131601To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 12 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send to your Excellency a copy of a Letter that I received from the Count de Grasse and that has been brought by the 50. gun Ship, who escorted the convoy. The two thirds of the convoy only are arrived with the ship, the rest dispersed near the coast by a gale of wind. Your Excellency is conscious of the importance of the Secret on this Letter, and of the necessity we are...
131602From George Washington to Alexander Scammell, 12 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of the 8: Inst by Colonel Reade. Before I can give any opinion upon the propriety of his claim to the Rank of full Colonel, I must be informed by what means his present Commission came to be dated on the 5th of March 1778, as Colo. Hale, to whom he succeeded, did not die till long after—I never heard that Colo. Hale had been displaced at any time previous to his death,...
131603To George Washington from Ebenezer Stevens, 12 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of recommending Mr Saml Whiting first Lieut. in the 2d Regimt of Artillery, for his Discharge from the 14th of last March, on account of his having received a Captaincy from the State of Connecticut. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt. Huml. servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
131604Motion on Enlistment of Militia, [12 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 189). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion Delegates of Virginia June 12. 1781 Referred to the board of war.” That it be earnestly recommended to the State of Pennsylvania immediately to raise accoutre and equip a Corps of Cavalry consisting of 192 Troopers with their proper officers including those called for in the Resolution of and to the State of Maryland to raise...
131605Richard Henry Lee to Virginia Delegates, 12 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed by Joseph Jones, “June 12. 1781 R H. Lee.” The postscript, except for its signature, is not in Lee’s hand. I am not informed who of our Delegates remain at Congress and therefore this letter is addressed to you whom I have good reason to suppose are yet there. The unhappy crisis of our countrys fate demands the closest attention of all...
131606To Thomas Jefferson from John Beckley, enclosing a Resolution of the House of Delegates, 12 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed by the House of Delegates to convey to you information respecting a Resolution of their House, of this Date, for an Enquirey into the Conduct of the Executive for the last twelve Months; I therefore, Sir, do myself the honour to inclose a Copy of that Resolution: And remain with great regard, Sir, Your obedient humble Servant, In the House of Delegates, the 12th. of June 1781....
131607Richard Henry Lee to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 12 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am not informed who of our Delegates remain at Congress and therefore this letter is addressed to you whom I have good reason to suppose are yet there. The unhappy crisis of our countrys fate demands the closest attention of all her sons, and calls for the united wisdom and the strongest exertions of all others who may be affected by our ruin. I suppose you have been informed of the junction...
131608Monday June the 11th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning I got up at about 8 o’clock breakfasted, and went to see Mr. Deneufville; we staid there about a half an hour and then went and took a walk; we went to the Western market and walked about 1/4 of an hour and then went to Mr. Guild’s lodgings, but did not find him at home; we then return’d to Pappa’s house. In coming we saw young Mr. Chabanel and spoke to him. At two o’clock we...
131609From John Adams to the President of Congress, 11 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 June 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 197–205. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:487–491. John Adams included English translations of a petition to the city of Antwerp by its merchants and inhabitants and of an essay by Antoine...
131610To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 11 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion. As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted when I was making up my Accounts, one of the oldest Foreign Ministers here, as to the Custom in such Cases. He informed me, that it was not perfectly uniform with the Ministers of all...
131611From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and two press copies: Library of Congress; two copies, press copy and transcript: National Archives; copy: Columbia University Library Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion. As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted...
131612From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS , transcript, and press copy: National Archives; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress; copy: New York Public Library I have lately done myself the honour of writing largely to your Excellency by divers Conveyances, to which I beg leave to refer. This is chiefly to cover the Copy of a Letter I have just received from the Minister, relative to the Disposition of the late Loans; by which...
131613From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received your favour of the 7th. inclosing your Account, and advising me of your Drafts upon me for the same, which I shall duly honour. I have already furnish’d Mr. Robert Beverly Chew, with as much Money as I could afford, considering the Numbers that apply to me. You may if that will be acceptable furnish him with another Gunea. But not a farthing more to...
131614From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 8th. Inst. relating to the Pension of M. Toussard. I am persuaded that his not receiving the Same regularly, does not proceed from any Change in the Disposition of Congress towards that brave Officer, nor from any Neglect or...
131615To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Pothonnier, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’aviés fait l’honneur de me promettre, il y à huit Jours, que vous feriés examiner le Compte des debours faits a la fregatte L’alliance, et que Sous deux Jours, vous m’honoreriés d’un mot, pour m’aviser du bien être; Je Suis Inquiet de cela, d’autant que Chaque Courier, Mrs Gourlade et Moylan me Sollicite pour en Scavoir des nouvelles, de mon Coté, Je...
131616[Diary entry: 11 June 1781] (Washington Papers)
11th. Received Letters from the Marqs. de la Fayette, containing information of Lord Cornwallis’s movements from Westover, and that, at the date of his letter—the 3d. Instt.—he had advanced to the North Anna—but his design was not sufficiently understood —supposed Fredericksburg. The Marqs. was retreating before him with abt. 3000 Men Militia included—the Enemys force exclusive of Leslies...
131617To George Washington from Robert Howe, 11 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major having requested the Loan of my Barge to bring some of his Acquaintance to see West Point, I take the Opportunity to inclose your Excellency the Report of a Board of Officers appointed to inspect Provisions, & in Case any was damag’d by Negligence to fire if possible the Neglect—upon the proper Reasons—By their Proceedings as far as they have gone We find the Provisions reported unfit...
131618From George Washington to Robert Howe, 11 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with yours of the same date together with the Report of the Board of Officers, appointed to inspect Provisions. If there are any Blunderbusses & Swivels, I have no objection that Capt. Pray should be furnished with them, tho I think, that vigilance and attention, will be his surest protection against the Enemy. I have to request that you will be pleased to attend at...
131619To George Washington from Richard Price, 11 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Dr Price presents his best respects to General Washington, and hopes he does not take an improper liberty by acquainting him that he has known Mr Baynham, the bearer of this, for Several years; and that he has reason to believe that he is a person of unexceptionable character, friendly to the independence of the united States of America, and an able Anatomist and Surgeon. PHi : Dreer Collection.
131620To George Washington from John Sullivan, 11 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
My being on a Committee appointed to Confer with the Minister of France upon European affairs and to Draw up Instructions for our Minister appointed to negotiate a peace has Deprived me untill now of the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your Excellencys Letter of the 29th Ulto; or rather the Duplicate--altho I am not pleased at the originals falling into the Enemys hands I think that...
131621To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Morris, 11 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
No doubt you have seen in the Publick Papers, the plan of Establishing a National Bank, the necessity of which every body sees that allow themselves the least time for reflection on the present State of Public Credit. All the Publick Bodies in America, have more or less lost the Confidence of the World as to Money Matters, by trying Projects and applying Expedients to stop a Course of...
131622Sunday June the 10th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning I got up at about 7 1/2 o’clock breakfasted and at about 9 o’clock Pappa, brother Charles and myself went to the English presbyterian Church and heard a Sermon; the text was in Thessaloniens 1st: 5 Ch: 17th vs. “pray Without ceasing.” We got home at about eleven o clock. As we came out of the Church we found Mr. Jennings in the Coach, he said he had been deterred by his barber. We...
131623From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 10 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft), press copy, and copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me on the 8th. Inst. in answer to mine of the 4th—. The State of Mr Lawrens’s Transaction in Holland, as I understood it, is this.— Capt. Gillon represented to him, that he had bought Clothing &ca for the Troops of South...
131624General Orders, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Whilst the Troops continue in their present position the Adjutant General will attend the exercising of the Connecticut Line on Mondays and Thursdays. of the Troops on West Point on Tuesdays and Fridays and at the Hampshire huts on Saturdays. The Commanding officer or Inspector of the Connecticut Line will please to fix on a spot of ground for Exercise and send a person to the landing between...
131625From George Washington to James Clinton, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of repeated intelligence from the Northward, that the Enemy were assembled in force to make an incursion on our frontier, I odered Col. Hazen’s Regt and the six Companies of Col. Van Schaick’s to Albany: since which I am informed that the number of the Enemy was inconsiderable, and that those Troops, are supposed, to have been drawn together near the frontier, for the purpose of...
131626To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
the disapointement Clel Tupper Met with is So Singular that I wish to Give Your Excellency a full account of this Affair. When the detachement was at the Head of Elk Clel Vose expressed a desire to Return to the Northward founded Upon the particular Circumstances He was Under Which Nothing But fear of Giving Exemple to His Officers and Men prevented Him officialy to Signify— from what He often...
131627From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wish to know whether General Du Portail has made any Arrangements with you respecting Planks for Plattforms, and in that case, what Measures have been taken in consequence. General Du Portail will be able to inform what number of feet will be wanted, and General Knox at what Mills, and by what mode they may be favoured. I enclose a Copy of the Estimate of Articles, which will be required...
131628To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s letter of this date, and will pay due attention to the contents. I had no notice for the demand for planks till Gl Knox mentioned it today: He will inform your Excellency how I proposed to obtain a part of them. I shall send an express to Colo. Hughes at Albany to morrow morning on that account; and one for Boston to morrow afternoon on the score of...
131629To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 10 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à V. E. la copie de la lettre que je reçois de M. le Cte de Grasse apportée par le Vaisseau de 50. qui a escorté notre convoi, il est arrivé aux deux tiers, le reste dispersé prés de la côte par un coup de vent. V. E. sent toute la consequence du Secret absolu qu’il faut garder sur cette lettre, et la necessité en même temps de faire tous nos preparatifs en...
131630To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 10 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yohogania Court House, 10 June 1781 . Capt. Bentley of Illinois has presented a number of bills which Clark has countersigned; Bentley has presented other bills drawn by Col. Montgomery which cannot be properly credited without further investigation. Mr. Charles Gratiot has also sent bills to the executive, some of which are known to be just, as that “Gentleman as well as Capt. Bently have...
131631Saturday June the 9th 1781. (Adams Papers)
Got up in the morning at about 6 o’clock, and set myself to work; breakfasted at half past seven on tea. At about 1 o’clock Pappa came from the Hague; and ask’d me if I wou’d go to Amsterdam with him; I told him I would, with all my heart. He then told me, that I must put up some clothes and get ready before dinner, and come to dine with him at the Sign of the Golden Lion, all which I did....
131632From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 9 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d your Letter of the 31st past, relating to the Term of Bills to be drawn on me from Amsterdam. I enter’d into the Engagement with Mr Laurens for the Payment of those Bills, on the Promise that they were to be made payable at Six Months sight. Mr Neuville senr. who was here with Mr Laurens about that time, made no Objection to the Term that I...
131633To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 9 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On the first instant, we had a faint breeze that just served to bring us to sea, where we have been languishing in calms—and buffeting against contrary winds, which at one time were so violent as to oblige us to lay to—till yesterday morning when a favorable change took place— and enabled us to enter the ocean at a convenient distance from Cape Ortegal— As...
131634[Diary entry: 9 June 1781] (Washington Papers)
9th. A Captn. Randolph—sent by General Clarke from Pittsburg, arrived here with letters & representations of his disappointments of Men, and the prospect of failure in his intended Expedition against Detroit unless he could be aided by the 9th. Virginia Regiment & Heths Company at Pittsburg—but the weakness of the Garrison & other considerations would not admit this—nor did it appear to me...
131635To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai reçû la Lettre que votre Excellénce m’a fait L’honneur de m’ecrire en datte du quatre de ce mois. J’ai dans l’instant fait assembler un Conseil de Guerre, ainsi que votre Excellénce a temoigné le desirer: J’ai L’honneur de Vous en envoyer Le resultat. Je Pourrois ajoutter aux motifs qui ont decidé les membres du Conseil 1o que la rade de Boston ne Laisse pas d’avoir des inconvennients...
131636From George Washington to Jacob Bayley, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 14th, 24th and 27th of May by Mr Vincent to whom I have delivered the pay of the St Francois Indians agreeable to the Rolls which were sent by him. It was not in my power to consider him as a Lieutenant. Indeed the number of Officers which had been already appointed were more than sufficient for so few Men. If you will make me a return by the first oppertunity of...
131637From George Washington to Jacob Bayley, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Lewis Vincent the Bearer of this tells me he hath had the Expectation of being paid as a Lieut. of the Corps of Indians—for whom he has received Pay—the Number of that Copps is so small that I could not by aney Means allow pay for any more Officers than are inserted in the Pay Roll—he importunes me for A present of the Horse which he rides here—as I am unacquainted with his particular...
131638From George Washington to Board of War, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a list of promotions due upon the resignation of Colo. procter and an account of Vacancies in the 2nd and 3d Regiments of Artillery. These promotions are agreeable to the mode of preferment established previous to the Resolve of the 25th of May. You will oblige me by having the Commissions immediately made out and all but Lt Colo. Carringtons forwarded here. I have the honor to be...
131639To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to see that the resolve of our board of war did not appear to your eyes under a favourable light; but I cannot forbear complaining to your excellency with all the feelings of attachment and duty, that you could entertain the least suspicion upon the meaning of a step to which I gave my vote. the Mention made of unanimity could have recalled to your memory, that there was in...
131640From George Washington to William Crawford, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Mr Randolph delivered me your letter of the 23d Ulto—& some time ago I was favoured with another from you. give me leave to thank you most sincerely for yr kind attention to my Interest, & to assure you that I shall ever hold in grateful recollection your friendly endeavors to serve me. My whole time is, and has been since I came into the Service, so much engrossed by the public duties of my...
131641To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am so streightened in point of time and my family are so unwell that I have beged Congress to transmit your Excellency copies of my letters to them. As soon as I can get a liesure moment, I will give you a more full and particular account of matters in this quarter. In the mean time I beg your Excellency to believe me to be With the greatest respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant DLC :...
131642From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1st Instant. Upon examining the state of Ammunition, with reference to the proposed operations, it is found impossible to furnish more than fifteen Thousand Musket Cartridges for the Use of the State of New Jersey; especially at a time, when, we are obliged to sollicit a loan of Powder from the Eastern States, and when, the supply of lead in...
131643To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Count de Barras has the honor to send to your Excellency the result of a 2d council of war that he has held, at your request. The Council has persisted in his resolution of the 31st ulto and sends you the reasons of it shewn in a manner which I make no doubt, will be agreeable to your Excellency. of my corps of Troops, one half imbarks to morrow for Providence and I expect that the other...
131644From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
It gave me great Pleasure to learn by yours of the 26th ulto. that You had marched from York Town, tho’ I was somewhat disappointed as to your numbers, as I had been made to expect they would be considerably larger. Sudden and exemplary Punishments were certainly necessary upon the new Appearance of that daring and mutinous Spirit which convulsed the Line last Winter, and nothing will make me...
131645From George Washington to John Wheelock, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 25th of May, and have paid due attention to the business recommended therein. Pleased with the Specimen you have given in Mr Vincent of the improvement and cultivation, which are derived from an Education in Your Siminary of Literature; I cannot but hope the Institution, will become still more florishing and extensively Useful. With due respect I am Sir Your...
131646[To Thomas Jefferson from Josiah Parker, before 9 June 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Place unknown, before 9 June 1781 . Extract of a letter from Josiah Parker to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, “Carters Meades Mills,” 9 June 1781 (Vi): “A few days since I wrote Mr. Jefferson respecting my peculiar situation being in the field with a few men from Isle of Wight and Nancemond and from a request of the Marquiss de la Fayette to embody as many of the Militia as I could...
131647From Thomas Jefferson to Col. William Fleming, 9 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The alarm which took place on the day succeeding my exit from office prevented my depositing with you the public papers in my hands. I now transmit them by express. The labels on them were true formerly; but in preparing for flight I shoved in papers where I could. You will be pleased to recollect that the militia of several counties now with the Marquis are to leave him at the close of this...
131648Henry Young to William Davies, 9 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Iron Chest that was put in your Waggon contains a number of Papers of consequence, you will be pleas’d to take it with you to this place. We have reason to apprehend that the Enemy are within twelve miles of Charlottesville. I apprehended two days ago a Desserter on suspicion of his being a spie. Circumstances are strong against him but no positive proof. He says that the Enemy will be...
131649From John Adams to Laurent Berénger, 8 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter which you did me, the Honour, to write me, on the fifth of this month, informing me, that you have received a Letter from the Compte de Vergennes, by which his Excellency directs you to tell me, that the Interests of the United States require my Presence at Paris, and that he should desire that I would go there, as soon as my Affairs in Holland, will permit me. I...
131650From Benjamin Franklin to Clifford & Teysset, 8 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 31st. past, and I immediately apply’d to M. de Chaumont, representing to him the ill Consequences that must attend the Return of those Bills to America protested. He took the Matter into Consideration, and it is but this Instant that I have received his Answer, which I inclose. As I think with you...