53301The Continentalist No. III, [9 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation of these states is very unlike that of the United Provinces. Remote as we are from Europe, in a little time, we should fancy ourselves out of the reach of attempts from abroad, and in full liberty, at our leisure and convenience, to try our strength at home. This might not happen at once; but if the FOEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOSE ITS AUTHORITY, it would CERTAINLY FOLLOW....
53302To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 9 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 7th. Shoes will be issued to the State Companies under your Command, upon your Return. I will only recommend that proper precaution should be taken respecting the delivery, & that the men of the State Companies should be made accountable for them; the same mode will be pursued, in supplying the other Companies, as has been formerly practiced. I am Dr. Sr. Your...
53303To Benjamin Franklin from William Robeson, 9 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having at lenght arrived here after a Most distressd and Naked Condition Since our Capture in the Marquis DLa Fayette. Imediately on my landing here without a Suffient Sum to bring Me on—I made application to a Mr. John Fottrell Who Was so Politely Obliging as to Advance me the Sum of three Gineuas Which I am to Request the favour of your Excellency to...
53304[Diary entry: 9 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
9th. A Letter from the Marqs. de la fayette of the 30th. Ulto., reports, that the Embarkation in Hampton Road still remained there—that there were 30 Ships full of Troops chiefly red Coats in the fleet—that Eight or ten other Vessels (Brigs) had Cavalry on Board—that the Winds had been extremely favourable—notwithstanding which they still lay at anchor & that the Charon & several other...
53305General Orders, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Brigadier General Patterson Colonel Webb For Picquet Major Gibbs Inspector Captain Converse. At a General Court martial held at Camp august the 7th whereof Colonel Putnam is President Captain Abner Dow of the 9th Massachusetts regiment charged with "not joining his regiment when ordered so to do by the Commanding officer of the regiment" was tried agreeably to a Resolve of...
53306To George Washington from Joseph Carleton, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Mr John Loveday, having been recommended to the Board, as a person well qualified to fill the Office of Steward to your Excellency, they have appointed him thereto, and have every reason to hope from the Character he sustains, that his diligence and attention in the exercise of that Office, will on all occasions meet with your Excellency’s approbation. I have the Honor to be with...
53307To George Washington from James Clinton, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform your Excellency that this morning General Stark arrived here to take the Command of this Department; I have communicated to him such of your Excellency’s Instructions as may tend to the good of the Service and Security of the Frontier. The reports that the Militia from the Eastward are in a State of Preperation, and he expects a Detatchment of them in Town by the...
53308From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 7th. Shoes will be issued to the State Companies under your Command, upon your Return—I will only recommend, that proper precautions should be taken respecting the delivery, & that the men of the State Companies should be made accountable for them: the same mode will be pursued in supplying the other Companies, as has been formerly practiced. I am Dr Sr Your Most...
53309From George Washington to William Heath, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to convene the General Officers now in Camp and with them take into consideration a dispute of Rank between Colonels Swift and Webb. You will be pleased to report to me the opinion of the Board thereon. I am Sir Your most obt and hble servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
53310To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive inclosed an Act of Congress of the 7th instant, respecting commissions granted in Connecticut for capturing the Enemy’s property on Long Island. Since I had the honor to writing to you on Tuesday last we have received no official intelligence from Virginia or Maryland. From this circumstance, and information received from Major McPherson, who left Annapolis on...
53311From George Washington to Robert Morris, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the Copy of a letter which I have just recd from Capt. Mitchell commanding the post at Wyoming, representing his distress for provision. As this post was to have been supplied by Pennsylvania, and as you have now undertaken to furnish the supplies required of the state, I must request you to take the speediest means of giving relief to the Garrison—The quantity of provision which I...
53312To George Washington from William Smallwood, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since I have been in this State I have been peculiarly embarrassed—not only in raising Men—but in equipping them—The acts of the State and her Finances have been utterly incompetent towards compleating her Quota, which I am well assured might have been effected, could Money have been advanced—and the Public Acts calculated to promote the recruiting Service—Impressed with a just sense of the...
53313To George Washington from John Stark, 9 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
In complyance to your orders I arrived at Bennington on friday last—and on saturday made a Visit to their Governour; who, together with the Leading men in that Country, have promised me every assistance in their power to repell the common Enemy. And I have no reason to believe from their Conduct, that their promises are falicious: for the day before I came to Bennington, Major McKinstrey (who...
53314James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 10 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am persuaded to believe that I have acknowledged the Receipt of your Favor of June 30th tho it is not so endorsed. I think I recollect to have discovered my Unwillingness to persuade my dearest Friend, my affectionate, faithful, generous-spirited Maria to put herself in the Way of a Meeting with a Stranger prejudiced against me and perhaps prompt to utter her Prejudices. I am sure such Ideas...
53315To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 10 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I receivd in due course the honor of yours of the 30th inclosing two Bills [ for ] your acceptance for seven Thousand five hundred Livres. Agreable to your desire I have inclosed the Account of Cannon as before trasmitted also the Founders Account for the Cannon shipt on Account of the States on board the Marquis de La fayette. I have also inclosed to...
53316To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 10 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society On M’avait donné ce printems mon Cher docteur l’Esperance de Vous Voir un jour a Sanois, dans le lieu ou je Conserve du moins le souvenir des momens que vous avez Bien Voulu y passer Et ou je Cultive toujours avec un tendre interest Le monument que Vous y avez Laissé de Votre passage. Les pertes que jay faittes Et les Circonstances ou je me suis trouvée ne...
53317[Diary entry: 10 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
10th. Ordered the first York, and Hazens Regiments immediately to this place from West point—The Invalids having got in both from Philadelphia & Boston and more Militia got in from Connecticut, as also some from Massachusetts bay giving with 4 Companies of Courtlandts Regiment in addition to the detachment left there upon the March of the Army perfect security to the Posts. That is, troops...
53318General Orders, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major General Lord Stirling vice Brigr Huntington Colonel Tupper For Picquet Major Clift Inspector Captain Remick At a General Court Martial held at West Point July 19th Edmunde Burke a Soldier in the first New York regiment charged with "being concerned in the mutiny at Albany on the 6 ultimo" was found guilty being a breach of Article 3d Section 2d of the rules and...
53319From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that by letters from the Marquis de la Fayette dated in Virginia the 26th and 30th of last Month it appears that the enemy had embarked a number of Infantry on board thirty transports and a detachment of Cavalry on board eight Brigs. They were still lying in Hampton Road under Convoy of the Charon of 44 Guns and six smaller Frigates. They had...
53320From George Washington to Jabez Bowen, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Letter of 30th July—The Reason of my mentioning in my first Requisition, a Short Period for the Service of your State Militia, was my Expectation, at the Time, that the Count de Barras would soon leave Newport with his fleet—But as this Event has not, & may not yet take place—the Service of the Militia for the Security of the Fleet, will be essentially necessary,...
53321From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
An Anxiety for your Excellency’s safety induces me to transmit a report, I lately rec’d from New York, though it may not in reallity have a sufficient foundation, still caution on the subject may not be improper. I am informed that George Harden, James Kilty, one Bice of Dutchess County and a fourth person whose name is not noted, are promised a very considerable reward if they will sieze your...
53322To George Washington from Abraham Davenport, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has undoubtedly been informed of the exposed situation of this part of the Country & of the frequent incursions of the Enemy; several Inhabitants have been killed wounded & near Sixty within a short time carried into confinement & robb’d of their property & unless some protection is afforded, those who are of Ability & Inclination will retire into the Country & others will make...
53323To George Washington from Christopher Gadsden, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr John Loveday informs me that he hath had the Honour to be Reccomended to an Office in your Excellency’s Family by some of your Friends here, I cannot in justice deny him my Testimony of his Character. He has bee n Messenger of the Privy Council of our State four or five Years during which Time he always behaved with the greatest diligence, Attention, & Secrecy & is, your...
53324From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 3d and 6th Instants. The bringing forward the Corps of Invalids from Philada and Boston was a matter of necessity and not of choice. We must therefore submit to some inconveniencies and put them to duties of the lightest kind. I have approved the sentences agt Burke and Lansing and forward herewith a Warrant for the execution of the former. Lansing is...
53325To George Washington from Jean [de] Neufville, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
We shall think our self infinitely obliged to our very much esteemed and worthy frend Major Jackson, were it only for suggesting to us that two Cases containing a press for Copying Letters might be Usefull and agreable to Your Excellency. We most earnestly hope and beseech you will add to the obligation by honouring us with your acceptance of them, not that we imagine by so feeble a marck of...
53326From George Washington to Lewis Nicola, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of the 4th inst. informg your Arrival with the Corps of Invalids at West Point, & inclosing a Return of their Numbers. the Difficulties which you apprehend in their Duty & Subsistance at their present Station, I fancy will mostly vanish On Experience. Copy of The Charges exhibited against you by Capt. Woelpper, I have transmitted to Genl McDougall—& desired him to...
53327To George Washington from Silvanus Seely, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 29th of Last in which was inclosed a return of the Number of Men I had at that time—I began my march on the 2nd Instant & on the 7th I arived at this place—Agreeable to your Excellencys direction I Ordered the remainder of the Men to Rendezvouze at Morris Town & left a Captain with orders that as soon as thirty or forty Men arived to send them on under the care of an Officer...
53328To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson, D Aug. 10. 1781.” I desired Mr. Jones in my letter to him about the Delegates money, to present my complimts. to you to let you know I had not been favoured with a line from you since May and that I had not had it in my power to write to you; being driven from Post to pillar to secure my person and employing my best...
53329To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 11 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
On my return to this Town I found a Letter from London informing me that the 20£ was paid according to order. The Gentleman, who executed this Commission is named Bridgen and his address is Bridgen & Waller London, putting a little, b thus under the Seal, which prevents his Partner opening the Letter. He sent me the inclosed Copies of an Ode. I find in his letter the following Paragraph: “I...
53330[Diary entry: 11 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
11th. Robt. Morris Esqr. Superintendant of Finance & Richd. Peters Esqr. a Member of the Board of War, arrived at Camp to fix with me the number of Men necessary for the next Campaign and to make the consequent arrangements for their establishment and Support. A Fleet consisting of about 20 Sail, including 2 frigates & one or two prizes, arrived within the harbour of New York with German...
53331General Orders, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Major General Heath Colonel Butler For Picquet Major Knapp Inspector Captain Drew The Guard at Dobbs ferry is to be relieved daily and is to be visited by the officers of the day who will likewise visit the whole chain of guards from the North river to where our picquets join those of the French Camp. While the Army remains in its present position Colonel Sheldon will...
53332To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai l’honneur d’informer Votre Excellence que la frégate la Concorde vient de mouiller dans cette rade. Elle m’a aporté des Dépêches intéressantes. Je vous prie de me permettre de ne pas vous les faire passer pour ne pas retarder le départ du P ouzard qui les porte à M. le Comte de Rochambeau. J’ai mandé à ce Général de les communiquer à votre Excellence, ainsi que tout ce que je lui écris....
53333From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Elias Dayton, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some Convoys are coming on from the Jersies to Dobb’s Ferry—for their Security against the Enemy—you will be pleasd, by Order of the General, to throw out some Parties from your Comand thro’ Springfield to Aquacanack with Directions to scour below towards Newark—& continue till the Convoys are safely arrived. I am &ca P.S. in your Comand you will include the Militia lately arrived. DLC :...
53334To George Washington from Patrick Dennis, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Captain Dobbs with five other Gentlemen arrived here last Evening, for whome I have procured accomodations in this Neighbourhood. I have not received any orders or directions from your Excellency, nor the Admiralty board how they are to be supplied with Horses &c. to conduct them down to the Shore, or to procure Boats, or any other necessaries which may be wanted for the service, there being...
53335To George Washington from David Forman, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Exclys favr of the fifth I was favd with the 6th Inst. and have Taken preparitory Measures for altering the rout of the Horsmen to the plan laid down by Your Excly—I was Originally led to post them at second River from being informed that a Chain of guards gave security to the lower Rode—Since my last The Weather has been so uncommonly Foggy as to make it imppossable to make any good...
53336To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Public and Private letters of the 30h july Have Safely Come to Hand for which I Return you My warmest thanks. Be Sure, My dear General, that the Pleasure of Being with You will Make me Happy in Any Command You will think proper to Give—But for the present Am with You of opinion I Had Better Remain in Virginia—the More So as Lord Cornwallis does not chuse to live us, and...
53337From David Humphreys to Calvin Smith, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Cheif, is pleased to direct that Lt Holden of Your Regt should continue to duty with the Corps of Guards untill further Orders. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
53338To George Washington from Thomas Wickes, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d an Account of the Arrival of two vessels, at Newyork, from the West Indies, on Monday last, they brought the following Account, Viz., that off Bormoda, they fell in with a French fleet, of twenty Sail of the line Standing to the Northward. I make no doubt but your Excellency has receiv’d an earlyer Account than this, but for fear that might not be the case, I have...
53339To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 12 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Since my last of the 6th. Instant there have been several Arrivals in France from America. I have Letters from Philda. of the 20th. June, tho’ none from Congress. The Advices are, that General Green has taken all the Enemy’s Out Posts in So. Carolina and Georgia, and that their Possession in those Provinces is reduc’d to Charlestown and Savannah. In North Carolina they also have Wilmington....
53340To John Adams from William Jackson, 12 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Could I have supposed that Your Excellency would have returned to Amsterdam before the Ship sailed, I should certainly have done myself the honor and agreeable satisfaction of waiting upon you before I left this Country—but this pleasure is denied me—and I am scarce allowed time by Mr. Thaxter’s immediate departure to bid Your Excellency farewell in this abrupt manner —but I lean with...
53341From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 12 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Since my last of the 6th. Inst. there have been several Arrivals in France from America. I have Letters from Philda. of the 20th. June, tho’ none from Congress. The Advices are, that General Green has taken all the Enemy’s Out Posts in So. Carolina & Georgia, and that their Possession in those Provinces is reduc’d...
53342From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 12 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I have received several Letters lately which you did me the honour of writing to me, containing Receipts of escaped American Prisoners for the Sums with which you had furnish’d them. I am much oblig’d by the continued kind Care you have shown to our People on these Occasions, and shall pay the Bill you mention as soon as it appears. You will send me...
53343From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, [12] August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS , AL (draft), and copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives Inclos’d I send you a late Paper rec’d from Rhodeisland. You will see in it the advantages our Troops have gain’d in South Carolina. Later Advices directly from Philadelphia, say, that the Enemy have now nothing left in Georgia, but Savannah; in South Carolina, but Charlestown; nor in North Carolina but Wilmington....
53344From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Epidorge, 12 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 31st of last Month, inclosing the Procurations of the Voluntiers. I shall forward them by the first good Opportunity, to Mr. Richard Bache, Merchant at Philadelphia, and shall recommend it earnestly to him, to take the proper Steps for recovering & remitting...
53345To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Johnson, 12 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ridley is about returning to France in prosecution of his private Affairs and impowered to transact some Business for this State your Acquaintance with him in France must have given you favourable Impressions of him— I have known him a long Time and he is one of the very few for the promoting whose Views I would request your Countenance. I am dear Sir...
53346Jean-Louis Giraud Soulavie: Account of a Conversation with Franklin, [12 August 1781] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jean-Louis Giraud Soulavie, Mémoires historiques et politiques du règne de Louis XVI (6 vols., Paris, 1801), V , 175–85. The present document is taken from an account of conversations between Franklin and the abbé Soulavie in 1781 and 1782, which the abbé published twenty years later. Although it is unlikely that Franklin spoke these exact words, the manner of expression and the...
53347[Diary entry: 12 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
12. By accounts this day received from the Marqs. de la Fayette it appeared that the Transports in Hampton road had stood up the Bay & came too at the distance of 15 Miles and, in conseqe. he had commenced his March toward Fredericksburg that he might more readily oppose his operations on Potomack or up Chesapeak bay. Lafayette to GW, 1 Aug. 1781 ( DLC:GW ).
53348General Orders, 12 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadier General Huntington vice M.G. Lord Stirling Lieutenant Colonel Smith For Picquet Major Keith Inspector Captain Smith The Non commissioned Officers and Soldiers to be serv’d with a Gill of Rum per Man this Afternoon. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
53349To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 12 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a vessel from Cadiz last night we are informed, that our Minister at the Spanish court, as late as the 11th June, has made but little progress in a negociation with them; they still appear friendly, but aim at cessions we cannot make; they give encouragement respecting money at sometimes, again they are disappointed and cannot promise any thing certain; they have however given Mr Jay...
53350From Tench Tilghman to Richard Varick, 12 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Be kind enough to look among the papers between the 20th of Decemr 1776 and the middle of January 1777 and endeavour to find either a letter of appointment or recruiting Instructions to Colo. Saml B. Webb. If you find them be pleased to make an exact Copy—certify it, and send it to me by return of the Bearer. It is wanted to settle a dispute of Rank. I am Dear Sir yr most obt servt NN : Emmet...