1591To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 30 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; draft: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Jai eu l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous adresser le 22 . du mois dernier une lettre de Mr. le Mis. de Ségur accompagnée d’un Etat estimatif des effets d’artillerie apartenant au Roi qui Sont restés à Baltimore. Je vous ai prié en même tems de vouloir bien, le plustot qu’il vous Seroit possible, me dire votre Sentiment...
1592General Orders, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Genl Heath B. Qr Mr York brigade The 5th Massa. regt gives the Guards, & the 8th the Fatigues tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1593From 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...
1594From George Washington to John Carlile, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It having been suggested to me that such a Measure would be agreeable to many Officers. I had, Some Time before I received your Letter & Memorial of the 26th instant, written to the Secty at War, making the same proposition as is mentioned by you, exclusive of the Idea of Emoluments (which Idea was particularly hinted); and grounded the propriety of the Measure upon the principle of its...
1595From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I thank you very sincerely for your kind congratulations on the close of the War, & the glorious Peace which is held out to us, but not yet made definitive; I return them with great cordiallity & heartfelt pleasure; & only wish that the business was so far wound up as that I might return to the walks of private life & in retirement enjoy that relaxation & repose which is absolutely necessary...
1596To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
This will have the honor of being delivered to your Excellency by Il Comte di Vermé Cousin to Prince Caromanico the Neapolitan Ambassador at the Court of London, who in pursuit of his travels intends very shortly a Visit to the United States of America. Permit me to introduce this Nobleman to Your Excellency’s acquaintance and Protection; I have not the honor of personal Knowledge of the...
1597From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Reports, whi c h I have received from the several Lines & Corps of the Army under my Command, accepting the Commutation proposed by the Resolution of Congress of the 22d of March. Colo. Olneys Regiment being at Saratoga, I have not yet been made acquainted with this Election—but will forward it as soon as received. You will also find inclosed a Copy of a Letter from Brigr...
1598II. Gouverneur Morris to William Helmsley, 30 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I will now throw together a few ideas on the subject of a new coinage. For the greater clearness they shall be classed under five heads. 1. Reasons why a coin should be struck. 2. The denomination of such coin. 3. The quantity of fine silver in such denomination. 4. The expence of a coinage. 5. The different peices of coin proposed. First then I take the liberty...
1599April 29. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
At 11, We all met at Mr. Laurens’s near the new French Comedy, and agreed upon a Proposition to open the Ports as soon as the U. States should be evacuated. At one Mr. Hartley came and We shewed it to him, and after some Conversation with him, We agreed upon 3 Propositions. 1. To open the Ports as soon as the States should be evacuated. 2. To set all confined Tories at Liberty at the same time...
1600Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 29 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am largely indebted to you my much valued correspondent for many Letters received in the last four months, to not one of which have I been able to send you a line in return; no vessels have gone from this Quarter since december last. I join my congratulations with every real Friend of America upon the safe and Honorable peace obtaind for our Country, thanks be to Heaven, and to the firmness,...
1601Articles Proposed to David Hartley by the American Peace Commissioners (Adams Papers)
[ Paris, 29 April 1783 ]. PRINTED: JA , D&A , 3:114–115 . MS ( Adams Papers ). LbC ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr
1602To John Adams from the Société Bourgeoise of Leeuwarden, 29 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Nous avons enfin la Satisfaction de voir achevée la medaille qúe nous avions projettée et dediée aux nobles et puissants Seigneurs les Etats de Frise. Votre Excellence est instruite du but et du Contenu de cette medaille par notre Requete du 8 de mai de l année dernière, dont votre Excellence a eu la bonte d’inserer la traduction dans le Recueil de Pieces concernant l’Amerique Septentrionale,...
1603Continental Congress Report on Brigadier General Moses Hazen’s Regiment, 29 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 29, 1783 . A committee of Thomas Mifflin, Hamilton, and Theodorick Bland, which had been appointed on April 17 “to enquire into the state of Hazen’s regiment, and the propriety of promotion of officers in that corps,” reported on this date. The report recommended that Hazen “be intitled to the pay and emoluments of his rank from the first day of January last” and “That...
1604The American Peace Commissioners: Three Proposed Articles, [29 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (three), National Archives (two), William L. Clements Library, Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Library of Congress; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; transcript and partial copy: National Archives No. 1. Article It is agreed, that so soon, as his Britannic Majesty shall have withdrawn all his Armies, Garrisons and...
1605To Benjamin Franklin from Bowens, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having received certain information from a friend of some Consequence at Bruxelles, that the Government of the Low Countries has taken the Resolution of sending a person of Rank to America in quality of a plenipotentiary to negotiate a treaty of Commerce between the united States & this Country— I most respectfully take the liberty of enclosing you a...
1606To Benjamin Franklin from Gerard Brantsen, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoÿer ci jointe une lettre, qui m’ést venue a votre adresse dans mon paquet de Vienne. J’ai pareillement celui de vous faire bien de remercimens pour le cadeau de la medaille, que vous avez eue la bonté de m’envoÿer et que LL. H.H. P.P. viennent de me permettre d’accepter. Je suis bien sensible, Monsieur, de cette attention de votre...
1607To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The bearer of this, Mr. james Robertson, being arrived at Paris from a tour thro Italie, after having spent some time in Vienna, where he followed my experiments and became one of my friends, has begged the favour of me to send him an introductory lettre to you. As he is a very worthy and learned Gentleman, I can not refuse his request, and take the liberty...
1608To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have at Length recved a Leter from you in your own Hand writing, after a Total Silance of three years, in which Time Part of an old Song would Some times Intrude it Self in to my mind, Does He love & yet forsake me for can he forgit me will he Niglegt me. This was but momentary at other times I concluded it was un Reasonable to Expect it & that you might...
1609To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When an Officer who has distinguished himself by a Series of Brave Actions in the defence of american Liberty wishes to be introduced to you, whose time & Labours have been exhausted in the same cause, it would be unjust to him to you and to myself not to afford him the opportunity of payg you his respects. This introduction is in favour of Colo. Maths....
1610To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Roberts, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having Commanded Severel Privteers under the American and French Flagg during the late Ware and having been taken Prisoner in the Escamature by the Fly Sloop of Ware & Hunter Cutter on the 26th Septr last & Carried into yarmouth where I was Confined in Prison upwards of four Months and from there was removed to Newgate London where I remained till 31st Marh...
1611General Orders, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadr Genl Putnam B. Qr Mr Jersey Brigade The 2d Massachusetts regt gives the Guards and the 3d regt the Fatigues tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1612To George Washington from John Cochran, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Conformity to a Genl Order of the 16th Inst. I do hereby certify that the Gentlemen of the Medl Department acting under the immediate Command of his Excellency the Commander in Chief, have agreed to accept of the Commutation of the five years full Pay, in Lieu of the half Pay granted by a Resolution of Congress of the 17th of Jany 1781. DNA : Item 149, Letters and Reports from Benjamin...
1613To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received the answer which you have honored me with, and I judge by it that I have not made myself understood, by your Exellency. I did not ask any thing about the affairs of my department, than if no appearence that those who belong to the french service shall have the liberty of Remaining here now and as for the others—my Connexion with them being broke up by the peace I have no wright to...
1614To George Washington from James Madison, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 22d inst: bearing testimony to the merits & talents of Mr McHenry. The character which I had preconceived of this gentleman was precisely that which your representation has confirmed. As Congress have not yet fixed the peace establishment for their foreign affairs and will not probably fill up vacancies unless there be some critical...
1615Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 29 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Theodorick Bland, except for the signatures of Arthur Lee and John Francis Mercer. Cover franked and addressed by Bland to “His Excelly. Benjn: Harrison Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Docketed, “Lr. from the Deleg: in Congress, April 29th. 1783.” The absence of JM’s signature, even though he apparently was in Philadelphia on 29 April when he wrote to...
1616From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Letter docketed by Randolph, “James Madison. (of Congress). April: 29. 1783.” Yesterday’s post was the third that has arrived successively without a line from you. The Definitive Treaty it is said is to be remitted to the two Imperial Courts for their approbation, before the last hand will be put to it. This will be mere...
1617From James Madison to George Washington, 29 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Washington Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency General Washington.” Cover missing. A draft of this letter, varying from recipient’s copy only in abbreviations, capitalization, and punctuation, is in LC : Madison Papers. I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favor of the 22d. inst: bearing testimony to the merits & talents of Mr. McHenry. The character which I had preconceived...
1618April 28. Monday. (Adams Papers)
At 10 Mr. Jay came in, and I shewed him a Variety of Projects, which I had drawn up last night, concerning the Removal of the Troops, opening the Ports, tranquilizing the Tories now within the Lines, Articles for Commerce, in Explanation of the provisional Treaty &c. We drew together a Proposition, for withdrawing the Troops, opening the Ports and quieting the Tories, and went with it in my...
1619Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
At length an opportunity offers after a space of near five Months, of again writing to You. Not a vessel from any port in this state has sailed since Jan’ry, by which I could directly convey you a line. I have written twice by way of Virgina,1 but fear they will never reach you: from you I have lately received several Letters containing the most pleasing intelligence. “Peace o’er the world her...
1620Abigail Adams to Charles Storer, 28 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
May I address you by the Epithet of my dear Charles? for I realy feel towards you a Maternal Regard. I enjoyed a Feast upon the receit of your Letters. Col. Quincys came to my care, I carried them to him, there I found your pappa and Mamma, who had just received a packet from you. After mutual congratulations, we set ourselves down to hear and read, Col. Q—y began, whilst the whole circle...
1621From John Adams to John Hancock, 28 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r. Hartley, his Britannic Majesty’s Minister Plenipotentiary for negociating the definitive Treaty, has requested of me in the Name of the Prince Carominico, the Neapolitan Ambassador at the Court of S t. James’s, Letters of Introduction for his Cousin Il Comte di Vermé, who is going to visit America. He will be happy in an Opportunity to see so illustrious an American as the Governor of...
1622From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 28 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r. Boinod, a Gentleman of Letters, is recommended to me by M r. Gyselaer of Dort, a manly Character, to whom We are greatly obliged, for a Letter of Introduction to Philadelphia, in so pressing a manner, that I cannot refuse him— And I know of no Man who can serve his Views in Philadelphia better than Gen l. Mifflin, which is the best Excuse I have for introducing him to You. There is a...
1623Proposed Article Regarding Article 7 of the Preliminary Peace Treaty, 28 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Article. His Britannic Majesty agrees, that within Months from this Date, and as much Sooner as may be, he will withdraw all his Armies, Garrisons and Fleets, from the Said United States, and from every Port Place and Harbour within the Same, and without causing any Destruction, or carrying away any Negroes, or other Property of the American Inhabitants, and leaving in all Fortifications the...
1624Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
1625To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams and John Jay, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Delaware Mr Adams and Mr Jay present their Compliments to Dr Franklin and inform him, that they have just seen Mr Laurens and agreed with him upon a Meeting of the American Ministers Tomorrow at Eleven, at Mr Laurens’s Lodgings. The Drs Company is desired, and Mr Franklin Junr is requested also to attend. Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre...
1626To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress The Bearer Coll: Ogdin of the New Jersey Line, a Gentleman who has been greatly distinguished for his Bravery& good Conduct, from the first commencement of the present War, having received the permission of Congress to make a Voyage to France, on his private concerns; I must take the Liberty to reccommend him to your...
1627To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Gabriel de Choisy and Pierre-François de Béville, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. de choisy et de Béville Sont venu pour Saluer Son Excellence le Docteur Franklin et luy faire leur remerciments de la Medaille qu’il a bien voulu leur envoyer./. Choisy (b. 1723) was a maréchal de camp who had served with Rochambeau. Like Béville, he recently had returned to France aboard the frigate Emeraude: DBF; Bodinier, Dictionnaire; Six,...
1628To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Mis. De la fayette fait Ses compliments à Monsieur franklin et le prie de lui faire lhonneur de Venir diner chez luy jeudy prochain en Sa maison Rue de Bourbon. May 1. The other American peace commissioners went as well: Butterfield, John Adams Diary , III , 117. Having reached the age of majority (25 years), Lafayette was able to purchase a house on the...
1629To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Madlin, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mil pardons De cette Liberte Mais La crainte de vous importuné De vive voix Mis oblige pour vous doner avis Dune petites créance dont Monsieur vôtre fils Mes [m’est] redevable sen doutes c’est pure oublie de sa part sil Ny à pas satisfait avant son depart. Jôse éxpére Monsieur que voudré bien remarqué que Nétant point fournisseur ordinaire Je crois quils...
1630To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 28 [April] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure to See your Son at my house govonour Franklin and acording to my Custom I had a long Chatt with him—as I am now in Fashon at Court or in other words am not in the Same Disgrace as while America was in Rebelion —Wherefore now I Can Speak out Such truths as may be useful to the honest Well meaning Rulers: who all own, they have not had...
1631General Orders, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Greaton B. Qr M. 2d Massa. Brigade The 7th Massachusetts regt gives the Guards and the 4th the fatigues tomorrow. Major Sumner is appointed a member of the board whereof General Greaton is president—vice Major Fish on Court martial. At the Genl courtmartial of which Col. H. Jackson is president—Lieutenant Abraham Kinney of Sheldons Light Dragoons was tried. 1st...
1632To George Washington from Jacob Morris, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 22 instant was this day handed me from the Post office. I had the honor to write the sister of my deceased friend the late Major Genl Lee, as early as December last, and inclosed therein Copy of her Brothers last will & testament. As I have certain accts of that letter as well as a duplicate thereof having reached Europe, I make no doubt but that she recd it. Mr...
1633From George Washington to Samuel Blachley Webb, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
General Washington Presents his Compliments to Ten Officers of Colo. Webb’s Regt and requests the favor of their Company at Dinner tomorrow at 3o’clock. CtY : Samuel B. Webb Papers.
1634From George Washington to Daniel Parker, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Being informed by Colo. Humphry, as well as by your Letter to me, that you have been induced to accept, for the present, the superintendence of the Embarkation from N. York of the Tories and Refugees who are leaving the Country, and to prevent if possible, their carrying off any Negroes or other property of the Inhabitants of the United States; and having seen Sir Guy Carletons Orders on this...
1635To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Excellency’s order’s of the 21st inst. I have permitted the Inhabitants to pass & repass this post, upon their reporting themselves to me—In consequence of which, vast Numbers have crowded to the City. The enclosed No. 1 is a Copy of a Letter received last evening from Brigadier General Musgrave—No. 2 is my Answer dispatch’d this morning—If your Excellency thinks proper that...
1636To George Washington from Goose Van Schaick, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In January 1780 in Conformity to your Excellencys Order, I Imployed the Onida Indians to make and deliver at Fort Schuyler two hundred & fifty pair of Snow Shoes, for the payment whereof I Referred them with my order to the Quarter Master, who for the want of Cash has Left the Affair Unsettled, in Consequence of Which the Indians have made frequent Applications to me and Still do presist in my...
1637From George Washington to John Tayloe Wormeley, 28 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your Letter of the 17th Instant I can only say—That having forwarded your Letter to Governor Harrison, by a good Conveyance, & having good reason to suppose it has not failed; it will be very improper for me, in my situation, to interest myself any further—nor can I presume to give you any further Directions in your Care until you have an Answer to your Application to the State of...
1638David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorandum, [before 27 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Public Record Office David Hartley arrived in Paris on April 24. The following day he called on the individual American peace commissioners and found them eager to arrange for the opening of British and American ports to each other’s trade and to conclude as quickly as possible a definitive treaty of peace. On April 26 he went to Versailles,...
16391783 Paris April 27. 1783. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hartley met Mr. Franklin, Laurens, Jay and me, at my Lodgings, and shewed Us an Instruction under the Kings Privy Seal, and signed George Rex, in which his Majesty recites that he had appointed Mr. Hartley his Minister Plenipotentiary to treat with Us &c. The American Ministers unanimously required a Commission under the great Seal, and promising to ratify what he should do.—Mr. Hartley...
1640Abigail Adams 2d to John Thaxter, 27 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Opportunities of conveyance from America have for these many Months past been so seldom, that it would be unpardonable to omit the present, my good Will being so greatly indebted. Allow me to judge; and the intrinsick value, will by no means balance the account. We have been in the disagreeable state of uncertainty and expectation, balancing between hopes and fears, for this long time; and are...