53851From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 15 September 1781 [i.e., on or after 16 September 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Yale University Library Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Col. Johonnot, and sends the Letter he desires for Mr Williams. He has not the least Acquaintance with any French Merchant at Nantes that is likely to enter into Col. Johonnot’s Views; and if he were to advise, it would be not to sollicit at present any one for Goods upon Credit. The great Losses that have been sustained by...
53852General Orders, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
As during the present Scarcity of Provisions the Quarter Master will take care that a sufficient number of Cornfields be appropriated to the use of the Troops, the Commander in Chief in the most Pointed manner forbids the Soldiers entering or taking Corn in any field but those pointed out by the Quarter Master, and hopes that every Officer will exert himself to see this order attended to. DLC...
53853To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
je reçois avec reconnoissance, la lettre que Votre Excellence a bien voulû me faire l’honneur de m’écrire. je m’estimerois heureux, si je pouvois emporter de ces contrés, votre estime et votre amitié, ainsi que celle des Etâts unis, pour lesquels je mets tout mon zêle en activité. Votre Excellence aura sans doutte vû avec satisfaction que mon premier soin à mon retour de la sortie que les...
53854To George Washington from William Heath, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
By this same conveyance Your Excellency will receive a letter from Governor Trumbull giving an account of the wanton conduct of the Enemy in their late attack on New London. The Enemy for some days have had a number of Troops embarked at New York. They had not sailed on Wednesday evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of...
53855To George Washington from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Difficulty of procuring Vessels for the Transportation of Flour is so great, that I fear our Supplies will come in but slowly, unless some Aid can be obtained from the French Fleet. If an empty Transport or two could be spared for this Purpose, we should find them of infinite Advantage. The Part of the Country, whence we expect our immediate supplies, has been so fully in Possession of the...
53856From George Washington to William Davies, 16 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon viewing the troops of the Virginia Line this morning I find that they are almost totally destitute of Cloathing that is even necessary for the present season in consequence of which upwards of one third of them are renderd at present unfit for service. The importance of present exertions need not be pen’d as I flatter myself you must already be convinced of the necessity of them. You will...
53857From John Jay to Floridablanca, c. 16 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
Whatever may be the Issue of the american Revolution—whether that Country shall continue independent—or be doomed to reunite her Power with that of ^ G. ^ Britain, the good Will and Affection of the People of North America will never cease to ^ cannot in either Case ^ be of some Importance to ^ unimportant to ^ their Neighbours: nor will the y ma Impressions made upon their Minds ^
53858From John Jay to Montmorin, 16 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
The Paper herewith enclosed is the D t . of a Letter which I think of addressing ^ writing ^ to his Exey the Count De Florida Blanca The Subject as well as the occasion render ^ call for ^ much Circumspection necessary ^ demand
53859From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 7th. inst. That mentioned to have been sent by the preceding post has not come to hand nor two others which Mrs. Randolph informs me you wrote before you left Virginia, nor indeed any other should you have been so kind as to have written any other. When I received the first letter fr[om the President of C]ongress inclosing their resolution, and mentioning...
53860To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 17 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
I Hope this will find Your Excellency’s Health well established, and that your Disorder has not left the Remains usually attendant on it, but that your wonted Spirit and Fortitude are continud, for indeed, they are necessary to you at this Juncture, if I am rightly informed of a late transaction in America, which has grievd and Confounded me above Measure. The Hints given me of it are...
53861To Benjamin Franklin from John Hindman, 17 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being so unfortunate as not to be able to leave this for Paris till thursday next, on account of all the places in the Diligence from this being occupied before I arrived here; I thought it might not be amiss to give you as early as I could what little intelligence I could collect in travelling thro’ England, tho’ it may appear to be but of trifling...
53862To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 17 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Do me the honour to accept the enclosed pieces of poetry, the fruit of a few idle hours: they contain sentiments, which, I trust, you will approve. Your excellent notes on Foster I received, and give you my warmest thanks for them. A few weeks ago I wrote a long letter to you, enclosing one from an amiable young lady, whose venerable father and agreeable...
53863To Benjamin Franklin from Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville Lafreté, 17 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Madme. Lafreté a l’honneur de faire mille Complimens à Monsieur francklin et de le prévenir, que la personne de Bayonne dont elle lui a parlé pour le consulat des Etats unis de l’amérique se nomme Mr. Galart desgraux; elle le recommande à sa Protection. Madme. Lafreté va faire un petit voyage en normandie; elle espere avoir a son retour le plaisir de voir...
53864To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 17 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Stephen Willson, a young Gentleman lately arrivd from America will have the honor to deliver you this Letter. He is recommended to me by my friends in Philadelphia in the warmest manner, & doubt not but he will prove himself entirely worthy of your Excellencys favor & protection— I have the honor to remain wth. Sentiments of the greatest respect Sir...
53865[Diary entry: 17 September 1781] (Washington Papers)
17th. In company with the Count de Rochambeau—the Chevr. Chastellux—Genls. Knox & Duportail, I set out for the Interview with the Admiral & arrived on board the Ville de Paris (off Cape Henry) the next day by Noon and having settled most points with him to my satisfaction except not obtaining an assurance of sending Ships above York and one that he could not continue his fleet on this Station...
53866To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It appears more eligible to occupy the anchoring ground near Cape Henry, than the position which the naval army occupied within the mouth of York River—because the fleet will cover the two Rivers of James & York whereas in the other case James River would be intirely dependant upon the particular vessels stationed there. Besides the Station at Cape Henry gives the naval Army greater facility...
53867To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your very affectionate letter of the 30th of July; and your entire approbation of my conduct claims my warmest acknowledgments. I cannot help thinking it no less fortunate for the public than happy for ourselves that so perfect a good understanding subsists between your Excellency the Marquis and my self; and I beg leave to assure your Excellency that from duty and inclination I...
53868To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th of July I have had the honor to receive. before the receipt of which I had sent off two of my aids to give your Excellency a very particular account of the state of the southern department. By Colonel Morris I wrote my opinion respecting the proper object to operate against should we be so happy as to be joined by our good ally. I presume he is with your...
53869To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of replying to your polite and agreeable letter of July the 15th by my son Ludwell who expected either to wait on you with it in Virginia or to get the letter forwarded by the Marquis de la Fayette. Altho I am at this time laboring under a severe fit of the gout, it is impossible to refrain from congratulating you, and rejoicing with our country, on the present happy and...
53870From George Washington to Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 17 September … (Washington Papers)
Questions proposed by General Washington to and Count De Grasse’s Answers to them. The noble and generous Support which is given to this Country, by His Most Christian Majesty does as it ought, fill the heart of every American with gratitude & Love; The zeal and alacrity with which His officers strive to carry His Royal intentions into execution, merit our highest admiration & applause, a...
53871From George Washington to Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 17 September … (Washington Papers)
Le noble et genereux Secours qui est donne a ce pays par Sa majesté tres chretienne, remplit comme il le doit Le coeur de tout Americain d’amour et de reconnoissance. Le zêle et L’activité qu’apportent les oficiers dans L’execution de Ses instructions royales, meritent au plus haut degré notre admiration et nos applaudissements—nous en avons actuellement sous Les yeux une nouvelle preuve—mais...
53872From George Washington to Anthony Walton White, 17 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will please to send to this place for the use of the Genl & field officers expected from the head of Elk twelve good Horses—they will be wanted till their own come by land, only—let a Commisioned Officer come with them that he may regularly account for their delivery—He will report himself, & these Instructions to the Marquis de la Fayette upon his arrival. Besides these, I shall want two...
53873From John Jay to Floridablanca, 17 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
La repugnance que J’ai senti á depecher le Majeur Franks sans transmettre au Congrés á son retour les Informations qu’il s’attend aux sujets que J’ai eu l’honneur de soumettre à la consideration de V. S, m’a engagé à le retenir jusqu’à cette heure, surtout étant encouragé d’esperer que V. S. auroit trouvé le loisir dans la semaine derniere, pour entrer dans des conferences serièueses avec moi...
53874From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [15–18 September 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
How chequered is human life! How precarious is happiness! How easily do we often part with it for a shadow! These are the reflections that frequently intrude themselves upon me, with a painful application. I am going to do my duty. Our operations will be so conducted, as to economize the lives of men. Exert your fortitude and rely upon heaven. Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of...
53875To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Letellieur Benard, 18 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La joye que je ressentie au mois de mars dernier de revoire un fils qui Etoit party depuis Sept année redoubla quand il maprit qu’il avoit eû L’avantage de captivér La confiance de vos concitoyens Et celuÿ de votre honorable protection; je desirée á Lors donnér á votre Exélence un mot de má Sensible reconnoissance; mon fils m’engagá au Silance: il est...
53876To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Du Mourier with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 18 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’etais dejà penetré depuis longtems de veneration pour vos connaissances, votre patriotisme & vos vertus. Mr. Nixon Eclesiastique vient de me confier sa position & votre generosité, je luy ay payé sur le champ la lettre de Change qu’il tire sur vous. Mr. Le Mis. de Clarac qui se trouvait chez moy vous la remettra, & recevra de vous le comptant, il a voulu...
53877To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 18 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure to write you on the 4th Currt to which I refer— Yesterday the Commissioners of Sick & Hurt sent to desire to see me, I waited on them & they wished me to write you to discharge from his Parole Major Cowley of the 22d Regt taken by the Black princess & carried into Cherburg & now on Parole at Vellona [Valognes], they offered to...
53878To George Washington from George Weedon, 18 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honor’d with your Letter of 15th Inst. and take the earliest opportunity to offer my warmest congratulations to your Excellency on your safe return once more to your own Country—The greatest attention shall be paid to the small supply of Cartridges arrived in Camp last Night: previous to which the Troops in this Quarter had not two per Man, and am sorry to inform your Excellency that...
53879Virginia Delegates to Thomas Nelson, 18 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Written and franked by Theodorick Bland. Addressed to “His Excelly. Thos. Nelson Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” “No. 10” is written at the top of the letter. It was opened in Richmond by the Council of State during the absence of Nelson and then forwarded to him in “Camp before York.” The delegates would not number their future letters. We have been honord with Yr....
53880From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 18 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison Esqr. Sepr. 18th. 1781.” I was yesterday favored with yours of the 10th. instant. The various reports arrived of late from Chesapeake prepared us for a confirmation from our correspondents of a fortunate rencontre between the 2 fleets. A continuation of these reports although unsupported by any authentic evidence still keeps up...
53881John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter, 19 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
We arriv’d here the 16th of August old stile, (which is universally used yet, all over this Country;) having left Berlin, the 2d. of the same month, new stile, and rode the whole way, day and night, stopping only at the principal towns which lay in our way, viz: at Dantzic, three days, at Konigsberg, one, at Memel, one night, at Riga, four days, and at Narva, two: between these places, which...
53882John Thaxter to Joseph Reed, 19 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency, that Mr. Adams has for sometime past been confined to his Bed with a Fever; and tho’ at present upon his Recovery, yet is still too feeble to write. He has therefore directed me to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s two Letters of 14th. and 21st. July to the Honorable Mr. Searle, who sailed about a month since in the South Carolina,...
53883To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 19 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Quoyque je ne puisse scavoir par personne positivement si vous estes a paris de retour de vos voyages, l envie que jay de scavoir de vos cheres nouvelles, de celle de vos chers enfants et patriotes, mengage a avoir lhonneur de vous ecrire cette lettre, quand elle devroit voyager aprés vous. Je desire fort que votre santé nait point souffert des longues et dures courses que vous avez fait, et...
53884Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A Translation, 19 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Although no one could tell me positively if you were in Paris back from your journeys, I felt a desire to find out any news from you, your dear children and patriots. It is for this honor that I have engaged myself to write to you, even if the letter has to travel to find you. I hope very strongly that your health has not suffered from the long and hard course that you have had, and that you...
53885To George Washington from William Davies, 19 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had this day the honor to receive your Excellency’s favor of the 16th and enclose for your information the whole stock of cloathing on hand at this place, much the greater part of which came in this morning. I have been using every endeavor for some time past to bring to a point all the cloathing required by law from the various counties, but the confusions which the incursions of the enemy...
53886To George Washington from Robert Howe, 19 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
One of my friends in Congress having informed me that the Delegates of the State of Georgia had moved Congress that an Enquiry might be made into my Conduct as to some military Transactions which happened in December 1778 & that your Excellency would be directed to order this Enquiry when Circumstances would admit of it, I take the Liberty to request that if it should take place, it may not be...
53887To George Washington from Thomas Sim Lee, 19 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Address of the 15th is this Moment presented to Us. We are truly happy to be informed that the Count de Grasse is returned to his Station, and that our Vessels may pass down the Bay without Hazard. We feel your Excellency’s distress, from an Apprehension that your Operation may cease, or be impeded, for want of Provisions, and the more so, because We can’t instantly furnish...
53888To George Washington from Anthony Walton White, 19 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 17th Inst. I have had the honor to Receive. The Horses your Excellency requested to be sent for your own use I took a particular pleasure in taking out the best in my Regiment, & hope they may be approved of. the two you sent to be recruited shall be taken the greatest care of. the horses for your Excellency’s aids, & the 12 for the Generals and Field Officers, I have picked...
53889To John Jay from Floridablanca, 19 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
Le Comte de Floridablanca auroit eté bien charmé de pouvoir s’entretenir long temps avec M r de Jay si ses incommodites habituelles et ses affaires toujours pressantes ne l’y eussent empeché. il aura donc l’honneur de le voir ce soir vers les huit heures si M r Jay veut se donner la peine d’y venir, soit seul ou avec le Major Franks: et en rendant compte au Roi du resultat de leur entretien il...
53890Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca, 19 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
Notes of a conference held at Saint Ildefonso on the Wednesday ^ Evening ^ the 19 day of September 1781 between his Excellency the Count de Florida Blanca, and M r . Jay agreeable to the appointment of the former. The Count introduced the conference by asking for Major Franks, and why M r . Jay did not bring him with him. M r . Jay answered, that as Major Franks was not charged with the...
53891To John Jay from Elbridge Gerry, 20 September–9 October 1781 (Jay Papers)
Agreable to your Excellency’s Request of the 18 th of Nove r last, which I have lately received, I Inclose the Constitution of this State, together with a News Paper containing the latest political Intelligence. Since the Arrival of the Fleet of our allies at Virginia, We have a favorable Prospect of a happy Issue to the French Campaign, & I flatter myself that You will have the Pleasure of...
53892Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 20 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
In truth Friend thou art a Queer Being—laugh where I must, be candid where I can.—Your pictures are Hogarths. I shall find you out by and by—I will not Build upon other peoples judgements. My philosopher (I like the Name exceedingly) used to say I was a physiognomist. I have tried not unsuccessfully to find out the Heart of many a one by the countanance. I do not recollect that I ever had that...
53893From Benjamin Franklin to Palteau de Veimerange, 20 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the Honour of Writing to me the 17th Instant, together with a State of the Effects & Merchandizes which you are collecting at Brest in order to be sent to America. As we have no Agent at Brest, and I have the fullest Confidence in a principal Commissary employed under your Orders, I think it best to continue the...
53894To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 20 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We were honor’d with your ever esteem’d favor’s of 31st. Ulto. and 4th. instt., the first with one inclosed for his Excellency Mr. Adams to whom we deliver’d it of Course and the latter in reply to that with Which we troubled you in date of the 30th of last month. We are extremely Sorry that we Cannot yet acquaint you with the perfect re’establishment of the...
53895From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that some American Vessels, with salted Provisions on Board, for the Use of the Troops of my Army, have taken the Benefit of the Convoy of the Squadron of Count de Barras, & are Arrived in the Bay—I Will be obliged if your Excellency will be pleased to order those Transports to proceed up this River, near to Burrel’s Ferry & let them report to me, that they may receive my...
53896To George Washington from William Heath, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received intelligence that the fleet which have for some time been in the harbor of New York with a body of troops embarked, fell down to the Hook last Saturday. It is said, all the heavy cannon on the grand battery were taken on board—The troops have their baggage with them. I cannot yet ascertain all the corps, their numbers or destination. The New York paper of the 15....
53897To George Washington from James Hendricks, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last evening I had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 15th Current, Previous to which I had procured Craft to go to George Town capable of carrying four Hundred Barrels of flour which comes down & proceeds for Burwells ferry tomorrow—I have likewise impress’d a Brig. belonging to Colo. Saml Smith of Baltimore, which will take a few days to get repair’d and if no Bay Craft...
53898To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
at a time like this, when your excellencys every moment must be devoted to the grand business of america, I know you can have but little leisure for private letters—If the feelings of my heart will not permit me to be silent, I can not avoid congratulating your excellency on the present favourable appearance of our afairs I can not avoid telling your excellency, how much I wish you success,...
53899From George Washington to Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to make your best Way into Piuncatanck River, where you will disembark your Troops at the most convenient Place you can find that shall be nearest to Gloscester Court House. I am &c. P.S. After Debarkg the Troops mentioned, if any Military Stores are on Board, you will proceed with them to Burrel’s Ferry in James River, where you will receive further Orders. those Vessels...
53900From George Washington to George Weedon, 20 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Duke de Lauzun Comandr of the Legion of his own Name, will have the Honor to deliver you this—He is an officer of Rank & long standing in the Service of his most Christian Majesty—a Brigadier General in the Army now under Comand of the Count de Rochambeau. You will be pleased to shew him all that Respect & Attention, that his Rank & Services justly demand. I am Dear Sir Your most Hble...