132501From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Gloucester, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You are desired immediately to embody so many of your Militia as you can arm, if Colo. Innes shall require so many for the Purpose of defending the Battery at Gloucestertown, and to march them there immediately under proper officers. I am &c., FC ( Vi ).
132502Depositions Concerning the Flag Ship Alert, [2 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The Depositions of sundry Gentlemen respecting Edward Woneycott Master of the Flag of Truce Brig, Alert, lying at a Place called Cock and Dales , in what manner he conducted himself during the Time since the Brig was chartered to go to Charles Town as a Flag to carry Tobacco for the Use of the American Officers there. Capt. John Harris, being first sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty...
132503From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As it may be necessary to reestablish the Batteries at Gloucester and York Town, and for this Purpose to transport thither Cannon from other Places, which probably cannot be effected but by impressing Waggons, Teams and Drivers, Boats or other vessels and their navigators, you are therefore hereby empowered to make impresses of the said Articles for the purposes aforesaid, having them...
132504From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received information that divers Citizens of this Commonwealth in the Counties of James City and York, have lately committed Acts, some of which amount to high Treason, and others to Misprision of Treason; and that some, tho’ they have been able so to disguise and conceal their Transactions as that legal evidence cannot be obtained by which they might be subjected to prosecution for...
132505To Thomas Jefferson from Silas Deane, 2 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Greive who goes to America with the Resolution of establishing himself in the United States, whose Interests, he has, (to my knowlege,) at all times zealously espous’d, and of which he has a few Days since, qualified himself a Citizen; He has an Affair of some Importance in your State, in the adjustment of which, I flatter myself, you may be of service to him,...
132506To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé André Morellet, [before 2 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Madame Blondel francoise epouse du sr. Blondel residant à la nouvelle angletterre à Philadelphie negociant reclame en vertu de sa dot et d’un acte passé devant notaire 800 l.t. de rente annuelle comme l’interet de sa dot. Elle n’a jamais rien recù de cette dette depuis six années que son mari a passé en amerique. Elle a entre les mains tous les documens et...
132507From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon, 1 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
By the Tenth Article of the Treaty of Alliance between France and America, the most Christian King and the United States agree, to invite or admit, other Powers, who may receive Injuries from England, to make common Cause with them, and to acceed to that Alliance, under Such Conditions, as shall be freely agreed to and Settled between all the Parties. It will be readily acknowledged that this...
132508From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis Turgot, 1 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress I did intend when in London to have published a Pamphlet, describing the new Stove you mention, and for that purpose had a Plate engrav’d of which I send you an Impression. But I have since been too much engag’d in Affairs to execute that Intention. Its Principle is that of a Syphon revers’d, operating on Air in a manner...
132509To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 1 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The Gentleman who will have the honour of presenting to you this Letter, is Mr: Warren, Son of the Honble General Warren of Massachusetts a Member of the Continental Navy Board for the Eastern Department, &c. Mr: Warren has had the Misfortune to be taken on his passage for France, and to carried into England; and was...
132510To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Des Watines [de Flobecq] and Other Favor Seekers, 1 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On May 1, 1781, in the letter published below, a distressed nobleman writing from his château in Flanders is convinced that his runaway son will apply to Franklin with some kind of scheme, the details of which are given in an enclosed letter (now missing) addressed to the son. When the young man arrives, would Franklin hand over the letter and prevail upon...
132511[Diary entry: 1 May 1781] (Washington Papers)
I begin, at this Epoch, a concise Journal of Military transactions &ca. I lament not having attempted it from the commencement of the War, in aid of my memory and wish the multiplicity of matter which continually surround me and the embarrassed State of our affairs which is momently calling the attention to perplexities of one kind or another, may not defeat altogether or so interrupt my...
132512[Diary entry: 1 May 1781] (Washington Papers)
May 1st. Induced by pressing necessity—the inefficacy, & bad tendency of pushing Military Impresses too far and the impracticability of keeping the Army supplied without it , or money , to pay the transportation I drew for 9000 dollars of the Sum sent on by the State of Massachusetts for payment of their Troops; and placed it in the hands of the QM General with the most positive orders to...
132513To George Washington from Thomas Arnold, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
At the battle of Monmouth, on the 28th of June 1778, I was so unfortunate as to loose a leg—I was returned, and drew pay in the regiment until the 1st of November 1779—I have since had a transference to the corps of Invalid in Boston by Colonel Greene, and joined it the 1st of June last—Soon afterwards, I returned to Rhode Island and at the particular request of Colonel Greene took a command...
132514From George Washington to Board of War, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of the 21st ulto reached me on the 28th—Should there be no Naval Officer of Capt. Willings Rank who has a prior right of exchange, I shall be very glad to see his effected, as he has been peculiarly severely treated by the enemy, but if Lt Colo. Rogers is a continental prisoner of War I cannot consistently permit him to be exchanged for Capt. Willing solely, without making a...
132515From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been authorised, since my letter of the 16th of April, to revoke the demand, then made, of the return of Lieut. General Burgoyne to America. If letters of recall have not been already transmitted to him, you will be pleased to suspend them: If they have, you will be so obliging as to take the earliest opportunity to countermand them. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obt and...
132516From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Communications, which you did me the favor to make, in Your Letter of the 20th Ultimo. The knowledge of the present state of the Enemy in New York & its dependencies with regard to the total strength, and the particular disposition of the Corps, is of so great and interesting importance, that I must request you will have the goodness to turn your earliest & strictest...
132517To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
My public letters to Congress will inform your Excellency of our situation in this quarter. We fight get beat and fight again. We have so much to do and so little to do it with, that I am much afraid these States must fall never to rise again; and what is more I am perswaded they will lay a train to sap the foundation of all the rest. I am greatly obliged to your Excellency for ordering the...
132518To George Washington from William Heath, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed news-paper came to hand the last evening. Major Flagg, who commands on the lines informs me that Mr Pines one of our guides, had been below, where he learnt that it was currently reported the 17th dragoons are to embark, and, it is said, Sir Henry Clinton with them—that Arnold is expected in New York—and is to command on the lines. Our situation at this post grows more alarming on...
132519From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto. I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo. Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a...
132520To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed, a Letter from Mathias Halsted with several other Papers, representing the Misconduct of John Adam Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, which they have thought proper to refer to the Commander in Chief, that due Enquiry may be made respecting the Transactions of this Office, and the Facts complained of & stated in those Papers. I have also enclosed the Copy of...
132521To George Washington from Jonathan Johnson, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
After my best wishes for the good of the service—I have to acquaint your Excellency that Capt. St John of the 2d Connecticut Regt—formerly of the 5th Regt is desirous of a discharge from the service—as he will present his own Resignation for that purpose, I shall offer nothing on the subject further than my duty to him requires—Captn St John has served in the Regt with me this five years past...
132522To George Washington from Joshua Loring, Jr., 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum for His Excellency the Commander in Chief As We are indebted to the Rebels 300 Privates, and from the best Information I have been able to procure, we have still 1000 Men if not more Prisoners with them, I beg leave to submit it to the Consideration of His Excellency The Commander in Chief, whether it would not be adviseable, to order all the Rebel Privates Prisoners at Charles Town...
132523To George Washington from Richard Peters, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
There has been for some time past an Uneasiness among the Officers of Cavalry entitled to the Rank of Major if that Corps is on the same Footing with the Infantry with respect to Promotion & Number of Officers in the Construction of the 2d Section of the Resolve of the 3d of October 1780. The Point is whether the Words " with the same Number of commissioned Officers as at present " refers to...
132524To George Washington from John St. John, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been ever sensible of the importance of the present struggles between America & Great Britain, and from a full conviction of the Justice of our Cause, I early engaged in the services of my Country with a design never to quit it until a peace was settled upon honorable Terms, but by reason of some unforeseen Events, the Situation of my Family is such as loudly calls upon me to retire to...
132525From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to forward the inclosed to Sir Henry Clinton by the speediest conveyance—As it is to revoke the recall of General Burgoyne you may proceed fully upon the instructions of the 12th of April and endeavour to accomplish the exchange of that Officer upon the terms specified therein. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
132526From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. Had it been possible for you to have carried your plan of marching suddenly into North Carolina into execution it would most probably have occasioned the ruin of Lord Cornwallis—But this is one of the thousand instances which daily shew the evils resulting from feeding and paying troops which can only be used for local purposes. The arms which Capt. la...
132527To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I would inform Your Excellency that I have employed Judge Wynkoop of Esopus and Mr Merrell of New Windsor to procure Six or Seven hundred Barrels of Shad for the Army, who are not to give more than three Pecks of Salt for two hundred and twenty pounds of cleaned Fish. I inclose my weekly Return, and have the Honor to be with due Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant, DLC : Papers of...
132528From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. it is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not...
132529Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by JM and signed by JM, Theodorick Bland, and Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Letter from Delegates 1 May 1781, Not answerd.” We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr: which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it...
132530From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
132531From Thomas Jefferson to the Auditors, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm. Brackenridge came express from Botetourt on necessary public business and was detained in Richmond three days. Th : Jefferson 380 miles @ 2℔ Tobo is 780 Tobo. @ £75 £585 Ferriages 1: 4 Expences 3 days in Richmond 181:16 768 RC (Contingent Fund Vouchers, Vi ); endorsed: “16 June 1781. Wm. Brackenridge £768 Contingent.” TJ’s orders to the auditors are written on the verso of a...
132532To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This day the Marquis de la Fayette has given me orders to purchase Sixty good horses for Continental Service, to mount Major Nelsons Corps, and the Field Officers of the Continental detachment from the Northward. I have employed Gentlemen for this purpose, and given them very pointed instructions. In consequence they assure me that the business shall be done without delay; and, that the horses...
132533To Thomas Jefferson from John Dixon, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 12th. Ulto. requesting Cavalry to be raized to join Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben, and was anxious to have comply’d therewith, but the Executive appearing to discourage my plan of raising and equiping a Troop of Horse, it has effectually prevented the Gentlemen from being equip’d in any manner to answer the purpose for which they were call’d. A few indeed have acted...
132534To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Lawson, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me great concern to find that the Militia from many Counties go forth to join General Greenes Army with the greatest reluctance. Indeed there are many Counties very deficient in sending the quota call’d for—some of them send none at all. Mr. Bush waits on your Excellency with Mr. Henrys Letter , from Henry County, representing the difficulty of sending the number of Men call’d for...
132535To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets and have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. It is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not received the antecedant one referred to in it. The Executive have...
132536From Thomas Jefferson to the Members of Assembly for Fluvanna and Certain Other Counties, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We deferred changing the place of calling the Assembly, in hopes that every Day would give us a prospect of getting rid of the enemy in the neighbourhood of Richmond. The Arrival of the Marquis Fayette with a detachment of Continental Troops, and the junction of our whole force together with his, has put these cowardly plunderers under way down the River, and renders this Place perfectly...
132537To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We enclose herewith a letter from Oliver Pollock Esqr. which will inform your Excellency of a very large claim which may soon be expected on the Treasury of Virginia. Mr. Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross arrived here yesterday. We fear it will not be possible for him to get some of the most essential articles even if an exchange of his funds can be negociated, and that the difficulty of such an...
132538To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Chaulnes and Other Commission Seekers, [after 26 November 1780] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Between November 16, 1780, and April 30, 1781, nine people write to apply for a military commission, ask for an attestation of prior service, recommend someone else, or request some combination thereof. The duc de Chaulnes, whose letter follows this headnote, makes his recommendation with much hesitation and ironic reflection. The comte de Tende,...
132539To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was confined in my bed and very sick when I received the favor of your letter. that letter came on purpose, and proved as an encouragement to get the better of my desease. I did not judge proper to depart with a life so much honoured and endeared to me by your friendship. the respect and attachment that I profess for your excellency are such that they may indeed claim a distinction but, dear...
132540From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 30 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Arriving this moment, I received your Favour of 26; and am happy to find that you continue in the Same Sentiments. I am Still of the Same mind too, and I Shall call on you, tomorrow, when we will arrange all Things. I wish you would loose no time, in getting a certain Paper, well translated into Dutch. Tr ( PCC , No. 101, II, f. 181). JA ’s memorial of 19 April , above, was translated into...
132541To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 30 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 27th. Instant, which afforded me the greatest pleasure, as it assured me of your Excellencys Health, which I was fearful was affected, and shewed at the same time that you were in Spirits. The natural and political Climate of the Country, where your Excellency now is, being foggy a Man must have a stout Heart and strong Body...
132542From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [30 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I was among the first who were convinced, that an administration by single men was essential to the proper management of the affairs of this country. I am persuaded now it is the only resource we have to extricate ourselves from the distresses, which threaten the subversion of our cause. It is palpable that the people have lost all confidence in our public councils, and it is a fact of which I...
132543George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 30, 1781 . Regrets the publication of an intercepted letter. Df (photostat), in the handwriting of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress, from the original in the Château de Rochambeau, France. Although H was no longer on Washington’s staff and was living at De Peyster’s Point at this time, he did return to New Windsor to assist Washington on this day.
132544To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 30 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress On my return home from Mr. Jay’s, I find that a Courier for France is expected to pass thro’ Madrid this Night, I profit of the Occasion to inform your Excellency that Mr. Jay has this Day drawn a Bill on Mr. Grand in favour of the Marquis D’Yranda for 487,320 livres Tournois to pay the Bills of Congress which will become due the ensuing Month— There is some...
132545To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 30 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn upon Mr. Grand, in favour of the Marqs. D’Yranda for 487,320 liv. Tournois at ninety Days after Date, in order to enable me to pay Bills drawn upon me by Congress which will become due next month. I have by this Days post advised Mr. Grand of this Draft, & have desired him to carry it to your Account. The enclosed is a Copy of the Marquis Acct....
132546General Orders, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
John Powel a Soldier in the New Hampshire line tried the 27th instant by the Brigade General Court Martial whereof Major Scott was president charged with "repeated Desertion" was found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death more than two thirds of the Court agreeing. The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
132547To George Washington from James Clinton, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 17th inst. yesterday. I have communicated its Contents to Mr Rensselear, and expect in a few Days to have a satisfactory Account from him. It gives me peculiar Pain to be obliged to fill my Letters with Accounts which I am persuaded must be very disagreeable to you; but a Reguard to my Reputation and a Sense of the Duty I owe to my Country...
132548From Edward Hand to John Cochran, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency apprehensive that many of the men returned Sick Absent and in the service of the Hospitals are not now in being or cannot be particularly accounted for, has desired me to request you would furnish him as soon as possible with accurate returns from all the Hospitals under your direction on this side Susquehannah River. specifying the men’s names the Corps they belong to and time...
132549To George Washington from Richard Harrison, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of writing your Excellency on the 12th ulto & 3d Inst. advising of my purchase of a quantity of Soldiers Cloathing for Accot of the United States & inclosing Invoice for the same—The whole are now shipped and this is only intended to convey you a note of the Vessells in which they went, that your Excellency may know where to apply in case of delay, or want of proper...
132550From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive Your Letter of the 20th Inst. and am glad to find by it, that You are in a fair way of recovering Your health again, and that the measures You had taken previous to Your illness have been attended with some degree of success. As soon as the circumstances will possibly admit, I wish the Detachment of Continental Troops at Danbury may be sent back to the Army:...