51From George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 15th and 21st. Your opinion of the absolute necessity of a repeal of all tender laws, before a new species of paper, tho’ upon even so good an establishment, will gain credit with the public, is certainly founded upon reason and justified by experience. I am in hopes that most if not all the Legislatures have at length seen the fatal effects of those laws and...
52From George Washington to Robert Morris, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a request from me to Mr Lowrey, that he would continue to purchase and forward Flour to the utmost extent of his Commission, he informs me that he has compleated the purchase of 2000 Barrels and that he has began upon that of 1000 more; but of this he desires me to give you notice; meaning I suppose that you may put a stop to it, if it should not meet your approbation. I have...
53From George Washington to Robert Morris, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
your favors of the 2d and 5th Instants have afforded me infinite satisfaction, as the measures you are pursuing for subsisting the Army perfectly accord with my Ideas, and are, I am certain, the only ones which can secure us from distress or the constant apprehensions of it. Had magazines of any consequence been formed in the different States, in pursuance of the late requisitions of Congress,...
54From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Two Letters, 26 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) AL (draft) and two copies: Library of Congress I have just received your very friendly Letter of the 6th of June past, announcing your Appointment to the Superintendance of our Finances. This gave me great Pleasure, as from your Intelligence, Integrity and Abilities, there is reason to hope every Advantage that the Publick can possibly receive from such an Officer. You are wise in...
55From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 23d ulto. I take the earliest opportunity of informing you that our whole dependence for Flour is upon you. The State of New York it is said has a considerable quantity yet within it, but so exhausted are the resources of the Legislature that they can command none of it. New Jersey has not either passed laws to draw forth the specific supplies demanded of...
56From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The expectation of the pleasure of seeing you has prevented me hitherto from making a communication of a most important and interesting nature—But circumstances will not admit of further delay, and I must trust it to paper. It seems reduced almost to a certainty, that the enemy will reinforce New York with part of their troops from Virginia—In that case the attempt against the former must be...
57From George Washington to Robert Morris, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
There are 311 Barrels of Salt Beef at Portsmouth in New Hampshire, which, to save land Carriage, I had directed to be sent to Providence by Water, but Mr president Weare writes me that the risque is too great, as there are a number of privateers in that quarter—I have therefore informed him that you will dispose of it on the spot and procure a like quantity in Philada. I shall be obliged to...
58From George Washington to Robert Morris, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the Copy of a letter which I have just recd from Capt. Mitchell commanding the post at Wyoming, representing his distress for provision. As this post was to have been supplied by Pennsylvania, and as you have now undertaken to furnish the supplies required of the state, I must request you to take the speediest means of giving relief to the Garrison—The quantity of provision which I...
59From George Washington to Robert Morris, 17 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have in confidence imparted to you the alteration of our late plan and made you acquainted with our intended operations—Besides the provision necessary at the Head of Elk to carry the troops down the Bay a very considerable Quantity will be wanted in Virginia. I should suppose three hundred Barrels of Flour—as many of salt Meat and eight or ten Hhds of Rum would be sufficient at Elk—For what...
60From George Washington to Richard Peters, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have devoted the first moment of my time which I could command (while the Troops are halted for the french Army at this place) to give my sentiments unreservedly on the several matters contained in your favor of the 13th Inst.—this I will attempt to do, with all that frankness, & sincerity, which from your own candor in your communications, you have a right to expect, and for doing which...
61From George Washington to Robert Morris, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Immediately after you left Camp, I applied to Mr Tarlé the French Intendant and requested to know the quantity of Flour which he could spare us and where he would wish to have it replaced. I have not been able to ascertain either of these points, but from a conversation which passed yesterday between Mr Tarle and Colo. Stewart on the subject, I do not imagine we shall obtain more than 1000 or...
62From George Washington to Robert Morris, 27 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Accounts brought by several Vessels to Philada and to the Eastward leave little doubt but that the Count de Grasse must have already arrived in the Chesapeak, or that he must be very soon there—The Count de Rochambeau and myself have therefore determined that no time ought to be lost in making preparations for our transportation from Trenton to Christiana and from the Head of Elk down the...
63From John Jay to Robert Morris, 1 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
Major Franks arrived here last Evening. I have not yet got thro the Dispatches he brought. I have read sufficient however to percieve that I am soon to have the Pleasure of writing long Letters to Congress & yourself. I shall dispatch the Major as soon as possible— I cannot say precisely when, because it will depend in some Measure on others. N o . 1— The bills on me [Far] exceed the Funds for...
64From George Washington to Robert Morris, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Every Day discovers to me the increasg Necessity of some Money for the Troops—I hope by this Time you are provided to give a Month’s Pay—I find it of the last Importance to hasten forward myself—to join the Marquis as soon as possible—I may leave this in a few Hours—I cannot do It however, without intreatg you in the warmest Terms to send on a month Pay at least—with all the Expedition...
65From George Washington to Robert Morris, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Machin of the Artillery is detached to pursue some deserters from that Corps—he will have occasion for some money for expences—If you can advance him about £10 it will be sufficient, & will oblige the public as well as Dr Sir Yrs DLC : Papers of George Washington.
66From George Washington to Robert Morris, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favrs of Yesterday No. 1 & 2. I find myself so pressud by Circumstances, that It will be impossible for me to stay at this Place ’till the Payment of the Money comitted to M. Audibert can be effected—I must leave the Head of Elk this Afternoon or early Tomorrow Morng—I shall however leave Instructions with G en . Lincoln to do all that is necessary on the Occasion. The...
67From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 12 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft), two copies: Library of Congress I have received your Letters of July 13, 14, 19, & 21. all at once by Way of L’Orient. The Originals of those you mention to have sent by Major Franks, are not yet come to hand, nor have I heard of his Arrival in Spain.— Your Letters of June 6 & 8. were remarkably lucky in getting to hand. I think I have receiv’d 7 of the Copies you had the...
68From George Washington to Robert Morris, 27 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is of such essential consequence, in my opinion, that the Army should be regularly supplied with Rum during the present operation, that I cannot forbear interesting myself on the subject. When we take into consideration how precious the lives of our men are, how much their health depends upon a liberal use of Spirits, in the judgment of the most skillful Physicians, who are best acquainted...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Monticello, 30 Sep. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Thomas McKean, this date. Intended as RC , but not sent ( DLC ); written on a sheet which TJ subsequently used for a summary of the case of Hunt v . Tucker’s executors; addressed: “The honourable Robert Morris Philadelphia favored by Mr Short.”
70From George Washington to Robert Morris, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I use the present Opportunity to return to you the Bill drawn in my Favor on Messrs Richards & Comp y of New London—not having had an Opportunity to present it for Payment. Your Note of the 18th I have received, with your Letter directed to Major Genl Greene—the first good Opportunity will be improved for its, conveyance. With great Regard & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your St DLC : Papers of George...
71From George Washington to Robert Morris, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Harrison of the Artillery, who will deliver you this—is going to Philadelphia on public Business, important to the general Service—as the Southern Department to which he belongs has been long destitute of Money—I shall be very glad if you can furnish him with a Sum sufficient for his Expences & that of another Officer who will be necessary on this Occasion. I am &c. P.S. Being Informed...
72From John Jay to Robert Morris, 3 October 1781 (Jay Papers)
An excellent french Translation ^ of your Letter ^ of the 4 th . July was delivered to the Minister on the 8— Ult o .— Nothing has yet been promised nor refused, nor will probably soon be— My Letter to Congress by Maj r . Franks will explain the Reasons of my hav g thus long detained him, & will also give you a good Idea of what you may expect from hence. I must also refer you to my Letter of...
73From George Washington to Robert Morris, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just now been honored with your two Favors of the 17th & 19th Instant ⅌ Mr Ridley—I have had the pleasure to take your two Boys by the Hand & Welcome them to Virginia—for my Countrys sake, I rejoice in the Sacrifice you are makg to your own feelings for the Education of the young Gentlemen —your Sons—in whose Behalf I have taken the Liberty to enclose your Letter to the Count de Grasse;...
74From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 5 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Herewith you will receive Copies of my three last Letters to you. I have receiv’d none from you of later Date than the 21st of July, already acknowledg’d: but which I propose now to answer more fully, as I promised.— The Sentiment you express “That no Country is truly independent, until with her own Credit & Resources she is able to defend herself and...
75From George Washington to Robert Morris, 19 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to inform you that a very considerable debt has been incurred upon you as Financier of the United States by an Order for the Releif of the Officers of the Army from the Goods found in York Town—each Officer military & Staff having been authorized to take up on public Acco. the Sum of £20 in Virginia Currency for which Mr Ross, Commercial Agent of this State, is answerable to the...
76From George Washington to Robert Morris, 8 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you for acceptance my two drafts for you in favr of Mr David Ross Commissioner of Trade for the State of Virginia one for £7452.12 0 1/2 Stirling—the other for £6035.17 2 1/2 Stirling—which two sums are for the Amount of the Goods purchased of the British Merchants in York and delivered out to the Officers of the Army—Mr Ross’s letter to me which was laid before you this morning...
77From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress This Line will be delivered to you by Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman, who goes to America with Views of Settling there, and drawing his Fortune after him, if he shall like the Country. He is recommended to me by Mr. Gerard, and other Persons of Consideration here, and I beg leave to introduce him to you, and to request for him your Counsels, and...
78From George Washington to Robert Morris, 24 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Knowing full well the multiplicity & importance of yr business, it would give me more pain than pleasure if I thought your friendship, or respect for me did, in the smallest degree, interfere with it.—At all times I shall be happy to see you, but wish it to be in your moments of leizure—if any such you have. Mrs Washington, myself and family, will have the honor of dining with you in the way...
79From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 9 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have long feared that by our continually worring the Ministry here with successive afterclap Demands for more and more money, we should at length tire out their Patience. Bills are still coming in Quantities drawn on Mr. Jay, Mr. Laurens & Mr. Adams. Spain & Holland have afforded little toward Paying them; & Recourse has therefore been had to me. You will see by the...
80From George Washington to Robert Morris, 25 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 23d respecting Capt. Hutchins and shall give you a more difinitive answer after I have seen that Gentleman. By a letter which General Lincoln addressed to me before he went to the Eastward, I find that you approve of my plan of sending Officers to the four New England States, particularly, with the Returns of the deficiencies of Troops, and with instructions to...
81From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Two Letters, 28 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress I received a few Days since by the Marquis de la Fayette, your several Letters of Nov. 27. Dec. 3 et Dec. 4. with the Papers referr’d to, the reading of which gave me great Satisfaction, as they show the Steps you are taking with so much Zeal, Judgment & Activity for putting into good Order our Finances, & restoring the Public Credit. My Notice of this...
82From George Washington to Robert Morris, 29 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
On examination I find the Map of the Southern States shewn me by Capt. Hutchins much too general to answer any Military purpose I therefore think that Gentlemans presence at the Southward very necessary and should be glad if a necessary sum of Money could be furnished to enable him to proceed there without delay. I am. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
83From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 30 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Virginia Historical Society On perusing again your late Letters, I find that you imagine the whole 5. Millions of Florins borrowed in Holland, are free to be Disposed of by your Orders. Here it is understood that there are to be great Deductions, and that little of it remains. I shall obtain in a few Days, a State of the Account which I will send you by various...
84From George Washington to Robert Morris, 31 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
It appears to me but reasonable that an Officer under Major Mcphersons circumstances, acknowledged by no State and belonging to no Corps should be put upon the same footing in respect to his depreciation of pay as the Foreign Officers in our service were. I have the honor to be&c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
85From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 26th ulto preparing a plan of providing the Officers with Cloathing—I approve of it generally, and think it will have a happy effect. I will only beg leave to make this remark, that the amount of two Months pay of subalterns will be scarcely sufficient to enable them to purchase a sufficiency of the Articles necessary for the genteel equipment of an...
86From George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose Capt. Van Heers Estimates of the sums in his opinion sufficient to recruit—mount and accoutre his Corps—Agreeable to your desire I applied the beginning of this month to the President and Council for an advance of a sum of Money for recruiting, upon this principle, that as the Men would be raised in the state and considered as part of its Quota, it appeared to...
87From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 4 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives With this you will receive Copies of my two Letters dated Jan. 28 and another dated the 30th. since which I have been continually in Perplexity and Uncertainty about our Money affairs. I obtained a Sketch of the Account mentioned in my last. You will see by Letters I enclose that I endeavour’d to correct it, and make it 2,216,000 Livres more in...
88From George Washington to Robert Morris, 4 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Well knowing the difficulties in which you are involved it ever gives me pain to make application to you on the score of Money. But as I cannot give the Baron Steuben an answer without knowing whether it will be in your power to comply with the terms he asks, I am under the necessity of inclosing his letter to me on the subject of the arrearages of his Pay.I am with great Respect Sir Yr most...
89From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 9 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have just received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 7th. of January, with the Duplicates of Sundry others. In mine by this Conveyance you will be pretty fully informed of the State of our Funds here, by which you will be enabled so to regulate your Drafts as that our Credit in Europe may not be ruined, and your Friend kill’d with Vexation. The...
90From George Washington to Robert Morris, 15 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major Genl Baron Steuben proposes to leave Town next week and has again applied to me on the subject of his former Letter—I think his situation peculiar and such as to call for Some attention to his request and I would wish you to comply with it, so far as is consistent with your other arrangements. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
91From George Washington to Robert Morris, 20 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of this Morning. I will make an experiment with your drafts upon Mr Swanwick which I doubt not may be disposed of among the trading people in New York and New Jersey. The smaller the Bills are the more easily will they be negociated—The sum of 4000 dollars will be sufficient—at one time. I have the honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
92From George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at this place, I found complaints that the Jersey Brigade had not been regularly supplied; and was informed by the Commanding Officer that the Person to whom the contract is formed out attributed this irregularity to the want of Money—I accordingly called upon Mr Logan the Sub. contractor (& only ostensible character here) to give me his reasons in writing why the troops were...
93From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 30 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress With this if it comes to Hand you will receive Copies of several preceeding Letters to you which went by the Alliance, Capt. Barry, who sail’d the 15. without taking any of our Supplies, conceiving his Vessel not fit for such Service, and I am still uncertain whether any Part can go by the Convoy. If the St. Domingo Fleet, which has long been expected, were arrived,...
94From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 8 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives The Bills accepted by Mr. Jay, and afterwards protested for Nonpayment, are come & coming back to France & Holland, and I have ordered them to be taken up and discharged by our Banker, I hope none will be return’d to America. There is a Convoy just going, and another, it is said, will follow in about 3 Weeks. By these two I hope...
95From George Washington to Robert Morris, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 3d Instant inclosing Mr Duers Contract—& papers relative thereto, I have received—and have transmitted the same to Genl Schuyler at Albany with a Request that he will see its Object fully attained—the intimate knowledge of those Posts which Mr Duer is to supply—& his carefull Attention to a rigid OEconomy, the Necessity of which he is fully apprised of renders him in my...
96From George Washington to Robert Morris, 23 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am obliged to you for the Copy of the Contract you have been pleased to send me under cover of your Favor of the 15th Instant—It came very opportunely, as I have already been applied to for a Determination upon the points which are submitted to my Decision. I am very glad to find that an Intendant, appointed by you, is to attend the Army, & to hear & decide on Causes of Complaint or...
97From John Jay to Robert Morris, 25 April 1782 (Jay Papers)
Some of my Letters to You have I find miscarried by the Capture of the Vessels that were carrying them, and there is Reason to suspect that two others were stopped here, as the Letters inclosing them did not reach the Persons at the Sea Ports, to whom they were directed. I have heretofore mentioned the Reciept of the Picture you was so kind as to send me by M r Ridley, and the arrival of Your...
98From John Jay to Robert Morris, 28 April 1782 (Jay Papers)
My Letter to Congress of the 3 d . October last explained the Reasons which induced Me to detain him ^ Maj r Franks ^ so long at S t Ildefonso. It is also proper that you should have a report of my Inducemen ^ I will now mention ^ the Facts that relate to his Return & detention here—
99From George Washington to Robert Morris, 1 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 22nd of April respecting the interference of the Contract for the Moving Army, with the Contract for supplying the Troops in Jersey;I am happy to find your ideas coincide so well with my own.And as no application has been made to me on the subject by the Contractors, I hope & expect these matters will be settled without coming before me. By...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 4 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, May 4, 1782. On May 20, 1782, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have received your Letter of the fourth Instant.” Letter not found. ]