151Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 17 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
It will not be in my power to get Beaf. Bisquit I can procure, I shall prepaire a dinner here and stop all our Boston Friends with me, in order to save you as much trouble as I can. Cannot you get mourning clothes made at the drs Dr. Cotton Tufts . Sister Cranch sent for 15 yds possibly she may spair some. You had better take what black Gauze you want for the family at the drs. I think it...
152To Benjamin Franklin from James Bennet, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society The Petition and Representation of James Bennet native of Philadelphia. Humbly Sheweth: That whereas in the month of January last past the Petitioner Shiped himself as Clk & Steward on Board a Scooner of Baltimore in Maryland bound wt. a Cargo of Tobaccoe to Gothenburgh in Swedland; But being intercepted in our course, had not the good fortune to Land our...
153To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You have above an extract of a letter from the Honble Mr. Jefferson, to me by which you will perceive that he wants one of your late invented Machines for Copying Writings, he desires me to write to England but if I am not much mistaken France is the place. You however will know where his order can be best executed, and give orders accordingly, shou’d it be...
154To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Murphy et al., 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope Yr. Honr. will look into the Affair As Our Case is Verry hard at present and take it into Yr. Serious Considration As Wee Are Strangers here And Cant Get abirth too Any part Likewise to let Yr. Honr. know that Wee have Been in his Majesties Service All this War We Want to Go home Or To the West indies As Wee Are Determined Not to Go to England But...
155To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Blankets & Osnabrigs were sent to the Care of Mr Richardson by a waggon which was going there & the Expence very little more than the freight would have been by water & wt. less risque—they were arrived safe & delivered to Mr Lund Washington. The other Articles orderd by you will be most or all of them procured in time to send by a vessel which is here from Potomack & shall be directed to...
156To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Every publick acknowledgment of the essential Service, rendered our common Country by your Excellency during a doubtful War, has given me the most sensible Pleasure, and it has been among the gratifications of my Office, that its duties have priviledged my transmitting, the constant Sense Congress have maintained of your Excellency’s great Merit & good Conduct. I have now the additional...
157From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your two Letters of the 3d & 10th inst., with the enclosed Returns, have been duly received. To prevent the trouble in Future of transmitting the particular Returns of each Corps, let the Fort Major or Adjutant, digest them into one General Return, as I only wish to have a view of the general strength & state of the Troops. As Congress have reassumed the consideration of a Peace Establishment,...
158To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency the last weekly returns of the troops. Since my last, I appointed a board to inspect the decrepid and infirm who were incapable of duty, which have reported sixty one to be discharged as unfit for service, one of them with a pension. I shall accordingly discharge them which I hope will have your Excellency’s approbation. We are busy in withdrawing...
159From David Cobb to Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two Letters & one to Colo. Humphrys, who is very sick at present with a fever; the business you requested of him, I have negociated with the General, who directs me to inform you, that he thinks Capt. Bushnell entitled to forrage for a horse since the period of Capt. Gillelands resignation—not however on the principle of his belonging to the Corps of Engineers, who are...
160To George Washington from Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 17 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send to your excellency, my observations while with genl baron de steubens; they are very Conteracted , and besides i cannot warant their exactness, owing to the general being in a very great haste, to get to Canada, we did not stop to any of those positions on lake champlain which it had been very interesting to examine; and I was not permitted to go on shore at l’isle aux...
161Elbridge Gerry to Abigail Adams, 18 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the Oppertunity by Mr. Guild, of informing You, that Mr. Adams was well the 27th. of July, and that by a Letter to the Minister of France of the 29th, the Dutch Negotiation with the British was finished, by which one great Obstacle to the definitive Treaty is removed. Inclosed is an Extract of an official Letter from Doctor F—to Mr. Livingston Secretary of foreign affairs dated July...
162To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
Je vous remercie de m’avoir mis à même de pouvoir répondre aux questions qu’on me fait sur votre retour ici; & je vous félicite de la nouvelle besogne dont vous êtes chargé. Quoiqu’elle doive être un peu longue, elle ne peut que vous être agréable par son importance, en occupant tout à la fois votre activité, votre intelligence & votre fermeté. Dans l’incertitude où vous êtes, Monsieur, si...
163To John Adams from John Thaxter, 18 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here this Morning at about eleven o. Clock, and to my great disappointment found the Packet Boat had sailed four hours before my Arrival— She had been detained two days for me, altho’ the Wind was very favorable. I am exceedingly chagrined & mortified, tho’ I have nothing to reproach myself with; & I flatter myself the Ministers for Peace will acquit me of having made any unnecessary...
164From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library M. du Trône, who will have the Honour of presenting you this Line, is recommended to me by very respectable Persons, as a young Gentleman of excellent Character, who goes to America with Views of residing there some Years, and practising Chemistry. I beg leave to recommend him to your Protection and good Counsels, and to those Civilities you delight in showing to...
165To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your letter of the 15th. of July last by Captain Barney, came to my Hands the 18th. of March, but I have never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jones, or Mr. Paradise. It was very unfortunate for Mr. Russell that your recommendation of him did not arrive sooner; the Character and Conduct of this Gentleman entitle him to every favour. His property was ordered...
166From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Resolve of Congress, enclosed in Your Excellency’s favor of Yesterday, for permitting me to have access to the Secret Papers of Congress, under the same injunctions as Members; is a high & honourable testimony of the confidence reposed in me by that Honble Body, and is only to be equalled by the polite, and flattering expressions with which you have accompanied it. I have the honor to be...
167From George Washington to Philip Strubing, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
By his Excellency George Washington Esqr General and Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States. This Certifies that the Bearer Mr Strubing has served as a Lieutenant of Horse four years in the Army of the United States of America, in which character he has conducted himself as a faithful and deserving Officer. Given at Princeton this 18th day of September 1783. DLC : Papers of...
168From George Washington to Daniel Parker, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to receive from Colo. Smith, Fifty Guineas which were left in his hands, for my use, by the Count Del Vermé; and apply them to my Credit in payment for the Pipe of Wine (which was to be sent to Virginia) with the other things—if they could be got, agreeably to my former letter of the 12th. You would do me a favor by requesting Mr Frauncis to enquire if a good Cook, German I...
169To George Washington from Daniel Parker, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s favor of the 12th instant since which I have caused the Glasses to be procured by Mr Fraunces as per inclosed Bill—The two pipes of wine were shipt on board the ship Hunter for Alexandria together with some Goods belonging to your Excellency that were in the care of Capt. Pemberton—the whole are directed to the care of Mr George Gray Merchant in...
170To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 19 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 22nd. past, and since that time a great deal of Sorrow has fallen to my Share by the unexpected Death of my beloved Nephew Mr. George Maddison, who is also an heavy loss to me and others in a public Capacity, and particularly as he was so well informed in the Negotiations going forward...
171From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 19 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The letter from General Duportail of which the enclosure No. 1 is a copy, was presented to me yesterday. I beg leave, agreeably to the wishes of these Gentlemen, to recommend their case to the immediate & serious consideration of Congress. I take the liberty also, of laying before Congress an extract of a Letter No. 2 from Majr Genl Knox, on the subject of Clothing for the Troops on the North...
172From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 19 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 16th inst., and this day have laid it before Congress, their determinations, which I hope will be speedy, & agreeable to your wishes, shall be transmitted to you as soon as they come to hand. I am Dr sir DLC : Papers of George Washington.
173Report on Memorial of Massachusetts General Court, [19 September] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 155–56). In a memorial of 11 July to Congress, the General Court of Massachusetts justified its refusal to sanction the impost proposed in the Plan for Restoring Public Credit by protesting against the high salaries paid to Congress’ too numerous civil officials and the full pay promised to officers of the continental army for five years. This latter was “more than...
174Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 19 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “The Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress.” In the hand of Samuel Patteson. Yesterday’s post brought me none of your favors. I have nothing to communicate to you but that my advices from our north western frontiers tell me that if the Pennsylvanians continue their settlements on the other side of Ohio a general indian war is to be apprehended which...
175Saturday Septr. 20th. (Adams Papers)
The enthusiasm of the People of Paris for the flying Globes is very great, several Propositions have been made from Persons, who to enjoy the honour of having been the first Travellers through the air, are willing to go up in them and run ten risques to one of breaking their necks: one of the queerest propositions, is the following one taken from the Journal de Paris of Yesterday. Je partage...
176Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
Dearer if possible than ever; for all the parental props which once sustaind and supported me are fallen! My Father, my Father, where is he? With Humble confidence I can say; he is with the spirits of just Men made perfect, become an inhabitant of that Country, from whose Bourn no traveller returns. In my last Letter to you, I recollect to have particularly mentiond both our dear and venerable...
177To John Adams from Robert Morris, 20 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favors of the fifth tenth and eleventh of July— I have taken the Liberty to make some Extracts from the two latter which are transmitted in a Letter to the Governor of Massachusetts Copy whereof is enclosed— Permit me Sir to give my feeble Approbation and Applause to those Sentiments of Wisdom and Integrity which are as happily expressed as they...
178John Thaxter, Jr., to the American Peace Commissioners, 20 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society I have the honour to acquaint you that I arrived here in the morning of the 18th Inst. and had the Mortification of finding that the Packet in which I was to have taken Passage for America had sailed four hours before my Arrival, after having been detained two Days for me— I was dispatched upon the Presumption that she was to sail...
179From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 17th. I am sorry Mr Morris did not pay the money at the time and in the manner I expected—Inclosed I send you Eight Hundred Dollars in Bank Notes, & will write to you more fully in a day or two; business prevents me from doing it at this moment. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
180To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the Bearer Capt. Pinkney I return the Glass which your Excellency was so obliging as to lend me at the end of the last Campaign I should have forwarded it before had I not expected to have had an opportunity of presenting it in person—I have been confined for six day’s past to my Room with a severe ague & fever which paid me a visit every day—the Bark has at last broke it but left me very...
181From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Custis has never suggested in any of her Letters to Mrs Washington (unless ardent wishes for her return, that she might then disclose it to her, can be so construed) the most distant attachment to D.S.— but if this should be the case, and she wants advice upon it; a Father Mother, who are at hand, & competent to give it, are at the same time most proper to be consulted on so interesting an...
182Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Burnett, Letters Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36). , VII, 301, and n. 1). Probably written by John Francis Mercer, who signed it, and possibly also signed by Joseph Jones and JM. The original manuscript has not been found, although about 1930 it was among the Executive Papers in the Virginia State Library. We...
183From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after the return of the letter to him, JM wrote “Sepr. 20. 1783” at the top of the last page. Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular...
184From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.” I have nothing to add to my last on the subject of foreign affairs, further than that the Court of France has fixed on L’Orient as a free port for the U. S. The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it...
185To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular interest which my Constituents have in them. Two of these were the territorial cession and the permanent seat of Congress. The former was a few days ago...
186To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
It is long, since I took any Opportunity of repeating Assurances of my sincere and very great Esteem for you. Tired most heartily of the Jealousies & Animosities which are almost inseperable from governmental Emploies, and very hardly put to it to find Bread to eat or Rayment to cloathe myself and my numerous Family, I have rarely felt any proper Disposition of Mind for an Attempt to write...
187To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 21 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of South Carolina Library I have with much concern perused your address of the 10th. Inst, which you did me the honor of delivering this Afternoon, intimating that you had received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America containing the following words vizt. “It is confidently reported, propagated, & believed by some among us, that the Court of France, was at the...
188To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, 21 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Pigott presents his Respects to Dr. Franklyn & begs the favour to have forwarded the two inclosed Letters for America hoping He will excuse the liberty as not Knowing any other so certain conveyance. Addressed: A Son Excellence Dr: Franklyn / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis d’Amerique / a / Paris It is possible that these letters were addressed...
189To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 21 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am made exceedingly happy, by the receipt of your friendly letter of the 10th inst. which is this moment come to hand; and the young gentleman that brought it, a son of Col. Geo. Morgan’s waits while I write this—It had been sent to Philadelphia, and on my not being there, was returned, agreeable to directions on the outside, to Col. Morgan at Princetown, who forwarded it to this place. I...
190To George Washington from Richard Platt, 21 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Hearing of the promotion lately of Captains Sargent and North, upon the same principles of the French Officers promoted some time past; I have been impelled by a sense of duty to myself, and I hope propriety, to lay before Congress a state of my services, from the commencement of the war, to the present day; in hopes, tho’ unassisted by gilded recommendation, to stand in an equally meritorious...
191Monday Septr. 22th. (Adams Papers)
This morning (as my Father has been for some days very ill and the Country air being thought necessary for him) we removed from Paris to Auteuil at Mr. Barclay’s. The flying Globes are still much in Vogue: they have advertised a small one of eight inches diameter, at 6 livres a piece without air and 8 livres with it, but it has been carried so far that several accidents have happened to...
192To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
Ma Lettre ne partira que demain, mais je l’écris ce matin pour la faire mettre à la poste, parce que je me propose, avant d’aller à Amsterdam, d’aller à Dort, entretenir notre Ami, non seulement sur la matiere de l’Emprunt, mais aussi, sur celle du Com̃erce entre les deux Rep., de la perfection duquel sur un plan en grand, j’ai obtenu depuis peu des notions importantes, que je lui...
193To John Adams from John Thaxter, 22 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I expected at this date to have been at Sea; but the violent Winds from the West & N. West render it absolutely impossible to leave the Port. The Vessel that is to carry me is completely fitted & ready, & has been so ever since the 19 th. instant, she having been prepared in thirty six hours after my Arrival— I am infinitely indebted to the Zeal & Activity of Mons r. Thevenard, who has done...
194To George Washington from Daniel Parker, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Bot of Daniel Parker 1 pipe of wine ship’d to Virginia. £24.0.0 Sterlg DLC : Papers of George Washington.
195To George Washington from James Duane, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Resolution which lately passed—and which I have long had at Heart—makes it necessary that I should inform your Excellency that the foreign dispatches last received, and which were referred to a Committee of which I was Chairman, are returned into the Secretary’s Office, and ready for your Excellency’s perusal whenever it suites Your Convenience. With the most perfect Esteem and Respect, I...
196To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Committee to whom the copy of Genl duportail’s letter of the 16 Inst: addressd to your Excellency; is referd: desire a conference with you upon the Subject of that letter. I you will please to name a time most agreable to you, the committee will be happy to wait upon you in the Congress Chamber. Should half past nine in the morning Suit with your engagements, give me leave to request the...
197From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
At the sametime that I again thank your Excellency for offering me part of the Claret which you have at Baltimore, let me once more pray that my acceptance of it may put you to no inconvenience. I should be unhappy if I thought this would be the case. If, on the other hand, you can conveniently spare it, and Colo. Tilghman should be in Baltimore, I could wish to have it put into his care; as...
198From George Washington to Samuel Safford, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 4th inst., and shall transmit to the Secretary at War, your acceptance of the Commutation in lieu of half pay. Whatever is necessary to be done for the future settlement of your Accounts, you will be fully informed by applying to the Pay Master General, John Peirce Esqr. who is authorised by Congress to make a final adjustment with the Officers of the Army. I...
199From George Washington to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
By His Excellency G. Washington, Genl & Commander in Chief &c. &c. this may Certify that Lt Colo. Villefranche entered the Service of the United States in 1776, as Captain of the Corps of Engineers, in 1777 was promoted to a Majority, and in May 1783 to a Lieut. Colo in that Corps. From the testimony of Majr Generals Heath, Howe, McDougall and Knox, under whose Orders Lt Colo. Villefranche has...
200From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 22 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
With this you will receive the letter of your Aunt Lewis, to me. Altho’ I believe the ground she is proceeding upon, has more of the ideal than real advantages, which she expects from it, yet I have no objection to the experiments being made, & pray you to pursue the dictates of her letter, & communicate to me the result as soon as the necessary enquiries are made. Let me beg of you to make...