52901From George Washington to David Waterbury, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to take a position for the present some where on the left of the White Plains, towards Morineck, or the Sound, so as to keep up a communication with the Duke de Lauzun. It is a standing General Order to have three days bread & two days cooked meat constantly on hand, to which you will immediately as far as possible, pointedly attend—& hold your Corps always in the most...
52902To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency that on the Morning of the Tenth Inst. with a party of One Hundred and Forty Men, about the one half of which were Levies and the remainder Militia from this District, we gained a compleat Victory over a party of near Two Hundred Indians under the Command of the famous Joseph Brant, and not much short of one Hundred Tories command by one Brent Fry a...
52903From John Jay to Floridablanca, 13 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have now the Honor of communicating to your Excellency a Copy of certain Instructions I have rec d . from Congress, dated the 28 May 1781; and which were included in the Dispatches which your Excellency was so obliging as to deliver to me the Evening before the last, viz “It is their Instruction that you continue to acknowledge on all suitable occasions, the grateful Impressions made on...
52904From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 13 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have received your Favor respecting the pump at aldgate. I have since (two Days Ago) rec d . Letters from Congress assuring me that no further Bills shall be drawn upon me. These Dispatches have given me So much Business that I am obliged to desire M r . Carm[ichael] to write you the News, and to assure you without further additions to this Letter that I am Sincerely Your aff. obliged Friend...
52905To John Jay from William Bingham, 13 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
I did not know of Major Franks’s Intentions of embarking for Spain, untill this very Moment— I cannot suffer him to depart without addressing you a few Lines, should they only serve to congratulate you on the pleasing Prospect of our Affairs— In every part of the United States, the Enemy are now acting on the defensive & seem to have renounced the vain & hitherto transitory Idea of Conquest...
52906To John Jay from Robert Morris, 13 July 1781 (Jay Papers)
I enclose you in this Packet the Plan of a national Bank, which I have been induced to adopt for the following Reasons. The issuing of a large Paper Medium converted the Coin of the Country into a Commodity; so that much of it was exported, and the Remainder concealed. The Depreciation of our Paper has so lessened our Currency that there is not a Sufficiency for Commerce and Taxation without...
52907Virginia Delegates to Joseph Reed, 13 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Written by JM, except for the other delegates’ signatures. Docketed, “1781 July 13th. from Honble Delegates of Virginia.” The Underwritten Delegates from the State of Virginia have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letters of the 10th. & 12th instant, and to express their entire satisfaction at the readiness shewn by the Supreme...
52908Saturday July the 14th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning at 6 o’clock we set off from Cologne for Coblentz where we arrived at about 6 o’clock P.M. As we could not get horses to go any farther, we stopp’d here, the distance is about 66. English miles. The roads this day were the best we have had since we left Utrecht. Our road, some part of the way was cut through the mountains on the banks of the Rhine; On these mountains we saw the...
52909Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 14 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your favour by General Ward was not deliverd me till this day or I should have replied to it by the last post; the Generous acknowledgement of having tran s gressed forbids any further recrimination even tho I had more than the Right of a Friend. The serious part of your Letter drew a tear from the Eye of Portia. She wished for ability she wished for power to make happy the Man who so richly...
52910From John Adams to the President of Congress, 14 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Copy of a Letter to the Comte de Vergennes, and Copy of Articles and an Answer. Peace is so desirable an Object, that humanity as well as Policy demands of every Nation to hearken with Patience and Sincerity to every Proposition which has a tendency to it, even only in appearance. I cannot however see any symptoms of a sincere disposition to it in the English. They...
52911To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Destouches, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser la lettre cy jointe du Cap Bennet Negus, dont la conduite dans la croisiere qu’il vient de faire avec le Corsaire qui portoit l’illustre nom de Votre excellence a merité vos eloges, et votre bienveillance pour lui. Je suis persuadé que vous voudrez bien lui en faire sentir les effets. Il honore la nouvelle republique qui doit...
52912To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn. a Set of Bills of Exchange on your Excellency in Favour of the Marquis D’Yranda payable at Ninety Days after Date for forty thousand one hundred and twenty five Livres Tournois— I shall soon be obliged to draw also for the Residue of the Money for the two months Bills and for our Salaries. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedt. &...
52913To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Library of Congress, University of Pennsylvania Library If Major Franks had departed yesterday as was expected, he would have left the enclosed Cypher behind, it was supposed to have been enclosed with the plans of the intended Bank, but was left out by accident— I wish you would when leisure & opportunity will permit, converse with some of the...
52914To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Rhoads, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Samuel Griffitts (Son of our late fellow Citizen William Griffitts decd.) is a virtuous youth in pursuit of Medical, & Chirurgical Knowledge to Attain which, he hath serv’d an Apprenticeship with an eminent professor in this City, And now intends to visit the proper places in Europe in order to Acquire such further Knowledge, &...
52915[Diary entry: 14 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
14th. Near 5000 Men being ordered to March for Kings bridge, to cover and secure a reconnoitre of the Enemys Works on the No. end of York Island, Harlaem river, & the Sound were prevented doing so by incessant rain. These troops were being held in readiness for a reconnaissance by French and American forces of the New York defenses. See “Instructions for Reconnoitering the Enemy’s Post at the...
52916General Orders, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Patterson Lieutenant Colonel C. Smith for Picquet Major Billey Porter Inspector from Stark’s Brigade The Gentlemen who attend at the Adjutant General’s office for Orders are requested to be there precisely at three ô clock P.M. untill further orders. Captain Converse of the second Connecticut Regiment is appointed to do the duty of Inspector to the second...
52917To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an Invoice of sundry Articles for the use of your Excellency’s Table loaded in five Waggons and put under the particular Care of the Waggon Conductor, All the Stores are of the best quality, the Wine is properly cased and, all the other Articles put up carefully—beg your Excellency to Order some person to examine and see that the Stores are properly deliver’d before the...
52918From George Washington to John Clark, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your agreable Favor of the 19th ulto ⅌ Genl Viominil—with its very pleasing Attendant, is come safe to Hand—for which you will please to accept my warmest Thanks. That our Enemies Consignments are so often diverted from the Point of their Intention, is matter of very pleasing Satisfaction to me—and you may be assured Gentlemen that I am particularly rejoiced that Fortune has so often cast her...
52919From George Washington to James Clinton, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 10th—I am very sorry to hear the Disturbance which has taken place in the 1st Regt—especially as the P.M. Genl had just sent on a Sum of money for the Pay of your Brigade—unluckily it seems to have missed them . On Receipt of their money, this murmur I hope will be quieted. So long as the 2d Regt remains in Albany, I approve your keepg up Genl Schuylers Guard...
52920To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a return of the men now at this place. I have reason to expect that their number will soon be encreased, as four hundred & fifty men are directed by a law of the state to be immediately enlisted, and, as an encouragement for this purpose, each recruit is to receive a bounty of Thirty two silver dollars. When we marched from Morris, public waggons were not to be had we were of...
52921From George Washington to John Greaton, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Should Captain Pray of the water Guard communicate to you any intelligence respecting the movements of the Enemy, or you receive it from any other Quarter you will transmit it with all possible dispatch to Lord Stirling at his Quarters. I am sir your most Obedt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52922From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Heath, in a letter of the 4th inst. informs me that the state have about 52 Pipes of Teneriffe Wine, which they are willing if it will answer as well to send forward to the army in lieu of Rum—as he thought it more than probable that he would have left Boston before my answer could arrive, he desired me to make it to your Excellency—wine cannot be distributed to the soldier insttead of...
52923To George Washington from Israel Honeywell, Jr., 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
a person just Came from moresane informs that Delances cor is about five hundred Strong They keep a very good loock out at nights not very good a dayes at night they lay along the fenesis expecting the hors. he went to new york by water Expecting to Come out by way of the bridge but cold not git permission very few troops in the and by what he cood learn not very Strong at the bridge som on...
52924To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 6th Instant to the late President was received and read in Congress. I have now the Honor to inclose you an Act of Congress of the 11th respecting the Geographers of the United States, and another of the 12th appointing Samuel Hodgdon Esquire Commissary General of military Stores. As I shall for some time hold a constant correspondence with your Excellency, a...
52925From George Washington to John Pray, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You are to have the Water guard supplied with three days provisions, & make preparations instantly to go down the River with all your Light Guard Boats this Evening. You will take effectual care to proceed below in such a manner as to discover with certainty whether the Enemy have any Guard or other Boats, on the water advanced at any distance from their Shipping. I mention in my confidence to...
52926From George Washington to Alexander Scammell, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Before retreat Beating you will send off Parties to waylay the Roads leading to Knigsbridge, in order to stop all Intelligence going to the Enemy—a few of Sheldons Horse (if they are tho’t necessary) may attend the Parties, in Order to bring back speedy Intelligence of any Discoveries which may be made. Between Retreat Beating & Dark—about Dusk yours & Sheldons Corps, will commence a silent...
52927From George Washington to Alexander Scammell, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Weather is so extremely bad that the Move is postponed for this Evening. You will therefore return to your Camps—keeping out only the usual Guards. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52928From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
While I am with the detachment of the Army below, you will remain in command here. Your principal attention will be paid to the good order of the Camp and the security of the Baggage and Stores left in it. There will be no need of advanced pickets, as you will be fully covered in front. The Camp Guards should be vigilant and the officers commanding them see that the men are not permitted to...
52929From George Washington to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your Letter of the 6th Inst. from Fort Herkemar. Under the present situation of our affairs at the Northward, I do not know, what could have been done, prefarable to the measures you have fallen upon—Without materials, or the Means to erecting New Fortifications, it was certainly the wisest plan to repair the Old Ones, & to give all the addi ti onal strength to...
52930From George Washington to David Waterbury, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request you will move with your Corps on the New Rochel Road towards East Chester this Evening, so as to be at the last mentioned place by day break tomorrow morng. You will then open a communication with the Army, by sending Parties to mile Square or Valentines Hill & receive further orders—I have mentioned the Object I have in veiw particularly to Major Humphrys, in confidence, I will...
52931From George Washington to David Waterbury, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Weather is so bad that the Troops will not march this Evennig as was proposed—you will therefore halt your Troops, takg the Position that was made out for you to cover the Dukes Left—where you will remain till further Orders. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52932From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th—The dispositions which you are making for the defence of the Country upon the Mohawk River appear to me judicious, as I have ever been of opinion that small stationary Garrisons were of no real utility—By having your parties constantly in motion and ready to unite upon occasion, the small parties of the enemy will be checked and their main body may be suddenly...
52933Sunday July the 15th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning at about four o’clock we set off from Coblentz for Francfort, Where we arriv’d at 8 ½ o’clock, the distance is 84 English Miles; All the way, the roads are mountainous till you get within about 10 Miles of Frankfort, and then you come upon a very large plain. The roads till the plain are in general very bad; but the soil is good, and cultivated in some places. On this plain we saw...
52934From John Adams to the President of Congress, 15 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose Copy of a Letter to the Comte de Vergennes and of certain Articles and their Answers. The British Court proposed to the Imperial Courts a Congress upon two preliminary Conditions, the Rupture of the Treaty with France, and the Return of America to their Obedience. The two Imperial Courts have since proposed the inclosed Articles. Spain and France have prepared...
52935From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 15 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 15, 1781 . Asks Hughes to send “the enclosed” to Albany. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, July 13, 1781 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , II, 652–53).
52936From Benjamin Franklin to John Temple, 15 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received my old Friend’s Letter with Pleasure, as it inform’d me of his Welfare and safe Arrival on the Continent, and of the Welfare & continued Regard of my Friends in England.— Thanks to God I still enjoy Health and good Spirits, tho’ the English News writers have thought fit to kill me several times in their Prints. It must at last be true that I...
52937To Benjamin Franklin from George Logan, 15 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing to you last pr: Mr: Benezet: since that time no occurrence has taken place particularly meriting your attention. You however must be so well acquainted with every public transaction as to render my intruding on you with such accounts unnecessary. Thus much I may say, that the Brittish Arms are still sullied with the greatest...
52938[Diary entry: 15 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
15th. The Savage Sloop of War of 16 Guns—the Ship Genl. Washington, lately taken by the Enemy—a row Galley and two other small armed Vessels passed our post at Dobbs Ferry (which was not in a condition to oppose them). At the same time three or four river Vessels with 4 Eighteen pounders—stores &ca. had just arrivd at Tarry town and with infinite difficulty, & by great exertion of Colo....
52939General Orders, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Brigadier General Huntington Lieutenant Colonel Mellen Inspector Captain Warner For Picquet Major Spurr As it has been represented to the Commander in Chief that the quantity of fresh meat lately ordered to be drawn by the troops will not keep during this hot Season, He desires the Commissary General may cause two days allowance of salt beef to be issued to every regiment...
52940To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai reçû La Lettre de Votre Excellênce en datte du 11 de ce mois, et la feuille d’avis de Newyork que vous avez bien voulû me faire passer en même tems. J’etois deja informé de ce quelle contient de plus important, a L’exception cependant de ce qui concerne le Royal Oak, dont je netois instruit que par les bruits publics. Nous voici arrivés a L’epoque ou nous devons attendre chaque jour Les...
52941From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
One Losee, formerly an Inhabitant of this State, now a Deserter from the Enemy, is send to your Excellency’s disposal. It is asserted by a Certain Berrian (immediately from the Enemy) that Losee, was an Emissary charged with Dispatches for the Enemy at the Northward; I am also told Col. Da y ton has recd similar information of him. I have &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52942From George Washington to James Clinton, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have written to General Schuyler to have all the Boats, Oars & Plank which he has been able to procure for the Public instantly sent to West Point & mentioned that you would furnish men for the purpose—I have now to request that you will order exactly a sufficient number of men, properly officered from the 2nd New York Regt to bring these Boats immediately down the River; the Boats will be...
52943From David Humphreys to New York Officers Commanding at Verplanks Point, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am Commanded by his Excellency the Commander in Cheif to inform you that five of the Enemys’ Vessels passed Dobbs ferry up the river just at Evening one of 22 another of 16 Guns the other three smaller—and to direct that no more Vessels or Boats whatever be permitted to come down the river untill further Orders—You will be particularly Vigilant at your Post, communicate the same intelligence...
52944From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The moving state in wch the Army was, at the time your letter of the 12th Ulto came to hand—the junction of the Allied troops, which was upon the point of being formed—and a variety of matters which have occurred since that period consequent of this junction rather than a disinclination to continue a correspondence the benefits of which have been in my favor must plead an excuse for my long...
52945From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your’s with the returns enclosed. I have desired General Schuyler to forward to West Point with all possible dispatch, the boats that are at present fit for Service. Immediately upon their arrival at your post, I wish you to have them safely moored in some convenient Cove, and Guarded in such a manner, as will effectually prevent any person from useing them (or the oars, plank &c....
52946From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to desire that you Will be pleased immediately on Receipt of this to collect all the Boats that are finished, that they may come down the River—you will put into them all the Oars that are on Hand or that can be instantly collected—with all the Plank and Timber which you have procured—& let them all come down together. I have written to Genl Clinton to furnish men to bring down the...
52947To George Washington from John Stark, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I now acknowledge the rect of your Letter of the 25th Ult., which was delivered a few days ago. I shall set out for Saratoga the beginning of next week, and on my passage shall hold a Treaty with the green Mountain boys; but not having seen, or been acquainted with those turbulent sons of Freedom, for several years, I am at a loss to determine my reception, but hope it will be such as shall...
52948From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
A letter to which the inclosed is an answer, was accompanied by one from you—the load of business, & constant hurry which attends me, obliges me to have recourse to shifts to avoid writing, & to husband time. to this you are to ascribe the expedient of sending the Letter of Colo. Lee under a flying seal to you, as it will answer the end of a seperate communication of the same sentiments. I...
52949Monday July the 16th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning we enquired something about this city: It is situated upon the river Meyn and is call’d Francfort upon the Meyn to distinguish it from another city in Germany call’d Francfort upon the Oder. It is an imperial city, govern’d by its own magistrates: they Choose every year a new burgermaster or mayor. The dominant religion in this city is Lutheran. Catholics and Jews are tolerated,...
52950Richard Cranch to John Adams, 16 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have enclosed to you a Copy of certain Letters lately transmitted to Congress by B:F: Esqr.—Copies of them having been sent from Congress Philadelphia to your Friends here, I tho’t it my Duty to let you know as soon as possible what treatment you receive from that Gentleman. I have heard (sub rosae) that influence has been used in a certain Place august Assembly to have the Regulator of...