51To 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...
52To George Washington from John Jay, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult. and be pleased to add to the obligation by a Repitition of them. The arrival of a Reinforcement from Rhode Island at New York seems to indicate, either another Embarkation to the Southward, or offensive operations in your Quarter. but of military Matters I have too little Knowledge to hazard Conjectures, especially to Persons familiar...
53To 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...
54To George Washington from John Jay, 23 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving and communicating to Congress your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st Inst: respecting Coll Rawlins—Copies of two Acts of Congress of this day, One on that Subject, & the other refusing a Request of Major General Phillips to go to New York & ordering him to Virginia, are herewith enclosed. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your...
55To George Washington from John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress consider Genl McDougall’s Application worthy of Attention, & the better to enable your Excellency to comply, if you think proper with his Request have ordered a thousand Dollars to be forwarded to You—The enclosed is a Copy of the Order for that purpose. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellys most Obedt & Hble Servt LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. GW had...
56From 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...
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To George Washington from John Jay, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW ....
60To 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...
61To George Washington from John Jay, 12 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of acknowledging the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favor enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Major General Putnam. Herewith enclosed is a copy of an Act of Congress of the 5th Inst. for the Payment of certificates given to Inhabitants from whom Supplies have been irregularly obtained —Another of the 9th for recruiting the Army, & a third of the 10th Inst. for accepting...
62From John Jay to George Washington, 19 November 1778 (Jay Papers)
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant His Excellency...
63From John Jay to George Washington, 3 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
The opinion that greater advantage results from communicating important Events to the People, in an authentic Manner, than by unauthorized Reports, is certainly just, tho often neglected. The Intelligence alluded to, is unfortunately of such a Nature, or rather so circumstanced, as to render Secrecy necessary. As Congress with the Consent of the Minister of France, have directed it to be...
64IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
65To 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...
66To 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 ,...
67To 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...
68To George Washington from John Jay, 25 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
After Congress adjourned yesterday I was favored with two Letters from your Excellency, both of the 23rd Inst.—They shall be communicated to Congress in the morning. Herewith enclosed are sundry respecting Coll Steele’s Tryal at Fort-Pitt—They ought to have accompanied the others on that Subject. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your Excellys most Obedt Sert LS , DLC:GW...
69To George Washington from John Jay, 12 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Among the various Duties incident to the Appointment with which Congress has been pleased to honor me, that of corresponding with those public Characters whom I most esteem, will be particularly agreable. This Consideration, added to those of a public Nature, will constantly press my Attention to every Thing which may respect your Excellency; and permit me to assure you of my Endeavour, to...
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To George Washington from John Jay, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Act of Congress of this day authorizing the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department to order Supplies of Provision to the Oneidas & the other friendly Indians whose Necessities may require it, & directing the Commissaries in that Department to obey such Orders. Altho’ this Act may not require your immediate Interposition, yet as every circumstance that may...
75To George Washington from John Jay, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to transmit to Your Excellency the enclosed Copies of two Letters—One from Major Genl Schuyler to Congress—the other from Mr James Deane to him —The State of Delaware has acceded to the Confederation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt & Hbl. Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed copies of Maj. Gen. Philip...
76To George Washington from John Jay, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed Copies of the following Acts of Congress—vizt: Of the third Instant, for trying Major General Arnold by a Court Martial on the charges specified in the Papers therein referred to, & which are herewith sent—Of the 9th Instant, appointing four second Lieutenants in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Harrison—Of the...
77To 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...
78To George Washington from John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed with this Letter Copies of two Acts of Congress, one of the 18th Inst. establishing Regulations for the Department of Inspector General—The other of the 25th respecting the Defence of the Western Frontiers, with the Applications of Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania to Congress on that Subject. I have the Honor to be Sir With the greatest Respect &...
79To 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...
80To George Washington from John Jay, 1 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress have this day passed an Act, of which the enclosed is a copy, on the Subject of your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th Ult:, whereby they have resolved that You give such directions, as you may think proper, for arranging the Commissary’s and Quarter Master’s Departments to the Westward &c. I have the honor to be Sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most Obedt & very humble...
81To 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...
82To 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....
83John Jay’s Draft of a Letter from the Continental Congress to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Jay Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you by order of Congress the only Tribute which a free People will ever consent to pay, the Tribute of Thanks & Gratitude to their Friends & Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory, and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that as a peculiar...
84To George Washington from John Jay, 21 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 Inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many Reasons grateful to me—I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions, respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports, had come to my Knowledge. Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when...
85To 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.,...
86To 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...
87To George Washington from John Jay, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The opinion that greater advantage results from communicating important Events to the People, in an authentic manner, than by unauthorized Reports, is certainly just, tho often neglected. The Intelligence alluded to, is unfortunately of such a Nature, or rather so circumstanced, as to render Secrecy necessary. As Congress with the Consent of the Minister of France, have directed it to be...
88To 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...
89To George Washington from John Jay, 8 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed Extract from the Minutes of the 6th Inst., Your Excellency will perceive that Messieurs Henry Rutgers Junr, and Azariah Horton are appointed Deputy-Commissaries-General of Musters in the Room of Messrs Bradford & Noarth who have resigned. I have also the pleasure of transmitting Copies of two Acts of the 7th Inst: One for cutting a Road from Penobscot River to St Johns River...
90To George Washington from John Jay, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency, herewith enclosed, Copies of three Acts of Congress, One of the 18th Inst. for exchanging Captain Greene, who was made Prisoner at the Cedars in Canada in 1776, with an Extract from a Letter of Major General Schuyler on that Subject. Another of the 18th Inst. declining to accept General Schuyler’s Resignation—and a third of the 16th Inst.,...
91To 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...
92From 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....
93From John Jay to George Washington, 21 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many reasons grateful to me— I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports had come to my Knowledge— Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when here—...
94To 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...
95From John Jay to George Washington, 26 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Questions contained in your Favor of the [23] 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...
96To 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...
97To George Washington from John Jay, 22 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with Your Excellency’s Favor of the 19th Inst: It shall, with the Papers enclosed, be communicated to Congress this Morning, & their Orders on the Subject immediately transmitted to You. Your Excellency will find herewith enclosed Copies of two Acts of Congress, of the 20th Inst: One respecting Brigr General McIntosh, & the Proceedings of a Court-Martial held by his...