51From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 3 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives, American Philosophical Society; transcript: National Archives Enclos’d are Copies of a Number of Publick Letters taken from the English in a late New York Pacquet, of which I have already sent Duplicates by several Conveyances. I have the honour to be, with great Respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant Notation: Letter May 3. 1781 Doctr. Franklin Recd....
52From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto. I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo. Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 27 April 1781, enclosing a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard. You will observe by the Journals of Congress under the 20th of July 1778, Encouragement given to this Gentleman to collect Materials for a History, and a Recommendation to the several States to aid and assist him in such Collection. If any of the Manuscripts &c. to which his Letter...
54From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter of the 14th to your Excellency on the subject of an immediate supply of provision for Fort Pitt, I have received the following intelligence, thro’ a good Channel, which makes the measures I then recommended more indespensably necessary—"Colonel Conolly with his corps to proceed to Quebec as soon as possible, to be joined in Canada by Sir John Johnson with a number of Tories and...
I have had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letters of the ^ 6 th & ^ 17 October last with the Inclosures. They arrived the 30 Day of Jan y last— There is more than reason to suspect that the French Court were apprized of their Contents before they arrived and to beleive that the Construction of the Treaty by which the navigation of the Mississippi is supposed to be comprehended in...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 18. instant the enemy came from Portsmouth up James river in considerable force, tho’ their numbers precisely are not yet known to us. They landed at Burwells ferry below Williamsburg and near the mouth of Chickahominy above it. This latter circumstance obliged Colo. Innes who commanded a body of Militia Stationed on that Side the river to cover the country from depredation, to retire...
57George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 21, 1781 . Asks Congress to authorize the quarter-master general to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin a barrack master to be attached to the French army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Count De Rochambeau, when I was at Rhode Island, made an application to me to have Colonel Champlin of New port appointed a Barrack Master under Authority of Congress, to be attached to the French Army—His reason was—that a native vested with the authority of our own government might act with more propriety and efficacy than a foreigner, or even a native merely employed by...
59From John Jay to Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your Favor of the 18 Dec r . which was delivered to me on the 13 th . of March last— I am happy to hear that your Health permits you ^ still ^ to continue in your import in the Chair and to sustain the Weight of Business which the Duties of that office impose upon you. We have within these five Days The ^ interesting ^ news of Gen Morgans ^ glorious
60George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16–19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 16–19 , 1781 . Describes steps taken in regard to General John Burgoyne’s parole. Sends report of British embarkations for Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript of this letter is dated April 19.
61George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18–19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 18–19 , 1781 . Discusses prospects of supplies for Army. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript of this letter is dated April 19.
62From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Our present prospects of supplies in the Article of Bread are peculiarly bad. From all the information I can collect, the whole quantity of Flour we shall be able to command in the States of Jersey and New York will not carrry us beyond the beginning of the next Month. These States having been for some time past the immediate Theatre of the War, are so full of Certificates, and coersion both...
63From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured yesterday with your Excellency’s Favour inclosing the Resolutions of Congress of the 8th. inst. for removing Stores and Provisions from the Counties of Accomack and Northampton. We have there no Military Stores except a few Musquets in the hands of the Militia. There are some Collections of Forage and Provisions belonging to the Continent and some to the state, and the Country...
64From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s letters of the 4th and 5th instant, with the papers inclosed. The last did not arrive ’till the 14th. Previous to the receipt of it, I had directed the Commissary of Prisoners to renew a proposal some time since made the enemy for exchanging General Burgoigne, and a ballance of private prisoners due to us, against the residue of...
65From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By advices just received from Col. Brodhead, dated at Fort Pitt the 10th Ulto I am informed there are strong indications from several quarters, that Hostilities will be committed pretty extensively on the frontiers by the Savages, at the Opening of the Campaign—that the Troops under his command are very much distressed for want of Provisions, that they have been at half allowance of meat ever...
66From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 12 March[–12 April 1781] (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives (two); copies: Library of Congress, Columbia University Library; press copy: National Archives; transcript: National Archives I had the honour of receiving on the 13th. of last Month, Your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st. January, together with the Instructions of Nov. 28. and Decr. 27. a Copy of those to Col. Laurens, and the Letter to the King. I immediately drew a...
67From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys letter of the 7th inclosing the copy of a peice of intelligence communicated by General Forman. I have yet heard nothing of the kind from New York, but still I cannot undertake to contradict it altogether. I do not however think it probable that a detachment, so large as one ought to be to merit the attention of Sir Henry Clinton himself, can be spared...
68From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency Colonel Menonville, Deputy Adjutant General to the French Army. This Gentleman, who is charged by his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau with matters respecting a contract entered into by Doctr Franklin, in behalf of the United States, for the supply of a quantity of Provision, will, through your Excellency, lay his business generally before...
69From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Return, made up to the first of this month, will shew the number of Recruits which have joined this part of the Continental Army, since the formation of it upon the new establishment. My requests to the Executives of the several States have been earnest , and my orders to the Officers in them have been pointed and positive to send forward the Recruits as fast as possible. What to...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing that our arms from Rhode island are arrived at Philadelphia, I have begged the favor of our delegates to send them on in waggons immediately, and for the conveyance of my letter have taken the liberty of setting the Continental line of expresses in motion, which I hope our distress for arms will justify, tho’ the errand be not purely Continental. I have nothing from Genl. Greene later...
71From John Adams to the President of Congress, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
This Day the Skipper of a Trech Schuit, brought me, your Excellencys important Dispatches by Coll. Laurens. The Coll. delivered them to Mr. Dana at Paris, with perfect Propriety. Mr. Dana with equal Propriety delivered them to a Gentleman of Character, who undertook to deliver them at Amsterdam, but unfortunately forgot them at Valenciennes. From Valenciennes they travelled partly by Post,...
72From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The business that has given constant exercise to the Pen of my Secretary; and not only frequently, but always, to those of my Aides de Camp, has rendered it impracticable for the former to register the Copies of my Letters, Instructions &ca in Books; by which means valuable documents which may be of equal public utility and private satisfaction remain in loose Sheets; and in the rough manner...
73From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Excellency’s favor of the 26th with its inclosures. I do myself the honor to transmit, for the information of Congress, the duplicate of a letter from the Chevalier de Touche to me, giving a minute detail of the Naval engagement on the 16th inst: The good conduct and bravery exhibited by our Allies on that occasion intitle them to the warmest thanks of the public, for tho’...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters and papers accompanying this will inform your Excellency of the arrival of a British flag vessel with clothing, refreshments, money &c. for their prisoners under the Convention of Saratoga. The Gentlemen conducting them have, on Supposition that the prisoners, or a part of them still remained in this State, applied to me by Letters, copies of which I transmit your Excellency, for...
75From John Adams to the President of Congress, 29 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Leyden, 29 March 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, Misc. Papers , Reel No. 1, f. 287–294. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:335–337. Read in Congress on 19 Nov., this letter consists of an English translation of the memorial that Baron de Lynden, the Dutch...
76From John Adams to the President of Congress, 29 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is of Importance to the People of America to observe how much lighter their own Burthens are than those of their Enemies, and for this Reason, I have every Year since I have been in Europe taken Notice of the new Taxes laid annually in Perpetuity upon the People of Great Britain by Parliament, in Support of Tyranny, in addition to all former Debts and Taxes. One sixth Part of the new Taxes...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I forward to your Excellency, under cover with this, copies of letters recieved from Major General Greene and Baron Steuben which will give you the latest state of the situation of things with us and in North-Carolina. [I observe a late resolve of Congress for furnishing a number of arms to the Southern States; and I lately wrote you on the subject of ammunition and cartridge-paper. How much...
78From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment of Commissioner to the War Office of this State having lately become vacant, the Executive are desirous to place Colo. William Davies of the Virga. Continentals in that office. This Gentleman however declines undertaking it unless his rank in the army, half pay for life, land and allowance for depreciation of pay can be reserved to him; observing with justice that these...
79From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board of War have lately laid before me a summary of the situation of the department of the Commy General of Military Stores, for want of Money to pay the arrearages due to the Workmen, and to procure proper materials for carrying on the Business of the Elaboratories. This is a matter of so much importance, and which, if not remedied, will so materially affect our operations not only in...
I ought & wish to write your Excellency a long Letter, but not by the Post. The french Fleet is not yet sailed—it will in my opinion be late in the Summer before the Fleet at Rh. Island will be reinforced. This Court has promised me one hundred and fifty thousand Dollars. Some Cloathing is now shipping on Acc t . of Congress from Cadiz. Russia has offered her mediation to England & the States...
81From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I returned to this place yesterday at Noon. I did not prosecute my intention of visiting Springfield, as I wished not to be out of the line of communication from the Southward, on account of the important intelligences which may be hourly expected from that quarter. Give me leave sincerely to congratulate Your Excellency and Congress upon the completion of the Confederation of the United...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter will inform you of the arrival of a British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. The extreme negligence of our stationed Expresses is no doubt the cause why as yet no authentic Account has reached us of a general Action which happened on the 15th. inst. about a Mile and a half from Guilford Court House between Genl. Greene and Lord Cornwallis. Capt. Singleton an intelligent Officer of...
83From John Adams to the President of Congress, 19 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your Excellency’s Letter of the first of January, with the Commission and Instructions inclosed. I am very sensible of this fresh Instance of the Confidence of Congress, and shall do every thing in my Power to discharge the Duties of this new Trust; but I am obliged to say, that no Commission that ever was given required more Patience, Fortitude and Circumspection than this:...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 19 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 19 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to George Washington of this date , q.v. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed, in part: “Read 27.” FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “To the President of Congress & General Washington.” Enclosures: Copy of Nathanael Greene to TJ, 10 Mch. ( DLC :
85From John Adams to the President of Congress, 18 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Leyden, 18 March 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 78–93. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:306–313. This letter was read in Congress on 19 Nov. and consisted of English translations of the States General’s countermanifesto of 12 March and...
86From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that I arrived here on the 6th. In consequence of previous arrangements between the Count de Rochambeau and myself I found between eleven and twelve hundred of the French Grenadiers and Infantry already embarked and the Fleet nearly ready to sail. They however did not put to sea until the evening of the 8th. By advices from New London the...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to Washington of this date. For variations in the text see note to that letter. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71, ii ); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, with complimentary close and signature in TJ’s hand; endorsed, in part: “read. 15th.” FC ( Vi ). Tr ( DLC : TJ Papers). Tr (
88George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 March 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] March 1, 1781 . Encloses a “memorial of Col Hazen.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
89From 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...
90From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
On opening the inclosed, I found it intended for your Excellency, though addressed to me. I intend setting out in the morning for Newport to confer with the French General and Admiral on the operations of the ensuing Campaign. Major Genl Heath will command in my absence. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt P.S. I am this moment honored with your...
91From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st. General Greenes letter so strongly points out the increasing danger to the Southern States, and the detachment of the pennsylvania Line to their succour makes such an alteration in our prospects here, that different dispositions, from those originally intended, are become adviseable. On this principle, I beg leave to suggest to...
92George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 26, 1781 . States that the southern situation is alarming. Regrets that a regular and permanent force was not established in the South. Explains why French cannot comply with Congress’s request to transport French troops to the South. Is ordering the Pennsylvania troops to the South. Describes Virginia expedition. Suggests sending American frigates, now in...
93From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving last night, your Excellency’s two letters of the 20th instant, one of them in Congress, with their inclosures. The situation of the Southern states is alarming—the more so, as the measure of providing a regular and permanent force was by my last advices still unattempted, where the danger was most pressing and immediate. Unless all the states in good earnest enter...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I gave you information in my last letter that Genl. Greene had cross’d the Dan at Boid’s ferry, and that Ld. Cornwallis had arrived at the opposite shore. Large reinforcements of militia having embodied both in the front and rear of the enemy, he is retreating with as much rapidity as he advanced. His route is towards Hilsborough. Genl. Greene crossed the Dan, the 21st. in pursuit of him. I...
95From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 9th instant. General Morgans signal victory over Colo. Tarleton, with the flower of the British Army, reflects the highest honor upon our Arms, and I hope will, at least, be attended ⟨with⟩ this advantage, that it will check the offensive operations of the Enemy, untill General Greene shall have collected a much more respectable force...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By a Letter from General Greene dated Guilford C. House Feby. 10. we are informed that Ld. Cornwallis had burnt his own waggons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility and had pressed immediately on. The prisoners taken at the Cowpens were happily saved by the accidental rise of a Water course which gave so much time as to withdraw them from the reach of the enemy. Ld....
97From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 18th 24th and 27th ulto with the enclosures to which they refer. I am extremely happy to find, that my remaining in the neighbourhood of West point, during the time of the mutiny of the Pennsylvania line, meets the approbation of Congress—and that the reasons assigned by me, for deeming it inexpedient to call for any part of...
98From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 12 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed extract of a letter from Governor Nash which I received this day being a confirmation of the intelligence I transmitted in a former letter, I take the liberty of handing it forward to your Excellency. I am informed through a private channel on which I have considerable reliance, that the Enemy had landed five hundred Troops under the command of a Maj. Craig, who were joined by a...
99George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Asks Congress to decide Colonel Peter Gansevoort’s rank. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
100From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Col. Gansewort has applied to me on a subject, which I am under a necessity of referring to Congress, as they are alone competent to decide upon it. On the 4th of October 1777 they were pleased to pass a resolution of thanks to him for his bravery and perseverance in the defence of Fort Schuyler—appointing him, by way of reward, Colonel Commandant of the same. He also received a special...