7001From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Dana, 2 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Inclos’d I send you M. Lovell’s Cypher which you desir’d. The following is a Copy of a Paragraph of his Letter in which he has made Use of it. If you can find the Key & decypher it, I shall be glad, having myself try’d in vain. “Our Affairs at the Southward are to be judged of by the Gazettes. We 11.14.8. 12.1.3....
7002From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 25 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lund Washington having furnished me with copies of the Accts with Mr Custis, I have drawn the whole into one view and sent it herewith, I could not Balle the Acct because of the blank Articles in it; and because there may be, on Mr Custis’s books, some charges against me of which I have no knowledge—with regard to the first, I leave it to you to extend the Sums in any manner you shall think...
7003From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 Feb. 1778. In his letter to GW of 12 April 1778, Dandridge referred to “Your favor of the 15th of Feby.”
7004From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 29 March 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Bartholomew Dandridge, 29 Mar. 1778. On 12 April, Dandridge wrote GW , “your kind, tho’ short, note in my Sisters Letter of the 29th ult. I have received.”
7005From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you from Philadelphia I have been favoured with your Letter of the 20th Ulto from New Kent. How far it is proper—or improper to delay the appointment of a Guardian or Guardians to Mr Custis’s Children I shall not take upon me to decide but this I am clear in, & beg leave again to urge it, that whenever the necessity for it arrives you shou’d take upon yourself the trust. I...
7006From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 19 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Custis, to whom I have spoken on the subject very much approves of your administring upon Mr Custis’s Estate and thinks, as I do, that you had better undertake it alone, than jointly with her—If it is necessary to have a Guardian appointed to the Children before the Administration is compleated, & the Estate divided It is much my wish that you (as the Natural friend and nearest relation...
7007From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th of last Month came safe to my hands—at this place; in the vicinity of which the Army is cortored. I am fully perswaded, from all Accts, that in Posey you have to deal with a most consummate villain; and from your own that you have pursuaded the most prudent method of managing him, and for obtaining that justice wch is due to Mr Custis’s Estate. I am clear in Sentiment...
7008From George Washington to —— d’Anieres, 30 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
By His Excy—&c. Permission is hereby granted to Lieut. D’anier an Officer of the Brunswick Troops from Canada, to proceed by Land to N. York, on Business from General Reedesel—and to return by the same Route, & proceed again to Canada. And all Officers civil & Military are requested to grant him such Assistance as may be found necessary. Given &c. 30th June 1783. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7009George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for the “march” of the boats to Acquackanonck. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Darby was a major of the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment.
7010I. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 17 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will take charge of the Boats with the Army, and see that they are provided with Oars & held in the most perfect readiness for instant use. You will try them in the Water to see if they are quite tight, when full loaded; and you will ascertain the number of Men that each Boat will carry with tolerable convenience, & make report thereof to me. You will number the Boats, & put them into...
7011IX. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have been directed to do everything necessary for putting the boats under your care in perfect order, muffling the oars &c. and the Quarter Master General has been desired to furnish you with all the necessary means. You will be pleased to distribute your boats into four equal divisions, as nearly as may be, both with respect to number and size, numbering the whole 1. 2. 3. &c. each of...
7012From George Washington to Samuel Darby, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Col. Pickering informs there are now 24 Boats compleatly repaired at Wappings Creek. Be pleased to send a party to bring these instantly to Peekskill Creek: Let these Boats, and every Batteau at West Point, that is fit for service (including all those now used as ferry Boats, and on every other duty) be hurried to Peekskill with all possible expedition. The work must now cease, or the Men rest...
7013From George Washington to Captain William John Darby, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish it were in my power to give a satisfactory answer to your letter of the 4th Novr. Unfortunately certain obstructions have been thrown in the way of both general and particular exchanges, which must prevent any thing from taking place in your favor. When these are removed It will give me pleasure to concur in measures for your relief or exchange. I am Sir. Df , in James McHenry’s...
7014From George Washington to William Darking, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Permission is hereby given to Wm Darking, late a Sutler to the 2d Battalion of Light Infantry—now a prisoner of War to the United States, to pass fom N.York, by Dobb’s ferry—from thence to Morris Town, Coryells ferry, and the nearest Route from the last mentioned place to Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania—for the purpose of settling his Accounts with the said Corps—He is to report his...
7015From George Washington to Abraham Davenport, 14 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 12th Inst. by Mr Baldwin, previous to which, I had given directions for Major Maxwell to continue with his Detachment at Stamford, until the 25 of April; I have now consented that he should remain there with his Command untill the first of May; at which time he is positively to join the Army; as the state of the service will not permit Detachments to be...
7016American Peace Commissioners’ Answers to David Hartley’s Propositions for the Definitive Treaty, 29 June 1783 (Jay Papers)
To the 1 st . This Matter has been already regulated in the 5 & 6 th . Articles of the Provisional Treaty to the utmost extent of our Powers: The Rest must be left to the several States. 2 d All the Lakes, Rivers, and Waters, divided by the Boundary Line or Lines between the United States and his Britannic Majesty’s Territories, shall be freely used and navigated by both Parties during the...
7017From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Lee Davidson, 19 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to leave a Captain two Subs. and fifty Men of the detachment of Colo. Hogans Regt at Trenton and proceed with the remainder to Philadelphia, upon your arrival at which place you are to make report to General Arnold or commanding Officer and take your directions from him. You are to leave word at Trenton for Colo. Hogan to follow with the remainder of the Regt (except the Captain and...
7018From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beleive it will be necessary for us to begin to register our people in captivity with the enemy, in order that we may be enabled on all exchanges to give preference according to turn : which is certainly just whether a person be exchanged as a souldier, a sailor, or a citizen. I therefore have recommended to the bearer John Wood to enter his name with you, time of captivity, denomination...
7019From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There are in the hands of Colo. Taylor for the use of his regiment of guards about 500 stand of arms. The regiment having gone to Maryland with the Conventioners was ordered at first to be discharged at Winchester and afterwards to be brought back to Charlottesville to be discharged there. It is therefore uncertain at which place those arms will be deposited. Besides these there were lodged in...
7020From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 13 will have answered your former Letters and part of your last and the superscription will explain to you why it was so late coming. One article I omitted to answer, that is whether you should receive Deserters from Colo. Syme in Lieu of the Levies under the last law. The Description in the act of those who are to be received is that they be recruits fit for present Duty,...
7021From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 1 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose there is no hope of our getting hats for the soldiers. We will aid you anywise in our power towards getting caps made. Mr. Armistead receives 1800£ to be transmitted you for your tailors and sempstresses. He has received an order to deliver you all the leather he has (enough for about 300 or 350 pair three qr. soals) and receives one now to make up the deficiency of 1500 pair as soon...
7022From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It was our intention that the tools should go with the workmen and hope they have accordingly gone. I have enquired of Mr. Armistead as to the giving a yard of linen for making shirts at Petersburg. He says it was never done by him; but that Colo. Elliot the Continental Q.M. had given the price of a yard of linen. Mr. Armistead’s allowance for the white linen shirts is 30 dollars. There is no...
7023From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 22 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Muter having resigned his appointment as Commissioner of the war office, the board have appointed you to succeed him which I have now the pleasure to notify to you. I shall be exceedingly happy should it be agreable to you to undertake the Office, and if applications to the Commanding Officer or other Person shall be necessary to reconcile your acting in this Office to the reservation of...
7024From George Washington to Colonel William Davies, 16 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The whole of the Virginia line being ordered to the Southward it becomes indispensibly necessary, that a sub Inspector should accompany them, to perform the duties incidental to that Office —Should you have so far compleated the arrangement of your private Affairs, for which you obtained leave of Absence, as to be able to proceed with the troops from Virginia, you can join them upon their...
7025From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 5 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am anxious to have secured for the detachment which is next to proceed Southwardly as many tents as will suffice for them, and to collect all the residue belonging to the State and send them down for the use of the Militia. Of 230 tents issued during the last invasion, I understand that 75 were sent on with Colo. Green’s detachment, I find that about 28 were returned to this place, the rest...
7026Charles Fleming to William Davies, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Manchester, 10 Jan. 1781. Arrived at this place the previous evening; the men “had a very disagreeable night, seven of them taken sick”; will proceed as soon “as they get comfortably dried and get their breakfast”; requests supplies. “The Governor lodged on this side last [night], whom I have seen. He informs me the enemy were yesterday morning lying still at and about Colo. Harrissons mills:...
7027Nathan Reid to William Davies, 13 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
New London, 13 May 1781. “Since my arivel at this place I have had a very easy time of it, not more than seven soldiers has been delivered to me, and two of them has deserted. It is uncertain what time the draughts will take place, in the Counties that are to Randezvous at this place and I dont know what Counties the[y] are, as the Governor did not give me a list of them. I would be much...
7028From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The board are of opinion that the proposal of the Commissioner of the War office to appoint Capt. Hamilton, an officer of the state regiment to do the duty of Town-major with such rations and forage as shall make those he is already entitled to equivalent to those of a Major, referring him to the General assembly to obtain a similar augmentation of pay, be approved. They approve of his...
7029From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry the shoes and cloathing fall so far short of what we had reason to expect. Such of the former as are unfit for use had better be returned. We shall omit no opportunity of making up the whole deficiency. The Shoemakers and Taylors at Warwick receive orders to day to go to your post under a Mr. Thornbury’s care, who is himself one of them. We shall be glad to have the services of...
7030From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 9 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Sentence of the court martial however inadequate the punishment is to the offence, seems to be such as the law has authorized, except as to the musket lost. For this indemnification we shall take more effectual measures by stopping the full worth out of the pay of the deserter. The Act of assembly named six places of rendezvous for the new recruits and authorized us to name two more and to...
7031From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 26 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As for the outer Clothing for the Soldiers there is no early Prospect but from the 1495 yards of Cloth sent you some Time ago. We purchased 100 or 150 Blankets and 400 Pair of Stockings of Mr. Ross whom I desired in Presence of an Aid of Baron Steuben’s to deliver them to the Order of the Baron. And the aid ( Major Walker ) promised to notify the Baron of this. There are some Blankets (perhaps...
7032George Muter to William Davies, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enemy’s approach rendering the removal of the arms and stores belonging to the state at Petersburgh, immedeatly necessary; Capt. Spiller (State Commissary of Military stores) goes directly from hence towards Petersburgh for that purpose, and will call on you. I must request the favour of you to render Capt. Spiller what assistance you can in the execution of the duty he goes on. The powder...
7033Samuel Patteson to William Davies, 27 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Instructions I have sent on four hundred stand of arms. The Waggon that brought your Marque to Colo. Lewis’s went off before I received your Letter which was this morning. Carver lost two of his horses last night, however, Mr. Southall procured Waggons for the purpose. Your Marque I have paid particular attention to. I have reserved six shirts, one I believe Colo. St[arke]...
7034From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, [3 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 May 1781 .] “The army is in extreme want of cartridges. If you can by any means expedite the making them it will be very salutary. The enemy embarked at the Hundred last night and are supposed to be gone down today.” MS not located. Extract printed from Anderson Galleries Catalogue (J. H. Manning Sale, 19–20 Jan. 1926), lot 376, where the letter is listed as a 1-page A.L.S.,...
7035From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you an Information given in to me by Colo. Buford against Epaphroditus Rudder a Cornet in Baylors Horse. His being now in your neighbourhood induces me to address it to you particularly and to desire you will institute proper proceedings to call him to Account. I also beg the favor of you to inform me if you know what became of the men described in the...
7036William Armistead to William Davies, 3 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 Jan. 1781. Has been directed by the governor to order the tailor and shoemaker at Warwick to go to Chesterfield Courthouse immediately; but fears that without an officer to attend them they will desert; suggests that they be sent for, with a wagon or two to remove the leather and cloth on hand. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; addressed: “Colo. William Davies Chesterfield Court House”; endorsed;...
7037From George Washington to William Davies, 24 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 20th ulto inclosing a representation signed by you and a number of the Feild Officers of the Virginia line against the readmission of Brigadier Weedon to command in the line of that State—Being a stranger to the transactions which took place at the time General Weedon was thought to have retired from service, I can give no decided opinion upon the propriety of...
7038From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The want of a board of Council prevented our taking up the final arrangement of the Clothier’s duties till yesterday, the paper I sent you having contained only what was proposed to be agreed on. Unfortunately no copy of it was retained, so that I am obliged to ask the favor of you to return it if you still have it. We have here a large number of undressed deer-skins, and no person who can...
7039Steuben to William Davies, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I am unacquainted with officers commanding the Militia at Richmond, and it being my desire that of those that are Armed one half shall march immediately to Turkey Island and the other to the Long bridge on Chickahominy, I have inclosed the order, which I request you to communicate. I only wait the arival of Colo. Senf, to visit hoods and Blands Ordinary, where I intend making the...
7040From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 6 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a Letter from Colo. Waggoner and Depositions on the Subject of Mattenly’s Complaint on which I had written to him: They appear to justify his Conduct. The Tobacco note which Mattenly supposes should have been given him has been returned by Colo. Waggoner to the Auditors. I am, &c., FC ( Vi ). The enclosed letter from Col. Peter Wagener and the depositions have not been found.
7041From George Washington to William Davies, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon viewing the troops of the Virginia Line this morning I find that they are almost totally destitute of Cloathing that is even necessary for the present season in consequence of which upwards of one third of them are renderd at present unfit for service. The importance of present exertions need not be pen’d as I flatter myself you must already be convinced of the necessity of them. You will...
7042Henry Young to William Davies, 13 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 13 May 1781 . Disapproves of continuing the work at Point of Fork; suggests Staunton as a more secure location. “I wish you cou’d be every where, the Governor does not stay here , your presence is much wanted. … The Governor is the best man in the world and, if I mistake not, open to conviction. Were you to use your influence with him I think he might be prevailed on to give up this...
7043From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 1 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Baron Steuben having desired that all Issues and Furnitures from us to the Continent might be on his Order while here, I immediately on Receipt of your Letter sent it down to the Baron; he was just set out to Hoods. I therefore have given an Order to Mr. Armistead to deliver the Materials to the Person attending for you that they may be making up and paying due Attention to the Barons Request....
7044From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
7045To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The equipment of the cavalry is a matter of real consequence to our military operations. The enclosed account appears to have arisen from an application to Mr. Simpson by the officers of the cavalry for a number of articles the troops were in want of. He has applied to Col. Finnie for payment, who tells him he can only give him a certificate for what is due him. Mr. Simpson is very willing to...
7046To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 10–11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 10 Apr. 1781 . Many men already discharged from the army have arrears in pay due them. “It is hard upon these men to lose their pay, and it is exceedingly troublesome to this office, to the Auditors and to your Excellency, for the adjustment of each man’s claim to be thrown individually upon us. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency, whether it will not be...
7047From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 31 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Southall communicated to me your orders for removing the stores to Henderson’s on the North river, and thence upwards. The superior expediency of removing them to the main river appeared to the council so evident that they had fixed on that river as the proper line of deposit: I have consulted with many gentlemen of judgment now at Charlottesville, and the same measure...
7048Henry Young to William Davies, 9 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Iron Chest that was put in your Waggon contains a number of Papers of consequence, you will be pleas’d to take it with you to this place. We have reason to apprehend that the Enemy are within twelve miles of Charlottesville. I apprehended two days ago a Desserter on suspicion of his being a spie. Circumstances are strong against him but no positive proof. He says that the Enemy will be...
7049Henry Young to William Davies, 30 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The plan propos’d by Mr. Ross for the building of Mr. Andersons shop I think a good one. Wou’d not 20 insted of 28 feet [be] wide enough? I dont know whether it wou’d not be best to have a store house at one end of the Shop. There is but one reason can operate against it, that is fire. Mr. Ford informs me that you will be at the point of fork this evening. Will you be so good as to take this...
7050From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 13 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of March 8th and 11th. have remained so long unanswered from a constant Hurry of Business, but orders were immediately given for executing your requisitions as far as could be. Mr. Armistead tells me he has procured you one set of Shoemaker Tools, being the whole to be found here which now go to you; He sends also the Deer skins which on receipt of your Letter on that Subject I had...