120401From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 20 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Henry E. Huntington Library The Bearer, M. de Bannes is exceedingly well recommended to me by Persons of the first Distinction in this Country. He goes over to America with a View of seeing the Country, & of being serviceable to the Government here, who may here after probably confer on him one of the Counsulships. He appears to be a sensible Young Man, and will I doubt not, make himself...
120402To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Chabrit, 20 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés que J’offre à un homme qui doit donner des Loix au nouveau monde, le premier volume de l’histoire de celles d’un des grands peuples de l’ancien: Je serois au comble de mes vœux, si le législateur de l’Amérique m’avoit Jugé digne de ses conseils. Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur le Docteur, Votre très humble et très obéïssant serviteur...
120403To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Julie Rutledge d’Herbigny, 20 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Give me leave to assure Your Excelence of my Gratitu’d Mr le Comte de Vergennes has been So good as to obtain me from his majesty a pension Sur le fond des Eccossois tho’ the Some his very Smale I have the Same Obligasion to your Excelence, and beg youl Continue me the honnor of your protection, perhaps I am the only in france who has the honnor to be...
120404To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes: Proposal, [20 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; copy and press copy of copy: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères L’Intention de sa Majesté le Roi T. C. [Très Chrétien] et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale en concluant entr’eux un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, aiant été de faire jouir leurs Sujets respectifs de tous les...
120405To Benjamin Franklin from Ernst Frederik von Walterstorff, 20 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Walterstorff presents his respectfull compliments to Dr. Franklin, requesting the honour of his Company to dinner on monday next the 26th. instant at 3 o’Clock.— Addressed: The right honourable / Dr. Franklin / at / Passy. The Danish courtier who was instructed by Danish Foreign Minister Rosencrone to approach BF about the possibility of negotiating a...
120406General Orders, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Maryland Detachment gives the Guards and the Jersey regiment the fatigues tomorrow. For day tomorrow B. Genl Patterson B. Qr Mr 1st Massa. Brigade DLC : Papers of George Washington.
120407To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find that my promotion is likely to prove injurious to lnt Col. ternant—and it is with a view & wish to see every justice done to that officer that I now adress your Excellency—I think it useless to state here the case as his letter on that subject will I trust prove satisfactory—we both expected that my retaining the immediate Command of the legion, which I would never have...
120408To George Washington from George Clinton, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Chief Justice Morris who will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency is now on his way to Westchester County. His principal Business thither is to establish the civil Authority of the State in that part of the County which has lately been relinquished by the British and to concert with the civil and military Officers and other principal Inhabitants of the County the most...
120409To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take this oppertunity to congratulate your Excellency on the Establishment of peace after a long tedious & Glorious Struggle, conducted under your Excellencys auspiceous Command, against the whole power of Britain, with that Wisdom & fortitude which finally convinced them of the necessity of puting a final period to the War. This Conviction has laid the Basis of a peace as honerable to the...
120410To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honoured with your Excellency’s private Letter of the 15th inst. and having this Day dined with Mr Lispenard I tooke an oppertunity of asking some questions relative to Doctor Le Moyer Mayeur , and turned the Conversation upon his Abilities in his profession—I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that he is considered particularly eminent—He came to this Country,...
120411To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de Ternant, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of inclosing to your Excellency a copy of my letter to the honorable the secretary at war, which, I hope, will Sufficiently explain the subject it was written upon. It is my most anxious wish, the application may meet with your Excellency’s approbation, and prove deserving of your kind offices and patronage with Congress. Genl Armand has obliginly undertaken to mention the...
120412Motion of Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [20 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 69, II, 433–34). In JM’s hand and docketed by him, “Motion of Mr. Madison May 20. 1783.” That the sd. Ministers be instructed also to endeavor to insert in the Difinitive Treaty of peace between U. S. & G. B, reasonable provision for the interests of such of the Inhabitants of Canada as may have suffered by confiscations or sequestrations of their effects, in Consequence of...
120413Notes on Debates, 20 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 . On the proposal to discharge the troops who had been enlisted for the war (amounting to ten thousand men) from the want of means to support of them. Mr....
120414Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [20 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed extract ( Cal. of Va. State Papers William P. Palmer et al ., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93). , III, 485). The style of the paragraph quoted in this abstract suggests that the letter was written by JM, except for the signatures of Bland and Mercer. They had recd. his letter of the 9th and had made the correction therein...
120415From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Following the return of this letter to JM, he docketed it “Madison Jas.” above the date. Many years after the letter was written, he or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the beginning of the second paragraph and another bracket at the close of the third paragraph to designate them for inclusion...
120416From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [20] May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “Js. Madison, Jr. May 1783.” Many years later, after the letter was returned to JM, he wrote below the date line, “Randolph, Edm.” In another hand “[20?]” was inserted between “May” and “1783.” Apparently the same person wrote “96 Vol. I” at the top of the right margin of the first page of the letter. The reference...
120417From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, [20 May 1783] (Madison Papers)
… Notwithstanding the numerous arrivals from Europe, we receive no other information than what passes through the public prints. Sir G. Carlton in answer to a letter from General Washington on the subject of the provisional Treaty repeats the same sentiments regarding the Negroes, which he advanced in the Conference at Orange Town; entering a Caution however against their being considered as a...
120418To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to your request I am to answer by this post your favor of the 7. inst. received yesterday. My brevity will therefore be excused. For the tenor of the conditions on which Congress were formerly willing to accept the Cession of Virga. I beg leave to refer to their resolutions of the 6 of Sepr. and 10 of Oct. 1780. I take it for granted you have their Journals. The expunging of the...
120419Monday May. 19. (Adams Papers)
The American Ministers met Mr. Hartley at my House, and he shewed Us his Commission and We shewed him ours. His Commission is very magnificent, the Great Seal in a Silver Box with the Kings Arms engraven on it, with two large gold Tassells &c. as usual. In the margin: The Commissions of the Comtes de Vergennes and D’Aranda, on the 20. of January, were plainer than ours, and upon Paper. The...
120420John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am glad to learn, by your Favour of the 12th, that you have begun to translate Suetonius. This is a very proper book to teach you to love your Country and her Laws. Do you translate it into French or English? You Should always have a Book of Amusement, to read, along with your Severe Studies and laborious Exercises. I should not advise you to take these Books always from the shelf of Plays...
120421David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorial and Proposed Article, [19 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (four), William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (four); press copy of copy: National Archives; (II) Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (four), Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (four); press copy of copy: National Archives Formal...
120422To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Laurens presents his respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin & thanks the Doctor for his goodness in sending the American News Papers, Mr. L. will convey them to Mr. Adams to morrow. Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Passy.
120423To Benjamin Franklin from Viscount Mountmorres, [19 May? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Lord Mountmorres has the honour to inform Dr Franklin that he leaves Paris on Thursday morning & that if he has any commands for England he shall be happy to execute them. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / Franklin A Passy.— This undated note is the only trace in BF ’s papers of Hervey Redmond Morres, 2nd Viscount Mountmorres (174½–1797), a...
120424To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 19 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter will be deliver’d to you by Mr Slaney, a young Gentleman of fortune who has been for some time on his travels and is ambitious of the honour of being introduced to you. I am not personally acquainted with him; but the account given me of him by a friend of his and mine assures me, that he is a Gentleman of the best principles and character. Any...
120425General Orders, 19 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Genl Heath Brig. Qr Mr Hampshire B. The 7th Massachusetts regiment gives the Guards and the 5th the Fatigues tomorrow. At the Genl Courtmartial of which Col. J. Vose is president—Mr Bartholomew Fisher Forage Master was tried, charged with misconduct in office in defrauding the officers of the army in general and Brigr Genl Putnam in particular of part of their...
120426To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Colonel Sprout of this day containing information of the extraordinary conduct of a Mr Honniwell. If upon an enquiry the facts should appear as stated to Colonel Sprouts, The justice and dignity of America are deeply concerned that such an atrocious violation of the Laws of nations, should be punished with exemplary vigor. I have the honor to be with great respect...
120427To George Washington from John Rutledge, 19 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr George Readhead & Mr John Johnston are impowered, by the Governor of South Carolina, to proceed to New York, & demand & receive all the publick & private Property which has been carried off, from Carolina, by his Britannic Majesty’s forces. The Governor has refer’d these Gentlemen to Us, for Advice & Assistance—We have given it as our Opinion; that they should wait on your Excellency, shew...
120428Notes on Debates, 19 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 . Spent in debating the Report recommending provision for Tories according to the Provisional Artics. of peace. The session of 19 May is not noted in the...
120429John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
You may well Suppose that I am not very easy when you are informed that We have no News from America, and that the definitive Treaty is neither Signed, or likely to be Signed very Soon. Mr. Hartley it is true is here and is well disposed to finish, with Liberality and with dispatch: but he must wait for orders at every Step, and his principals are either not firm in their Places or not decided...
120430To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Berruyer and Other Favor Seekers, 18 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As usual, Franklin receives many unsolicited appeals from people, mostly unknown to him, who want to impose on his reputed benevolence. We summarize here those letters which produced no known response. The first category includes people who seek help with financial matters or beg money outright. Others write for information or advice, ask him to forward...
120431To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Franck and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 18 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the general armistice in effect and peace virtually assured, merchants continue to come forward with offers of goods or requests for advice on how to establish commercial ventures. M. de Franck of Strasbourg, having heard that the new nation will be commissioning cannons in France, hastens to tell Franklin on May 18 that he will supply the best terms....
120432General Orders, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigr Genl Putnam B.Q.M. York Brigade The 8th Massachusetts regiment gives the Guards & the 6th the fatigues tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
120433To George Washington from Charles Crookshanks, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
We have the honor to inform your Excellency, that our Schooner Free-Mason, lately arriv’d from Madeira, brought in for your Excellency two pipes Wine, shipped by Messrs Searle & Co. of that Island to your address, having no instructions from these Gentlemen where to land the Wines, we have from an opinion that this place wou’d be the most convenient for your Excellency, to forward them from,...
120434From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor by Capt. Segond—and have informed that Gentleman that I have the same Ideas of the Impropriety of the Appointment he solicits as you express in your Letter—I have however written a Line to the Secretary at War in his Behalf, mentiong his Circumstances, & leaving it entirely with Genl Lincoln, whether to apply to Congress in favor of his Promotion or not, as he shall...
120435From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with two Letters from you—One under the 16th of March, the other of the 3d of April. And Yesterday I had the pleasure to receive that of the 20th of April, by your Express Boat to Philadelphia. The Subjects of the two first are superceeded by the Arrival of Peace. an Event, on which I return you my Congratulations with the utmost sincerity & Cordiality, an Event, to the...
120436To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
As there is no knowing When this Letter May Reach You, I Shall Content Myself With the Introduction of mr de Venkersky a Polander Whom I often Have Met in Several Societies—He is a Sensible Man, of Good family, and, I think, Some What deranged in His Money Concerns—This is all I know of Him, But Upon His Earnest Application, Could not deny Him the Happiness to Be presented to General...
120437From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
From the inclosed Transcript of a Letter from M. Genl Greene to me, and the Extract of my Reply to him, you will learn, the Wishes of Genl Greene respecting the Removal of the Troops from the Southward. And you will also observe my Opinion thereon, provided no Reasons of Congress shall militate against it. Will you be pleased to obtain the Pleasure of Congress on this Subject—and in...
120438From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you a Memorial which Capt. Segond has presented to me, at the same time soliciting my recommendation to Congress to promote him one Grade by Brevet, from his present Rank—considering the length of his Service and in the full belief that he has been a brave and zealous Officer I should not hesitate to comply with his request and the more, as it involves no...
120439To George Washington from James Randolph Reid, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is matter of very great concernment and anxiety to have been the innocent occasion of so much trouble to your Excellency. The artful and very powerfull combination long since formed against me, made it necessary for me to object to an enquiry where I must bring a number of Citizen’s three or four hundred miles to support allegations or criminate myself. I do not wish to do either as I am...
120440From Benjamin Walker to James Randolph Reid, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief has received your Letter of Yesterday and orders me to inform you that he has directed the Board to proceed agreable to former orders notifying all concerned to attend. Whether You will leave Camp under these circumstances is left to your own decision. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
120441From Thomas Jefferson to Simon Nathan, 18 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival at home I turned my attention to the transaction between us for wine, which was the subject of your letter of Jan. 16 . I was to pay for the two quarter casks by our original agreement 3000 ℔. of tobacco or it’s price. The current price of tobo. in Philadelphia at the date of your draft on me was 60£ continental or 200 Doll. the hundred. So that the 3000 ℔. of tobo. was then...
120442Notes on Debates, 16–17 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 . In the journal edited by Gaillard Hunt the entries for 16 May and the editorial augmentation thereof make clear that the session was almost wholly...
120443To Benjamin Franklin from Reuben Harvey, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply,17 Ma[y] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to ask thy advice on the following Matter [ faded: and request(?)] an answer as soon as possible. A Merchant(?) here named Stubbeman who has continued warmly attach’d to America is now loading a Ship call’d the Ann Benjn. Edmonton Master for Philadelphia which will be ready to sail in 20 days; There are about 100 poor Tradesmen &...
120444General Orders, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow B. Genl Dayton B.Q. M. from Jersey Brig. The 3d Massachusetts regt gives the Guards and the 7th the fatigues tomorrow. At the General Courtmartial of which Col. J. Vose is president—Corporal St Laurence of the 2d Newyork regt was tried for wilful disobedience of orders on the evening of the 30th of April last, and for insulting Ensign Dodge by saying damn your orders Sir....
120445To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Murnan has made an application to me for a promotion. his demand appears to me well founded. that officer has now served five years as a major. your Excellency knows he was in virginia, it is true that he was not employed in the Siege, but Gnl Choisy who he served with gave him very honorable Certificates which attest his bravery and good Conduct. now the Conclusion of the war and the...
120446To George Washington from Harry Gordon, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having been your Excellencys Fellow Soldier in some Campaignes of a difficult and dangerous operation, and as peace has Again Sanctified our Communication, and lessend your Cares; I presume to Ask your Interference and Friendship, on the Subject of my honestly earnd Small Property in America; which it Seems Was with others proscribed by Congress. Mrs Gordon took Philadelphia in her Way from...
120447To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honr to Inclose your Excellency a letter which I have received some Days since from Lieut: Stuart of my Regiment; and a copy of my orders to him which unfortunately led him into the Difficulties he now mentions and complains of; I wish it were in my Power to releive him; But as it is not it becomes a Duty in me to lay the matter before your Excellency—with great respect I have the...
120448From George Washington to Jedediah Huntington, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having perused, with attention, your Letter of yesterday, and the Papers enclosed in it respecting the Court of enquiry, appointed in the Orders of the 3rd of April 1783; upon mature consideration, I am of opinion, that the Court ought to proceed without delay, to the investigation directed therein, notifying Major Reid, and taking all such measures, as may seem proper to them for ascertaining...
120449To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter relative to a speedy settlement with the Army, enclosing queries by the Pay Master General. I sent immediately a Copy of the queries to the Comttee of pay Table, with directions to answer the same as soon as possible. At the opening of the present session of the General Assembly, the Same was laid before them—Measures are taken to procure every necessary document...
120450To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 17 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Letter unsigned but in Ambler’s hand. Cover addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “May 17. 1783.” Mr. Newton has at length sent the first Bills which I now transmit you, two of £500. each. I was alarmed at the first view of them, being drawn at a very long period after sight, but I observe they were accepted as long ago as...