53351Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 12 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 283–84). The notes below are directly related to Edmund Randolph’s report of 14 August of “an ordinance ascertaining what captures on water shall be legal” ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 861–68). This report stems back, through a series of motions and committee...
53352To Benjamin Franklin from Soulavie, [after 12 August 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’Abbé soulavie prie Monsieur francklin de vouloir bien se ressouvenir qu’il est prét de S’occuper aux ordres du Ministre De L’histoire civile des pays montagneux de la france meridionale ou il montrera toutes les operations de la Grande Bretagne pour Le soulevement de ces regions et leur changement en Republique. L’abbé Soulavie est logé hotel de M....
53353General Orders, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Major General Howe Lieutenant Colonel Millen For Picquet Major Ashley Inspector Captain Warner vice Robinson The Commander in Chief having been informed that various practices have been made use of by the officers of one regiment to inlist for the War men who are engaged for three years in another. He thinks proper to direct that a stop may be put to such mode of...
53354From George Washington to Patrick Dennis, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 11th by Mr Prevost. I do not think it will be prudent for you or any of the pilots to go nearer the Coast than you are at present, untill you know from Genl Forman that the Fleet has made its appearance—indeed I do not think it will be quite safe for Capt. Dobbs and the other pilots to remain constantly in the same lodgings, even at Baskenridge. I would recommend...
53355From George Washington to David Forman, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with your Letter dated Saturday Evening 9 OClock, on Sunday about 11 OClock A.M. by your Chain of Expresses. If the fleet shall not prove to be from Virginia, with Lord Cornwallis’ Troops as you conjecture, I shall expect to hear in the course of this day, agreeably to your intimation. I need not urge again the importance of he present moment, & how anxious I am to obtain the...
53356To George Washington from David Forman, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to my engagemints to Your Excly in my letter of Saturday Evening the 11th Inst. I went to Shrewsbury Yesterday Morning with a Small Guard—but could not procure That Clear Intiligence that I Could Wish—at Elevin OClock last Evening I was hand the enclosed, sent me by a person in whose Integrity I have the fullest Confidance—I shall be happy to be Informed whether Your Exclys Accts from...
53357To George Washington from William Greene, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s favour of the 7th Instant, and inform you, that immediately upon the receiving your letter of the 24th of last May, I imbraced the earliest oppertunity of laying it before the Assembly, who very readily complyed with its contents, and ordered five Hundred of the Militia of this State to be raised and Stationed at the different Posts on Rhode...
53358From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 28th ulto and 3d 7th and 9th Insts. I esteem myself happy in a personal communication with Mr Morris & Mr Peters. good consequences must certainly result from taking up the affairs of the next campaign at so early a period as the present. I shall in obedience to the order of Congress transmit their resolve respecting the treatment of our...
53359To George Washington from Richard Peters, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Order of Congress which we have the Honour to communicate directing us to confer with your Excellency on the Subject of the proposed Numbers & Arrangements of the Army for the next Campaign, not having pointed out the Reasons inducing the Measure, we have the Honour to lay before you our Ideas on the Subject so far as we are acquainted with the Matter from a Conference at which we were...
53360To George Washington from Richard Peters, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to lay before your Excellency several Papers by order of the Board of War on which I shall be happy to recieve your Answer & Opinion & to confer with you on the Subjects of them if your Excellency shall deem it necessary. The Letter from Genl parsons was sent because a Doubt arose on the Resolutions of Congress relative to the Invalid Corps whether an Officer under the...
53361From George Washington to George Walton, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favr of the 7th—I can with no propriety give a decided opinion upon the matter which you have been pleased to refer to me, without being acquainted with what has previously passed between the Commissaries of prisoners or Commissioners for settling a Cartel respecting the Rank of Mr Elbert. If he has been heretofore claimed by the enemy as a Brigadier of Militia and...
53362To George Washington from George Walton, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
We had the honor of your very interesting dispatch, of the 17 ultimo, by express, two days ago; and we cannot fail always to acknowledge the great and judicious efforts which you have made to restore our Constituents to the possession of their Country. Under your protection, and receiving all possible countenance, we have the highest confidence that the Enemy will not be able again to drive...
53363To George Washington from David Waterbury, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s Orders I send enclosed the Papers from a Flag now at Stamford from Lloyd’s Neck which were sent to me from Major Humphry’s with a desire to forward them immediately to Head Quarters. I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington. Some time A Go I Came down from Newburgh the west side of the North River of A...
53364To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with the Receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 2d Instant informing me of the deficiency of the Levies for the Continental Army, And that none of the Militia had come in from this State; And the critical Situation you are now in, which most Sensibly Affects me. I have the fullest conviction of the necessity of the Army’s being filld up to their full Compliment at this critical...
53365[Diary entry: 14 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
14th. Received dispatches from the Count de Barras announcing the intended departure of the Count de Grasse from Cape Francois with between 25 & 29 Sail of the line & 3200 land Troops on the 3d. Instant for Chesapeake bay and the anxiety of the latter to have every thing in the most perfect readiness to commence our operations in the moment of his arrival as he should be under a necessity from...
53366General Orders, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Major General Parson Lieutenant Colonel Sherman For Picquet Major Morrell Inspector Captain Converse A Fatigue party of one hundred men under proper officers (for three day,) are to parade tomorrow morning at 6 ô clock at Commissary Irwin’s Quarters—They will take their orders from Colonel Gouvion—The Quarter Master General will furnish them with Fascine Hatchets. DLC :...
53367To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
J’ai reçu la Lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’écrire, en date du 10. de ce mois, et la Dépêche pour le Comte de Grasse qui y était jointe. Votre Excellence doit recevoir aujourd’hui elle mîme des Dépêches de ce Général arrivées par la frégate la Concorde, qui annoncent que Son projet est de se porter directement Sur Chésapeack. Dans cette circonstance il Serait heureux, je...
53368From George Washington to David Forman, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have safely received your favor of yesterday Morning, about an hour ago. Before the arrival of your Letter, I had not received any particulars of the fleet lately arrived at N. York, but expect minute Accts every instant; I shall comply with your request; as it is my most earnest desire by comparing all the different intelligences to ascertain the state of Matters among the Enemy, with the...
53369To George Washington from William Goodrich, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Would Make Bold to trouble your Exellency With a line Just to acquaint your Exelleny that there is a Considerable Number of old officers and other Gentlemen in the County of Berkshire would be happy to Serve your Excelleny as Vollentears for a month or more if needed A Singel Line from our Commander in Cheff approving of the purposed Would be a Sufficient Annemation for a Nomber to join body...
53370To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose to your Excellency a return of the detachment of the Invalid regt at Fishkill, I should have sent it sooner but that at first view of the men I immagined some of them might be fit for field duty, which I could not ascertain at the time I saw them therefore, as soon as possible sent the surgeon and adjutant to examine them & yesterday they made their report that all...
53371To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I feel a real Satisfaction my dear General, in having it once more in my Power to address you without the Restraints that are imposed by Captivity, & to assure you that, neither Absence or Misfortunes have in the smallest Degree abated the Attachment, & Friendship I have so long borne you. I will not wound your Humanity by a Relation of the many Hardships, and unmanly Insults we have sustained...
53372To George Washington from Aaron St. John, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I Need only say that I belong to the Connecticut Line of the Army and am not a man of fortune to convince Your Excellency that I am reduced to the necessity of asking a dismission, and in the midst of a Compain, pregnent with the most flattering prospects that ever yet appeared in America—Indeed I should delight much in serving my Country till expel’d from her borders the Usurpers of my...
53373To George Washington from John Cleves Symmes, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Indictments are presented before me at the Court of Oyer & Terminer in & for the County of Bergen against Andrew Coldeleugh a forage Master belonging to the Army for Trespass & false imprissonment. I am sorry that my Duty oblidges me to trouble your Excellency on this Occasion, being fully sensible how much your feelings are hurt, when any of your Officers, so far deviate from the Line of...
53374From George Washington to John Cleves Symmes, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Letter of this date, respecting Mr Coldclough a forage Master belonging to the Army. The circumstances of the affair in question, I am totally unacquainted with—but you may be assured, that at the same time I am very unhappy, that any differences should arise between Citizens & Persons belonging to the Army; It is not my wish that any who have been guilty of Crimes properly...
53375To George Washington from Peleg Turner, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
At the commencement of this present contest, with the rest of my Patriotick Brethren, I step’d forth, in defence of my Countries Liberty., which I then priz’d, and still esteem, beyond all the Opulence, and Felicity, this World can Afford. The Fatigues and hardships I have endur’d, since the War, have Ruin’d my constitution, and Render’d me incapable, of doing any service, for my Country, in...
53376Virginia Delegates to Thomas Nelson, 14 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written by Joseph Jones. The letter is obviously a communication from all the delegates, even though the signatures of JM, Edmund Randolph, and Meriwether Smith do not appear. We have your favor of the 27th. ulto. The Delegates moved in Congress for a resolution to furnish our State with some passports for Vessells to import Salt only from Bermuda and load with...
53377From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 14 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I have your favor of the 6th. inst: before me. The defect of intelligence from your correspondents here must have been removed soon after you wrote, unless a miscarriage befell my letter as well as that of Mr. Jones who wrote the week before by the intercepted mail. Such accidents or sickness...
53378To John Jay from James Lovell, 15–16 August 1781 (Jay Papers)
Herewith you will recieve according to the resolution of Congress of the 10 th such information relative to the surrender of Pensacola, and the subsequent arrival of the Garrison, at New York, as I have been able to obtain which you will make use of according to your discretion, and the Spirit of the enclosed resolution. I am Sir your Friend and very H Ser t . PS. 16 Aug It appears to me not...
53379From John Adams to Ferdinand Grand, 15 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of May 14. with your Account inclosed I received: I have also received your Letter of August the 6th., with the Account inclosed in that. I will endeavour to explain, myself, as well as I can upon the Several Things mentioned in them. In the first Account you have given me Credit for 24000 and charged me with 2/7 of it upon my order to Credit Mr. Dana. This Amounts to the Same...
53380To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Blake, 15 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Captn. William Kennedy of Baltimore in Maryland Who left that place with me in February last for London by the way of St. Eustatius in order to remove some property of his & mine from this place to some of the Middle States, under the Sanction of your Excellencys protection, Which we now humbly sue for, The Hon’ble Congress, I am informed has...
53381To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Burke, 15 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft) and two copies: Sheffield Central Library I feel, as an honest man & as a good Citizen ought to feel, the Calamities of the present unhappy War. The only part however of these Calamities which personally affects myself is, that I have been obliged to discontinue my intercourse with you: But that misfortune I must consider as equivalent to...
53382[Diary entry: 15 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
15. Dispatched a Courier to the Marquis de la Fayette with information of this matter—requesting him to be in perfect readiness to second my views & to prevent if possible the retreat of Cornwallis toward Carolina. He was also directed to Halt the Troops under the Command of General Wayne if they had not made any great progress in their March to join the Southern Army. GW to Lafayette, 15 Aug....
53383General Orders, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Brigadier General Glover Lieutenant Colonel Newhall For Picquet Major B. Porter Inspector Captain Remick The Army will hold itself in the most perfect readiness to move at the shortest notice. Colonel Scammell’s detachment is to be immediately completed to its original establishment by men every way qualified to act as Light Infantry; and any men now in the corps who do...
53384From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The sentiments contained in the foregoing letter perfectly accords with my opinion, and I am more inclined to adopt them, as we have seen in the British Gazettes accounts of a Squadron under the command of Admiral Digby said to be intended to reinforce the British fleets in these Seas—Should this Squadron actually arrive—form a junction with Admiral Rodney & Graves—and find the French Naval...
53385To George Washington from John Hancock, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s several Letters have come duly to hand, & as early as receiv’d were laid before the Assembly, & in Consequence of their Decisions your Requisitions were carried into Effect. The Powder, Mortars, Cannon &c. were with all possible Expedition sent forward, & the means of Transportation furnish’d by this Government. In one of your late Letters you mention that you had requested...
53386From George Washington to William Heath, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to take the inclosed Memorial of Udney Hay Esqr into consideration and report to me the opinion of the Board of General Officers of which you are President, thereon. I am Yr most obt and very hble servt MHi : Heath Papers.
53387From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your letters of the 26th and 30th ulto and 1st Inst. I cannot learn that any troops have yet arrived at New York from Virginia. A fleet of 20 sail came in last saturday with troops, but they are said to be Hessian Recruits from Europe. The Concorde Frigate is arrived at Newport from Count de Grasse. He was to leave St Domingo the 3d of this month with a Fleet of between 25 and 29...
53388From George Washington to Samuel Miles, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Dispatches for the Marquis De La Fayette are of the greatest importance—If there is a Chain of Expresses established, that the conveyance may be depended upon in the shortest conceivable time, you will have them instantly forwarded by that mode—If there is no such establishment, I must request you will forward the Letter immediately by a trusty, active Express, with Orders to ride...
53389To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a late Resolution of Congress, the States of Rhode Island & Connecticut are made one District for the purpose of Promotion, & intitled to two Brigadiers; the same Resolution provides that where a Brigadier is necessary one shall be made from the Senior Officer of the District. that to which we belong has hitherto had but one; we think the service, perticularly at this time, deserves...
53390To John Jay from Robert Morris, 15 August 1781 (Jay Papers)
Enclosed you have a List of sundry Bills of Exchange drawn on you. I wrote you relatively to these Bills on the twenty ninth day of July last with sundry Enclosures Explanatory of my Letter I am now to inform you that the Advices contained in that Letter must from particular circumstances be totally disregarded. Should any of the Bills mentioned in the enclosed List come to your Hands you will...
53391To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Aug: 15. 1781.” In my letter by last Post I mentioned to you the very distressed condition of this State. I cannot help repeating the subject, it hangs so heavy on my Mind I can neither speak nor think on any other. Repeated representations have been made of our condition for the last eighteen Months, and of the fatal consequences...
53392From John Adams to the President of Congress, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Temple has held offices of such Importance, and a Rank so considerable in America, before the Revolution, that his Return to his native Country at this time, cannot fail to cause much Speculation, and it is to be feared some diversity of sentiments concerning him. As he came from London to Amsterdam and did me the honor of a visit, in which he opened to me his design of returning, and his...
53393From John Adams to the President of Congress, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 16 August 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 370–373. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:640. This letter, read in Congress on 12 Nov., contains an English translation of a “verbal insinuation” to the Dutch minister at St. Petersburg,...
53394Commission to Conclude a Tripartite Alliance with France and the Netherlands, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
Whereas a union of the force of the several powers engaged in the War against Great Britain may have a happy tendency to bring the said War to a speedy and favourable issue, and it being the desire of these United States to form an Alliance between them and the United Provinces of the Netherlands. Know Ye therefore that We confiding in the integrity prudence and ability of the honorable John...
53395Instructions to Conclude a Tripartite Alliance with France and the Netherlands, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
By The United States in Congress Assembled. The report of the Committee on the communications of the honble. the Minister Plenipotentiary of France was taken into consideration, and thereupon— Resolved, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States at the Court of Versailles, be directed to inform his most Christian Majesty that the tender of his endeavours to accomplish a coalition...
53396To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I yesterday received Dispatches from Congress, refusing for the present, the Dismission I had requested, and ordering me upon an Additional Service, that of being join’d with yourself and Messrs. Jay, H. Lawrence and T. Jefferson, in Negociations for Peace. I would send you a Copy of the Commission, and of another which authorizes us to accept...
53397From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my beloved Betsey your letter informing me of the happy escape of your father. He showed an admirable presence of mind, and has given his friends a double pleasure arising from the manner of saving himself and his safety. Upon the whole I am glad this unsuccessful attempt has been made. It will prevent his hazarding himself hereafter as he has been accustomed to do. He is a...
53398From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I yesterday received Dispatches from Congress, refusing for the present, the Dismission I had requested, and ordering me upon an Additional Service, that of being join’d with yourself and Messrs. Jay, H. Lawrence and T. Jefferson, in Negociations...
53399From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives We have News here that your Fleet has behaved bravely; I congratulate you upon it, most cordially. I have just received a 14. 5. 3. 10. 28. 2. 76. 202: 66. 11. 12. 273, 50. 14. joining 76. 5. 42. 45. 16. 15. 424. 235. 19: 20. 69. 580. 11. 150. 27. 56. 35. 104. 652. 28. 675. 85. 79. 50....
53400To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’avoue qu’il y a bien longtemps que je ne vous ai écrit, mais je pense toujours cependant à vous je n’ai pas beaucoup de l’oisir pour vous écrire je sçais qu’il vous est impossible de m’écrire a cause de vos affaires mais j’aimerois pourtant bien avoir de vos nouvelles et je vous prie de m’en donner le plustôt qu’il vous sera possible et si vous n’aves pas...