1401To George Washington from John Parke Custis, October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have intended for several Letters past, but as often forgot It, to ask whether It would be agreabl⟨e⟩ to you, to admit Colo. Baylor a Partner in the Sha⟨re⟩ We have of the Privateer. He was very desirous to become an Adventurer, and I promised to acquaint you of It, but forgot It untill Now. The Share I own is divided into four Parts. Mr Lund Washington has one Fourth, the remaining three...
1402To George Washington from Henry Hollingsworth, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 4h by Major Dennas, I am honored with; any services in my power shall be happy to render the Major, and shall always be cheerful to yeild every supply and assistance to the whole army under Your Excellency’s Command (be they of what nation they may) but more especially to those of our generous ally on the present glorious prospect. I am the more thankful for your letter as it...
1403Friday 17th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went to see the tour de fer (as the French call it and the spaniards Tour d’hercule). It is 100 foot in height and perhaps 2000 years old. There is an inscription which I have not seen for I could not go in which runs thus “Marti et Augusto sacrum. Dedicated to Mars and Augustus." Pappa supposes that it was built by Augustus Caesar just after he had routed Brutus, and Cassius,...
1404General Orders, 27 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
Amos Brown of Capt. Wilders Company in Col. Whitcomb’s Regiment, tried at a General Court Martial whereof Col. Bridge was Presdt for “mutinous and abusive language”—The Court are unanimously of opinion the prisoner is not guilty & therefore acquit the prisoner. Genl Thomas’s brigade to be mustered on monday morning at seven OClock, and General Spencers on Wednesday morning at the same hour....
1405To George Washington from William Shepard, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have Recivd your Excellencys favor of the 25 Instant for which I concive my self under greate obligation. It never was my wish or Intention to divert or Interrupt in any Degree the attentions of Congress from the greate objects which demand there Consideration. I aske nothing of them but what is fully in there Power to grant—and what I have a Right (to Expect) as there faithfull servant—nor...
1406To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 6 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
‘Tis a very great mortification to me to find my Feet are in such a Condition this Morning as to make it improper for me to go abroad. I esteem the misfortune the greater at this moment as it deprives me of the Pleasure and Honor of paying my Respects to Count Rochambeau and the Officers of the army under his Command. I am with the highest Respect and Regard, your Excellency’s most Obedient...
1407From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
It has not been in my power to return an answer to your favor of the 6th Instt till now. The letter met me on the road, seperated from my papers, and I did not reach this place till late on the 11th; since which I have been much employed, in attending to the disposition for hutting the Army; but in the mean time the objects of the dispatch have engaged my utmost consideration. The earnest...
1408To George Washington from the Continental Congress Committee on the Pennsylvania Line, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have hitherto given Your Excellency Intelligence from time to time of the State of things respecting the Pennsylvania line, and have now the Pleasure to Inform you, that the terms agreed on by the Committe from the Executive Council of Pennsylvania with them are now carrying into Execution, in as peaceable and Quiet a manner as could possibly be expected—two Regts have been already settled...
1409To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 19 January 1782 (Jay Papers)
In mine of the 15 th . I mention’d my Intention of writing fully to you by this Days Post. But understanding since that a Courier will soon go from Versailles, I rather chuse that Conveyance. I received duly your Letter of Nov r . 21. but it found me in a very perplexed Situation. I had great Payments to make for the extravagant & very inconvenient Purchase in Holland together with large...
1410From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 … (Washington Papers)
An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can...
1411From George Washington to John Jay, 20 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 12th Instant with the several Resolves of Congress referred to, inclosed—to which I shall pay due attention and obedience. I have appointed the 1st of May for the Court Martial to sit for the trial of Major General Arnold, of which I have given notice to the President and Council of the State of Pennsylvania and to the General. I have the honor to be With great...
1412From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor and pleasure to inform you that the Enemy evacuated Brunswic this morning and retired to Amboy, burning many Houses as they went along. Some of them from the appearance of the Flames were considerable Buildings. From several pieces of information and from a variety of Circumstances it was evident that a move was in agitation, and it was the general Opinion that it was intended...
1413To George Washington from Jacob Bayley, 30 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I sent your Excelency an account of the Corrisspondence which might be carried on between Capt. Thomas Johnson and the Enemy by Genll Lincoln and also other matters relating the Transactions of the leading men in Vermont with the Enemy &c. as those matters Seem to be ripening fast and Exspect they will be Soon put them Into Execution I Send Capt. Bayley with the Letters and accounts from Sd...
1414From George Washington to Colonel Benjamin Tupper, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recvd your letter of the 22 Int. Capn Farnum carries up the arrangement with him—as all claims are to receive their final discussion—he will now have it in his power to lay his before such officers as may be appointed to give opinion in cases of disputed rank. I must refer the Capn to the officer commanding at your post on the subject of a furlough. The liberty of granting furloughs has been...
1415From 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...
1416From 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...
1417[Diary entry: 30 September 1781] (Washington Papers)
30th. The Enemy abandoned all their exterior works, & the position they had taken without the Town; & retired within their Interior works of defence in the course of last Night—immediately upon which we possessed them, & made those on our left (with a little alteration) very serviceable to us. We also began two inclosed Works on the right of Pidgeon Hill —between that & the ravine above Mores...
1418Charles-Etienne Gaucher to William Temple Franklin, [before 23 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed, with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 23 du 10e mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5782, en son local, rue Coquéron, à 5 heures précises. On traitera des Lectures et autres objets relatifs à la solemnité de la fête St. jean et à celle de la prochaine loge de rentrée qui, aura lieu le même jour . Vous êtes prié...
1419To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Parny des Falines, 21 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mes chargés d’affaires ont déposé dans le trésor public de charles-town, une somme de Vingt mille pounds, portant intérêt de 7%, et remboursable au 7 Janvier 1779. Ils m’en ont fait passer les Contrats. Mon intention étant de les réaliser en argent, je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire sçavoir si le Congrès a pris quelques arrangements en france pour le...
1420Letter in Support of Pierre-André Gargaz, 22 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society The Bearer Pierre André Gargaz is Author of a very humane Project for establishing a perpetual Peace. This has interested me much in his Behalf: He appears to me a very honest sensible Man, & worthy of better Fortune: For tho’ his Project may appear in some respects chimerical, there is Merit in so good an Intention. He has serv’d faithfully 20 Years...
1421To Benjamin Franklin from John Hay, Jr., 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After the trouble already given to Your Excellency You may perhaps think it extraordinary to receive more from the same quarter— What I neglected mentioning to You when I waited on Your Excellency this morning was the strong desire the Concerned (in the expedition to which You have granted Your protection) have to know Your Excellency’s opinion of the...
1422[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1? July 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 1? July 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 71 (1 July): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from the President of Congress, General Washington, and the committee of co-operation, together with several resolutions of...
1423From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is the address which the Marquis thinks will best answer the purpose—The Right Honorable The Marquis de la Fayette, Marechal de camp of the armies of His Most Christian Majesty and Major General in the Service of the United States. ALS , sold at the Parke-Bernet Galleries, January 20, 1947, Lot 346. Varick was at this time aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold at West Point. Varick’s...
1424To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I began to be anxious about the Situation and Temper of the Soldiers engaged for the War—although many of them are willing to stay a little longer—some are very desirous of going immediately, and all of them considering their Engagements fulfil’d, a few may excite the whole to Disturbances—the non commissioned Officers of the 1st & 3d Connect. Regiments have lately had a Meeting on the Subject...
1425To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to your Excellency on the subject of the expedition against Detroit, the want of men, want of money & difficulty of procuring provisions, with some other reasons more cogent if possible & which cannot be confided to a letter, have obliged us to decline that object. I thought it therefore necessary to notify this to your Excellency that no expectations of our undertaking it may...
1426To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
An Estimate of public horses on hand in the states named below, and in the main army: In Massachusetts 60 Connecticut 60 New York 130 New Jersey 80 Pensylvania 120 Waggon Horses 450 Riding horses in the hands of officers of all ranks in the line & staff, at least 50
1427To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your alarming Letter of the 6th Febry last came to hand, and was open’d at Hartford, where the General Assembly were then sitting, on the 17th of the Month. I was at the Time so indispos’d as to attend Business but a small part of the Sessions. This added to the total Difference of my sentiments from a great Majority of the Assembly, on the subject of the regulating Act, then in Consideration,...
1428From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 14 & 18 Instt and the Interesting resolves contained in them, with which I have been honoured. The several matters recommended to my attention shall be particularly regarded, and the directions of Congress and your requests complied with in every instance as far as in my power. The Instituting a War Office is certainly an event of great...
1429From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress I received your Favour by Capt. de la Plaigne, and in consequence of your Recommendation have assisted him with Money, and recommended him to honest Merchants here, who have furnish’d him with Goods that you ordered. He appears to have had the Interest of your State at heart, and to have acted in your Affairs to the best of his Judgment; and I hope you will...
1430To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, [4 June 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosd is the Substence of Ld. Chathams motion. The court numbers show at once the hopes and intention of the Ministry. I am with much respect Your very humble Servant. Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / à Passy Notation: Carmicael On May 31 the Public Advertiser reported the defeat in the House of Lords the day before, by a vote of...
1431George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 21, 1779 . Is moving Headquarters to New Windsor. Orders Putnam to assume command of camp at Smiths Clove. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1432To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Lt Colo. Badlam and another from Capt. Stillwell which were received the last Evening. I received a hint of the escape of the Culprits the Day before yesterday about noon from Colo. Hay, on which I gave immediate orders to all the Officers of Guards and Patroles to keep a good look out on all the roads and if Possible to take them up, but the nature...
1433From George Washington to George Weedon, 20 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Arms Accoutrements &ca which were surrendered yesterday, and which General de Choisy informs me are in your possession, are to be delivered to a Continental Officer charged by General Knox with their reception—Other Articles of public Stores will be received by persons sent from the several departments—and I request that you will be so good as to give them every assistance in your power in...
1434To George Washington from David Stephenson, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a resolution of Congress of the 19th of Novr last (wherein it is directed that senr officers who wish to retire shall give reasons satisfactory to the Commander in Chief) I beg leave to inform your Excellency. That when I entered the Service my fortune was very Small, And is now entirely expended, That extravagance has been no cause of my present Situation, nor is it from...
1435To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
As long as we have a design to prevent a Junction between the Enemys Fleet and their Army, the maintaining Fort Mifflin is indispensibly necessary—not that this place in itself hinders the Junction, tho it certainly contributes to that valuable purpose, but it gives Security to our Fleet, which could not keep its present Station if the Enemy should make themselves masters of the Fort & raise...
1436To George Washington from Samuel Langdon, 28 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
[Cambridge] 28 October 1775 . Certifies that Sgt. Edmund Foster “is a Candidate for admission into Harvard College, & desirous of time to revive his acquaintance with the Classics that he may join this Seminary as soon as possible; tho’ it will be with regret if he leaves the service of his Country, yet his Age pleads for your permission to return to his Studies.” AD , DLC:GW . Edmund Foster,...
1437James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1779 (Adams Papers)
This Evening I have satisfactory Intelligence of the real Embarkation of your very dear Treasure at Nantes l’Orient the 17th. of June and that he was left well 12 days after, off the western Islands. The Secretary of Arthur Lee arrived at Metompkin, Virginia, Augst. 1st. in a very swift sailing Vessel. Mr. Adams told him at parting that he had good News for Congress and sent his Respects. The...
1438To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the Death of Colo. Russell of the 8th Connecticut Regt who died a few Days Since The Command of that Regt falls to Lieut. Colo. Sherman of the 2nd Regt The Eldest Lieut. Colonel in the Connecticut Line, It is requested that Lieut. Colonel Sherman be directed to take the Command of the 8th Regt and Lieut. Colonel Hait now of the 8th Regt the Command of the 2nd Regt. Enclosed is a...
1439To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency that Congress have permitted the Lieutenants Epuilemat , Ferriol, and Boileau to retire from Genl Hazen’s regiment, to be considered on the Invalid establishment—and at present remain with their families. I have the honor to be, with profound respect, your Excellency’s obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1440From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 7 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Columbia University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two) I have been sometime in Suspense about Writing to you, not knowing whether you were at Cadiz or Madrid. But being inform’d a few Days since that you had set out for the latter, I now acknowledge the receipt of your several Favours of Sept. 26. from Philadelphia. Decr 27. from Martinique, Jan 26th. & 28th and March 3d from...
1441To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 15 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Mr. Dashwood who arrived Yesterday in the Harriott Packet Captn. Lee I rec’d a most Friendly and Polite Letter from our mutual good Friend Ld. Le Despencer wherein He approves of every step I have taken in those troublesome times, which if I mistake not will give you pleasure. I am very sorry to find by a Letter from your Son that some People has had the...
1442To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Hamilton has informed us that a Flag with Cloathing and Money for the late Convention Troops stationed in Virginia and Maryland has arrived at Hampton and requested Permission to land them at George Town in Maryland, which we have granted so far as concerns the Troops in Maryland under certain restrictions and referred him to your Excellency as to the Necessaries for the Troops in...
1443To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 5 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 20th Ulto, and inclosed you the King of Great Britains Speach, to his parliament, when they met Novr 26th. And as the Vessell is still here waiting for a Convoy; I take the liberty of writing you a second Letter, informing you that the Debates in parliament are much in favour of us; In the House of Lords we have Thirty Five Members against the present Ministry, and their...
1444From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have on different occasions done myself the honor to represent to Congress the inconveniences arising from the want of a proper gradation of punishments in our military code; but as no determination has been communicated to me, I conclude a multiplicity of business may have diverted their attention from the object. As I am convinced a great part of the vices of our discipline springs from...
1445From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 15 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Gentlemen returning from Camp will, I expect, be so overburthened with News, that you will scarce know the want of it for a Month to come. to them therefore I refer you with this assurance of mine, as an opinion, that Genl Howe will move towards Philadelphia the moment the Roads become passable for his Artillery and Baggage. I got Thornton Inoculated on Wednesday Week. he has had the...
1446From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Burke, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your care an Open Letter for Brigadr General Scott, by which you will perceive that I have directed the Levies in Virginia to be formed into three Batallions and to be officered & marched under his command, to reinforce the Southern Army, as soon as circumstances will possibly permit. I give you this trouble, lest these directions should interfere with any...
1447From George Washington to Colonel John Lamb, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of to day. We cannot find on examination any charges against Thomas Smith and therefore We cannot with propriety take any measures respecting him. His situation however may become a subject of the State’s consideration. As to Joshua Smith he is in safe custody, and has had a good share in the matters which have been carrying on. He furnished Major André with a Coat...
1448From George Washington to Timothy Edwards, 21 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The thousand Barrels of salted provisions which the Contract obliges you to furnish, I concive to be intended for the contingent purposes of the Army, dependg on particular Operations, and not for immediate stores—previous therefore to replying to your Qustion respectg the places of Deposit, I will be glad to know, whether the Contractor for the movg Army, mean to supply any Quantity of salted...
1449From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 2 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency that the Commission of Colo. price of your line, has been transmitted to me in a Letter dated at Frederick Town of the 31st of April last, informing of his determination to resign. The Letter was a most unreasonable time on its way and by some means was not signed, but from the subject of it—and the circumstance of it’s inclosing his Commission without...
1450To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....