, Toulon, Brest, Paris, Ostend, Leyden, Brussels, and...
270From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 80, 5 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 5 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 102–105). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers notations by Thaxter: “18th June 1780. This day delivered Mr. Hall of Virginia Nos. 79 & 80 to go by the Way of Amsterdam—also two Packets of newspapers and several private Letters.”; “June 23d. 1780. This day Mr. Adams delivered to Drs. Boush and Lewis of Virginia at their Hotel the duplicates...
271To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 5 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Letter of the 31st Ulto covering Rivingtons Gazette extraordinary. I have received no official Intelligence from the Southward of the Surrender of Charlestown. All the Information from that Quarter which is come to hand, I received, this Day in a Letter from Governor Nash, covering Copies of a Letter from Govr Rutledge to him, and of an intercepted Letter signed...
272To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 5 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 5 June 1780. Encloses a resolve of Congress and asks that orders for executing it be carried out. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15); 1 p. Caption reads “To Governor Lee,” but at foot of text is the notation “The like verbatim to Gov Jefferson.” Enclosure ( Vi ); see below. The resolve enclosed was one adopted by Congress on the day this letter was written (see JCC Journals of the...
273To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by Congress to inform your Excellency that in their Opinion it is expedient for Major Lee with the Corps under his Command to proceed immediately to South Carolina, unless his March to the Southward should counteract or embarrass such Plan of Operation as you may have concerted with Intention of employing that Corps otherwise. The Foot belonging to that Corps have marched to the...
274From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your requisition for 1,900,000 Dollars and of laying the same before the General Assembly then sitting. They immediately took measures for complying therewith. As we had not the money in our treasury it became necessary to raise it partly and principally by a sale of property, and partly by borrowing. These operations requiring some time it is absolutely...
275From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 81, 10 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 10 June 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 106–117). LbC ( Adams Papers ) notation by John Thaxter: “June 18th. 1780. This day delivered Mr. Hall of Virginia No. 81—to go by Way of Amsterdam.” This is the first letter in Lb/JA/12 ( Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 100). For this Letterbook, see part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and His Letterbooks” (above)....
276From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that on Tuesday night the Enemy landed at Elizabeth Town point, with the principal part of their force, under the command of General Knyphausen—and proceeded the next morning into the Country till they were within half a mile of Springfield. In their march they were most spiritedly opposed by the Jersey Troops which formed the advanced Corps of the Army,...
277From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 82, 12 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 12 June 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 118–123). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:781–784. In this letter, read in Congress on 27 Nov., John Adams used a French translation to provide the text of a speech made by Lord Shelburne on...
278From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 83, 12 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 12 June 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 126–131). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:779–781. In this letter, read in Congress on 27 Nov., John Adams provided extracts from British newspapers, including the text of Thomas Pownall’s...
279To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 12 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am this Hour honoured with your Excellency’s Favour of the 10th Instant. The last Evening I received Intelligence from Governor Livingston somewhat similar, respecting the Movements of the Enemy in the Jerseys, which was communicated to Congress & President Reed, that the Militia of this State might be in readiness to march on the shortest Notice from your Excellency. President Reed informs...
280To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 13 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the Act of Congress of this Day herewith enclosed your Excellency will be informed that Genl Gates is ordered to take the Command in the southern Department. This Order is in Consequence of Intelligence received via New York, that Charles Town surrendered the 12th Ulto, and the Garrison are made Prisoners. This Intelligence in Rivington’s Paper containing the Articles of Capitulation, your...
281To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 13 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress of this Day herewith enclosed your Excellency will be informed that Major General Gates is ordered to take the Command in the southern Department. This Order is in Consequence of Intelligence received that seems to place it beyond a Doubt, the Enemy are in Possession of Charles town and the Garrison there made Prisoners, although the Intelligence received is not...
282To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 15 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed an Act of Congress of the 12th Instant, containing Instructions to the Committee at Head Quarters respecting the Issues of Forage and Provisions. Also another Act of the 14th Instant relating to Genl Gates his Command in the southern Department. The last Evening Colo. Ternant arrived with Despatches from Genl Lincoln containing a particular Account of the...
283From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter inclosing a resolution of Congress of the 5th. inst. for the establishment of a line of expresses from Cape Henry to Philadelphia. I had before on the request of General Washington formed such a line from Cape Henry to this place. I therefore thought it better to execute your desire by continuing the line from this place Northwardly, as it would save expence...
284From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 84, 16 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have lately obtained a Sight of a Number of Pamphlets, published in London, which are given out as written by Mr. Galloway, but there are many Circumstances in them which convince me that they were written in Concert by the Refugees. I see many Traces, which appear unequivocal, of the hand of Governor Hutchinson in some of them. I have read them with pleasure and surprize, because it seems...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 16 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 June 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s “Despatches” of 9 June. They have been referred to Board of War and Committee on the Post Office. Encloses resolutions of Congress of 14 June authorizing Gen. Gates to call on Virginia and other southern states for militia and supplies and recommending those states to give every assistance in their power to carry into execution “such Measures as...
286From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 85, 17 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Refugees in England are so great an obstacle to Peace, that it seems not improper for me to take Notice of them to Congress. Governor Hutchinson is dead. Whether the late popular Insurrections, or whether the Resolutions of Congress of the eighteenth of March respecting their Finances, by suddenly extinguishing the last Rays of his hopes, put a sudden End to his life, or whether it was...
287From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 86, 17 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Writer on the Consequences of American Independence, Subjoins a Comparison between the United States, and the West Indies. He says the Exports from England was in 1771 £ s d To North America 4,586,882: 15: 5 £ To Dominica 170,623: 19: 3 To St Vincents 36,839: 10: 7 To Grenada 123,919:
288George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 18, 1780 . Reports that British are still at “Elizabeth Town point,” and that Sir Henry Clinton has arrived from the South. Asks Congress to urge Pennsylvania to send “forward the drafts, they have already made.” States a need for wagons. States that “not a single draft has yet joined the Army … and here we are in the middle of June.” Emphasizes urgent need for...
289From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to Congress last, the enemy have preserved their position at Elizabeth Town point, without enterprising any thing against us. They have erected three little Works, and have been, for some days past, employed in building a Bridge of Boats across the Sound to Staten Island. Our weakness—their extreme caution and the compact situation in which they have kept...
290From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Committee will have informed Congress from time to time of the measures which have been judged essential to be adopted for co-operating with the armament expected from France, and of their requisitions to the States in consequence. What the result of these has been, I cannot determine to my great anxiety, as no answers on the subjects of them have been yet received. The...
291To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to transmit your Excellency the enclosed Acts of Congress of the 17th & 19th Instant, pointing out the different Measures they have taken for the Support of the southern Army. Congress cannot but hope that the Measures they have taken, if executed with Punctuality and De[s]patch, will change the Face of Affairs in that Country. It is submitted to your Excellency, whether it...
292To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to transmit your Excellency the enclosed Acts of Congress of the 17th and 19th Instant pointing out the Measures they deem necessary to be taken, for the Support of the southern Army. I make no Doubt the State of Virginia will avail itself of its numerous and spirited Militia, as well as great resources, at this important Crisis, when her own immediate Interest is so...
293To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress have at different Periods recommended Measures which they deemed essentially necessary for the public Good. They now request of those States which have not made returns of their Transactions in that respect, the most expeditious Information of the Measures they have taken in Consequence of the several resolutions, a list of which is annexed to the enclosed Act of Congress of the 17th...
294George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Whippany [ New Jersey ] June 25, 1780 . Describes movements of the two Armies. States doubt concerning enemy’s objective, but believes that it is probably West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
295From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress on the 20th the following movements have taken place on the part of the Enemy and on our part. The conduct of the Enemy and our intelligence giving us reason to suspect a design against West Point, on the 21st—the army, except two Brigades & the Horse (left under the command of General Greene to cover the Country and our stores) was put in motion to...
296To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am now to lay before your Excellency an Act of Congress of the 21st Instant by which you will be informed of the further Measures they have taken to obtain the necessary Information from Time to Time how far they may rely upon the several States for furnishing their several Quotas of Men, Money & Provisions called for by Congress or their Committee at Head Quarters. Your Excellency will also...
297From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 87, 26 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Resolutions of Congress of the 18th. of March respecting the paper bills, appeared first in Europe as recited in the Act of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. They were next published in the English News-Papers as taken from a Boston Paper published by the Council; at last the Resolutions appear’d in the Journals of Congress. A great clamour was raised and spread, that the United States had...
298From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The want of intelligence of the Southern movements of the enemy, and the anxieties we have felt on that account, cannot have been less experienced by Congress. Having just now received a state of things as they are at present in that quarter, from Governor Nash, and from Colo. Monroe (the gentleman whom in a former letter I had informed Congress I had sent to hang as near as he could about the...
299From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 88, 29 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The disputes about the Alliance, have been so critical and disagreable, that Congress will pardon me, for writing a few Observations upon our Arrangements here. I apprehend that many of the Disputes, Delays and other Inconveniences, that have attended our Affairs in this Kingdom, have arisen from blending the offices of Political Minister, Board of Admiralty, Chamber of Commerce, and...
300From 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...