62791General Orders, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major General Heath Brigade Qr Master from 2d Massa. Brigade The 2d Massachusetts regt gives the guards and the 8th the Fatigues tomorrow. Untill further orders a General officer and the field officers present fit for duty in the regt or corps which gives the Guards will be of the day—The patrolls ordered for the perservation of good order in and about this Cantonment, the...
62792To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honord with your Excellencys two favors of the 31st Ultimo and the 4th Inst—the latter accompanied with your full and explicit answer on the Subject on which I addressed your Excellency in my last at the request of the Committe—it has been according to your desire communicated to Col: Hamilton and the other Members who compose the Committe confidentially and is now under...
62793To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of sending to your Excellency a letter from Cap. bushnell to general lincoln Concerning Mr Reckless . you will see what is the subject of the application of this gentleman. gel lincoln believes that the only thing necessary in that affair is to ascertain the facts mentionned in the letter and to Know if the intention of your exellency was to appoint Mr Reckless in the Corps...
62794To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
How large must be the continental Army to be Kept after this War is not an easy matter to determine in the present moment, it depends from two different and distinct objects Which comprehend a very extensive plan, the first is the number of forts absolutely wanting Garrison for the protection of the frontiers, and opposing the indians in case they Would keep up their hostile invasions or renew...
62795From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
My last letter to you was written in a hurry, when I was fatigued by the more public—yet confidential letter which (with several others) accompanied it; possibly, I did not on that occasion express myself (in what I intended as a hint) with so much perspicuity as I ought—possibly too, what I then dropped might have conveyed more than I intended; for I do not, at this time, recollect the force...
62796From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 9th instant in behalf of a Committee of Congress—requestg my Sentiments upon the military Department of a Peace Establishment. As this Discussion will involve a variety of Considerations, & those of very great Importance—The Committee will indulge me in a little Time to collect & concenter my Ideas on this Subject & they may depend on my communicating them in...
62797To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I began to be anxious about the Situation and Temper of the Soldiers engaged for the War—although many of them are willing to stay a little longer—some are very desirous of going immediately, and all of them considering their Engagements fulfil’d, a few may excite the whole to Disturbances—the non commissioned Officers of the 1st & 3d Connect. Regiments have lately had a Meeting on the Subject...
62798To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In making military Arrangements for a Peace, a possible War has the first Consideration. next, our Finances—but, I should suppose, the necessary Dispositions and Institutions need not be expensive. If the System is perfect in its Formation and Execution, it will have such Effects on the Minds of those who are or wish to be our Enemies, as to deter them from Hostilities, and even from secret...
62799From George Washington to William Irvine, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your favor of the 28th of March I have to observe, that it is probable that a dissolution of the Army is not far distant—but as it is uncertain when the proclamation of peace & Cessation of hostilities will be ordered by Congress—and as it is of much Importance for the reasons mentioned by yourself, among others, that you should be present at your post previous to, & at the takg...
62800To George Washington from William Irvine, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received a letter this day from Lt Colonel Byard at Fort Pitt informing that the Savages have killed and taken a number of families nearly at the same time in several in different quarters of the Country, both on the frontier of Virginia & Pennsylvania, seventeen persons are said to be killed and scalped in one small settlement on Wheeling Creek—This stroke has been very unexpected...
62801To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to inform your Excellency that there is a general uneasiness among the New-Commissioned officers of the Connecticut Line grounded principally upon the inequality of the rewards to the officers and Soldiers. They say the rewards ought to be in a strict proportion, and if the officers receive five years pay as a reward for services the same rule ought to extend to them,...
62802To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the enclosed Resolves of Congress, your Excellency will learn, that we are in conjunction to make proper Arrangements for setting at liberty all land Prisoners. It seems to be the wish of Congress that this business should be effected as soon as possible, therefor to avoid the delays which may arise by adjusting the matter between us by Letter, I have to propose that your Excellency would...
62803From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
However great the merits of the Marqs de la Fayette may be. however important his Services to this Country. And however strong my friendship for, and inclination to serve him—it never was my intention to promote his wishes at the expence of the interest, policy, or dignity of our National character. If my last to you therefore, conveyed an idea repugnant to these sentiments, I beg it may be...
62804To George Washington from John Paterson, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your Excellency’s suggesting to me yesterday, a wish that I would give my opinion in what parts of the United States posts should be established for its security and defence, I have naturely reflected on the subject, and conceive that they ought to be established at the following places, viz. Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, and Mishellemackanai, which I am persuaded will compleatly...
62805To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Boundaries of the United States as settled by the Treaty of Peace, are I immagine more extensive than what we originally claimd. That grant of additional Territory, must consequently be considerd and guarded as the property of the United States independant of any particular Claim—As the Fortress of Detroit is comprehended in the Limits referred to and I suppose will be possessed and...
62806To George Washington from Goose Van Schaick, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencies request. I have inquired of Colo. Van Dyck by whose leave he had been absent. the enclosed is the Colos reply. I am most respectfully Your Excellencies most obedient & most humble servt DLC : Papers of George Washington. In Respect to the Subject of my Last Furlough into which you were Inquiring for the purpose of Informing his Excellency. Concerning the...
62807Notes on Debates, 16 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Mr. Hamilton acknowledged that he began to view the obligation of the provl. Treaty in a different light and in consequence wished to vary the direction...
62808Continental Congress Report on Sale of Military Equipment, 17 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary of war of the 14th. instant submit the following resolution Resolved that immediate measures be taken for the sale of all the dragoon horses belonging to the United States and of all such articles in the several military departments as may not be necessary for the use of the army previous to its reduction or for the formation of...
62809General Orders, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadier General Patterson B.Q.M. Jersey Brigade A Board of Officers consisting of Brigadier General Greaton, Colonels Stewart & Sproat and Majors Fish & Trescot will assemble at the Newbuilding on saturday next ten o’clock A.M. to take into consideration the claims of the Candidates for the badge of merit, and will report thereon to the Commander in chief—as soon as...
62810To George Washington from George Clinton, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Subject of your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant is of such extensive Importance that it would require more Information than I am possessed of, to form the Opinion you request of me; and more Leizure than the present situation of Affairs admit of to arrange my Thoughts (which at best I would offer with great Diffidence) into System. It appears to me indispensably necessary that some...
62811From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army. assembled in Council at the New Building April 17th 1783 Gentlemen It is well known to you that the first intimations of a general Peace have been given to us some time past by a casual conveyance, and published accordingly to the Army, and that the same intelligence has since been received by Sir Guy Carleton from the British Court, in consequence of...
62812To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your excellency having been pleased to call for my sentiments on the subject of such military institutions as may be requisite for the interior defence of these states on a peace establishment, permit me to submit the following: As the future defence and peaceable enjoyment of those invaluable rights and liberties so dearly rescued from the jaws of tyrany, will under heaven, rest on the...
62813To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The first principle of the security of the United States must rest and consist in a hardy militia, in whom the ideas of freedom and a generous love of their Country shall be inherent. These upon every invasion will form the advanced guard of defence; and if the war should continue a sufficient number must be selected, under the discipline of a regular army, to oppose the invaders. It ought to...
62814To George Washington from Amos Morrill, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Report of a tour of Command on the lines On the 27 March I marched with the New Ham. Regt agreeably to the orders of the 25. On the 28th I relieved Major Pope commanding the 3d Massts Regt and posted the Troops in the following manner—viz. One Company at Stoney point—One at Verplanks point—Two at Cortlandt’s house—Two at Pines bridge and two on the River road between Pines and the New bridge...
62815To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your very friendly and obliging Letter of the 19th of feby was Yesterday, together with the Order your refer to transmitted by General Hand, delivered to me on my Way to this City—there seems a strange Fatality to attend Letters that come to me thro’ the War Office, and from that Circumstance I must have suffered the Suspicion of inattention at least. I am fully sensible of the Necessity there...
62816To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
This morning arrived at this Post the Schooner Lively from Nantucket laden with articles agreeable to a pass inclosed given by George Gardner Justice of Peace . The master says he is bound to the army on a trading voyage—my orders still existing in full force I do not consider myself at liberty to permit her to pass upon the proposed business—I have therefore desired Captn Frye of the New...
62817To George Washington from John Tayloe Wormeley, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Month has now elaps’d since I wrote an answer to a Letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me, dated on the 12th March last, the Letter went by one Captn Waters, and cover’d one, agreeable to the mode you were pleas’d to point out to me, to His Excellency the Governor of Virginia. Peace having now taken place through out the world, can I with propriety ask, or Your Excellency...
62818Amendment to Report on Restoring Public Credit, [17 April] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fol. 419). In JM’s hand. Docketed by him, “Report of Committee to which was recommitted the 10. clause in the Report relative to the establishmt. of funds &c April 11. 1783 Read Entd. April 17. 1783. On the question to admit the clause to which this is proposed as an addition, into the report on finance States called Virg, ay all the rest no.” Prior to 17 April 1783...
62819Notes on Debates, 17 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Mr. Madison with the permission of the Come. on Revenue, reported the following clause to be added to the 10 paragraph in the first report viz In...
62820David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Memorandum, [before 27 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Public Record Office David Hartley arrived in Paris on April 24. The following day he called on the individual American peace commissioners and found them eager to arrange for the opening of British and American ports to each other’s trade and to conclude as quickly as possible a definitive treaty of peace. On April 26 he went to Versailles,...
62821From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 18–21 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Be so good as to accept of my Thanks for your favour of the 11. and its Enclosures. I am not very anxious for the fate of the Bill: for altho the 30 th. of Nov. was the best time to have Settled the whole affair of Commerce, and the Revocation of a certain Commission without appointing another, has left the Merchants in Confusion and damped the Ardour of returning Friendship, as it was...
62822John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
For about three Weeks in the Time of Lent, the Play Houses are shut up, on account of its being a Season for the Care (not Cure ) of Souls. To a City so much accustomed to Amusements as Paris, this is a Time of Mourning and Sadness. Horse racing and Bull baiting have been invented to fill up a part of this Interval of Sorrow. But what is called the Fête des longs Champs, or long Fields, is the...
62823From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your Favour of March 12. O.S.— It has for Sometime been my Intention to embark for the Blue Hills as soon as the definitive Treaty should be Signed, or even Sooner if the Acceptance of my Resignation, which I transmitted on the 8 th day of last December, Should arrive before that Event. M r Vanberckel will Sail from the Texel in June, and it would be agreable to me to go...
62824To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Van Berckel venu de Rotterdam ici, m’a chargé de vous présenter, avec ses complimens, les assurances du plaisir avec lequel il fera le trajet avec Vous, Si les circonstances vous le permettent, vers la mi-Juin. L’incluse pour Philadelphie, vous dira la Situation des affaires de la rep. Mr. le D. de la Vauguyon m’a dit qu’il aura bientôt le plaisir de vous voir à Paris. J’aurai l’honneur de...
62825To John Adams from Lewis R. Morris, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to present you a state of your account with the United States from the first day of January 1782. to the thirty first day of March following—that is fifteen Months—From the first day of January 1782. to the thirty first day of December following, it will appear by the enclosed Account, that Eleven thousand, one hundred and eleven dollars and 10/90 of a Dollar were...
62826To John Adams from Parish & Thomson, 18 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
We had the honour to write to Your Excellency, under date the 4 Ins t. , & now beg leave to give you our Sentiments regarding the Trade between America & this place.— Before the War, our Imports from America, thro’ England, were very considerable; say, from 10 to 13,000 Hhds of Tobacco & from 18 to 25000 Barrels of Rice, annually. Of this last Article, we have at times taken off one quarter...
62827To Benjamin Franklin from Beaujeu, 18 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai Recû, par le courier d’hier, la mèdaille que vous m’avès fait l’honneur de m’envoier; et j’ai celui de vous en Remércier de toute mon âme. On s’emprèsse icy, a contempler ce monument qui intérèsse toute L’Europe et Eternise la gloire de L’amèrique. Au Rèste, je dois prèvènir Votre Excéllence, qu’il ne m’èst pas possible de Repondre aux choses honnetes...
62828To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 18 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of inclosing you the Act for the Repeal of the prohibitory acts relative to America the Bill rec’d the Royal assent Yesterday, there is another act in some degree of forwardness for taking away the necessity of certain documents that American Ships were required to bring— I hope it will be all that at present is necessary to remove the...
62829To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 18 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jusqu’à présent, mon respectable ami, vous m’ avés constamment honoré de vos bontés; vous y mettés le comble en m’envoyant l’ingénieuse médaille qui éternisera Vôtre gloire et celle de Votre patrie. Je n’ai pu y contribuer que par mes Vœux, mais je verserois mon sang pour la défendre. Recevés l’hommage du tendre respect avec lequel je ne cesserai d’être,...
62830General Orders, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadier Genl Stark Brigd. Qr Mr York Brigade The Jersey regiment gives the Guards and the Jersey battalion the fatigues tomorrow. The Commander in Chief orders the Cessation of Hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great Britain to be publickly proclaimed tomorrow at 12 o’clock at the New building, and that the Proclamation which will be...
62831From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I find it a duty incumbent on me to communicate to your Excellency the present disposition & Temper of part of the Army—The Accounts of Peace which have been received at different times, have raised an Expectation in the Minds of the Men engaged for the War , that a speedy Discharge must be the Consequence.This Idea has been so deeply impressed, that it is become difficult to hold them under...
62832To George Washington from William Livingston, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys letter inclosing the Queries. I doubt not a matter of so great importance will attract the first attention of the Legislature—After closing the war so gloriously, I hope we shall not be deficient either in Justice or Gratitude to those who have been so particularly instrumental in obtaining an honorable peace, as the American Army—with the greatest esteem I...
62833To George Washington from Amelia Leigh Lloyd, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely obliged to Your Excellency for Your polite attentinon in forwarding the many letters to me from England and particularly so for the last Package. I received a letter from Major Murray in which are the following lines. "General Robertson has leave to return to Europe where I shall accompany him—The reflection of what may happen to my Friends here is most unpleasant—Mr White’s...
62834To George Washington from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr R. B. Lloyd’s respectful Complts wait on General Washington—He begs permission to join with Mrs Lloyd in Her request. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
62835From George Washington to Ten Bush, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington General & Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. Permission hereby granted to the Sloop Liberty Mr Ten Bush Master, with three Hands to navigate her—And Kees as Pilot, to proceed without Molestation from this Place to the Port of N. London in the State of Connecticut—for the purpose of carrying Captain Hurlbut, a wounded, sick...
62836To George Washington from Richard Platt, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having in war been reconciled to a seperation from my friends, (within hostile limits) at the return of peace, which, I understand is certain; the impulse of filial duty bids me request your Excellency’s indulgence to pass from Norwork in Connecticut over to Huntington, or some place East of it, on Long-Island, with a view of seeing them. I should wish leave of absence for two or three weeks,...
62837Proclamation for the Cessation of Hostilities, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief, orders the cessation of Hostilities, between the United States of America, and the King of Great Britain, to be publickly proclaimed, to morrow at the Newbuilding and that the proclamation, which will be communicated therewith, be read tomorrow evening at the Head of every Regiment and Corps of the Army—After which the Chaplains with the several Brigades will render...
62838To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
a Sloop with a permit from Mr Parker loaded with provission & stores, said to be for the use of the Army arrived at this Post from New York this Day—her situation is very similar to the Schooners I sent up yesterday under the orders of Capt. Fry—I have orderd a Corporal & three Privates to take possession of her & directed him to proceed to Head Qu arters . Your Excellency will observe the...
62839To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencies Letter of the 14th inst. and the Dispatches for General McClain was handed to me by Colonel Varick, the night before last, and Yesterday Morning I had these Dispatches forwarded from Schenectedy by two Indian Prisoners. I have engaged to pay these Indians each thirty Dollars on their Return, and producing a Rect from the Officer Commanding at Niagary; besides which, the...
62840Notes on Debates, 18 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The italicized words signify those which JM underlined. Application was made from the Council of Pa. for determination of Congs. as to the effect of the...