54001Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Three days only did it want of a year from the date of your last Letter, when I received by Capt. Newman in the Brig Gates your welcome favour of May 22d. By various ways I had collected some little intelligence of you, but for six months past my Heart had known but little ease—not a line had reachd me from you, not a syllable from my children—and whether living or dead I could not hear. That...
54002From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 29 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS and AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 10th. Instant, and have given Orders that you should have the Credit you require for October & November; viz. 16157 Dollars. Please to let me know if this Sum includes the Ballance of the 25,000 Dollars. I begin to have Hopes of the Loan in Holland, in which Case, I shall be able also to pay your...
54003To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [29 September 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris ce petit mot pour vous dire combien L’arrivée de Mr Cooper Johonnot m’a fait de plaisir et je vous assure que quand vous m’enverrès des americains cela me fera on ne peut pas plus de plaisir. Je me perfectionerai dans peu de temps dans l’anglois il me parle deja beaucoup et je lui reponds comme je peux je me porte très bien. Je suis toujours...
54004To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 29 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This to inform you of my safe Arrival at Geneva the 28th Inst. Mons Marignac has treated me with much Kindness as well as Mad Marignac, with Regard to Benny he seems to use his utmost Efforts to please me. I shall do the same with Regard to him. Accept of my sincere Thanks for all your Goodness to me, I shall observe & conserve the Remembrance of them for...
54005To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 29 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr Fox Called on me he Sais in behalf of your Exelency to Inform me that you thought it much the best to sittle with Dotun, this is what I proposed to him As soon As he Arested me, On the same terms you Menchen—But He Knowing the profit he has gained on the Purchas will Not— my Attorney Informs me that He is Very Sure that Dotun will sittle with me for...
54006[Diary entry: 29 September 1781] (Washington Papers)
29th. Moved the American Troops more to the right, and Encamped on the East side of Bever dam Creek, with a Morass in front, about Cannon shot from the enemys lines. Spent this day in reconnoitering the enemys position, & determining upon a plan of attack & approach which must be done without the assistance of Shipping above the Town as the Admiral (notwithstanding my earnest sollicitation)...
54007General Orders, 29 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Officers for the day Tomorrow Major General Baron Steuben Colonel Courtlandt Lt Col. Barber B.M. from Waynes Brigade Our ungenerous Enemy having as usual propagated the small Pox in this part of the Country, the Commander in Chief forbids the Officers and soldiers of this Army having any connection with the Houses or Inhabitants in this neighbourhood or borrowing any utensills from them. Each...
54008To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency by Captain Pierce, on the 17th inst. since which I am informed the Maryland troops which were expected to reinforce this Army, have been Ordered to join the Army in Virginia. our situation is truly distressing, and the want of a reinforcement very pressing; but if it will interfere with more important concerns, I am very willing to struggle with every difficulty &...
54009To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 29 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellencys Letter of the 15th instt which came to hand on the 26th—previous to the receipt of it Congress had ordered me to draw all the Levies of this State to Philadelphia from an Apprehension, that strongly prevailed, and some Intelligence they credited, that Sir Henry Clinton with a Body of about five thousand Men intended, by way of Diversion to your...
54010To George Washington from George Weedon, 29 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honor’d with your Excellency’s favor 27th and am happy to find this pass is to be succoured with a more respectable body of Troops than our present force, for my own part shall with the greatest chearfulness take the orders of any senior Officer your Excellency may please to send here, and I am sure the Duke de Lauzun will also pay the most perfect respect to your wish. I yesterday made a...
54011To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 29 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
I received yours of the 10 th . Instant, and have given Orders that you should have the Credit you require for October & November; viz 16157 Dollars. Please to let me know if this Sum includes the Ballance of the 25000 Dollars. I begin to have hopes of the Loan in Holland, in which Case, I shall be able also to pay your next Years Salaries. But in that Case, the Drafts should be quarterly: And...
54012To James Madison from David Jameson, 29 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D., Sepr. 29. 1781.” I have recd. your favour of the 18th. Ere this I expected to have had it in my power to give you some interesting information respecting Cornwallis All the regulars are I believe now landed amounting to about 12,500[.] Of Militia I believe there is a greater number collected, than Gen Washington will...
54013Benjamin Waterhouse to John Adams, 30 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
I imagine You heard by the last Post of our being at this Place, and the reasons of our coming here. It is a great disappointment to Us all; yet the danger of our proceeding in the Condition We were in and the hopes of getting out soon, ought to make Us content. You already know I believe that there has been a very unfortunate difference between two of the Passengers and our Commodore, which...
54014To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Butler, 30 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having been sent for this Port (in the Privat Armed Ship Wolf with a Cargo of Tobacco) by a Number of the principal Merchants of Virginia and North Carolina, with a design to know if the Price offered here would encourage them to Send their Ships to this Market Ladened with that Article, I have taken the Liberty to acquaint your Excellency of the...
54015To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Mayo, 30 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Thinking it may not be amiss to mention all the Circumstances attending the bill of Exchange on M. De Chaumont, that I have had protested, & for which payment cannot be at present obtained from his being possessed of a lettre de Surseance, I have taken the liberty of enclosing a Sketch of the Affair since I received the bills, of which that in your...
54016To Benjamin Franklin from P.M. Porquet, 30 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il à été remit au Commissaire de La marine du port de Calais, par le Capitaine Thomas Cavin Commandant le Navire de Cartel le Draper de Belfast, arrivé au port dudit Calais le 28 7bre. 1781. avec des Prisonniers francois, differentes Lettres ouvertes dont la destination est pour L’amerique. On pense que Monsieur franklin pourroit avoir des Occasions de...
54017[Diary entry: 30 September 1781] (Washington Papers)
30th. The Enemy abandoned all their exterior works, & the position they had taken without the Town; & retired within their Interior works of defence in the course of last Night—immediately upon which we possessed them, & made those on our left (with a little alteration) very serviceable to us. We also began two inclosed Works on the right of Pidgeon Hill —between that & the ravine above Mores...
54018General Orders, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Officers for the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Clinton Colonel Vose Lt Col. Olney B. M. Cox Lieutenant Colonel De Hart to be field officer of the day in the room of Lieut. Colonel Barber indisposed—Major Cummings is appointed to do the duty of field Officer of the day in the room of Lieut. Colonel De Hart, absent with leave. General Muhlenburghs Brigade will consider it self as a reserve...
54019To George Washington from Carter Braxton, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I ask pardon for this intrusion at a time when your attention must be wholely engaged on a work of the highest Importance, nor should I, on any Suggestions of my own venture to give you a moments interruption; but Mr Howell the Lieutenant of a Guard placed here by the Marquiss De la Fayette, & the Bearer Capt. De Camuse who commands the Brig. Cornwallis belonging to his most christian Majesty,...
54020To George Washington from John Gibson, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour of writing your Excellency on the 25th of last month, inclosing the Intelligence recd from the Rev. Mr Zeisberger at the same time I sent Spies who went to within a few miles of Prequille Ft. Presque Isle they have returned but made no discovery. By an Indian woman who made her Escape from the Moravian Towns and came in here we received the following Intelligence that...
54021To George Washington from William Heath, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a New York paper of the 22d instant, which announces the arrival of Admiral Digby. Mr Rivington does not mention the number of ships which have arrived—but through the same channel that I obtained the paper, I learn he arrived with three sail of the line and no others—that they have sent to Hallifax for two sail more of the line. I have requested the President of...
54022To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You Have So often Been pleased to Ask I Would Give My opinion upon Any subject that May occur, that I will this day take the Liberty to Mention a few Articles. I am far from Laughing at the idea of the Ennemy’s Making a Retreat—it is not very probable—But it is not impossible. Indeed they Have no other way to escape—and Since We Cannot get ships above York I would be still more Afraid of a...
54023To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The letter that accompagnies this being relative to matters of public utility, I shall write also this confidential one where none but my private interests are concerned. Owing to your partiality and friendship for me, I have during the Campaign acted the Most Agreable part—I commanded the Army in Virginia, I was opposed to Lord Cornwallis, and the troops you entrusted to me had the greatest...
54024To George Washington from James McHenry, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been elected one of the Senate for the State of Maryland I beg leave to resign the rank of Major which I hold in the army of the United States. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s most ob. St DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
54025From George Washington to George Weedon, 30 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your Favor of Yesterday—Last Night the Enemy evacuated their exteriour Works,& left us in Possession of Pigeon Quarter, & some other Works which they had occupied, contracting their Defences near the Town . This Circumstance has created a Jealousy in some Minds similar to what you mention—that Ld Cornwallis may throw himself with his Troops upon the Gloster Side,&...
54026To John Jay from Egbert Benson, 30 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
You will observe I have deferred my Letter til the last day of the Month, in hopes that I should have had it in my Power to communicate Intelligence as agreeable as it would have been important— (When I wrote last Gen l : Washington with the Allied Army was in the lower part of West Chester County, waiting, as it was generally supposed, the Arrival of the French Fleet from the West Indies in...
54027To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). A second page, which Jefferson used as the cover of this letter, is addressed to “The honourable James Madison Philadelphia favoured by Mr. Short.” Note 2, below, explains why this letter was never received. I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he...
54028Jefferson’s Certification of William Short as an Attorney, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of the Executive I have examined Mr. William Short and report it as my opinion that he is duly qualified to practise the law as an Attorney. Given under my hand on the day above-mentioned. MS ( Vi ); entirely in TJ’s hand; endorsed in part: “Feby 18. [1782?].” Below TJ’s statement is the following in the hand of George Wythe: “Nov. 2. 1781. From an intimate acquaintance, of some...
54029From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer Mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he can here the studies in which he is engaged: and I chearfully add to what you may already have heard of him my testimony of his genius, learning and merit. I do this the rather as it gives me an opportunity of saving the right of...
54030From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Mr. William Short purposing to Philadelphia for the prosecution of his studies, I do myself the honor under authority of the acquaintance I had the pleasure of forming with you in Philadelphia, of introducing him to your notice, persuaded that should you give him an opportunity of being known to you, you will think it a circumstance not merely indifferent to add to the number of...
54031From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Monticello, 30 Sep. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Thomas McKean, this date. Intended as RC , but not sent ( DLC ); written on a sheet which TJ subsequently used for a summary of the case of Hunt v . Tucker’s executors; addressed: “The honourable Robert Morris Philadelphia favored by Mr Short.”
54032From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Peters, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Monticello, 30 Sep. 1781 . This letter is identical in substance with TJ’s letter to Thomas McKean, this date. Intended as RC , but not sent ( DLC ); written on a sheet which TJ subsequently used for a summary of the case of King v . Dugard; addressed: “The honourable Richard Peters Philadelphia favored by Mr Short.”
54033From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., October 1781 (Washington Papers)
To answer the queries of Mr Ross To determine respecting Horses in possession of the enemy—these may be considered in points of view. 1st Dragoon Horses. 2 Officers horses—by purchase—actually taken in Action—& those taken, or stolen from Citizens. To see in what manner the Officers of the American Army can be most benefitted by the preemption in the Capitulation—they being under Marching...
54034From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 1 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu votre petite chere Epitre, ma bonne fille, datté a Villeneuve le 27 passée. Vous parlez des bons Amis qui vous soignent bien, des belles Vues que vous avez par vos fenétres, &c. Tout cela me fait du plaisir à entendre; mais je pense continuellement des Fatigues que vous devez souffrir dans une si longue voyage; des mauvaises Auberges, mauvaises...
54035To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 1 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania In consequence of the report of my Interpreter I found my self under the Nesesity to make A propesetion to Dotun wich is to Give him the tract of land for his securety untill he can Asertain the defecancy if there be Aney. Your Exelency will be So Oblidging to Inform Mr Dotun about the Land As you Know the tittle is Good for wich I shall Greatfully...
54036General Orders, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Officers for the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Wayne Colonel Stewart Lt Col. Huntington B. M. Aorson The health of the troops is an object of such infinite importance that every possible attention ought to be paid to the preservation of it. The Quarter Master General is directed to use effectual Measures to obtain a quantity of Straw sufficient for the men to lodge upon. The Commissaries will...
54037From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have had the honour of acknowledging sooner the note which Your Excellency transmitted by the Marquis de lafayette—but an expectation of being able to accompany my answer with interesting intelligence induced me to defer it to the present moment. With regard to the Station which Your Excellency has determined for the Main-fleet, the reasons which you are pleased to communicate prove...
54038From George Washington to William Heath, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 9th and 12th of Septr. I am perfectly satisfied with the propriety of the measures you have taken in consequence of the Enemy’s Movements, and the intelligence you had received. Directions have already been given to the Quarter Master General for relanding the Provisions, which were shipped with design to be put under the protection of the Count de...
54039From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last Evening I was honored with your Excellencys Favor of the 21st ulto with its Inclosure—The Intelligence it contains respectg the British Fleet, is very agreable, & will be imediately transmitted to the Count de Grasse. In my last, which bore Date the 23d ulto I informed, that our Preparations for a near Investment of the Enemy at York, were fast ripening to a Point—I have now to acquaint...
54040To George Washington from John Mathews, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Although I am well convinced your time must be occupied by very important objects; Yet I presume you will not regret the few moments employed in the perusal of the following interesting advices lately received through the most authentic channel. "After the retreat of Mr Cumberland from the court of Madrid, that court, finding itself relieved from the embarrassments created by that gentleman’s...
54041From George Washington to Robert Morris, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I use the present Opportunity to return to you the Bill drawn in my Favor on Messrs Richards & Comp y of New London—not having had an Opportunity to present it for Payment. Your Note of the 18th I have received, with your Letter directed to Major Genl Greene—the first good Opportunity will be improved for its, conveyance. With great Regard & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your St DLC : Papers of George...
54042From George Washington to Robert Morris, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Harrison of the Artillery, who will deliver you this—is going to Philadelphia on public Business, important to the general Service—as the Southern Department to which he belongs has been long destitute of Money—I shall be very glad if you can furnish him with a Sum sufficient for his Expences & that of another Officer who will be necessary on this Occasion. I am &c. P.S. Being Informed...
54043From William Stephens Smith to Timothy Pickering, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General requests you will immediately take the necessary steps to alter the route of the Express riders, instead of its being continued thro’ Richmond, they must pass from the Boling Greene to Todds Bridge & cross at Ruffins ferry. I am Sir Yours &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
54044To George Washington from Richard Varick, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I think it my Duty to inform Your Excellency, That since your Departure for Virginia and my Return from Dobbs’s Ferry to this Place, three Writers have been continually employed, in transcribing the Public Letters, on the Plan proposed by your Excellency. I found it necessary, for distinguishing the Sets of Volumes, to nominate them in the Order of the Alphabet, Of which I requested your...
54045Report on Retaliation against British, [1 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 421–23). Written by JM as chairman. Docketed: “Report of the Committee on Retaliation[.] Entered Oct. 1. 1781[,] Read. Decr. 3d. 1781 Referred to the comee appd. to confer wth. Comr. in chief, &c.” The Committee to whom was referred the several papers concerning retaliation recommend the following Manifesto The United States in Congress assembled taking into their...
54046To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 1 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I propos’d to myself the pleasure of visiting yourself and family before this at Montichello but the prospects below and the arrival of Genl. Washington in the State induc’d me to postpone the trip of pleasure to the less agreeable one to camp upon the Idea of bearing some small part in bringing about the event we all so anxiously wish for. With this view I waited on Gov. Nelson and solicited...
54047From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 2 October 1781[–21 June 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and LS : Library of Congress It is a long time, my dear Friend, since I have had the Pleasure of writing to you. I have postpon’d it too often, from a Desire of writing a good deal on various Subjects, which I could not find sufficient time to think of properly: Your Experiments on the Conducting of Heat was one Subject; the finishing my Remarks on the Stroke of lightning in Italy...
54048To John Adams from Francis Coffyn, 2 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
The bearer Thomas Beer has been obliged to flee from England on account of his having assisted the american prisonners to Escape. I have represented his case to his Excellency Dr B. Franklin, who has autorised me by his letter of 22d august of which I here inclose a copy, to pay this man ten guineas to help him to Holland, with his wife and two young children; I hope your Excellency will be...
54049General Orders, 2 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Morning Orders The Commander in Chief having ordered his own Baggage Waggons to be sent to assist in the Transportation of Ordnance and stores, Requests that all the Waggons of the General field and other Officers may be employed on the same service: as it is of the utmost consequence that the heavy Artillery should be brought up without a moments loss of time—the Waggons will Parade in the...
54050To George Washington from William Stuart, 2 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
We the Subscribers Officers in General Hazens Regiment, Trusting in your known desposition to an equal desposal of justice to all your Army beg the liberty of representing to your Excellency what we Suppose to be a grieviance of the highest Nature—Capt. Anthony Selin having been introduced into the Regiment: as we Suppose very unjustly causes much discontent among us—He is a Gentleman almost a...