1From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 8 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 8, 1790. “I had the honor of receiving a few days since your Excellencys letter of the 23d. of January last enclosing a Statement of the public debt of New Jersey.…” LS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Letter not found. Livingston’s letter was in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States,” November 21, 1789 .
2From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
3From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 21 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
A number of disaffected persons having been taken up and brought to His Excellency, he ordered an examination into their cases to know who of them were subject to a military jurisdiction, & who came properly under the cognizance of the civil power; also to discriminate those who were innocent, or guilty of trivial offences from those whose crimes were of a more capital and heinous nature;...
4From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 29 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was intended to be sent with the prisoners mentioned in the list; but before this could be done, Mr. Sims, one of the chief Justices of the State came to this town, and informed me, that the Governor and Council were upon the point of adjourning, and that the sending the prisoners to them would only be an embarrassment without answering, at present, any valuable purpose. He...
5From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, [29 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben informs me that he expects to set out this day on a visit to your legislature to endeavour to procure some arrangement respecting the place at Hackensack some time since granted to him by your state upon certain conditions. My anxiety for the Baron’s situation induces me to take the liberty of asking your friendship to him as far as may consist with considerations of...
6From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I am in Philadelphia on some business of great importance to the army; to execute which I stand in need of a party of about 100 men which are not readily to be procured here. If Your Excy. will be pleased to order over such a party under good active officers, you will equally serve the public & oblige. Yr. Excy’s Most Obed servt. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
7From John Jay to William Livingston, 21 May 1783 (Jay Papers)
It was not until this Morning that your obliging Letter of the 8 th . Jan y . last reached me— I thank you for it sincerely, & regret that its arriving so late in the Season will render it useless to send you an assortment of Seeds for this Spring. You may expect them in the Fall & they shall be fresh & of this Years Growth. Your accounts of my Boy are flattering, & so is your affectionate...
8From John Jay to William Livingston, [27 August 1787] (Jay Papers)
Since yours by Col. Mason I have rec d . a Letter from M r . Ridley mentioning your having been there. [ in terms ?] He was much pleased with that mark of your attentions and I am glad he rec d . it for I believe him to be a worthy man. I thank you for introducing Col. Mason to me; he really is a man of Talents and an agreable Companion—There are few with whom on so short an acquaintance I...
9From John Jay to William Livingston, 25 January 1790 (Jay Papers)
Blinkhorn’s Story mentioned in your Letter of the 18 th . Instant, appears to me highly improbable—because 1 st . we have never heard of more than two american vessels having been carried to algiers viz t . the Ship Dauphin of Philad[elphi] a ., Cap t . Rich d . Obrian, taken the 30 July 1785— and the Schooner Marie of Boston, Cap t
10From John Jay to William Livingston, 19 July 1783 (Jay Papers)
On the 1 st . Instant I had the Pleasure of seeing ^ rec g . ^ your Favor of the 21 May Ma last, but have neither seen nor heard any thing of Doctor Wearing whom you mention as the Bearer of it— Should he come this Way, I shall certainly pay him all the Attention w h . you or Presidt Boudinott could wish— I am happy to hear that the provisional Articles meet with general approbation— The...
11From John Jay to William Livingston, 6 September 1787 (Jay Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 28 of last Month enclosing a letter for M r Kempe, which I have forwarded by the Packet. It is with Pleasure we learn that the Convention will probably rise next week—Their Session has been of sufficient Duration to give their Proceedings the advantage of every argument that can be drawn from due Time spent in maturing them— M rs . Jay & our little Folks...
12From John Jay to William Livingston, 21 August 1795 (Jay Papers)
I was this moment favored with yours dated the 16 July, instead of 16 Aug t ., when I presume it was written. The two Papers that were enclosed in it viz t . the Copy of your Letter of the 16 Aug t . to B. Livingston and M. Clarkson Esq r ., and of the Certificate of Doc r . J. Griffith of the same Date, respecting the State of your Health, shall be immediately transmitted to Judge Hobart,...
13From John Jay to William Livingston, 22 March 1777 (Jay Papers)
Your obliging Letters of the 18 th : Ulto. and 3 d . Inst. after passing thro’ various Hands & Places have ^ were ^ at Length arrived were delivered to me two Days ago— Your ^ elegant ^ Panegyrick on the amiable Character & benevolent of
14From John Jay to William Livingston, 12 July 1787 (Jay Papers)
Agreable to your ^ kind ^ Request Peter is now going to pay his Elizabeth—He is no less pleased with this Mark of your affectionate Attention than I am, and I flatter myself will be equally disposed to manifest his Sense of it. You will find him thin and pale—a Fever has just left him, and a Relapse is to be of course to be guarded against—While he is with you I have nothing to apprehend from...
15From John Jay to William Livingston, 21 March 1785 (Jay Papers)
The Proposal contained in Col. Stewarts Letter which is herewith sent, was so new & unexpected to me that I have not had Time to make up an opinion on the Subject. In case it should meet with your approbation there is great Reason to believe you would be chosen—If you decline, the steady attachment of Jersey to you for many Years will justify your continuing in their Service in Preference to...
The Necessity of speedily providing accommodations here both for myself & the Gent. of Congress, deprived me of the Pleasure I expected to derive from ^ of ^ passing the Holydays with You and the Family at Eliz. Town [ illegible ], ^ and as an Attack of the Rheumatism forbids my exposing myself to Cold, I cannot flatter myself with seeing You very soon ^ I must therefore must therefore write...
17Peter Jay to William Livingston, 31 January 1774 (Jay Papers)
My son having informed me of his Inclination of being connected in your Family, and your favourable Reception of his application, I take the earliest Opportunity of acquainting you with our Concurrence. Tho’ we have not the Pleasure of knowing the young Lady, yet the confidence we have in our son’s Prudence, satisfies us of the Propriety of his choice. Give me leave S r to assure you that I...
18Sarah Livingston Jay to William Livingston, 24 June 1781 (Jay Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing you a long letter by M r : Toscan & likewise sending a duplicate of one which had been written a long while ago, I hope you will soon receive them as they may serve to shew you that those sentiments of gratitude & esteem to which you are intitled from me have not been obliterated by absence. The reluctance I feel to lessen the satisfaction of my dear Papa, already...
19From Thomas Jefferson to William Livingston, 3 January 178[3] (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me real concern that I have been here several days and so closely engaged that I have not been able to pay you the respect of a letter and to assure you that I hold among my most estimable acquaintances that which I had the pleasure of contracting with you at this place. I am the more concerned, as expecting to leave this place about Tuesday next, I might have been gratified with the...
20Virginia Delegates in Congress to William Livingston, 21 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (New York Public Library). The text of this letter is in Madison’s hand. The letter and its address sheet have become separated—the former is in the Emmet Collection and the latter among the papers of William Livingston. We received this morning a letter subscribed by Peter Thornton informing us that he is the son of a gentleman in Virginia, that he lately made his escape from N. York and...
21From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
⟨The⟩ Critical Situation of our Affairs ⟨and the move⟩ments of the Enemy make some ⟨further & im⟩mediate Exertions absolutely ⟨necessary—In⟩ order that you may have the ⟨fullest Repre⟩sentation and form a perfect ⟨Idea of what is⟩ now necessary, I have desired ⟨Colo. Reed to w⟩ait on You, and must refer ⟨You to him for⟩ Particulars. I am with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt & Very...
22From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now arrived myself on the East side of the Delaware, and the main body of the Army is on the Other from whence it will cross as soon as possible. This would have been effected in part to day, had it not been for the rain and the very doubtful appearance of the morning, which prevented the Troops from moving till it was late. The Afternoon will be employed in passing the Artillery and such...
23George Washington to William Livingston, 4 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, October 4, 1779. Asks Livingston to instruct William Van Drill, a pilot, to join Major Henry Lee at Monmouth to assist D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24George Washington to William Livingston, 19 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] February 19, 1780 . Explains why it would be inexpedient for a state to interfere in enlistment complaints. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of Yesterday. I ⟨may⟩ have been mistaken in my interpretation of you⟨r⟩ Militia Law, but it however leaves open a door ⟨for⟩ much litigation and delay. As you must certainly be best acquainted with the Circumstances of your own State, I intirely acquiesce with any mode which you may think most expedient in regard to calling out your Militia ⟨at⟩ this time. I think the...
26From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 23d and 29th ulto. The person who delivered me your letter of the 17th was one of our hired Expresses. He is now out upon duty, but when he returns I will enquire how he came by the letter. The Christian Name of Bankson, who I begged the favor of you to keep an Eye upon, is Jacob, but as I am now satisfied concerning him, you need not trouble yourself further in...
27From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadr Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable, from the report of Capn Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
28From George Washington to William Livingston, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th—And being much concerned for the Occasion, I am much obliged by a Communication of its Contents. My Instructions to Colo. Dayton were very pointed, strict and positive to prevent every Intercourse with the Enemy by Way of Elizabeth-Town, or any of the Jersey Posts, informing him that no Communication was to be held with the Enemy but by the...
29From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment arrived at this place with Genl Beals and Genl Heards Brigades from Maryland and Jersey and part of Genl Ewing’s from Pennsylvania. Three other Regiments left to Guard the Passes upon Hackinsack River and to serve as covering Parties are expected up this Evening. After the unfortunate Loss of Fort Washington it was determined to evacuate Fort Lee in a great Measure, as it...
30George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 16, 1778 . Is sending Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Livingston to present picture of distressing state of the Army. Repeats request to Livingston to help relieve situation by sending goods stored in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31From George Washington to William Livingston, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter to Colonel Dayton, prohibiting the practice of sending Flags from, or receiving them at any place except the Post of Dobbs Ferry—This I thought essentially necessary for many reasons, which I doubt not will occur to your Excellency, and therefore request your aid in carrying the measure into effect, and that you will be...
32From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you yesterday, but as from every Information of the Motions of the Enemy, their Intent seems plainly directed thro this State, and then on to Philadelphia, I cannot help calling upon you in the most urgent Manner, and begging you to fall upon proper Means to draw forth the Strength of your province to my Support. The Enemy’s advanced parties were last Night at Bonum Town four Miles...
33From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 2d instant, and I can assure you I feel myself very sensibly affected by the strenuous manner in which you express the public regard of the State and your personal Friendship towards me. I only desire to be the object of both, while in your good opinion and that of the public I continue to merit them. We seem hitherto to have mistaken each other in respect to...
34From George Washington to William Livingston, 19 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Mr Symmes one of the Supreme Judges of this state transmitting me a copy of a letter of the 14th instant ⟨to⟩ the Honorable the House of Assembly, on the subject of complaints made to him by soldiers in the Continental army of their being detained in service beyond the period for which they were engaged, and recommending the speedy direction and inquiry of...
35From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting the inclosed Resolve of Congress passed the 25th inst. I shall be obliged if you will, agreeable to the requisition therein made, order out One Thousand of the Militia of your State to continue in Service Four Weeks from the time they join the Army. I mention four Weeks because I think by your late Militia Law, you cannot insist upon their Service for a...
36From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Letter from the Committee of Congress, now here. These Gentlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of provision so fully and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to trouble you with further observations upon the subject. I shall only observe, that if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is because the colourings are not...
37From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 1st inst. some days since, but the Situation which the Army has been in, must apologize for my not answering it sooner. Genl Howe after making great preparations, and threatning to drive us beyond the Mountains, came out with his whole force last thursday Evening, and after maneuvering round us till the Monday following, decamped very hastily and...
38George Washington to William Livingston, 1 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 1, 1777. Discusses Lieutenant John Troup’s arrest. Has ordered a special court martial. States that under no circumstances is Troup’s sentence to be mitigated. Is satisfied with Livingston’s reason for delay in dividing New Jersey into districts. Understands reluctance of people of New Jersey to join militia. Agrees that practice of issuing unauthorized...
39From George Washington to William Livingston, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am just now honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 8th instant, informg me of the Offer of a Number of Volunteer Horsemen from your State. I applaud Sir! this Spirit, which gives me much Satisfaction in its Contemplation—The Gentlemen deserve my best Thanks for their Tenders of Service; which I beg leave to present to them thro’ the Hands of your Excellency. We are at present so much...
40From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I regret being obliged to inform Your Excellency, that I find myself, at this late period, very little stronger than I was when the Army first moved out of their Quarters. Of the Militia which were required of the State of New Jersey, and which were to have joined me by the 15th of July, none have come in. I am informed that the first party which rendezvoused at Morris Town returned home for...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this reaches you—You will undoubtedly have heard of the unexpected Arrival of the Carolina Army on Staten Island: which added to the Hessians & former Troops under Ld Howe exhibit a Force justly alarming. When I compare it with that which we have to oppose them I cannot help feeling very anxious Apprehensions. The new Levies are so incomplete the old Regiments deficient in their...
42From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I think it not only incumbent upon me, but a duty which I owe the public, to represent to you the unaccountable Conduct of Brig: Genl. Newcomb at this critical time. As soon as the Enemy shewed a disposition to possess themselves of Billingsport and Red Bank I wrote to him in the most urgent manner to collect and keep up as many Militia as he possibly could to assist in the defence of Red Bank...
43George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 22, 1778 . Commends New Jersey’s efforts. States that a change of method is needed in handling supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
44From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Intelligence has been sent me by a Gentleman living near the enemy’s lines, and who has an opportunity of knowing what passes among them, that four parties had been sent out with orders to take or assasinate Your Excellency—Governor Clinton—Me and a fourth person, name not known. I cannot say that I am under apprehension on account of the latter, but I have no doubt they would execute the...
45From George Washington to William Livingston, 10 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of Yesterday. I am sorry that you construed a part of my last letter into any kind of reflection upon the exertions of your State. I could not mean it as I am conscious they do not deserve it—As it happened from several particular Circumstances that the two thousand Militia voted to reinforce this Army could not leave the State, I only meant to urge the necessity of...
46From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my passage, through Elizabeth Town, a certain Hatfield was siezed by my order and committed to Jail, in consequence of an intercepted letter to him from New York, supposed by the initials to be from one Hilton, which clearly shows that Hatfield is concerned in a treasonable connexion and intercourse with the writer. The letter is not now in my possession; nor do I precisely recollect the...
47From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The honour of receiving your favours 20th & 22d Ulto I am now to acknowledge. Some time past Colo. Shreve had my peremptory Order to march with such of his Battalion as was then inlisted: I therefore expected him every day ’till your Letter of the 20th informed me that he was then at Burlington. He has my Order repeated to march immediately to Princeton, there to remain under General Putnam...
48From George Washington to William Livingston, 27 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last night I returned from Weathersfield, where I have had an interview with His Excellency the Count De Rochambeau: in consequence of which, the French Army will commence its march, to form a junction with ours on the North River, as soon as circumstances will admit. The accomplishment of the object which we have in contemplation, is of the utmost importance to America, and will in all...
49George Washington to William Livingston, 8 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania ] October 8, 1777 . Asks Livingston to send a large portion of New Jersey Militia to Major General Israel Putnam. States that precarious situation in the Highlands can undo the good that has been achieved in New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 5 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 4th came safely to hand. The Situation of New Jersey is such & the Apprehension of the Inhabitants so justly excited that I have concluded to discharge the Militia from this Place except those from Morris County whose internal Situation is such as to leave them nothing to fear from the Enemy. These I have posted on Bergen in order to prevent any Communication & to give the...