1To George Washington from John Jay, 13 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Geo. Mason Junr who sailed lately from Nantes has a Letter from me to You. I have within these few Days past, read & admired your address to the army and their Proceedings in Consequence of it. Such Instances of Patriotism are rare, and america must find it difficult to express in adequate Terms, the Gratitude she owes to both. Such a Degree of Glory, so virtuously acquired, and so decently...
2To George Washington from John Jay, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is most certain that the Letters alluded to in your Excellency’s of the 18th Octr last (which with sundry post marks was sent to my Brother) have all miscarried. The Sea, or the Enemy, or the unceasing and jealous attention of the french and spanish Governments to american Letters and Papers, may in this as in many other Instances, have been unkind to me. I think the Motto of si recte...
3From John Jay to George Washington, 6 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
It is most certain that the Letters alluded to in your Excellency’s of the 18 th . Oct r . last (which with sundry post Marks was sent to my Brother) have all miscarried— The Sea, or the Enemy, or the unceasing & jealous Attention of the french and spanish Governments to american Letters and Papers may in this as in many other Instances, have been unkind to me. I think the Motto of si recte...
4To George Washington from John Jay, 9 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the 7th Inst. I had the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 22d of October last, with the Copies of the articles of Capitulation, Returns, & of General Greene’s Letter, mentioned in it. I also recd on the same Day, Duplicates of each. The Reasons which induced your Excellency to transmit these Papers, will I am persuaded, appear no less proper to Congress, than the speedy...
5To George Washington from John Jay, 29 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
There has long been something about my Heart which urged me to write to You, but I thought it selfish to diminish your few Leisure moments by an additional Correspondent, especially as your Punctuality & Attention would probably have led you to consult my Wishes rather than your own Convenience. The Time I hope will come when the Return of Tranquility will give me an opportunity of conversing...
6To George Washington from John Jay, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your very kind Letter of the 7 instant gave me all that Pleasure, which accompanies marks of cordial Esteem & attachmt from those whose Commendation is Praise and whose Friendship is discriminate. Among the Objects of my Mission are some, which however just, will not be easily attain’d and therefore its Success will be precarious & probably partial. The only Satisfaction I promise myself from...
7From John Jay to George Washington, 14 October 1779 (Jay Papers)
Your very kind letter of of the 7 th Instant gave me all that Pleasure, which accompanies marks of cordial Esteem & Attachm t from those whose Commendation is praise, and Whose Friendship is discriminate. Among the Objects of my mission are some which, however just, will ^ not ^ be difficult to easily attain’d and therefore its success will be precarious, and probably partial. The only...
8To George Washington from John Jay, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Extract of a Letter of the 26th of Septr 1779 from His Excellency, the President of Congress—to General Washington [”]Sir I have the pleasure of transmitting to your Excellency copies of two Letters from the French Consul in South Carolina to Monsr Gerard, informing him of the arrival of Count D’Estaing on that coast. [”]As Congress have reason to believe, that the Armament under the command...
9To George Washington from John Jay, 23 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of recg your Exys Favors of the 14 and 18 Inst. with the Papers mentiond in them. The enclosed, is a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 22d Inst. directing the North Carolina Troop to proceed by Land to South Carolina. With perfect Respect & Esteem I have the Honor to be your Exys most obt Servt. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. A note on the address line next to GW’s name reads,...
10To George Washington from John Jay, 22 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Jay, 22 Sept. 1779. On 30 Sept., GW wrote Samuel Huntington: “I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 22d and 23d instants.”
11To George Washington from John Jay, 15 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress have by a Resolution of which the enclosed is a copy confirmed the Arrangement of the Officers of the Massachusetts-line, & directed Commissions for them to be issued accordingly. I have the Honor to be &ca. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. In his reply to this letter, GW indicated that Jay also enclosed a printed copy of a Congressional circular letter (see GW to Jay, 25 Sept. ). The...
12To George Washington from John Jay, 31 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed account of the Reinforcement with admiral arbuthnot is copied from one recd by Mr Jos. Wharton from his Friend in Paris. The Confidence Mr Wharton has in his Correspondent induces him to think this account may be relied upon. I am Dear Sir: with perfect Regard your most obt Servant P.S. Mr Wharton would not chuse that this Line of Intelligence should be generally known. ALS ,...
13To George Washington from John Jay, 30 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency an Account of the Enemy’s force with Admiral Arbuthnot, from Arthur Lee Esqr. And am with the highest & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. Congress read two letters from Arthur Lee, both dated 26 April, on this date (see JCC, Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress,...
14To George Washington from John Jay, 29 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s Favors of the 21, 23, 23rd Instant, and the several papers referred to in them. The enclosed copy of an Act of Congress of the 27th Inst., will communicate to your Excellency the sense of Congress relative to your Plan for conducting, & measures for executing the Western Expedition. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect and Esteem Your...
15To George Washington from John Jay, 26 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed Your Excellency will receive a copy of a Letter from Major General Philips of the 8th Inst., and of other Papers enclosed with it, marked No: 1, 2, 3 & 4, which together with the Letter are referred to Your Excellency that such Order may be taken on the several Matters mentioned in them as You may think proper. The sense which Congress entertain of the merit of Major Noirmont...
16To George Washington from John Jay, 25 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Favor of the 16th Instant. Britain refused the mediation of Spain at a Time when their Spirits were elated by their Successes in the west Indies, and the southern States; and by the accounts they recieved of Discord in Congress, Discontent among the People, and a Prospect of the Evils with which we were threatned by the Depreciation of our Currency....
17From John Jay to George Washington, 25 August 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Favor of the 16 th . Instant. Britain refused the Mediation of Spain at a Time when their Spirits were elated by their Successes in the West Indies, and the southern States; and by the Accounts they recieved of Discord in Congress, Discontent among the People, and a Prospect of the Evils with which we were threatned by the Depreciation of our Currency....
18To George Washington from John Jay, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s Favors of the 15th, 16, & 17th Inst—The first is referred to a special Committee—The second to the Board of War—& the third to the Treasury. It is the Sense of Congress that your Excellency “refuse your Assent to the Request of Major General Philips that two Officers of the Convention Troops be allowed to go into Canada.” Congress came to some other...
19To George Washington from John Jay, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed Your Excellency will receive a copy of three Acts of Congress, of the 17, 18, & 19th Inst. The two first respect a Provision for the Army—The latter for the Commissary General of Prisoners. Congress have under Consideration further Resolutions on this Subject, calculated to do equal Justice to the whole Army, & remove every cause of complaint in their power to remedy. I have...
20To George Washington from John Jay, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since the date of my last, I have been honored with Your Excellency’s Favors of the 5: 5: 6: & 11th Inst., with the several papers mentioned in them. I have now the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a copy of an Act of Congress of the 16th Inst., paying the Soldiers for deficiencies in cloathing —and also a Copy of a Circular Letter from Congress to the several States, which I am happy...
21To George Washington from John Jay, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed your Excellency will recieve Extracts from a Letter which arrived this Morning from Mr Bingham. The Intelligence contained in them is important as well as agreable —I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & Regard Your Excellencys most obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. At this time William Bingham was serving as the Continental agent to Martinique. The...
22To George Washington from John Jay, 8 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed is a copy of a Letter from Coll Simmes respecting leave of Absence —Congress refer This Request to Your Excellency —The Colonel will be The Bearer of this Letter, & will more fully explain the reason of his applying to Congress in the first Instance. I have the honor to be With great Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. Jay also...
23To George Washington from John Jay, 6 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Favors of the 29th July & 2nd Inst. have been delivered to me —The Papers, herewith enclosed, are a copy of the Act of the 8th of March mentioned in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th Ulto and a Report of the Board of War recommending that Captain Wilkie’s Company of Coll Spencer’s Regiment be annexed to the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment—Congress desire your Excellency’s Opinion on the...
24To George Washington from John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 20th & 21st Inst., with the several papers referred to in the latter. Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a copy of a Letter from the President of the Executive Council of this State containing Intelligence relative to the Reinforcements expected by the Enemy — a copy of a Letter from Major General Sullivan of the 21st Inst.,...
25To George Washington from John Jay, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Success of the Enterprize against stony Point was splendid and important—It has added another Laurel to your Wreath, and given a grateful Country a fresh opportunity of presenting you their Thanks for the Vigilance wisdom and magnanimity, with which their Arms have been conducted. I have now the Honor of conveying them expressed in the enclosed Act of Congress. Prudence forbids me to...
26From John Jay to George Washington, 27 July 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Success of the Enterprize against Stoney-Point was splendid & important— It has added another Laurel to your wreath, and given a grateful Country a fresh opportunity of presenting You their Thanks for the vigilance, Wisdom, & Magnanimity, with which their Arms have been conducted— I have now the Honor of conveying them expressed in the enclosed Act of Congress— Prudence forbids me to...
27To George Washington from John Jay, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 30th Ulto by Coll Morgan, and of the 13th & 16th Inst: with the several papers to which they refer. General Waynes Coup de main occasions as much Joy, as the barbarous conflagrations of the Enemy excite Indignation—The former I hope will lead to further successes, the latter to retaliation and Resentments favorable to our Independence. A...
28To George Washington from John Jay, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9th Inst. with the papers referred to in it—They were immediately committed. In a late letter I informed Your Excellency that Peter Wikoff Esqr. had been appointed Cloathier-General; That Gentleman not approving the terms of the appointment has declined it, & Lieut. Colonel Percifer Frazer was yesterday elected. Your Excellency will...
29To George Washington from John Jay, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed Copies of two Letters this moment read in Congress. The Intelligence they communicate being important is transmitted by Express. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect Your Excys most Obedt Servt N.B. The same verbatim to Governor Trumbull. LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosures were copies of letters from Arthur Lee to “the Chairman of the...
30To George Washington from John Jay, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 27th Ult. & 1st Inst. They were committed. Peter Wickoff Esqr. has been appointed Cloathier General, and will I hope soon enter on the Execution of that Office. Herewith enclosed is a Copy of a Letter from Governor Rutledge to the Delegates of South Carolina of the 9th Ult.—of one from General Lincoln to Congress of the 4th Ult. —And of...
31To George Washington from John Jay, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 23rd Inst., with the papers referred to therein, came duly to hand, & have been communicated to Congress. Herewith I have the honor to transmit a copy of a Letter of the 15th Inst., from Doctor Morgan to Congress, charging Dr Shippen with Mal-practice in Office, and an Act of Congress directing such Proceedings to be had thereon as that the charges alluded to in...
32To George Washington from John Jay, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed Your Excellency will receive a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 22nd Instant, on the Subject of Plundering the Inhabitants of Places in Possession of the Enemy. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant P.S: No Express yet from the Southward. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosure, a copy of a resolution...
33To George Washington from John Jay, 20 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 14th Inst. Herewith enclosed is a Copy of a Letter I lately received from Major General Philips, respecting the exchange of Capt: Fetherston of the Convention Troops, with a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 18th Inst. on that Subject. Your Excellency’s Orders will find this Gentleman at Mount-Holly. The Southern Express is not yet...
34To George Washington from John Jay, 15 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of Lieutenant Smith, herewith enclosed, contains a State of his case—Congress have referred it to your Excellency. No Express from South Carolina has as yet arrived. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect And Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosure was a petition from Lt. James Smith to “His Excellency the...
35To George Washington from John Jay, 7 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have been honored with two Letters from your Excellency of the third Inst., with the papers they covered. Herewith enclosed are two Acts of Congress of the 5th Inst., One ascertaining the Rank of Coll DuBois, the other Revoking the Commission of Major Powell, & assigning a Rule for settling the rank of the other Officers of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. The Extract of a...
36To George Washington from John Jay, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 3d Inst. enclosing three York Papers was this moment delivered to me. The one written on the Morning of that Day is not yet arrived. As it contains Intelligence probably important, I am anxious to recieve it. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW . The enclosed New York newspapers have not been...
37To George Washington from John Jay, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting herewith enclosed a Copy of an act of Congress of the 3d Inst. authorizing your Excellency to make such and so many parole Exchanges as you may judge expedient. various Reports respecting the Enemy’s movements in West Chester County have lately reached us, but we know not what Degree of Credit is due to them. The Report of a victory near Charlstown still...
38To George Washington from John Jay, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Copies of three Acts of Congress are herewith enclosed—One of the 22nd Inst., respects the Exchange of Citizens captivated by the Indians—Another of the 22nd provides that the Officers, exchanged, & not continued in Service, be considered as supernumerary Officers—The third is of the 24th Inst., and directs a copy of a Memorial from Colonel Lewis Debois to be transmitted to your Excellency. I...
39To George Washington from John Jay, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to you, herewith enclosed, Copies of three Letters respecting the Enemy’s Operations in Virginia—two from his Excellency Governor Henry of the 11th & 12th Inst.—& the other from Thompson Mason Esquire of the 17th Inst. Last Night I received a Letter from James Calhoun enclosing a Virginia Gazette of the 15th Inst., and a deposition of Joseph White taken the...
40To George Washington from John Jay, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 11th—14th—16th—two of the 17th—and the one by General McIntosh with the several Papers referred to in them. Congress concur with your Excellency in Opinion that an immediate Enquiry into the Matters of Complaint, preferred by General McIntosh, would at present be inexpedient. Copies of three Acts of Congress are herewith enclosed—One of...
41To George Washington from John Jay, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed Your Excellency will receive a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 11th Inst. making further Provision for Officers in the Quarter Master’s Department. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed copy of a resolution of 11 May is in DLC:GW ; see also JCC Worthington Chauncey...
42To George Washington from John Jay, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major General Lincoln’s ill state of health has induced Congress to permit him to retire from a Climate unfriendly to it’s Recovery—Your Excellency will perceive by the enclosed Copy of an Act of the 13th Inst., that Brigadier General Moultrie is to take the Command in his absence under certain Restrictions. I also transmit a copy of a Letter from Governor Johnson to Coll Hollingsworth —And am...
43To George Washington from John Jay, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Copies of three Acts of Congress are herewith enclosed—One of the 11th Inst., ascertaining the Pay & Subsistence of Engineers, Sappers, and Miners, & appointing Brigadier General Du Portail Commandant of those Corps—Another of the 12 Inst., appointing Coll William Irvin a Brigadier for Pennsylvania, And the third of the 12th Inst., for accepting the Resignations of Lieutenant Vallance, and...
44To George Washington from John Jay, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mrs De Lancey will be the Bearer of this Letter—when Philadelphia was evacuated, she went round with the Fleet to New York; and left it last October, so circumstanced, as to bring out but very little of her wearing apparel. She is anxious to obtain Permission to send for the Remainder. The Request appears to me reasonable, and therefore I take the Liberty of recommending it to your...
45To George Washington from John Jay, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your Excellency’s Favors of the 3rd, & 7th Instt with the several enclosures referred to in them; the former was committed for the purpose of executing the measures it recommends—the latter will be communicated to Congress this morning. Herewith are enclosed Copies of two Acts of Congress respecting the defence of the State of Rhode-Island, with a copy of a...
46To George Washington from John Jay, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress have directed their Thanks to be presented to Colonel Van Schaick & the Troops under his Command on the Onandaga Expedition—It appears to me most proper that this be communicated to him by your Excellency, & therefore a Copy of the Resolution on that Subject is enclosed. The Conduct of Colonels Davies, & Harrison in their Conferences with the British Commissioners respecting a Cartel...
47To George Washington from John Jay, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a Copy of a Letter from the minister of France to Congress of the 9th Inst. and of an act of this Day expressing the Sense of Congress that your Excellency consider yourself at Liberty to direct the military operations of these States in such manner as you may think expedient. The Intelligence conveyed by the Letter from the minister is important, and may occasion alterations in...
48To George Washington from John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed is a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 4th Inst., respecting a Brigade of fifteen hundred Men proposed to be raised by the State of Rhode-Island. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s Most Obedient And Humble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed resolution of 4 May expressed Congress’s approval of Rhode Island’s...
49To George Washington from John Jay, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Act of Congress of the 1st Inst., authorizes your Excellency to call upon Massachusetts-Bay for the Continental Cannon lent to that State. I am directed to inform you that if you want Specie for secret Service, you may draw for any Sum, or Sums to the amount of two thousand Guineas upon the treasurer who will pay the same. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem...
50To George Washington from John Jay, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Questions contained in your Favor of the Day of April Inst. are as important as the Manner of introducing them is delicate. While the maritime Affairs of the Continent continue under the Direction of a Committee, they will be exposed to all the Consequences of Want of System Attention and Knowledge. The marine Committee consists of a Delegate from each State. It fluctuates—New Members...