I am just arived at this place from N. York where I have conversed with Gen. l Washington on the purport of the Letter from the secret Committee— Gen s Putnam and Mifflin have made an exact survey of the River opposite Mount Washington and find that the depths in no part exceeds 7 fathoms—the width however of the Channel (which is from 3 to 7 F. s ) is not much less than 1000 Yd s . the...
2James Duane to Robert R. Livingston, John Jay, Gouverneur Morris, and Robert Yates, 19 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
We arrived in this City on Wednesday afternoon. If you talk seriously to its Inhabitants you’l find them full of the Expectation of ^ a Visit from ^ Gen l Howe’s but examine their Conduct and the Appearance of everything about you, & you cannot but conclude that they are in a State of the most perfect Tranquility and Security. Talk to them about the scandalous depreciation of the continental...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 18 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I most sincerely and heartily sympathise with you in the distresses and dangers under which your state is labouring at this critical period. I lament its misfortunes, as they are wounds to the common cause, as they more nearly interest those for whom I feel the warmest regard, and as they are suffered by a state, which I consider, in a great measure, as my political parent. I wish any thing in...
4From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 10 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with your Letter of the 4 December accompanying one from Mr Morris. I have acquainted that Gentleman by this conveyance that his Resignation is accepted. Tho I regret much the occasion of your leaving Philadelphia I shall be happy to see Mrs Livingston and yourself at this place on your way to the Manor—you will be so obliging as to make Mrs Washingtons respects to Mrs Livingston...
5From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 7 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
After the Preliminaries had been settled and ratified, the Spanish Embassador informed me that his Court was ready to recieve me not only in Form, but “tres honnêtemont”. He then expected full Instructions relative to the proposed Treaty. The Marq s . de la Fayette in his Journey thro’ Madrid manifested great Zeal to serve us there. A Copy of a Letter from him to the Minister will be sent you...
6From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 22 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
I wrote to you so lately by M r Mason and there is such a Dearth of news that I now write less to give you Information, than as a mark of Attention. There are several of your Letters which on acc t . of their Length, the Importance of their Subjects, and the Manner in which those Subjects were treated, demanded of me more minute answers than my Situation admitted of. M r Hartley is not yet...
7From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 13 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d came to Hand by the last post. Before this Time, you will have seen the report I made to Congress of the Interview with Sir Guy Carleton—I am very sorry the result proved so indecisive—that this, however, arises from the Cause you mention, I am not fully persuaded—I believe, a want of Information from his Court, which had been for some Time without an Administration, has...
8From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The disagreeable events which have taken place in the Pensyla and Jersey lines—the general discontent of the Army for want of pay, cloathing & Provisions—added to the usual course of business (which increases with our perplexities) will, I am perswaded, be admitted as a sufficient apology for my not acknowledging the receipt of your confidential, and obliging letter of the 8th, till now. To...
9From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 13 August 1782 (Jay Papers)
Almost ever since my arrival here I have had and still have a sick Family. The epidemic Disorder which has spread throughout the northern parts of Europe, has been severe upon us. I am free from it at present, but it has taken from me some Flesh & much Strength. M rs Jay has frequent attacks of an intermitting Fever, and our little Girl is not yet quite wholly out of Danger. Your Letter of the...
10From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 16th Inst., I received to day. Tho I am & shall always be happy in your Favors, I feel with you but too sensibly, the cause giving rise to our present intercourse. But we must look forward to more fortunate events—The Evacuation of our posts on the Lake has taken place, and cannot be recalled. Agreable to the Idea you have so obligingly hinted to me, I have written to the...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : New-York Historical Society I have just received your No 11. dated the 22d. of May. This Line serves chiefly to recommend to your Civilities two of my English Friends, who will probably pass through Philadelphia in their Way to Virginia. As they are lately from London, they can give you a good Account of the State of Parties there, and the general Disposition of the Nation respecting...
12From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 23 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
The letters you did me the honor to write me on the 6 th. & 18 th. of November, are come to hands— You do me honor, Sir, in applauding the Judgement I have formed, from time to time, of the Court of Britain, and future Ages will give me Credit for the Judgement I have formed of some other Courts. The true designs of a Minister of State are not difficult to be penetrated, by an honest man of...
13From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 23 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge, & thank you for your favor of the 16th which covered a Letter from the Marqs de la Fayette dated the 30th of Jany. That letter does not contain any News of considerable moment relative to public affairs—Altho’ the Marquis does not pretend to speak of the plan of the Campaign; his sentiments in general appear to be—That Britain will make a desperate effort to prosecute...
14From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 24 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Copies to be laid before Congress of several Papers— 1. M r. Hartley’s full Powers of May 14.— 2. The Order of the King of Great Britain in Council, for regulating the American Trade, of the 14 th. May. 3. Articles proposed by the American Ministers to M r. Hartley, 29 th. April— 4. M r. Hartley’s Observations left with us the 21 st. of May. And 5. M r. Hartley’s...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 4 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; press copy of LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Since I wrote the two short Letters of which I herewith send you Copies, I have been honoured with yours No. 5 dated the 16th Decr. Enclosed I send Copies of two Letters from M. le Comte de Vergennes, relating to certain Complaints from Ostend and Copenhagen against our Cruisers. I...
16From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
However great the merits of the Marqs de la Fayette may be. however important his Services to this Country. And however strong my friendship for, and inclination to serve him—it never was my intention to promote his wishes at the expence of the interest, policy, or dignity of our National character. If my last to you therefore, conveyed an idea repugnant to these sentiments, I beg it may be...
17From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 28 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
I find upon Inquiry, that there are in this Republick at Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Dort, near 130 Sugar Houses. The whole of the raw Sugars produced, in Surrinam, Berbice Essequibo & Demarary, were wrought in these houses. and besides, raw Sugars were purchased in Bourdeaux & Nantes, after being imported from the French Islands in French Bottoms: raw Sugars were also purchased in London, which...
18From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 30 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have been the more particular in my letters to you, concerning that extensive Manufacture and Commerce of refined Sugars, in this Country because the Proximity of all the Sugar Colonies to us, renders a share in it naturally usefull and convenient both to us and them. Fifty Thousand Hogsheads of raw Sugars are annually wrought in this Republick and exported at a great Profit to Germany,...
19From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 18 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose, for the information of Congress a Copy of Mr: Fitzherbert’s Commission. Georgius Rex Georgious tertius, Dei gratiâ, magnae Britanniae, Franciae, et Hiberniae Rex, Fidei defensor, Dux Brunsvicensis et Luneburgensis, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi Thesaurarius et Princeps Elector &ca Omnibus et Singulis, ad quos praesentes hae literae, pervenerint, salutem. Cum belli...
20From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 7 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your letters demanding my Accots. I have the honor to enclose the three Numbers: 1. 2. 3. No. 1 is an Account of my Salary for two years and an half, and the payment of it by Dr: Franklin, in obedience to the orders of Congress, the whole amounting to £ 6250 . sterling. No. 2 is the account for the purchase of the Hotel des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique, wh. amounts to 15207 . florins,...
21From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
While the Qr Master is endeavouring to furnish the bearer (who is said to be charged with important dispatches for Congress from France) with a fresh Horse, I set down to acknowledge, in haste, the Receipt of your favor of the 30th Ulto, & to thank you for the information which it contains. We wanted no fresh opiate to encrease that Stupor into which we had fallen; but I much fear that the...
22From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 6 February 1782 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the Minister of State sent me Yesterday Morning your Favor of the 13 th . December last marked N o . 3. accompanied by a Duplicate of your Letter of 28 th . November marked N o . 2. Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 30 th . Oct r . & 2 d . November, . . . stating Quotas of Money. . . . of 23
23From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress Being at Court on Tuesday, I learnt from the Dutch Minister, that the new English Ministry have offer’d thro’ the Ministers of Russia, a Cessation of Arms to Holland, and a renewal of the Treaty of 1674. M. de Berkenrood seem’d to be of Opinion, that the Offer was intended to gain Time, to obstruct the Concert of...
24From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 26 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS , press copies of each LS , and transcript: National Archives I have just received your No. 15. dated the 9th of August, which mentions your not having heard from me since March. I have however written sundry Letters, viz. of Apl. 8th. & 12th. June 25th & 29th, Augt 12th and Sept. 3d, and sent Copies of the same, which I hope cannot all have miscarried. The Negotiations for Peace have...
25From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 7 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I but this moment hear of this Opportunity, by which I can only send you a Line to acquaint you, that I have concluded the Treaty with Sweden, which was signed on Wednesday last. You will have a Copy by the first good Opportunity. It differs very little from the Plan sent me,—in nothing material.— The English Court is in Confusion by another Change of...
26From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 13 October 1782 (Jay Papers)
I hope my Letter to you of the 18 th September, of which I also sent a Duplicate, has come safe to hand, for it contained important Matter— namely a Copy of a Letter from Marbois to the Count de Vergennes against our sharing in the Fishery This Court advised and persuaded us to treat with Oswald under his first Commission, I positively refused Aranda will not or can not exchange powers with...
27From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 25 October 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your very friendly Letter— It recalled to my Mind many Circumstances on which it always dwells with Pleasure. I should have been happy in a personal Interview before my Departure, but since that has become impossible, let us endeavour to supply it by a regular and constant correspondence. To render this the more useful & satisfactory a Cypher will be necessary— There are...
28From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 24[–25] December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives Sundry Circumstances occurring since mine of the 5th & 14th. have hitherto retarded the Departure of our Dispatches. They will now go under the Security of a British Passport, be accompanied by a Sum of Money, and by some farther Intelligence from England, which show the still unsettled State of Minds there, and, together with the Difficulties and small...
29From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 30 May 1783 (Jay Papers)
It cannot in my opinion be long before Congress will think it expedient to name a minister to the Court of London. Perhaps my Friends may wish to add me to the number of Candidates for that office— If that should be the Case I request the Favor of you to declare in the most explicit Terms that I view the Expectations of M r Adams on that head, as founded in Equity & Reason, & that I will not...
30From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 12 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters express a Desire that I Should endeavour to form an Acquaintance with the Representatives of Crowned Heads, and you Seem to be of opinion that much may be learned from their Conversation. It is very true that Hints may be dropped, Sometimes which deserve to be attended to, and I Shall not fail to avail myself of every oppertunity of learning any Thing from them, that may occur....
31From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wish I had leizure to write you fully on the subject of yr last Letter —the moving state of the Army, and the extreame hurry in which I have been Involved for these Eight days, will only allow me time to acknowledge the receipt of yr favour, and to thank you (as I shall always do) for Any hints you may please to communicate, as I have great reliance upon your judgment; & knowledge of the...
32From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 9 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed N o. 121 of the Politique Hollandais, having translated a few Sentences of mine, and the Author intending to insert more, as he has already inserted a good deal of the Same Correspondence, I think it proper to transmit You, a Short Relation of it. In 1780, at Paris, a Number of Pamphlets of M r Galloway were sent me from England. I wrote to a Friend an Answer to them. He Sent it...
33From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 11 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
As there are certain particulars, in which it has appeared to me that the friendship of a French Minister has been problematical at least, or rather not to exist at all, I have freely mentioned them to Congress; because I hold it to be the first duty of a public Minister in my Situation, to conceal no important Truth of this kind from his Masters. But Ingratitude is an odious Vice, & ought to...
34From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
On the 28 th. of this Month I rec d the Letter you did me the Honour to write me on the 13. of February, which arrived at the Hague inclosed with the Ratification of the Treaty with their High Mightinesses, which will be exchanged by M r Dumas, as the Conferences here for the definitive Treaty will not admit of my taking So long a Journey, at this Time. This Arrival in Season to exchange the...
35From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 24 December 1779 (Jay Papers)
My Letters from S t . Pierre a few Days ago will inform you of the Misfortunes that drove us here. Mons r . Le Mothe Piquet was yesterday so obliging as to order the Aurora a french Frigate of 36 Guns to carry us to France, and we are to sail on Tuesday next— so that we hope before the month of March to take Leave of the Ocean, to whose Civilities we are not half so much indebted as to the...
36From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 2 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r: Berenger the Secretary of the French Legation has this Moment left me He came in to inform me of the News. The Empress of Russia has communicated, to the King of Prussia, a Treaty of Alliance between the Emperor of Germany and her, defensive against the Christian Powers and offensive against the Turk. The King of Prussia has answered her “That he is very sensible, upon this Communication...
37From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 22 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
On the twenty second day of April I was introduced by the Chamberlain to his most Serene Highness the Prince of Orange. Knowing that his Highness spoke English, I asked his Permission to speak to him in that Language, to which he answered smiling, “if You please Sir.” Altho’ French is the Language of the Court, he seemed to be pleased and to recieve as a Compliment my Request to speak to him...
38From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a continuation of Mr Morris’s furlough for two Months; at the expiration of which, it may be well for him to consider that, the Regiment to wch he belongs is now very full of Men, and that the Officers of it will think it hard especially at a time when Congress are discontinuing Regimental Officers wch can scarcely be dispensed with. to perform his duty therein, while he is in the...
39From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 10 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
In the present violent heat of the Weather, and feverish state of my own health, I cannot pretend to sit long at my Pen, and must pray you to accept of a few short hints only. To talk, in a general stile, of Confidence in the French Court & ca. is to use a general language, which may mean almost any thing, or almost nothing.— To a certain degree, and as far as the Treaties and Engagements...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston: Two Letters, 28 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two); press copy of LS and of copy: National Archives; (II) LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two); press copy of copy: National Archives I received at the same time your several Letters of Oct. 20, 24 & Novr 26. which I purpose to answer fully by the return of the Alliance. Having...
41From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 3 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete LS with complete press copy, LS with incomplete press copy, copy, and transcript: National Archives I have just received your No. 13 dated the 23d June. The Accounts of the general Sentiments of our People, respecting Propositions from England, and the Rejoicings on the Birth of the Dauphin, give Pleasure here; and it affords me much Satisfaction to find the Conduct of Congress,...
42From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 5 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
On the third day of this Month, about ten O Clock a Solemn Deputation, in three Coaches preceeded by twelve Messengers of State, went in Procession to the House in the Wood to enter into Conference, with the Statholder concerning the past Administration of the Marine, in Consequence of a Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland upon the Proposition of the City of Leyden. Military...
43From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 18 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Instruction from Congress, which directs Us to pay So Strict an Attention to the French Ministry, and to follow their Advice is conceived in Terms So universall and unlimited, as to give a great deal of Anxiety to My Mind. There is no Man more impressed with the Obligation of Obedience to Instructions. But in ordinary Cases, the Principal is so near the Deputy, as to be able to attend to...
44From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 3 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Fiscal Systems of the Powers of Europe, have such an ill Influence on Commerce, that they deserve the Serious attention of Congress and their Ministers whenever they have under Consideration a Treaty with any foreign Power. In Conversation yesterday with M r: D’Asp the Chargé des affaires of Sweeden, I enquired of him what Imposts were payable in their Ports upon the Importation and...
45From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 16 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday afternoon, the duplicate of your Letter of the 14 th. of April N o. 16. was brought in to me, with the Post-Mark “Brest” upon it. As soon as I had read it, I went out to Passy, in hopes that other Dispatches had arrived there, but I found none. While I was there, a Packet of News-Papers, addressed to us all, was brought in with the Post Mark of Brest on it. I still hope & believe...
46From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 29 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS , copy, and transcript: National Archives In mine of the 25th. Inst. I omitted mentioning, that, at the repeated earnest Instances of Mr Lawrens, who had given such Expectations to the Ministry in England, when his Parole or Securities were discharged, as that he could not think himself at Liberty to act in Publick Affairs ’till the Parole of Lord Cornwallis was absolved by me in Exchange,...
47From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 18 February 1782 (Jay Papers)
I wrote to you a short Letter on the 16 th . Instant. I have procured a Copy of the Gazette to be published To-morrow, and I send enclosed as much of it as contains the Articles of Capitulation for Fort S t . Philip. This Event takes place very opportunely, and will have a fine Effect in England. Things begin to look more promising; But I avoid particulars for a Week or two, that I may have a...
48From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 31 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
Having executed the Treaty of Commerce, at the Hague and dispatched four Copies of it, by four different Vessells bound to America from the Texel, and having Signed a Sufficient Number of Obligations to leave in the Hands of Messrs Willinks, Vanstaphorst and De La Lande and Fynje, and having received Information from Mr Jay, that Mr Oswald had rec d a Commission from the King his Master under...
49From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 12 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Reports have been spread, that the Regency of Algiers has been employed in fitting Ships to cruise for American Vessels. There are reports too, that Spain has an Armament prepared to attack their Town. How much truth there may be in either, I cannot pretend to say. Whether Congress will take any Measures for treating with these piratical States must be submitted to them. The Custom of these...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [13 August 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here two days ago. Being in company with Mrs. Schuyler I was induced, in complaisance to her, to pass through New York. But I was sorry not to find any satisfactory ground to believe that the suspicions entertained of the arrival of the definitive treaty were well founded; though Rivington when it is mentioned to him shrugs up his shoulders and looks significantly; and Sir Guy has...