49021From Thomas Jefferson to James Hunter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Loss of many of our papers we find ourselves unable to say how stand our orders with you for camp-kettles. We shall be glad however, whatever they be, that you now furnish us with one thousand for the separate use of the State and to be called for by my order only. I am Sr. &c., P.S. We will send 2 waggons a week hence for camp-kettles and continue them going backward and forward on the...
49022To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Martin, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will Excuse the shortness of this as I accedenttally met the Barer on the Road having no more paper Can only inform your Excellency that I have in my Care 15 Indian prisoners and 12 others that Come in of their own Choice Expecting to be maintaind by the publick. Should be glad you would Direct me what is to be Done with them and in what manner they are to be supported. Part of...
49023From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 7 February 17[81] (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ I consider our last appointment of you as having put the business prescribed by the inclosed resolution into a course of execution, I think it necessary in point of formality to inclose it to you and to repeat my wishes for as expeditious a settlement of the accounts of the Commissioners of the Provision Law and Agents of the Specific tax as can be had. I am with much respect Sir Yrs &c...
49024From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Specie Artificers of the best kind 5/. or 25℔. tobacco Common Do. 3/9 18¾ Boat wrights of the best kind 7/6 37½ Common Do. 5/. 25 Waggon Conductors 5/. 25 Waggoners 2/6
49025To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a letter from the quarter master , in which he informs me “That the cartridge blocks at Moody’s shop as well as those that were in his possession, were all destroyed by the enemy; and that since then he has not been able to procure a single workman to make more: but that he will use every exertion in his power to push a bussiness so essential at this critical period. He cannot assign...
49026To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of your Letter to me to assist Captain Joel with a Vessel for an enterprize against the Enemy’s Fleet, I gave him an order to the Commissioner of the Navy on the Subject; but he not being at the Yard, the Person who acts under him; has deliver’d the Dragon Ship of which I never was inform’d until last night. I immediately orderd her back to the Ship Yard, because in my opinion,...
49027To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By Borrowing and purchasing I have procured a sufficient quantity of Canvass for the 100 tents You mentioned for Colo. Buford also some Cloth which shall be sent to Richmond immediately. I shall be glad to receive the several Estimates mentioned when I was at Richmond. I am sorry to inform you that the prospect of obtaining supplies becomes every day more discouraging. Every body I see from...
49028From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 178[1] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Gaines a militia Officer in the County of Amherst being desirous to become qualified in fact for the command he holds in his county, has applied to us to be permitted to serve on such a footing as will place it in his power to acquire a knowledge of his duty, asking nothing but rations and forage; while others, offended at the preference given to Officers formerly of...
49029From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter contains the first notification the Executive have received of the existence of any such cases as that of Lieut. Warm[an] therin stated. Exclusive of the justice of his claim, the express reserva[tion] by the board of Officers of the rights of all those in his situation, seems to place him on the footing on which he would have been, had his Commission been actually made out...
49030To Thomas Jefferson from the Subaltern Officers of the Guard Regiment at Albemarle Barracks, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Albemarle Barracks, 7 Feb. 1781 . “We the Subalterns of the Regiment of Guards beg leave to lay before your Excellency our grievencies Respecting our Rank. We have been in the Said Regiment for two years, and, some of us have been intitled to promotions for upwards of twelve months from many Resignations and other circumstances.” Knowing that Col. [Francis] Taylor has written to TJ on the...
49031From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Courier d’Europe a vessel from Penet & Coy. [Company] having on board military stores for this state was chased into Boston by the enemy in the Summer of 1779. They were principally Artillery Stores, too bulky and heavy for us to think of bringing them on by land. By the loss of our papers we are unable to furnish an invoice of them but they are in the hands of a Mr. J. Bradford in Boston...
49032Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams and Charles Adams, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I fear you will think Mamma is unmindfull of you if she does not write you a few lines by so good an opportunity. I wrote to both of you by Mr. Beals of this Town about a week ago, and my notice by this vessel is very short. I can only find time to tell you that tis a very long time since I heard from your Pappa, and much longer since I had a Letter from either of you. I think Dr. Lee brought...
49033From John Adams to Francis Dana, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the Pleasure of receiving two Letters from you, one dated Feb. 1. and one without a date, but I suppose written the day before. With these I received the Packetts, but there are in them no Letters from my Wife. The Resolution of Congress of the 12 of December, gives me great Pleasure, as it proves that We had the good Fortune to be possessed of the true Principles of Congress...
49034From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Thus you See that I began the Mischief, and I assure you I am ready to finish it, if properly invited, and a very little Invitation will do. I am extreamly pleased with the Modesty of the Resolutions of Congress upon the subject, and not less so with the sublime Language in which a young poetical Genius, first expressed his Feelings in his Motion. This Motion and the Resolution set off, one...
49035From John Adams to James Searle, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was honoured with yours of the 1. Feb. I agree with you, that affairs look very well at home, but what shall We do with the Croakers? Is it that these Wretches are merely Superficial? or do they only want to magnify their Merit, in being faithfull So what they represent as So difficult a Cause? or are they arnoldized? However I have had So long experience of many of these grunting...
49036To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
After the late conference yoúr Excellency honourd me with, we should have had the honoúr to answer her most Esteemd favoúr sooner, bútt I am confind to my room, and in want of some information aboút the form of the bonds. As to the terms Yoúr Excellency pleased to fixe on the Loan, relating to oúr Comission, we can have no objection, we wish chearfully to comply there with; as also, to leave...
49037To John Adams from William Lee, 8 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this, Mr. Brailsford a native of South Carolina, is now on his way to America with the laudable design of serving his Country in the Feild, and being desirous of the Honor of your acquaintance I have taken the Liberty of introducing him to your Civilities, as I am sure you will take pleasure in incouraging such praiseworthy motives as carry Mr. Brailsford to America. Since my...
49038To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon: Letter and Poem, 8 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Voici mon bon papa, une folie de votre fille faitte pour vous, pour vous tout seul; il n’y á qu’a mr votre fils que je puisse vous pérméttre de la montrér: je désire que mon conte vous amuse, cela me payera du soin que j’ai pris de l’écrire en gros caractéres; adieu le meilleur des papas de ce monde possible; souvenés vous toujours que je serois bien fâchée...
49039To Benjamin Franklin from Leendert de Neufville, 8 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am much oblidged by the honour Your Excellency did me of writing to me the 20th passd. The disagreable Situation of Mr Diggs I alluded to was then caused by Mr Trumbulls mentioning his name in his trial & his thus becoming a more immediate object of Ministrys attention whilest on the other hand Some Americans that owed their escape to his care had behaved...
49040General Orders, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On this date, Lt. William Colfax, commandant of GW’s guard, wrote Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne from New Windsor: “His Excellency has ordered me to enclose & send you a list of the Names of the Penn[sylvani]a[n]s serving in his Guard; & request you to ascertain the terms of their inlistments, respectively, and give me the necessary information, that those Men who appear...
49041From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly ⟨honored⟩ with Your Excellency’s favor of the ⟨31st of⟩ January. I have also conversed with ⟨your⟩ Brother, on the temper and dispo⟨sition of the⟩ Troops of New York, ⟨and from his represen⟩tation, am led to expect the discontents among them, which were so happily suppressed, will not revive again. With respect to the mode your Excellency recommends for employing ⟨the...
49042To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived yesterday here and I am informed that an express is setting off immediately for head quarters. so I will have only time enough to write a word. please your excellency to Receive my most sincere thancks for your favour of exchanging me. I am not able to express my gratitude of it and my happiness for Coming again under your orders. although I am much impatient to see your excellency I...
49043To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 6th —have ordered Major Throop with his Detachment to join their respective Corps; have also desired Major Bauman to give notice to General Knox previous to his trying the proposed experiments in Gunnery. Capt. Welles was some time since directed by your Excellency to take the command of the guard Boats with a company of light Infantry from the...
49044To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence, which though from a private hand, I believe is to be relied on, that a fleet of the enemy’s ships have entered Cape Fear river, that eight of them had got over the bar and many others were laying off; that it was supposed to be a reinforcement to Lord Cornwallis under the command of Genl Prevost. This account which had come through another channel is...
49045To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am exceeding glad of the good news which your Excellency gives me about the entire reduction of the Last mutinery that had taken place among a part of the Jersey Line, and of the example of rigor that you thought necessary to give to terminate in a solid manner these movements of Mutinery. I cannot flatter myself that I shall have the honor to see here Your Excellency but only after you will...
49046To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several favors came to hand yesterday, but neither the tools nor the taylors are yet arrived. I never knew whose property the tools were, whether public or private, and the taylors, belonging to the State Garrison regiment, are countermanded by Major McGill, as Mr. Thornbury informs me. If it is disagreeable or inconvenient to their officers, I would not wish their men to come, tho’ I do...
49047To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Berkeley County, 8 Feb. 1781. Letter introducing James McAlister, county commissioner and issuing commissary in “this Districkt,” who waits on TJ for “Directions in regard to His Future Conduct.” Gates recommends him as “a good and Faithfull Servant of The Public.” RC ( NHi ); addressed and endorsed.
49048From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received intelligence which though from a private hand , I beleive is to be relied on, that a fleet of the enemy’s ships have entered Cape Fear river, that eight of them had got over the Bar and many others were laying off; that it was supposed to be a reinforcement to Ld. Cornwallis under the command of Genl. Prevost. This account which had come through another channel is...
49049To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive enclosed, two important Acts of Congress of the 3d and 7th Instant, Recommending to the several States as indispensably necessary, that they vest a Power in Congress to levy for the Use of the United States, a Duty of five per cent, ad Valorem at the Time and Place of Importation, upon all Goods, Wares and Merchandize of foreign Growth and Manufacture which may be...
49050To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Major Giles from the Camp at Hickes Creek the 24th. January. I then informed you I was under marching Orders to take charge of all the Prisoners at Salisbury. I marched on the evening of the 25th. after which there came on Violent Rains which raised the Waters in Such a manner as it made my march Two days longer than it otherwise would have been. When I got within Twelve miles...
49051To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The greater part of the Soldiers of the Regiment of Guards, claim discharges, saying they were enlisted only to serve at this place, and as they have been removed that their engagement is complied with. They have been very troublesome, but hope they will be more satisfied hereafter, especially if they can get cloathed. I think 400 yards of Cloth would (with some they have received) make each...
49052From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Feb. 1781. This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Huntington of this date, q.v. FC ( Vi ); captioned: “Genl. Washington & the President of Congress.” Tr ( DLC ); a defective press copy.
49053From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have this day the Honour of yours of 5. It would be unwise in Congress, to neglect any Effort to induce other Powers of Europe to acknowledge our Independancy, and therefore I am fully of opinion that at least one Minister Should be sent to treat with the Maritime Powers, or rather the neutral Union. For these Powers will all acknowlege our Independance at once, and none of them will do it...
49054To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Johonnot who sails in the Frigate Alliance, I expected would have tarried with us a day or two longer. His sudden and unexpected Call to go on Board this Ship which now lies at some Distance from the Town allows me but a Moment to write you. The Colonel can give you all the News. Colonel Laurens who goes in the same Vessel upon some secret and important Errand of Congress is capable of...
49055To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu et vu avec autant de satisfaction la belle et bonne Résolution du Congrès du 5 Octob., que j’ai eu de regret de voir cette Piece publiée trop précipitamment dans la Gazette d’Amsterdam. Sans cela je vous aurois conseillé de renvoyer cette publication de quelques ordinaires; et j’aurois fait avec plus de grace une démarche, qui vous auroit pu conduire tout d’un coup à une liaison...
49056Enclosure: A Démarche from Dumas to Prince Gallitzin, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Copie du paper qui accompagnoit la Resolution que j’ai portée ce soir à &c. Sans égard à une Traduction très fautive que le Gazettier d’Amsterdam vient de donner de la Résolution du Congrès general des Etats Unis de l’Amérique du 5 Oct. 1780, apparamment d’après quelque Gazette Américaine, il est de mon devoir de communiquer à S. E. M—— une vrai Copie, en langue originale, de cette Résolution,...
49057C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received and have seen with much satisfaction Congress’ great and good resolution of 5 October. Unfortunately it was published precipitously in the Gazette d’Amsterdam . Otherwise, I would have advised you to postpone its publication so that I could have written a more graceful démarche that you could have sent at once to an important liaison. I must now prepare a less graceful démarche...
49058Enclosure: A Démarche from Dumas to Prince Gallitzin: A Translation, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Copy of the paper which accompanied the resolution that I have carried this evening &c. Without regard to a very defective translation that the gazetteer of Amsterdam has given the resolution of 5 October 1780 by the general Congress of the United States of America, apparently after some American gazette, it is my duty to communicate to His Excellency M. Prince Gallitzin, Minister...
49059To John Adams from the Comte de Sarsfield, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je vous ai, Monsieur, une obligation infinie de m’avoir procuré la connoissance de Monsieur Searle. Je n’en ai encore gueres profité. Je n’ay eu Lhonneur De le voir qu’une fois; mais J’espere que mercredi nous boirons ensemble a votre Santé. Il m’a appris que vous restiez en Hollande dont Je ne vous cacherai pas que J’ay eté faché, apres quoy, par reflexion, J’ay pensé qu’il falloit Etre bien...
49060The Comte de Sarsfield to John Adams: A Translation, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have an infinite obligation to you, sir, for providing my introduction to Mr. Searle. I have hardly been able to profit from it since I have only had the honor of seeing him once. But I hope that we can share a drink together on Wednesday and toast to your health. He told me that you have been staying in Holland, a fact, which I will tell you openly, made me angry. But after some reflection...
49061To John Adams from John Thaxter, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour of yours of Yesterday a few Moments past. I was happy to learn, that the News from our Country is agreable. The Extract from Charlestown furnishes another instance of English Barbarism—another Trait of Despair. The Resolution Thanks you mentioned were very justly deserved, and an Acknowledgment that ought not to have been omitted. There is another Correspondence, which has an...
49062To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Capt. Charles Jenkins of the Brig Sally arrived here this morning to my address, he left Rhode Island on the 12 Jan and reports that affairs were in the same State, the English Fleet in Gardiners Bay and the French in Rhode Island and both armies in Winter Quarters. By this Vessell I received the inclosed Letter which I take the earliest Opportunity to forward. Were I to attempt to make an...
49063From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [9 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has anticipated the subject of your letter of this day, by ordering the greater part of the Jersey troops to Morris Town to occupy the huts there. He nevertheless continues in the desire that that place may not be the depositary of any large quantity of stores. The situation of the two artificers can only be pitied not redressed. The families of men in the service cannot be the...
49064George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Asks Congress to decide Colonel Peter Gansevoort’s rank. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49065George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Commends Knox for measures taken to carry out instructions sent on January 7. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49066From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Head Quarters [ New Windsor, New York ] February 9, 1781 . Requests temporary replacement for his stolen bridle and repairs on his saddle. Also requests a bridle for George Washington’s servant’s horse. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
49067From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [9 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The bad condition of my horses and the scarcity of forage in Camp induced me to leave them at Saratoga to recruit against the Campaign. I am shortly to make a journey with the General to Rhode Island for which I shall want horses. I therefore request the favour of you to furnish me with a couple of the best Continental horses that can be found. One for myself—the other for my portmanteau. The...
49068To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Willard, 9 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The last May the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts incorporated a society under the title of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences , which formed its statutes & elected its officers the latter part of last August. The Act of incorporation, a catalogue of the present officers and the Presidents oration at his inauguration attend this...
49069To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Three Letters, 9 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Procureur du Roi of this Place seeing my Servant Mark Anthony passing the street took it into his Head to order him to Prison because he is black; He has been two Years with me and is well known by everybody in the Town, yet is to day taken up on an Edict of...
49070General Orders, 9 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolutions vizt: Congress took into their consideration the report of the board of War of December 8. whereupon: Resolved that from and after the first day of August last the Pay and Appointments of the Officers in the department of Commissary General of Military Stores be as follows; the Sums hereafter mentioned to be paid in...