2751To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
None of yoúr Excellency’s favours to answer Since our Last of 2 Jann y . whereby we acquainted yoúr Excellency the Compleating of the £[₶]400/M Desired by M r: Grand at Paris. the drafts we paid of B o ƒ2200.— accepted by yoúr Excellency. and the distribútion of Obligations during the month of December. amounting to a Sum of ƒ24000.—. Having Since wrote to his Excellency Robert Morris Esq r....
2752To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am now on a Visit to the General from ⟨Kingston,⟩ where the Legislature is convened. The British King’s ⟨speech to⟩ his Parliament and his Secretary’s Letters to the Lord ⟨Mayor⟩ of London, which we had the pleasure of meeting here afford us the fairest prospect of a speedy Peace. I have but one anxiety remaining and that respects a better Establishment of our General Government on a Basis...
2753Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is in the opinion of Congress essential to those principles of justice & liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that equitable abatements shall be made in favour of such states, parts of which have been for different periods in the course of the war in possession of the enemy, in the application of the rule prescribed by the confederation and on which...
2754From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives It is a long time since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I hope however that you and yours continue Well. The Bearers, Mr. President Wheelock and his Brother go to Holland on a Publick spirited Design, which you will find recommended by many eminent Persons in America. I beg leave to request for these Gentlemen your civilities and best Counsels, as...
2755To Benjamin Franklin from Herman Heyman’s Sons, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society It is with the greatest Satisfaction, that we Observed by the Publick papers the Declaration of Independence from Great Brittain to the United States, a Situation which we Have heartily wished to the latter for many Years past, and by which means our Country, will be now abel to enter in the most frindly & advantageous Alliance with the same; to convince the...
2756To Benjamin Franklin from Loyseau, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon intention en vous demandant des Renseignemens pour envoyer avec quelque Sureté des aciés dans Le continent de L’amerique, a d’abord eté d’ouvrir un débouché de plus a La Manufacture a la quelle je m’interesse, mais encore je me Suis proposé d’offrir aux etats unis un Moyen d’avoir a Mellieur Marché qu’en angleteré des aciers dont ils doivent faire une...
2757To Benjamin Franklin from Roze de Chantoiseau, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Oserois-je vous offrir et vous prier de vouloir bien aggreer L’ouvrage que vous m’avés parû desirer. C’est une foible esquisse d’un Projet mieux conçu que des circonstances particulieres ne m’ont pas permis d’executer, pour me livrer tout entier au Plan bien plus important que jai eu lhonneur de vous adresser il y a environ huit jours et que d’autres...
2758General Orders, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Colonel J. Vose. For duty the first Hampshire regiment. The Artillery Artificers are to draw the same weekly allowance of Money on account of Pay for January as the Artillery—and abstracts for them are to be made out accordingly. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2759From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wetmore the Depy Pay Master to this Army is authorized by the Financier to draw Bills upon Philadelphia and Boston for certain sums to be applied to the payment of the Troops weekly, and he is advised by the Pay Master General to use his utmost efforts to negociate those Draughts for specie that the payments might commence without delay—whereupon Mr Wetmore has conceived it his duty, to...
2760To George Washington from Robert Morris, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
By a Mistake it happened that the last Post did not carry my Acknowlegement of your Excellency’s Letter of the fourth Instant. I am very sorry to find that the Officer who conducted hither the Prisoners met with any Difficulties on the score of Provisions. The Contractor for New York and New Jersey being at Head Quarters I could wish your Excellency to direct such Arrangmements as may in...
2761To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Queries—&c. &c. Submitted to the consideration and determination of the Secretary at War Answers by the Secy at War 1st Is the reduction of the Lines of New Hampshire—Rhode Island, and New Jersey to take place on the 1st March? Yes 2— In that case shall the Troops of New Hampshire be organized into one Regiment of 500 Rank & file, and the residue formed into one compleat Battallion of four...
2762To George Washington from John Roche, 17 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Pleasure of Wishing you Joy on our long looked for Victory or Glorious Independence of that Tyrannical Country. and hope will allways Merit that Goodness which God Almighty has granted us. the People of England in General seems to be very much Dissatisfied that the King has indulged us So much. and even without the Consent of his Parliament. the People of Ireland is Divided. but be...
2763Notes on Debates, 17 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The report respecting a valuation of land being lost as appears from the Journal, it was revived by the motion of Mr. Dyer seconded by Mr. Mercer as it...
2764To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 17 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
I have yr. favr. of the 28th. past & thank you for the trouble & information as to ⟨White’s⟩ ticket. I communicated to Thornton Taylor the Paragraph relating to him & C. He says his letter to his brother was inclosed in one to you, and that in ⟨his?⟩ to one of them, he mentioned you being reimbursed the 40 Dollars & paid 12 on my Account—he adds that if his brother ⟨refuses?⟩ the whole & does...
2765To Benjamin Franklin from J. Torris & Wante, [before 16 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La Conclusion heureuse de la Paix nous determinant à faire l’expedition d’un Navire pour Philadelphie afin d’y déboucher les objets considérables que nous avons fait acheter à Morlaix, à Brest, & dans les autres ports de la Bretagne, provenant des diverses prises faites par Les Differents corsaires de notre Sr Torris, & votre Excellence nous ayant...
276616th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went with the Count and Mr. Schiebe to see the royal Cabinet of curiosities which is vast; but not much in order; there are some very curious things in it; but there are others which are not worth looking at. There are two pieces of silver just as they came out of the mines in Norway, one of which is worth 5,000 Rxdallers, Danish and the other about 3,000. One would think seeing...
2767From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Barclay, 16 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Barclay Giddings Johnson, Jr., Watertown, Connecticut (2001) The within is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress, which I forward to you, lest you should not have receiv’d it by any direct Conveyance. Your Appointment to this Service gives me great Pleasure, as I am sure your Execution of it will be of great Use to the United States. I hope therefore that as soon as you have expedited the...
2768To Benjamin Franklin from J. Torris & Wante, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 16 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons appris par Mrs. Maussallè & Bertrand L’acceuil Obligeant dont Vous les avez honnoré, et la promesse que vous Leur avoit faite de nous addresser un passeport du Nombre des cent que vous attendez de la Cour de Londres, avec une Lettre de Recommandation pour la maison de Messrs. Bache & Shée à Philadelphie, la multitude d’Armement qui Se fait Tant...
2769General Orders, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Knapp. For duty the 2d Newyork regiment. By the last Inspection report, it appears there are a small number of Bayonetts wanting in several corps of the army—the deficiency must be supplyed before the Genl sees the Troops under arms. In whatever Regiments or Corps the full compliment of Drums & Fifes have been furnished by the public since the Resolve of Congress of...
2770From Benjamin Walker to Horatio Gates, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes you to take the opinion of the board of General Officers on the following question A General Court Martial sentences an Officer to be suspended for a given time. Q. in what manner does the suspension Operate? Is the Officer suspended not only from Command but from Pay and the other Emoluments of service? and if so Is he totally Detached from Service during the suspension?...
2771To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Report of The Board of Genl Officers, to The Commander in Chiefs Question contained in Major Walkers Letter on The other side. The Board are “Unanimously” of Opinion that an Officer Suspended Generally, is so, from Command, Pay, and all other Emoluments; and not under Military Controul during The Time of such Suspension Reports of a Board of General Officers held 16th Febry 1783 Cantonment of...
2772From George Washington to David Rittenhouse, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 7th, and beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the favor confered on me in the Glasses—which are very fine—but more particularly for the flattering expressions which accompanied the present. The Spectacles suit my Eyes extremely well—as I am perswaded the Reading Glasses also will when I get more accustomed to the use of them—At present, I find...
2773To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to present the report of a board of Officers on Captain Segonds affair the papers relating there to are also forwarded. The Opinion of the board I hope will meet with Your Excellencys approbation. I beg leave to congratulate Your Excellency on the near prospect of Peace, this event which we have so long wished for will give happiness to thousands. Your Excellencys...
277415th. Saturd. (Adams Papers)
Having left Helsingborg this morning at about 10’ o’clock, we pass’d the Sound and at about 11. we arriv’d at Elseneur Helsingör which is the first Danish town. We stay’d there about 2 hours to refresh ourselves and have our trunks examined and set out from there at about 1’ o’clock afternoon, and arrived at Copenhagen at about 7. o’clock. Copenhagen is distant from Elseneur 5 German Miles; we...
2775From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 15 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Morceau inclosed, is translated from a Pamphlet lately published in London, in which this Piece is inserted. It is curious in itself, but considering the time and Place when and where it was first published, it is a document of History, for it was a political Machine, which had great Effects. As Such I should be obliged to you, if you would insert it at length in the Politique Hollandais,...
2776To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Je saisis l’occasion d’un Courier de la Rep., pour vous confirmer ma Lettre d’hier par la poste, où je vous rends compte des précautions prises pour avoir au plutôt des nouvelles de Mr. votre fils, & pour le faire arriver au plutôt ici. Je m’attends à apprendre que ce n’est que la saison, dans un pays septentrional comm̃e la Suede, qui l’aura empêché de se remettre en route aussi vite que vous...
2777To John Adams from Henry Grand, 15 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
La situation des Finances ici est telle que je suis obligé de recourir à tous les moyens propres à les améliorer & comme la Voye de vôtre Emprunt en Hollande peut y contribuer M. Franklin ma autorisé en consequence à ecrire aux Messieurs d’hollande qui en sont chargés, la lettre que j’ai lhoñeur de vous remettre ici, vous priant de vouloir bien joindre vôtre Aprobation à celle de M. franklin....
2778To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Bissy, 15 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Benit mille et milles fois Le ciel qui nous donne Cette paix, et je Le Benit dauptems plus de bon Coeur, quelle corone manifiquement vos glorieuses et justes enterprises. Veulle ausi le just Ciel vous faire vivre Longeus années, pour Le Bonheur et Les delisses de vos chers, braves et interpides patriotes a qui je soite touttes sorte de biens et La gloire...
2779To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [15 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
L : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr Grand presents his respectfull Compliments to Doctor Franklin, and takes the liberty of inclosing his Letters for Mr Morris, with the Sketch of the one, about which Mr Grand had the honour to converse with Doctor Franklin; & which proves so much more necessary that Mr Adams has declined in his usual manner* to Sign the Letter for Holland, which had met...
2780To Benjamin Franklin from George William René Macarty, 15 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je voudrois étre plus agé pour Sentir le bonheur de L’Independance de mon pays, en partie duë a vos soins, et vous exprimer en mon particulier ma reconnoissance comme tout Bon Américain doit Le faire, j’es pere par La suite pouvoir m’acquitter de ce devoir. Comme j’ai oublié l’adresse de Mon Papa, J’ose vous prier de vouloir bien lui remettre ma lettre, Je...
2781Jonathan Williams, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 15 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The americans here do not understand the 23d Article of the Treaty, & I request you will as soon as may be do me the Favour to explain, whether, By the Canary Islands is meant only the Latitude of those Islands, & thus on a line of Latitude, Ships may in one month be in Safety in any Longitude if not to the Southard of the Canaries; or whether it is meant...
2782General Orders, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs. For duty the 2d Jersey regiment. The New building being so far finished as to admit the troops to attend public worship therein after tomorrow, it is directed that divine Services should be performed there every Sunday by the several Chaplains of the New Windsor Cantonment in rotation and in order that the different brigades may have an opportunity of...
2783To George Washington from Robert Digby, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I herewith send to Your Excellency a Letter to Mr Paca inclosing a Protection to carry Mr Giles to Bermuda, which I have not enclosed to Your Excellency under a Seal lest it might occasion a delay. I am; Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2784From George Washington to Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28th of January did not reach me ’till yesterday. In answer to it—I can only repeat what I before said on the same subject, in answer to your former application, that from the testimony of those under whom you have served and from the little opportunity I have myself had of observing your Conduct I have every reason to believe you a meritorious Officer—nor will any objection...
2785From George Washington to Amelia Leigh Lloyd, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Post of last week brought me the honor of your favor of the 20th Decembr enclosing two Letters for England, which were put under cover to Majr Murray, & forwarded the next day, with public dispatches for New York. Whether your Letter has lain in any of the Post Offices between this and Annapolis—or detained in your own hands any considerable time after it was written, is a matter you can...
2786To George Washington from Richard Morris, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday saw Mr Samll Ogden who Expressed some Uneasiness at the delay that had Attended a Letter he Charged me with for your Excellency—That Letter I Received from him at Boonton on the last of december but did not Leave there untill the next day (the first of January) I then Intended myself the Honor of paying my Respects at Head Quarters, but at Pumpton I Learnt the Crossing at Fishkill...
2787To George Washington from Jean [de] Neufville, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
The gracious Acceptance of the few Lines, handed to your Excellency by Major Jackson—intended to Convey the tributes of hearts exulting with feelings not to be repressed, hath impressed us with a proper sense of the honor; which sense shall be retain’d during life; Be pleased to find here the sincere assurances of it. Now the Dawn of peace breaks in upon us, to add particularly to the...
2788From George Washington to New York Officer Commanding at Dobbs’s Ferry, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Capt. West & Mr Manga have permission to make application for liberty to go into the City of New York to distribute a sum of Money (about £200 L.M.) among the Naval Prisoners belonging to the Town of Salem in Massachusetts which being procured they may proceed to the City—if they cannot obtain that permission, or do not choose to wait for an Ansr, you will send a Flag of Truce with the Money...
2789From George Washington to New York Officer Commanding at Dobbs’s Ferry, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr George Nicolson (having obtained liberty from the Executive of the State to which he belongs) is permitted to have an interview with the British Merchants Capitulants at York Town in Virginia—for which purpose, he may either have permission to go with a flag into the City of N. York: or such Merchants aforesd as shall be specified by him may be suffered to come with a flag to the Post of...
2790From John Jay to John Vaughan, 15 February 1783 (Jay Papers)
The only letter I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you is dated the 3 d . of Novemb. last— I regret the miscarriage of the others, as well because they were from you, as because they doubtless contained Information which either on domestic or public accounts, and perhaps on both, was interesting. Your elder Brother has spent much Time here— I need not add, usefully, he is at present in...
2791To John Jay from Lafayette, 15 February 1783 (Jay Papers)
I am Happy in this private Opportunity to write to You, and Have long Wanted Safe Means to do it Confidentially. The Same Reason, I Suppose, Has prevented My Hearing from You to this Moment— But as I am just Arrived at Madrid, and the Gentleman Who Carries this is just Setting out I Shall only Write a Few Lines My feelings on the Occasion of a General Peace Are Better known to You than I Could...
2792Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” You will receive herewith an Authenticated Copy of the Certificate of Gen: Clarke and Col: Todd which was omitted by a Mistake of the Clerk when Nathans other Papers were forwarded to you. I hope they will get in Time to prevent his obtaining an Award in his favor which appears to me...
2793From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas.” The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from american ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your...
2794To James Madison from Mark Lynch, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Honble. James Maddison Esqr Virginia.” I had the honor to write you the 20. January 1781 under the Sanction of our mutual friend Philip Mazzei Esqr. and to make you a tender of my best Service here. I have not Since been favord with any of yours. As we are now thank God Blessed with the return of a happy & general peace, and that by it we Shall have in...
2795To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned and without complimentary close but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “The honble James Madison jr. Esq. of congress Philadelphia.” The date line and many words in the first six and last six lines of the text are so blotted as to be illegible or doubtfully legible. I had resolved before the receipt of your favor of the 2d. instant to change our...
2796From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing my letter of this date which is to go by Govr. Nash now here on his way to N. Carolina, I went to his lodgings to chat an hour. He has proposed to me a land party which I think is hopeful and great and which he desires may be entirely secret. I have never adventured in this way in my own country because being concerned in public business I was ever determined to keep my hands...
2797To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from American ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your immediate embarkation were still wished by Congress it would be proper...
2798From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be surprised to hear I am still in America. The vessel, in which Ct. Rochambeau and Chastlux went, having been destined for Cadix it was thought more adviseable for me to take my passage in the Romulus which was to sail within a few days. This was concluded the rather as at the sailing of the Emeraude I had not got half through the necessary communications. The French fleet having...
279914th. Friday. (Adams Papers)
After having rode this day about 8. miles Swedish, we arrived at about 9. o’clock, P.M. At Helsingborg Hälsingborg which is the last town in Sweden.
2800From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 14 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r Storer, whom you know, will deliver you this, but whether he will find you at Brussells or else where, I knew not. I begin to grow impatient to See, the definitive Treaty Signed that I may take myself away, from this dull Place. I am just returned from Dinner, with the Sweedish Ambassador, who invited Us all, upon occasion of the Signature of the Treaty, between his Master and Congress,...