11851To George Washington from John Sheridan, 22 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
While the publick testify their Sentiments on your Arrival please to admit a private (but indigent) Character to address You in what he thinks will be agreable to Your Virtues the Wishes that the following Composition may be followed—’tis Extempore Since the firing of the first Gun this day, and with more propriety may be sung to the Tune of Smile America—than—Smile Brittania, Please to...
11852To George Washington from Richard Varick, 22 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of inclosing to Your Excellency, a Letter for Lieut. Colo. Humphrys containing a Letter to His Excellency the president of Congress, praying an Answer to my Memorial formerly presented to Congress, for the Depreciation of my pay while acting as a Mustering Officer & for the 12 Months pay allowed those Officers as a Gratuity on their discharge. I have comprised in my...
11853To George Washington from William Barber, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency the Abstracts of Muster of the northern Army for the Months of May and June inclusive, and for July—It was not in our power to execute the Business for the two former Months seperately and distinctly, or to have made a Return of them much sooner, on account of the deranged Condition of the Troops who were retained in Service at the Reduction in...
11854To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
the King having honored me since my return to Europe with a commission of inspector of his troops, and the Regiments, I am to inspect being scattered through all the frontiers of this Kingdom, I am engaged in a progress of four thousand miles; but I find myself presently as near america as possible; and I wish heartily that instead of travelling on by land, I might embark at this place and...
11855To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I arrived here last night, & had my health permitted should have continued my journey untill I could have had the honor to inform Your Excellency in person of the success of my mission. Lieutt Colonel Villefranche will present this, to him I beg leave to refer for such Observations relative to the situation of certain places, as I have been able...
11856To George Washington from Robert Howe, 24 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Gibbs marched with Sprouts Regiment yesterday morning very early—Having furnished him with a waggon to take the baggage of some soldiers who had been sick & who with that indulgence can march, his numbers will I imagine be about three hundred and fifty: and as the Court-Martial will now very soon close their proceedings I have not detached the small number deficient of the four hundred,...
11857To George Washington from John Moylan, 24 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is copy of a Letter I had the honor of addressing your Excellency to Newburg. I have at present only to add to it that the Different Articles & Clothing wanted from this magazine, will be set in motion to morrow. I have the honor to be very Respectfully Yr Excellency’s most obedt Hble sevt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
11858To George Washington from J.A. Crajenschot, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Toute Nation, tout individu capable de penser, tout homme surtout qúi fait cas de la liberté, ne doit prononcer qu’avec respect le nom de Washington, nom à jamais célebre. Tous vous doivent des tributs de gloire & d’honneur. Trouvez bon, je vous prie, Monseigneur, que je vous présente le mien dans un exemplaire de L’Amérique Delivrée. C’est le premier ouvrage en vers où l’on ait célébré la...
11859To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Johnny Lewiss trip to Philadelphia affords me an oppertunity to Congratulate you on the happy Change in our Affairs as I hope it will be the meanes of our Seeing you Soon, I have been at a loss how to account for your long silence, the multiplicity of Business you have on your mind is the only One I Can find that flatters me I am not quite forgot—but then my Dear Brother was there not one half...
11860To George Washington from John Witherspoon, 25 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inhabitants of Princeton & neighbourhood with the president & faculty of the college beg leave to embrace this opportunity of congratulating your excellency on the late glorious peace on your meeting with congress in this place & the present happy & promising state of public affairs. As the college of New Jersey devoted to the interests of religion & learning was among the first places in...
11861To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress feel a particular pleasure in seeing your Excellency, and in congratulating you on the success of a War in which you have acted so conspicuous a part. It has been the singular happiness of the United States, that during a War so long, so dangerous and so important, Providence has been graciously pleased to preserve the life of a General, who has merited and possesses the uninterrupted...
11862To George Washington from Robert Howe, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your Excellency’s Favor of the 24th Inst. late last Night. That Part of Jackson’s Regt now here will march to-Morrow Eveg or next Day Morng—Vose’s shall follow as soon as Circumstances will admit—No Desire of unnecessarily detaining them, or remaining myself having the least Revalence in my Bosom. I was strongly persuaded my former Letters would have met your Excellency at...
11863To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Captain Farley has this instant arrived here. The baron is at Saratoga and will be down in a few days. He has not been able to effect any thing with General Haldimand who he met at Chamblee. he would not upon any pretence admit the Baron, to visit the posts, nor would he enter into any agreement upon the subject. He added that if the definitive treaty was even signed he could not relinquish...
11864To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 6th instant relative to the measures necessary for taking possession of the posts on the frontiers, I considered the nature of the service, and made such inquiries as appeared necessary to enable me to form an estimate of the expense. The next day I waited on Mr Morris, who desired me particularly to state my ideas on the subject. These I laid...
11865To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Books which your Excellency requested should be forwarded by your letter of the instant were committed to the care of Colo. Cobb—I should have accompanied them with a letter but was confined to my bed with a severe fever from which I have only within a few days recovered. The Caps for the boys should have been forwarded before this had not the workman I employed undertook a matter for...
11866To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
last evening I wrote to your Excellency per express, transmitting the information by Captain Farley, of the ill success of the Baron Steubens mission. By which it appears that it will be impracticable, to take possession of the posts at the Westward this fall. I requested your final orders concerning the detachment, and artillery, at this place, which are prepared for that service. I now...
11867To George Washington from Lewis Pintard, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your letter to Messr Ino. Searle & Co. was safely received and duly forwarded, in consequence of which by my last advices from that house dated 15th Ulto they have shipped for your use two other pipes of choice Wine a box of citron & two baskets of figs by the Ship Hero Capt. Paul to Potomack the amount thereof being £74.9.6d. Sterlg which have I hope arrived safe. My Nephew who on his way...
11868To George Washington from Jacques-Marie-Blaise, Chevalier [de] Segond de Sederon, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant de baulieu & I both of late pulansky’s legion and the only remains of it as prisoners of war, having no chief to support their claims before Congress, humbly entreat your excellency to submitt this letter before that honorable body, that we may be treated at this period of the revolution on the same footing, with armand’s legion officers, having incurred the same dangers & served...
11869To George Washington from Aquila Giles, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to give your Excellency the trouble of perusing a state of a private concern of mine. I am sorry to be under the necessity of doing it, being conscious you have a great deal of public business of consequence on your hands; but I am emboldened by a thorough conviction that it is your Excellency’s great desire to see that justice done to every officer of your Army, which you , have...
11870To George Washington from Robert Howe, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the part of Colo. Jacksons who were here marched off this morning Except some so lately recover’d as to render their moving improper and a few others still sick; of the latter class none dangerously & in all as major Norton says about thirty odd—I am hastening with all possible dispatch matters here to a close. I have the honor to be Dear sir...
11871To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is now time to deposit at West-Point as much wood as will be necessary for the use of the garrison the ensuing winter. If it be practicable to determine, at this time, what shall be the strength of the garrison, and the number and ranks of the officers, I will lay in forage, as well as wood, in proportion, as soon as I am favoured with your Excellency’s decision thereon. The wood I propose...
11872To George Washington from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
With all thy Countries Blessings on thy head And all the glory that Encircles Man, Thy martial fame to distant nations spread And realms unblest by freedoms genial plan Address’d by Statsmen Legislatures kings Rever’d by thousands as you pass along While Every Muse with ardour spreads her wings To greet our Heroe in immortal Song: Say, Can a female Voice an audience gain And Stop a moment thy...
11873To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosing an Act of Congress for erecting an equestrian Statue in honor of your Excellency. The Bearer Mr Wright is recommended to me as an Artist skilled in taking Busts, & As I am anxious to execute in the best manner the part assigned to me in this agreeable business, I take the liberty of introducing him to you and requesting the favour of your Excellency to admit...
11874To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The chain at West-Point has already suffered considerably by the rust, and will be daily growing worse. If it is to be kept for future use, it cannot too soon be housed; and in this case it is said it may be preserved from rust by painting. If it is not necessary to keep it, the sooner it is sold the better. It would probably fetch about two thirds the price of bar iron. The chain contains...
11875To George Washington from John Langdon, 30 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was happy enough to receive your Kind favour of the 4th Inst. by the Count Del Verme who did me the Honor to put up with me for a few Days. I am highly pleased with this Nobleman & think myself under great Obligations to your Excellency for his acquaintance. I shall always think myself highly Honored in shewing every civility in my Power to such Gentlemen as you are pleased to Introduce. Let...
11876To George Washington from Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
By Doctor Craik I had the honour to write a few lines to your Excellency & having now nothing new to communicate I only repeat that nothing shall be wanting to finish all matters here when I flatter myself it will appear that invention or delay have not been among my faults with Every Respect I am Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obt hum. servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
11877To George Washington from Bezaleel Howe, July 1783 (Washington Papers)
An Accoumpt of the Expences of His Excelency—the Commander in Chiefs Table and Money Payd to his Servants By Lieut. Bezl Howe in the Month of august 1783 Dates Dols. & 90th 17th to Water Millions 1 20th Cabage & Beanes 2 27th thirty one Lb. of Gammon 4 15 to two Gallons of Rum 1
11878To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the last Papers. The New Corps are to embark on Wednesday for Nova Scotia, and agreable to the Adjutant Generals returns there remains only ten thousand Inhabitants to be removed—Sir Guy Carleton in withdrawing his Troops from the upper Part of Long Island to their present Encampment between New Town and Bedford has left the Country...
11879To George Washington from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 1 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Once more pardon the Effusions of Gratitude and Esteem, or Command the Muse no more to trouble you, for she Can not be restrain’d Even by timidity. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
11880To George Washington from Robert Howe, 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inclose your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to the President of Congress from which you will see the Measures I have pursued upon an Occasion perplexing & intricate—& if in the Course of it I have so conducted Matters as not to merit your Excellency’s Disapprobation it will make me happy. I conceived that your Excellency would not wish to be Troubled with the Proceedings of...
11881To George Washington from Robert Morris, 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favors of the twenty fifth and thirtieth of last Month the latter was by far the more agreable for I confess to you Sir that I beheld the attempt to Garrison the Western Posts with Pain and went into so much of it as concerns my Department with infinite Reluctance. I perswade myself that the only effectual means of getting a good American Establishment of any Kind...
11882To George Washington from John Polson, Jr., 2 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
That your Excellency may know who takes the liberty of Addressing you I am a Brother to Capt. William Polson who was killed in the Service of Virginia in 1756 and the same that received Seven wounds in the Action in which my Brother lost his life, and for whom Your Excellency were pleased to obtain an Ensigncy in the Regimt you raised in Virginia after General Braddocks defeat, in which Regt I...
11883To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favor of the 29th directing a suspension of the troops and stores destined for the Western Posts. The light Infantry company which came from the Lines have returned, & I directed that the clothing drawn by them and the Artillery men to be redelivered to the Clothier. There are certain french refugees in this vicinity under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have...
11884To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 3 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
In case that Congress should think proper to direct a Peace Establishment there are some Gentlemen of the Pennsylvania Line who wish to be employed and have requested me to mention them to your Excellency. They are Colonel Richard Butler; Lieut. Colonels Harmer; and Mentges; Major Moore Capt. Bowen and Capt. Zeigler of the Infantry; and Captain Armstrong of Lee’s Legion. The Characters of the...
11885To George Washington from George Clinton, September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I begg you to accept of my grateful Acknowledgment for the kind concern you are pleased to express for my ill State of Health, My disorder has been extreamly painful & of long duration; but I flatter myself I am now recovering, tho’ very slowly—Mrs Clinton and my Family join in best Respects to you & Mrs Washington with Dear Sir your sincere and Affectionate Humble Servant NHi : Vail Collection.
11886John Jay’s Draft of a Letter from the Continental Congress to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Jay Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you by order of Congress the only Tribute which a free People will ever consent to pay, the Tribute of Thanks & Gratitude to their Friends & Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory, and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that as a peculiar...
11887Secret Committee to George Washington, 21 June 1776 (Jay Papers)
Whereas David Matthews, Esq r ., stands charged with Dangerous designs and treasonable Conspiracies against the Rights and Liberties of the united Colonies of America: We do in pursuance of a certain Resolve of the Congress of the Colony of the twentieth of June Instant authorize and request you to cause the said David Matthews to be with all his Papers forthwith apprehended and secured and...
11888Secret Committee to George Washington, 18 [20] July 1776 (Jay Papers)
We informed your Excellency of our appointment in consequence of which we took a Survey of the Fortresses in the Highlands— we are extreamly sorry to say that notwithstanding their importance & advantageous situation they are by no means in a proper posture of Defence, part of the few Cannon at Fort Constitution were sent away—and the whole Number now there, and at Fort Montgomery are not...
11889From John Jay to George Washington, 19 November 1778 (Jay Papers)
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial. We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant His Excellency...
11890From John Jay to George Washington, 2 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult. and be pleased to add to the obligation by a Repetition of them. The arrival of a Reinforcement from Rhode Island at New York seems to indicate, either another Embarkation to the Southward, or offensive Operations in your Quarter, but of military Matters I have too little Knowledge to hazard Conjectures, especially to Persons familiar...
11891From John Jay to George Washington, 3 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
The opinion that greater advantage results from communicating important Events to the People, in an authentic Manner, than by unauthorized Reports, is certainly just, tho often neglected. The Intelligence alluded to, is unfortunately of such a Nature, or rather so circumstanced, as to render Secrecy necessary. As Congress with the Consent of the Minister of France, have directed it to be...
11892From John Jay to George Washington, 21 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many reasons grateful to me— I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports had come to my Knowledge— Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when here—...
11893From John Jay to George Washington, 26 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Questions contained in your Favor of the [23] April Inst. are as important, as the Manner of introducing them is delicate. While the maritime affairs of the Continent continue under the Direction of a Committee, they will be exposed to all the Consequences of want of System Attention and Knowledge. The marine Committee consists of a Delegate from each State. It fluctuates—new members...
11894From John Jay to George Washington, 27 July 1779 (Jay Papers)
The Success of the Enterprize against Stoney-Point was splendid & important— It has added another Laurel to your wreath, and given a grateful Country a fresh opportunity of presenting You their Thanks for the vigilance, Wisdom, & Magnanimity, with which their Arms have been conducted— I have now the Honor of conveying them expressed in the enclosed Act of Congress— Prudence forbids me to...
11895From John Jay to George Washington, 25 August 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Favor of the 16 th . Instant. Britain refused the Mediation of Spain at a Time when their Spirits were elated by their Successes in the West Indies, and the southern States; and by the Accounts they recieved of Discord in Congress, Discontent among the People, and a Prospect of the Evils with which we were threatned by the Depreciation of our Currency....
11896From John Jay to George Washington, 14 October 1779 (Jay Papers)
Your very kind letter of of the 7 th Instant gave me all that Pleasure, which accompanies marks of cordial Esteem & Attachm t from those whose Commendation is praise, and Whose Friendship is discriminate. Among the Objects of my mission are some which, however just, will ^ not ^ be difficult to easily attain’d and therefore its success will be precarious, and probably partial. The only...
11897From John Jay to George Washington, 6 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
It is most certain that the Letters alluded to in your Excellency’s of the 18 th . Oct r . last (which with sundry post Marks was sent to my Brother) have all miscarried— The Sea, or the Enemy, or the unceasing & jealous Attention of the french and spanish Governments to american Letters and Papers may in this as in many other Instances, have been unkind to me. I think the Motto of si recte...
11898Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 12 April 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Papers of George Washington). Docketed “Philada. 12th April 1780 from Cyrus Griffin & James Maddison Esqrs.” We have the honor to enclose your excellency a letter from Governor Jefferson and am with the highest respect your most obedient & very humble Servant This note of referral was almost certainly written in 1780, not only because it was so docketed but also because that year was...
11899Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates and George Washington, 10 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk and directed to “His Excellency General Washington & the Honble Virginia Delegates in Congress.” The papers of the Executive having been almost wholly lost in the visit which was made by General Arnold to this place, we are endeavouring to procure Copies of as many of them as we can. As the Correspondence with Congress is among the most important...
11900Motion on Instruction to George Washington, [7–8 November] 1782 (Madison Papers)
On Mature deliberation on all the papers which had been referred to the Committee respecting the murder of Capt: Huddy, the British officer allotted as the subject of retal[i]ation for the murder and to the trial of Lippencut as the perpetrator thereof[,] It is deemed expedient & accordingly resolved that the Commander in cheif be directed to set at liberty the said British officer Resolved...