120351From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 24 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Copies to be laid before Congress of several Papers— 1. M r. Hartley’s full Powers of May 14.— 2. The Order of the King of Great Britain in Council, for regulating the American Trade, of the 14 th. May. 3. Articles proposed by the American Ministers to M r. Hartley, 29 th. April— 4. M r. Hartley’s Observations left with us the 21 st. of May. And 5. M r. Hartley’s...
120352To Benjamin Franklin from John Allen, 24 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honnor of writing the 29th. of Last Month to your Excellence, beging, you would be so good as to grant me a Register for the Brign Lovely Aglaé that I Purcheas’d at this Port, being without any Answer, I take the Liberty to request of your Excellence not to forget my just Demand, as my Brig is all Ready, and am only waiting for a favourable...
120353To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 24 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Vous envoye Mon cher amis de Nouvelle Lecture en Vous priant de me renvoyer Celle que je Vous ait Confiéz Si Vous Nen avéz plus besoin et en vous demandant toujours Le plus grand Secret Sur La Comunication que je Vous fait de Ces feuilles. Je revient de Versaille ous il Ni a rien de Nouveau du moin de Ma Connessance et ous je retournerez a La fin de La...
120354General Orders, 24 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Putnam B. Qr Mr from York Brigade The 6th Massachusetts regt gives the Guards and the 4th the fatigues tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
120355From George Washington to Jean-Bernard-Bourg Gauthier de Murnan, 24 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
This Certifies that Monr de Murnan has held the rank of Major of Engineers in the service of the United States from the month of March 1778 until the present day—that he appears to have been actuated with great zeal and fidelity in performing his duty, so far as his services have fallen under my immediate observation—and that he having served a considerable part of the War, under the...
120356To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 24 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Indian runner returned from Niaga last evening. your Excellencies dispatches from that place will accompany this by the post—The Inclosed Letter was handed to me as it is unsealed and for that reason I have thought it but to Inclose to your Excellency, as the most direct way to its being handed to the owner. The Indian runner reports that large numbers of Indians were flocking to Niagara...
120357To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “May 24. 1783.” The Auditors have at length found the Accot. and are now satisfyed that I did not exceed the mark when I assured them the Bal. due to you on the 1st. Jany last was upwards of £800. in consequence of which they have given Mr. Webb a Warrt. on your Accot. for £100. which he will transmit you in addition to the £200. sent last Post. I...
120358To James Madison from David Jameson, 24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “May 24. 1783.” I heartily congratulate you on the return of Peace—an event that places every thing within our reach to give us as a people human Felicity. I have the pleasure of being informed by Mr. Jones that you enjoy a good state of health—a close & constant application to business seems not to have been so prejudicial to you...
120359To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover missing. The address of congress has at length arrived, and received the commendations to which it is so justly intitled, and some of which I should enumerate here with cordiality, did I not perceive the marks, which it bears of your pen. Dr. Lee, who came yesterday, delivered me the copy, intrusted by you to him for my use. A...
1203601783 May 23. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Last Evening, the American Ministers and Secretary met, again at my House, and signed the Letters to Mr. Grand and to the Bankers at Amsterdam. Mr. Laurens gave it as his Opinion that the Ballance of Trade, for the future between Great Britain and America would be in favour of the latter. I asked him what in that Case would become of the former? He replied She must be humble.... She has...
12036123. (Adams Papers)
Diné à Schevening sur les dunes.
120362To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
Mardi dernier nous fumes dîner à Rotterdam chez Mr. Van Berckel, qui nous avoit invités avec Mr. Votre fils.— Le départ de ce Ministre est fixé vers le 15 du mois prochain, avec le Vaisseau tout neuf doublé en cuivre l’Overyssel de 68 p. de canon, com̃andé par le brave & patriotique Capitaine Riemersma. Si vous êtes sûr, Monsieur, de retourner en Amérique cette année, il est facheux que le...
120363Continental Congress Report on the Discharge of Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 23 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Peters and Mr. Gorham to whom was referred a letter of the 9th. from the Superintendent of finance and Secretary at war, in order to confer with them on the resolutions of the 7th. & 28th. of April and 2d Inst report “that all the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, enlisted to serve during the war, be...
120364From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 23 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du ministère des affaires étrangères I beg leave to recommend earnestly to your Excellency’s Attention the enclos’d Petition and Papers from Mr. Price, an honest worthy American, who was to my Knowledge very serviceable to our Army in Canada, and much esteemed by the Congress. I shall be very thankful if you can procure for him the Order he desires. With great Respect, I am,...
120365To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Monteil, 23 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jai lhonneur Monsieur, de vous remerçier de votre attention; flatté du mottif qui vous y a porté, jentrerai tres éxactement dans le désir que m’expliqua mr. votre fils, et au pais ou je vais voir des parents, je me contenterai de parler de vos vertus. Jai lhonneur d’etre avec touts les sentiments de la consideration distinguée, et de Lattachement, Monsieur,...
120366To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Moseley and Jean-Joseph Sue fils, 23 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Moseley and Mr. Suë Junr. present their most respectful Compliments to his Excellency Doctor Franklin, and they will do themselves the honour of dining with him on Sunday the 25 Inst.— Possibly the English surgeon Benjamin Moseley (1742–1819), who practiced for many years in Jamaica, was elected to the APS (1775), and returned to London in 1784 or 1785....
120367General Orders, 23 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Dayton Brigr Qr Master Jersey Briga. The Hampshire regt gives the Guards & the 1st Massa. regt the fatigues tomorrow. After orders. The Genl Courtsmartial of which Colonel H. Jackson & Colo. J. Vose are presidents are desolved; & another court ordered to assemble at the newbuilding tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock of which Colo. Tupper is appointed president—Lt...
120368Notes on Debates, 23 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The Report from Mr. Hamilton Mr. Gorham and Mr. Peters, in favor of discharging the soldiers enlisted for the war, was supported on the ground that it...
120369Notes on Debates, 21–22 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . See the secret Journal for these two days. The passage relating to the armed neutrality was generally concurred in for the reasons which it expresses....
120370May 22. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
This Morning I drew the following Letters to be laid before the Ministers this Evening. We have received the Letter you did Us the Honour to write Us on the day of this Month, containing a brief State of the Affairs of the United States in your hands. We see the Difficulties you are in, and are sorry to say that it is not in our Power to afford you any Relief. We have &c. Mr. Grand has laid...
120371Proposal by the American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley (Adams Papers)
Paris, 22 May 1783. PRINTED: JA , D&A , 3:125–127 . LbC-Tr ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 103. With this offer the commissioners sought to counter Hartley’s proposal of the previous day (above) as well as the 14 May Order in Council. They proposed an agreement whereby both parties would appoint ministers to negotiate a permanent commercial treaty. Until such time as an agreement was concluded,...
120372To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 22 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
In Consequence of yoúr Excellency’s Esteemed Letter of the 13 th. Inst t. a Credit of £2500—Sterl Will be given in favoúr of M r. Francis Dana at Petersbourg for accóunt of Congress. not doubting of their Approbation on yoúr Excellency’s proceedings. We Should be glad to Know if your Excell s. intentions are to be Shortly here again, than if yoúr Excellencys Occupations Shall make your Stay...
120373The American Peace Commissioners to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 22 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society We have received the Letter you did us the honour to write us on the 10th. Day of this Month, containing a brief State of the affairs of the United States in your hands. We see the Difficulties you are in, and are sorry to say that it is not in our Power to afford you any Relief....
120374The American Peace Commissioners to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 22 … (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Mr. Grand, has laid before us, a State of the affairs of the United States under his Care, and the Demands upon him for money to discharge the Bills drawn upon him, are such as to require some assistance from you, if the Demands upon you will admit of it. If therefore, the State of...
120375Letter in Support of Pierre-André Gargaz, 22 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society The Bearer Pierre André Gargaz is Author of a very humane Project for establishing a perpetual Peace. This has interested me much in his Behalf: He appears to me a very honest sensible Man, & worthy of better Fortune: For tho’ his Project may appear in some respects chimerical, there is Merit in so good an Intention. He has serv’d faithfully 20 Years...
120376General Orders, 22 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Greaton B. Qr Mr 2d Massachts Briga. The 2d Newyork regiment gives the Guards & the Hampshire Battalion the Fatigues tomorrow. At the General courtmartial of which Colonel J. Vose is president—George Taylor a soldier of the 7th Massa. regt was tried and convicted of Desertion, and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his naked back. The Commander in Chief...
120377To George Washington from William Smallwood, 22 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I shoud be glad to be favored with your Orders respecting the Troops now in this State—there remains near two hundred—composed partly of Recruits and Soldiers who came from Carolina this Spring—General Greene having compleated one Regiment there sent in the residue—and all those whose Term of service was near expiring—these latter I have discharged upon the expiration of their Terms of service...
120378Motion of Instruction to Francis Dana, [22 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, II, 121). That Mr. Dana be informed that the Treaties lately entered into for restoring peace, have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these States, as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their Independence That he be instructed, in case he shall have made no propositions to the Court of...
120379Wednesday. May 21. (Adams Papers)
What is it, in the Air, which burns? When We blow a Spark with the Bellows, it spreads. We force a current of Air to the Fire, by this machine, and in this Air, are inflammable Particles. Can it be in the same manner that Life is continued by the Breath. Are there any Particles conveyed into the Blood of Animals through the Lungs, which increase the heat of it, or is the Pulse caused by...
120380From John Adams to Robert Morris, 21 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am, just now, honoured with yours of the 19. of January, by the Way of London. We have not yet had the Happiness to receive, as We should be disposed to do with open Arms our Excellent old Friend Jefferson, and begin to fear that the News of Peace, has determined him, not to come. I thank you, Sir, for your polite Congratulations. When the Tide turned it flowed with Rapidity and carried the...
120381Memorial from David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners (Adams Papers)
Paris, 21 May 1783. PRINTED: JA , D&A , 3:131–134 . LbC ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr ( Adams Papers ); APM Reel 103. This memorial was Hartley’s response to the article that the commissioners had proposed on 29 April to open American and British ports to virtually unrestricted free trade, to which Hartley had at least tentatively agreed ( calendared, above
120382Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [21 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that Mr. Dana be informed that the treaties lately entered into for restoring peace have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these states as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their independence; that though Congress approve the principles of the armed neutrality founded on the liberal basis of a...
120383To Benjamin Franklin from John Viny and Family, 21 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will forgive my trespassing on your most valuable moments, but I could not forego the Oppertunity by favor of Mosr Du Chateau, to express my great pleasure in hearing of your Health &c. O Sir, how happy shou’d I be, once more to take you by the hand, but from a Line I read of yours at Cheam I have but little hopes as I am confind, but happy...
120384William Temple Franklin to David Hartley, 21 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society (two) After Hartley gave his proposed article to the American peace commissioners on the evening of May 21 (see Hartley’s memorial and proposed article, [May 19]), the Americans withdrew for discussion. Unsure of whether Hartley had the authority to sign it without consultation with his court, they...
120385General Orders, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Stark B. Qr Mr 3d Massa. Brige The Jersey Battalion gives the Guards and the 1st York regt the fatigues tomorrow. The Contractors and Sutlers of the Army are not to sell any Rum, or spirituous Liquors to the Troops, unless the person applying therefor produces a written permission, specifying the quantity, and signed by a Commissioned officer. The General thinks...
120386From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Address from the Sergeants of the Connecticut Line of the Army, was presented to me a few Days ago; considering its subject and the manner of Expression, I think it not improper to transmit it to your Excellency, to be laid before Congress. The Difference mentioned, between them and the Soldier, in their Cloathing and Allowance of Lands, especially the latter, I think very...
120387To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency two Letters that have been committed to my Care. Not a Word of News from Europe, but what is taken from the New York Papers. Have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obed. & very, Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
120388From George Washington to Richard Butler, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I accept with pleasure your Congratulations on the Arrival of Peace—an Event happy to the Country, & glorious for those who have had the immediate Concern in its procurement. The Arrangement of a Peace Establishment, Congress have now under their consideration—But as I am totally Ignorant of what will be the Result of their Determinations, it is impossible for me to say how for it will be in...
120389To George Washington from Daniel Cullimore, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the hono’r of inclosing to yr Excellency Two letters, reced from particular Friends in Ireland, with orders to deliver them myself—I am exceedingly sorry—unexpected delay’s at New York prevents my haveing that pleasure—I am under the necessity of forwarding them ⅌ the bearer Robt Hokesly Esqr, who I am confident will deliver them safe—It will be the highest hono’r to me, if yr...
120390To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to Your Excellency the copy of a letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Brigadier General Clarke, written to him in consequence of a request which I made that Sir Guy would be equally explicit in declaring that our officers, who had been prisoners of war, were absolved from their paroles—as I had done in a similar declaration respecting their officers who were...
120391From George Washington to New York Officer Commanding at Westchester County, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Governor of this State having determined to reestablish Civil Government in the County of West Chester, and having directed the Honble Chief Justice Morris to repair to that County for the purpose—It is my order that you, with the Troops under your Command should be aiding and assisting, so far as may be necessary, in carrying the intention of His Excellency the Governor...
120392From George Washington to Lewis Pintard, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 14th and the Post before handed me a Letter from Messrs Jno Searle & Co. inclosing a Bill of Lading for two Pipes of old Madeira Wine consigned to Messr Crookshanks & Co. of Maryld for my use—Having received no letter from the Gentlemen whose names are last mentioned respecting the arrival of the Wine I have written to them on the Subject, & as soon...
120393From George Washington to John Searle, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I was honored with your favor of the 3d Ulto inclosing a Bill of Lading for two Pipes of Wine consigned to Messr Chas. Crookshanks & Co. of Maryland for, & on my acct. It is to be presumed the Vessell is safe arrived at her destined Port as the original Letter and Invoice are come to hand; but having heard nothing from these Gentlemen on the subject I am totally in the Dark...
120394From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago for some Books, &ca—Since then, I have seen the following Books advertised for Sale by Miles & Hicks at their Printing Office, which I beg the favor of you to procure, and send to me. Charles the 12th of Sweeden Lewis the 15th. 2 Vols History of the Life & Reign of the Czar Peter, the Great Robertsons Histy of America 2 Vols Voltaires Letters. If they are in...
120395From 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...
120396To John Jay from William Livingston, 21 May 1783 (Jay Papers)
I embrace the opportunity of Doctor Wearing’s going to France (a young Gentleman belonging to South Carolina & Strongly recommended to me by President Boudinot) to send you a line, which I hope you will never receive, provided the non reception of it is owing to your having left Paris for America, when it arrives in France. The Treaty is universally applauded; & the American Commissioners who...
120397Tuesday May 20. (Adams Papers)
Saw Philadelphia Papers to the 12 of April. The Corvette dispatched from Cadiz by the Comte D’Estaing, carried the first News of the Preliminaries of the 20 of January. Mr. Livingston wrote it to Carlton and Digby, but they thought it, however respectable, not authentic for them. Soon after the February Packet arrived, at New York, from whence English News Papers were sent out and the...
120398Majus. 1783. 20me. (Adams Papers)
Diné à Rotterdam chés Mr. Van Berkel ancien bourguemaitre de la ville, et presentement ministre Plenipotentiaire de L. L. H. H. P. P. auprés du Congrés. JQA means L.H.P., Les Hautes Puissances, or Their High Mightinesses, the name given to the Dutch States General as a body ( Guthrie, Geographical Grammar William Guthrie, A New Geographical, Historical, and Commercial Grammar; And Present...
120399John Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
No News yet from America! We Yesterday, exchanged Full Powers with Mr. Hartley, and have agreed to meet at my House, every Evening at Six o Clock, untill We Shall have finished. This looks as if We were under Weigh, and I hope We shall reach Port. But cannot guess, how Soon. My Residence in Holland has given me many faithfull Remembrancers, and among the Rest the Scurvy. I walk every day,...
120400Continental Congress Motion on Prohibition of Naval Forces on Great Lakes, 20 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That the said Ministers also endeavour to stipulate that neither party shall keep any naval force on the lakes on the Northern & Western Frontier. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion was one of several on this date suggesting provisions to be included in the final peace treaty. The motion was referred to John Francis Mercer, Thomas FitzSimons, and Theodorick...