41451George Washington to John Rutledge, 5 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 5, 1777. Approves of Rutledge’s and Brigadier General Robert Howe’s decision not to attack St. Augustine. Discusses British failure to move against Philadelphia. Speculates on whether the center of the next British attack will be the Hudson River or Philadelphia. Describes American plans to counteract either move. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers,...
41452To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Board of General Officers orderd to sit the 25th to decide respecting a number of persons prisoners With the Enemy, who of them have broke their Parole, and who of them are Military Prisoners. Beg leave to Report the following state of their Cases and their Opinion upon them. Colonel John Hannom was a Militia Colonel in Chester County Pensylvania; was in actual service, and made prisoner...
41453From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 7 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to enclose to Congress Copy, of the Letter Book of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, during the Time that I had the Honour to be one of them. As the Letter Book was kept by me, and almost wholly in my Hand Writing, the Minister plenipotentiary consented that I should bring it home with me leaving him a Copy, which was done. As there may be many Things in it, which...
41454To George Washington from John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just Rec’d by Express a Letter from General Dickinson at Trenton, the Subject is of such importance that I Judged proper to Transmit you a Copy by Express, which is Inclos’d & to which I beg leave to Refer you. Your favr by the Return Express I Rec’d & shall lay before Congress this morng. I have the honour to be Sir Your most Obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Hancock franked the addressed...
41455John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
“A Plott! a Plott! an horrid Plott, Mr. A.” says my Barber, this Morning.—“It must be a Plott 1. because there is British Gold in it. 2. because there is a Woman in it. 3. because there is a Jew in it. 4. because I dont know what to make of it.” The Barber means, that a Villain was taken up, and examined Yesterday, who appears by his own Confession to have been employd by Lord Howe and Jo....
41456To Benjamin Franklin from Séraphin-Guillaume Hooke, Chevalier de L’Etang, 17 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le chier. de hooke Letang Mestre de Camp, attaché au Regiment de Berwick Irlandais Prie son Excellence Monsieur Franklin De Vouloir Bien Lui indiquer l’heure et Le jour ou elle pourroit Lui accorder une audience. Il a deja eu lhonneur De La voir et Desireroit Conferer avec Elle sur Les moyens De former un etablissement soit Dans La Virginie soit Dans La...
41457To Benjamin Franklin from De Chezaulx, 15 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Press Copy: Library of Congress Ci-dessus et de l’autre part est copie de la lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire hier par la poste. Je profite aujourdhui de l’occasion d’un batiment qui part pour Amsterdam pour vous remettre, Monsieur, deux autres lettres des officiers commandant les deux prises dont je vous ai annoncé l’arrivée en ce port & qui sont le duplicata de celles que j’ai eu...
41458[1780 January 23.] (Adams Papers)
1780 January 23. We arrived at Bayonne. Here We paid off our Spanish Guide with all his Train of Horses, Calashes, Waggon, Mules, and Servants. To do them Justice they had always shewn a disposition to assist and befriend Us to the Utmost of their Power, and We had no cause to complain of any improper Behaviour in any of them. I was obliged to sell my Mule, for which I was very sorry, as he...
41459C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 25 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I intended to have the honor of writing to you tomorrow, but His Excellency, the French ambassador, has just this moment asked me to write to you. He says that you had asked Mr. Bérenger, French chargé des affaires, what reasons warranted your presence and an interview with you in France, and that he knows these reasons. If you can take the trouble to come here to the Hague, he will...
41460To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I was in hopes to have had something material to have communicated to you before this but I presume that matters of so much importance & difficulty require long & repeated consideration— In a very long conference of above two hours I enforced every argument for peace upon the terms wch I have explained to you, or nearly upon similar terms, but at all events for...
41461To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 1 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jai eu Lhonneur Monsieur de vous envoyer il y a deux mois un memoire Anglois de mr Nairne sur les appareils destinès a preserver de la foudre, en vous prevenant quil n’etoit pas a moi, comme le montre la suscription de L’Enveloppe; et vous demandant de me le renvoyer des que vous L’auriez lu. Ayant presumé il y a un mois environ que des affaires importantes...
41462To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 6 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We yesterday received information that General Parsons with a party of our Troops had passed over to Morrisana, attacked the Enemies Post there, burnt about 40 barracks, a quantity of Forage and brought off 52 prisoners. The bridge of Boats which the Enemy had over Harlem River was also destroyed. A late New York paper mentions the sailing of three ships of the line of the French Squadron at...
41463To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I should before this time have attempted to Answer your Excellency’s letters of the 14th and 15th Inst. but was waiting in hopes of reduceing the Motions of the Enemy to some degree of Certainty; I belive it may be depended on that the present Embarkation will amount to at least 10000 Men, so large a detachment from their Army will render it impossible for them to keep above 5000 Men at New...
41464To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the Act of Congress of the 30th Instant herewith enclosed your Excellency will observe, they deem it not expedient at present to make any partial Reduction in the Army of the United States. This Resolution passed in Consequence of a report from the Committee at Head Quarters for reducing some of the New York Battallions, and a Petition from a Number of the Officers in those Battallions,...
41465From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Travis, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to ask the favor of you to proceed to examine James and Appomatox Rivers for a swift sailing lookout boat and to treat for such one as you find sailed to that purpose. A vessel equipped for instant Service is what is wanting, and we should be glad to take the Men also into Service, as the Money the Terms of purchase be accordingly. Be pleased to report the Terms proposed before you...
41466To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 7 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Their is not the least doubt but that the British in New Yrk have certain accounts of the Approch of a french fleet, as A number of large Ships Are now Moored between the east and west bank for the purpose of Sinking to stop the passage or render it as difficult as possible. I have a boat laying up North River I propose to direct A man to run away with her to New York and get into the servuce...
41467To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 1 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Perhaps, there was never more Justice in any advice, Than that given by the Philosopher to his Prince, viz. “Always beware of the Man, that flatters you, and appears to Coincide with your Sentiments, on all Occasions.” I am Confident that I have never appeared to your Excellencey in this Character, Nay I have Studied to Avoid Even the appearance of being a Flatterer—I have at the Same time,...
41468General Orders, 2 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial to sit tomorrow 9 oClock A.M. whereof Coll Wigglesworth is appointed President a Captain from each Brigade will compose the Court. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book notes that the general court-martial was to take place at the bakehouse, and it also includes these additional orders: “The broken and worn out Axes are to be collected and...
41469To Benjamin Franklin from Guillaume Jaume, 20 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis prié par l’aimable jeune homme Mr. Johonnot de vous envoyer le Prospectus cy inclus de la pension d’Ecully. Il espere y recevoir mieux qu’a Geneve l’education qui lui convient. Je le pense de même. Mr. son pere à qui il a demandé cette faveur paroit porté à la lui accorder. Il a demandé un Prospectus. Je le lui ai envoyé. Ce cher Enfant m’ayant eté...
41470To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a...
41471From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th I received Your Letter of the 4th and was exceedingly sorry to find that you had been so severely attacked by a fit of the palsy. You have my sincerest wishes for your recovery—and I shall be happy if your next accounts announce this—or at least that there are good grounds to hope for it. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s...
41472From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorial of Colo. Hazen was this day put into my hands. Many of the matters mentioned in it are better known to Congress than to myself. The whole are so fully stated, as to speak for themselves, and require only the determination of Congress. The case of the Canadian Officers and Soldiers I know to be peculiarly distressing and truly intitled to redress, if the means are to be...
41473Declaration of the Virginia Association of Baptists, [25 December 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
The Sentiments of the Baptists with regard to a General Assesment on the People of Virginia for the support of Preachers of the Gospel; collected and agreed to, in an Association of Ministers and Deligates from the Churches of that Perswasion, met at Dover in Goochland, the 25th. of December 1776. That “it is contrary to the Principles of Reason and Justice that any should be compelled to...
41474From George Washington to James Duane, 26 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Hurry of business has prevented my having the pleasure of acknowledging sooner the receipt of your two favors of the 15th & 17th instant. Application was made to me for dissolving the corps you mention and incorporating that part which belonged to Col. Malcoms Regt with the troops of the State of New York. But I did not concur with it for several reasons—The principal one was that a spirit of...
41475To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform, your Excellency; that there are but Six men, inlisted in my Regiment, Since the Return, which I had the Honor to present, to you at Pompton. I have by memorial, to the Councill of Safety of this State, Sollicited the encouragement, they have given their State Regiments—but to no effect. Capt. Hallet cannot be found. the more Surprizing, as he was informed by Capt. Hunter,...
41476John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Last Saturday, I left Paris, and on Tuesday arrived, at the Hague. To Day I am come to this Town. I Shall return to Paris in a Fortnight. So as to make my whole Absence about three Weeks. Soon after my Return I expect the definitive Treaty will be Signed, but in this I may be mistaken. My Son is with me in good health. I had a tender Meeting with the dear Companion of my Voages and Journeys,...
41477To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 20 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society ’Twas only a day or two ago, that your Letter of the 25th Ultimo was delivered me. I have since been with the Commissioners of Sick & Hurt, who admit to have recd the Men whom your Certificates specify— Your Accot Stands as under America Dr. [Debtor] to Prisoners sent to Morlaix 119 Cr. [Creditor] by Prisoners and from L’Orient & Morlaix 67 due to England...
41478Motion Regarding the Western Lands, [6 September] 1780 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 97–98). In the hand of Joseph Jones. On 26 June 1780 Congress referred the long-standing and complicated issue of the “western frontiers” to a committee composed of James Duane, John Henry (Md.), Joseph Jones, Roger Sherman, and Willie Jones (N.C.). Its “report and resolve,” written by Duane, was laid before Congress on 30 June, debated on 2 September, and adopted on...
41479To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [before 24 February 1777] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld pays his respectful compliments to Doctor franklyn and beggs from him the favour of having for few moments the Minutes of the Convention held at Philadelphia for the Pennsylvanian Legislation . He wants of them for seeing and adding to his translation the subscriptions which are at the end of the Minutes, and which are not in the...
4148027th. Monday. (Adams Papers)
This morning I carried my Letters of introduction to the Baron Ahlströmmer’s and Mr. Arfvidson’s. I dined at Baron Claes Ahlströmmer; after dinner Mr. Podolyn, a gentleman who lives with Baron Claes, shew me a very compleat Cabinet of Roman medals. This gentleman has travell’d almost all over Europe; and speaks almost all the Languages of Europe very correctly, I went with him in the evening...
41481To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to Enclose with this to your Excellency A Report & Map Received this Moment of Lieut. Hardenburgh Who Assures me that the Strictest Observations have been made this Time and the Work Laid down in the Map between the Fort & the Grand River in the most Accurate manner he was Capable of. I am with Esteem Your most Obediant servant LS , DLC:GW . The docket of this letter...
41482Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 March 1778 (Adams Papers)
Tis a little more than 3 week s since the dearest of Friends and tenderest of Husbands left his solitary partner, and quitted all the fond endearments of domestick felicity for the dangers of the Sea, exposed perhaps to the attack of a Hostile foe, and o good Heaven can I add to the dark assassin, to the secret Murderer and the Bloody Emissary of as cruel a Tyrant as God in his Riteous...
41483From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 22 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Enclos’d Papers containing much information of the State of the garrison at St. John’s in Newfound land, and of the fortifications there. The Loss of Military Stores by the late great Fire &c &c. I thought it my Duty to communicate them to your Excellency as they may be of use if perhaps an attempt against that Place Should be intended. They were taken in one of...
41484General Orders, 16 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigader General Patterson [,] Colonel Vose[,] Lieutnant Colonel Badlam[,] Major T. L. Moore[,] Brigade Major Smith. Regimental returns of the Arms drawn for the respective regiments this Campaign; the number now on hand and which have been turned in to the Conductors to be made to the Subinspectors who will digest them into division returns and transmit them...
41485From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 30 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 20th. was handed me by the last Post. I congratulate you upon the first modern Election, on the last Wednesday in May of Councellors as at the first. I could not avoid indulging myself Yesterday, in Imagination with my Friends in Boston, upon an Occasion So joyfull. I presume you must have had a very solemn and ceremonious Election, and wish that no Interruption may ever hereafter...
41486From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is an extract of a letter from Genl. Greene to me. As the Gentlemen of the Army whom he wishes to take Command of the Militia who shall join him are now pretty generally collected with you for the purpose of arranging the line; on which Arrangement it is probable some will become supernumerary I submit to you whether it would not be agreeable to Genl. Greene if you could prevail...
41487From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 21 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Col. David Forman, 21 June 1780. On 23 June , Forman wrote GW: “I had the Honr of receiveing Your Excely Favr of the 21st last Evening.”
41488General Orders, 15 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On this date GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder Meade wrote Brig. Gen. John Paterson: “His Excy rec’d your favor of Yesterday, inclosing a copy of Division orders issued by Major Genl De Kalb, & directs me to inform you, that he shall take the necessary steps in the matter—The Baron He is sensible was actuated by some good motive, & that he did not at the time of...
41489General Orders, 9 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Porter. For duty the 2d Massachusetts regiment. The Commander in chief having Yesterday observed Lt Bradford of the 7th Massachusetts regiment marching a Guard in a very irregular and unmilitary manner thinks proper to give him this public admonition to be ware of such conduct in future: and at the same time to signify to the whole army that he is resolved no...
41490To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour of receiving the Letter which your Excellency was so kind as to Write me the 21st. instant and I very heartily and sincerely Congratulate you on your having seen such Important Events take place as the Independence of America, and General Peace of Europe. There are now in this port several American Vessels ready to push to Sea, and if there...
41491To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Capt Collas is now ready to sail in a little Brig which Mr Johnson has given him & in which I have a small Share.— At His request I gave him the Privateer Commission which was made out for his intended Cruize last Spring in the Mediterranean, and in order to put the matter on a regular Footing I inclose you a new Bond in...
41492To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon with a Note from André-Noël Pagin, 27 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je ne suis encore qu’a trente lieuës de paris mon bon papa, j’habitte une maison charmante d’ou j’appérçois de mes fenéstres des prairies arrosées par une riviére et bornées de cotteaux couvérts de vignes et d’arbres fruittiérs, le vilain tems m’a empêché d’allér arpenter ce joli pays; je suis ici chés d’anciens et bons amis qui me soignent comme leur...
41493To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 16 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed and cover missing. Having occasion to go to Town I recd. your Letter of the 9th. and thank you for the trouble you have taken about a habitation for me and my family. Mr. Ross has this day put it in my power to go forward and if the health of Mrs. Jones and my little boy will permit and her inclination and the heat of the weather does not interfere to...
41494To Thomas Jefferson from George Slaughter, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are Copies of letters from Capt. George the Commanding officer at Fort Jefferson and Capt. Williams from the same place to Colo. Clark, also an original letter sent by Capt. Helm, by which you will learn the situation of the Officers in that Quarter. Such a number of Officers leaving their Posts, and so many of the Men Deserting, together with the Conduct of the Commertial Agent and...
41495To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The cloathing issued to the troops a few days before your Excellencys departure from West Point was by no means adequate to the pressing wants and necessities of the troops in general. Since the season has become more severe; at this Post those who then were and still are destitute suffer excedingly. The men are constantly complaining to their Officers and they to me, and the service injured...
41496To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Favor of the 16th Inst. by Capt. Lee, who came here on the Evening of the 17th; I dispatch’d him very early the next Morning, with four very active officers, well acquainted with the Country, and best adapted to aid him in the Execution of the design , I also wrote to the President, General Rodney, The Purchasing Commissary, & Capt. McLane, all now at Dover, requesting that...
41497[Monday April 27. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
Monday April 27. 1778. Dined with Mr. Boulainvilliers, at his house in Passi, with Generals and Bishops and Ladies. In the Evening I went to the French Comedy, and happened to be placed in the Front Box very near to Voltaire, who was then upon his last Visit to Paris, and now attended the representation of his own Alzire. The Audience between the several Acts, called Out, Voltaire! Voltaire!...
41498To John Adams from Samuel Curtis and Others, 14 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Being duly Sencible of the many favours wee have received from you Since wee have been in Captivity which favours have Contributed greatly towards our Suport therefore we think it our indispencible duty to return you our hearty thanks for Such Extroadinery favours wee was favoured with your last kindness about Six weeks past and the enclement Season of the year and many other dificulties we...
41499To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 31 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Columbia University Library, National Archives, Huntington Library I learn from Marqs. DYranda that my Letter to You of the 21 Ult. has reached You. The Want of a good Opportunity has for some time past prevented my writing to You so particularly as I could have wished. Things remain here exactly in Statu quo , except that your Aid daily becomes...
41500Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 23 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In William Tatham’s hand and directed to “Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I recd. your favor of the 13th. instant. It gives me real pleasure to find the English Ministry seriously inclined to peace, yet I agree with you, it would be imprudent to relax in our preparations for War. I find by the resolutions of Congress that they are not inclined to any kind of...