56381John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I should have written to you by Mr. Felleisen, who will doubtless have arrived before this comes to hand, but I did not know that he was going until it was too late to write. Mr. D ana thinks that I had better not write every post; because the postage of the Letters would soon amount to a very considerable sum. I have lately begun to learn German, I have a master who gives me three lessons per...
56382From John Adams to Pieter van Bleiswyck, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter, which you did me the honour to write me, on the thirtyeth, inclosing the Resolution of the States of Holland and Westfriesland, of the twenty eighth of this month, upon the subject of my admission to the audience demanded on the fourth of May, and the ninth of January last. I am very sensible of the honour that is done me by this Instance of personal attention to...
56383To John Adams from Samuel Andrews, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to write your Excellencey fully respecting my situation in this City on the 12th: Instant Last. Hope you may have received the same and the great hurry of business has prevented your Excellencys honouring me with an answer. Hope when convenient will grant my request. In addition to my former letter and request I must pray your Excellencey if acquanted with, His Excellency the...
56384To John Adams from Hendrik Brouwer Chs. zoon, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vergeeft Bid ik Uw dat ik vry genoeg ben U deese myne missieve te adresseeren, de Liefde voor myn Vaaderland, t’herdenken wat onse voor Ouders hebben gedaen, Sig Een vry Volk te maaken heeft in my en veele weldenkende Hollanders bevestigt dat t’Volk van America onse naeste Broederen in Deugd waaren, dus wierd het onse verschuldigde Pligt hun in hunnen Onderdrukkinge te helpen Onderschraagen,...
56385Hendrik Brouwer Chs. zoon to John Adams: A Translation, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I pray you forgive me that I am so free as to address this letter of mine to you, to recall the love for my fatherland, what our forefathers have done to make themselves a free people, has confirmed in me and many right-thinking Dutchmen that the people of America were our closest brothers in virtue, so that it has become our obligatory duty to help support them in their oppression, many...
56386To John Adams from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Les Magistrats de Deventer ont pris Jeudi au Soir une Resolution dans les formes pour recevoir Votre Excellence en qualité de Ministre plenipotentiaire des 13 Etats Unis de L’Amerique. Vendredi au matin la requete des Citoiens de cette Ville a été presentée et les Magistrats ÿ ont repondus qu’ils avoient deja pris la Resolution mentionnée. La ville de Campen, a ce que j’ai été informé, est...
56387Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol to John Adams: A Translation, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
On Thursday evening, the Deventer magistrates passed the resolution necessary for your Excellency’s recognition as minister plenipotentiary of the thirteen United States of America. The citizens of this city presented their petition Friday morning and the magistrates responded that they had already passed the resolution. Kampen, I was informed, was very well disposed. It was linking its...
56388To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of the 10th Instant, and am of Opinion with you, that the English will evacuate New York and Charlestown, as the Troops there, after the late Resolutions of Parliament, must be useless, and are necessary to defend their remaining Islands where they have not at present more than 3000 Men. The Prudence of this Operation is so obvious, that I think they can hardly miss it:...
56389To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I Congratulate your Excellency on the Confusion in England. A Letter from thence received this day says, that the King sent on Saturday night (ie, Saturday sennight), for the Chanceller conversed with Him, and deffered—so parted, and about 4 o Clock on Sunday Morning sent again for Him to come immediately; the Chancellor sent him Word, that He was too ill, but would come as soon as He arose,...
56390To John Adams from Bartholomé Wild, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Etant Neé Libre en Suisse et plus que 40. Année dans cette Libre Republique, on ne doit pas S’ètonner que je m’interesse pour un nouveaux Peuple Libre, qui avec l’aide de Dieu à S’en Se Soustraire de la tiranie Brittanique, en S’en franchissant de l’adieu ésclavage. Nôtre Province et Surtout les habittant de cette Ville ont apris avec un Joix extraordinaire que Les Etat d’hollande les onts...
56391Bartholomé Wild to John Adams: A Translation, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Being born a free man in Switzerland and living in this free republic for more than 40 years, it should not surprise you that I am interested in a new free people, and that, with God’s help, they will escape British tyranny by surmounting this enslavement. Our province, especially the inhabitants of this city, has learned with great joy that the states of Holland have finally recognized their...
56392From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received yours of the 10th Instant, and am of Opinion with you, that the English will evacuate New York & Charlestown, as the Troops there, after the late Resolutions of Parliament, must be useless, and are necessary to defend their Remaining Islands where they have not at present more than 3000 Men. The Prudence of this Operation is so obvious, that I...
56393From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; LS : Keya Gallery, New York (1997); copy: William L. Clements Library I have just received your Favours of March 11 & 12. forwarded to me by Mr. Digges, and another of the 21st. per Post. I congratulate you on the returning good Disposition of your Nation towards America, which appears in the Resolutions of Parliamt. that you have sent me: and I hope...
56394From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library It is long since I have been able to afford myself the pleasure of writing to you; but I have had that of receiving several Letters from you, and I sent you in consequence a credit for 300 £ which I hope you received. I am sorry that you had been obliged to advance: The trouble you so kindly take is sufficient. I just hear from Ireland, that there are 200 of...
56395To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de St. Farre, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society M. le chevalier d’uvet de contour officier dans la marine agé de dix-huit a vingt ans est venû me trouver hier, et m’exposer ses malheurs pour m’engager a venir a son secours. Quelqu’intéressant que soit ce récit et la grande douceur dont il l’accompagne, je n’ai pas crû devoir me prêter facilement a ses vües dans la crainte de fournir a sa grande jeunesse...
56396From Benjamin Franklin to St. Farre, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I do not recollect that I have ever known or seen the Person you mention; and it is certain that I never knew or heard that Mr. De Beaumarchais was charged with the Payment of Gratifications to those who had been Prisoners of War or that any such Gratifications were allowed, so that I could not have sent any Person to that Gentleman for such Purpose. I honour the...
56397From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Wyld, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library I have received yours of the 18th. Instant. I omitted answering your former, being informed that your Bill had not been honoured, whence I conceived that you had imposed on me. I am glad to hear that it is otherwise. Since you were here, I have received notice that no more such Passports are to be granted, the Traders having abused them: So that I must renew...
56398To Benjamin Franklin from William Royal, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I humble hope your Goodness will excuse the freedom of one who is intirely a Stranger to you, of troubling you with a few lines, tho I have great reasons to believe by my Parents letter to me was inclos’d under Cover of a letter thay sent to your Excellency, that you was no stranger to them I have made bold to write to your Excellency by their desciption of...
56399From Benjamin Walker to William Heath, 31 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am ordered by the Commander in Chief to acquaint you that he will arrive this day at his Quarters at Mr Hasbrooks at Newburg, to which place he desires you would Send the Barge he formerly had—with a good . with respect I have the honor to be Sir Your very Obed Serv MHi : Heath Papers.
56400To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
We have Certain Intelligence, My dear General, that Lord North is out of place. He Has Himself Announced that event in Parliament, and Said a New Minister Whould Be Named in the Course of two or three days. It is Generally Believed Marquis de Rockingam will Replace Him—Charles Fox is likely to get into Administration, and there will not be Better principles to be found in the New Ministry than...
56401From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [April–June 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Esteem for your talents and acquirements, is a sentiment which from my earliest acquaintance with you, my dear viscount, I have shared in common with all those who have the happiness of knowing you; but a better knowledge of your character has given it in my eyes a more intrinsic merit, and has attached me to you by a friendship founded upon qualities as rare as they are estimable. Averse as I...
56402[April 1782] (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Begun to read Robertson’s history of Charles the 5th. Mr. Artaud supped out. Weather Cloudy in the morning and Clear in the afternoon. Thermometer at 9 degrees above.0. JQA ’s notes (copied passages) from Robertson appear in M/JQA/1 (10/21, 11/22 April), Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 199. This day Mr. D. went to carry our letters to be sent to the post office....
56403Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Knowing your benevolent heart is ever gratified by hearing of the wellfare of your friends, and feeling a disposition to scrible, you Eliza first claim my attention. I hope ere this your health and spirits are perfectly restored and every one of the family to their usual chearfulness. Do not my Dear Girl dwell too long on the dark side of affairs, it impairs your health and sinks your spirits....
56404To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Blanchard, [c. April 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur de sarsfield m’ayant annoncè que vous me feriez l’honneur de venir voir mon vaisseau Volant dèmain. J’ay l’honneur de vous donner avis, qu’ayant commencé a faire mettre la couverture de carton vous ne verrez absolument rien d’interessant la meccanique etant enfermée par cette envelope. Je ne pouray percer la place des Glaces et en ouvrir la porte...
56405N.(1782)S. April. 1St. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Begun to read Robertson’s history of Charles the 5th. Mr. Artaud supped out. Weather Cloudy in the morning and Clear in the afternoon. Thermometer at 9 degrees above.0. JQA ’s notes (copied passages) from Robertson appear in M/JQA/1 (10/21, 11/22 April), Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 199.
56406John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
The States of Holland and West Friesland have followed the Example of Friesland, in acknowledging American Independence. I received The American Minister received Yesterday officially, from the Grand Pensionary of Holland a Copy of their Resolution. We have not yet the Mail, with an Account of the new British Ministry, tho the last informed Us of a Change. Whether for the better time will...
56407To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 1 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Unne Maladie et Le mauvais temps m’ont empeches D’avoir Lhonneur D’aller vous assurer de mes tres humbles Civivilités et de vous prier de vouloir bien vous resouvenir de moi dans Les occasions ou vous series charge de La part de La republique ameriquaine de quelque morçeau de Sculpture soit tombeaux ou Statue en marbre ou en Bronze, vous aves eû La Bonté de...
56408To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mumford, 1 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Conduct of our Late intimate freind Silas Deane Esqr. respecting these States & our worthy allies, Convinces me he must have Left France some time since, this Leaves my agreeable nephew Mr. Gurdon S. Mumford destitute of the advice & assistance his father (my only Brother) & friends depended on to fix & Continue him in business during his Minority, I am...
56409To Benjamin Franklin from James Searle, 1 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Searle’s respectfull compliments to Doctor Franklin & begs leave to inform him that he means to Leave Paris for Nantes on Thursday. He requests Therefore That Doctor Franklin woud be pleased to order the necessary passports to be made out for Mr. Searle & one Domestique for Nantes which place Mr. S will first go to. Mr. Searle will have the honour of...
56410To George Washington from David Brooks, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to trouble your Excellency immediately upon your Arrival; but some matters of considerable Import to the Army and ourselves, that we have not been able to get determined hitherto, induces me to lay them thus early before your Excellency, that they may be decided upon as soon as possible. The first & most considerable object is the Clothing furnished by the State of...
56411To George Washington from William Heath, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented by colonel Putnam of the 5th Massachusetts regiment, who will solicit your permission to be absent from the army for a short time. He was some time since appointed one of the arbitrators to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, which has detained him, and will again require his attention on the 20th of May...
56412From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your favor of the 26th March which was handed me on my way to this place. When the matter respecting the number of Servants to be allowed to the offices of the Army, was taken up by the General Officers, If I am not mistaken, it was the general Sentiment that the indulgence ought to be confined to the officers of the Line, that as the Staff were in general allowed a pay...
56413From George Washington to James Lovell, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the trouble you have taken in forwarding the intelligence which was enclosed in your Letter of the 11th of March—It is by comparing a variety of information, we are frequently enable to investigate facts, which were so intricate or hidden, that no single clue could have led to the knowledge of them in this point of view, intelligence becomes interesting, which from but its...
56414To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been extremely reluctant to trouble your Excellency while you were at Philadelphia, least I might draw your attention from public Objects of more moment, than the Case of an Individual. The same Consideration still influences me, till you are settled in your Quarters; But as I am apprehensive, Major General Heath may immediately apply for leave of Absence from the Army, I am constrained...
56415From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major General Heath has made no application for leave of absence. The other parts of your Letter, of this date I shall be better able to decide upon when the reasons and charges, which are proposed as the subject of another letter, are exhibited. I am Sir Your very hum. servt NSchU .
56416From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received on my way from Philadelphia your favor of the 23d of March respecting the allowance of Servants to Officers in Your Department; I have taken the earliest opportunity of communicating to the Secretary at War my sentiments on the subject, and am with great regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servant DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
56417From George Washington to Ezra Stiles, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On my way from Philadelphia to this place, I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 20th of March, covering an Oration delivered by Mr Tutor Meigs on the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis—I entreat, you will make that Gentleman sensible of the high gratification I have received from his ingenious performance; and that you Will be convinced of the ardent passion I have for the promotion of...
56418Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Lincoln, and Benjamin Lincoln to Virginia Delegates, 1 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
Copy (Virginia State Library). Made by Arthur Lee on a single page and enclosed in Virginia Delegates to Harrison, 2 April 1782 ( q.v. ). The success of recruiting in Virginia will very much depend on the State having Arms & Clothing for the Men that may be raisd. We therefore beg you will inform us, what supply of these Articles the State may depend upon from your department. We have the...
564192d. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
This day Mr. D. went to carry our letters to be sent to the post office. Stay’d at home all day. Fine weather. Thaws fast.
56420To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I wrote You from Ostend the 27th Ulo and stated what I had done with Dr. F. I arrivd here the last mail day but too late to look about me and to write so fully as I could have wishd. I found the intire kick up of the great ones to make much noise and to give universal pleasure. As the Parliament is not setting no fixd measure of the new people is yet talkd of and the reports are various and...
56421To John Adams from the Duc de La Vauguyon, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Je me proposois Monsieur d’aller passer quelques jours a amsterdam a la fin de Cette Semaine, mais je suis absolument obligé de rester icy et j’aurai l’honneur de vous en dire Les raisons. Je Desirerois bien cependant m’entretenir avec vous; et je vous prierois de venir a La haye si vous n’etes pas indispensablement retenu a amsterdam.
56422The Duc de La Vauguyon to John Adams: A Translation, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had proposed, sir, to spend a few days in Amsterdam at the end of this week, but I am absolutely obliged to remain here and will have the honor of informing you of the reasons. In the meantime, I want very much to speak with you and pray that you would come to The Hague unless you are indispensibly detained at Amsterdam. RC ( Adams Papers ). JA went to The Hague on the morning of 4 April and...
56423To John Adams from Herr von Low, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Nachdem man vor kurzer Zeit in verschiedenen öffentlichen deutschen Blättern zu wiederholtenmalen die Bekanntmachung gelesen, daß die vereinigten Staaten von Nord-America erfahrene Ingenieure in ihre Dienste zu engagieren suchen, und selbigen vorzüglich gute Conditiones vorlegen würden; So habe dem Verlangen eines meiner Freunde, welcher als practischer Ingenieur in französischen Diensten...
56424Herr von Low to John Adams: A Translation, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since the repeated announcement in public German newspapers of the fact that the United States of North America is trying to find and hire experienced engineers and would guarantee them excellent and good conditions, so I have wished to do a favor for one of my friends, who as a practical engineer has worked for the French, and thus I have wanted, most obediently, to ask your right honorable...
56425From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 2 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : William L. Clements Library; copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 31st of March, relating to Messrs. Agnew Father & Son , and Capt Parker , Englishmen taken Prisoners in America & brought to France. I know nothing of those Persons or of the Circumstances that might induce the Delegates of Virginia to desire their Detention,...
56426From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 2 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and two copies: Library of Congress I received duly the Honour of your Letter accompanying the Capitulation of Gen. Cornwallis. All the World agree that no Expedition was ever better plann’d or better executed. It has made a great Addition to the military Reputation you had already acquired, and brightens the Glory that surrounds your Name and that must accompany it to our latest Posterity....
56427To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received duly the Honour of your Letter accompanying the Capitulation of Gen. Cornwallis. All the World agree that no Expedition was ever better plann’d or better executed. It has made a great Addition to the military—Reputation you had already acquired, and brightens the Glory that surrounds your Name and that must accompany it to our latest Posterity. No News could possibly make me more...
56428To George Washington from Charles-Malo-François, comte de Lameth, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Les Bontés dont votre Excéllance à Bien Voulu m’honnorer me donnent La Confiance de me Rappeller à Lhonneur de son Souvenir, et de luy offrir mes Regrets que la place qu’on m’a donne à mon Retour icy, et plus encore L’état de ma santé me déffendent de Retourner maintenant en amérique: j’y Serai remplacé Par un frére Pour Lequel j’ôse Reclamer la bontée de votre Excellence, j’espere que Sa...
56429To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose your Excellency the latest account that has been received here of European Politics. The Governor of Virginia writes us— that a Vessel just arrived from the W. Indies informs, that Count de Grasse has totally defeated the English fleet; taken or destroyd 4 sail of the line, & 100 sail of Transports with 3,000 Troops on board. His Letter is dated the 23d ult. I beg my respects to Mrs...
56430To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the latest accounts from the West Indies there is the highest probability that the French will have a decided naval superiority the Ensuing Campaign To detain their whole fleet on that Station in the hurricane months would be placing a great part of the marine of France in a situation too hazarduous, while the will being of that Nation depends so much on it’s safety—That it will return...