46601To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 20 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inscription on my Friend Potclays Badge would be a most delightful Morsel for a Member of the Antiquarian Society, or a Member of the Society [of] Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; and had it not been too soon submitted to the Examination of the Connoiseurs of our Society might have been thereafter deposited in our Museum, and numbered amongst the most Precious of our Curiosities. For I...
46602To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 21 October [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
These are, my dear Hamilton, two letters By which I communicate to the french general the happy intelligence Concerning the taking of the Convoy, and inclose to them the paper that Relates the affair as well as the success of the expedition on the Spanish Main. I give you joy, my dear friend, on this success of the Combin’d fleet, and Might also Rejoice with you on some thing else By way of...
46603George Washington to the Board of War, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Asks Board to explain what is meant by “the line of the army.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46604George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses proposal for a resident commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46605George Washington to Major David S. Franks, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses proposed court of inquiry into Franks’s conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46606George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Directs Heath to appoint a court of inquiry to examine the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick and Major David S. Franks. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46607George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Has permitted Captain Lewis Garanger to experiment with the artillery at West Point before recommending Garanger to Congress for appointment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46608George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses procedure of proposed court of inquiry into Varick’s conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46609To Benjamin Franklin from [the Marquis de Castries], 21 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives Nationales, Paris J’ai vû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous avez écrite à M. de sartine, au sujet de deux Bâtiments Américains que les Srs. de Lap, Négts. à Bordeaux, se proposent d’expédier pour les Colonies françoises de l’Amérique. M. Necker, à qui M. de sartine avoit écrit pour un Armément semblable, projetté par les Srs. Bondfield, flaipood, et Compagnie, et que vous lui avez...
46610To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Inclosed is a List of all the Bills I have drawn on M. de Chaumont for accot of the Cloathing from the first Bill to the present Day with the No date Term & every particular relating to each amounting to 741095 l.t. 18 s. 4 d. I intended to send this List at the same Time I sent the Accounts of this Operation,...
46611From George Washington to Major David S. Franks, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th with the request of which I should be happy to comply fully, did it not appear to me that the transactions at Philadelphia cannot well be investigated but on the spot; and the particular one to which you allude is so much of a civil nature, that I think you had best procure some sort of civil examination. I shall direct General Heath to have an inquiry...
46612From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th—I would willingly comply with your request for an inquiry on the extensive ground you place it did I think it could be done with propriety. But in order for it to be a real, and not a nominal inquiry, the Court would be obliged to go into a investigation of particular facts, which is impossible as there are no allegations and no witnesses so that they...
46613From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Varick and Major Franks late of General Arnolds family having requested of me a Court of inquiry to ascertain the part they acted relative to the transactions of General Arnold; you will be pleased to appoint a Court of Inquiry, to examine into the conduct of the Gentlemen in their connection with the late Major General Arnold, during his command at West-point, and relative to the...
46614From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose Your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which has just come to hand from Mr Duer. Altho the testimony contained in it does not seem to be so direct as to make Mr Smith obnoxious to a Military process, Yet, agreable to Mr Duer’s request, I thought it necessary you should be apprised of it, that the State may be enabled to take the proper Measures for the public...
46615From George Washington to William Duer, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have transmitted a Copy of your letter of the 11th, which only reached me last evening, to Governor Clinton, as I did not think it contained evidence sufficient to support a military trial. It may however, added to other circumstances of a very suspicious nature, furnish the Legislature with good reasons for removing the Gentleman in question from Haverstraw, which, from its vicinity to our...
46616General Orders, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Butler[,] Lieutenant Colonel Holdridge[,] Major Prior[,] Brigade Major Pettingal Brigade returns of shoes actually wanting by the Artillery and Infantry regimentally digested to be made tomorrow at orderly time. The Draughts are not to be included. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
46617From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 20th—The disposition you have made of the troops at and near West point is agreeable to me. The two small Regiments at present at King’s Ferry were purposely stationed there, because they could not be Brigaded with convenience—They are shortly to be reformed and incorporated, and had therefore best remain where they are untill that time. Genl Greene had proposed to...
46618To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from Major Delavan and Colonel Drake that they have received information from below that the Enemy intend to make an excursion this night or tomorrow, and sweep off the Stock between Pines bridge and the new bridge —that they (the Enemy) have procured a number of Horses—that about five or six hundred Horse and Infantry mounted are to Cross Pines bridge, take a...
46619From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 10th and 14th Instants —The advance of the British Army towards the borders of North Carolina is an alarming circumstance, more especially, as there is every reason to believe that the force which lately sailed from New York is intended to cooperate with them—The enemy, by several accounts, received a reinforcement from Europe in the...
46620To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Newark, where I completed the business your Excelly committed to me. The virtuous sergeant deserted last night, I saw the two in newark this day. This night they go to york. Desertion among us is pe[r]fect a stranger; my officers are very attentive, & some of them men of nice discernment, this leads me to apprehend thay will discover that the Sergeant is on some...
46621To John Jay from Ferdinand Grand, 21 October 1780 (Jay Papers)
Had the Letters you honoured me with in August last required immediate reply, I should have been as punctual in answering them as I am now for that I just received. I am very unhappy to learn you can not benefit on the spot of the facility tendered you by the Court of Spain, So much more so that the nature of circumstances here does not admit of the least hope of Success. two many attempts,...
46622Arthur Lee to Committee of Congress, 21 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 78, XIV, 375, 378). I had the honor of receiv’g this day at 1 O C. P.M. a Note from you desiring a sight of my Expenditures on public Account, that you may be enabled to report the proper disposition of them for Liquidation In conformity to your desire, I now send you the Accounts, & will wait upon you immediately if it suit your conveniency, with the Vouchers referrd to in...
46623From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley, 21 October 1780 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
As various circumstances have delayed the march of Colo. Crocketts battalion so much longer than had been hoped, we think it proper to countermand the march of the militia from your County westward at this late Season of the year. it is probable that the ensuing Season must be opened by considerable aids of men to the westward.— I am with great respect Sir. Your most obedt Servant RC (Profiles...
46624To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Hillsborough, 21 Oct. 1780. The bearer, Mr. Thompson, has a bill from Col. Polk on TJ for £100,000 in lieu of the bill Mr. Ochiltree had with him when he stayed in Charlotte with the enemy. Ochiltree’s bill will be canceled. Thompson is anxious for payment. Dft ( NHi ); 1 p. Tr ( DLC ) of Dft .
46625To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys several Letters of the 8. and 10. Instant with those covering the Dispatches from General Gates have been duly received. The Expedient you have adopted to invite some of the Chief Indian Warriors to visit Congress and Genl. Washington appears to me good Policy. Your Despatches on that Subject which are just received, will be laid before Congress this Day, and their Sentiments...
46626To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 21 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was this morning informed that the Enemy had landed. A party of light Horse who was at Kemps landing about break of day on their way to the Great Bridge, which I fear they have taken possession of by this time, there being no Militia collected. I had ordered Capt. Bradley with two four Pounders to that post; but it will not be in his power to defend it with the few Men he had. The Enemy will...
46627To Thomas Jefferson from James Innes, [21? October 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Ere this reaches you, you will doutless have heard of the arrival of an inimical fleet in our Bay. Being vested with no public authority, I do not presume to address you officially. Yet as a friend, an appellation I shall allways wish to merit, I will venture to offer you my Sentiments on the present Critical Conjuncture. From a close attention to the Dispositions of the people in the Lower...
46628From John Adams to Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 22 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this day recieved the Letter, which You did me the Honour to write me on the sixteenth instant. I beg You, Sir, to accept of my sincere Thanks for this Instance of your Attention to the United States of America. I have long desired the Honour of an Acquaintance with the Baron Van der Capellan, whose virtuous Attachment to the Rights of Mankind, and to the Cause of America, as founded in...
46629From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, October 22, 1780. On November 12, 1780, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Both your favors of the 17th & 22nd, ult I had the pleasure to receive about the latter end of the month.” Letter of October 22 not found. ]
46630George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has been directed by Congress to order a court of inquiry into Gates’s conduct as “Commander of the Southern Army.” States that Major General Nathanael Greene has been instructed to take over Gates’s command during inquiry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46631George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Orders Greene to assume the command of the southern army until an inquiry has been made into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct in the southern campaign. Orders Greene to appoint the court of inquiry. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
46632George Washington to Colonel Charles Harrison, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Orders Harrison to proceed south with Major General Nathanael Greene to reorganize the corps of artillery. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Harrison was a colonel of the First Continental Artillery.
46633George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has appointed Major General Nathanael Greene to assume command of the southern army until completion of inquiry into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct. Recommends Greene, but states that the difficulties which Greene will meet can be overcome only with Congress’s support. Asks Congress to approve sending Baron von Steuben south to reorganize the...
46634George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Directs Skinner to propose exchanging Brigadier Generals William Thompson and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Major General Benjamin Lincoln for Major General William Phillips and Baron von Riedesel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46635George Washington to Baron von Steuben, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . States that, if Congress approves, Baron von Steuben is to march south with Major General Nathanael Greene. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46636To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, [22 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Robinson’s House , Highlands, New York, October 22, 1780. On October 24, 1780, Varick wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote You on the 22nd.” Letter not found. ] Varick, a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, was admitted to the bar in New York City in 1774. On June 28, 1775, he enlisted as a captain in the New York Regiment and in June, 1776, became a military secretary to General Philip Schuyler, H’s...
46637From Benjamin Franklin to Lavoisier, 22 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Je prends la liberté de vous envoyer cy joint diverses Piéces que je viens de recevoir de Messrs. de Segray & Co. par les quelles vous verrez que l’Ordre que vous avez bien voulu m’accorder pour le Transport des Salpêtres de St. Malo à l’Orient, ne suffit pas et qu’on m’en demande un de Messrs. les Fermiers généraux des cinq grosses Fermes.— Oserois-je vous prier,...
46638General Orders, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington[,] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Hubley[,] Lieutenant Colonel Whiting[,] Major Wallbridge[,] Brigade Major Moore. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
46639From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for a Resident Commissary with the respective Armies, Major General Phillips has transmitted me another set of proposals substantially the same; except that they require these Commissaries to be appointed by the Commanders in Chief, each by his own authority. It is impossible for me to enter into such an agreement, as I have no power to act but by a derived authority...
46640From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Gentn who will have the honor of presenting you with this letter, is Majr Genl Greene, a particular friend of mine, and one who I would beg leave to recommend to your civilities. He is going to take command of the Southern Army, and calls at Annapolis to make some arrangements with the State respecting its supplies which are turned into that direction. This Gentleman is so intimately...
46641From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased by their Resolution of the 5th instant, to authorise me to appoint an Officer to the command of the southern Army in the room of Major Genl Gates ’till an enquiry can be had into his conduct as therein directed, I have thought proper to choose you for this purpose. You will therefore proceed without delay to the southern Army, now in North Carolina, and take the...
46642From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress, that in consequence of their resolution of the 5th instant, I have appointed Major General Greene to the command of the Southern Army, ’till the enquiry into the conduct of Major Genl Gates is completed. I inclose a Copy of my instructions to General Greene, by which and a Copy of my letter to Genl Gates, Congress will perceive the mode I have adopted for...
46643To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. the debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth, seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. we are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
46644From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Though I am sensible how important your services will be in this quarter; yet as to the Southward, there is an army to be created, the mass of which is at present without any formation at all, your services there will be still more essential—and as I am persuaded your inclination is to be wherever you can be most useful, I have recommendd it to Congress to send you with General Greene to the...
46645From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters which accompany this will inform you of the Arrival of a large fleet of the Enemy within our Capes, and that they have begun their Debarkation. We are taking Measures to collect a Body to oppose them; for which purpose it seems necessary to retain such Regulars Volunteers and Militia as have not yet gone on to you. We have left the Counties of Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Halifax, and...
46646From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letters which came to hand this morning will inform your Excellency that a Fleet of the Enemy has arrived in our Bay; and that a Debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that as their first Scene of Action. We are endeavouring to collect a Body to oppose them as numerous as the Arms we have will admit. We are obliged of Consequence to...
46647From Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain information being received that a considerable Fleet of the Enemy has arrived within our Capes, and have begun their debarkation, I have thought proper with advice of the Council of State to require one fourth of the Militia of your County to repair immediately to Richmond armed and accoutred in the best manner possible. Let every Man bring his own Blanket. It is not necessary that any...
46648From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We this Morning received certain Information of the Arrival of a Considerable Fleet of the Enemy in our Bay, and that they had begun their Debarcation. We have taken measures for Assembling a Force to oppose them, and must take the liberty of desiring you to return imediately and assist in the Command of them. I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obt Servt., Tr ( DLC ); endorsed: “Copy of a...
46649From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received certain information of the Arrival of a hostile fleet of about Sixty Sail in our bay. The debarkation of some light Horse in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth seems to indicate that, as the first scene of their action. We are endeavouring to collect as large a body to oppose them as we can arm: this will be lamentably inadequate if the Enemy be in any force; it is...
46650To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Greene, who goes to take command of the southern Army, will have the honor of presenting this to your Excellency. I have advised him to take the several States in his way which are immediately concerned in furnishing Men and supplies for the department committed to his direction, that he may gain a more accurate knowledge of the forwardness they are in, a tolerable Idea of what...