45831From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pleasants, 11 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have [been] waiting hoping to see Mr. Ross. I suppose his indisposition detains him. In the mean time a matter of pressing emergency will not admit a longer delay. It is the sending cloathing or something which may procure it, to our officers in Charlestown. An idea on this subject which you dropt in conversation with me has made impression and led me to enquiries which have proved it was...
45832To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly obliged by your Excellency’s favor of the 3d. It has indeed relieved me from much anxiety as, from Genl. Gates’s letter of the 20h. Augt. from Hillsborough, there was the greatest reason to apprehend that the whole of the Maryland line and the troops which made a stand with them had been cut off. The stroke, as it is, is severe; but the total loss of the regular troops would...
45833Tuesday the 12th of September 1780. (Adams Papers)
Received two lett one a Letter from Mr. Thaxter. Nothing remarkable this day. Reading a Volume of the Spectator I found something which I will copy. Undoubtedly that of 4 Sept. , on which date Thaxter also wrote to JA ( Adams Family Correspondence Adams Family Correspondence , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- . , 3:411–413). Here follows, on three and one-half pages in the...
45834From John Adams to Francis Dana, 12 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
This will be delivered you by Mr. Samuel Hartley, who is recommended to me by Mr. Digges and Mr. David Hartley. I should be obliged to you for any Civilities you may shew him. Mr. Digges recommends him as an open Friend to the American Cause. There is no News here but what you will see in the Leyden Gazette which is my Vehicle for conveying the News. Pray write me if you have any. I shall not...
45835From John Adams to David Hartley, 12 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for a Letter of the 14th of August, which was this day delivered me, by your Friend. You was not misinformed when you heard that the Object of my Appointment, was Peace; nor do I differ from your Opinion that this Appointment was honourable; altho I See no Prospect at all, of ever acting in Virtue of it. War, will not last forever it is true: but it will probably last long...
45836From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [12 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We ought both my Dear Laurens to beg pardon of our friendship for mutual neglect in our correspondence, though I believe you are a good deal in arrears to me, and I am sure one of my letters must have miscarried. I informed you that the application, in favour of Portail, and yourself, had been referred to a general exchange as I expected. When this general exchange will take place is...
45837From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is the address which the Marquis thinks will best answer the purpose—The Right Honorable The Marquis de la Fayette, Marechal de camp of the armies of His Most Christian Majesty and Major General in the Service of the United States. ALS , sold at the Parke-Bernet Galleries, January 20, 1947, Lot 346. Varick was at this time aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold at West Point. Varick’s...
45838George Washington to Comte de Guichen, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] September 12, 1780 . Reviews military situation in America. Insists that assistance from French fleet is needed in order to act decisively against the enemy. Emphasizes importance to France of a British defeat in America. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45839George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] September 12, 1780 . Asks La Luzerne to put letter to Comte de Guichen in cypher and to forward it. Discusses need for a land force to accompany fleet. Emphasizes need of French aid. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45840To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 12 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Au pied de la Lettre, il ne se passe rien ici d’interessant. Les Etats d’Hollde. ont mis en commission la requête de quelques Marchands d’Amst., pour obtenir la franchise du transit pour les munitions navales qu’ils font passer en France par le Canal de Gand, l’Escaut, l’Oyse, le Canal de Briare & la Loire à Nantes. L’inaction des Etats-Generaux est encore...
45841To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Rasquin, 12 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Gerard Rasquin Negociant a charleville sur meuse, et ancien Reviseur a La manufacture Rojàle de tulle a lhonneur de vous Representer humblement, que d’ans L’année mil Sept Cent Soixante Dix Sept ajänt accépte La Commande faite a Monsieur Mercier Controleur Dans Le tems En Cette manufacture dans Le mois de juin même arnée, et une autre plus Considerable...
45842To Benjamin Franklin from James Woodmason, 12 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The 3 Machines for Copying of Writings which you subscribed for, are now ready to be deliverd to your Order. I beg the favour of you to order payment to be made on delivery. as Messrs: Watt & Co: have deliverd none without. Each Machine is £6/6 s. & the packing Cases 6 s / more. The Paper which is particularly prepard is only to be had from me at 18 s /pr...
45843General Orders, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Patterson[,] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Weissenfells[,] Lieutenant Colonel Holdridge[,] Major Winslow[,] Brigade Major Rice A Court of enquiry is ordered to set tomorrow morning nine ô clock in the president’s Markee at the request of Colonel Angell to examine into his conduct in the action at Springfield and report their opinion...
45844To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Last Night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Favor of Yesterday inclosing a Copy of a Council of War held the 6th. I will endeavour agreeable to Your Excellency’s request, to transmit my Opinion, on the Matters submitted by the Time required: I sincerely wish the Situation of our Affairs would admit my giving it with more Decission, than I am able to do at present. The Order...
45845To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have laid the wants of your Army before Congress and pointed out the uncertainty of State Supplies and assured them without the most peremptory demand upon the States for a speedy and full compliance with their requistion, & the most vigourous Exertions of the States in executing the Army cannot be fed, and from the repeated want of Supplies I had not the least hope of being able to lay up...
45846To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have taken into consideration, as far as my health would permit, the several matters stated to the General Officers in the Council held the 6th Inst.; and am of opinion that as the second division of the French fleet has not arrived, and there being little probability that it will be here in season to attempt any thing to the Northward, it would be a folly to persevere further upon our...
45847From George Washington to Rear Admiral Guichen, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis De la Fayette arrived in America in april last charged by the Court of France, to announce to me its intention to send a fleet and army to cooperate with the troops of these States. Foreseeing that this succour would not have the intended effect, from an insufficiency of the naval force, which would probably be found inferior to the enemy, I requested the Marquis to represent to...
45848To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the Acts of Congress of the 8. & 11. Instant enclosed, your Excellency will be informed of the Measures Congress have recommended at present to reinforce, and supply Provisions for, the southern Army. You will please to observe by the latter, the Expediency of immediately sending forward to the southern Army a Corps of Artillery and reinforcement of Cavalry &c. is referred to the Commander...
45849To George Washington from Nathaniel Peabody, 12 September 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Nathaniel Peabody, 12 Sept. 1780 . GW wrote Peabody on 14 Sept. : “I have been duly favore⟨d⟩ with yours of the 12th.”
45850To John Jay from James Smith, 12 September 1780 (Jay Papers)
I am now at Bruxelles where I propose to reside untill I can have a convenient opportunity to remove my self and Family to America. In the mean time I think it a duty I owe my Country to contribute every assistance in my Power to aid you in the exicution of that great and important Bussiness in which you are employed and I trust my present situation and connections will afford many...
45851From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 12 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The address sheet is missing, but Pendleton wrote on the letter: “James Maddison, Esqr. Sepr. 12. 1780.” Although the originals of most of the letters from Pendleton to JM have not been found (see headnote to Pendleton to JM, 27 August 1780 ), JM’s letters to Pendleton, insofar as their present location is known, are with one exception in two repositories—the Library...
45852To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 12 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 12 Sep. 1780 . Enclosing resolves of Congress of 8 and 11 Sep. P.S., 14 Sep.: acknowledges receipt of TJ’s letters of 6 and 8 Sep. Latter was today laid before Congress; proceedings thereon will be forwarded as soon as completed. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). Enclosures ( Vi ): printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington,...
45853From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 12 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of Aug. 27 and 30th. are now before me. The subsequent desertions of your militia have taken away the necessity of answering the question how they shall be armed? On the contrary as there must now be a surplus of arms I am in hopes you will endeavor to reserve them as we have not here a sufficient number by 1500, or 2000 for the men who will march hence, if they march in numbers...
45854Wednesday the 13th of September 1780. (Adams Papers)
Half Holiday. To day at about twelve o clock we went to Pappa’s lodgings and went from thence with him to Mr. Le Roi’s where we dined. After dinner Mr. Le Roi Pappa, Several other Gentlemen, and brother Charles and myself went to the (Rasp huis) or house of correction. There is there a man who is so strong that fifteen men could not take him and he broke some Iron which was put round his arms....
45855From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 13 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Bridge, New Jersey, September 13, 1780. In September, 1780, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “[Your letter] of the 13th … was delivered me this moment.” Letter not found. ]
45856George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey, ] September 13, 1780 . Asserts that British expedition “seems to be on the point of taking place.” States that under these circumstances “we should be with our respective armies.” Asks to defer the proposed meeting to September 20. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45857George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 13, 1780 . Renews proposal for meeting Rochambeau on September 20. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45858From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [13 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
This would be the most dangerous stroke they could give to our cause. It would not only conciliate the greatest part of the people immediately in their power, but would prepare the minds of their neighbours to yield an early submission. This argument aided by the prevailing eloquence of a military force would become almost irresistible. I would not for the world that the tories throughout the...
45859From Benjamin Franklin to James Searle, 13 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Miss Lillian S. Wilson, Scarsdale, N.Y. (1955) I received the Letters and Pacquets you were so good as to send me by Mr Dana on Monday, and I thank you for your Care of them. I sent my Grandson the same Afternoon to congratulate you on your Arrival, and to request the Honour of your Company at Dinner this Day. But he did not meet with you. I was out all Day yesterday at Versailles, and...
45860To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Potts, 13 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Potts and party present their Compls. to Dr. and Mr. Franklyn, request the favour of their company at dinner next Friday at ½ Past Two, oClock. Addressed: Benj. Franklyn Esqr / at / Passy Notation: M. Potts. Sept. 13. 1780. Comptroller general of the Inland Office of the British post office. BF had known him in England, and Potts had supplied WF and the...
45861General Orders, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Butler[,] Lieutenant Colonel Whiting[,] Major Throop[,] Brigade Major White The General Court Martial whereof Colonel Dayton is President will sit tomorrow morning nine ô clock at the president’s Markee—Lieutenant Colonel Hait is appointed a member of the Court vice Lieutenant Colonel Badlam absent....
45862From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to your Excellency by Captain Hendricks Solomon of Stockbridge who with about Twenty of his Tribe have been serving as Volunteers with the Army since the beginning of July —They have been generally attached to the Light Infantry and have conducted themselves with great propriety and fidelity—seeing no immediate prospect of any operations in this quarter in which they can...
45863From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The idea of an embarkation gains strength by the concurring testimony of emissaries and deserters, and seems to be on the point of taking place. On such an event it might be of importance that we should both be with our respective armies—which induces me to request our meeting may be deferred ’till the 25th instant. I hope this letter will arrive in time to anticipate your setting out, and...
45864From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advices from pretty good authority, of which the inclosed is a copy. From the complexion and agreement of these accounts, it seems very probable, that the Count De Guichen is really approaching the coast. Should this be the case it is of so much importance to lose no time in concerting our plans, that I renew my proposal for meeting you and the Admiral the 20th instant,...
45865To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose Dispatches from the C——s which have this moment come to hand—As C——Junrs was an Answer in Part to my last on the Plan of our future Correspondence, it was necessary for me to decypher it—Your Excellency will observe what he writes respecting his Services, & as he informs he can shorten the route on Certain Conditions, Your Excellency’s assurances will regulate his...
45866To John Jay from Silas Deane, 13 September 1780 (Jay Papers)
I have written You Two Letters since my Arrival the last on the 4 th Inst. as I know not whether you may have preserved Our Cypher, I dare not be particular on Subjects which you may wish to hear from me upon. M r . Searle is arrived from Philadelphia, I have not seen him nor has D r Franklin, but I learn that he brings nothing New, he landed at Brest. Two Vessels lately Arrived at L’Orient,...
45867To James Madison from David Jameson, 13 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I have recd your two favours of the 23d & 29th. ult. since my last, and am very glad to find you were getting into better health We have had nothing lately from the Southward but what you will find mentd. in Dixons Paper. We are very anxious to hear something more from Chas. Town. should there be a French or Spanish Fleet there, something may yet...
45868From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Harrison, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received a Letter from Genl. Gates mentioning your desire to have your regiment of artillery filled up from the 18 mo. recruits now raised. The act of assembly left to Genl. Washington the officering and regimenting of these men. He has disposed of them into 8 new battalions and appointed officers to six of them: the remaining two battalions to be under Colo. Gibson and Brent and their...
45869From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The clearing the bay of the pickeroons which infested it was attended to the moment the brig Jefferson was in tolerable readiness. About the 3d or 4th week of the last month Commod. Barron cruized up the bay as far as the Tangier islands and took five of those vessels which being as many as he could man he returned. About the 1st. inst. I received a letter from Govr. Lee desiring we would join...
45870To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We have received Information that a certain James Anderson, a Subject of this State, was captured in one of the Barges or Gallies which have, for some Time past, infested our Bay and interrupted our Trade, by Capts. Yellatt and Folger and carried into the State of Virginia, and is now confined at Richmond. Anderson, before and since our Government was formed, lived on Fell’s Point in Baltimore...
45871From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The following articles being called for from us by Genl. Gates you will be pleased to give orders to the proper persons to have them in readiness as soon as possible. I am Sir with great respect Your most obedt. servt., P.S. I have been informed there are at Petersburg belonging to the Continent a number of spades. Be so good as to enquire into it that they may be ordered on in part of the...
45872From Thomas Jefferson to Abner Nash, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received with much concern your Excellencys information of the irregularities committed by the two troops of Cavalry sent from this State. I cannot but wish that the result of a further investigation may prove more favourable to them; but be this as it will, it is far from our desire to stand between them and justice. It is for the good of the general service that it should be fully...
45873From Thomas Jefferson to —— Patton, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Finnie being about to send some provision vessels to the head of Elk, I have desired him to order one into Baltimore, to the master of which I shall be obliged to you to have delivered what ever cartouch boxes you have in readiness for us as we are in immediate want of them. I am sir, Your very humble servant, FC ( Vi , from photostat of Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 38,650). At head of text:...
45874Thursday the 14th of September 1780. (Adams Papers)
Rain’d in the afternoon but clear’d up at night. Reading a Volume of the Spectator I found a dream of his which I will copy. Here follows, on eight pages of the Diary, “Spectator Vol 2d. No. 83,” published on 5 June 1711, but omitted are the first two paragraphs of the piece ( ed. Bond The Spectator , ed. Donald F. Bond, Oxford, 1965; 5 vols. , 1:354–356).
45875To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Honoré de la vôtre du 5e. Je suis parfaitement d’accord avec vous sur la justesse de la Politique qu’il y auroit, à s’attacher principalement à protéger le Commerce de la France et de l’Espagne, et à désoler celui de l’ennemi; et je souhaite avec vous que l’on adopte et poursuive ce systême. Il faut convenir, d’un autre côté, que les Anglois ont eu par le passé une succession étonnante...
45876C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honored by your letter of the 5th, and wholly agree with you on the appropriateness of a policy focused on protecting French and Spanish commerce and destroying the enemy’s, and wish that such a policy be adopted and pursued. On the other hand, it should be noted that the English have experienced an astonishing run of good luck, while the others have seen only continued misfortunes....
45877To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
On my Arrival in Town from Spa and Aix La Chapelle, where I staid longer than I intended to drink the Waters, I found Mr. Austin in his Way to Holland. I now take the Opportunity He offers me to Congratulate your Excellency on the Reception, Approbation and Confirmation of that Plan of Government, which does your Excellency so much Honor in forming, and which, I trust, will perpetuate the...
45878To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Je viens d’achever la lecture de la Brochure, au sujet de laquelle vous avez bien voulu demander mon avis. La partie du style est excellente: Il me paroit seulement, que dans les huit ou dix premiers Feuillets il y a des fautes de langage, faciles à corriger mais néan moins trop remarquables. Quant aux choses, elle est fortement pensée; et, quoiqu’une brillante imagination puisse avoir porté...
45879Jean Luzac to John Adams: A Translation, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have finished reading the pamphlet, about which you asked my opinion. The style is excellent and it is only in the first eight or ten pages that I found some obvious, but easily correctable errors in language. As to content, it is well reasoned and, although the author’s vivid imagination may have led him to exaggerate somewhat the consequences of the American Revolution, I am nevertheless...
45880To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Conkling, 14 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I was in hopes at the Receipt of the Letter Your Excellency honoured me the 21st. ulto. that it would not be long before I should had the Delivery of my Brigg the Whim & Cargoe, but as yet, I am told, there are not the least orders about it, from the Conseil-des-Prises to the Officers of the Admiralty at Sables D’Olonnes, this delay is of the greatest...