52801From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 10 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Last Night I received your 4th Letter on the Same Subject. You are anxious to carry the Money with you, because it will re-animate the Credit of America. My Situation & long Acquaintance with Affairs relating to the public Credit enables me, I think, to judge better than you can do, who are a Novice in them, what Employment of it will most conduce to...
52802From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Palteau de Veimerange, 10 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 3d Instant, inclosing the Accounts of the military Stores sent and to be sent, and of the Cloathing furnish’d by Messrs. Sabbatier & Desprez. I am exceedingly oblig’d by the Goodwill you so kindly express towards the United States, and by your friendly Suggestion of the Propriety of...
52803To Benjamin Franklin from David Finney, 10 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If it is in your power to obtain intelligence from London, concerning the proceedings on my Appeal, which you was so kind as to negotiate for me, during your residence there, and on which a hearing was expected soon after you left England, and you can learn whether any Judgment was given thereon.— I shall esteem it a singular favor, if you will please to...
52804To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Morris, 10 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Samuel Powel Griffitts is my great Nephew, who has studied Physick under Doctr: Kuhn of this City, much to his Credit and reputation, he has taken his Degrees in our University with applause, and great Satisfaction to his friends, and in order to compleat his knowledge in Physick &c. he has taken a Voyage to France, to vissit the Hospitals there,...
52805[Diary entry: 10 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
10th. A Letter from Governor Trumbull, inclosing the proceedings of a convention of Eastern Deligates gives better hope of a regular supply of provision than we have been accustomed to for more than two years as the business seem to be taken up Systematically and regular modes adopted to furnish supplies at stated periods. General Heath also writes very favourably of the disposition of the...
52806General Orders, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorow Major General Lord Stirling Colonel Webb for Picquet Major Gibbs Inspector 2d Connecticut brigade Two Field pieces in the Centre of the second line of the American Camp will be fired as a signal of Alarm in case the enemy should attempt to advance in force: the Troops thereupon will immediately form the Line of Battle in front of their respective encampments and be ready to...
52807To George Washington from James Clinton, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honor’d with your Excellency’s favor of the 6th inst. in Season to countermand the Embarkation of the 2d Regt agreeable to your Direction, the rest of the Troops haveing previously sailed. This Regiment will now encamp in this place and the Transports shall be kept in perfect readiness to receive them on the shortest Notice. I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that the first Regiment...
52808From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor done me in the Receipt of your Excellencys Favor of the 3d instant—covering the Resolutions of Congress of the 2d—The Corps of Rifle Men, requested from the State of Pensylvania, I am anxious to obtain, as I am more & more sensible of the important Benefit we may derive from their Services in our approach to New York. Your Excellency’s agreable Favor of the 6th...
52809To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
My Health is so much impaired by long Confinement & Application as compels me to retire from Congress. I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency they have elected his Excellency Thomas McKean Esqr. to be their President. It also gives me much Satisfaction on retiring, to see our public Affairs in many Respects wear a more promising Aspect than heretofore. The Enemy at present in every Part...
52810From George Washington to Joseph Jones, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th ulto by Post, came to my hands the evening before I marched for this part of the Country—The attention necessary to these kind of movements occupy all ones time, and must plead my excuse for not answering your favor sooner—I question now, whether I shall be able to write so satisfactorily as I could wish, or as you may expect. I thank you for the promise of writing to...
52811From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 29th June. It is with very great satisfaction I observe the proceedings of the General Assembly of your state which you have been pleased to communicate to me The exertions of that Legislature have heretofore been laudable and I am exceeding glad to see the same spirit still prevailing—For my own part I have not a...
52812From George Washington to Samuel Loudon, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Benefit of the Army, & the Encouragement of the Inhabitants—you will be pleased to publish the inclosed Proclamation in your useful Paper. I am sir your St By his Excellency Geo. Washington Esqr. Genl & Commander in Chief of the Allied Army. A Proclamation Be it known—That Every Day, during the Time the Army remains in its present Position, from Day Break till Noon, Two markett Places...
52813To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 6th instant in due time. The whale boats were Collected as speedily as posible, and delivered to your last order. Not knowing that they were appropriated to any particular Service, one of them was Sent down to row Guard at night a Cross Kings-Ferry, to give me the earliest advice of the approach of the Enemy; should he pass the boats below...
52814From George Washington to Robert Morris, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a request from me to Mr Lowrey, that he would continue to purchase and forward Flour to the utmost extent of his Commission, he informs me that he has compleated the purchase of 2000 Barrels and that he has began upon that of 1000 more; but of this he desires me to give you notice; meaning I suppose that you may put a stop to it, if it should not meet your approbation. I have...
52815To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
According to your Excellency’s Direction, I am to State in writing the Claims of the different Ranks of officers in the Connecticutt Line to a Board of officers to settle their relative Rank: or that your Excellency would decide the Claims without a Board. Captains Bulkley & Morris at the Time of settling the Rank of Captains were Prisoners and have never had Opportunity to be heard & suppose...
52816From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of the 24th ultmo & 4th inst. I am pleas’d to find by the first that the Assembly of Pennsylvania have at length passed a Law which seems likely to procure the number of Men voted. You certainly misunderstood me when you was at New Windsor, if you conceiv’d it was my intention that you should serve this Campaign with the Army in this quarter; I at that time...
52817To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Honble Samuel Huntington having informed the United States in Congress assembled that the State of his health would not permit him to continue longer in the exercise of the duties of President and requested leave to absence, Congress have this day proceeded to the Choice of a president and have elected the Honble Thomas McKean. I am Sir Your obedient...
52818From George Washington to John Dudley Townes, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 2d. I can only direct you as I did before to apply to Majr General Greene, who has power, if he thinks the former Court illegal, to disapprove of the proceedings on that account, and to order a new trial, at a proper season. I am Sir yr most obt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52819To George Washington from John Dudley Townes, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I feare your Excellency will think me Very troublesom—But as I concieve my life and happiness entirely depends on the decision of the present dispute—hope you will pardon me—Since I wrote you my last The Board of war, has furnish’d me with an Copy of the proceeding of the Court Martial—which I do myself the honr to transmit to you (by advice)—With a Certificate from the British officer who...
52820Joseph Reed to Virginia Delegates, [10 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
FC (Division of Public Records of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission). Addressed to “the Hon. the Delegates of Virginia.” I have the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of your Memorial on the Detention of the Property of the State of Virginia. And beg Leave to assure you of our entire Disapprobation of the Measure & Concern at so disagreeable an Incidint. As the Case is of the...
52821Wednesday July the 11th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning at about six o’clock we set off from Nimegen and arriv’d at about 8 P.M at Hochstrass the distance is about 70 Engh. Miles; We pass’d thro’ Cleves Kleve , Xanten, and Rheimberg Rheinburg , three small unfortified towns, they all belong to the King of Prussia as does Hochstrass Which is the last town in his dominions, in this part of the country. There are but a few houses in...
52822John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am called to this Place, in the Course of my Duty: but dont conceive from it any hopes of Peace. This desireable object is yet unhappily at a Distance, a long distance I fear. My dear Charles will go home with Maj. Jackson. Put him to school and keep him steady.—He is a delightfull Child, but has too exquisite sensibility for Europe. John is gone, a long Journey with Mr. Dana:—he will serve...
52823Austro-Russian Proposal for Anglo-American Peace Negotiations, with John Adams’ Translation, 11 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Articles pour Servir de base à la négociation du retablissement de la paix. Il sera traité entre la grande Bretagne et les Colonies Américaines du rétablissement de la paix en Amérique; mais sans l’intervention d’aucunes des autres parties Belligérentes, ni même celle des deux Cours Impériales, à moins que leur médiation n’ait été formellement demandée et accordée sur cet objet. Cette paix...
52824John Adams: A Translation, 11 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Articles to Serve, as a Foundation of the negotiation, for the Re-establishment of Peace. There shall be a Treaty, between Great Britain, and the American Colonies, concerning the Re-establishment of Peace, in America; but without the Intervention of any of the other belligerent Parties, nor even that of the two Imperial Courts, at least unless their mediation Should be formally ask demanded...
52825From John Adams to the President of Congress, 11 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have only time, by Major Jackson, to inform Congress, that upon Information from the Comte de Vergennes, that questions concerning Peace, under the Mediation of the two imperial Courts, were in agitation that required my Presence, I undertook the Journey and arrived here last Friday Night the 6th. of the month, and have twice waited on the Comte de Vergennes at Versailles, who this day...
52826From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 11 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I approve of your not having sent the Letters of Exchange which I formerly ordered. You will see by the enclos’d that Capt. Jackson desists from his Demand. Thus you have only to retain the Money till a fresh Order from the Minister permits your Parting with it. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Y.m.o. & m h S. Two copies of the enclosure are at the...
52827From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 11 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, New York Public Library; press copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: National Archives The Number of Congress Bills that have been drawn on the Ministers in Spain and Holland, which I am by my Acceptances obliged to pay, as well as those drawn upon myself, the extreme Importance of...
52828“My Ink with a Little Loaf Sugar,” 11 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AD : Library of Congress At first glance this document makes little sense: what looks like a title line, written in a large hand and dated to the hour, is centered above two stanzas that have nothing to do with either the title or one another. Both verses are taken from the works of Joseph Addison, and the misquotations suggest that they were written from memory. Indeed, the poetry in this...
52829General Orders, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Major General Howe Colonel Tupper for Picquet Major Knap Inspector 1 Massachusetts brigade Returns of the number of shoes actually wanting in each Brigade regimentally digested, to be given in at the Adjutant General’s Office tomorrow at orderly time. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52830From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s letters of the 24th and 30th June and 2d Inst. I observe by a late New York paper that your missing transport has been taken and carried into Hallefax. The Reinforcement which arrived at Charlestown is not so considerable as was at first reported, it may perhaps amount to about 2000 Men. The ships of War which escorted this Convoy have arrived at New...
52831To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28th Ulto containing the very agreeable Intelligence of my Mother’s recovery has got safe to hand; I with much pleasure congratulate you on the Event, and hope She will speedily be restored to her former good State of Health. I am extremely glad that the Reasons gave, why I could not repair to New Windsor immediately on receiving your request, appear to you a sufficient...
52832From George Washington to William Greene, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address your Excellency the 1st instant—at which Time I had heard Nothing from you since mine of the 24th of May—I have now to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favor of the 7th June, which came to Hand thro’ the Channel of the Southern Post. I observe with Satisfaction the Proceedings of your Legislature, respecting their Troops, Cloathing & Supplies—and most sincerely hope...
52833From George Washington to William Greene, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
On Delive r y of this Letter it is probable the Count de Barras with the Squadron under his Comand, will have saild from Newport on an Expedition of much importance and as our Enemies may possibly think of this Opportunity to Strike some Blow upon the Stores of our Allies deposited in your State—I have to request from your Excellency, that for the Security of the Transports, Stores &ca you...
52834To George Washington from William Greene, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday Honor’d with your Excellencys favor of the 1st Instant, and am sorry to find that my letter had not come to your Knowledge; soon after the setting of the Assembly which conven’d the last of May—and considered your Requisitions, delivered to me by General Heath, I wrote you the contents of their resolutions—you have been rightly informed respecting the Beef, and I cannot account...
52835From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just been informed the Refugees have been impressing Horses to day—If they have any design, it is against our Piquets, this hint will be sufficient to excite unusual vigilance. I am Dr Sr DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52836From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received Intelligence from Kings bridge, that the Refugees have been impressing some Horses this day from the Inhabitants, this used to be commonly an indication of their making an incursion, towards us—If they have any thing of the kind in view at present, it is, I am persuaded, a design to attack some of our Picquets, or drive off any Cattle which may be exposed to them—I...
52837To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Letter of his Excellency and orders have been given in consequence of the intelligence therein contained. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52838To George Washington from Alexander Scammell, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Flagg your Excellency directed me to send is returned. The officer who conducted it informs me That he was not stop ’d till within 150 yds of Kings bridge, & then by a Videte & sentinel only—That no Guards are advanc ’d from York Island this Side the Bridge. that the Hessians and anspack Yagers lay half a mile the other side of the Bridge. That a patrole of six or seven horse come out...
52839From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is his Excellencys request, that you will take Immediate, & Effectual, measures to have such a number of the Beef Cattle from the Eastern part of Connecticut, and that part of Massachusetts Contiguous to Rhode Island, furnish’d for the Militia stationed at Rhode Island that they may not be under the Necessity of Consumeing a single Barrel of Salted provision,the Salted provision to be...
My last gave you some account of the situation of affairs in the Southern department. The total defeat of the army under gen l . Gates on the 16 th August left the enemy at liberty to over run S. Carolina without annoyance accept from the militia who being but thinly scattered over an extensive Country could not soon be collected in the face of a powerful and victorious enemy. However the...
52841Thursday July the 12th 1781. (Adams Papers)
Dusseldorp a small town strongly fortified on the land side, but open on the river Rhine which we were obliged to cross, (on one of the same machines that I have mention’d yesterday) before we got there, it is in the Dutchy of Burgin Berg and is subject to the King of Prussia. There is a famous cabinet of Paintings here, but as we only stopp’d here to dine, and the cabinet not being then open,...
52842Enclosure: A Resolution on a Treaty of Commerce, 12 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
By the United states in Congress assembled Resolved That the commission and instructions for negotiating a treaty of Commerce between these United states and Great Britain given to the honorable John Adams on the twenty ninth day of Sep tember one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine be and they are hereby revoked. Extract from the minutes The content of all or some notes that appeared on...
52843The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
52844From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 12 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 5th. Instant. I approve of the Orders you have given relating to the Subsistance of the Prisoners. It will be well to put them into the first Cartel that shall arrive at Morlaix, or go from any Port near you, taking a Receipt from the Captain, as for so many Persons—Prisoners made by the Americans. There were seventeen left in the Prison...
52845From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 12 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress Je ne doute pas que le Congrès ne se fasse un Devoir de se conformer aux Intentions du Roy, et qu’en consequence il ne donne ordre de suspendre toutes Traittes et particulierement celles du Bureau d’Emprunt; mais toutes celles qui ont été faites avant cet ordre et qui n’ont pas encore paru, me seront certainement...
52846To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 12 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Major Franks, a young Gentleman who has been in the American Army since the beginning of the War, will deliver you this, I beg leave to introduce Him to your notice and Friendship, he can acquaint you all about the Children and Family, as he very frequently saw us all together— there is a Vesel to sail in a few days by which I shall write largely,...
52847To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Benezet, 12 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having several times attempted to get intelligence by letter from my kindred at St Quentin, in Picardie, the place of my nativity I take the liberty to trouble thee, my kind Friend, with the inclosed Packet for M Debrissac, my near kinsman, one of the principal traders there; a person whose acquaintaince would, in several respects, be agreable to thee;...
52848To Benjamin Franklin from Honoré-Thomas Bligny: Receipt for Picture Frames, [12 July 1781] (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Memoire des Bordures et verres fournis pour Son Excellence Monsieur de Francklin Ministre plenipotentiaire des Provinces unies de la Merique Septentrionnalle, fourni par Bligny pere Cour du Manége aux Thuilleries Savoir Le 12. Juillet 1781. deux Bordures pour les portrais de Washington de 2. pouces de profil a la grec à 2 ornemens apretté, dorée d’or Jaune...
52849To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 12 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je manque réellement d’expression pour vous faire mes très humbles et très sinceres remercimens, des Six bouteilles de madere que vous avez eu la bonté de m’envoyer. J’ai été d’abord épouvanté, Monsieur, à L’aspect de ce bataillon rangé sur ma commode, mais quand J’ai réfléchi qu’il n’etoit venu là que pour ma défense, pour chasser L’ennemi, et me ramener...
52850General Orders, 12 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major General Parsons Colonel Butler for Picquet Major Keith Inspector 2d Massachusetts brigade Untill further orders the Troops are constantly to be provided with three days allowance of baked bread and two days allowance of cooked beef. Colonel Scammell’s detachment is to be supplied occasionally with Ammunition by the regiments to which the men respectively belong, on...