121051To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have written to General Haldimand, acquainting him that the preliminaries of a general peace have been Signed and ratified, and have given my dispatches into the care of Captn Richard P: Tonge and Mr Wm Robertson of the naval department in Canada, with directions to proceed over land to Canada without any delay; but to this end it may be necessary they shou’d be furnished with passports from...
121052To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a plan; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military Department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such institutions...
121053From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys request respecting the Prisoners which you expect from N. York by Way of Dobbs Ferry, has been communicated to the Intendant of our naval prisoners, who is at that post—and I trust Measures will be taken to give such relief & Assistance as may be needed. The Letter for Capt Macarty, was forwarded by a Gentleman going directly to Portsmouth. I have the Honor to be &c. DLC :...
121054To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am now to reply to your Letter of the 29th of March, & again to offer you my congratulations on the farther evidence of a general peace having been concluded & ratified—I enter into yr Excellencys feelings on this interesting event the prospect of being soon relieved from the cares , the distresses, the Labours, the difficulties which for the last seven years have embittered your...
121055From George Washington to Robert Morris, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you a Copy of the propositions made by Messrs Duer & Parker for advancing 3 Months pay to the Army previous to the dissolution of it—and I do it with the more satisfaction because I cannot but hope from their Letter as well as the conversations I have held with those Gentlemen that the Measure will now become practicable, and because I know that the most...
121056To George Washington from New Jersey Soldiers, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
May it please your Excellency to hear our Petition Whereas we the Non-commissioned Officers & Privates of the New Jersey line are given to Understand that there is great Allowance and provision Made by the United States, for the Gentlemen Officers of the Army, After the Disbanding of the Troops; Should it please Your Excellency We here humbly present this Petition Sincerely Requesting that it...
121057From David Humphreys to John Pray, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is pleased to direct that you send up a Cockswain & 8 of your best Oarsmen to Man his Barge—They may bring a light Boat with them to be kept at Head Quarters for Orderly purposes. I am Sir Your Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121058From George Washington to John Rutledge, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter for Sir Guy Carleton came in season to take a very good Opportunity for its Conveyance, and is by this Time in N.York. I have the Honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121059Notes on Debates, 9 April 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 (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . A memorial was recd. from Genl. Hazen in behalf of the Canadians who had engaged in the cause of the U.S. praying that a tract of vacant land on L. Erie...
121060From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th. of April, the last to day. The one to Col Bland as member of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
121061To Benjamin Franklin from François Bowens, 8 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have in Course received the honour of your Excellencies favour of the 24th. Ulto. in Consequence of which I transmitted the necessary directions to London, on the 2d Currt. to prevent your Newspapers from being sent me in future which I have no doubt will be paid proper attention to. I am very sensible to the acknowledgements, Your Excellency, makes me on...
121062To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 8 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I have not heard from you this long while, I wish to know whether you have recieved my letters, one accompanying a new cast of my profil framed, an other by which I begg leave to dedicate to you my book, now under the press, at Paris, as I hope. I have not yet recieved the least intelligence from mr Wharton, nor any from mr. Coffyn; so that I remain in...
121063General Orders, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Porter B. Q. M. 1st Massa. Brigade The Jersey regiment gives the Fatigues. The Jersey battalion the Guards tomorw. The sixth Massachusetts regt to hold itself in readiness to relieve the Hampshire regiment on the Lines. Captain Simeon Lord (late of the 2d Masachusetts regt) is appointed Assistant Adjutant General and to be respected accordingly—his appointment to...
121064To George Washington from Isaac Burge, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A warm but humble wellwisher to the rights of humanity, and consequently of thy Country, begs thee would oblige him so far as to accept of this small token of his esteem for thee, on account of thy very laudable and unblemishd conduct in the cause wherein thou hast been engaged. Thy friend DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121065From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
With infinite satisfaction I communicate to your Excellency the inclosed Extracts from Sir Guy Carletons official Letter which has this Moment come to my Hand, by a British Officer—announcing a Certainty of the glorious Event of a general Peace. On this happy Occasion your Excellency will be pleased to accept my warmest & most sincere Congratulations. With the greatest Esteem & Regard I have...
121066To George Washington from George Clinton, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to accept my warmest Thanks for the very agreable Communications made by your Excellency’s Letter of this Date which I have this Moment received. I sincerely congratulate your Excellency on this most interesting Event. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121067To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th of April, the last to day—The one to Col. Bland as members of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition—That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
121068To George Washington from George Muse, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am in want of Cash To answer Publick Claims—You are Indebted To me £40.0.0 for mine and servants Expences To fort Pitt In consequence of the Lands agreed on pr Bond and attending on the divition with Doct. Craig and Capt. Bronaugh—I shall be oblige to you To Point out when I can receive the Cash—at which time & Place I will present a state of the acct If required—Please write me by first...
121069Notes on Debates, 8 April 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 (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Foreign debt To the Farmers General of France Livrs. 1,000,000 To Beaumarchais 3,000,000 To King of France to end of 1782 28,000,000
121070Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, ca. 8 April 1783—Missing Letter (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 8 April 1783 . In his letter to the delegates on 19 April , Governor Harrison mentioned that “by the last Post” he had received their “favor” dealing with the claims of Simon Nathan and Oliver Pollock against the state of Virginia. See Harrison to Delegates, 19 April , and nn. 1–7, and especially the closing paragraph of n. 5. Harrison almost certainly referred the now...
121071From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “E. Randolph Esqr.” Carried to Richmond by “a private hand” ( Delegates to Harrison, 10 Apr. ; JM to Randolph, 15 Apr. 1783 ). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison jr. April 8th. 1783.” Your favor of the 29th. ult: was duly recd. yesterday. Your apprehensions from the article in favor of British Creditors, correspond...
121072Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Tis a long a very long time since I had an opportunity of conveying a single line to you. I have upon many accounts been impatient to do it. I now most sincerely rejoice in the great and important event which sheaths the Hostile Sword and, gives a pleasing presage that our spears may become prunning hooks; that the Lust of Man is restrained, or the powers and revenues of kingdoms become...
121073John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
It is now compleatly five Years, Since I first arrived in Europe, and in all that time I was never more impatient to hear from you and from America in General, than I am now and have been for some months. Not a Word, Since the Beginning of January, except a Line from your Unckle, and Scarcely any Thing Since the 26 of Oct. when I arrived in Paris. I have no intimation of the Arrival of my...
121074Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
121075To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine Turner, 7 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Long since designd my self the Pleasure of writing to you, but Certain Circumstances prevented it you will no dout be suprize to have a Line from one you dont know but I hope you will have the Goodness to Exscuse the Liberty I have taken when I tell you that I once had the hapygness to Caul you my dear Uncel Franklin and I hope you will still promit me to...
121076To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 7 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your several late favors by Mr Jonathan Williams & Mr. Penn, with many thanks.— I cut out such parts of your newspapers as I judged proper to have published here, & was about to send them to some printer, but young Mr H. Laurens coming at the moment, I put them into his hands, as his father was well enough acquainted with the...
121077Crèvecœur to William Temple Franklin, [7 April? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreable To your Grand Father’s Promises, I beg you’d Send me by the bearer some Copies of the Interesting Map you Gave me the other Day which has been given to & has Singularly pleased the Mis. de Castries. I Remain very Respectfully, sir, Your Very Humble Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Junior / Passy The first Monday after April 2, when...
121078General Orders, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Lt Col. Cummings B.Q.M. Hampshire Brigade The Maryland Detachment gives the Fatigue. The Jersey regiment the Guards tomorrow. At the General Courtmartial of which Colonel Micheal Jackson is president—Micheal Smith, Jonas Newell, John Blake and Nathan Curtis soldiers of the 1st Massa. regt charged with breaking open the house of Mr James Munnell on the evening of the 17th...
121079From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 31st of March—enclosing an Extract of a Letter from General Haldimand, accompanied with an Extract of a Speech of the Indians of the Six Nations. The speech I conceive to be rather uncandid—having good reason to believe that the severities the Indians have experienced have been drawn upon themselves by their own barbarous Conduct. But as...
121080From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Negro Boy, whom it is said Captain Ballard attempted to sell, waits upon you with this—he reports that the Person who pretended to purchase him consents to give up the Bill of Sale, upon his obtaining a Certificate that Captn Ballard had no right to dispose of him as a Slave—Justice & Humanity require the Matter should be enquired into, that, in case it shall appear the lad is free, or was...
121081To George Washington from Robert Morris, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose the general Accounts of my Administration to the Close of the last Year. These may Satisfy Curiosity but they must give Pain to every good American and ought to Cover with Confusion those men who are the Authors of our Negligent Supineness. I am Sir very sincerely Your most Obedient & humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121082From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency the General to inform you he has received & taken into consideration the Proceedings of the Court Martial referred to him by you—whereupon it is his pleasure that you should order the sentence against William Ryan of the Invalid Regt to be carried into execution—I have the honor to be with great respect Sir. P.S. I return the Proceedings of the Ct Martial. DLC...
121083From George Washington to Matthias Ogden, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of an Application from Major Barber in your behalf, & a Communication from him of the Benefits & advantage you have in prospect from a Tour to france—considering also that the present Stage of the War, may probably admit of your Absence from your military Duty, without Detriment; I have tho’t proper to signify to you my Approbation of your intended Voyage, and to consent to your...
121084From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 7 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
After the Preliminaries had been settled and ratified, the Spanish Embassador informed me that his Court was ready to recieve me not only in Form, but “tres honnêtemont”. He then expected full Instructions relative to the proposed Treaty. The Marq s . de la Fayette in his Journey thro’ Madrid manifested great Zeal to serve us there. A Copy of a Letter from him to the Minister will be sent you...
121085Notes on Debates, 7 April 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 (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The sense of Congs. having been taken on the truth of the numbers reported by the Grand Committee, the no. allotted to S.C. was reduced to 150,000. on...
121086From Benjamin Franklin to François-Marie-des-Neiges-Emmanuel (Emanuel) de Rohan-Poulduc (Polduc), 6 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur d’adresser à votre Altesse Eminentissime la Medaille que Je viens de faire frapper: C’est, Monseigneur, un Hommage de Reconnoissance du à l’Intérêt que vous avez pris à notre Cause, et nous ne le devons pas moins à vos Vertus et à la Sagesse du Gouvernement de votre Altesse Eminentissime. Permettez, Monseigneur, que Je demande votre...
121087To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 6 March [i.e., April] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will have the goodness to excuse my not communicating in person the following extract of a letter from my Brother Ben, which I should do with a great deal of pleasure, was it not entirely out of my power from the Business I have at present; &, as the latter part should be communicated early. “Tell Dr Franklin, with my most affectionate respects,...
121088General Orders, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Ashley B. Qr Mr York brigade For duty the 5th Massachusetts regiment. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121089To George Washington from Jacob Bayley, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Ezra Gates a Soldier in late Colo. Hazens Regt was wounded the fifteenth of June last by a Shot from the Enemy at which time they attacted my House, and as a Friend and Sufferer I now recommend him to your Excelency, when Colo. Hazen marched from hence in 1779 he was left Sick of a feavor of which he Did not recover for near a year, after which he Did Duty in Majr Whitcombs Care,...
121090To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Packet from England arrived in this Port last night, by which I have dispatches from Mr Townshend, one of His Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, communicating official intelligence, that preliminary articles of peace with France, and Spain were signed at Paris on the 20th January last, and that the ratifications have been since exchanged at the same place. The King Sir, has been...
121091To George Washington from John Jay, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is most certain that the Letters alluded to in your Excellency’s of the 18th Octr last (which with sundry post marks was sent to my Brother) have all miscarried. The Sea, or the Enemy, or the unceasing and 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...
121092To George Washington from Aaron Ogden, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I attended at Head-quarters yesterday immeadiately after my arrival in camp, and now by desire of your Excellency, shall endeavour to relate those circumstances, which induced me to go to the city of New York; upon this occasion I feel myself extremely unhappy, lest, I may have incurred a displeasure, which I had flattered myself I had hitherto avoided, during the course of a long war: but I...
121093From George Washington to Daniel Parker, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to thank you for your obliging offer of Services in New York—Upon second thoughts, I decline purchasing any thing at that place. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt NNPM .
121094From George Washington to John Pierce, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The speedy settlement of the Accounts of the Army being a matter of the utmost consequence, I cannot help repeating to you my earnest desire and expectation, that the greatest diligence will be used in accomplishing it—And I will venture to give it as my opinion, that so many hands as can be made use of, after you have fully digested & settled the principles, ought to be employed in the...
121095From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is not improbable, that as the Arrival of the Packet at N. York with the news of Peace, Sir Guy Carleton will send out an Officer with dispatches for me, containing that agreable intelligence—in such case, the Officer may be permitted to come to this place and you will send an Officer with him or accompany him yourself as you may think proper. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121096From Benjamin Walker to Thomas Turner, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have it is command from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to transmit you the inclosed Copy of a Letter from the Minister of France and to direct your compliance with its contents by affording every possible asistance in forwarding the Prisoners to Philadelphia. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
121097From John Jay to Frederick Jay, 6 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
Why my dear Brother will you not write to me? Why thus deprive me of the Consolation of hearing of those for whom I have the most ^ so much of my ^ Regard and Affection? It is hard, & it is unaccountable— Not a single Line from you this whole Winter—my Friends at Philadelphia do not mention their having rec d . one Letter from you to be forwarded to me. I am sure you have no Reason to think I...
121098From 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...
121099From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 5 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r Grigby, the Bearer of this Letter, is recommended to me, by Gentlemen, who have been friendly and Usefull to America in the Peace, in Such a manner that I beg Leave to introduce him to your Acquaintance. His Views I Suppose are commercial, but a Letter to You may do him more Honour, than to many more Merchants, and perhaps more service even in his own Way. I have been waiting month after...
121100To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes,5 March [i.e., April] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communiqué, Monsieur, à Mr. le Garde des Sceaux la demande que vous avez faite pour publier par la voye de l’impression la traduction du livre des constitutions des Etats-unis de l’amque. Sepale. Mr. le Garde des Sceaux vient, Monsieur, de me répondre qu’il avoit autorisé le Sr. Pierres Imprimeur à...