1001John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 16 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am always happy to find an opportunity of conversing with you, as we cannot verbally do this it is our duty to do it by writing. I now have a good opportunity to write a few lines to you by Captn. Lovett in a Ship belonging to Mr. Cobet of Beverly, but I can write but a few lines to you for I must write to all my Freinds. We have had the worst 3 Weeks that ever I pass’d in my life. Bad...
1002To Benjamin Franklin from Th.M. Laënnec, 10 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le corsaire des états unis le prince noir a conduit au port d’audierne sous le département de l’amirauté de quimper un Brigantin anglais dont il S’etait emparé. M. Diot Dèpositaire du corsaire a du prevenir Votre excellence de cet èvenement. Mais les officiers de nôtre Siege qui ont Scellé la prise et interrogé les prisoniers aïant omis de vous adresser une...
1003To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
1004To George Washington from Ann Hawkes Hay, 17 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just heard from New Ark, that the Enimy are medetating a Blow against the Town of Boston, and the Fleet there, they are now busily imployed in embarking Seven thousand Troops for the purpose, and will in a few Days sail—Mr Johnson who is my Informer is now here, and will wait on your Excellency, if you will send him a Permit to cross the Ferry immediately, he then can give your...
1005George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
1006From Thomas Jefferson to Heinrich Gerlach, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry for the delay which has happened in sending the passport. I received it the 20th. of Apr. and sent it the [same] day to Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben to be forwarded. He immediately delivered my letter covering it to an officer with orders to proceed. The papers being directed to Genl. Phillips the officer was uncertain whether he was at Portsm. or with the British army then coming...
1007To George Washington from William Heath, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented by colonel Putnam of the 5th Massachusetts regiment, who will solicit your permission to be absent from the army for a short time. He was some time since appointed one of the arbitrators to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, which has detained him, and will again require his attention on the 20th of May...
1008From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency for the observation of Congress a Copy of a Letter which I have written to Sir Guy Carleton in consequence of their Resolutions of the 15th instant—Also a Copy of Sir Guy’s Reply agreable to which I expect to meet him at Tappan, on the 5th of May. the Proceedings & Result of this Interview so far as shall be necessary I shall have the honor to...
1009To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
An Intelligent Person, who left New York last Wednesday, say’s, that he saw many hundred Houses in that City, cleaning out, for the reception, of the Troops from Philadelphia, which were expected there, in a very short time—and that the general talk of the Town, was their evacuating Philadelphia. A Militia Officer, who this moment returned from Gloucester County, informs me, that the...
1010From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 4 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of Yesterday & this morng, & approve much of the Steps you have taken for securing the Ferries as well as quieting the Apprehensions of the Inhabitants of New Ark by stationing some Troops there. Upon full consideration of all circumstances I have concluded to send the Militia Home except 500 to guard Bergen neck, which I deem an Important post &...
1011From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 14 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice with you, in the Testimony of approbation given to a very meritorious Character. If they burn in one City to acknowledge American Independence, it is to be hoped, that the virtuous flame will Soon extend itself to all others. I am vastly obliged to the Duke de la Vauguion for the Service he did our Cause and for the many noble Compliments which, I learn from Sure Sources, he was...
1012To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 3 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Js Revd. Oct. 3. 1782.” Cover missing. I recd. your last, wherein you tell me of the Remembrance of some of my French Acquaintances. I really thought many of them Men of distinguished Merit, tho’ my Acquaintance with them, from our Trip to the Mountains was but short. Does Peace really retire, or are we too sanguine in our Hopes. Is it not...
1013To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Brodhead, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of enclosing you copies of sundry letters relative to the designs of the Enemy, in and about Detroit. A great number of men must be discharged in the course of a few weeks, which will leave us weak on this frontier, and as no reinforcement of regulars can reasonably be expected for this district and the calling out some of the Militia from the States of Virginia and...
1014To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 27, 1779. On July 29, 1779, Henry Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “In addition to the lines with which I troubled you with the day before yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
1015From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the particular recommendations of General Du Portail—and from my own particular observation—I feel the highest pleasure in rendering justice to the distinguished military Talents of Lt Colonel Gouvion, and his indefatigable perseverance in the most valuable services—his Decisive judgement and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions—particularly in the late siege of...
1016To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 23 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
As Messrs. Staphorst had to send the Prospectus of the Loan, with assurance of our respect to your Excellency, we beg Leave to refer to it. We received this mail the following note from Cadiz—Letters from London give notice his Excellency Mr. John. Adams, authorises the privateers of his Nation, to take portugeese Ships, and shall likewise do it to take danish Ships. As we know nothing of...
1017General Orders, 14 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
This moment a confirmation is arrived, of the glorious Success of the Continental Arms, in the Reduction, and Surrender, of the Fortress of St Johns; the Garrisons of that place and Chamblee being made Prisoners of war —The Commander in Chief is confident, the Army under his immediate direction, will shew their Gratitude to providence, for thus favouring the Cause of Freedom and America; and...
1018To John Adams from James Warren, 11 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
Since my last I have waited with Impatience to hear from you. I mean Individually. The public Expectation to hear from the Congress is great. They dont Complain but they wonder that the Congress should set a month without their receiveing something decisive with regard to us. I presume we shall have it in due time, at least that nothing will be wanting in your power to relieve the distresses...
1019[Diary entry: 3 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear and tolerably pleasant.
1020To John Adams from James Lovell, 14 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
In my Letter of the 9th. I mentioned the Receipt of yours to the President of June 26. I inclose a Resolve passed in Consequence of the Report of a Committee: Lovell, Houston and a judicious amiable Col. Motte of Sth. Carolina. On the morning of the date of the Resolve a Duplicate of that Letter had been received covering two Papers more than had been inclosed in the Original; one of which was...
1021To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As we are making up our Accounts to tranfer to New Ballance Inclosed I take the liberty to transmit you the State of my Account with your Excellency in which is incerted the advances I have made to sundry Americans for which I have taken their receipts others for which I find I have neglected I have left out as all we advanct was to prevent them from...
1022To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Aug: 15. 1781.” In my letter by last Post I mentioned to you the very distressed condition of this State. I cannot help repeating the subject, it hangs so heavy on my Mind I can neither speak nor think on any other. Repeated representations have been made of our condition for the last eighteen Months, and of the fatal consequences...
1023From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 16 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just the pleasure of receiving yours of Yesterday. I shall give the Deputy Qr Master General Orders to have the Cloathing both New and old brought up to the Army, and have it distributed as it is most wanted. But you may depend, if the old Cloaths which have been so charitably contributed by the Inhabitants of Philadelphia, can answer the present Necessities of the other Regiments, that...
1024From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mitchell or William Lewis, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette at York. Whether a Naval Force is come yet or not, I have not heard. I hope this will find you at Hoods with your little Fleet. Should it not I must request you to fall down there immediately with all the vessels. A vessel with some provisions for the Army and other articles goes from hence this evening. Be pleased...
1025From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys letter of the 10th instant thro’ Mr Clarke. I have transmitted Congress a copy of your proposition relative to an exchange of the troops of Convention and shall do myself the honor to communicate their decision the moment it is made known. Mr Clarke has my permission to proceed by the most convenient route to the troops of Convention. I have the honor to be with all...
1026From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 20 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am exceeding sorry to hear your State has ordered several Battalions to be raised for the defence of the State only, and this before proper measures are taken to fill the Continental Regiments; You cannot be insensible how unequal any one State is unconnected with the others to defend itself, if the Enemy shou’d make a descent against it with any considerable force; neither have you the...
1027From John Adams to James Warren, 12 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I see by the Papers, our Assembly is called, and conclude it is now Sitting. The Letters we receive from G. Schuyler, are enough to frighten any Body who does not know him. G eneral W ashington Says that all the Regiments from N.H. and M.B. are at the Northward and yet, Schuyler tells Us he has not above 4000 Men. I hope this Matter will be investigated. I believe Gates will find greater...
1028To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Jean Martin Smets, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La presente etant uniquement pour avoir l’honneur de vous prevenir de vous avoir Expedié par la diligence ordinaire un pacquet a votre adresse reçu de Monsieur Aychmayer de Rotterdam, esperant que vous l’aurez deja Reçu bien Conditionne, charmez que cette occasion me procure Celle de vous offrir mes Services, vous priant de disposez de moi, et de me Croire...
1029To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 28 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Have just now time to advise you that my agent in Philadelphia on the 9th. instant forwarded 275 Stand of arms and 1 ton of Gunpowder, to Fredericksburg, on the 11th. he forwarded a ton of Gunpowder on the 18th. he forwarded 600 Stand of arms and by this date he expected to forward the remainder of the 2000 Stand. This Supply of Arms, the Arms over and above what the Baron has taken for his...
1030To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
So many difficulties attended the late mode of issuing provisions to Officers or their own returns, that when the new contract was entered into, the contractors would not agree to issue as they had formerly done, but requested that the number of rations which each Officer was entitled to draw might be ascertained—this induced the recommendation of the enclosed resolves of Congress by which the...
1031To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 23 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your Excellency’s Commands of the 17th Instant and am happy to find the Measures taken here for the Reception of the Enemys Shipping approved. Yesterday some of the Carpenters from Poughkeepsie arrived at this Place with the Fire-Rafts—They are constructed on the Plan lately transmitted to your Excellency by my Brother —We are busy preparing & hope to be able Tomorrow or...
1032To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [1 September 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Madame Brillon fait dire a son aimable papa que le jour est pris pour allér au sallon et déjeunér chés monsieur Vérnet jeudi; mércredi on prendra l’heure et les arrangemens. Madame Brillon prie le bon papa de venir a 6 heures précises prendre le thé mércredi parceque monsieur Wattellét et madame le comte viénnent ce jour la disnér avéc elle. Si le papa...
1033George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 11, 1779 . Warns of a probable British undertaking involving the Convention troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson was governor of Virginia.
1034General Orders, 10 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the United States in Congress assembled Resolved That the Legislature of each State Raise at the expence thereof in the first instance to be reimbursed by the United States so many men as may be necessary to complete the Quota assigned to such State out of the number of Landforces agreed upon in the Resolutions of the third and twenty first days of October 1780—Calculating the Deficiency...
1035To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [20 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, January 20, 1777. A statement in George Washington’s letter to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison of this date reads: “Be so good as to forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] Before the Revolution, Harrison, who was a native of Maryland, was a lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Washington and became his occasional legal adviser....
1036To John Adams from Robert Morris, 25 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 22nd April has been delivered to me by Mr. Peter Paulus to whom I shall most chearfully Afford such advice or countenance as he may stand in need of. But it seems this Gentlemans wants are not confined to those Points, he applies to me for a Supply of Money to set up his Trade, I have explained that your desires in his favor do not extend to the advance of Money, and I am...
1037[Tuesday September 17. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday September 17. 1776. Sundry Resolutions being moved and seconded, in Addition to those passed Yesterday, relative to the New Army. After debate, Resolved that they be referred to the Board of War. A Letter of the 10th. from Brigadier General Lewis, was read: Also a Letter from James Forrest was read, and referred to the Board of War. Congress took into Consideration the Plan of treaties...
1038[January 1782] (Adams Papers)
Began to read Hume’s history of England. David Hume, The History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688, 8 vols., London, 1763, which JQA borrowed from the English or British Library of St. Petersburg, where he found “a good collection of English Authors” (Dana to JA , 25 Jan. , Adams Papers ). JQA ’s notes (copied quotations) from his reading of Hume appear...
1039To George Washington from William Livingston, 29 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the inclosed (which was taken at Staten Island,) may probably be of some Service on Lieutenants Troup’s Trial, I thought it my Duty to send it to your Excellency. I have wrote you fully on the Subject of your Requisition of 1000 of our Militia to garrison the forts along Hudson’s River, by Major General Sullivan. I have still some apprehensions that the Enemy will play you a trick by...
1040General Orders, 16 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended, that “Thursday next the 20th Instant, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the english Colonies upon this Continent; as a Day of public Humilation, Fasting and Prayer; that they may with united Hearts & Voice, unfeignedly confess their Sins before God, and supplicate the all wise and merciful disposer of events, to avert the Desolation...
1041To George Washington from William Bloodgood, 24 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have not the honor to be personally known to your Excellency, yet the circumstances which impells me to Address you at this time are of such a nature as I flatter myself will plead an Excuse for the liberty I have taken. After having been persecuted near six Months with all the rancour which the malice of my Enemies could suggest, I was at last favour’d with a Tryal, and...
1042To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
To the objects His Excellency General Washington proposed on the 16th inst: to the Consideration of a Board of General officers, My observations are as follows. It has been my opinion ever Since last month of may & Still is, that the Enemies will leave New-york & Rhode Island States, & employ their Forces to protect their kingdoms & West Indies, the defense of which Seems rather more natural...
1043To John Adams from James Lovell, 14 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
I inclose to you the decent Fashion in which we it was yesterday opinioned to let the World know Mr. Lee has a Successor. Pray strive by Mr. Issac Smith’s Knowledge of the Sailing of Vessels to let Arthur get the paper before his Foes. The 3 Ministers are to have per An: £2500 sterling. Their Secretaries £1000 in full of Services and Expences. To commence at Outset and finish in 3 months after...
1044From Benjamin Walker to Walter Stewart, 16 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by the Commander in Chief to acknowledge the recit of your Letter of the 12th. It is but very lately that a pointed order was issued directing the forges to be set a t Work—the General is unacquainted why that order was disobeyed. The General directs that no new Arms should be furnishd the Recruits whilst they can be supplied with repaird ones. The reason why the Order relative...
1045To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Excellencys directions about returning the horses and boats which have been impressed for the expedition against Portsmouth. It gives me concern to say that the thing is very impracticable. In the first place there is nothing obligatory upon the impressors to return the horses or Boats and money will not induce them to undertake the business. In the next place, the...
1046From John Jay to Catharine W. Livingston, 17 December 1780 (Jay Papers)
It is uncertain whether this Letter will ever come to your Hands. two or three others are now on the way to you— I fear your late Letters have been unfortunate—the last that reached us was dated in July —since which we have not heard anything of the Family— We suspect that several Letters from our Friends were committed to M r . Laurens Care— If so they may one of these Days have the Pleasure...
1047General Orders, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial held at Chatham, the 8th Inst: whereof Brigadier General St Clair was President, for the trial of Col. Mordecai Buckner, accused of “Shamefully Misbehaving before the Enemy, in thc Action of the 23rd of Jany last,” And of “Quitting his post and party in time of engagement”—have after mature consideration, sentenced the said Col. Mordecai Buckner, to be cashiered, and...
1048The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 11 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, September 11, 1778: We have received yours of the 5th and wish better health to Captain Ayres. His ship should sail forthwith if it has not already done so. We will honor the draft for the account you enclosed, but you must distinguish the sums advanced to Mr. Adams in a private capacity as well as those...
1049To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Hazen has applied to the secretary at war for the articles necessary to equip his regiment. For what regards my department, he is referred to me. I have no difficulty in ordering a supply of every article, tents excepted, which must be brought from the North river; nor should I hesitate about these, if the regiment were certainly to continue any length of time at Lancaster: for they...
1050General Orders, 13 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
As there is a quantity of provisions and forage collected for the army the General is anxious to take advantage of the present favorable weather to bring it to camp & orders two detachments for that purpose to be paraded tomorrow morning 10 ôclock with three days cooked provisions. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the...