31David Humphreys’ Thoughts on Garrisonning the Western Posts, July 1783 to August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Thoughts respecting the Minuter Arrangements necessary for garresoning the Western Posts. Congress having left the Arrangement of the subject entirely to the discretion of the Commander in Chief; and the primary Plans for possessing the Posts on the western Waters by a Detachment of the Army; for transporting them thither; and for supplying them with Provisions, having already been adopted—it...
32From Benjamin Franklin to Silas Deane, 31 [i.e., 1?] August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Deane Papers, 1774–90 (5 vols.; New-York Historical Society Collections , XIX-XXIII , New York, 1887–91), V , 192. I received last night the letter you did me the honor of writing to me the 20th. past, and in answer inform you that I never heard anything of the discourses or resentments you mention, either at Versailles or at Paris; that I do not think your personal safety...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Thérèse Aerts, August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La confience que vous inspire à toutes les personnes qui ont l’honneur de vous connaitre m’enhardit à recourir une seconde fois à vos bontés. Ma reconnoissance ose vous rappeller Monsieur La lettre que vous m’avez fait la grace de m’écrire en datte du 28 Aout 1782. Le Sentiment en est profondement gravé dans mon Coeur. Cette lettre a fait Longtêms mon...
34To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Pignatelli, [after 3 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Comte de Pignatelli a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur francklin, Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale, qu’il a eu Dimanche 3 de ce mois ses premieres audiences du Roi, de la Reine, et de la famille royale en qualité d’ambassadeur Extraordinaire de S. M. le Roi de Naples. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin /...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS , press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; copy: University of South Carolina Library After a continued Course of Treating for 9 Months, the English Ministry have at length come to a Resolution to lay aside for the present all the new Propositions that have been made & agreed to, their own as well as ours; and they offer to sign again as a Definitive Treaty the Articles of Novr...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Illustrioux Legislator of your Country, I Would be Very obliged to you, if you Would and Could give me, the book, of the Constitution, translated by M. de la Rochefoucault. Some body told me, that it is not Sold. I Should be lofty to have it of your hand, and gratefull to you for your Kindness, my dear Neighbour, loved and revered by your most humble...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Durey de Meinières, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I send with great Pleasure the Constitutions of America to my dear & much respected Neighbour, being happy to have any thing in my Power to give that she will do me the honour to accept, and that may be agreable to her. I am, ever, with sincere Esteem, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately Which she had requested in the letter immediately above. BF ’s...
38Notes on Establishing a Packet Boat Service to and from New York, [c. 31 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society American Postmaster at New York to receive and distribute all Letters brought by the Pacquets of England & France To give Receipts for the Amount, & keep an Account with each Settle & pay every three Packets Allow’d for dead, return’d or missent Letters.— All preceding Postage of Packet Letters to be paid on both sides before they are sent forward by...
39From George Washington to Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your private letter of the 21st, & should have given it an acknowledgement sooner but thought a few days would have let me more into the views of Congress with respect to the Peace Establishment than I had any knowledge of at the time of its receipt—I am as much in the dark now as ever, and as unable to guess at the number of Troops which may be retained or raised for...
40To George Washington from Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
By Doctor Craik I had the honour to write a few lines to your Excellency & having now nothing new to communicate I only repeat that nothing shall be wanting to finish all matters here when I flatter myself it will appear that invention or delay have not been among my faults with Every Respect I am Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obt hum. servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
41From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you the Copy of a Letter from Captn Segond in behalf of himself & Lieut. Boulieu, the only remaining Officers of Pulaski’s Legion—if the peculiar circumstances of those Gentlemen, are such as will exclude them from emoluments to which they ought to be intitled in common with other officers, and if it shall not be in your power to give adequate relief, I must request you will be...
42From George Washington to Robert Morris, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I send you herewith the Estimate and requisition of Pay for the Writers employed under Colo. Varick’s direction, and hope he will be enabled, by the time they have completed their Work, to make a settlement with them. I have the honour to be Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
43From George Washington to John Moylan, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 18th, also the duplicate inclosed in yours of the 24th. If the Articles should not have been forwarded you will be informed by the Superintendant of Finance, that the immediate necessity of incurring the expence of transportation has ceased to exist, I am however pleased with your exertions on this, as well as former occasions. The reasons you have given for...
44From George Washington to Jacques-Marie-Blaise, Chevalier [de] Segond de Sederon, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I consider the War Office to be the proper channel of Application for the redress of any hardships under which you and Lieut. Boulieu may labour, from the peculiarity of your circumstances. I have therefore referred your Letter to the Honourable the Secretary at War, with a request, if he should not have it in his power to give adequate relief, that he would lay your case before Congress and...
45From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 26th and am much obliged by your attention in procuring the Articles I had requested—I am also glad to find there is at length a prospect that the British will in reality soon take their departure from the United States. Whatever my private sentiments as an Individual may be, respecting the violent Policy which seems in some instances to be adopted; it is not...
46To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison of the Virginia delegation in Congress.” Docketed by JM, “August 31. 1783.” Another hand wrote “Mr. Jefferson” below that date and, to the right of it, “Th. Jefferson Augst 31. 1783.” Under this second dating, William Cabell Rives, the first major biographer of Madison, wrote, probably late in the 1850’s, “our allusions in this...
47From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 17. which came to hand long ago remains still unacknoleged, as from the time of it’s receipt I had constant hope that you would be on the road for Virginia before an answer could reach you. That of the 11th. inst. I received yesterday, and leaves the time of your visit as unfixed as ever, and excites some fear that I shall miss of you. I propose to set out for Congress about...
48“Une Abonnée,” [after 27 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: American Philosophical Society Letters to the editor written in the guise of a woman were one of Franklin’s earliest and favorite forms of satire. The present example is the only instance we have seen of his crafting this sort of spoof in France. Whether it was truly intended for publication or simply meant to amuse his friends is not known; no mention of...
49The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 30 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
The American Ministers Plenipotentiary for making Peace with great Britain, present their Compliments to M r. Hartley. They regret that M r. Hartley’s Instructions will not permit him to sign the Definitive Treaty of Peace with America, at the Place appointed for the Signature of the others. They will nevertheless have the Honour of waiting upon Mr. Hartley at his Lodgings at Paris, for the...
50From Alexander Hamilton to John Canfield, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 30, 1783. Asks Canfield to sell a farm which belongs to John Carter and is located in Salisbury, Connecticut. ALS , Courtesy of the Sons of the Revolution, Headquarters, Fraunces Tavern, New York City. Canfield, a lawyer in Sharon, Connecticut, was a member of the state legislature. John B. Church.
51To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I felt a resentment at hearing that you had passed without stoping at Clermont that your friendly letter of the 13th. has hardly yet calmed. Abstracted from the pleasure of seeing you I had a thousand political inquiries to make for I have not yet been able to philosophize myself into that tranquil indifference which is perhaps necessary to ones happiness. I am much obliged to you for the...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Soderstrom, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 30, 1783. On the envelope of a letter which Soderstrom wrote to Hamilton on August 4, 1793 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered 30th by the post.” Letter not found. ]
53The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of copy: National Archives The American Ministers Plenipotentiary for making Peace with great Britain, present their Compliments to Mr. Hartley. They regret that Mr. Hartley’s Instructions will not permit him to sign the Definitive Treaty of Peace with America at the Place...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Duplan, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous étes trop grand dans toutes vos demarches pour avoir oublié les Esperances flatteuses que vous nous donnates de bouche en 1778 . Qu’étant honorés de vôtre presence, vous Souscrivites Monsieur pour un Exemplaire de nôtre Enciclopedie 8°. en 36 vol: de discours, & 3 de planches, comme conste la lettre cy inclus que nous avons l’honneur de vous mettre...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer l’Exempl. in 40. pour le Grand Duc de Russie. Je vous renvoye aussi l’Ex. in 80. que vous m’aviez fait passer. Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur Notation: Pierres 30 Août 1783. Grand Duke Paul of Russia, whom BF had met in the summer of 1782: XXXVII , 311–12, 316, 445–6.
56To Benjamin Franklin from Philipp Thieriot, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je crois de mon devoir de vous prevenir que je suis sur mon depart pour Philadelphie. Je serai tres flatté, Monsieur, si vous vouliés bien m’honnorer de vos ordres. Tout ce que vous daignerés me confier sera soigné avec la plus grande exactitude. S’il n’arrive pas de contretems imprevu, je partirai sans faute Jeudi prochain en huit; de maniere que l’honneur...
57From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for the information of Congress, the report of the Baron Steuben, who was sent into Canada to make arrangements with General Haldimand for withdrawing the British forces from the Posts within the territory of the United States. The Letter from General Haldimand to me, referred to in his Letter of the 13th inst. to the Baron, is not yet come to hand. The...
58To George Washington from John Langdon, 30 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was happy enough to receive your Kind favour of the 4th Inst. by the Count Del Verme who did me the Honor to put up with me for a few Days. I am highly pleased with this Nobleman & think myself under great Obligations to your Excellency for his acquaintance. I shall always think myself highly Honored in shewing every civility in my Power to such Gentlemen as you are pleased to Introduce. Let...
59From George Washington to Robert Morris, 30 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the earliest opportunity of informing you, that the Baron Steuben has returned from Canada without being able to accomplish any part of the business he had in charge. In consequence of which and of the late Season of the Year, I have judged it impossible to take possession of the Western Posts this fall and have ordered a Stop to be put to the movement of Troops and Stores and to the...
60From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. The docket, “Madison Js Aug. 30. 1783,” is in JM’s hand, but he apparently added it at a later date. This letter may have been carried to Virginia by Captain Merry Walker ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , III, 208, n. 5 ). See also JM to...
61From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 30. 1783.” We hear nothing from Europe that can be depended on relative to the definitive Treaty, nor any thing from N. York as to the time of its evacuation. A Pamphlet has lately come over from G. Britain...
62[August 1783] (Adams Papers)
This morning, I set out from the Hague, in Company with my Father; at about half past 4. o’clock in the morning. At 7. we arrived at Rotterdam; passed the Maes Meuse , and rode as far as Moerdyk, where we arrived at about 12. We were obliged to stay till 4. o’clock, because the wind, and tide were both contrary. We arrived at about 11. o’clock at night at the last Post before Antwerp, and...
63Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 20 August 1783; 29 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
Why my Dear Eliza have I not had the pleasure of hearing from you but once in an absence of two months. Is this right Betsy? I have been half of a mind to believe that you had ceaced to wish to hear from me—the idea has given me pain. Surely you received a letter by Mr. Shaw at commencement, and I have wrote you since. I cannot say that you have certainly received that but methinks you might...
64Aug 29th. Friday. (Adams Papers)
The Journal de Paris of this day, speaks as follows of the flying globe. “Nous venons d’apprendre que le Ballon, aprés avoir voyagé pendant trois quarts d’heure dans les regions de l’air et hors de la vue, est tombé à Gonesse, distant de Paris de quatres lieues; l’on y a reconnu une ouverture produite par l’explosion qui a dû se faire, lorsque ce Globe a atteint un air qui, lui opposant moins...
65To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
Hier au soir à 8 h es. Leurs H. P. s’assemblerent; & le résultat fut l’expédition d’un Courier à 10 heures, avec l’accession de la Rép. au Traité Définitif, que nous nous attendons ici d’apprendre avoir été signé mercredi prochain 3 e. Voilà donc la fin de toutes nos incertitudes. Je vous en félicite, Monsieur, de tout mon coeur, & je souhaite pareillement, que le navire le Washington, que...
66David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
As the Day is now fixed for the signatures of the Definitive Treaties between Great Britain, France & Spain, I beg leave to inform your Excellencies that I am ready to sign the Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, whenever it shall be convenient to you. I beg the Favour therefore of you to fix the Day. My Instructions confine me to Paris as the Place...
67Response to a Memorandum of Sabatier fils & Després, [c. 29 August? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Apostille proposée par Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin Sur le Mémoire de MM. Sabatier fils et Desprez. Jepense que MM. Sabatier fils et Desprez dirigent Irrégulierement Leur demande Sur moy qui n’ayant jamais eté partie dans le marché dont il Sagit, et n’ayant pas dû m’attendre à La répétition de La somme qui en est L’objet, n’ait fait aucune...
68David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives As the day is now fixed for the signatures of the Definitive treaties between Great Britain France and Spain I beg leave to inform you that I am ready to sign the Definitive treaty between Great Britain and the united States of America...
69To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, 29 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress J’ai rendu compte à M. le Cte. de Vergennes, Monsieur, de la difficulté que fait Mr. Hartley de signer à Versailles et ce Ministre m’a chargé de vous mander, que rien ne devoit vous empêcher de signer à Paris mercredy prochain, Jour designé pour la Signature des autres Traités; mais il vous prie d’indiquer à M. Hartley 9. heures du...
70From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to find by the Report of the Baron Steuben there is no probability that we shall be put in possession of the Western Posts this fall—in consequence of this information and the late season of the year I have directed the Movement of the Troops to be stopped, & the preparations to be suspended until farther Orders. Major Giles (who is the bearer of this Letter) having occasion to...
71From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the state of facts reported in your Letter of the 26th I think it expedient that a stop should be put to the movement of the Troops & Stores which were destined for the Western Posts; You will be pleased to give directions accordingly and to transmit the Letter herewith to the Quartr Mastr Genll as it relates to the same subject. I am dear sir with the greatest regard Your...
72From George Washington to William Duer, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Some circumstances having intervened that render it impracticable during this fall, for us to take possession of the Posts now occupied by the British on the Western Waters; for the Garrisons of which, the Provisions mentioned in my Letter to you from Saratoga were designed, and which will therefore become in a manner useless to the public, if they cannot be relinquished or disposed of. My...
73From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of intelligence just received from the Northward, that General Haldimand would not enter into any negociations with the Baron Steuben for delivering up the Western Posts, I find it proper to put a stop to all operations which are carrying on for the purpose of transporting Garrisons & Stores to them, this Fall; You will be pleased therefore to give directions for suspending all...
74To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The chain at West-Point has already suffered considerably by the rust, and will be daily growing worse. If it is to be kept for future use, it cannot too soon be housed; and in this case it is said it may be preserved from rust by painting. If it is not necessary to keep it, the sooner it is sold the better. It would probably fetch about two thirds the price of bar iron. The chain contains...
75From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your Letter of the 15th covering the extract of a Letter from Lt Colo. Depeyster and the Copy of a Letter from Brigr Genl McLean. I have also just heard of the return of the Baron Steuben, without having been able to accomplish the business of his Mission. In consequence of which and of the advanced season of the Year, I have judged it impossible to take...
76Aug. 28th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
The Journal de Paris of this day, says a great deal about the flying globe. It speaks of it as follows. “L’experience ingenieuse que M. M. de Montgolfier ont fait à Annonay interesse assés pour qu’on ne soit pas surpris de l’empressement qu’on a mis à la repeter. A peine la souscription qui devoit en faciliter les moyens fut elle ouverte par M. Faujas de Saint Fond et deux ou trois de ses...
77To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François de Cailhava d’Estandoux, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed: American Philosophical Society Le Musée de Paris ayant transporté ses Séances au local de M. Pilatre de Rozier, rue Sainte-Avoye, vis-à-vis la rue du Plâtre; vous êtes prié de vouloir bien vous y trouver aux Assemblées ordinaires des Jeudis, & nommément à celle du 11 Septembre prochain, dans laquelle on fera un appel général pour fixer le nombre des Muséens. Si vous...
78To Benjamin Franklin from John Calder, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Calder presents his respectful Compts to Dr. Franklin, & begs leave to remind him, by favour of his particular friend Mr P. Elmsley, that there was a letter sent, or to be sent to the Hotelle D’Espagne for L. G. Melville which has never come to the hands of Dr. C. who takes this favourable opportunity to inform Dr. F. that now after his having been for...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Cambray, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de Vous écrire pour le même sujet qui fit une partie de notre entretien il y a deux jours. Je suis très occupé d’obtenir de l’avancement de la Cour; Mr. le Marechal de Segur est on ne peut pas mieux disposé en ma faveur; j’ay réussy particulierement à mettre Mr. le Cte. de Vergennes dans mes interêts, je dois lui être présenté par Mr. le Mis....
80From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having just received the inclosed Letter from the Chevalier Heintz, containing propositions to Congress respecting the admission of a Number of American Characters as Members of an Order lately instituted in Poland, together with a List of the present Knights of the Order; I think it my duty to submit the Originals in the state they came to my hands to the consideration of Congress, and to...