41721From Benjamin Franklin to De Chezaulx, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. De Chaumont having had the whole Care of equipping and paying every thing relating to The little Squadron that sent the Prizes in to Bergen, I have constantly refered to him the Letters you have done me the honour of writing to me on that subject, and I believe he has answered them. I am nevertheless extreamly sinsible of the kind Care, zeal and Activity you have...
41722From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas White et al., 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have but lately received your Letter of the 4th. of January. I am sorry you have been so long detained in that uncomfortable inactive situation. It has been partly occasion’d by hopes that the Court of Denmark would reconsider their proceedings and give us back our Prizes. If that had been the Case your stay might have been serviceable. If by the advices M de...
41723To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have received your Excellencies letter of the 16th.— I am exceedingly Sorry that the Alliance is not in the readiness that you Imagined.— I was in hopes to have sent for your Satisfaction the Certificate of the Master Builder here respecting the repairs that are indispensably necessary to render the Ship fit for Service;...
41724To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Necker, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress While Jonathan Williams, Jr., and Chaumont were trying to arrange the details of supplying the congressional order for army uniforms, and while Lafayette was working to procure the requested arms and ammunition, Franklin was experiencing frustrations of his own regarding the order for tools. There were no English-French dictionaries that included this kind of...
41725To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 13. de ce mois, celle que vous avez écrite à l’agent des Etats unis à l’Orient et je me suis empressé de lui faire passer le Commissaire de la Marine dans ce port. Je doute qu’elle soit arrivée assez promptement pour que cet Agent ait remis au Capitaine du Navire Anglois...
41726[Diary entry: 21 February 1780] (Washington Papers)
21st. Ground where bare, and top of the Snow pretty hard frozen. But little wind in the morning or any part of the day—the first part of which was clear. The latter part lowering.
41727General Orders, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “The Maryland Division furnishes the Morris Town Pickett and Fatigue for the Orderly Room Tomorrow & next Day” (orderly book, 17 Oct. 1779–22 March 1780, DNA : RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 33).
41728To George Washington from George Clinton, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on the Convening of the Legislature I laid before them your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th December on the Subject of obtaining Supplies for the Army and can with Pleasure inform your Excellency that they entered upon the Business without Delay and have passed two Laws for this Purpose—The one, (after allowing one Bushel of Wheat or an equivalent in Flour per Head per month until...
41729To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s Letters of the 8th, 14th, & 17th Instant have been received and laid before Congress. Enclosed you will receive a Memorial from Capt. Ebenr Greene one of the Hostages at the Cedars and an Act of Congress of the 19th Instant referring the Memorial to the Commander in Chief to take such Measures relative to those Hostages as he shall Judge most expedient. I have the honour to...
41730From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will transmit me, as soon as possible, an exact Return of the number of the non Commissioned Officers and privates of your Corps, mounted and dismounted designating in a particular manner the states to which they belong, what proportion of them are inlisted for the War, and the different terms of service of the residue, digested in monthly Columns. Inclosed you have...
41731From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you on the 15th instant requiring a Return of your Regiment agreeable to the form then inclosed. Should any of the Men belong to the State of Connecticut, you will be pleased to transmit a Return of them immediately to Govr Trumbull. You will, notwithstanding this, include them in the Regimental Return which you make to me. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in the writing of...
41732To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor to write to your Excellency respecting the Bills of Exchange I have sold them at the rate of thirty five dollars for one, and have received about half the consideration money; the residue is to be paid within 10 or 12 Days. The Treasury Board have reported to Congress a Warrant in my favour on the Treasury of Virginia for the Use of the Department, I have therefore...
41733To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Colonels Mathews, Ely, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey communicated to me your letter to them expressing your Willingness for Commissioners to meet to enter into a negotiation for a General Exchange of Prisoners; they, also, communicated to me in writing Your having received my Offer of becoming a Commissioner on this occasion without any Objection. You will receive, Sir, a letter from His...
41734From John Jay to William Carmichael, 21 February 1780 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 15 th Inst, was delivered to me last Evening. I congratulate you on your safe arrival, and hope the agreeable circumstances of your present Situation will compensate for the fatigue & trouble you experienced on the way to it. It gives me pleasure to hear the French Embassador has been so obliging, & am glad to find from your letter that your Attentions to him at least keep...
41735John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am once more settled down in a school and am very content with my situation. I was the other night at the Foire St Germain in Paris which is a publick place and full of curiosities. We went and saw a Woman who (in truth) was not very tall but who weigh’d 450 weight. The large part of her arm was as big round as my body and she cover’d With her thumb a Crown peice. Her thimble was big enough...
41736From John Adams to John Jay, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I most sincerely congratulate You, on your happy Arrival in Europe, which must be the more agreeable to You, for the terrible Voyages You have had. Every good American in Europe I believe suffered a great Anxiety, from the Length of Time that passed between the day when it was known the Confederacy sailed, and the Time when the News arrived of your being at Cadiz. I too have had my Hair...
41737From John Adams to John Paul Jones, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure to congratulate you, on your glorious success Since I left you at L’orient, and upon your Return to that Place, from whence I wish you safe to America. I obtained Permission from the Navy Board to send some small Matters home by an American Frigate now and then, and I have mentioned it to Dr. Franklin who has no Objection. We married men who run away from our Wives and...
41738From John Adams to James Moylan, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
As the Alliance is bound to America, and probably will go to Boston, I wish to avail myself of the Opportunity to send a few Necessaries to my Family, and a black Coat or two to a few Parsons in my Neighbourhood, whose Salaries are so reduced by the Depreciation of our Paper Currency that they cannot afford to buy a black Coat nor a Band at home. I will inclose you the Minutes of the Things I...
41739To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 22 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Honor of writing to You, two days Ago by Mr. Brusch, to congratulate you on your Safe Arrival in Europe, and to Assure you of my Disposition and wish to Execute whatever Commands, you may lay on me here or Elsewhere. As I Know your Attention to whatever may affect our Country, I take the Liberty of making an Extract out of a Letter I receivd yesterday from England, from the...
41740George Washington to John Cleves Symmes, 22 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 22, 1780 . Explains why a state should not interfere in enlistment complaints. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Symmes was a justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
41741From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 22 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress I received with great Pleasure yours of the 25. of January, and shall write to you fully by the first good Oportunity. I cannot recollect the Name of the Correspondent you mention but I have ordered a Credit of 24000 Livres Tournois to be lodged in Madrid for M. Jay and you, which I suppose you will divide in Proportion to your Appointments. Inclosed are the...
41742From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 22 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Columbia University Library; two copies: Library of Congress It gave me infinite Pleasure to hear of your Excellency’s safe Arrival in Spain. I Knowing that the Confederacy had sailed the 28th of Octr., we began to despair of ever hearing more of her. I received your Advice of the Bill drawn on me for four thousand and seventy nine Livres Tournois, at sixty Days date, which I order’d to...
41743From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Johnson, 22 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Enclos’d I send you a Copy of Some Resolutions of Congress that I have lately receiv’d. I request to know whether you purpose to undertake the Business; and if so, when you think you may be at Leisure to enter upon it. I have the Honour to be, with great Esteem, Sir &c. BF certainly sent a copy of the Sept. 29 congressional...
41744[Diary entry: 22 February 1780] (Washington Papers)
22d. Wind at No. Et. and raining moderately all day—beginning about 7 Oclock with fine hail. In the Night the Wind freshned from the same quarter.
41745General Orders, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general order: “Hands and Maxwells Brigades relieve the main Guard tomorrow.” The same entry includes the following after orders: “A Corporal and four Men from the second Maryland Brigade to attend at the Forage Master Generals tomorrow to Drive Horses to Pennsylvania”...
41746To George Washington from the Board of War, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to forward returns of Maj. Lee’s Corps, Von Heers Corps, Schots Corps—& of five Companies of the German Regiment, which are all the returns they have, of those requested in your Excellencys favors of the 15th & 18th instant. Col. Armand is now in the City, & is directed to have a return of his Corps prepared; which will be forwarded as soon as finished—but...
41747To George Washington from Captain William John Darby, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
From the hopes Your Excellency gave me in your obliging favour of the 21st December I again venture to renew my application for a parole to go to New York —my private business is of that consequence to oblige me to be urgent in the request and more troublesome than my delicacy approves; but humanity which Your Excellency possesses in the highest sense of the word must befriend me and operate...
41748From George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will transmit me as soon as possible an exact Return of the number of non Commd Officers and privates of your Regiment designating in a particular manner what proportion of them are inlisted for the War and the different terms of service of the residue digested in monthly Columns. You cannot be too expeditious in forwarding me this Return—a duplicate of which you will...
41749From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday informed that the enemy had removed their Horse from Staten to York Island—They had also some days ago, impressed all the Sleighs within their reach in Bergen and carried them over to New York, but they have returned them upon the melting of the snow. It should seem from this that they had had some enterprize in view which may not yet be totally laid aside. I have thought it...
41750To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a Gentleman just arrived from the Havannah who left that place the 31st of Decemr, I am informed that a Fleet lay in that Port ready to sail with between three and four thousand Troops supposed to be destined for Pensacola or Augustine. That on their Passage to this Port they fell in on the 7th of January with the fleet that sailed from New York in Decemr as they suppose, some fifty leagues...
41751To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The last time I did myself the honor to address Your Excellency, I mentioned that the enemy were landed on John’s Island —from that place some have crossed Stono-ferry, and now possess the works which they threw up last summer —I am exceedingly at a loss to know what are their views in taking post there—if, thereby, they mean to cover the landing of their cannon and stores, they will...
41752To George Washington from William Livingston, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am desired by a joint Resolve of both the Branches of the Legislature to write to your Excellency by Express requesting you to transmit to me for the use of the Legislature accurate Returns of the Troops now in the Service belonging or credited to the Quota of this State agreeably to the several Resolutions of Congress of the 15th of March last, & of the ninth ⟨da⟩y of February instant, that...
41753From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday informed that the enemy had removed their Horse from Staten to York Island—They had also some days ago impressed all the sleighs within their reach in Bergen and carried them over to New York, but they have returned them upon the melting of the snow. It should seem from this that they had had some enterprize in view, which may not yet be totally laid aside. I have thought it...
41754To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Soon after I parted with your Excellency I met with the Horseman from New Ark—The Person I had sent over was in Paulus Hook, and reports that Horses passed on the Ice, to and from New York, on the twentieth, and it still appeared to be strong— That the Hook is entirely open to the River, except the Redoubts, Block House, and a little Fort of an oval Form next to the Barracks, which he says...
41755From George Washington to John Cleves Symmes, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 15th instant inclosing one of the 14th to the Legislature of this State. I thought it my duty in consequence to write a letter to His Excellency The Governor of which the inclosed is a copy. In addition to what I have there said, I cannot forbear observing that it is of great importance the different powers in the State should carefully avoid the...
41756From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th. Secresy in the business you have been requested to put in train is so essentially necessary that those who are willing to embark in it may rest assured that not even a whisper shall be heard from hence. It is to be presumed that every circumspection & caution that the case will admit of will be used to prevent a discovery of any of the agents; but if,...
41757From George Washington to Major Levin Winder, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
By recent accounts it appears that the enemy have drawn off their horse from Staten Island to York Island—Tho we cannot determine the motives which gave rise to this move, yet as it may be intended to carry on some enterprise against such part of our out posts as lay most exposed to their excursions I have to recommend to you an increase of vigilance and precaution to obviate or guard against...
41758John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Children made me a Visit to day, and went with me to dine with my old Friends the two Abbys, whom you have often heard me mention, Chalut and Arnoux, who desire me to mention them to you in my Letters as devoted Friends of America, and particular Friends to me and to you, notwithstanding the difference of Religion. The Children are still in good Health, and Spirits and well pleased with...
41759From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will see by the public Papers, that your Committee of Correspondence is making greater progress in the World, and doing greater things in the political World than the Electrical Rod ever did in the Physical. Ireland and England have adopted it, but mean Plagiaries as they are, they do not acknowledge who was the Inventor of it. Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard will go with this Letter in the...
41760From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I knew not when I undertook so readily to take the Care of your Grandson what I was about, little foreseeing a Journey of near four hundred Leagues by Land, in the Extremity of Winter, over the worst Roads and the vilest Accommodations and at the same time the most expensive of all Europe. I think myself very happy however to have at length reached Paris, without any essential Injury to the...
41761From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since my Arrival in this City, which was on the 9th. of this Month I had the Pleasure of your Letter concerning your Vessel which was sunk in the West Indies. I immediately waited on Dr. Franklin who informed me that he had received a similar Letter from you and in the Time of it applied to Court and obtained an order for your Compensation, which he transmitted to you, and which I hope you...
41762From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Boston Committee of Correspondence, and the Military Associations which grew out of it, are likely to prove the greatest Engines for pulling down Tyranny, that were ever invented. The Electrical Rod, which deprives the Clouds of their Thunder, does it not so effectually, as these Committees wrest the Iron Rod out of the Hands of a Tyrant. Ireland has already obtained, purely by the Use of...
41763From John Adams to the President of the Congress, No. 8, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 23 February 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, I, f. 279; docketed: “No. 8 Feby. 23. 1780 Letter from J. Adams recd. Oct. 16. sends News Papers &c.” LbC Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15.”; by Thaxter: “No. 8.” and “In No. 8 were inclosed Triplicates of all the former Letters to Congress, and also a Copy of a Letter to the Marquiss de la Fayette, & his...
41764From John Adams to James Warren, 23 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
The French Court seem to be now every day more and more convinced of the good Policy, and indeed the Necessity of prosecuting the War with Vigour in the American Seas. They have been and are making great Preparations accordingly, and are determined to maintain a clear Superiority. M. de la Motte Piquet has with him, the Hannibal, the Magnifique, the Diadem, the Dauphin Royal, the Artesien, the...
41765From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Have you received any directions from The General concerning some espontoons to be brought from Fish Kill for the use of the Officers here? If you have not be pleased to receive them now and give directions accordingly. Yr. obedient humble serv ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
41766George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 23, 1780 . Asks that noncommissioned officers be supplied with swords as stated in regulations. States need for “drums fifes and standards.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41767George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 23 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 23, 1780 . Agrees to delay of project against Powles Hook. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41768From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have acquainted Mr Chaumont that I approved of his accepting the Bills, and that I would provide for the Payment. I observe they are drawn at 2, 3, & 4 Usances.— As to the Cloathing. If the Congress had only demanded so many Suits, without giving particular Directions, we might have taken our Friends Opinions, and let...
41769To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; transcript: National Archives I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that I this day had M. Secondat the Kings Constructor to examine the Situation of the Alliance, and find him of Opinion that the Head and Cutwater can be Secured without bringing the Ship into port.— I shall not therefore think of heaving down, and...
41770To Benjamin Franklin from Marc Le Fort, 23 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society N’aiant receu aucune reponse à la lettre que nous primes la liberté de vous adresser pour le Sr. Ante. Gautier et à touttes celles que lui avons ecrit par cinq voyes differentes, nous prenons derechef la liberté de recourir à vos Bontés et Vous prier de faire passer lincluse à la Virginie à quelque personne sure pour etre remise au Sr. Gautier. Nous avons...