50801To George Washington from Samuel Loudon, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since Mr Montange the Phila. Post Rider was taken in the Clove, I can get no person, fit for the Trust, willing to take that Rout. Montange did it with great reluctance. The bearer has undertook to ride, provided he is permitted to proceed by King’s Ferry; that road is very public, and the Post rarely travelled it alone. If your Excellency will either order your Letters to be sent over here on...
50802From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Extract of a Letter from Major General Heath, of this day; and must again request, that the most vigorous and energetic Measures may be pursued for the transportation of Provisions to relieve the Garrison & the Army from the horrors of impending famine, & me from the incessant complaints and perplexities which are occasioned by our present disagreeable circumstances. I am...
50803To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai Reçu la lettre du 7. de ce mois dont votre excellence m’a honoré, je suis charmé que les affaires du Sud lui permettent de différer L’ordre de Se faire joindre par mon petit corps de troupes, et je n’avois eu l’honneur de lui écrire, que pour me permettre de faire mes preparatifs, pour le moment où la necessité l’exigera. L’esperance d’une entreprise maritime Sur New-yorck, et pour le...
50804From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have examined your report of the 10th of March with the papers accompanying it. I do not see with what propriety the enemy could reject your proposition contained in No. 3 or can postpone the exchange of General Burgoigne on their own principles; two thirds of the Convention officers being now exchanged or nearly so, which was all along made by them a condition to the exchange of General...
50805From George Washington to Walter Stewart, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 21st instant and am much obliged by the general information which you have given of the progress of the line in collecting their old Soldiers and Recruits. Be assured your letters can never be troublesome to me. The communication which you so politely made in your last, respecting your own prospects, gave me a particular pleasure, which will be heightened by...
50806To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 12 April 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have before me the several Letters you have honour’d me with dated Feb. 27. March 11. and April 1. I was much pleased to learn that you have obtained a Promise for 150,000 Dollars; your Reflection on the Consequence is just. As this Sum must be used in Payment of the Bills drawn upon you, and probably no Part of it can be applied to your Subsistance, I desire that you would draw upon me for...
50807Motion on Court of Appeals, [12 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 137–40). Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison April 12. 1781 Referred to Mr Varnum Mr Bee Mr McKean.” That the Judges of appeal in cases of Capture hold their sessions at Williamsburg in the state of Virginia on the first monday of November in each year—at Philadelphia on the first monday of april—at Hartford in Connecticut Boston M. Providence R.I. on the first monday of...
50808Advice of Council respecting Purchase of Gunpowder, with a Warrant for the Purchase, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive will advance £20,000 to Messrs. Lewis and Thornton on the 12th. of March, and will agree to the terms proposed in Mr. Lewis’s letter of Feb. 6. 1781 . reserving a liberty to pay for the powder in tobacco @ 20/ the hundred or it’s worth in paper money as valued by the grand jury next preceding paiment. Mar. 5. 1781. The Executive will take five tons or so much of it as shall be...
50809To Thomas Jefferson from George Bird, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Middlesex, 12 Apr. 1781 . Was appointed with Col. George Daniel a commissioner of the specific tax for Middlesex, “and Agreeable to Law we appointed commissioners to receive the said Taxes and gave public notice thereof, as also of the places appointed for the People to cary their grain.” Daniel and Bird also appointed, among others, Mr. William Chowning a deputy “for the purpose of seizing...
50810From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bolling and Others, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Reasons to believe that the enemy intend a movement across the Country towards Carolina have induced Majr. General Baron Steuben to desire anxiously to have made up of a sudden a body of 200 cavalry. It is probable they will not be wanting a fortnight, but in any event they shall be discharged at the end of one month from their rendezvousing at Petersburg. Supposing it would be in your power...
50811From Thomas Jefferson to William Call, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
You are not unacquainted with the Desire which Government has long had of erecting some defensive works at Hoods in your County which might protect so much of the river as lies above that place. The late Incursion of the Enemy up the river, their Acknowledgements of the Obstructions which that Post, well prepared, might have been to their Enterprize, their taking permanent post at Portsmouth,...
50812To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency an extract of a letter which I have received from Major General Baron Steuben respecting the horses at Petersburg. These are the horses that have been impressed and purchased for the late expedition against Portsmouth and have been collected agreable to the Baron’s orders. Some of the owners are willing to take them back and give up their...
50813To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellency’s letter of March 31st. referred to the Board by Congress they beg leave to observe, that they think it will be proper for the flag vessel to proceed round from James River to Potomack, and land their Cloathing, refreshments Money &c., designed for the Prisoners at George Town in the State of Maryland; there to be received by two Officers of the Convention Troops...
50814From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
HAVING received an application from the Commanding Officer to strengthen our army below, and being very unwilling to harrass the Militia more than shall be absolutely unavoidable, we are in hopes an immediate and sufficient accession of force may be obtained by application to the several Counties for their delinquents in Militia duty whom the Law sentences to six months service. Every County,...
50815From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Certain Other Counties, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your Militia is now returned or on their return home we have thought it necessary to take off the Suspension of the Act of October 1781 for recruiting this States Quota of Troops to serve in the Continental Army and to desire you to proceed to the raising the New Levies required from your County by that Law, and sending them to the Rendezvous as directed in my Letter of January 19th. 1781....
50816To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
50817To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From the negligence of Col. Munford the issuing continental commissary general in this State, there is the most shameful waste of provision and scandalous abuses in that department that can well be conceived. He has not for many months paid the least attention to his deputies, and has even refused to appoint the necessary issuers to the troops below. The provisions delivered by Mr. Brown [John...
50818From Thomas Jefferson to James Hendricks, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honour of an Application from yourself and others of the Town of Alexandria for enabling you to mount some Cannon for the Defence of your Town. This Letter was not delivered ’till after one on the same Subject from Colo. Waggoner had been delivered and answered and the Sum of £5,000. ordered, which I afterwards found was considerably necessary. It was long ago determined to erect a...
50819From Thomas Jefferson to La Luzerne, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of your Excellency’s favor of March 23d and shall with great pleasure communicate to our Citizens our prospect of Aid from his most Christian majesty to whom we are already so infinitely indebted. I assure you Sir that these Prospects are necessary to inspirit them under the present Aspect of their Affairs. We suppose one half of the enemys force in the United States to be to...
50820To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mitchell, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday on my Arrival at Alexandria I found the town in much confusion occasioned by a small Fleet that appeared off the Town—say, three Ships, two Brigs and two Schooners. Two of the Ships appears to me to be of 18 Guns each, the other I cou’d not make out what number of Guns she mounted, but belive her to be a Frigate. The Lieutenant of the County expecting a sufficient number of Militia...
50821To Thomas Jefferson from John O’Bannon, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 12 Apr. 1781 . Encloses a recommendation from the officers of the Fauquier militia for the appointment of O’Bannon as major. Maj. Aylett Buckner, who commanded this battalion on its march from Fauquier, has been obliged to give up the command on account of poor health. Desires a commission by the bearer. RC ( Vi ); 5 p., including enclosure; addressed (in part): “favor of Mr. Jno...
50822To Thomas Jefferson from Lindsay Opie and James Ball, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
About ten or twelve daies ago I lost two very valuable Fellows, and Mr. James Ball lost three, which we conjectured were gone on board some of the Enemys Vessells, as for some time past, they have been, and still are hovering about the Shores of Potomack, from the mouth of the River, as high as Alexandria; our conjectures Proved true, for from the information of a young Gentleman, a near...
50823From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
50824To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Taylor, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I informed you in my last , that the major part of the Soldiers belonging to the Regiment of Guards, claimed discharges on being removed from the Barracks in Albemarle, and when Col. Wood returned the 9th instant, he ordered that a Board of Officers should sit the next day to report those men who had always been mustered to serve only at the Barracks, and that I should discharge such. In...
50825To Thomas Jefferson from Foster Webb, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no Continental Money on hand, and do not think any can be procured. There stil remains 950 Dollars 1 for 40. I imagine Specie could be purchased if you chuse to have it done. I am Your Mo. Obedt. Servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed and endorsed.
50826To Alexander Hamilton from Stewart and Totten, 13[–23] April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
We have this moment Recv’d your favour of ye 11th Inst., the one you Refer to in this we have not Rec’d; we have applied your Bill to our own use, not having it in our power to dispose of it in hard money owing to bills being so plenty for paper. They have Been current here a[t] 4/ & 4/6 hard money pr 5 Livres. We will use our utmost Endeavours to forward you the money you ask in the time...
50827To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Joseph Holmes, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency an Extract of a letter which I have just received from Captain Holmes, who is the Assistant Deputy Quarter Master at Petersburg. In such cases as this, I beg leave to ask, what I am to do? I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, Humble Servant, “It is with much concern I tell you, all my workmen have quit me on account of their not being exempt...
50828From John Adams to Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield, 13 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
It will be necessary for me to have, Tea Geer and Coffee Geer and Knives and Forks and Table Linnen. I believe a dozen and half of Tea Cups and Saucers and as many Coffee Cups— as many Silver Tea Spoons, and an equal Number of larger Spoons —a Set of Table Cloths and Napkins—whether there is half a dozen Table Cloths or a Dozen I dont know in a set. Two dozens of Knives and Forks. I know not...
50829From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [13 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note concerning Mr. Garanger. I am no further interested for him than as a stranger who has taken a great deal of pains to render himself useful & who appears to me to understand what he professes. I know you too well however not to be convinced that you will do every thing in your power to give him fair play. He ought to choose his own means and we should judge of the results....
50830From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [13 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You have intirely misunderstood me. I said I knew you too well not to be convinced, that you would give fair play; that is in other words my knowlege of you convinced me that you would give fair play . You seem to have taken it in a different sense. Permit me to say this was not well done; for my friendship for you as well as the whole complexion of my letter ought to have saved me from the...
50831George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 13, 1781 . Asks Board to supply hard money to officers on Long Island who have been exchanged but are detained for lack of funds. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50832From Benjamin Franklin to A. M. Woedtke, 13 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received your Letter requesting Information relating to the Death of Frederic William de Woedtcke your Brother. He came to Philadelphia in March 1776, recommended to me by a Friend at Paris. I procur’d for him the Commission of Brigadier General, as you will see by the enclosed Copy of two Resolutions of Congress. He went into Canada with me in the...
50833General Orders, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
At a Division General court martial held in the Connecticut line the ninth instant by order of Colonel Durkee whereof Major Prior was president. Lieutenant William Addams of the first Connecticut regiment was tried for Absenting himself from his regiment and not joining it agreeable to the requisition of the commanding officer found Guilty and sentenced to be Cashiered. The Commander in Chief...
50834To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am order’d by Congress to proceed immediately as far as Dover in the Delaware State, and Accomack upon the Eastern Shore of Virginia, in order to secure and remove all public Stores upon the peninsula between the two Bay’s—indeed Congress would have done right to Order a seizure of all salt Provisions Flour and Forage in that Country, as two thirds of it will go to the Enemy—they have a...
50835From George Washington to Board of War, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary of Prisoners informs me that there are still a number of officers on Long Island who have been exchanged, but are detained there for want of money to pay their board, not having been able to negotiate the bills which he received for that purpose. This is a most painful circumstance, both as it affects the officers and our public credit. If it were possible to find a sufficient...
50836To George Washington from William Heath, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I was honored with yours of the 12th to which in its several parts I shall pay attention. After the instructions given by Governor Clinton to Major Paulding, respecting Capt. Simmons, I am not a little surprised that Major Paulding should take him to the lines without ever mentioning the matter to me. Perhaps the opinion I expressed to him, when on his way to the Governor,...
50837To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Had Your Excellency’s Answer to my letter of the 8th Been forwarded with an Equal Celerity with your favor of the 6th I would Have Received it Before this time—But whatever change my New situation Could Make in Your Excellency’s dispositions I thought it my duty in the mean while to obey the positive orders I Had Received—The troops are now crossing the ferry and will with all possible Speed...
50838To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I Have Received Your Excellency’s Letter Relating to Clel Gouvion—it would Have Been Very Agreable to Me to keep this officer—Your orders Have Been Sent to Philadelphia where He is for the present—However distant I may Be from the scene, I am Happy to find that Your Excellency Hopes to Undertake the Grand object we Have Had in Contemplation. By a Letter just Received from the Board of War it...
50839To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was Yesterday honored with your Favor of the 4th Inst. Every attention is paid to collect and forward the Troops with dispatch from all the Counties saving those in the eastern part of this State. they, by a resolve of the Assembly in their last session, were detained untill the pleasure of your Excellency & that of Congress could be known with respect to their being further detained for the...
50840From George Washington to Nathaniel Stevens, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to point out to the Quarter Master Genl at what Places there are any quantities of Public Rum deposited, & concert Measures with him for the transportation of an immediate supply to the Army. I am Sir Your Humble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
50841Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Delegates, 13 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by a clerk. Your letter of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. You will by this Time have received letters from me desiring you to do what you have done as to the Arms and in some measure as to the refugees. It would be more agreable to us that they should be sent to France than delivered up to us. I beg leave to add to the Names of those I before...
50842From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Council having determined that Colo. Elligood should be permitted to go into the enemy’s line[s] or to any other part of the Continent in possession of the enemy, I am to ask the favour of you to furnish him with a parole. Colo. Curle will take charge of the parole and find a means of conveying it after signed to you. I am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. servt., RC (Carpenters’...
50843To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Brown informed Mr. Parks, that Mr. Hay of this town, sent down to Captain Charles Thomas at Warwick four hundred Gallons of Oil; As the Continental Commissary of Hides has not any, will your Excellency be pleased to direct Capt. Thomas to lend us a little for a Short time; as Mr. Marks is gone to Philadelphia respecting his department, and will furnish himself so as to be able to return...
50844To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from Mr. Young at Fredericksburg. “He mentions nothing of my letter respecting the Waggons to be ready for the Stores that are to come from the Marquis.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p., including enclosure; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed; endorsed in part: “April 14th 1781” (date of receipt?). Enclosure (filed with the letter in Vi...
50845To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As it would be proper for us, I suppose, to make use of the same kind of parole that the British require of us, which is very restricted in its terms, I will be obliged to your Excellency to favor me with a copy or the original parole signed by Govr. Hamilton. I am your Excellency’s most obdt servt., RC ( Vi ); addressed; endorsed in part: “April 14th 1781” (date of receipt?).
50846To Thomas Jefferson from Prevost Deleurieux, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Sr. Mary, négociant de cette ville, qui Expédie pour votre province de virginie son brigantin le Darth, capitaine Davis, avec des Denrées de cette colonie, se propose de charger en retour chez vous des farines et salaisons, nous vous prions instamment de luy accorder cette grace; ce Sera un Service essenciel que vous nous rendrés ayant fait cet armement à nôtre demande pour rapporter des...
50847To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Gaskins, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Northumberland, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an account of the draft in Northumberland county. Only three men enlisted for the war: Thomas Giles, Michael Taylor, and Thomas Harding; sends certificates for these men and wishes them returned by the bearer, together with bounty money for them and for 40 men drafted. “We have great Destruction in and about our place By the Barberous and Cruel Pirating...
50848To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Revolutions indeed. Yesterday George Twyman, C. L. Lewis, James Marks, and Isaac Davis mounted the rostrum, the two latter were returned delegates for the once favored County of Albemarle, Colo. Joseph Cabell, Senator for this district. This day a change took place in our Military department. Colo. John Coles resigned, Capt. John Marks promoted. Colo. Nicholas Lewis resigned, Thos. Walker...
50849To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Hamilton, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencies Orders I have Allow’d the Following Prisoners of War, the Liberty of the Town, Vizt. George Richardson, John Askin, Richard Aris, John Gibson, Robert Tackberry, Edward Conner, Jonathan Shaw, John Uree, and Richard Brady. Mr. Rose informs me that they were deliver’d to him as prisoners of War and from examineing them I belive them to be such. Inclos’d your...
50850To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Holmes, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellencies Letter by Express enclosing sundry Matters for the County Lieutenant. He being absent the business falls upon me to execute. I shall therefore immediately give the necessary Orders, and send On the Draughts with as Much Expedition as possible. Very few, if any of this County March’d to the westward but have been Oblig’d to furnish upwards of one...