1To Benjamin Franklin from John Taylor, 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The great friendship you have ever shewn me, produces a liberty which I trust you will forgive, as the subject is a matter of the utmost importance to me, and my family— I see in Freemans Philada. Journal of the 27th. february 1782 among the names of those who have forfeited their Estates, two John Taylors , and as I have not heard from my Agent Wm. West...
2To Benjamin Franklin from John Taylor, 2 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I find myself under very great difficulty how to address you on a matter of private concern, when your time is so much taken up with public business but presuming on the many former instances of kindness you have shewn me, I hope to meet your forgiveness, if I act improperly by requesting your opinion on an affair of great moment to myself & large family....
3From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor or Major Samuel Hayes, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether His Excellency the Count D’Estaing will come to the Northward with intent to operate, or return to the West Indies. Should he determine upon the former and New York should be the object, the possession of Staten Island will be absolutely necessary: to accomplish which, we should be previously well informed of the Strength of the Enemy upon it—what...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lancaster County, 15 Apr. 1781 . Encloses “a list of the number of Men raised in this County for recruiting this States quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army, likewise a particular number of each Division, and a return of the Militia but not so full as your last instructions required, as I have not recieved any returns from the Different Captains since.” The return of ammunition...
5To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, with Jefferson’s Opinion on Mary Wayland, [16 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Your most Curious Council is required on the following Cases. Case the 1st. Adam Wayland of Culpeper County in the Virga. State, after 1st. Lawful Marriage had 6 Children by his wife and She pregnant with the 7th.—Made a Will by which will he bequeath’d his wife one full Third part of his Estate, his wife in time of her pregnancy was Taken with the Small pox and Died—after remaining a widower...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 5 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me great uneasyness that the Militia of this County By their riotous behavour have prevented my making a proper return to you. On the day appointed for the Draft they assembled in a Mob, and disarm’d the Officers as they came to the field, and took from me the papers relative to the draft which prevented my carrying it on. I had a Court Martial held according to Law, and many were...
7From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 19 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 17th and am exceedingly obliged to you for the intelligence it contains. I send inclosed two half Johannes. Should you expend any more for the same purposes I will immediately remit it to you. Be pleased to endeavour to learn whether the Vessels, preparing to take the Cavalry on board, are square rigged, or sloops and schooners; we may judge of the Voyage by being...
8From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning recd yours of the 5th with the News papers and the counterfeit Bill inclosed. I thank you for the very material intelligence which your letter contains, and shall be further obliged by your communicating the true destination of the intended embarkation, if you can come to a knowledge of it. Whenever the person you mention chuses to return he may be assured of my protection,...
9From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 6th inst. The plan you have laid for obtaining intelligence appears to be very well calculated for the end at present. I wish you to turn your inquiries as far as possible or practicable to the ascertaining the extent of the preparations which the enemy may be making to procure waggons—Whether the Inhabitants of Long Island—York Island—and...
10From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 28 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemy’s reinforcement ) when intelligence is interesting and important. The first point to be ascertained, as nearly as possible, is the amount of the reinforcement, and whether it consists of complete Corps or of Recruits. If of the former, what the particular Regiments are? The next matter, which I would wish you to endeavour to become acquainted...