1783 Letters

Philadelphia, PA - 1 January 1783

The negotiations for peace are said to be going on under the late commission to Mr. Oswald, which authorizes him to treat with commissioners from the thirteen United States.

Philadelphia, PA - 1 January 1783

Men are forgetful, and therefore it will be well by timely declarations of your sentiments to recall your conduct while in Congress. You and I differ about the western country, but you and your sovereign are of the same option.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 January 1783

I cannot take time at present to enter on any political discussions. But you must allow me to declare my perfect satisfaction in, and approbation of, your conduct in Europe.

Greenfield, MA - 4 January 1783

I have endeavored to take such measures as I judged the most effectual to Guard the Coast, & prevent the frequent & growing Commercial Intercourse with Long Island.

Culford, ENG - 15 January 1783

I received Sir H.'s narrative last night, and have read it in a cursory manner. It is a bad performance, and I think-not likely to do the cause much good with people of judgment

Newburg - 18 January 1783

Your Excellency had but just left my quarters this evening, when a Deputy-Sheriff of Ulster arrested me. He showed me a writ, of which I beg leave to inclose a copy.

Rouen, FRA - 19 January 1783

If I am not mistaken, a copy of the American preliminaries has been sent to Spain ; and I flatter myself that Count de Montmorin will think them perfectly consistent with our engagements to our allies.

Greenfield, MA - 20 January 1783

At the earnest solicitation of Mr. Banks ^of this Place I have been prevailed on to write Your Excellency respecting his Son, Thomas Banks, who deserted from the Reg.+ about six weeks ago

Greenfield, MA - 31 January 1783

I some time since wrote Gov.r Clinton respecting Wm Boothe, in whose favor Interest has been made to have him restored to his friends, & be reinstated in his property...

Cadiz, ESP - 5 February 1783

Were you but such a man as Julius Caesar, or the King of Prussia, I should almost be sorry for you at the end of the great tragedy where you are acting such a part. But, with my dear General, I rejoice at the blessings of a peace where our noble ends

Philadelphia, PA - 7 February 1783

The state of our finances was perhaps never more critical. I am under injunctions, which will not permit me to disclose some facts that would at once demonstrate this position; but I think it probable you will be possessed of them through another cha

Philadelphia, PA - 11 February 1783

The time of Congress since you left us has been almost exclusively spent on projects for a valuation of the land, as the federal articles require, and yet I do not find that we have got an inch forward

Philadelphia, PA - 12 February 1783

I readily suppose, from the reports prevalent here, that some information on the subject of peace will be expected, and I wish it were in my power to gratify you.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 February 1783

The approach of peace cannot but give very serious thoughts to every officer and soldier of the American army. The promises made by the public will, if performed, be of beneficial importance, and, if broken, extremely injurious.

Paris, FRA - 18 February 1783

I have written to Congress a resignation, but I foresee there will not be a speedy decision upon it, and I shall be left in a state of suspense that will be intolerable.

Greenfield, MA - 21 February 1783

I am happy in having occasion to Congratulate Your Excellency on the success which has attended a part of my Detachment Yesterday in Capturing one of the Enemies armed Vessels on the Sound.

Madrid, ESP - 22 February 1783

The time has been, when my writing to you would not have depended on such a circumstance, for you are not mistaken in supposing that I was once your friend.

Greenfield, MA - 24 February 1783

Yesterday I obtained information that one of the commiss.d boats from this State had gone over from to Norwalk to Long Island after Goods

Philadelphia, PA - 26 February 1783

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that our last despatches, dated in October, announced a disposition in the belligerent powers to terminate the war by a general peace.

Paris, FRA - 27 February 1783

No. Let us live in our own country, and in our own way, educate our children to be good for some thing. Upon no consideration whatever would I have any of my children educated in Europe.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 February 1783

Congress have been, for some time past, almost wholly employed in devising some general and adequate funds for paying the interest, and in time sinking the principal, of the public debt

Philadelphia, PA - 12 March 1783

The Washington packet arrived this morning. I have not yet had leisure to read all my letters but as an express is ready to go early to-morrow, I rather choose to rely upon your goodness to excuse a letter written in extreme haste

Charleston, SC - 16 March 1783

The evacuation of Charleston, and the proposals of peace, are matters highly interesting to this country, whose finances and political arrangements are in the most deplorable situation. Charleston remains without a platform, or a single cannon for it

Philadelphia, PA - 17 March 1783

Our affairs wear a most serious aspect, as well foreign as domestic. Before this gets to hand, your Excellency will probably have seen the Provisional Articles between Great Britain and these States.

Philadelphia, PA - 24 March 1783

You will by this express receive the agreeable intelligence of a general peace, upon which I most sincerely congratulate you and the army.

Greenfield, MA - 24 March 1783

I have taken the liberty to confine Nathan Barnum said to be an Ensign in Colonel Ludlon's Regime, now a Prisoner of War. He was taken in April last and a most notorious Robbery...

Albany, NY - 25 March 1783

Some think absence tends to increase affection; the greater part that it wears it away. I believe neither, but that it only tends to prove how far the heart is capable of loving

Philadelphia, PA - 25 March 1783

The army, by their resolutions, express an expectation that Congress will not disband them previous to a settlement of accounts, and the establishment of funds. Congress may resolve upon the first, but the General opinion is that they cannot constitu

Philadelphia, PA - 25 March 1783

Here I write as a citizen zealous for the true happiness of this country; as a soldier, who feels what is due to an army which has suffered every thing, and done much for the safety of America.

Madrid, ESP - 28 March 1783

So far as the peace respects France and America, I am persuaded it was wise in Britain to conclude it. The cessions to France are not, in my opinion, extravagant

Greenfield, MA - 29 March 1783

if accounts are true, I presume the face of Public Affairs has suffered a considerable Change.

Greenfield, MA - 31 March 1783

...I have to request that Your Excellency would be pleased to suffer me with my Detachment to be among the first, who may go in to the City

Paris, FRA - 8 April 1783

WHAT would I not give for an arrival from America, or for certain advice from London of the appointment of a ministry, or for the arrival here of a minister to sign the definitive treaty ?

Madrid, ESP - 8 April 1783

Permit me to introduce to you a gentleman who is going to help you to pay tuxes, and to participate in the liberties which render them necessary, viz. Mr. Joshua Grigley.

unknown - 11 April 1783

The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts, corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay, has also appeared to me indispensable.

Philadelphia, PA - 12 April 1783

I congratulate your Excellency, most sincerely, upon the cessation of hostilities, which you will learn from the inclosed proclamation.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 April 1783

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Poughkeepsie, NY - 17 April 1783

It appears to me indispensably necessary that some troops should be kept in service in time of peace, for the purpose of garrisoning the posts, which it may be thought expedient to maintain on the frontiers, and to protect the public magazines.

Charleston, SC - 20 April 1783

I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the returning smiles of peace, and the happy establishment of our independence. This important event must be doubly welcome to you, who have so successfully conducted the war

Braintree, MA - 28 April 1783

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Not a vessel from any port in this State has sailed since January, by which I could directly convey you a line...

Philadelphia, PA - 29 April 1783

I have been honored with your Excellency's favor of the 22d instant, bearing testimony to the merits and talents of Mr. McHenry. The character which I had preconceived of this gentleman was precisely that which your representation has confirmed.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 May 1783

We have at length got through the plan of funds to be recommended to the States for their adoption. It has been the most difficult and perplexing discussion of any that have engaged the attention of this body for some time.

Madrid, ESP - 11 May 1783

You belong to a large and helpless family, and I wish to see you as able, as I hope you would be willing, to provide for them.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 May 1783

I have hitherto not been inattentive to the request of Mrs. J., and shall, in consequence of your letter, renew my efforts for the books, which the return of peace renders more likely to be attainable for her.

Paris, FRA - 30 May 1783

HERE I am out of all patience. Not a word from America. The British ministry lingering on. Mr. Hartley uncertain what to do. No regulation of commerce agreed on. No definitive treaty of peace signed

Philadelphia, PA - 5 June 1783

I shall take care not to disappoint you of the chair which I promised to bring with me. The time of my setting out is as uncertain as at the date of my last but it will certainly take place before the Fall.

Passy, FRA - 13 June 1783

I have, within these few days past, road and admired your address to the army, and their proceedings in consequence of it.

Paris, FRA - 19 June 1783

I know not whether my resignation is accepted, and consequently can give you no conjecture when I shall be able to get away.

Braintree, MA - 20 June 1783

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Our House of Representatives is this year composed of more than a hundred new members, some of whom, no doubt, are good men.

Charleston, SC - 26 June 1783

Nathanael Greene letter to Anthony Wayne... An Indian war I expect will be the consequence...

Passy, FRA - 12 July 1783

I have long been accustomed to hear, and I might add read, so much in which the heart has no concern, that the few letters like yours which reach me, arc particularly welcome.

Paris, FRA - 13 July 1783

I see you at the glorious end of all your toils, and with the desire to come to France. Try, my dear General, to effectuate this project. Let nothing oppose itself to the idea.

Passy, FRA - 17 July 1783

Our friend Morris, I suspect, is not a favourite of this court. They say, he treats them as his cashier. They refuse absolutely to supply more money.

Passy, FRA - 19 July 1783

The reluctance with which the States in general pay the necessary taxes, is much to be regretted ; it injures both their reputation and interest abroad, as well as at home, and tends to cherish the hopes and speculations of those who wish we may beco

Passy, FRA - 20 July 1783

Your intended resignation alarmed me, and would have been followed with ill consequences to our affairs. I rejoice that you continue in office, and by no means regret that it will be less in your power than inclination to retire soon.

Hague, NED - 23 July 1783

John Quincy Adams letter to mother... I stayed at Stockholm about six weeks, and was much pleased with the polite manner in which the people of the country treat strangers.

Philadelphia, PA - 25 July 1783

All have united in the warmest approbation of your conduct. I cannot forbear telling you this, because my situation has given me access to the truth

Brome, ENG - 0 August 1783

I most heartily wish you joy. You know too well how much I was interested in the event to doubt the pleasure it gives me.

Charleston, SC - 8 August 1783

I see, by the papers, the Northern army does not choose to be furloughed. The people here begin to be alarmed at it.

Albany, NY - 14 August 1783

When she sleeps, I watch anxiously; when she wakes, anxious fears accompany every motion. I talked of my love towards her, but I knew it not till put to this unhappy test.

Litchfield, CT - 16 August 1783

When I last had the honor of seeing Your Excellency I mentioned the Circumstance of there being some monies due S. Culper & others for secret services...

Saratoga, NY - 23 August 1783

Although General Haldimand's answers to my demands were sufficiently clear not to be misunderstood, I requested his definitive answer in writing, a copy of which, together with a copy of my letter, is inclosed.

Brome, ENG - 5 September 1783

I have read the Traits de la Colonne with great attention, and have been much amused by it. The column is certainly a much better order than the phalanx

Paris, FRA - 7 September 1783

Mr. Laurens has leave to go home, and Mr. Dana is gone, so that there remain in service only Mr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, and myself. In these circumstances I must stay another winter.

Paris, FRA - 10 September 1783

John Quincy Adams letter to mother... As you have ordered me in a letter ... to give you my observations on the countries thro which I have travelled, the following are some upon Russia

Paris, FRA - 10 September 1783

WE have received from Congress a resolution by which we are to be empowered to negotiate a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, myself, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jay.

Passy, FRA - 10 September 1783

having now spent fifty years of my life in public offices and trusts, and having still one ambition left, that of carrying the character of fidelity, at least, to the grave with me, I cannot allow that I was behind any of them in zeal and faithfulnes

Passy, FRA - 11 September 1783

I have no reason whatever to believe that you was averse to our obtaining the lull extent of boundary and fishery secured to us by the treaty.

Passy, FRA - 12 September 1783

Europe hears much, and wishes to hear more of divisions, seditions, violences, and confusions among us. The tories are generally and greatly pitied, more indeed than they deserve.

Passy, FRA - 16 September 1783

While government remains relaxed, and the laws have yet to acquire a due degree of respect and obedience, men of talents, weight, and influence should exert themselves to establish and maintain constitutional authority and subordination.

Bordentown, NJ - 21 September 1783

By the advice of Mr. Morris, I presented a letter to Congress expressing a request that they would be pleased to direct me to lay before them an account of what my services, such as they were, and situation, had been during the course of the war.

Passy, FRA - 24 September 1783

I have, as yet, met with neither men nor things on this side of the water which abate my predilection, or, if you please, my prejudices in favour of those on the other.

Philadelphia, PA - 24 September 1783

The British employ themselves about the evacuation of New York, but that business goes on slowly. I am however informed from tolerable authority, that they will be gone by the beginning of November.

Passy, FRA - 28 September 1783

The character and talents of delegates to Congress daily become more and more important, and I regret your declining that appointment at this interesting period.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 October 1783

We have no news here. The definitive treaty and treaty of commerce are long in completing. I suppose the British begin to find out the weak part of America. The imprudent conduct and publications of Rhode Island have, among other things, served to sh

Poughkeepsie, NY - 14 October 1783

We have as yet no certainty when the British will leave the southern district of this State, though all accounts agree that their stay will not exceed the 10th of next month.

Boston, MA - 15 October 1783

May you long live, my dear General, and long have the joy to see the increasing splendor and prosperity of a rising nation, aided by your counsels, and defended by your sword!

Culford, ENG - 26 October 1783

I am determined to take no steps in regard to politics till the meeting of Parliament, when I may form some judgment of what the Ministry and Opposition mean.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 November 1783

I return your Excellency many thanks for your polite letter, accompanying the resolution of Congress, complimenting me with a couple of cannon.

Philadelphia, PA - 4 November 1783

I acknowledge the force of all your observations on my intended resignation, and know the necessity of perseverance so long as there is a prospect of being useful

London, ENG - 8 November 1783

I HAVE this day, by special permission from their majesties, obtained by Mr. West, the painter, who with Mr. Copley does so much honor to our country, seen the apartments in the Queen's house

Culford, ENG - 13 November 1783

Pitt made a most sensible speech, and I think proves that he is not in such haste to come in as to wish to overset all government

London, ENG - 14 November 1783

In my opinion, no plan or system of conduct respecting America is yet decided upon by the cabinet, in which the jarring principles of whig and tory still strive and ferment.

Braintree, MA - 19 November 1783

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... Congress have not appointed any person yet to the Court of Britain. There are many who wish for that place.

Braintree, MA - 20 November 1783

Abigail Adams letter to son John Quincy Adams... one letter only ever reached me after you arrived in Russia. Your excuses, however, have weight and are accepted...

Culford, ENG - 21 November 1783

You will have seen Fox's plan, and probably his very civil expression in regard to me

Culford, ENG - 23 November 1783

I hear that bad news is come from the East Indies. General Matthews and his army taken by Tippoo Saib.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 November 1783

I congratulate you on the signing of the definitive treaty.. and on the evacuation of New- York, which took place on Tuesday. Our friend Gouverneur Morris is there.

New York, NY - 29 November 1783

Our enemies are hardly more astonished than we are ourselves, and than you will be when you hear that we have been five days in town without the smallest disturbance

London, ENG - 16 December 1783

Should any proposals be hereafter made to me relative to India, I do not feel at all inclined to listen to them.

Braintree, MA - 18 December 1783

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... I RETURNED last evening from Boston, where I went at the kind invitation of my uncle and aunt, to celebrate our annual festival.

London, ENG - 18 December 1783

As soon as I find that no material negotiation is on foot I will resign the Tower.

Bath, ENG - 24 December 1783

I have letters from Sally almost every week. Thank God, she continues well. She tells me our little girls grow charmingly. My absence from her has been much longer than I expected.

Braintree, MA - 26 December 1783

Abigail Adams letter to John Adams... The account of your northern journey, and your observation upon the Russian government, would do credit to an older pen.