58101To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Deeply impressed with the importance of West Point to the existence of the United States, I have, with the approbation of your Excellency, endeavored, from its earliest state as a fortification, to have it and its dependences as amply furnished with cannon and military Stores of all Kinds as could possibly be spared from other uses. But after every exertion for this purpose, there still...
58102From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged to your Excellency for your two favours of the 28th of June, and 3d July which I have had the honor to receive, since my return from the frontiers of this State, where I have been in company with Governor Clinton, to visit and regulate my advanced Posts. As the business of the Army had accumulated greatly in my absence, and as I am exceedingly occupied in making some...
58103To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with your Excellencys favours of the 19th Ultimo and 3d July—I have repeatedly urged the necessity of appointing a Judge Advocate, and of passing the System of Adjutant General, but hitherto without success. I hope and trust that they will be immediately attended to. I have reason to think they will. Your ideas of retaining the Lieutenants to do the duty of Ensigns,...
58104From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your letter for Mr Elliott, went into New York a few days since by the Comy of Prisoners, who is now there. The Packet for Genl Dalrymple shall also go there; altho’ the Genl, by this time, may be in England. Genl Knox has Skinners Letter—Mrs Washington set out this day for Virginia by an upper Road—present me in the most acceptable manner to Mrs Morris & Miss Kitty Livingston—I do not forget...
58105To George Washington from Robert Morris, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favor of the third Instant, and am obliged by your Attention to my Requests—I entirely approve your Excellencys Reasons for directing a Magazine at West Point—The Contractors will I believe exert themselves. It is impossible for me to state the Trouble and Distress I undergo—This Morning the Southern Post brought me a Letter from the Reciever in Virginia, of which the...
58106To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor to write to Your Excellency by the last post, Eleven Men defected from this place, carried off by some old Offenders, who were sent in as Substitutes—The most notorious Villain of the whole is apprehended, & was Yesterday by a General Court Martial sentenced to be shot; He acknowledges himself guilty of Defecting four different times, & Stealing a Horse & saddle forging a...
58107From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterdays date, containing the following queries, "Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army, or is it not?" "Has this Department been conducted during the course of five years agreeable to your Wishes, and have the consequences resulting from my exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?" I give it as my clear opinion that...
58108From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
‘Till your letter of the 28th Ulto arrived (which is the first from you, & the only direct acct of you, since we parted at Philadelphia)—We have had various conjectures about you—Some thought you were dead —others that you were Married —and all that you had forgot Us. Your letter is not a more evident contradiction of the first & last of these suppositions than it is a tacit confirmation of...
58109To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be conveyed to Your Excellency by Lieutenant Ten Eyck, who is pay master to our State troops Raised for three Years—and the Levies Raised in this Quarter—I have directed Mr Ten Eyck to inquire about Arms Clothing &c. for the three years troops—I am compeled to wish he may be fortunate enough to procure those things—Inasmuch as the troops being Inlisted with the promise that...
58110From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favord with your polite Letter of the 2d Inst. It would have given me great pleasure to have had the opportunity of congratulating you personally on your late Promotion, but your business not permitting that, I am happy in this Oppertunity of doing it, at the Same time assuring you that your Merit more than any Interest of mine influenced Congress in your favor. I sincerely hope your...
58111Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 9 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In JM’s hand except for Arthur Lee’s signature. Addressed to “His Excelly. Governor Harrison.” Docketed, “Virga Delegates Letter July 9th 1782.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 29th. of June inclosing a letter to Mr. Irwin & a bill of exchange in his favor from Mr. O. Pollock was received this morning. The defect of intelligence which rendered our last so...
58112From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (New York Public Library). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. The cover is missing. Docketed, “James Madison Esqr. July 9. 1782.” The betts which your favr. of the 1st. inst: says are still laid on the subject of the naval combat of the 12th. of April, are a proof rather of the fashion of the Country than of uncertainty as to the event. Altho’ no official accts. have been recd. on the part of...
58113From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. The cover is missing. Docketed by Randolph with his own name only. The italicized words are those written by JM in the official cipher. Late in his life JM or someone by his direction bracketed the first and third paragraphs of this letter, thus designating them for inclusion in the first edition of his papers ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin...
58114Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
58115Franklin: Proposed Article for the Definitive Treaty, [on or before 13 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Article proposed for Consideration. If War should hereafter arise between Great Britain and the United States, which God forbid, the Merchants of either Country then residing in the other, shall be allowed to remain 9 Months to collect their Debts and settle their Affairs, and may depart freely carrying off all their Effects without Molestation or Hinderance. And all...
58116Franklin’s Private Responses to Chaumont’s Revised Account: Two Drafts, [after 9 July 1782] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Tho’ in his first Acct he had charg’d a Draft made on me by Mr Williams for 240,000 Livres as being pour le montant du fret du Vaisseau le Marquis de la Fayette, and had signed a Receipt in full accordingly, yet in this second Account he charges 294,800 livres as the montant of that Freight. Which is an Overcharge of 54,800 Livres. He...
5811710th. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
St. Peter and St. Paul’s day. Grand Duke’s fête. Mascarade ball and illumination at Peterhoff. At about 1. o’clock P.M. set out for that place with Mr. Artaud and Mr. D. and arriv’d there at about half past 5. Walk’d in the Garden till seven, and then went to the ball. On this day, according to Henry Storch, “every being susceptible of pleasure left the town,” to go to Peterhof, the imperial...
58118From John Adams to Gerbrand Ravekes & J. G. Thin van Keulen, 10 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
I received in Time, your Letter of the 29 of June, and should have answered it before, but upon Searching for the Lease, I found it has been mislayed in removing from Amsterdam, and my Secretary has been Sick and absent, So that I have not been able to find it. I consent that Messrs Willinks, Van Staphorsts and De la Lande and Fynje, Should pay you, the f491:12s, in Addition to the Arrears of...
58119From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
I inclose you a Letter to Messrs Gerbrand Ravekes, and J. G. Thin Van Keulen, and request you to pay them, the Sum of f1281:12s, and take up the Lease, and a Receipt in full for half a years Rent in Arrear, and for the Loss and Expences upon the present year, arrising from their Letting the House to another with my Consent. This Sum you will please to charge to the United States of America. I...
58120From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London 1817–18), II , 387–88. I received your favour of the 26th past by Mr. Young, and am indebted to you for some preceding. I do not know why the good work of peace goes on so slowly on your side. Some have imagined that your ministers since Rodney’s success are desirous of...
58121From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Kaller’s Historical Documents, Inc., New Jersey (2002) I have before me your several Favours of June 7, June 17, & July 9. The Box sent to Mr. Bowens at Ostend is also come to hand. It contain’d a Dozen 4to Vols. of my Writings, and a Number of Pamphlets which you have been so good as to chuse for me; but the Remembrancers, & Registers bought for me by Mr Young, and left by...
58122To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-André Gargaz: Proposed Letter from Franklin(?) to Louis XVI, [c. 10 July 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania When fifty-two-year-old Pierre-André Gargaz arrived at the gate of the hôtel de Valentinois, probably toward the end of May, 1782, he cut an unusual figure. Having served a twenty-year sentence on the galleys at Toulon for a murder he maintained he did not commit and now branded as a convict, Gargaz walked from the south of France to Paris carrying a...
58123To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I am far from meaning [to] trouble you with letters of recommendation for English Travellers. The bearer of this, Dr Stokes, is a promising young man, who will think himself happy in getting only a sight of you, and in this I hope you will have no objection to indulge him. I have given him letters to other persons, who, I hope, will shew him such...
58124To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Major Sherburne who will deliver this has already several Introductions to you, I cannot however let him go away without adding my assurances that I think him a Gentleman worthy of your Friendship & Civility & I therefore request you will honour him with your particular notice. I am as ever most dutifully & affecy Your Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor...
58125To Benjamin Franklin from Moses Young, 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am exceedingly sorry that Your Excellency gave yourself the trouble to answer my Paper. I did not expect an answer. I was perfectly satisfied with the reasons given for not paying the whole of the Account when I had the honor of waiting on Your Excellency, and only committed to writing what I would have said before I heard those reasons my...
58126General Orders, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in chief is singularly happy to be confirmed in the favorable opinion he had entertained of the rapid progress which would be made in the dicipline of this Army, by the Inspection returns which are just handed to him by the Baron Steuben; from which it appears that the troops in general have greatly improved since the preceeding inspection in order and discipline; and that the...
58127To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter of the 24th Ulto I received the 6th instant—I communicated the contents to Capt. Dayton who I beleive will be able to give a satisfactory account of the two Officers alluded to in governor Livingstons letter. If I could beleive Capt. Dayton was not disposed to comply with every order received from his superior Officer he certainly should not remain at that place another...
58128From George Washington to John Glover, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 18th June with the enclosed Certificate. Agreeably to your Request, I have forwarded a Copy of your Letter with the corroborating Evidence of the physicians, to the Secretary at War, and recommended a Compliance with your Desire. That you may soon be restored to your former State of Health is the sincere Wish of Sir, Your most Obdt Servt. DLC : Papers of George...
58129From George Washington to William Greene, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to communicate to your Excellency, the following remarks of the Inspector General, which are annexed to the last Inspection Return of the Rhode Island Regiment. "This Regiment wants 7 Ensigns, 9 Sergeants, 5 Musicians, & 75 Privates to compleat it. The Regiment is in good Order & disciplined , notwithstanding one third of the Men are Recruits. If it should happen to be...
58130From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
handing me the Letters herewith inclosed (amongst others) without apprizing me of the direction of them, I opened one of yours before I discovered the mistake—I offer this as an appology to you for the Seal coming to you broken. With great esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect Serv. Privately owned.
58131To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Some time since, I applied to the honble the Minister of War for his advice, or orders in a Case of Capt. McCurdey of the Pennsylvania line, who I had Arrested on a complaint of Captain Charles Asgill of the British Guards, and a prisoner of war—In answer to which I was favored with your Excellencys orders of the 23rd of June, disaproving of the sentence of the Court Martial held at Carlile on...
58132To George Washington from William Heath, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
There is at present a deficiency of cartridge-boxes, and many of the recruits who have drawn arms are destitute of boxes. The 3. Massachusetts brigade have no conductor of military stores, or forage master—and wish to have them appointed, as they daily experience the want of them. Enclosed is the report of the field officers of the Massachusetts line on the conditions which majors Rice and...
58133From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief sensible of the immense importance of preserving the Horses & Teams of the Army in good condition for service through the Campaign & considering that the Movements, supplies & success of an Army frequently depend on this Article alone; hath commanded me, to request from you Gentlemen in writing, a joint Report on the following Points, viz. What number of Horses & Teams...
58134From George Washington to William Irvine, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 16th June, apprizing me of the Disaster that befell the Militia at Sandusky. I am persuaded you did every thing in your Power to insure them Success. I cannot but regret the Misfortune & more especially for the Loss of Colo. Crawford, for whom I had a very great Regard. I am, Sir, Your most obt Sert. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
58135From George Washington to John Laurens, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your Letter of the 19 May. I must confess that I am not at all astonished at the failure of your Plans. That Spirit of Freedom which at the commencement of this contest would have gladly sacrificed every thing to the attainment of its object has long since subsided, and every selfish Passion has taken its place—it is not the public but the private Interest which...
58136From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you, Copy of a Letter I have received from Brigadier General Glover, which you will observe he desires may submitted to Congress. Was I to give my Opinion on this matter, it would be that his Request should be complied with, for I think it pretty evident that the Country will reap very little benefit from any future services from him—his Age and Infirmities...
58137To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
On revolving in my mind the subject of making suitable provisions for the Invalid Officers as you recommended, I find many difficulties will attend our making that provision for them to which the services and sufferings of some of them entitle them, without doing that for others, which in justice they can have no pretentions to—I should be much obliged by your thoughts on a System which will...
58138From George Washington to George James Ludlow, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed came under cover to me—I shall be happy when opportunities offer to Show you Civilities. I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser vt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
58139From George Washington to George Reid, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored this moment, with your Letter of the 2nd Inst. The intelligence communicated therein appears to me, to be vague & not perfectly founded; it ought however to have so much influence upon our conduct as to excite unusual vigilance & preparation in order to baffle any of the barbarous designs of the Enemy should they attempt to carry them into execution. For my own part, I am more...
58140From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the receipt of this, you will have your Regt put in the most compleat state of preparation for Moving to join this Army, and hold yourself in readiness to march on the shortest notice. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
58141From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed (one for yourself & the other for Major Clarkson) comes in consequence of Generl Knox’s application. To give you such Letters, was My first intention; but not knowing who was to command the Forces destined for the Invasion of Jamaica, I had resort to the Certificates with which you were furnished; conceiving it would appear odd to write, & not be able to direct. or to direct to...
58142From George Washington to James Mitchell Varnum, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Olney deliver’d me your favor of the 23 June—I am much indebted to that Gentleman for his close attention to the good of Service whilst in your State—He has certainly proved himself a valuable Officer. Tho’ your State have not fully complied with the desires of Congress some Credit is due them for what they have done I am sorry I cannot say so much of the other States—but tho’ the...
58143From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favord with your polite Letter of the 2nd June. It would have given me much pleasure, to have had the Opportunity of congratulating you personally on your late Promotion, but your business not permitting that, I am happy in this Opportunity of doing it, at the same time assuring you, that your Merit, more than any Interest of mine, influenced Congress in your favor. I sincerely hope your...
58144Franklin’s Thoughts on Privateering and the Sugar Islands: Two Essays, [after 10 July 1782] (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office, William L. Clements Library; (II) Copies: Library of Congress (two), Public Record Office, William L. Clements Library We print these two essays after July 10, 1782, because they elaborate themes addressed in Franklin’s letter of that date to Benjamin Vaughan (above). There is no question that...
5814511th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Left the ball at about 1. o’clock, after Midnight, and set out for St. Petersbourg. Arrived at about. 5. distance. 32 wersts. Went to bed and slept till noon. Stay’d at home all day. Fine weather.
58146To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 11 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
In Consequence of Your Excellencys request, We have Sent the Accounts to Mrs DelaLande & Fynje and these Gentn: in combination with Mrs W & J Willink, and N & J Van Staphorst, have paid the Same, against double receipts for each. We added to that of Your Excellencys private acct: f 12:15:— for the frame of Young Mr Adams’s picture in conformity to our last. We Could as to ourselves have no...
58147To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 11 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
We have before us your esteemed favour of 10 inst: with a letter for Messrs. Ravekes van Keulen, to whom we Shall pay f 1281s12. for half a years rent in arrear, and for the loss and expences upon the present year, and up the Lease, and their receipt to remit to your Excellency, to charge Said Sum to the account of the United States of America. We Shall hand Mr Hodshon the f 37:12 to place on...
58148From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 11 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : partially reproduced in Christie’s auction catalogue, “Important Autograph Letters from the Historical Archives at Bowood House” (London, Oct. 12, 1994), p. 34; William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 388–9. In mine of yesterday, which went by Mr Young, I made no mention of yours of May 11. it not being...
58149General Orders, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Inspector General having reported that many of the locks where the flints are good and well fastened do not give fire and that the fault is in the softness of the Hammers, which must be remided by having them properly hardened—The Touch holes of some of the new arms require also to be enlarged. Commanding officers of regiment and companies will see that these, and any other small repairs...
58150To George Washington from Richard Butler, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was hond with your Excellencys of the 10th June inclosing the papers relative to A certain Thos Glenn condemnd to death , As your Excellency directed I calld the principle officers of the post together and took their opinion on the case—The same humane motives which induced your Excellency to direct the measure had weight with them & his pardon was recommended, which (after going through the...