51531From John Adams to John Laurens, 8 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me, on the 28th. of April. I most Sincerely congratulate you, on the most essential Aid you have obtained from the Court of Versailles, who upon this Occasion have done as much Honour to their own Policy, as essential Service to the United States. By a Conduct like this, which it is easy for France to hold, and which does as much...
51532To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 8 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have the Honour of yours of the 29th of April, and according to your desire, have inclosed a List of the Bills accepted with the Times of their becoming due, and Shall draw for the Money to discharge them, only as they become payable, and through the House of Fizeaux & Grand. I Sincerely congratulate you upon the noble Aid obtained, from the French...
51533To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 8 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am favored with yours of the 25th ultimo with Copies of two Letters from D. also your Power. I see that D. takes no Notice of the receipt of your Letter of the 8th March which I forwarded him according to his own Direction— I wish there was any prospect of my being able to do any thing with this Man, but I fear all is forlorn hope as to what can be done...
51534To Benjamin Franklin from Elkanah Watson, Jr., 8 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I forwarded my bankers Messrs. J. Cottin & fils & Jauge, a small bill drawn by Jas. Clark Esqr on you for 18 dolls—viz No. 2693. dated 28th. Decr. 1780 in favr. Mary Jenkins & indors’d to me by James Daggett— Messrs. Cottin’s advise me that the bill is by some means lost— If you can negotiate the ammount with them in consequence of the above discription...
51535General Orders, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the badness of the weather prevented the inspection of the first brigades of Massachusett and Connecticut yesterday they will be inspected on thursday—the second brigades of Massachusett and Connecticut on saturday—and the third Massachusett and Stark’s brigades on Monday next; the time and manner of inspection to be the same as already pointed out. Colonel Hazen’s regiment to be held in...
51536From George Washington to Pierre François, chevalier de Béville, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received the Letter, which you did me the honor to write at Hartford on the 2nd of this month. In consequence of the application to Congress, respecting the appointing of Colonel Champlin Barrack Master to the French Army; the Quarter Master General has been authorised to make out that Appointment , which I have the pleasure of transmitting to His Excellency the Count De...
51537From George Washington to Board of War, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 30th April and 1st Instant. After a conference with Mr Cornel I ordered as much Cloathing as could possibly be shared from hence to be immediately forwarded to the southward with one thousand Muskets and one thousand Cartouch Boxes which appeared as many as could be sent from hence upon a comparison of our own probable wants with our stock on hand....
51538To George Washington from Zebulon Butler, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I came to this Place Last Night before Last, On my way to Camp I met your Excellencies Orders of the 19th Ult. I had all the men with me Excepting two that were so Lame that they were not Abel to March Out but on Reicet of your Excellencies orders Respecting those that had Families that their Circumstances were Dystressing I Sent back Eight men whose Particular Circumstances I Shall make A...
51539From George Washington to William Heath, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Distressed beyond expression, at the present situation & future prospect of the Army, with regard to provisions; and convinced with you, that, unless an immediate and regular supply can be obtained, the most dangerous consequences are to be apprehended, I have determined to make one great effort more on the subject—And must request that you will second & enforce my representations to, and...
51540From David Humphreys to William Heath, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency (who has just rode out with Colonel Menonville first Deputy Adjutant General of the French Army) desired me to inform you, that he will be at West Point tomorrow Morng if the weather is fair : that he must return before dinner, and will expect the pleasure of your company up the river, if your health, & occasions will permit. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Dear Sir...
51541From George Washington to Jedediah Huntington, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Five Months, this day, having elapsed, since you had permission to visit your freinds; I find myself under the indispensable necessity of calling your attention again to your Command. I must request there fore You will be pleased to repair to the Army as soon as may be, after the receipt of this Letter. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Hble Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
51542From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 26th and 29th ulto with the inclosures to which you refer—They shall be duly attended to. Under cover of the letter of the 26th is one from General Gates to Congress, indorsed by the Secretary "Ordered to be transmitted to the Commander in Chief." without any particular directions respecting the subject of it. Congress have been informed...
51543To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
There is no fighting Here Unless you Have a Naval Superiority or an Army Mounted upon Race Horses. Phillip’s plan Against Richmond Has Been defeated, He was Going towards Porsmouth, and I thought it Should Be enough for me to oppose Him At Some principal points in this State—But now it Appears I will Have Business to transact With two Armies and this is Rather too much. By letters from North...
51544Ménonville—Washington Memorandum, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having received the answer his Excellency honored me with for the second time, I think I have no more now to do, but to continue my journey to Philadelphia, when furnished with the letter his Excellency has offered me, to introduce me to his Excellency the President of the Congress. I think when arrived there, I’ll follow closely the intentions of his Excellency, (which is a special part of my...
51545To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter by Capt. Walker. The Detachment at Danbury shall march as soon as the Quarter Master has provided Teams for transporting the Provisions from Danbury, which I hope will not exceed two or three Days. the prisoners which cannot be tried before they march will be sent with them to Fishkill. inclos’d are the Proceedings of a Court Martial against,...
51546To George Washington from Richard Peters, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th Ulto inclosing a Representation from Genl Knox against breaking up the Post at Fishkill: These Reasons appear to be Sufficient to induce a Repeal of our Order on that Subject & are very different from the Ideas we had of the Matter from Representations made to us; by which it seemed to be evident that the Post, if kept up...
51547To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I this moment received a billet from the Consul of France at Boston in the following words "The frigate La Concorde is arrived at Boston; Sunday at night, after a passage of 42. days; The Commodore De Barras is on board with the Viscount de Rochambeau" I expect they will arrive here to morrow and your Excellency may well think that I wait for them with great impatience. I believe it will be...
51548To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I would inform Your Excellency that Judge Wynkoop had procured Fifty four Barrels of Shad the 5th Instant which I have ordered brought to Fish kill Landing and proportionably distributed amongst the Troops at New Windsor, West Point &ca together with what Mr Morrell may have procured, except the sixteen Barrels that went to Albany. I have no knowledge of Salt meat, Cattle or Rum being on the...
51549Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Addressed to “His Excelly. Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Except for Meriwether Smith’s signature, the entire letter is in Theodorick Bland’s hand. In the editors’ opinion, this dispatch was from JM as well as his two colleagues, and the omission of his signature reflects merely his momentary absence at the time the letter was sealed. Having...
51550From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Ld. Cornwallis being on his march for Virginia and Genl. Phillips setting out from Brandon to join his forces to those of the former, obliges us to call every man into the feild for whom arms can be procured, and to require the reinforcements of militia from below the Blue ridge intended for Genl. Greene or such of them as have not actually marched to rendezvous at Prince Edward C. H. or...
51551From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants and Others, [8 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. Senf being sent by Majr. Genl. Marquis Fayette to have the bridges and boats and other vessels destroyed which might otherwise facilitate the passage of the enemy across the rivers Blackwater, Nottoway, Meherrin and Roanoke and to collect vessels for transportation of our own troops, all County Lieutenants and other militia officers and their militia are hereby required...
51552From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Lunenburg and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army under Major Genl. Phillips having landed at Brandon, and meaning to press Southwardly; and Lord Cornwallis being now advancing Northwardly with a Design probably of uniting their force, it behoves us immediately to turn out from every County as many men as there are Arms to be found in the County, in order to oppose these forces in their separate State if possible, and if not,...
51553From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of Spotsylvania, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British [&c. as in the preceding letter to the words combined.] This movement of the enemy frees your part of the Country of every probability of Molestation, except from Privateers, against which the Counties uncalled on will be a sufficient Defence. You will therefore be pleased [&c.]1 to Richmond where they will receive orders to join Major General Marquis Fayette. When you shall be...
51554From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Louisa and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army [&c. to the words ‘with these arms in their hands’] to Richmond or Prince Edward Courthouse as shall be most convenient [&c.]1 And whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my letter of the 5th inst who will be retained to perform a full Tour. Cavalry in a due proportion [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County...
51555From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of King William and Hanover, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British [&c. to the words ‘with these Arms in their hands’]1 to Richmond where they will receive orders to join Major General Marquis Fayette. When you shall be possessed [&c.] Whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for by my Letter of yesterday who will be retained to perform a full tour. It is probable [&c. to the end.] I am &c., FC ( Vi ); at head of text:...
51556From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Henry and Certain Other Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British Army [&c. to the words ‘keep clear of Danger from the former.’] Should the Militia before ordered to join General Greene be not actually marched we should approve of these Arms being put into their hands, and that they proceed to one of the Rendezvouses beforementioned instead of taking a direct Route to General Greene as formerly ordered. The person who receives [&c. to the end.] I...
51557From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenant of King and Queen, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British [&c.] And whenever it is over they shall be discharged except the number called for in my letter of yesterday who will be retained to perform a full Tour. [&c. to the End.] I am FC ( Vi ); at head of text: “County Lieutenant of King & Queen.” Brackets supplied; for the portions of the text to be supplied here see TJ’s letter to the county lieutenants of Lunenburg, &c., this date .
51558From Thomas Jefferson to the County Lieutenants of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There are a very considerable number (about 164) of your Militia who have been on Duty near two Months; Be pleased to fix on so many of the rest of your County whether now in the field or at Home, whose regular Tour it is, to go and relieve the 164 first mentioned. We shall call on other Counties immediately to relieve the whole of yours as soon as they can get in. I am &c., FC ( Vi ). The...
51559To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...
51560From William Davies to the Commissioners of Accomac and Northampton Counties, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The unsecure situation of the publick Stores in your County makes it necessary that Steps should be immediately taken to put them out of the power of the enemy. The grain perhaps, it would be better to sell, the cattle possibly might be driven to Wilmington or Philadelphia but an escort ought to be sent with them till they shall have passed Worcester and Sussex Counties. The preservation of...
51561To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having so lately and so often wrote to your Excellency we have little new to Communicate at present; the confusion respecting money still continues in this City, tho with less commotion than could be expected as in a few days the old Continental money has depreciated from two hundred to seven, eight, and some say nine Hundred for one, the new money has of course sufferd in proportion. What...
51562From Thomas Jefferson to the Commander of the Essex County Militia, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The British army under Major General Phillips having landed at Brandon and meaning to press Southwardly and Lord Cornwallis being now advancing Northwardly with a Design probably of uniting their force, it behoves us immediately to turn out from every County as many men as there are arms to be found in the County in order to oppose these forces in their separate State if possible and if not to...
51563To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 9 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (three): American Philosophical Society; copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives Mr. Samuel Curson and his Partner Mr. Isaac Governeur junr. after St. Eustatius was taken were put on board the Vengeance Man of War Comdore. Hotham to be sent to England stripped of every Thing but their wearing Apparrell their Books Papers and Slaves having...
51564To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress As our Salaries are payables in Sterling money, I am too much at a Loss to determine the Rate of Exchange to fix upon any at present. I remember that your former Advances on this Account were at the rate of twenty four thousand Livres for a thousand Louis, supposing a Louis to be equal to a pound sterling, Our half years Salaries would amount to seventeen hundred &...
51565[Diary entry: 9 May 1781] (Washington Papers)
9th. Went to the Posts at West point, and found by enquiry of General Heath, that all the Meat deposited in the advanced redoubts for contingent purposes would not, if served out, serve the Army two days—that the Troops had drawn none that day & that none remained in the common Magazine.
51566To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 1st Instt and shall do every thing in my power to comply fully with the requisition contained in it, altho’ I have of late experienced much greater difficulty in gaining good intelligence from the other side than formerly. I am in daily expectation of having an interview with the person mentioned lately, when I have effected which, I hope to be...
51567From George Washington to John Glover, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
As some of the Recruits begin to arrive, & more may be daily expected, & as the season for opening the Campaign is fast approaching; it behoves every Officer, particularly every one of high rank, to be with the Troops of his Command at this Moment to organize, discipline, & prepare them for the field—I shall expect therefore, that you will commence your return to the Army, as soon as it is...
51568From George Washington to Ebenezer Hazard, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th of April. Immediately after the accident happened to the post in the Clove, I changed the Route and he now travels by the way of Warwick to Morris Town, which is but a few Miles further about, and upon a Road which is as safe as any in this part of the Country can be. It would be impossible for me, was the occasion ever so urgent, to send escorts of Horse...
51569From George Washington to William Heath, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to proceed immediately to the several Eastern States, with the dispatches, addressed to the Governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Bay and the President of New Hampshire, on the subject of supplies for the Army. The present critical and alarming situation of our Troops and Garrisons for the want of provision, is (from the nature of your command) so perfectly...
51570To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since the Letter which I had the Honor of last addressing to your Excellency, the military movements in this state have scarcely merited Communication except a very late one. The Enemy after leaving Williams burg came directly up James River & landed at City point being the point of Land on the Southern Side of the Confluence of Appamattox & James Rivers; they marched up to Petersburg where...
51571From George Washington to François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de Ménonville, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
As there is a great deficiency of such kind of artillery as Colo. Menonville applies for, at the disposal of General Washington, he has it not in his power to do more, than to communicate the wishes of His Excell’y Count de Rochambeau (as they are expressed by Colo. Menonville) to Congress; from where he is perswaded Eight or ten pieces of the cannon said to be imported for the 70 Gun ship at...
51572To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received from Colo. Hughes a letter of which the inclosed is an extract. Mr Pomeroy (the bearer of it, brother to the D.Q.M.) informs me that the towns who were called on early in March to send forward their salted meat, got themselves excused by the government, under pretence that the roads were impassable, promising to turn out when the roads were good. But when called upon, the...
51573To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had forgot to Inclose the paper alluded to in mine of the 4th and sent It after the messenger, by mistake General Clinton has returned It to me in a letter of his of yesterdays date. There is great reason to believe that the Corporal and party Charged by Harris with having released Ensign Smith after he was taken are guilty of the fact, as some of them have been seen with such Handkerchiefs...
51574To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
On examining the state of the Magazines here I find that unless the most strenuous exertions are made to collect and forward to Camp the supplies mentioned in Mr Stevens’s report to your Excellency of the 24th of April last the Army must be greatly distressed in a few days—There is not more than two days supply on hand and the only prospect of present releif is from the Western Towns in the...
51575From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 9 May 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with TJ’s letter to George Washington of the same date , q.v. Tr ( DLC : Washington Papers). Another Tr ( PHi ). FC ( Vi ). The first two are in the hand of Richard Peters. TJ’s letter was read in Congress on 14 May 1781 and referred to the board of war ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others,...
51576To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel McDowell, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of October last, for raising this States quota of troops for the Continental Army, came to this County in due time. The Districts were laid off, two or three of the Districts Procured their men for the War; a day was appointed for the Draft, but before the day came, your Excellencys letter allowing a Suspension of that Act, in this County, came to hand, and before your Excellencys...
51577From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Letter which I had the Honor of last addressing to your Excellency, the military movements in this state have scarcely merited Communication except a very late one. The Enemy after leaving Williamsburg came directly up James River and landed at City point being the point of Land on the Southern Side of the Confluence of Appomattox and James Rivers; they marched up to Petersburg where...
51578From Thomas Jefferson to John Scarsbrook Wills, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Bristol Brown and Thomas Kemp inform us that their Families, Cloth[es] and Household furniture are in Portsmouth, and desire a flag to go in for them. The true and sacred objects of Flags have been so much abused, that it is with Reluctance we allow one, but in Cases of real Importance. We think one may be admitted in this instance, provided a vigilant officer can be sent to conduct it, and to...
51579To Thomas Jefferson from George Weedon, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I informed your Excellency in a previous Letter of the Marquis de la Fayettes order to me to assemble a defence in this Quarter for the protection of Potowmac. This Business will be attended with much difficulty as to Arms. I have this day received a Letter from the Board of War in Phila. advising that 1100 Stand had sett off before the date of that Letter 1st. Instant. I had heard of them 8...
51580Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 10 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Upon opening your favour of April 17 my Heart Beat a double stroke when I found that the Letter which I supposed had reachd you was the one captured in the room of that you received which was what I had supposed lost, but I should have been secure from the knowledge of the writer if Mr. Cranchs Letter and one I wrote at the same time had not accompanied it. The Letter which I would not have...