By the direction of Congress, contained in the enclosd resolutions, I have the honor to transmit you the Correspondence between General Washington & Sir Guy Carlton, together with minutes of their Conference, when, in pursuance of the invitation of the first, they met in Orange-County. Nothing can be a more direct violation of the 7 th: Article of the Provisional Treaty, than sending off the...
Congress were yesterday pleased to pass the enclosed Resolutions on the subject of the payment of British Debts— The language they speak requires no Comment— I complained in my last of your long Silence, or rather laid before you the Complaint of Congress. These I think receive additional force from Intelligence I have since had, that the Negotiations are still going on, and that important...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 29 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received your favor of the [22] Instant and am obliged to you not only for your Acceptance of a very troublesome Challenge, but for the Alacrity with which you meet us in the field. We wish it would Afford you as many Laurels, as you are like to reap elsewhere! You have heard of the Enemy’s little Excursion to Peeks ⟨Kill⟩; we wish it may not encourage them, to make a more serious Attempt,...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 7 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
With my place at Council I resume the agreeable task of writing to you & answering your Letter directed to Mr. Jay. I see with you the propriety of collecting our army to a point & have often been under apprehentions least the enemy should take advantage of our former dispersed state & the necessity that drove us into it. But they have wanted the spirit of enterprize or been deceived greatly...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, [25 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, June 25, 1777. On June 28, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Robert R. Livingston: “Yours of the 25th came to hand last night.” Letter not found. ]
26To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ July 25, 1777. On July 29, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Livingston: “I have the pleasure of your favour of the 25th.” Letter not found. ]
27To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 2 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish I Could beleive as You do with respect to the Enemies Strenght, but in order to do this I must prefer loose Conjectures to the Greatest Variety of Concurring testimoneys—That prisoners may Endeavour to Deceive I think probable, but that a number of Men should agree to tell a Similar tale, & give like Answers to questions without knowing what those questions will be, I Cannot beleive,...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 10 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I was much disappointed at not hearing from you by the return of the express, which I attribute in great measure to his negligence in not calling for an Answer to my Letter. I am sorry to inform you that things wear a more gloomy aspect here than ever, that our army instead of being increased daily diminishes, that the Troops of which it is composed are so dispersed, as to be unable to stop...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 5 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Thompson this morning requests me in persuance of the order of yesterday to send the papers of this office under my seal to his office. I had supposed that it would have been the wish of Congress to continue them in the public office I have hired & to have given Mr. Thompson the direction of them. I am now perplexed to know what is to be done with the secretaries & clerks whether they are...
30To 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...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy and transcript: National Archives Congress having lately thought it adviseable to alter the arrangement of their great executive departments, & to desolve the boards & committees under whose direction they formerly were, I am to inform you that they have done me the honor to appoint me their Secretary for foreign affairs. In which capacity...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 24 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I three days since did myself the honor to write to you informing you of my appointment to the secretary ship of foreign affairs & preparing you for the happy event which has since taken place. Inclosed you have the capitulation of York & Gloster town, by which a british army of about 5600 men was surrendered to...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives It is with peculiar pleasure that I obey the directions of Congress in making Communications, which shew their Sense of the Exertions of their Ally, & the merit of the Officers She Employs. The Confidence inspired by the first, & the Esteem Excited by the last, form new bonds of Union between Nations whom reciprocal Interests had before Connected. In this View I flatter...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 24 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copies: New-York Historical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives Majr Genl Du Portail will have the honor to present this. Congress in consideration of their Long & faithful services in this country have grantd permission to him & Colls. De Laumoy & Gouvion to revisit their friends in Europe for the winter. As the merit of these...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 26 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; al (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives The Marquis de la Fayette who has obtained leave to revisit his family for the winter does me the honor to be the Bearer of this, and duplicates of two former Letters to you. The degree of Estimation in which he is held here you will...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 28 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society I shd inform you that congress have discharged the commission for negotiating a treaty of commerce with great Britain & taken that burden from Mr. Adams’s Sholders—that in compt. [compliment] to the Marquis La fayette they have made him the bearer of Letter to the King of France of which I enclose a copy. That in answer to your favor of the 11th. June...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 16 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives Since my last of which I send a duplicate by this Conveyance nothing material has happened here, unless it be the evacuation of Wilmington, which is perhaps the most important Post of Communication with the disaffected People of the Country of any they held in America—...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 7 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives As it does not appear improbable that the humiliation and Misfortunes of Great Britain may produce the same Sentiments that a Spirit of moderation dictates to the other beligerent Powers, and lead her to concur with them in their wishes for peace, It cannot be improper to acquaint you with the Objects which America...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having written very largely to you by this conveyance, you are troubled with this merely to recommend (at the request of the Secretary at war) Capt De Segond to your notice & acquaintance. I have the honor to be sir with the highest Respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Ob Hum: Servt Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn. Franklin Esq, / Versailles / favor of...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 23 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives An express just going to Chesapeake gives me an opportunity of sending by the Hermione a resolution passed Yesterday, my Letters by this conveyance are so lengthy that they leave me nothing to add unless it be that we have just received Letters from Mr. Deane (copies are inclosed) which confirm the authenticity of...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 26 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: National Archives I do myself the honor to enclose you a convention for the Establishment of Consuls, Which has just passed Congress— You will find that you are empowered either to sign it in France, or if any alterations are made, to send it here to be executed; nothing new since I wrote you; We are Still in the Dark with respect to European Intelligence, not having heard...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 13 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives We have been extreamly alarmed at some communications which the Minister of france made me from his Last Letters— They look extreamly as if the Ct. De Vergennes imagined that neither Spain or Holland were anxious for our success— They discourage the Idea of a loan— from them or even from France. Our Letters from...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives The enclosed Letter from the Superintendant of finance was written in consequence of the resolutions of which I sent you a copy in my last— I then detailed so fully on the Subject that I can give you no further information on that head— than is contained in the enclosed,...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 22 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I had expected to have written you a long Letter, more particularly as it is some time since you have received any information from this Country, the enemy having effectually blocked up our ports for some...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and two LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives Since my last of the instant, I have been honoured with yours of the 30th. March together with a copy of Mr. Adam’s Letter to you & the English papers—for all of which I am extreamly obliged to you. I am not at all disappointed at the manner in which the British...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 23 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives This will be sent with duplicates of some of my former Letters to the Southward to embrace the first opportunity that shall offer from thence— By so uncertain a conveyance you can Expect nothing particular— Nor indeed does our present situation furnish any thing that...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 5 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have the honor to transmit you a letter from the United States in Congress to his most Christian Majesty, together with a copy for your perusal, I also enclose a Resolution of Congress on the subject of Mr Lee’s demands, which you will see carried into effect—nothing of moment has...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Having written to Mr Jay, who I presume is with you, I do not think it necessary to repeat what I have mentioned to him. We have not heard from you since March, a very long period, considering the interesting events that have taken place between that time and this—many vessels...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 5 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Having written to you lately, I should not again trouble you so soon were it not necessary to remind you, that your last letter is dated in March, since which there have been frequent arrivals from France— and since which too we have reason to beleive, the most interesting...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 13[–14] September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I have nothing to add to mine of the 5th instant, but to congratulate you on the safe arrival of two Vessels from Holland, having on board the goods left by Commodore Gillon, & to present you in the name of Mr Paine with three copies of a late work of his, addressed to...
51To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 18 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Just after closing my dispatches, I was favoured with yours of April and the 25th. & 29th. of June— The ships that brought them were so unfortunate as to be chased into the Delaware by a superior force— The Eagle was driven a shore and sunk— The Papers and Money were...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Mr Steward informing me that he shall set out to morrow for Paris— He will be the bearer of this, & duplicates of my last Letters— Want of time will prevent my sending Mr Jay duplicates of the resolutions formerly enclosed to him, which will be the more unnecessary, as you will communicate those you receive with this,...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Congress a few days since passed the enclosed Resolution No. 1. by which they have added Mr Jefferson to the Commission for concluding a peace; the established character of this Gentleman gives me reason to hope, that his appointment will be very acceptable to you, and the other Gentlemen in the Commission, I have...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives An opportunity offering from this port to write directly to you, I do not chuse to hazard anything by the Post which carries this to Boston, particularly as I did not hear till just now that a frigate was to sail from thence, and it is uncertain whether this will arrive in time to go...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS, LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; ALS (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have just now recd the certificates required by Mr. Vallier, the vessel which carries my dispatches having been detained I embrace the opportunity to forward them— Nothing new since my last, except that by a Gent who left Charles town the 4th. Ult. we learn that the...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society The College of Dartmouth in New Hampshire having suffered materialy in its funds since the war by the loss of those contributions which it till then recd. from England—Docr. Wheelock son of the worthy first founder proposes to solicit a subscription in France & Holland for its support— He flatters himself that the charity of an institution whose chief...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I was honored with your Letters by the Danae— I congratulate you upon the promising State of our negotiations, since peace begins to be no less desirable here than elsewhere.— But I will not enter into that subject at present as I mean to write very fully both to Mr Jay &...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have before me your Letters of the 25th. & 29th. of June, 12th. August 3d. and 26th. September and 14th. October last — several matters contained in them have already been answered—and some others I am unable to reply to till Congress have decided on such propositions as I...
59Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 25 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): New York Public Library; transcript: National Archives On the morning of March 12 Congress learned from the hand of Joshua Barney, captain of the packet General Washington , that the American peace commissioners had signed conditional preliminary articles with Great Britain on November 30, 1782. In addition to delivering the provisional...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 26 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I need hardly tell you that the intelligence brought by the Washington diffused general pleasure here— We had long been in suspence with respect to the negotiations, & had received no other lights on that subject than those the speech of his Britannic Majesty & Mr Townshend’s...
61Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 21 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; ALS (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Upon the receipt of the provisional Articles & a subsequent account bro’t by a Vessel dispatched by Count d’Estaing, I wrote the Letter No. 1. to Sr. Guy Carleton, & No. 2. to Admiral Digby: to which I recieved the Answers No. 3. & 4. You will find them cold & distant— Those they...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives We have yet had no information from you subsequent to the signature of the Preliminary Articles by France, Spain and Britain, tho’ we have seen a declaration for the cessation of Hostilities signed by you, Mr. Adams, and Mr Jay— We grow every day more anxious for the definitive...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 25 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): New-York Historical Society Not knowing when it may be convenient for Mr Bingham to deliver this I confine myself merely to introduce him to your acquaintance— I am persuaded I need not, as his character is known to you to bespeak your civilities for him. It may however be prudent if, (as he proposes) Mrs Bingham should accompany him to...
64Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, South Carolina Historical Society; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives By the direction of Congress, contained in the enclosed resolutions, I have the honor to transmit you the Correspondence between General Washington & Sir Guy Carlton, together with minutes of their Conference, when, in pursuance of the invitation...
65Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 31 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Congress were yesterday pleased to pass the enclosed Resolutions on the subject of the payment of British Debts— The language they speak requires no Comment— I complained in my last of your long Silence, or rather laid before you the Complaint of Congress. These I think receive...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 31 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I informed you some time since, that I had written to the Court of Appeals on the subject of the Nostra Signora da Soledade Saint Miguel e Almas, and lay’d before them the papers you sent me, the cause has since been determined in such way as I hope will be satisfactory to her...
67To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 9 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
It is with peculiar pleasure that I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys favour of yesterday, since I cannot but consider it as an additional mark of that confidence with which your Excellency has hitherto honoured me. I have made the proper use of it, & imparted it in confidence to those members of the Convention on whose secresy I thought I could most safely rely, & from whose...
68To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 12 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I should do injustice toward the politeness & attention with which your Excellency has been pleased to listen to the crude opinions which I have some times offered if I did not (without any appology) deliver my sentiments on the present alarming state of this Colony & submit to your Excellencys better judgment such measures as will (in my Idea) be most likely to eleviate the evills I...
69To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 25 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Convention having thought it proper to direct me to repair to this place, in order to give (in concurrence with some other Gent.) every necessary support to the northern army, I did not receive your Excellencys favor till this day. I am extreamly affected at the wants under which the army labour, & your Excellency may depend on my utmost endeavours to remove them, I can at present only...
70To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 29 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the directions of the Committee of Safety of this state, I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed resolutions, & to request if your Excellency should concur with them in thinking that every means should be persued to obstruct the navigation of Hudsons river, & to secure the passes thereon, that you would be pleased by uniting in, to add weight to their applications to the...