53001[Diary entry: 19 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
19th. The Enemys Shipping run down the river, and left the Navigation of it above once more free for us. In passing our Battery at Dobbs’s where were 2 Eighteen & 2 twelve pounders and two Howitzers, they recd. considerable damage; especially the Savage Sloop of War which was frequently hulled, and once set on fire; occasioning several of her people, and one of our own (taken in Dobbes Sloop,...
53002General Orders, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Major General Parsons Lieutenant Colonel Newhal For picquet Major Gibbs Inspector Captain Smith The Guards are to be furnished with the countersigns at Retreat beating and no person suffered to pass into or out of camp after that time without giving it; or otherwise satisfying the officer of the guard they are stopped by. The Brigade Quarter masters are to be particularly...
53003From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You have taken a most effectual method of obliging me to accept your Cask of Claret—as I find, by your ingenious manner of stating the case, that I shall, by a refusal, bring my patriotism into question, and incur a suspicion of want of attachment to the French Nation, and of regard to you wch of all things I wish to avoid I will not enter into a discussion of the point of divinity, as I...
53004To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Questions by Genl Rochambeau The Count de Barras in his Letter of the 13th instt and Mr De Choisy in his Letter of the 15th, demand both of them, Mr D. Choisy by the Desire of Mr D. Barras, what is to be the definitive Plan of operations that His Excellcy General Washington has fixed on, that they may make it known to the Count de Grasse on his arrival in these Seas, & so enable him to concur...
53005To George Washington from William Heath, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday after noon, shall proceed to the army the moment I can pack up my papers Baggage &c. and the Quarter Master can furnish me with waggons to receive and transport them. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
53006To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Knox has called on me to-day respecting a provision of horses for the light artillery. I have authorized Colo. Hughes to purchase one hundred for that service only , & promised payment by the first of November. He writes me encouragingly that many may be so procured. The essential service to which they are to be applied will, I trust, facilitate a grant of money to enable me to fulfil...
53007To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I just now received an answer from Mr De Choisy to my Letter of the 11th instant. I have already sent to your Excellency one from Mr De Barras. he seems to have resolved not to go out of the harbour, till his jonction with the grand fleet, But in his Last Letter and in that of Mr De Choisy I received to day, he asks that your Excellency would send him a definitive plan of your operations that...
53008To George Washington from Richard Varick, 19 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of informing Your Excellency that I arrived at this Place on Saturday the 7th after having been kept some Days in Suspense at New Windsor, by the Quarter Masters not furnishing a Craft to transport my Charge hither occasioned by the then Embarkation of the Artillery & Stores. By numbering and digesting into Classes the Corpus of Letters & Orders in 1775 & 1776. I found that...
53009Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 20 July – 6 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your two Letters of june 26 and july 2d came safe to hand together with the resolves which would gratify me if there was a sufficient stability in the Body which confer’d it to render it truly honorary, but the Letter of Janry. 10th strikes me very dissagreably and is highly tinctured with parissian influence. It bears a striking likeness of a servility to a court that ought not to have so...
53010From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, 20[–24] July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Bibliothèque de l’Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris; AL (draft): Library of Congress I received the Letter you Sometime since did me the Honour: of writing to me, accompanied with a Number of the Pieces that were distributed at the last publick Meeting of the Royal Society of Medecine. I shall take Care to forward them to different Parts of America, as desired. Be pleased to present...
53011Friday 20th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning we set off from Hunfeld at about 5 o’clock for Gotha where we arriv’d at about 9 o’clock P.M. It is about 66 Miles. The 2 first Posts to Vaach Vacha and to Bercka we had very bad roads but the rest was pretty good; Vaach belongs to the Prince of Hesse-Cassel, and Bercka is the first town in Saxony. Here we saw a new Married couple going about the streets with some musicians before...
53012Abigail Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
When I looked for your Name among those who form the Representative Body of the people this year I could not find it. I sought for it with the Senate, but was still more dissapointed. I however had the pleasure of finding it amongst the delegates of this Commonwealth to Congress, where I flatter myself you will still do us Honour which posterity will gratefully acknowledge; and the virtuous...
53013To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 20 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme je n’ai pas gardé copie des Lettres que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire en Avril & May, je n’en sais plus ni le nombre ni la date. Celles dont vous m’avez favorisé cette année sont du 18 Janv. 14 Mars, 7 Avril & 4 May. J’ai du vous paroître, Monsieur, bien négligent en comparaison d’autrefois. Je ne l’ai pourtant pas été, malgré ma santé, qui n’a pas...
53014To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 20 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd yours of the 8th Current in Answer to mine of the 29 June. I wrote you a prior Letter on the 8 May which you do not acknowledge pray let me know if it came to hand— As yet I have not heard from Mr Grand— Upon receipt of yours I immediately waited upon the Board of Sick & Hurt who informed me they had just dispatched an order to Edinburg for the...
53015[Diary entry: 20 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
20th. Count de Rochambeau having called upon me, in the name of Count de Barras, for a definitive plan of Campaign, that he might communicate it to the Count de Grasse —I could not but acknowledge, that the uncertainties under which we labour—the few Men who have joined (either as recruits for the Continental Battns. or Militia) & the ignorance in which I am kept by some of the States on whom...
53016General Orders, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Glover Lieutenant Colonel Badlam For Picquet Major Clift Inspector Captain Robinson For the Working Party Major Woodbridge The Regimental Surgeons are desired to be punctual in sending the Returns of the Sick of their respective regiments to the flying Hospital every saturday morning. Untill further orders the Drum and Fife Majors of the several Corps in...
53017From George Washington to James Clinton, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 12th I imagine before this reaches you, the first detachment of Boats will have been sent down. Should they not, you will be pleased to have the Light Company of Cortlands compleated and sent down with them. Should the Boats have come away, you will consider whether you can spare the light Company and have a sufficient number of Men left to bring down the...
53018To George Washington from James Clinton, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th inst. I have been honor’d with. I should have been happy that Money had arrived in Time to have prevented the late Murmur in the Regiment as every Circumstance of the kind is ulitmately distructive of military Discipline. I have not received the least Intelligence of the Movements either of General Starks, or the Militia from the Eastward; nor do I know...
53019To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
This letter is not By Any Means directed to the Commander in chief, But to My Most Intimate and Confidential friend—I will lay Before you My Circumstances and My wishes—Certain I am You will do whatever You Can for me that is Consistent with Your public duty. When I went to the Southward You know I Had Some private objections—But I Became Sensible of the Necessity there was for the detachement...
53020To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
No Accounts from the North ward, No Letter from Head Quarters—I am utterly a Stranger to Every thing that passes out of Virginia—and Virginian Operations Being for the Present in a State of languor, I Have More time to think of My Solitude. in a Word, My dear General, I am Home Sick and if I Can’t go to Head Quarters wish at least to Hear from there. I am Anxious to know Your opinion...
53021To George Washington from William Livingston, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Favour of the 13th instant, & shall acquaint the horsemen with your Excellency’s Sentiments concerning their offer. Respecting the progress that is made under our late Law for filling up our continental Battalions, I not able to give your Excellency any information, as no returns of the Levies are made to me; but I have reason to believe from the Enquiries I...
53022From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of last evening; and cou’d wish that the present situation of the River might be improv’d to every advantage. Whatever Boats you think necessary may be order’d to Dobb’s ferry; but particular care must be taken, in the tra n sportation of Stores across the opposite Country, that they come in small convey’s, and no deposits made either at the ferry or on the...
53023To George Washington from John Pierce, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to en close an account of several advances made by me to the Army without particular Warrants from your Excellency—some of which were by General Orders for discharged Men, others to alleviate the real wants of officers, and many have arose for the Sale of Ticketts of the last Class of the United States Lottery, all which if the Army had been regularly paid, I should have...
53024To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 20 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 10th instant, and am very sorry that the Situation of Affairs and the State of the Army will not permit my being employed in that part of it under your Excellencys immediate Command. I shall therefore prepare for a southern March; but there is no probability that it can take Place very soon, as there will be much difficulty and delay in equipping...
53025Saturday 21st 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning at five o’clock we set of f from Gotha and arriv’d at Naumburg (distant 60 Miles) at about 6 o’clock. Pretty good roads the ground wholly cultivated; flat level country till we get about 10 Miles from Naumburg and then it begins to be a little mountainous.
53026John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 21 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Ten months have I been waiting for an opportunity to forward my Letters, but none has presented, which of Course leaves an immense budget of Trumpery on hand. I know not whether to continue writing or begin burning. You will find by the inclosed Gazette Madam, an Account of our Celebration of the Anniversary of Independence. Every thing was conducted with the utmost order and decency—in one...
53027From John Adams to the President of Congress, 21 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 21 July 1781. RC and signature in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 331–332. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:596–597. John Thaxter wrote this letter during John Adams’ absence at Paris. It contains an English translation of an article...
53028From John Adams to the Comte de Vergennes, 21 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Since my Letter of the nineteenth, Sir, another Point has occurred to me, upon which it seems necessary, that I Should Say Something to your Excellency, before my Departure for Holland, which will be on Monday Morning. An Idea has, I perceive been suggested, of the several States of America, choosing Agents seperately, to attend the Congress, at Vienna, in order to make Peace, with Great...
53029To John Adams from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 21 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I do not find by President Huntington’s Letter Book that he has forwarded the within Resolve of July 12th. respecting your Powers of Sept. 29th. 1779 therefore I take the Opportunity of two Vessels which are to sail in a few Hours, to communicate it doubly. The whole of the Proceedings here in regard to your two Commissions, are I think, Ill judged but I persuade myself no dishonour was for...
53030From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 21 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 21, 1781 . Requests “particular Care in forwarding the Enclosed.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
53031To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I expect in ten, or fifteen days at fartherst to embark for Philadelphia, if your Excellency has any Letters for America & will forward them by Return of Post to Mr Williams, I will take charge of them, & deliver them (if possible) as directed— I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servt. Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur...
53032To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: National Archives, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; transcript: National Archives It does not appear that the Resolutions of June 26. affecting yourself & Colleagues as well as Mr. Dana have been transmitted. Mr. Presidt. McKean will take other Opportunities of Writing. I think it essential however in the mean time to forward duplicates...
53033To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas McKean, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives; L (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania By the Act of the 26th. June, which I have the Honor to inclose, you will perceive that the United States in Congress assembled have appointed Mr Francis Dana Secretary to the Commission for negotiating a Peace, until such Time as he can proceed to the Court of Petersburg either in a public or private Capacity, without...
53034To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress I have now to inform you that the State of Pensilvania had emitted £500,000 in Bills of Credit, funded in such Manner that there could be no reasonable Doubt of their Redemption. But the public Confidence had been so impaired, that these Bills soon after they came out, rapidly depreciated, notwithstanding the Solidity of the...
53035To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I have not written to you since my Arrival because I had nothing to communicate worth troubling you with a Letter.— As a great number of our unhappy Countrymen are in the English Prisons without any prospect of an Exchange for want of Prisoners to give in return, it is proposed by the american Houses in France to build & arm a stout Privateer of 28 Guns...
53036[Diary entry: 21 July 1781] (Washington Papers)
21st. Wrote to the Count de Grasse in a Cypher of the Count de Rochambeau’s, giving information of the junction of the allied armys—the Position they had taken—our strength and that of the enemy’s—our hopes & fears & what we expected to do under different circumstances. This letter was put under cover to Genl. Forman, who was requested to have look outs on the heights of Monmouth, and deliver...
53037General Orders, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Huntington Lieutenant Colonel Johnson For Picquet Major Knap Inspector Captain Warner At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Putnam is President—Stephen Dodge Soldier in the second regiment of Light Dragoons charged with "Desertion and reinlisting in the York Levies" was tried found Guilty and sentenced to receive one Hundred Lashes on his bare back....
53038To George Washington from Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send to your Excellency your Letter for Count de Grasse translated—I have endeavoured to do it as Litterally as possible. I have, by desire of General Rochambeau, cyphered a few Lines which might have given an insight into the operations alluded to in the Letter. I hope your Excellency will be contented; that will always be my chiefest ambition. I am with great respect,...
53039From George Washington to Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by the Favor you have done me in Translating my Letter to Count DeGrasse & for Cypherg some Part there of—it is very necessary to keep its Contents from Discovery Your Goodness I hope will effect this for which you will please to accept my sincere Thanks. I am every Yours &ca DLC : Papers of George Washington.
53040From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Inst. I have no doubt but the reasons which induce you to decline the removal of the Squadron under your command to Chesapeak at this time are founded in propriety; but I am certain that could the measure have taken place, it would have been attended with most valuable consequences, more especially as from reports and appearances the...
53041From George Washington to Board of War, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last Evennig favored with yours of the 16th instt—inclosing Copies of two Letters from B. Genl Knox to your Board on the Subject of forwarding military Stores to the Army—Circumstancd as I am at this Moment, with many surroundg Doubts & Uncertainties, from too many Reasons, it is impossible for me to fix on any certain Point of Time, at which I should wish to have the Stores in Camp—I...
53042From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will this evening detach a party of 100 men to take post upon the Heights at Fort Lee and those above it opposite to Spiten Devil and wherever any shipping may lay. I would wish the Officers to be intelligent and capable of observation—and to make remarks upon the seeming strength of the enemy if they turn out upon an Alarm and how they in such cases dispose of their troops—The Business of...
53043From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed for General Forman is of so much importance that I do not care to trust it to a common hand. If there should be an Officer in the Jersey Brigade who has any business in Monmouth he may be sent with it. If there is none under such circumstances, I must request you to send one on purpose. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
53044From George Washington to David Forman, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
When I request your particular Care of the inclosed, it is necessary that I should inform you in the fullest confidence, and under the strictest injunctions of secrecy, that the Count de Grasse may be shortly expected with his whole fleet from the West Indies, whether he will first appear off the Hook or the capes of Virginia is uncertain—You will be pleased immediately, upon the receipt of...
53045From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will have been informed by the Chevr de la Luzerne of the ardent wishes of these United States to see the Fleet under your command in these Seas—will have been told of the advantages which would in all probability be the result of such a movement—how essential it would be to make an early communication of your approach, and that you would be met off Sandy Hook with such details...
53046From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d yours of the 17th; And wish it was in my power to render your situation more eligable as to the supplies of provisions &c.; Rum you say there is but little on hand, there the Garrison is more fortunate than the Army, for we have none. The discription given of the Troops that compose your Garrison, I have too much reason to suppose has a very sufficient foundation, as the persons...
53047From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored by your Excellency’s three Letters of the 14th & 17th of this month—with the several Resolutions of Congress, & the Extracts from intercepted Letters, inclosed. I am much obliged by your attention in the Communication of the Extracts, altho I had been favored with them thro’ another Channel, previous to the Receipt of your Favor—the Intelligence to be collected from them,...
53048From George Washington to John Pray, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The same Movement which was mentioned in my Letter of the 14th will be made this Evening—you will observe the same line of Conduct as pointed out in that Letter; using particular vigilance to discover every motion of the Enemy, especially to morrow night—I shall absolutely depend upon it, that the Enemy cannot move a single Vessel or Boat up the River or have any thing in agitation, without...
53049To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Instant, I have this moment had the honor to receive. Eighty four batteaus were compleated. as to the Carpenters work, last night fourty or fourty one of which are ready to proceed to you assoon as General Clinton orders the troops to take them. I shall direct the Quarter master to send all the oars plank and timber which he has collected, I fear the...
53050From George Washington to Charles Thomson, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of the 10th instt info r mg, that Congress, upon the Retiring of the late Mr President Huntington, had elected The Hono. Thomas McKean Esqr. to preside in their respectable Body—I shall for the future conduct my Correspondence agreable to this Information. I am sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant DNA : Item 152, Letters from George Washington,...