171George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Sends news of British troop and naval movements. Reports that Army received announcement of new establishment with satisfaction. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
172From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received some late advices from New York that speak of a large number of transports and other vessels which are getting ready to sail, and of a second embarkation of troops destined to the South. It is added that Rodney with a part of his fleet is preparing to sail to the West-Indies—that he is to detach two ships of the line, the Sandwich and Terrible to convoy a homeward bound...
173From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 25th ult, the enemy have withdrawn their force from the north side of James river, and have taken post at Portsmouth, which we learn they are fortifying; their highest post is Suffolk, where there is a very narrow and defensible pass between Nansemond river and the dismal swamp, which covers the country below from being entered by us....
174George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 1, 1780 . Transmits memorials from Captain Joseph Traversie and from “the Canadian families which have taken refuge” in Albany. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
175From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to request you will lay before Congress the inclosed memorial, handed to me by the Marquis De la Fayette, one from the Canadian families which have taken refuge from Albany complaining that they have not for some time past received the provisions allowed them by Congress—Another from a Captn Traversy containing a demand for money due while employed by Major General Gates for...
176From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 19, 31 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
The British Ministry, by the terrible Examples of the Rioters, have So intimidated the Nation, and by their Success in the late Elections have So great a Majority in Parliament, that they think themselves secure for Seven Years, and Seem determined to go on, with more Vigour than ever. The Letters from their Generals Clinton, Cornwallis &c. shew that they are now adopting a new system. These...
177From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 29 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 19th 23d and 26th Instants. The intelligence from the southward is most agreeable and important, and may, in its consequences, give a happy change to the face of Affairs in that quarter. In regard to the application made by Colo. de Buysson to Congress, and which, they have been pleased to refer to me, I beg leave to lay before them a...
178From John Jay to Samuel Huntington, 29 October 1780 (Jay Papers)
The Duplicate Origin Your Letter of the 5 Nov r . last never reached me. The Duplicate of it together with your Favor of the 12 July were delivered to me this Day ^ are now before me ^ — I thank you for them both I am happy to hear that none of my Transactions mentioned in the Letters you allude to ^ to ^ “met with the least Disapprobation from
179From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 18, 27 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
It seems to be now certain, that Some of Mr. Laurens Papers were taken with him. There have been Sent to his most Serene Highness the Prince of orange, Copies of Letters from Mr. De Neufville, Mr. Gillon, Mr. Stockton and Col. Derrick, and a Copy of the Plan of a Treaty projected between the City of Amsterdam and Mr. W. Lee. The Prince was much affected, at the Sight of those Papers, and laid...
180From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 26 Oct. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Thomas Sim Lee of this date, q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ; endorsed: “Letter from Govr Jefferson Octr 26. 1780 Read Novr 2 Referred to the board of War to take order.” For variations from the text of the letter to Lee, see note there.
181From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 25 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of handing on the dispatches from General Gates accompanying this. Since my last informing you of the appearance of an enemy’s fleet they have landed 800 men in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth and some more on the bay side of Princess Anne County. On the 23d. in the morning they landed 1000 infantry and 100 cavalry at New Port’s news who immediately took possession of...
182From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 17, 24 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved several Letters from London, concerning Mr. Laurens. It is certain that he has been treated with great Insolence by the Populace in his Journey from Dartmouth to London, and that he is confined to a mean Appartment in the Tower, denied the Use of Pen and Ink, and none of his Friends have been able to obtain Leave to visit him, excepting his Son and Mr. Manning, and those...
183George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has appointed Major General Nathanael Greene to assume command of the southern army until completion of inquiry into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct. Recommends Greene, but states that the difficulties which Greene will meet can be overcome only with Congress’s support. Asks Congress to approve sending Baron von Steuben south to reorganize the...
184From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress, that in consequence of their resolution of the 5th instant, I have appointed Major General Greene to the command of the Southern Army, ’till the enquiry into the conduct of Major Genl Gates is completed. I inclose a Copy of my instructions to General Greene, by which and a Copy of my letter to Genl Gates, Congress will perceive the mode I have adopted for...
185From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letters which came to hand this morning will inform your Excellency that a Fleet of the Enemy has arrived in our Bay; and that a Debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that as their first Scene of Action. We are endeavouring to collect a Body to oppose them as numerous as the Arms we have will admit. We are obliged of Consequence to...
186From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 10th and 14th Instants —The advance of the British Army towards the borders of North Carolina is an alarming circumstance, more especially, as there is every reason to believe that the force which lately sailed from New York is intended to cooperate with them—The enemy, by several accounts, received a reinforcement from Europe in the...
187From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from Elizabeth Town, which I think may be depended on, that the Fleet fell down from New York on sunday last and it is said have since sailed. There was a constant firing of signals on Sunday. The numbers gone are, by the best information I have yet obtained, about 2500 Foot and thirty or forty Horse, but they have taken spare furniture for a considerable number of...
188From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excelliency the Copy of the Letter (No. 1) I wrote to Sr Henry Clinton on the 6th Instant with respect to the Citizens of South Carolina, said to be confined on board a Ship of War—of his Answer of the 9th (No. 2) and of my Letter to him of this date (No. 3), with a Copy of the Letter from Lord Cornwallis & Lord Rawden to which it refers. This Letter from Lord...
189George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 15, 1780 . Sends letters concerning proposal for a “Resident Commissary of Prisoners.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
190From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 6th and 9th instants, with the Acts and papers to which they refer. The first did not reach me ’till the 13th in the Evening. I shall, in obedience to the order of Congress, take the proper steps for a Court of Enquiry to be held on the Conduct of Major Genl Gates as Commander of the Southern Army; and also shall, agreeable to their...
191From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for appointing a Resident Commissary of Prisoners Major General Philips by order of Sir Henry Clinton sent me a set of articles of which the inclosed No. 1 is a copy —I have sketched an answer No. 2 which before I send it in, I transmit to Congress for their examination. If they have no objections, I beg them as soon as possible to signify it, through His Excellency...
192From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this minute received the inclosed New York paper of the 13th which I transmit for your Excellency’s perusal. From the particulars related with respect to Mr Lauren’s capture, I am very much afraid that the account is really true. By other recent intelligence from New York which is direct, the Cork fleet is said to be on the Coast. I have the Honor to be With great respect Yr...
193From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of congratulating your Excellency on the small dawn of good fortune which at length appears in the South, as you will find by the dispatches I have the honor of inclosing to you, and which I this moment receive from Genl. Gates. There seems to be a confusion between the numbers 810. and 1400. However the smaller one is not to be despised. The line of expresses having...
194From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 16, 14 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Repeated Letters from London, confirm the Account of Mr. Laurens’s being confined to the Tower, so close a Prisoner, that neither his old Correspondents, nor even his Refugee Relations, are Suffered to Speak to him. There have been So many Precedents of Exchanges, Mr. Lovell as well as the Major Generals Sullivan, Stirling, Lee and others having been exchanged, as Prisoners of War, that it is...
195From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 14 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. General Gates I transmit you the inclosed papers which he put under cover to me. He complains of the arrival of our troops without clothes, tents, or arms at Hilsborough: and desires they may not be sent on at all unless completely equipped with every necessary. This would indeed put an end to the marching a single man there. They go clothed as militia. Few of them carry...
196George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 13, 1780 . Informs Congress that Baron von Steuben is going to Philadelphia “to obtain some determination on his department.” Reiterates recommendation that Congress assist von Steuben. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
197From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 15, 11 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 Oct. 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 289–304). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:88–95. The copy cited here was received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, but the original (not found) was received and read on 27 Dec. ( JCC...
198Summary of George Washington’s Letter to Samuel Huntington, [11 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Contents of Letter to Congress Approves the reduction to 50 regiments. Proposes as the basis of the reduction a half pay establishment for life, or making the half pay for seven years whole pay, to be paid one half in a year after the conclusion of peace, the other half in two years after that. Regiments to consist of one Colonel where the old colonels are continued or one Lt Col Commandant...
199George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] October 11, 1780 . Approves of resolution for the Army establishment with certain reservations. Recommends either half-pay for life or full pay for seven years for all officers. Approves the number of regiments planned, but recommends an increase in the number of men and officers in each regiment. Makes suggestions concerning the cavalry and artillery. Believes...
200From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Three days since, I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th with the inclosed resolutions, which, as the Army was in motion to this Post, I had it not in my power to answer before. I am much obliged to Congress for the honor they do me by the fresh mark of their attention and confidence conferred upon me in the reference they have been pleased to make. My wish to concur in sentiment with...
201[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 10 October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 10 Oct. 1780. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 957–8 (21 Oct.): “A letter, of 10, from Governor Jefferson was read; Whereupon, Resolved , That the reasons assigned by his excellency Governor Jefferson for inviting Oconostota and a few other principal warriors of the Cherokee nation to visit Congress and...
202From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Majr. Genl. Gates I do myself the honour of transmitting you the inclosed papers sent by him to me, and copies also of his letters to me. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt. & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Thomson: “Letter from Gov Jefferson Oct 8. 1780 Read 13.” Enclosures: Gates to Huntington, 5...
203From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor on the 1st Instant to receive Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 24th Ulto addressed to Major General Greene—and since, Your very obliging Letter of the 29th, for which I beg leave to return You my acknowledgements. I have written to Sir Henry Clinton in consequence of the former and requested him to make the desired communications. When these are received, they shall be...
204From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 14, 6 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 6 Oct. 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 285–287). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:83–84. Received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, this letter consisted of an English translation of the decree of 30 Aug. by Maria I, Queen of...
205From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 12, 5 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 5 Oct. 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 277–280). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:81–82. Received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, this letter reported that on 6 Sept. the Dutch plenipotentiaries at St. Petersburg, Baron Willem van...
206From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 13, 5 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 5 Oct. 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 281–282). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:82. In this letter, received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, John Adams indicated that he had no news regarding his commission to negotiate a Dutch...
207From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the within copies of letters transmitted me by Genl. Gates, according to his desire expressed in the one addressed to me. I shall endeavor as far as shall be in my power to have his several desires complied with. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, i ); endorsed by Charles Thomson: “Letter from...
208From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s favors of the 16th and 24th ulto with the several Resolves to which they refer—The first came to hand while I was absent on my journey to Harford. I most sincerely wish that the measures which have been adopted, for procuring a supply of fresh and salt Meat, may prove effectual. Congress will perceive by the inclosed, which is the Copy of a representation made...
209From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 11, 28 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 28 Sept. 1780. Dupl ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 273–276). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:72. Received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, this letter contained the statements exchanged by Baron Willem van Wassenaer-Starrenburg and Catherine II, when...
210[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 27 September 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[Richmond, 27 Sep. 1780. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xviii , 912 (9 Oct. 1780): “A letter, of 27 September, from Governor Jefferson was read, accompanied with copies of the acts of the Virginia assembly, from the beginning of the year, 1779.” Letter not located, but the Journals record two days later that, on a motion...
211From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that I arrived here yesterday about 12 o’clock on my return from Hartford. Some hours previous to my arrival Major General Arnold went from his quarters which were at this place, and as it was supposed over the river to the Garrison at Westpoint, whither I proceeded myself in order to visit the post. I found General Arnold had not been there during the day,...
212From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Genl. Gates I transmit you the inclosed letters from Genl. Harrington and Colo. Marian and the deposition of a prisoner escaped from the enemy. A Gentleman will set out from this place within two days for Philadelphia to receive and bring our quota of the new money, which we hope will be in readiness for him. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s...
213From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 10, 25 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
There are Persons, in this Republick, who have been Attentive to this War, and who know somewhat of the History of the Rise and Progress, of the united States of America: but it is Surprizing that the Number Should be So Small. Even in the City of Amsterdam, which is the most Attentive to our Affairs, and the best inclined towards Us there are few, who do not consider the American Resistance,...
214From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 9, 24 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since the Receipt of the Dispatches, by the Honourable Mr. Searle I have been uninteruptedly employed in attempting to carry into Execution the Designs of Congress. The first Inquiry, which arose, was, whether it was prudent to make any Communication of my Business, to the States General, or to the Prince. Considering that my Errand was Simply an Affair of Credit, and that I had no political...
215From John Adams to Samuel Huntington, 20 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellencys Letter of 12 July, I have received and thank you, sir, for recommending this Gentleman to me. And shall on all future occasions be obliged to you for recommending to me such Persons as you shall think proper coming to Europe. The Current of popular Hopes and Fears in Europe has been lately much turned by the favourable News from America. But the public opinion is of no...
216From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 8, 19 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday, Mr. Dana arrived here from Paris with the dispatches which came by Mr. Searle. I am very sensible of the Honour that is done me by this Appointment and yesterday morning I set myself seriously about discharging the Duties of it; and this day I have been some Leagues into the Country upon the same Service. There are good Reasons for concealing the Names of the...
217From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 7, 16 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to send by this Opportunity, a few Pamphlets and Papers. The Pamphlets relate to Subjects which interest the United States, and therefore ought to be communicated to Congress, for their Consideration. The Attention of Mankind is now turned next to the Congress of America upon that at Petersbourg. The last Letters from London say they have Information that one of the first...
This letter and several copies of it are to be sent by the next Post to Bilboa, Cadiz, Nantes &c. The Object of it is to inform you that it is necessary immediately to cease drawing bills upon me—for the Present. Your Excellency may soon expect a full detail of Particulars from me, you will then receive an answer to every question that may be raised upon this letter. His Catholic Majesty has...
219George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 15, 1780 . Asserts that the fall of Camden “adds itself to many others to exemplify the necessity of an army, the fatal consequences of depending on Militia.” Regrets that South still relies on militia. Is to meet the French commanders on September 20. Explains measures taken concerning certificates. Does not think it expedient to send a detachment to South...
220From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 6th and 8th instant with their inclosures—happy to find that the late disaster in Carolina has no⟨t⟩ been so great as its first features indicated —This event however, adds itself to many others to exemplify the necessity of an army—the fata⟨l⟩ consequences of depending on Militia. Regular Troops alone are equal to the exigences of modern war, as well for...