6951From George Washington to Mary Dagworthy, 6 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Some time since I was honored with your letter of the 17th July, with a sum of money the result of your subscriptions at that time. So much patriotism, while it is a pleasing and fresh proof of the spirit of the ladies of Jersey, entitles them to every applause. The army feel most sensibly both the design and the benefaction. I have to request the ladies that till it is known in what manner...
6952From George Washington to Mary Dagworthy, 9 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive Your favor of the 29th of Decr and have given directions to Colonel Nelson to deliver the three hundred and eighty pr of Stockings for the use of the Troops of the State of New Jersey. This Gratuity of the Ladies, I am persuaded, will be very acceptable at this season: and will produce every expression of gratitude to the generous Donors, from those who are...
6953From George Washington to Janet Dalgleish, 15 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been favord with a Letter from you dated 28th of Feby in the present year; and as it is impossible for me, by any personal enquiries or application, to assist you in the recovery of your Brother ’s Debts, I have transmitted your Letter and Acct to an acquaintance of mine in Norfolk in Virginia, Thos Newton Esqr.—a Gen’man of character; & one who must have been intimately...
6954From George Washington to Richard Dallam, 5 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of this Morning from Bristol. As the most considerable part of the Army is like to be in this Town and its Neighbourhood, I think you better remove the Treasury as near as possible on the pennsylvania Side of the River, when you have fixed upon a House, a proper Guard shall be appointed. It is very inconvenient for Officers to go for Money, which is wanted every Moment for one...
6955From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Upon the Receipt of your Letter dated at Cudent the 11th. Instant, I immediatly apply’d to the Minister in your Behalf, who has given Orders that you Should be set at Liberty. You did not mention whether the Boat you came over in was one you hired, or that you took. If the Latter, you are at Liberty to sell the same and divide the Money among you to furnish your...
6956From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 22 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 9th. Instant. Herewith you have the Order of Mr. de sartine for your Discharge. For your present Relief, and to bear your Expences to Nantes, you may draw a Bill upon me for two Hundred and forty Livres, which shal be paid here upon Sight. Be frugal and make the most of it. Your friend and servant. Sartine must have acted immediately on BF ’s...
6957From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since my Arrival in this City, which was on the 9th. of this Month I had the Pleasure of your Letter concerning your Vessel which was sunk in the West Indies. I immediately waited on Dr. Franklin who informed me that he had received a similar Letter from you and in the Time of it applied to Court and obtained an order for your Compensation, which he transmitted to you, and which I hope you...
6958From Benjamin Franklin to Tristram Dalton, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received Lately your Letter of the 13th. of may, with the Papers relative to the Loss of the Brigantine fairplay. I had on the first Intelligence of that accident from the west Indies, made application to the Minister of the marine in favour of the sufferers, and received from him the answer of which I formerly Sent you a Copy; but as that may have miscarried, I now...
6959From Benjamin Franklin to Tristram Dalton, [11] August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I wrote to you the 17th. of October last, on the Subject of your unfortunate Brig. I suppose you received that Letter, as the Vessel I sent it by arrived. I now enclose a Copy of the Answer I some time since received to my Application on your Behalf, together with a Copy of a Letter I wrote immediately on receiving that Answer. I have since heard nothing more of the...
6960From George Washington to Count de Damas, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Monsieur Dumat Aide De Camp to His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau and Aide Quarter Master to the French Army, being dispatched to reconnoitre the Ferries on the Susquehannah River; it is requested that all Persons well affected to the Cause of America, & the success of the Allied Armies will afford him their best information, aid, and assistance, in the prosecution of his duty....
6961From John Adams to Francis Dana, 30 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received yours of 19. I have your Form of the Constitution and Some News Papers, none later than those you have. These I shall send by the first private opportunity. I forwarded your Letters by the last Post or two. The Constitution will probably be accepted, at least that is the opinion of all the Americans here. Last night I had an Account of Mr. Stephens’s Letter to Lloyds Coffee...
6962From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 10 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 25th of July, which I transmitted to Colonel Brooks, accompanied by some inquiries that appeared to me necessary. A copy of my letter to him, and of his answer, are enclosed. You will see that he insists positively on your having made the offensive observation before imputed to you; adds several aggravating particulars to his first relation; and...
6963From George Washington to Francis Dana, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with a resolution of Congress of the 4th Inst., by which you are appointed to assist in the arranging of the army. As so important a matter ought not to be delayed I would be glad to see you at camp as soon as possible; and to know when I can have that pleasure. I am &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The resolution is printed in JCC...
6964From John Adams to Francis Dana, 12 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
In the Lists of the House and Board, I was as much pleased to find your Name among the latter as I was chagrined to find it omitted in the former. This is one among numberless Advantages of a Middle Branch of the Legislature, that a Place may be found in it, for such distinguished Friends of their Country, as are omitted by the People in the Choice of their Representatives. This is an...
6965From John Adams to Francis Dana, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of 26th. Augst: OS. with Duplicates and Triplicates of a former letter and one original. These shall be sent by different vessells, as you desire. I agree to your Condition to make a minute of the postage, but you may inclose your letters to any one of the six following Gentlemen at Amsterdam and direct them to charge the postage to the U. S. viz Wilhem or Jan...
6966The American Peace Commissioners to Francis Dana, 12 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour to congratulate you, on the Signature of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive Treaty, when France and Britain Shall have agreed upon their Terms. The Articles, of which We do ourselves the honour to inclose you a Copy, were compleated, on the thirtieth of last Month. To Us, at this...
6967From John Adams to Francis Dana, 17 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 1. of this month and the Packetts you Sent with it, by Mr. Appleton. The arrival of the Convoy, at Bourdeaux is a fortunate Circumstance for Commerce: but I want to know the News and whether any of those Vessells were upon public Account, and whether any thing is sent to Us. I have taken a cursory View of Brussells, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Delft, the Hague,...
6968From John Adams to Francis Dana, 13 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Yours of April 12/23 is just come to hand: Last night, for the first time, I Slept in this House, and I hope that the Air of the Hague will have a good Effect upon my Health, otherwise I must embark for the blue Hills. The Independance of America, has been acknowledged by this Republick, with a Solemnity and Unanimity, which has made it, in a peculiar Sense the National Act. The Publication of...
6969From John Jay to Francis Dana, 19 August 1780 (Jay Papers)
Your Favor of the 5 th . Inst was delivered to me Yesterday Morning. I am happy to hear M r Adams is gone to Holland. He will I am persuaded be very useful there. Accept my thanks for the Intelligence communicated in your Letter, and be so obliging as to continue the Correspondence you have begun. The Character I heard of you at Congress induced me to wish for an Occasion of commencing it, and...
6970From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am at no Loss, what Advice to give you, in answer to the Questions in your letter of this day, because they relate to a Subject, on which I have long reflected, and have formed an opinion, as fully as my Understanding is capable of. I think then that it is necessary for you to prepare for a Journey to Petersbourg without Loss of Time, that you travel in the Character of a Gentleman, without...
6971From John Adams to Francis Dana, 12 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
This will be delivered you by Mr. Samuel Hartley, who is recommended to me by Mr. Digges and Mr. David Hartley. I should be obliged to you for any Civilities you may shew him. Mr. Digges recommends him as an open Friend to the American Cause. There is no News here but what you will see in the Leyden Gazette which is my Vehicle for conveying the News. Pray write me if you have any. I shall not...
6972From John Adams to Francis Dana, 5 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of Decr. 31st/Jany. 11th 1781.2 I recieved Yesterday, and in an hour or two after the Letters inclosed were sent in to me. As I have not recieved any of my Letters by the Viscount de Noailles or the Marquiss, I was very anxious to know the News and took Advantage of your Permission to open the Letters. That from Mrs. gave me vast pleasure—it put me in Spirits for the whole day. The...
6973From John Adams to Francis Dana, 17 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
It grieves me when I think how long it is since I wrote you. But my head and hands and heart have been all full. I sent, to the Care of the Dutch Ambassador, General Washington’s miniature, for you. Should be glad to know whether you have recd. it. I have also sent along several Dispatches from our Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Have you received them? Fitzherbert’s Commission is to treat with...
6974From John Adams to Francis Dana, 10 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your Favour of Sept. 5/16. if my Son can find a good oppertunity to come, I should be glad to see him. But should not be willing to trust him with every Companion. He is too young for such a Journey, unless in Company with a prudent Man. Mr John Adams has a Letter from Mr John Jay of 28. Ult. informing him, that Yesterday, Mr Oswald recd a Commission to treat of Peace with the...
6975From John Adams to Francis Dana, 7 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. the two halves of your letter to Congress, and they have been sent on. I sent you a few days since a packett fm. our Minister of foreign Affairs. Sometime ago, I sent unto you the miniature of Genl. Washington, wh. Mr. Searle gave me, and I am anxious to learn that you have recd. it. I can give you no news fm. America, France, Spain or Holland, but what you will have previously...
6976From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your Favour of March 12. O.S.— It has for Sometime been my Intention to embark for the Blue Hills as soon as the definitive Treaty should be Signed, or even Sooner if the Acceptance of my Resignation, which I transmitted on the 8 th day of last December, Should arrive before that Event. M r Vanberckel will Sail from the Texel in June, and it would be agreable to me to go...
6977From John Adams to Francis Dana, 5 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your’s of December 30 th. , I recieved last Night. Orders are long since gone from M r. Grand to his Correspondent at S t. Petersbourg, to furnish You the Money You want.— You will find our Treaty inaccurate and blundering, but You will pardon all our Bulls, when You know the Haste and the Danger We were in, and think that We have done very well. I should advise You not to hesitate a Moment...
6978From John Adams to Francis Dana, 16 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging Favour of July 28. I duely received. Am glad to hear that your third Freshmanship is a busy one. I think you commence a fourth, at Philadelphia, very Soon. I have presumed to lay before the General Court a Proposal, to choose Nine Delegates. That their Duty may be discharged here in Rotation. The Service here is too hard, for any one, to be continued So long; at least for me. Who...
6979From John Adams to Francis Dana, 22 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of Nov r. 14/25 I recieved the night before last, & went out with it yesterday to Passy. D r. Franklin & I agreed to desire M r. Grand to give Orders to the Banker his Correspondent at S t. Petersbourg to furnish You with the Sum of Money You may have occasion for, so that your Treaty may be made as soon as You please. I should not be surprized, if the English Minister to the...
6980From John Adams to Francis Dana, 14 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
This day was brought me, your kind favour of August 28th. the first Line I have received from you, Since We parted. A Line from my dear Son, aug. 21. O.S. which I recd 3 days ago, was the first from him. The publick News from America, you have before now. It is grand and I congratulate you upon it, with a gratefull Heart. Our allies have this year adopted a System, which you and I have long...
6981American Peace Commissioners to Francis Dana, 12 December 1782 (Jay Papers)
We have the Honour to congratulate you, on the Signature of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive Treaty, when France and Britain shall have agreed upon their Terms. The Articles, of which We do ourselves the honour to inclose you a Copy, were compleated on the thirtieth of last Month. To Us, at this...
6982From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 11 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Colonel Brooks, of which the enclosed is a copy. In my reply to him, I pronounced the whole affair to be absolutely false and groundless, and pledged myself to make it appear so. The intention of this letter is to inquire, whether you avow or disavow the conversation he relates; and if the former, to demand, in explicit and direct terms, your authority. You must...
6983From John Adams to Francis Dana, 15 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Feb 10/21. arrived last night, and I thank you for the Copy inclosed. I think that if the Ct. of St. James’s is capable of taking a hint, she may see herself advised to acknowledge the Sovereignty of the U.S. and admit their Ministers to the Congress. There Seems to be a Change of System in England, but the Change is too late: the Kingdom is undone past Redemption. Minorca, St...
6984From John Adams to Francis Dana, 2 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 27 Ultimo came to hand last night. Mr. Bradford informs me that he Sent to Paris by Post a Packet from Dr. Cooper to me. Have you heard nothing of it? Upon my first Arrival I told Mr. De Neufville, that I had orders to pay him 60£ st. for you and offered to do it then; but he has put it off. There are no Vessells here going to Massachusetts—but there is one going to Rhode Island, and...
6985From John Adams to Francis Dana, 28 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 28 March is this day recd —the other Paper you mentioned I also recd, but after my Letter was written. Your other Letters are also recd. You will have Seen by the Papers, that the great Point is gained here with much Unanimity, and many indifferent People think it a great Point. I may think more highly of it, than it deserves, but it has ever appeared to me, the turning Point. Be this...
6986From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I had the Pleasure of yours of the 7th. both the Packetts came Safe and in good order. As to a secret Address, you may direct under Cover, A Madame La Veuve du Mr. Henry Schorn, op de Agterburg wall by de Hoogstraat Amsterdam. It is not possible to suppress all suspicions after the Conversation you heard: but your own Coolness and Judgment, will be Sufficient without any hint from...
6987From John Adams to Francis Dana, 8 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
The King of G. Britain, by Patent under the Great Seal of his Kingdom has created Richard Oswald Esq, to be his Minister Plenipotentiary to treat with the Ministers of the United States of America. Thus G. B. is the 3 d Power in Europe, to acknowledge our Independence, She can no longer therefore contend that it is a Breach of the armed Neutrality or an Hostility against her to acknowledge...
6988Motion of Instruction to Francis Dana, [22 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, II, 121). That Mr. Dana be informed that the Treaties lately entered into for restoring peace, have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these States, as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their Independence That he be instructed, in case he shall have made no propositions to the Court of...
6989From John Adams to Francis Dana, 25 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
In Some of the latest Letters from England, We are told, that they grow more and more out of humour with the Americans every day, and that it is the Fashion now of the Minority, as well as the Friends of Administration to abuse them, both in and out of Parliament. In a Particular Mr. Powis Mr. Fox &c. express their Abhorrence of Congress—call them the worst of Tyrants and Say they deserve to...
6990From John Adams to Francis Dana, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the Pleasure of receiving two Letters from you, one dated Feb. 1. and one without a date, but I suppose written the day before. With these I received the Packetts, but there are in them no Letters from my Wife. The Resolution of Congress of the 12 of December, gives me great Pleasure, as it proves that We had the good Fortune to be possessed of the true Principles of Congress...
6991From John Adams to Francis Dana, 6 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
You may easily guess from your own Feelings, what mine may be in communicating to you, the Intelligence that the Preliminary Treaty, to be inserted in the diffinitive Treaty was Signed on the 30 Decr. by the Plenipotentiaries on each Side.— We have tolerable Satisfaction in the Missisippi the Boundaries, & the Fisheries and I hope not much to regret with regard to the Tories or any Thing else....
6992From John Adams to Francis Dana, 8 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wish you Joy of your new, Scaene and Stage: You will act your Part well I doubt not, and I hope you will have much Pleasure and Reputation in it. I should be much obliged to you for a Letter, now and then. Let me know if you please, the Principal Things done in Congress, and in Camp: but especially, I should be very anxious to know, every Intimation you may have in your Intelligence from...
6993From John Adams to Francis Dana, 22 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved several Letters from You, but have been so busy signing my Name, that I could not answer. I give You Joy of Laurens’s Arrival—it is a great Event. I hope he brought You an important Paper, which Lovel mentions in his Letter to You, and Gerry in an excellent one to me. I rejoice Sir in your Honour, and in the public Good, but I feel myself weakened and grieved at the present...
6994From John Adams to Francis Dana, 1 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d your Favour of the 16 of March, and in answer to it, I do assure you that I do not intend to decline taking a Seat in Congress, if any State in the Confederation shall think it worth while to offer me one. I am grown very ambitious of being a Limb of that Sovereign. I had rather be Master than Servant, upon the Same Principle that Men Swear at High Gate never to kiss the Maid,...
6995From John Adams to Francis Dana, 22 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
I was honoured Yesterday with yours of 15 Jany. O.S. You must have learnt, sometime that the Peace is made, and the Armistice. You can no longer hesitate to make known your Errand. Whether the Advice of the Marquis de Verac is for it or against it, I should think you would now go to the Minister.— Your Instructions are Chains Strong Chains.— Whether you shall break them or no as We have been...
6996From John Adams to Francis Dana, 12 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
I dont know whether I have acknowledged yours of the 12th. Feby.: that of the 25th. came to me yesterday. The Letter inclosed was from Mr. I. Smith of 18 Decr. He says they were busily employed in raising their Quota for the Army during the War or for three Years, and that the other Provinces were doing the same. He says Mrs. Dana was well a few days before: that Davis had arrived after having...
6997From John Adams to Francis Dana, 24 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of 14 th. February —and am not without hopes of receiving from Congress, in a few days, directions for advancing the money to you: But five thousand Pounds sterling is an enormous sum, and, in the opinion of some, more than the Treaty, in the present Circumstances will be worth. D r: Franklin started to me a doubt, whether you had not been imposed upon, and told of a...
6998From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Dana, 7 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft); Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I received the Letter you yesterday did me the honour of writing to me, requesting my Opinion in Writing relative to the Conference you had with his Excellency the Comte de...
6999The American Peace Commissioners to Francis Dana, 12 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS, AL (draft), and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: Library of Congress We have the Honour to congratulate you, on the Signature of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive Treaty, when France and Britain Shall have agreed upon their Terms. The Articles, of which We do ourselves the...
7000From Benjamin Franklin to Francis M. Dana, 11 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; ALS (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 1st. Instant; and immediately apply’d to Mr. Grand our Banker to furnish you with the Credit you desir’d at Amsterdam. He acquainted me that having a Correspondent at Petersburgh, he could give you a direct Credit there; and that the Chancellor Count Osterman being an old Friend of his, he...