52651Monday July the 2d 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning Major Jackson came here; I went to Mr. Crajenschot’s for the Politique Hollandois. At about ten o’clock Pappa set out upon a journey for Paris; We all din’d at home; after dinner, I went to Mr. Sigourney and Ingraham’s but did not Stay there long. I went to Madam Chabanel’s; but found no body but the old lady at home; Mr. Le Roi and young Mr. Chabanel came home. At about half past...
52652James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 2 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
The Gentleman by whom I meant to send the inclosed was obliged unexpectedly to return to Baltimore. I do not find, upon breaking the Seal that it can give Mr. Rivington much Amusement. I am sorry to find by this day’s Receipt of yours of June 10th. that you had not more Satisfaction from the Arrival of the Alliance. You will know, by what Genl. Ward had to convey to you, that an Expression in...
52653To Benjamin Franklin from William Jackson: Three Letters, 2 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and transcript: National Archives; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 28 ultimo, while at the Texel superintending some matters relating to the Ship—equally concerned for the...
52654To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Martin l’aîné, 2 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le 26 May dernier, il passa chez Moy un Jeune officier portant luniforme des Traize etats unis qui demanda a se rafraichir dun Verre de Vin ou de cidre, un domestique luy dits que la maison qu’il croyoit une hotellerie, n’en etoit point une mais que cela ne lempecheroit dy avoir ce quil demandoit et dans l’Instant metant presenté a luy je le fits Servir de...
52655[Diary entry: 2 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
July 2d. Genl. Lincoln’s detachment embarked last Night after dark, at or near Tellers point; and as his operations were to be the movement of two Nights he was desired to repair to Fort Lee this day & reconnoitre the enemy’s Works—Position and strength as well as he possibly could & take his ultimate determination from appearances—that is to attempt the surprize if the prospect was favourable...
52656General Orders, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Huntington Lieutenant Colonel Badlam Major Trescott. Inspector _ Starks Brigade. No Drum to beat without particular order. Officers and Soldiers are to refresh themselves and be within call of their Arms which are for the present to be stacked. No person not belonging to the Army is to be permitted to pass through the Camp without being carried to the...
52657To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai recû la lettre que votre Excellence m’a fait L’honneur de m’ecrire en datte du 27 Juin, ainsi que la copie de la Lettre du Ministre de france. Je vous suis obligé des nouvelles que vous me donnez. il est facheux qu’au moment ou les Américains repoussoient vivement les Anglois, dans la partie de Charlestown, les Ennemis ayent recû du renfôrt. Tout le convoi Escorté par Le Sagittaire est...
52658To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my last I had the honor to inform yr Excelly that your letter which came enclosed to me directed to the Govr of Virginia was forwarded by express—the departure of the Chevr de La Luzerne for camp affords me this opportunity, of acquainting your Excellency that your request respecting the Rifflemen from this state has been this day enforced by a requisition of Congress, in the terms...
52659From George Washington to Edward Hand, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will take the Command of the detachment which is intended to Surprise the Enemy’s Pos ts on the end of York Island. I entertain too high an opinion of your di ligence abilities & judgment as an Officer, to restrict you by Instructions. In the execution of this pr oject you will consider what follows as hints whic h may be improved upon, or departed from, as circum stances warrant. On the...
52660To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
A disagreable report hath prevaild here that the prisoners lately taken at pensacola were to be sent to N. York. I have caused enquiry to be made on this Subject & the best account that can yet be obtaind is from a Mr Syms lately arrivd from the Havannah al so of his Report taken by Mr Lewis of t he Admiralty herewith enclosd I have thou ght proper to transmit to your Excellency. I cannot...
52661From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 29th ulto. The arrangement which you have made for the periods of transportation of the heavy Stores from Philada agrees perfectly with my Ideas of the matter, as I think we must be certainly able to determine ultimately upon our plan of operations, by the time they are to be in motion. An enterprize, which I have long had in contemplation, will be executed in the...
52662To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place to day to take your Excellency’s ultimate directions when the Park should join the army, and to take any other orders your Excellency should please to give me; but I was disappointed by the army and your Excellency having moved. I presume the laboratory preparations will be in such forwardness by Sunday next, that we might then move without retarding any thing material....
52663To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
We arrived and landed our troops here between three & four this morning immediately our boats were covered with green boughs & our men in a neghbouring wood many things combined to cause a failure of landg as first proposed Majr Darby miss under stood Majr Bayley re sp ecting the place the Boats were to be carried which prevented his finding them this caus e d a delay of one hour after we had...
52664From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your favor, and have only to express my wish that you will cross as soon as possible & take possession of the Heights of Kings Bridge so as to support the Duke de Lauzun & prevent the Enemy from attempting to cut him off by that way or to prevent their retreating if they are out. I shall be at Valentines Hill in Mile Square by tomorrow morning if practicable. I am...
52665From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inform you in full confidence that an attempt is to be made this night by surprise upon the enemy’s posts upon the North end of York Island. I move down with the remainder of the Army towards Kings bridge and expect the French Troops will form a junction with me, or will be very near at hand to support me. In case of success I shall contrive you the most instantaneous intelligence upon which...
52666To George Washington from Robert Morris, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 28th ulto and am happy to have contributed to your relief in any shape, be assured that it shall be my study to guard you as much as possible against, the distress and perplexity that arise from want of Provisions &c. and if the several Legislatures will only do their part with vigour I shall have the strongest hopes of putting a much better face on our monied...
52667From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received your Excellencys Favor of last Evening. I think it may be very well for your Excellency to proceed Tomorrow to North Castle—where you will continue untill you assemble your whole Force, unless you should hear further from me within that Time. Being at North Castle will put you in a direct Rout to receive your Provisions from Crompond—& will be a Direct Road for...
52668To George Washington from John Sullivan, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Though I have nothing Important to write your Excellency at This moment I take the Liberty by his Excellencey the Chevalier de La Luzerne to assure you of my Earnest wishes for your Success against New york & That Every Effort of mine Shall be Employed while I remain in Congress to Second your attempt to fulfil (or Even if possible to anticipate) your wishes: my time in Congress will Soon...
52669To George Washington from John Dudley Townes, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honr to transmit to your Excellency an exact Copy of a Letter, Sent to the Board of war from Genl Green; Relative to the sentence of a Court martial, which I had the honr of acquainting you of some time ago; you will in that see Genl Greens sentiments, as Commanding the Southern armey: I applyed to the Board of war what was to be done, they were all present, and gave as their...
52670From John Jay to Floridablanca, 2 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
When Congress were pleased to order me to Spain, with the Commission of which I have had the Honor of presenting a Copy to your Excellency, I left my Country with the most sanguine Expectations that the important objects of it would be speedily accomplished. The Proofs they had recieved of his Majesty’s Friendship for them, the Interests of a common Cause, and the Information they had recieved...
52671From John Jay to Montmorin, 2 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Ex y herewith enclosed a copy of a Letter I have this Day written to his Ex y the Count De Florida Blanca. ^ I have thereby informed him of my ^ Being authorized to remove the objections hitherto made by the Court of Spain to a Treaty of Alliance with the United States, I have communicated it to his Ex y and again requested that ^ & again requested that...
52672Tuesday July the 3d 1781. (Adams Papers)
Din’d at home, after dinner Mr. Searle and Major Jackson came here. At about nine o’clock a thunder Storm came up, and lasted till about eleven, it Struck a Windmill, and burnt it to the ground, and would probably have communicated itself to another which was near it, if a very heavy shower of rain had not hinder’d it. From Waller’s works. Chap. 12th. Of The Fear of God. In two Cantoes. Here...
52673To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai été mortifié dernierement, de vous trouver justement parti lorsque je passai à votre Auberge, pour vous rendre mes devoirs après avoir vu quelques patriotes. J’espere être dedommagé lorsque vous ferez une autre tournée ici. En attendant, je me hâte de vous faire passer l’incluse, non seulement pour que vous ayiez la bonté de la faire partir par premiere occasion avec vos Dépeches, mais...
52674C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I was mortified to find that you had just left your inn, when I came to call on you after having met with some patriots. I hope we can make up for it on your next trip here. Meantime, I hasten to give you the enclosed, not only for you to be so kind as to forward it, with your dispatches, but also so that you may read it. Everything it contains is as reliable as it is interesting. The third...
52675To John Adams from J. Rocqùette, Th. A. Elsevier, & P. Th. Rocqùette, 3 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the conversation, which the writer of this had the honour to have with your Exellencey, Last Saturday, We now make free to entretain you aboutt the American Certificates of which we have a good number. Part of them are already due Since the beginning of this year, the others will become due in February, March and April of next year, we are at a Loss how to gett payment of...
52676To Benjamin Franklin from Timothy Folger, 3 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I shall be glad to return to Lile in the Diligence which sets off on Friday morning shall Esteem it as a particular favour if I could have the permission this day or tomorrow morning. The goods I shall carry out will Consist of Sail Cloth, Cordage, yarns, Woolens, Linnen Blankets, Shalloons, Tammys, Camblets &c. to the amount of ten thousand pounds...
52677[Diary entry: 3 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
3d. The length of Duke Lauzens March & the fatiegue of his Corps, prevented his coming to the point of Action at the hour appointed. In the meantime Genl. Lincolns Party who were ordered to prevent the retreat of Delancy’s Corps by the way of Kg. Bridge & prevent succour by that Rout were attacked by the Yagers and others but on the March of the Army from Valentines Hill retired to the Island....
52678General Orders, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Major General Lord Stirling Lieutenant Colonel Gray Major Gibbs Inspector _1st Connecticut Brigade The Continental Troops will this Evening lay upon their Arms upon Valentine’s hill in their usual order of Encampment. All detachments are immediately to join their respective Corps and the officers to take their command in the line—Colonel Scammel’s detachment excepted. The...
52679To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been honoured with your Excellency’s letter of the 28 Ultimo and particular Attention will be paid to the Contents. The Commissary General of Military Stores is in a way to be furnished with some Money the necessary purchases and Preparations are making in that department. At the same time we wish you to inform us from time to time of the Measures you wish us to take and you may...
52680To George Washington from Udny Hay, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to enclose for your Excellency’s perusal No. 1 my General Return of Provisions up to 1st of May, for which regular Vouchers have been obtain’d, and are either in the Possession of me, or one of my Assistants. No. 2 a Return of Provisions, which I have every Reason to suppose delivered, but of which I have not yet regular Returns—No. 3 a Return of short Forage, for which...
52681To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Dispatches of the 16th, 21st, 24th, & 28th Ulto. Have herewith enclosed a Resolve of Congress of the 2d Instant passed in Consequence of your Letter of the 24th Ulto, and hope that your Request for a Corps of Rifle Men will be fully complied with by this State. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble...
52682To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Such has been the situation of Virginia for some time past we have had but little and that very imperfect intelligence of the transactions there—this may have been the case with you and yesterdays Post being the only one for some weeks that brought us Letters I inclose one received from Col. Carey for your perusal knowing that your acquanitance with that Gentleman will readily account for his...
52683To George Washington from Richard Peters, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have the Honour to transmitt a Copy of a Memorial relative to the Promotions in the Pennsilvania Regiment of Artillery & previous to our making a Report to Congress we beg the Favour of your Excellency’s Opinion thereupon. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your very obed. Servants DLC : Papers of George Washington. The Honorable the Congress of the United States...
52684From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Count Ferchin will do me the Favor to deliver this to your Excellency—The Operations of this Day are over—but I am not so happy as to inform you that our Success has been equal to our Wishes—altho I have Reason to think that every essential Benefit will Result to our future Operations from the Opportunity I have had in a very full manner to reconnoitre the Position & Strength of the Enemy...
52685To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 30th ulto, covering a letter for General Stark, which I shall deliver him assoon as he arrives, and offer him every aid in my power to contribute. I did myself the honor to adress you on the 1st Instant in a letter which will go by this conveyance, and to which I beg leave to refer you for information relative to the batteaux to be...
52686To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Although the Troops were served with provisions for thursday next, yet it may happen, by accident on the march and otherwise, that some of them may be wanting by to morrow evening, and to prevent any scarcity, I intend to send off this day by land, what hard bread is here, & now coming from West point, the whole will be about a days allowance, with it will be forwarded pork for One day, so...
52687To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1781 to 5 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Clinton advised to sending two Regiments of Militia to Do b se s F erry & Tarry-Town, I sent a pilot to lead them across the Land they Arrived at the place of their destination yesterday where I met them. there are Houses enough here to cover the Troops—I have left orders with Colo. Denny, the Oldest officer, to watch the motions of the Enemy prevent thier plundering the inhabitants,...
52688Wednesday July the 4th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This day being the Anniversary of American Independance, all the Americans din’d together, at a place call’d De Nieuwe Stads Herberg, but brother Charles and I could not go. In the afternoon Brother Charles and I went to the Oude Man Huis to buy some things, We went to Madam Chabanel’s, brother Charles went away soon after and I went to take a walk with the young ladies, I supp’d there, and...
52689To Benjamin Franklin from Gustavus Conyngham, 4 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When the revenge Cutter fitted out of Dunkirk Mr. William Hodge employd A Irish priest the Name of Web to provide some french Seamen or Men Acquaintted with the Watter for said vessel. What M: Web promised the men I do not know I am Well Convinced he had no Orders to promise them any Advance Or to let them know wheare or what the Vessell was, to they....
52690[Diary entry: 4 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
4th. Marched & took a position a little to the left of Dobbes ferry & marked a Camp for the French Army upon our left. Duke Lauzen Marched to the Whitepl[ai]n & Waterbury to Horseneck. The area called Horseneck is now the borough of Greenwich, Fairfield County, Conn.
52691General Orders, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Major General Lincoln Lieutenant Colonel Fernald Major Knapp Inspector—2d Connecticut brigade The Commander in Chief wishes the Army to be persuaded that he is extremely pleased with the regularity and order with which the late movement was performed—He does not recollect to have seen a march where discipline was more strictly observed it afforded him the highest...
52692To George Washington from William De Hart, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Herewith I Transmit to your Excellency the Proceedings of a Court Martial of which I was President. John Cully Tried & Convicted ofDesertion—his Confession’s is Also Enclos’d the first was made to Col. Dayton the Second to Me. I Inform’d him at the time of his Confession I had nothing to Promise him but that Should Any thing Appear in it that merited your Excellencys Attention I should...
52693To George Washington from William Heath, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have now the honor to enclose your Excellency, coppy of the proceedings of the Convention, who met at Providence the 26th ulto—The mode adopted for forwarding the Supplies of Fresh Beef during the Campaign, I hope is reduced to a System which will be effectual in its operation, and such as will meet your approbation, The States are takeing measures to ensure a seasonable purchase of the...
52694To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here with the first Brigade yesterday at 9 A.M. The 2d by a forced march joined me in the afternoon, and we are now all together ready to execute your orders. I wait with the greatest impatience to hear from you and the Duke de Lauzun. I have caused my march to be opened on White plains, in case circumstances should render it necessary. I am with Respect and personal attachment Sir,...
52695From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
A few minutes after my arrival upon this Ground, I received your Excellency’s favor of this morning. Were I to give way to the anxiety I feel to see the Union between your Army and that of mine, I should request you to march tomorrow morning from North Castle, but when I consider the fatigue which your troops have undergone from their long and rapid marches, at this very hot season, I am much...
52696To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received this moment your Excellency’s Letter. I will make a Stage here according to your orders with the first division which will be to morrow evening joined to the Second. I will Expect your orders to move the whole the day after to morrow, as to My Self I will go to meet your Excellency, at the place where you Will appoint a Rendezvous, that we may preceed our troops to...
52697To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
By your Excellency’s Letter of the 23 of June I find that you expect me to go on to the southward as soon as the State shall have such a Number of Troops in their Line as will give me a suitable command; and that the Time of my joining the army must depend on that Circumstance. I must have misunderstood your Excellency very much about this matter, or there is some mistake in it—I think you...
52698To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I would inform Your Excellency that I arrived here this Morning, where I learn that his Excellency Governor Trumbull is at his Seat in Lebanon. I meet with no Provision or Rum between this & Fishkill, on the Move, except three Hhds & twelve Tierces of the latter near Fredericksburgh, which I expect is arrived before this. I found but ten Barrels of Beef, and two Tierces of Rum at Danbury,...
52699To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 4 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this day sent on to the Regt 36 remounted Dragoons, properly Accoutred. I have at the same time forwarded on to Col. Sheldon about 20 P. Shoes 50 P. Boots, 130 Cartouch Boxes & belts, 60 leather halters a few Spare Swords, & some Saddles. I cannot give an accurate Return of the Swords & Saddles, as they will be recd at Litchfield where they have been prepared. I have purchased about 20...
52700To John Jay from Robert Morris, 4 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
The Derangement of our Money Affairs. The Enormity of our public Expenditures. The Confusion in all our Departments. The Langour of our general System. The Complexity and consequent Inefficacy of our Operations. These are some, among the many, Reasons which have induced Congress to the Appointment of a Superintendent of Finance. I enclose you Copies of their Resolutions on that Subject, with...