14551From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 11 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you according to promise a letter for mr Skipwith whom you will find a good humoured and rigorously honest man. I also trouble you with one for La Fayette which is extremely important to him as it contains interesting information on the subject of his Louisiana grant of lands which will apprise him of their immense value, and prevent any inconsiderate disposal of them. the school...
14552From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 21 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Robert Gamble, son of Colo. Gamble a merchant of Richmond proposing to go to France & England on his commercial pursuits, the father asked from me a letter of introduction to you. I was the more surprised at this, as his federalism had distinguished itself by personal hostility to me, as also to mr Madison & Colo. Monroe. yet having made the request, I felt myself bound in delicacy to give...
14553From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since my last of which Lt. Lewis was the bearer, I have received your several letters of 27 Decr 22. Jany 15th. & 17 February with their respective inclosures. That of the 15th. Jany from Mr. Champagny to you has, as you will see by the papers herewith sent, produced all the sensations here, which the spirit and stile of it were calculated to excite in minds alive to the interests and honor of...
14554From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 7 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Representations have been made to this Department by Mr Mountflorence and his friends, relative to a dispute between him and Mr Barnet; and also as to his imprisonment. Will you be so good as to transmit to me such information on these subjects as you may think entitled to the attention of this Government and in the mean time to interpose in favor of Mr. Mountflorence any good offices which...
14555From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 22 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
The two last letters received from you were of Decr. 24. and Jany 16. The decree of Novr. 21st. communicated in the first had previously reached us, and had excited apprehensions which were repressed only by the inarticulate import of its articles, and the presumption, that it would be executed in a sense not inconsistent with the respect due the Treaty between France and the United States....
14556From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter just received at this office from Messrs. Mathew Cobb & Asa Clerp, Merchants of Portland, and to request that you will take such steps in the case as may be best adapted to it. I have the honor to be &c DNA : RG 59—IM—Instructions to Ministers.
14557From Alexander Hamilton to John Armstrong, Junior, 1 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President has left here a Blank Commission for Supervisor of New York, with his signature, & with instruction to fill it up either in your name or that of Nicholas Fish, giving you the first option. I am therefore to request, that you will inform me as speedily as possible, whether the appointment is acceptable to you. The present gross emoluments of it may amount to about 1300 Dollars of...
14558From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to your care some letters to friends who, whether they are in Paris, or not, I do not know. if they are not, I will pray you to procure them a safe delivery. You will recieve through the department of state, information of the critical situation in which we are with England. an outrage, not to be borne, has obliged us to fly to arms and has produced such a state...
14559From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 9 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
The St. Michael not having yet returned nor any late information received thro’ any other channel as to our relations with France, I can add nothing of importance to what was communicated on that subject by Mr. Baker. A private letter from Mr. Pinkney dated about ten days before the reported arrival of the St. Michael in England, expresses hopes founded on an interview with Mr. Canning, that...
14560From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson takes the liberty of putting two letters under the protection of General Armstrong’s cover. should mr Warden not be at Paris, the General is requested to take out the letter to mr Lasteyrie & have it delivered. otherwise to stick a wafer in the one to mr. Warden & have it delivered to him if at Paris. the letter to Count Diodati, he is particularly anxious should get to hand...
14561From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letters and communications by Dr. Bullus were duly delivered on the day of . The same conveyance brought a copy of the sentence pronounced by the French prize Court in the case of the Horizon, giving a judicial effect to the Decree of Novr. 21. 1806, as expounded in the answer of Mr Champagny to your letter of the . Whilst the French Government did not avow or enforce a meaning of the...
14562From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the event of a war, or even of a general stop to the commerce with Great Britain, the renewal of the intercourse with St. Domingo, will become an object of great importance to the United States. In a letter of the 31 Jany 1804 to Mr Livingston, your predecessor, observations on the subject of this intercourse were addressed to the inte rest of France, as requiring her acquiescence in it....
14563From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 30 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Stewart, widow of the late Genl. Stewart, proposing to go to France, in prosecution of a claim she has against that government, has asked of me a letter introductory to you, expressing my wish ‘that you should recognise her as an American lady, who has a claim to enforce, depending on it’s own merits, & recommending it, as far as it has merits, to your patronage.’ indispensable...
14564From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 18 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received since my last of July 15 your letters of May 12th. June 4. 7. 26. July 12. 24. August 3d. continued 15 and one of the 23d. Your communications with Mr Champagny give some hope that our affairs with Spain may have been at length put into an effective course of adjustment; tho’ it is seen with regret that nothing has yet passed absolutely inconsistent with further delays, if...
14565From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 21 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive a copy of the papers relating to one of the vessels which were destroyed at sea by the French Frigates returning from the West Indies. I observe that in your letter to Mr. Champagny of the 2d. of April, you have incidentally noticed this occurrence. If ample reparation should not have been made to the sufferers, the President thinks it proper that as their cases...
14566From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 20 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Faisons savoir, que dans le but de maintenir l’harmonie et la bonne amitié entre les E.U. d’Amerique et Sa M.C. en éloignant tout sujet de mécontentements, et plein de confiance dans l’intégrité, prudence et talens de Armstrong Min. pl. des E.U. à Paris, & James Bowdoin Min. plen. des E.U. à Madrid, je les ai nommés, et d’après l’avis et consentement du Senat, les nomme et mets ensemble ou...
14567From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A safe conveyance offering by a special messenger to Paris I avail myself of it to bring up my arrears to my foreign correspondents. I give them the protection of your cover, but to save the trouble of your attention to their distribution, I give them an inner cover to mr Warden, whose attentions heretofore have encouraged me to ask this favor of him. but should he not be with you I must pray...
14568From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, Jr., 14 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Skipwith will inform you what a terrible tempest has been excited against you by an opinion said to have been given by you in the case of the New Jersey & a letter of yours on that subject published in the papers. the body of merchants & Insurers of New York have presented an Address, the object of which tho’ not expressed, cannot be mistaken, & it is expected their example will be...
14569From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 22 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your dispatches by Lt. Lewis were delivered on the 8th. inst. It is regretted that the interval between his arrival and the date of your letter to Mr. Champagny, during which I presume some verbal intercommunication must have taken place, had produced no indication of a favorable change in the views of the French Government with respect to its decrees; and still more that instead of an early...
14570From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a Proclamation of the President will inform you of a late extraordinary hostility and insult committed by a British Ship of War on a frigate of the U. S. near the Capes of Virginia, and of the measure taken by the President in consequence of the outrage. The subsequent proceedings of the British Squadron in our waters have borne a like stamp of hostility; and altho’ it may...
14571From John Adams to John Armstrong, Jr., 14 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
I understand that the Reverend Mr Henry Colman, the worthy Minister of a very respectable congregation in the town of Hingham in my neighbourhood has it in contemplation to write to the government in favour of his brother who wishes to be a candidate for a commission in the Army. As the brother is unknown to me, I can say nothing of my own knowledge concerning his character or qualifications....
14572From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Information has been received thro’ a channel justly claiming attention, that the people of West Florida meditate an effort to liberate themselves from the Spanish Government; and that with this view it is intended in case the pulse of this Government does not promise a taking them by the hand, to address themselves to the British Government. No doubt is entertained of the ease with which the...
14573From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to send General Potter with about 600 of your militia across the Schulkill, with directions to keep himself in such a situation as will be most convenient for interrupting the enemy’s intercourse, between Philadelphia and Chester &c.—He is to take every method to keep himself well acquainted with what is doing, and to embrace every opportunity of cutting off the convoys and...
14574From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd information that the Enemy began to land this Morning about Six Miles below Head of Elk opposite to Cæcil Court House. The informant says he saw two thousand Men, but he may be mistaken as to the Number. I desire you to send off every Man of the Militia under your command that is properly armed as quick as possible, if they were to begin their march this Night while it is cool...
14575From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night wrote to the Officer commandg at the Bridge ordering him to have it moved immediately which I understand has been by some means neglected—I have therefore to request that you will have it executed directly as the Enemy (being now advanced near Chester) will probably Detach a party of light Troops to take possession of it, particularly when they come to understand that we have...
14576From John Adams to Maxwell Armstrong, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received with great Pleasure your Address of the 16th of July, from your Committee. The Attachment, you express, to our Government, calculated to ensure Liberty and Happiness to its Citizens, is commendable. Your declaration, in plain and undisguised Language, that the measures which have been taken to promote a good Understanding, Peace and Harmony between this Country and France, are...
14577From John Adams to Maxwell Armstrong, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the Honour to inclose to you my answer to your excellent address signed by you on the 23d of july and voted by the People on the 16th—My journey to this place is the cause of the delay of the answer. I wish you all health and real not French Brotherly Love. With great regard I have the Honour to be Gentlemen your / obliged and obedient servt. Maxwell Armstrong George Towers and...
14578Call for a Meeting, [4 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Card. The officers of the late army and navy of the United States are requested to meet at Gautier’s, on Tuesday evening, 7 o’clock, to consult on the subject of measures for the immediate security of our port and city. [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , June 4, 1798. For background to this document, see the introductory note to H to James McHenry, June 1, 1798 . The report...
14579From George Washington to Army Auditors, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased upon receipt of this to remove with the papers of your Office to Germantown about eight or ten miles from Pluckimin. You are at all times to hold yourselves in readiness for a further removal to a place of safety—should the enemy make any attempt to penetrate that part of the country. Given at Head Quarters Middlebrook 3 June 1779. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
14580From Thomas Jefferson to the Abbé d’Arnal, 9 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of informing you when at Nismes that we had adopted in America a method of hanging the upper stone of a grist mill which had been found so much more convenient than the antient as to have brought it into general use. Whether we derive the invention from Europe, or have made it ourselves, I am unable to say. The difference consists only in the Spindle and horns. On the former...
14581From George Washington to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 14 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence to the Interest & Liberties of America: Upon your Conduct & Courage & that of the Officers and ⟨Soldiers⟩ detached on this Expedition, not only the Success of the present Enterprize & your own Honour, but the Safety and Welfare of the whole Continent may depend. I ⟨charge⟩ you therefore and the Officers & Soldiers ⟨under⟩ your Command...
14582From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 3 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your two agreeable favors of the 19 and 22 Ulto came to hand, which I now have to acknowledge. I am very happy to learn that your wounds are less painful and in so fair a way of doing well—the only drawback in the pleasure [I] receive is that the condition of your wounds is ⟨s⟩till such as not to admit of your active services this campaign. You will rest assured that I wish to see you in a...
14583From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 27 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
On the 17 Inst. I received the melancholy account of the unfortunate attack on the City of Quebec, attended with the fall of General Montgomery, and Other Brave Officers & men, & your being wounded—This unhappy affair affects me in a very sensible manner, & I sincerely condole with you upon the occasion[.] But in the midst of distress, I am happy to find that suitable Honor[s] were paid to the...
14584From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 6 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your fav⟨or of the 30th Ulto⟩ and thank you much for your ⟨kind and⟩ affectionate congratulations. As yo⟨u will⟩ have seen before this, the account of ⟨ the ⟩ Action transmitted to Congress, I shall ⟨only⟩ add, since that was given, most of ⟨ the ⟩ Enemy have been found dead in ⟨ the ⟩ woods near the field of action and on ⟨their⟩ route according to report; and that de⟨sertions⟩ yet...
14585From George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 10th of last month, with the enclosed papers. I must recall your attention to what I have before said on the subject of your intended attack. You must be sensible that the most serious ill consequences may and would, probably, result from it in case of failure; and prudence dictates that it should be cautiously examined in all its lights,...
14586George Washington to Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, 3 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1777. Discusses Arnold’s proposed attack against Rhode Island. Notes that Arnold’s name was not on list of newly promoted major generals. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Arnold was at this time in Providence, Rhode Island. On May 2, 1777, Arnold was promoted to the rank of major general. On August 8, 1777, he was given a...
14587From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are to proceed to West Point: and take the command of the Post, and its dependencies—in which are included all from Fish-kill to Kings Ferry, The Corps of Infantry and Cavalry advanced towards the Enemy’s lines on the East side of the River will also be under your orders, and will take directions from you, and you will endeavour to obtain every intelligence of the Enemy’s motions. The...
14588From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 8 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to find that a late resolve of Congress of the 2nd instant, has restored you to the continental army. The importance of the Post at Peeks Kill and its appendages has become so great that it is now necessary, to have a Major General appointed to the command of it, you will therefore immediately repair to that Post and take charge of it, till a general arrangement of the army can be...
14589From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed to Philadelphia and take the command of the troops there. The principal objects of your command you will send specified in the inclosed resolve of Congress of the 4th instant; which you will carefully execute. You will take every prudent step in your power, to preserve tranquillity and order in the city, and give security to individuals of every class and...
14590George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Doctor Shannon’s, near Valley Forge ] June 19, 1778 . Instructs Arnold to proceed to Philadelphia and to take command of troops there. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14591From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 14 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 11th and 12th: I have no objection to your sending the two pieces of Cannon to Colo. Gouvion. Under the circumstances you mentio⟨n⟩ you may detain the Men of Colo. Putnams Reg⟨t⟩ who are serving as Bargemen to you, and if you can withdraw the Batteaumen sent down to Kings ferry, with convenience, it will be a measure intirely agreeable to me. I hope Colo....
14592From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a Commission, by which you will find, that you are restored to the rank you claim in the line of the Army. This I transmit by direction of Congress and in pursuance of their Resolution of the 29th of November. The situation of my papers & the want of Blank Commissions prevented me doing it before. May I venture to ask whether you are upon your Legs again—and if you...
14593From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 5th instant and read it with no small concern. I feel my situation truly delicate and embarrassing—on one side your anxiety, very natural in such circumstances—and the convenience of the army strongly urge me to bring the affair to a speedy conclusion—on the other, the pointed representations of the state on the subject of witnesses, and the impropriety of...
14594From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 27 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be deliver’d to you by Majr Cabell who goes to Philadelphia in order to Collect & bring forward all the soldiers belonging to this Army who may have gone back to, or remain’d in the City, or its Neighbourhood—You will please give him every Necessary assistance in the Execution of this duty I expect you will find Colo. Heartly’s Regiment with Colo. Proctors sufficient for Garrison...
14595From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd your favr of the 16th with a Return of your provision Magazine inclosed. I approve of your refraining from the use of the Salt provision to the last extremity. The Commissary generally directs a proportion of Cattle to be left on the other side the River for the troops at West point, and he, has lately had orders to that effect —Should Colo. Livingston find that none of the...
14596From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 16th Instant. You mention a want of intelligence respecting my situation, and, that of the Enemy—As to mine the main Body of our Army are incamp’d at Middle Brook, and a considerable force under Genl Sullivan lies at Sourland Hills—Our position is strong, and with a little labour will be render’d much more so—The passes in the Mountains are most of them...
14597From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 11 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd your favor of the 8th: The Commy General of Issues must be supposed to have the best knowledge of the Affairs of his department, and therefore any directions given by him to draw from one post to supply Troops at another ought to be complied with. In the present instance our dependence is upon part of the stock of Rum at West point, and you will for that reason permit the...
14598From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major Wemp who has the conduct & care of some Warriors from the Seneca Nation—who are also accompanied by a few of our Oneida & Tuscarora Friends. The inclosed Extract of a Letter from our Indian Commissioners at Albany, will inform you of the Senecas’s business in this Quarter. I cannot give them the smallest account of Astiarix of whom they are in pursuit, nor...
14599From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will receive a letter from the Commy General of Issues by this conveyance upon the subject of supplies—He informs you of what you may expect in lieu of what he has been obliged to draw dow⟨n⟩ from West point —I am sorry that you have been obliged to consume the salt provision in the Garrison, but necessity has no law. The Militia Officers must be served with Rum agreeable to the late...
14600From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your favor of the 6th of this month, and that of the 20th containing a duplicate of the former. In a letter to the Board of Admiralty of the 15th I communicated my sentiments respecting the subject of your letter. I observed to the Board “with respect to the troops, that, from the detatchment lately sent to the Southward, and the great diminution of our force besides,...