13961From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing that our arms from Rhode island are arrived at Philadelphia, I have begged the favor of our delegates to send them on in waggons immediately, and for the conveyance of my letter have taken the liberty of setting the Continental line of expresses in motion, which I hope our distress for arms will justify, tho’ the errand be not purely Continental. I have nothing from Genl. Greene later...
13962To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Read, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this morning received a Letter from Colo. Skinker of King George County, informing me that their was two large Sloops and three Small Vessells of the Enemy, cum up to Mr. Hooes Ferry, landed on the Maryland Shore did Considerable Mistufe, they then Crosed the River and Landed at Mr. Hooes and has burnt down his Houses last evening, taken off Negroes Stock &c. I thought It my Indispenceable...
13963To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Read, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Court Martial of this County have directed me to lay before your Excellency, a Copy of their Proceedings respecting the March of their Militia, Ordered to the Southard to join General Greene, and to await your farther Orders respecting the same. And at the same time to Acquaint your Excellency that on the Approach of Lord Cornwallis to this State, the whole of the Militia of this County...
13964From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Read, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to find that the Order for 156 of your Militia to join General Greene is likely to bear so hard and yet that his Necessities are such as leaves it in our Power to relax somewhat only and not to excuse altogether. The Number 156 was calculated as a fourth of your Militia according to the latest Return we then had. Your present return would reduce the fourth to 141. However instead of...
13965To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, [7] April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond [ 7 ] Apr. 1781 . Acknowledges a letter of this date “with Genl. Spotswood’s letter which is now return’d. In obedience to your reccomendation I have extended the Contract for Catridge Boxes and belts to 2000 More, judging the price reasonable, if the exchange can be adjusted by the price of Tobacco.” Has written “to the General” on the subject of the exchange “and allowed him to draw...
13966To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 7 Apr. 1781 . Encloses copies of two important letters received this morning from Governor Livingston and General Forman. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 360, PCC ); 1 p.; at head of text: “To His Excelly. General Washington”; at foot of text: “N.B. The like to the Presidents of Pennsylvania & Delaware & the Governors of Maryland & Virginia.” Enclosures: (1) David Forman to Huntington,...
13967Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
When I received your last kind, and daily Remembrance of me, I felt doubly obliged, for I knew I was in the arrears, and had not deserved it, and my gratitude rose in proportion. You have greatly the advantage of me in the enjoyment of quiet Life, in thinking over Letters while you at work, and in the possession of your own thoughts. For if Ideas present themselves to my Mind, it is too much...
13968From John Adams to the President of Congress, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
This Day the Skipper of a Trech Schuit, brought me, your Excellencys important Dispatches by Coll. Laurens. The Coll. delivered them to Mr. Dana at Paris, with perfect Propriety. Mr. Dana with equal Propriety delivered them to a Gentleman of Character, who undertook to deliver them at Amsterdam, but unfortunately forgot them at Valenciennes. From Valenciennes they travelled partly by Post,...
13969From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that I have received from Congress a Commission, to their High Mightinesses with full Powers and Instructions to treat with their high mightinesses, concerning to conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce. I have also received Letters of Credence as a Minister Plenipotentiary to their High Mightinesses , the states General, and to his Most Serene...
13970To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Letters from Cadiz inform us of the arrival of a Vessel at that port from Baltimore she left the Bay the 16 february. The Capt. reports more than we can well Credit, that Arnold had made great distruction in the circuit he had taken which had rouzed the Virginians that a Body of Six Thousand Men had got betwixt him and his Shiping and they were in dayly expectation of his being Burgoign’d. The...
13971To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 6 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Having agreably to my Instructions, as well as my own inclinations, laid before your Excellency all the papers which I have received from Congress, relative to my Mission for the Court of , and my correspondence with his Excellency the Comte de Vergennes, in consequence of the same, for the benefit...
13972To Benjamin Franklin from Winslow Warren, 6 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was yesterday informed by my Friend at Ostende, a Trunk & a Box, belonging to me, Were by Mistake sent to you at Passy— I must request your Excellency’s Care of them for the present— & have the Honour to be With the most perfect respect, yr Ex. Most Obedt: Very Hum: servt: Addressed: His Excellency Benja: Franklin / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the...
13973To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the Copy of a Resolve which I have transmitted to the Count de Rochambeau & to the Chevalier Destouches by Direction of Congress. I have the Honor to be with very great Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
13974From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Should the Marquis de la Fayette not be with the detachment, you will halt wherever this may meet you and wait till you hear further from him. I am Sir Yr Most obt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
13975From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter to you of yesterday, I have attentively considered of what vast importance it will be to reinforce Genl Greene as speedily as possible, more especially as there can be little doubt but the detachment under Genl Phillips, if not part of that now under the command of Genl Arnold, will ultimately join, or, in some degree, cooperate with Lord Cornwallis. I have communicated to the...
13976From George Washington to Jotham Loring, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 14th of Decr last referring Your Memorial for a Rehearing to me—I have perused the Proceedings of the Court Martial again, together with Whatever Papers might throw light upon the subject—And upon a full consideration of the State of the Case, I am of opinion, that a New Trial cannot be granted, for the following Reasons. First, Because the...
13977From George Washington to Samuel Miles, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letters are of very great importance. You will be pleased therefore to pay particular attention to have them forwarded with the utmost expedition. The Expresses must be charged to ride unremittingly night and day, untill the Letters are delivered into the hands of the Marquis La Fayette, or the Commanding Officer of the Detachment—at Annapolis or Where ever the Detachment may be....
13978From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your report respecting the Teams and presented it to His Excellency, who directs me to inform you, that if upon the return of the person you Mention; the necessary Teams shall not be furnished—He will Order a Detachment of Horse to obtain them, under Your direction, in such a Manner, as shall be most equitable & least burdensome to the People. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed....
13979To George Washington from John Pierce, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the Liberty agreeable to your Excellencys permission, to lay before Congress your Letter of the 24th Ulto & expect their determination on the subject to day or tomorrow. Warrants on the seven Northern States are Issued in my favor for 879.342 dols new Emission and for about three Millions & an half in the old Money on the Eastern States, for the payment of the Army—a grant as...
13980From Richard Platt to David Humphreys, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency’s Application to the Justices of Ulster & Orange has been presented, accompanied with a Letter from me containing a Detail of Teams each should furnish. You have enclosed Copies of their several Answers. Tis true that some of them had previously been called upon for Teams which I did not know: tho’ the numbers were so small as not interfere materially with the last Call. Out of...
13981To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have communicated to the chevalier Destouches some proposals made to me by the Council at Boston about an attack on Penobscot, together with the Answer made to me by your Excellency upon that subject. The chevalier Destouches Appeared to have a great mind to it. he ordered Mr DelaPerouse to ask a Plan of it which was brought to us yesterday by deputies from Boston; after examining it, he...
13982To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last to your Excellency was of the Second of March since which an excrutiating fit of the Gout, which still deprives me of my right hand, has rendered me almost totally incapable of business. as soon however as I was able to bear any motion, I had myself brought down here to be at hand to forward the preparations for marching the detachment, and to keep the Assembly in mind of the necessity...
13983To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having recent intelligence of the present situation, & probable intention of a Body of the Refugees assembled at Lloydsneck, I take the liberty to make a few Observations to Your Excellency on the Subject. Since the Establishment of the Board, at N. York, for the Direction of the associated Loyalists , there appears to have been a regular System adopted to open a more effectual Communication...
13984Motion on Rules of Congress, [6 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XIX, 359). The bracketed names are in the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). . On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [John] Mathews: Ordered , That...
13985Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 6 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. A copy of the second paragraph in JM’s hand is in NA : PCC , No. 71, II, 95. It is docketed, “Extract of a letter from Gov of Virginia April 6, 1781 Read 23 Referred to the board of treasy Letter filed April 24 & Reported.” I have received your letter informing us of the Arrival of our Arms &c from Rhode Island at Philadelphia, and must pray you...
13986To Thomas Jefferson from William Call, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Transmits a request from the militia of Prince George co. now in service to be relieved “by the 15th Inst. from the county with the other divisions, which will then be a tour of Six weeks, and they be enabled to plant their Corn.” About one third of the effective men in the county are now in service; if this proportion can be reduced to one fourth, Col. Starke will...
13987To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Gratefully acknowledges receipt of a warrant “for two Millions of Pounds”; gives assurance that “every method will be taken to dispose of the money with the greatest œconomy and Justice.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed and endorsed. Printed in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , ii , 14.
13988To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
13989To Thomas Jefferson from Nathanael Greene, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I receivd last Evening your Excellencys two letters of the 24th and 30th of March. The first upon the subject of the Cavalry and the last upon the Militia orderd into service. I am sorry if any of the Officers sent out with the impress warrants have misbehavd. In some instances I beleive they have, but in most I perswade myself they have not. Those horses of very high value as covering horses...
13990To Thomas Jefferson from John Nelson, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Twelve Months having elapsed since any Money was drawn for the Payment of my Men, I have sent Lieutenant Armistead up with Pay Rolls from that time and flatter myself that if there is any in the Treasury he will be furnished with it for that Purpose; I have been informed that an Act passed in the last fall Session of Assembly allowing Officers to draw a Certain sum of Money, according to their...
13991To Thomas Jefferson from William Phillips, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 31st. ulto. and am much obliged to you, Sir, for the attention you have given to the Flag of Truce. I did not, as you observe, know of the German Troops of Convention being moved out of Virginia. As it is, I will hope the Flag may be permitted to go to the head of Elk from whence there may be a conveyance by land supposing, as you say, the Troops of...
13992William Phillips to George Weedon, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The two Flags by Lt. Col. Matthews and Major Callis have been admitted into this place and your Letters received by them and I hope you will be convinced from these Gentlemens Report of my conversation with them that I mean to pursue during my stay in Virginia a conduct of the strictest liberality and humanity and I do assure you that nothing shall turn me aside from such benevolent principles...
13993From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive have had it much at heart to prevent as far as possible interruption in raising the new Levies while they were constrained to bring a number of Militia into the field. For this reason about one half of the Counties in the northern part of the State were not called on for militia till they had had time to go through their Draught. This being done by them, they have been all of...
13994From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my other letter of this date, yours of to day is come to hand. I take the liberty of inclosing to you an extract from a letter I wrote Genl. Weedon on the subject of Colo. Curie which I suppose had not been communicated to Genl. Phillips at the date of his letter. Colo. Holmes at Winchester is the Continental Commissary of Prisoners in this State, who I dare say can make a return...
13995From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter informing us of the Arrival of our Arms &c. from Rhode Island at Philadelphia, and must pray you immediately to send forward the packages within mentioned containing Arms, &c., engaging Waggons for that Purpose who shall be paid on their arrival here the price you contract to give them and be protected from Impresses while in this State. Tho’ we do not know the...
13996Contract between Thomas A. Talbot and the Board of War, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Talbot agrees “to perform the Turners work for the public Laboratory” and to have his work valued by two “indiferently” chosen men, who will also value everything the public furnishes him and deduct it from his allowance. Signed by Talbot. Countersigned by TJ: “In Council Apr. 7. 1781. Approved. Th: Jefferson.” MS ( Vi : Executive Department, Governor’s...
13997John Thaxter to John Adams, 5 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Knowing that the Fever of your dear Charles is a Source of continual Anxiety to You, any thing tending to decrease or remove it cannot fail to be agreable. The Fit of this day was mild and only of an hour and an half or two hours duration. It came on at ten—he laid upon his Bed during the Fit, and rose up after it very gay and merry, dined with Us and has been in good Spirits all the...
13998To George Washington from James Clinton, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 7th Ulto To your Excellency containing an Account of the Capture of seventeen Men of the second Regiment at Fort schuyler by a party of the Enemy, nothing Material has occurred but what may reasonably be expected from the peculiar situation of our Affairs. In my former Letters to Your Excellency, I have been under the painfull necessity of representing the disagreeable...
13999To George Washington from William Heath, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose the protest of a number of officers of Colonel Hazen’s regiment against the conduct of Major Reid, in his defence before a general Court-martial some time since—it was presented to me during your Excellency’s absence. As Major Reid has been and still is absent, nothing has been done respecting it. While your Excellency was absent, a Capt. Simmons of Colo....
14000From George Washington to Hugh Hughes, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Washington presents his Compliments to Colo. Hughes, & begs the favor of him, to request Mr Bayley, to put a blade into the inclosed handle of a knife. and soon. The General would be glad of Colo. Hughes’s Company to dine with him the first time he crosses the River. NHi : George & Martha Washington Papers.
14001To George Washington from Hugh Hughes, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Note, inclosing the Pen knife, was this Moment handed me. I will carry it to Bailey’s immediately, and have it done. I will do myself the Honour of partaking of your Excellency’s Hospitality the first time I cross the River. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most obedt and very humble Servt NHi : Hugh Hughes Papers.
14002To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting your Excellency the enclosed Resolve of the 3d Instant, directing the recall of Lieut. General Burgoine and all other Officers Prisoners of War now absent on their Paroles from America to return immediately. It is proper to inform your Excellency that this Resolution is adopted in Consequence of Information, that the late President Laurens is confined in the...
14003From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have successively received your favors of the 3d 7th 8th 9th 15th 23d 25th and 26th of last Month. You having been fully instructed as to your operations and I having nothing material to communicate, was the reason of my not answering them before—While we lament the miscarriage of enterprize which bid so fair for success, we must console ourselves in the thought of having done every thing...
14004From George Washington to Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been involved in such a variety of business since my return from New Port, as has prevented, until the present time, my acknowledging the receipt of the Letter which you did me the favor to write on the 25th Ulto. It is not unusual, I believe, in different services, that the same Class of Gentlemen should (from the difference of the establishment) be entitled to different Rank &...
14005To George Washington from John Sullivan, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was on the Evening of the 3d honored with your Excellencys favor of the 31 Ulto and have the pleasure of Inclosing to your Excellency Copy of an Act of congress of yesterday respecting the Conduct of our allies I am Convinced that the Bravery of Monsr Des Touch & the officers and men under his Command has convinced the British that with Equal numbers the French are at Least Equal to them. I...
14006To George Washington from Heman Swift, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I expected before this time to have been able to transmit to Your Excellency some further and more interesting intelligence of Mr Lee’s character and Circumstances whilst in New York, altho’ it is a generally received opinion that he is one of Sir Harry’s emissaries, yet no unequivocal or Substantial evidence of the matter can be obtain’d. The Civil authority have commenced a Suit against him...
14007From Thomas Jefferson to James Barbour, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We are of opinion that such of the Militia in the South as had enlisted in the regular Service, ought not, had it been known, to have been put on the Draught roll: Because although the Law required as well the absent as present Militia Men to be enrolled, yet it required Militia men only, and a Man is no longer of the Militia from the Moment he enlists as a regular. That Act withdraws him as...
14008From Thomas Jefferson to James Callaway, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Before you receive this a circular letter will I expect have come to your hands from me accompanied by a resolution of Council for suspending your Draft till further order. It is intended to be revived when all your Militia shall be returned. It is our opinion that such of the Conspirators as knew of the Act of pardon and failed to comply with the Condition of it by taking the Oath of fidelity...
14009William Cherry’s Account of Expenses, with Jefferson’s Certification, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
1781 Richmond Dr. Capt. Cherry To Richd. Hogg April 3rd. To Supper 50 Dollars. lodgn. 10. 60 4 To Breakfast 50 Dinner &c 90 140 To Beer 30 30 5 To lodg. 10. horse 50 dram 10 70 To Breakfast 50 dinner &c 90 140 440 Dolls
14010To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dick, 5 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer of this, Capt. Minor, returns directly. Your Excellency will please issue a Warrant for One Hundred thousand pounds to come by him for the use of the Gun Factory; The sum sounds high, but it is not near equal to One thousand pounds in good Times, and will soon be out. Workmen’s Wages are from £15 to £35 ⅌ Day, and could not be had under a great deal more, if it was not for their...