Title: From George Washington to The States, 8 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: The States

                     (Circular)
                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh June 8-21st 1783

                  The great object, for which I had the honor to hold an Appointment in the service of my Country being accomplished, I am now preparing to resign it into the hands of Congress, and to return to that domestic retirement; which it is well known I left with the greatest reluctance, a retirement for which I have never ceased to sigh through a long and painfull absence, and in which (remote from the noise and trouble of the World) I meditate to pass the remainder of life, in a state of undisturbed repose:  But before I carry this resolution into effect, I think is a duty incumbent on me, to make this my last official communication, to congratulate you on the glorious events which Heaven has been pleased to produce in our favor, to offer my sentiments respecting some important subjects which appear to me to be intimately connected with the tranquility of the United States, to take my leave of your Excellency as a public Character, and to give my final blessing to that Country, in whose service I  have spent the prime of my life, for whose sake I have consumed so many anxious days and watchful nights, and whose happiness, being extremely dear to me, will always constitute no inconsiderable part of my own.
                  Impressed with the liveliest sensibility on this pleasing occasion, I will claim the indulgence of dilating the more copiously on the subjects of our mutual felicitation—When we consider the magnitude of the prize we contended for, the doubtfull nature of the Contest, and the favorable manner in which it has terminated, we shall find the greatest possible reason for gratitude and rejoycing—This is a theme that will afford infinite delight to every benevolent & liberal Mind, whether the event in contemplation be considerd as the source of present enjoyment or the parent of future happiness; and we shall have equal occasion to felicitate ourselves, on the lot which Providence has assigned us, whether we view it in a natural, a political, or a moral point of light.
                  The Citizens of America, placed in the most enviable condition, as the sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast tract of Continent, comprehending all the various Soils and Climates of the World and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute freedom and Independancy—They are from this period to be considered as the Actors, on a most conspicuous Theatre, which seems to be peculiarly designated by Providence for the display of human greatness and felicity, here they are not only surrounded with every thing which can contribute to the completion of private and domestic enjoyment, but Heaven has crowned all its other blessings by giving a fairer opportunity for political happiness, than any other Nation has ever been favored with—Nothing can illustrate these observations more forcibly than a recollection of the happy conjuncture of times and circumstances under which our Republic assumed its Rank among the Nations—the foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy Age of ignorance and superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of Mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period—The researches of the human Mind after social happiness have been carried to a great extent, the treasures of knowledge acquired by the labours of Philosophers, Sages and Legislators, through a long succession of years, are laid open for our use and their collected wisdom may be happily applied in the establishment of our forms of Government.  The free cultivation of letters, the unbounded extension of Commerce, the progressive Refinement of manners, the growing liberality of sentiment, and, above all, the pure and benign light of Revelation, have had a meliorating  influence on Mankind and encreased the blessings of Society.  At this Auspicious period the United States came into existence as a Nation, and if their Citizens should not be completely free & happy, the fault will be entirely their own.
                  Such is our situation, and such are our prospects: but nowithstanding the Cup of blessing is thus reached out to us, notwithstanding happiness is ours if we have a disposition to seize the occasion and make it our own, yet it appears to me there is an option still left to the United States of America; that it is in their choïce and depends upon their conduct, whether they will be respectable and prosperous or contemptible and Miserable as a Nation.  This is the time of their political probation: this is the moment when the eyes of the whole World are turned upon them—This is the moment to establish or ruin their National Character for ever—This is the favorable moment to give such a tone to our fœderal Government, as will enable it to answer the ends of its institution—or this may be the ill fated moment for relaxing the powers of the Union, annihilating the cement of the Confederation and exposing us to become the sport of European Politicks, which may play one State against another, to prevent their growing importance and to serve their own interested purposes; for according to the System of Policy the States shall adopt at this moment, they will stand or fall, and by their confirmation or lapse, it is yet to be decided whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse: a blessing or a curse, not to the present Age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn Millions be involved.
                  With this conviction of the importance of the present Crisis, silence in me would be a crime; I will therefore speak to your Excellency the language of freedom and sincerity without disguise.  I am aware, however, that those who differ from me in political sentiment may perhaps remark I am stepping out of the proper line of my duty, and they may possibly ascribe to arrogance or ostentation what I know is alone the result of the purest intention; but the rectitude of my own heart, which disdains such unworthy motives; the part I have hitherto acted in life; the determination I have formed of not taking any share in public business hereafter; the ardent desire I feel and shall continue to manifest of quietly enjoying in private life, after all the toils of War, the benefits of a wise and liberal Government, will, I flatter myself, sooner or later convince my Country men that I could have no sinister views in delivering, with so little Reserve, the opinions contained in this address.
                  There are four things, which I humbly conceive are essential to the well being, I may even venture to say to the existence, of the United States as an independent Power.
                  1st An indissoluble Union of the States under one federal Head.
                  2ndly A sacred regard to public Justice.
                  3dly The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment—and
                  4thly The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the people of the United States, which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and, in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the community.
                  These are the pillars on which the glorious fabrick of our Independancy and National Character must be supported —Liberty is the basis—and whoever would dare to sap the foundation or overturn the Structure under whatever specious pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration and the severest punishments which can be inflicted by his injured Country.
                  On the three first Articles I will make a few observations, leaving the last to the good sense and serious consideration of those immediately concerned.
                  Under the first head, altho it may not be necessary or proper for me in this place to enter into a particular disquisition of the principles of the Union and to take up the great question which has been frequently agitated, whether it be expedient and requisite for the States to delegate a larger proportion of Power to Congress or not, yet it will be a part of my duty, and that of every true Patriot; to assert without reserve and to insist upon the following positions—That unless the States will suffer Congress to exercise those prerogatives they are undoubtedly invested with by the Constitution, every thing must very rapidly tend to Anarchy and confusion—that it is indispensible to the happiness of the individual States that there should be lodged somewhere, a supreme power to regulate and govern the general concerns of the confederated Republic, without which the Union cannot be of long duration—That there must be a faithfull and pointed compliance on the part of every State with the late proposals and demands of Congress, or the most fatal consequences will ensue; that whatever measures have a tendency to dissolve the Union, or contribute to violate or lessen the Sovereign Authority, ought to be considered as hostile to the Liberty and Independancy of America and the Authors of them treated accordingly; and lastly, that unless we can be enabled, by the concurrence of the States, to participate of the fruits of the Revolution, and enjoy the essential benefits of civil Society, under a form of Government so free and uncorrupted, so happily guarded against the danger of oppression as has been devised and adopted by the Articles of Confederation, it will be a subject of regret that so much blood and treasure have been lavished for no purpose; that so many sufferings have been encounter’d, without a compensation and that so many sacrifices have been made in vain.
                  Many other considerations might here be adduced to prove, that without an entire conformity to the spirit of the Union we cannot exist—as an independant Power.  It will be sufficient for my purpose, to mention but one or two which seem to me of the greatest ïmportance.  It is only in our United Character, as an Empire, that our Independance is acknowledged, that our power can be regarded or our Credit supported among foreign Nations—the Treaties of the European Powers with the United States of America will have no validity on a dissolution of the Union.  We shall be left nearly in a State of Nature, or we may find by our own unhappy experience, that there is a natural and necessary progression from the extreme of Anarchy to the extreme of Tyranny, and that arbritary power is most easily established on the ruins of Liberty abused to Licentiousness.
                  As to the second Article, which respects the performance of public justice, Congress have in their late address to the United States almost exhausted the Subject, they have explained their ideas so fully and have enforced the obligations the States are under to render compleat justice to all the public Creditors, with so much dignity and energy, that in my opinion no real friend to the honour and Independancy of America, can hesitate a single moment respecting the propriety of complying with the just and honorable measures proposed—If their Arguments do not produce conviction, I know of nothing that will have greater influence, especially when we recollect that the System referred to, being the result of the collected wisdom of the Continent, must be esteemed, if not perfect, certainly the least objectionable of any that could be devised, and that if it shall not be carried into immediate execution, a National bankruptcy, with all its deplorable consequences, will take place before any different plan can possibly be proposed and adopted, so pressing are the present circumstances! and such is the alternative now offerd to the States!
                  The ability of the Country to discharge the debts which have been incurred in its defence, is not to be doubted, an inclination I flatter myself will not be wanting: the path of our duty is plain before us—honesty will be found on every experiment to be the best and only true policy—let us then as a Nation be just—let us fulfill the public Contracts which Congress had undoubtedly a right to make for the purpose of carrying on the War, with the same good faith we suppose ourselves bound to perform our private engagements; in the mean time let an attention to the chearfull performance of their proper business as individuals and as members of Society be earnestly inculcated on the Citizens of America—then will they strengthen the hands of Government & be happy under its protection, every one will reap the fruit of his Labours, every one will enjoy his own acquisitions without molestation and without danger.
                  In this state of absolute freedom and perfect security, who will grudge to yield a very little of his property to support the common interests of Society and ensure the protection of Government?  who does not remember the frequent declarations at the commencement of the War that we should be completely satisfied, if at the expence of one half, we could defend the remainder of our possessions!  where is the Man to be found who wishes to remain indebted for the defence of his own person and property to the exertions, the bravery and the blood of others, without making one generous effort to repay the debt of honor and of gratitude?  In what part of the Continent shall we find any Man or body of Men who would not blush to stand up and propose measures purposely calculated to rob the Soldier of his Stipend and the public Creditor of his due and were it possible that such a flagrant instance of injustice could ever happen, would it not excite the general indignation and tend to bring down upon the authors of such measures the aggravated vengeance of Heaven?
                  If after all, a spirit of disunion or a temper of obstinacy and perverseness should manifest itself in any of the States; if such an ungracious disposition should attempt to frustrate all the happy effects that might be expected to flow from the Union; if there should be a refusal to comply with the Requisitions for funds to discharge the annual Interest of the public Debts and if that refusal should revive again all those jealousies and produce all those evils which are now happily removed, Congress, who have, in all their transactions, shewn a great degree of magnanimity and justice, will stand justified in the sight of God and Man and the State alone which puts itself in opposition to the aggregate wisdom of the Continent and follows such mistaken and pernicious councils, will be responsible for all the Consequences.
                  For my own part, conscious of having acted, while a servant of the public, in the manner I conceived best suited to promote the real interests of my Country, having in consequence of my fixed belief, in some measure, pledged myself to the Army that their Country would finally do them compleat and ample Justice and not wishing to conceal any instance of my official conduct from the eyes of the World, I have thought proper to transmit to your Excellency the inclosed collection of papers relative to the half-pay & commutation granted by Congress to the Officers of the Army.  From these communications my decided sentiment will be clearly comprehended, together with the conclusive reasons which induced me, at an early period, to recommend the adoption of this measure in the most earnest and serious manner.  As the proceedings of Congress, the Army and myself are open to all and contain in my opinion sufficient information to remove the prejudices and errors which may have been entertained by any, I think it unnecessary to say anything more, than just to observe, that the resolutions of Congress now alluded to, are undoubtedly as absolutely binding upon the United States, as the most solemn Acts of Confederation or Legislation.  As to the idea which, I am informed, has in some instances prevailed, that the half pay and Commutation are to be regarded merely in the odious Light of a pension, it ought to be exploded forever—that provision should be viewed as it really was, a reasonable compensation offerd by Congress at a Time when they had nothing else to give to the Officers of the Army for services then to be performed.  It was the only means to prevent a total dereliction of the Service—it was a part of their hire, I may be allowed to say, it was the price of their blood and of your Independancy—it is therefore more than a common debt, it is a debt of honor—it can never be considered as a pension or gratuity nor be cancelled untill it is fairly discharged.
                  With regard to a distinction between Officers and Soldiers, it is sufficient that the uniform experience of every Nation of the World combined with our own, proves the utility and propriety of the discrimination—Rewards in proportion to the Aids the Public derives from them, are unquestionably due to all its Servants—In some Lines, the Soldiers have perhaps generally had as ample a compensation for their Services, by the large bounties which have been paid them, as their Officers will receive in the proposed commutation; in others, if besides the donation of Lands, the payment of Arrearages of Cloathing and Wages (in which Articles all the component parts of the Army must be on the same footing) we take into the estimate the bounties many of the Soldiers have received and the gratuity of one years full pay which is promised to all, possibly their situation (every circumstance being duly considered) will not be deemed less eligible than that of the Officers, should a farther Reward however be judged equitable, I will venture to asert no one will enjoy greater satisfaction than myself, on seeing an exemption from Taxes for a limitted time (which has been petitioned for in some instances) or any other adequate compensation or immunity, granted to the brave defenders of their Countrys cause; but neither the adoption or rejection of this proposition, will in any manner affect, much less militate against, the Act of Congress by which they have offer’d five Years full pay in lieu of half pay for life, which had been before promised to the Officers of the Army.
                  Before I conclude the Subject of public justice, I cannot omit to mention the obligations this Country is under to that meritorious class of veteran non Commission’d Officers and Privates who have been discharged for inability, in consequence of the resolution of Congress of the 23d April 1782, on an annual pension for life; their peculiar sufferings, their singular merits and claims to that provision, need only be known, to interest all the feelings of humanity in their behalf; nothing but a punctual payment of their annual allowance, can rescue them from the most complicated misery, and nothing could be a more melancholy and distressing sight, than to behold those who have shed their blood or lost their limbs in the service of their Country, without a shelter, without a friend and without the means of obtaining any of the necessaries of life or comforts of life compelled to beg their daily bread from door to door! Suffer me to recommend those of this description belonging to your State to the warmest patronage of your Excellency and your Legislature.
                  It is necessary to say but a few words on the third topic which was proposed and which regards particularly the defence of the Republic—As there can be little doubt but Congress will Recommend a proper Peace Establishment for the United States in which a due attention will be paid to the importance of placing the Militia of the Union upon a regular and respectable footing—If this should be the case, I would beg leave to urge the great advantage of it in the strongest terms—the Militia of this Country must be considerd as the Palladium of our security and the first effectual resort, in case of hostility; It is essential therefore, that the same system should pervade the whole—that the formation & discipline of the Militia of the Continent should be absolutely uniform and the same species of Arms, Accoutrements & Military Apparatus should be introduced in every part of the United States.  No one, who has not learned it from experience, can conceive the difficulty, expence & confusion which result from a contrary System, or the vague Arrangements which have hitherto prevailed.
                  If in treating of political points, a greater latitude than usual has been taken in the course of this address—the importance of the Crisis and the magnitude of the objects in discussion, must be my apology—It is, however, neither my wish or expectation, that the preceding observations should claim any regard, except so far as they shall appear to be dictated by a good intention, consonant to the immutable rules of Justice—calculated to produce a liberal system of Policy and founded on what ever experience may have been acquired by a long and close Attention to public business—Here I might speak with the more confidence, from my actual observations and if it would not swell this Letter (already too prolix) beyond the bounds I had prescribed myself, I could demonstrate to every mind open to conviction, that in less time & with much less expence than has been incurred, the War might have been brought to the same happy, conclusion if the resources of the Continent could have been properly drawn forth—that the distresses and disappointments, which have very often occurred, have in too many instances resulted more from a want of energy in the Continental Government, than a deficiency of means in the particular States—That the inefficacy of measures, arising from the want of an adequate authority in the supreme Power, from a partial compliance with the requisitions of Congress in some of the States and from a failure of punctuality in others, while it tended to damp the Zeal of those which where more willing to exert themselves, served also to accumulate the expences of the War and to frustrate the best concerted plans; and that the discouragement, occasioned by the complicated difficulties & embarrasments in which our affairs were by this means involved, would have long ago produced the dissolution of any Army, less patient, less virtuous and less persevering than that which I have had the honor to Command. But while I mention these things, which are notorious facts, as the defects of our Federal Constitution, particularly in the prosecution of a War, I beg it may be understood, that as I have ever taken a pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the assistance and support I have derived from every class of Citizens, so shall I always be happy to do justice to the unparralled exertions of the individual States on many interesting occasions.
                  I have thus freely disclosed, what I wished to make known, before I surrendered up my Public trust to those who committed it to me—the task is now accomplished—I now bid adieu to your Excellency, as the Chief Magistrate of your State at the same time I bid a last farewell to the cares of Office and all the employments of public life.
                  It remains then to be my final and only request, that your Excellency will communicate these sentiments to your legislature at their next meeting and that they may be considered as the Legacy of one who has ardently wished on all occasions to be usefull to his Country and who even in the shade of Retirement will not fail to implore the divine benediction upon it.
                  I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination & obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field—and finally that he would most graciously be pleas’d to dispose us all to do Justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves, with that Charity, humility & pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion & without an humble immitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.  With the greatest regard and esteem, I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Simeon DeWitt, 8 June 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: DeWitt, Simeon

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 8th June 1783

                  In Consequence of your Letter to me of the 4th instant, I have mentioned to the Commander in Chief your purpose to obtain permission for publishing a Map of the Seat of War in America—& his Excellency directs me to inform you, that the measure is perfectly agreable to him, and the proposition meets his full Approbation; it being his Wish to see it accomplished in an accurate Manner, & at as early a period as the nature of the performance will admit.
                  I am much obliged by your Care of my Letter to Mr Burral.  I am with much Regard--sir Your most hume Servt

                     J. Trumbull Jur Secty


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 8 June 1783
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Newburgh June 8: 1783.

                  I am so engaged in getting off the furloughed men and in the new arrangment of the Massachusetts line as not to be able to pay my respects this day at head quarters—which I pray your excellency to excuse.
                  The arrangement of the four Massachusetts regiments is not compleated—there are five or six captains wanting and more lieutenants returned to continue than will be necessary—Some rule must be adopted to decide in the case—and I wish your excellency’s directions this evening or to-morrow morning if agreeable.  As the captains cannot complete their number by agreement, suppose the number wanting to complete should be taken from the eldest of the grade, with leave to exchange with those younger if they can, should be adopted—and with the lieutenants striking off the surplus number of the youngest, unless they will consent to stay and act as third officers in a company, in which case, to be permitted to exchange with ensigns, some of whom wish to retire.
                  I will also thank your excellency for information whether after the four regiments are officered, the officers who are to retire or remain with the army conformably to the general order of the 6. instant, are to have written furloughs, or are to be at liberty on the order before mentioned, or some further order is intended to be issued respecting them.  Some who wish to retire soon are making enquiries—A general answer will prevent many particular applications on the subject.
                  Some of the officers have waiters who are three years men, who are but little acquainted with the duty of soldiers—Where the officers retire or are sent with the furloughed men—shall they where their waiters are of this discription, be allowed to take them?  I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 8 June 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 8th June 1783

                  His Excellency directs me to reply to the several Queries contained in your Letter of this Day—and to inform you that the mode you propose for Officering the four Regiments, is perfectly agreeable to him—or any other method that you shall find necessary to accomodate to the Views of the Officers concerned, so as to make the matter as agreable as possible to them.  This he leaves entirely to your good Judgment & Discretion.
                  His Excellency conceives there is no necessity, of any other permission or Credentials to the Officers who retire—than what is expressed in The Genl Orders in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 26th May.
                  The Waiters mentioned, who are for three Years, are permitted to attend their Officers—but this must be done with Caution, & they must be furnished with Discharges; which being prepared, will be signed at Head Quarters & delivered to them.  With great Respect & Regard I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Ser.

                     J. Trumbull Jur Sey


Title: To George Washington from Ralph Izard, 8 June 1783
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 8th June 1783.

                  I am perfectly persuaded that the proceedings described in the enclosed Letter are such as your Excellency highly disapproves of.  It is probable that complaints have been made to you respecting them, & I doubt not that everything proper has been done on the subject.  I am much affected by the distresses to which Mrs DeLancey has been exposed by the violent conduct of those persons she complains of in the Letter.  My anxiety to alleviate them, & my desire that she should not think me inattentive to her happiness, will I hope appear to you sufficient reasons for my troubling you on this occasion.
                  I have not the honour of being acquainted with Governor Clinton, & therefore request the favour of your Excellency to make the contents of Mrs DeLancey’s Letter known to him.  I am with great regard Dear Sir Your most obt hble Servant

                     Ra. Izard


Title: From George Washington to Henry Jackson, 8 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, Henry

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 8th June 1783

                  Having before this Time given my Opinion that it was not the Intention of Congress by their Resolution of 23d apl that the Music should have Arms deliverd to them at being discharged—but that they should take with them their Drums & fifes—and this Determanition having been carried into Effect by the Regiments which are gone It is now too late to make any Alteration—But was not this the Case, reasons may be adduced which, would operate against the Request made in your joint Letter of the 7th Instant—the Music havg had but an easy Share of Duty, compared with the other Soldiers, an additional Pay—with thir Music found by the Public, It is supposed that their Circumstances will fully Balance the Gratuity intended by Congress.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters June 8th 1783

                  In answer to the question which has been proposed, whether the Music are entitled to fire Arms, under the Resolution of Congress of the 23d of April.  I am to give it as my opinion they are not; but that they should be allowed to take their Drums & Fifes, which is the mode that has been adopted respecting the Music who have been furloughed from this Cantonment.  I am Dear Sir With great regard Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 8 June 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                     Sir
                     Head Qrs June 8th 1783

                  There appear to be a number of Men belonging to the 1st New York Regt who wish to go to Albany with their families, & who have no means of conveyance—if it is practicable to furnish them with a Batteaux, which can be returned to such place as you shall direct—or to give them a passage in any other way His Excellency desires it may be done.  I am Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

                     D. Humphrys A.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from Silas Barber, 9 June 1783
From: Barber, Silas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point June 9th 1783

                  We the Subscribers your Humble Petitioners do most Graciously intreat your Excellency &c.
                  But it gives us the Utmost trouble & Concern to think we must be under the disagreeable Necessity to trouble A Gentleman of so great Qualifications and ready Compliance to Justice and Honor but as the greatest Necessity and difficult and threatening distraction calls upon us at this Junctor we beg your Excellency will be pleased to hear your Humble Petitioners once more &c. in Reference to Lt Colo. Popkins as we have no Reason to doubt but what your Excellency has been thoughroughly Acquainted of the Injury we have sustained and do to this day by Lieut. Colo. Popkins in whom we reposed confidence and Trust.
                  Sir as we have been favoured with your Excellencys and Major General Knox’s Gratitudes by sending Serjt Howes to Boston to Liut. Colo. Popkins &c. but the Disbandment of the Army taking place Obliged us to trouble Your Excellency before we Received a final Answer but not having Received any pay and not being permitted to draw our Rations we shall not be able to tarry ’till the Arrival of Serjt Howes, And having no sufficient Reason to expect a final settlement by Serjt Howes we do most earnestly Beseech your Excellency to Adopt some Measure in favour of us the subscribers before Liet. Colo. popkins Receives his final settlement, from the Publick &c.  We Remain your Excellencys Most Humble Petitioners

                     Silas Barber Serjt
                     W. Woodstock Corporal
                     Charles Borman

                     William Roderfeld Corpl

                     Fredrick Hartman X mark

                        Johann George Welch
                     Thomas J. Kepard

                     John McCoy his X mark

                        Jno. Cockle

                         Corl


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 9 June 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     (private)
                     Dear Sir,
                     Philadelphia 9th-11 June 1783.

                  Since my last private letter to your Excellency nothing has turned up worthy of your notice but what you have received official advice of, from the proper Departments.  Indeed unaccountable as it may seem, our Ministers at Paris have not suffered us to hear from them since the 24th of Jany last, till the day before yesterday, when I received two letters from Mr Laurence, one of the 15th of March the other of the 5th of April last.
                  Altho’ these contain but little information, yet I think proper to enclose the substance of them, in confidence, as it is unknown but that the knowlege of the most trifling circumstances in important negociations may, by accident, prove highly advantageous to one in your Excellency’s situation.
                  I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s private letter enclosing one to Mr Pintard, to which the greatest attention was paid.
                  Mrs Boudinot and Miss Susan join me in reciprocating the most affectionate wishes and respectful compliments to Mrs Washington, in which your Excellency is most warmly included.  I have the honor to be, with the highest respect and most sincere esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very humb. Serv.

                     Elias Boudinot

                     P.S.  Your Excellency’s Letter by the Secretary of War, was duly recd this Morning & laid before Congress.  June 11th 1783.

                Enclosure

                        Substance of Letters from the Honble John Laurens, dated, London 15. March 1783
                           15 March-5 April 1783

                     Five weeks use of the waters at Bath had so far recovered my health as induced me to come to London about 18 days ago in order to avail myself of opportunities for urging a definitive treaty, as well as the necessity for removing the British troops from New York.  I have signified my opinion to the proper persons, that until the latter is effected America will not deem herself at peace.  Wise and good men feel the impression, acknowledge the propriety of my observations and while there was Government by a Ministry that point was attended to.  But for some days past the struggle has been who should be the persons to form a new administration. In the mean time the momentous business in which we are concerned lies dormant.  The House of Commons had introduced a Bill for a provisional establishment & regulation of trade &c. A printed copy was put into my hands and my opinion asked by many members of that house.  I objected generally to opening a trade by act of Parliament, and specially certain parts of the Bill, but above all to an intercourse until the Citizens of New-York shall be left in possession of their whole Country & This Bill has been rejected and a new one projected— in the same language.  Be the Bill what it may, however suitable to the purposes of G. Britain, speciously conducive to the mutual interests of G. Britain & America, I think there cannot be, I hope there will not be, permitted on our part any intercourse until your troops are effectually removed.  “Why is not the definitive Treaty concluded and the important then established?  or why are not measures adopted for withdrawing the Troops?  Are the Troops to be continued there in terrorem to force a trade or to compel us to measures respecting the people called Loyalists?  Would you proceed in your debates and deliberations if there was even a Serjeant’s Guard at the door of your house?  The troops will be withdrawn as speedily as possible. The parts of America will be open to your Commerce as speedily as possible.”  (Reasons &c.)
                     The late first Ld of the Treasury has not failed to boast of his success in obtaining a provisional treaty with the concurrence of the court of France and to talk of the advantages &c.  I indeavoured to counteract his Lordships design, by observing that admitting the fact, which I did not admit, the consequences might be disgraceful, possibly fatal to the American Members, but could wish no injury to the U.S.  This appears to have the wished for effect--  His Lordship is very angry with us and if he had continued in office I know not what evils might have attended us.  To his influence I ascribe the delay of the definitive Treaty and the removal of the Troops.  I am not backward to express my apprehensions to active members of Parliament &c. on these subjects &c.

                     London 5. April. 1783
                     A third Bill called an amendment for a provisional establishment &c. had been brought into the House of Commons.  My opinion asked again which I thought it prudent to withhold, but being pressed I framed a supposed American Bill, and suggested that it had been recd by a Courier—Since that time their own Bill has slept and appears dead &c.
                     Duke of Portland at the head of New Ministry North & Fox Secretaries of State—Richmond detests the coalition & has resigned.
                     I have had a conference with Fox who has all the foreign Departments, in which is included the U.S.  It was stipulated that nothing I should say as matter of opinion or belief should commit or pledge me.
                     Mr Fox was desirous of knowing whether the American Ministers were authorized and disposed to open commerce on terms of reciprocity—I replied, I believed they were, adding I would soon be informed from Paris—At the same time I urged as necessary, previous or accompanying, Steps, the conclusion of a definitive Treaty and the withdrawing the British forces from the U.S.  In answer to supposed difficulties in obtaining Transports I proposed the removal of troops to Long or Staten Island, adding that some powers might insist on hostages &c. I thought it absolutely necessary that the States should be put in possession of the City & port of New York.  Fox and Portland before him, discovered a disposition to proceed to business with us with liberality & effect.  Mr Fox asked if he might report, that I believed there was a deposition and powers in the American Ministers to open a commerce on terms of reciprocity withoudelay.  I asserted as my belief under the reservations just mentioned.
                     I shall proceed immediately to Paris &c.  David Hartley Esq. is, or it is said will be, appointed to join us in finishing our Negociations to perfect peace.  While I regret the loss of Mr Oswald on this occasion the nomination of another honest man affords me satisfaction.


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hazen, 9 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 9th June 1783

                  I have received yours of the 7th instant—accompanied with a Letter from the Officers of your Regiment.
                  The Return you mention, was omitted to be inclosed.  I have to request that you will immediately forward me a Return of all the Men who Incline to take the Benefit of the furlough offered them by the Resolution of Congress of 26th May—Transmit this Return by a trusty Hand; & the Discharges shall be sent to you by hand—The Remainder of the Regiment you will please to Order to be marched to this Cantonment, near N. Windsor, with all the Dispatch possible; where, on their Arrival, they will receive my further Orders.
                  Major Reid, in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress of 26th of May, has obtained my Permission to retire to his Home. I shall Take time to Consider the Request of the Officers for any further procedure with him.  I am &c.


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Timothy Pickering, 9 June 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Pickering, Timothy

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 9th June 1783

                  The Comr in Chief directs me to inform you that, the Remains of Genl Hazens Regiment, after discharging such of the War Men as are willing to take furloughs will be ordered to this Cantonment—their Numbers are uncertain, but will probably be for three to four Hundred—You will therefore be pleased to make a proper disposition of the Hutts necessary to cover them.  I am Sir Your most Obed. Ser.

                     J. Trumbull Jur Secty


Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 9 June 1783
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Winsor Cantoonment June the 9th 1783

                  I do myself the honnor to enclose a letter, I received a few days since from Capt. Nathan Goodale of the fifth Massachusetts Regt.
                  That I have not till this moment taken any measures, to bring his services into public view has ben oweing to the confidence I had that Genl Gates would have don it, as the most extreordinary of them ware performed under his Immediate orders, and as he gave repeated assurences they should not be forgotton.  but since the freting circumstance of Capt. Sumners promotion took place when Captain Goodale was out of Camp, and General Gates also left camp before his return, I must beg your Excellency patience while I reherse a few facts.
                  Captain Goodale was among the first who embarked in the common cause—in 1775 he served as a Lieutenent in the same regt with me.  I had long before known him to be a man of spirit, and his zeal and attention to service soon gained him the carracter of a worthy officer.
                  In 1776 he entered again as a Lieutenent but served with me the most of the Campaign in the Engineer department, and the public are much indebted to him for the dispatch & propriety with which several of the works about New york ware executed.
                  In the dark month of November 1776 Mr Goodale re-entered service as a Captain in the Regt under my command and was in the field early the Next spring—but altho he always discovered a Thirst for enterprize, yet Fortune never gave his Genius fair play till august 1777.
                  tis well known into what a panic and consternation the country and even the whole northern army ware thrown on the takeing of Ticonderoga.  When General Gates took command in that quarter, our Army lay at Van-scaiks Island, Mr Burgoin with the British army, Encompassed by his black wings and bloody Legions, Encamped at saratoga.
                  The woods at that time ware so infested with savages, that none of the scouts who ware sent for the purpose of obtaining prisoners or intiligence of the enemys sittuation succeeded in either—Genl Gates vexed at continual disappointments, desired an officer to procure him a man that would undertake at all hazard to performe this service.
                  Captain Goodale being spook to on the ocation, Voluntarily undertook the business; under the following orders—"sir—you are to chuse out one serjent  to six privet men and proceed with them to the enemy’s Camp, unless you loose your life or are Captured, and not return untill you obtain a full knowledge of their situation."
                  Captain Goodale in his report of this scout; says, "it was not performed without great feteague, as the party ware much harassed by the Indians which ocationed their being in the woods three days without provisions"—however he succeeded beyond expectation, first haveing thrown himself between the out Guards and Camp of the enemy he examined their sittuation very fully, and brought off six prisoners with which he returned to General Gates without any loss or Mischief whatever.
                  this success induced General Gates to continue him on that kind of service—a full detail of all the Intreague address and enterprize which he discovered during the remainder of that Campaign would make this letter quite too long; it might be enough to observe that before the Capture of the British Army, 121 Prisoners fell into his hands—But as Captain Goodale is no less brave and determined in the open field when opposed to regular troops-- then he is artfull as a partizan of the woods.  I beg your patience while I recite one instance of this kind—a day or two after Mr Burgoin retreated to saratoga, in a Foggy Morning, Nixons Brigaid ware ordered to cross the Creek which seperated the two armys.  Capt. Goodale with 40 men went over before the advance Guarde, he soon fell in with a british guard of about the same number, the ground was a clear plain, but the Fogg prevented their discovering each other till they ware within a few yards, when both parties made ready nearly at the same time, Captain Goodale in this position reserveing his fire advanced immediately upon the enemy, who waited with a designe to draw it from him, but the British officer finding himself disappointed ordered his men to fire, but Captain Goodale calling out if they fired a shot he would put every man to death, they ware so intimidated that very few obeyed their officer and 34 of the party with the officer ware made prisoner.
                  these sir are the services which Capt. Goodale and his frinds beleve have merited more attention then have been paid too them; and when made known to the Honorable Congress through a proper they hope will be considered by that august body in a favorable light.
                  but if we ware to reverse the table, and suppose the Ill-luck of a brave man the only recommendation to promotion Captain Goodale has also some pretensions—for he is the unfortunate man who with about 40 white men, and the same number of Indians fought more then a thousand of the enemy below Volontines hill in 1778 untill more then half were killed; when himself and a few others ware made prisoners—but I mention this not so much to shew his bravery as to apologize for his conduct on that ocation for he ever lemented the necessity he was under att that time to fight in the maner he did, and in writing to me on the subject, he sais "at this time a number of brave men were sacrefised to bad orders is true but as they were not my orders I hope the candid do not censure me."
                  I only add that I shall esteem myself exceeding happy if your Excellency shall from this account Joyned with the general carracter of Capt. Goodale find reason to patronize his cause and recommend him to the Honbe Congress for a Majorety.  I am sir—with every possible respect your Excellencys Humble servent

                     R. Putnam B. Genl

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        Cantonment 31 May 1783.

                     Nothing but the most unshaken confidence in the equity and willing justice of the sovereign Authority could, at this period, have induced me to address you on a subject of grievance—a grievance which modesty had almost persuaded me to have left unmentioned.
                     As an incentive to a noble ambition, Congress were pleased to announce to the Army, at an early stage of the war, their unalterable resolution of distinguishing merit, wherever it should be found in an eminent degree, however such act might interfere with the right of lineal succession: By virtue of this reservation of power, Capt. Sumner of the Massachusetts line (a Junior Officer to myself) has lately been advanced to the degree of Major in the Army.  Candor forbids me to enter on an examination of this Gentleman’s claim to precedence upon the principle of desent: I shall only beg leave to observe, that as an individual, and one who spurns at the low arts of cozenage and intrigue, I feel myself most sensibly injured by his promotion.  There remains for me no alternative but that of serving as a degraded Officer; or, (which is more eligible) of taking leave of a profession, which it has been the pride of my life to become.  I did hope that the long, perilous, and, (I think I may say to you) important services, which, in course of the war, I have rendered my Country, would have found a different treatment—at any rate, I was sure they would be excused from an implication of censure.  In this, however, I have been unhappily disappointed.  The well-earned laurel has eluded my grasp; and is now doomed to grace the brow of one, whom I never thought of as a rival.
                     As you, Sir, are perfectly acquainted with the minutae and aggregate of my conduct as an Officer (and the honourable mention made of it by Major General Gates in 1777) as well as that of the now-Major Sumner, I must intreat you to condescend so far as to view the two pretenders to merit through the medium of impartiality; and, should you think I am not a loser by the comparison, permit me to call upon you for that equal justice, which no one yet ever solicited in vain.
                     The relation you have for a long time stood in with regard to me—The observations you must have made on my conduct, in the most trying times of service; and, I will add, The place with which you have been pleased to honour me in your friendship, point out the propriety of addressing this letter to you; and will, I hope, sufficiently apologize for my troubling you with an affair, in which, perhaps, none but myself is interested.  I have the honour to be, with the most perfect Respect, Sir, Your most Obedient, and most Humble Servant.

                        Nathan Goodale


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 10 June 1783
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York 10th June 1783

                  I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 2d instant, together with the resolution of Congress of the 26th May, enclosed therein.
                  I cannot, Sir, but be well satisfied, that Congress has transmitted the case, concerning certain negroes for whose protection the publick faith had been pledged, (but which is considered by Congress as contrary to the true intent and meaning of the provisional articles of peace) to it’s plenipotentiaries in Europe, as those Gentlemen and the King’s Ministers, between whom those articles were negociated, may be considered as most competent and able to ascertain their true intent and meaning; and, swayed by these considerations, I have already for my own part, referred to the King’s Servants those points wherein I judged, that, on your side the true intent and meaning of this treaty has not been preserved, and in particular the consideration of those impediments which have been found in the execution of the 5th and 6th articles, even in cases where the stipulations contained therein are absolute, both in meaning and expression, but whose effect has been opposed, both by laws now subsisting in the different States, and by the resolves of different bodies of men who seem to act without control, and to have the means of execution in their own hands; and with respect, Sir, to the stipulations in the same articles, which have been thrown into a recommendatory form, I have been discouraged from renewing my applications thereon, by a letter from Mr Livingston the Minister for foreign affairs, of so early a date as the 12th of April, which seems to refer me for their execution to some future time.  I entertain however the fullest confidence, that Congress will take the best and surest, as well as most speedy means of giving to this treaty all that efficacy which shall not only be perfectly consistent with justice and equity, but with that spirit of conciliation, which I hope and trust will universally prevail.  I am Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Guy Carleton


Title: From George Washington to Egbert Benson, 10 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Benson, Egbert

                     Gentlemen
                     Head Quarters 10th June 1783

                  I have been favored with your Letter of the 30th of May, containing several Queries respecting the Extent of your Commission.
                  That you would find Embarrassments in the Execution of your Instructions, is no more than I expected; but to remove, is not so easy, as to foresee them.
                  It is exceedingly difficult for me, not being a Witness to the Particular Cases, or acquainted with the Circumstances which must fall under your view, in Course of the Evacuation, to give you a precise Definition or Character of the Acts which you are to represent as Infractions of the Treaty— nor can I undertake to give an official Construction of any particular Expression or Term of the Treaty; which must, in cases of Ambiguity, or different Interpretation, be explained by the Sovereigns of the two Nations, or their Commissioners, appointed for that purpose.
                  As your Instructions from me, are given in Consequence of the Directions of Congress, and are grounded entirely on their Resolutions, which have been passed, in Compliance with Sir Guy Carletons own application;and for directing measures to be taken to obtain a Delivery of Property in possession or under the Controul of the British Troops; which latter Case is not provided for by the Articles of the Treaty; I must be silent on the Subject; leaving it to your own good Judgment & Discretion, to execute your Commission in the best manner you can, from a critical Attention to the particular Circumstances & Acts which will fall under your knowledge, compared with the Terms of the Treaty, and the Expressions of your Instructions.
                  It however appears to me, that your reply to Mr Elliot, was very pertinent & proper— for as the power is not in our Hands, it matters very little for us to devise modes, which we are not able to controul; but which may be evaded by those who are the Execution, leaving to us, the part only of remonstrating, without the Means of prevention.  Indeed this Observation may be said to apply to every Act to which your Instructions will extend; so that in fact, I see little more that you will be able to do, than to be Witnesses to the various Acts which will probably pass under your Cognizance, in Course of the Evacuation, whether they are the public Acts of the Commandr in Chief, or those of Individuals; and which, if you judge them to be Infractions of either the Letter or the Spirit of the Treaty, you are to represent to & remonstrate against to Sir Guy Carleton; leaving it with him, to give the Redress, or involve such Consequences as may be the Result from the Omission.  With great Regard & Esteem I am Gentlemen Your Most obedient and humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh June 10th 1783

                  I am favored with your Letter of the 8th enclosing the Instructions of the Secry at War—on the subject of erecting an Arsenal and Magazines at West Point—the Plan I conceive is a very eligible one—As soon as we shall have passed through the present business of furloughing the Men engaged for the War, it is probable that the whole or at least a part of the Troops in this Cantonment will be removed to West Point: where such numbers as shall be judged expedient may be employed on that service.  I am Sir With great regard Your most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 June 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        My dear General
                            Paris June the 10th 1783

                        Having Received No Answer to My Letter By the frigate I May I think flatter Myself Before long to Hear from You, and I Confess I am waiting with Great Impatience—it is an Age, My dear General, since I Had a line from You, and I Have Been so Happily Used to our Intimate Communications, that it is very Hard to me not to know Any thing of Your Ideas, Your Concerns, and Your Sentiments on Every Occasion—God Grant I May soon Have that long Wished for Letter—Upon its Contents My Missions will Be determined, and Unless My presence Here is ordered By Congress, I Hope I May soon Be Reunited to My  dear General—Having fully Explained Myself in My letter By the triumph, I Have thought it well to Repeat My ideas in the Subsequent Ones and those lines are only intended to present Doctor Bancroft who is Going By Way of England to Philadelphia I have long known Him, first of all in England, and Afterwards in france, where He Ever Appeared to me a Sensible and a warm friend to our Cause—Agreable to that party Spirit, Which to My Great Concern, Has Ever divided our Ministers living in Europe, Doctor Bancroft Has  Been praised By Some, and Critisised By others—But I owe Him the justice to Say that His public opinions, and his Conduct Have alwais Appeared to me Such as Becomes a Citizen of the United States.
                        Your God Son, My dear General, is Now Under Inoculation—this piece of intelligence, tho’ it is Not very important, is the only one I will give—for, this letter will Be long on its way, and I intend taking Speedier Opportunities—we are Going to  Have a change in the Ministry, and I fancy  will Soon Resign—the destruction of the Ottoman Empire Seems to have Been determined Upon by Rullia and the Emperor—L’oriene Has Been made a free port for the American trade and I think it Very Advantageous. When I am writing to You, My dear General, I don’t know well How to stop—But When I Reflect this letter will Be So long on the Road, I must Content Myself with presenting My Most Affectionate Respects to  Mrs Washington, My tender Compliments to My friends, and to Repeat You, My dear General, that Every Sentiment of  filial love, Respect, and Gratitude Make me for Ever Your devoted Friend
                            Lafayette

                       lafayette and our little family present their  you and Mrs Washington.


Title: General Orders, 11 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Wednesday June 11th 83
                     Parole Albany.
                     Csigns Newburgh—New Windsor

                  For the day Tomorrow Lt Colonel Commt Brooks
                  Adjutant Haskell.
                  For duty tomorrow the 7th Massach. Regimt.
                  As soon as all the men engaged for the War shall be furloughed, and the Troops that remain properly formed into Regiments and Corps, Major General Heath will be pleased to report a state of the formation of the troops in this Cantonment, in which will be comprehended the names and relative rank of the Officers, regimentally digested.  Major General Knox will please to do the same with respect to the troops under his command.
                  The Levees will be discontinued after this day and the orders are to be received and issued in the same manner as was formerly practiced.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 11 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

                     Dr Sir,
                     Newburgh June 11th 1783

                  Your favor of the 28th of May in answer to my Letter of the 15th of the same Month, is at hand.  I shall rely upon your care & attention for the purchase of the Articles mentioned in the lattr—those most wanted, & which are most essential to me are the Blankets & Ticklinburg for my Negros and these are not in immediate demand.
                  Apropos, did I not when the Army was leaving the Cantonment of Middle Brook, in June 1779, put a Theodelite into your care to be conveyed to Mr Rittenhouse to receive some Repairs?  It is like a dreame to me; You, or Mr Irskine, I am not sure which undertook this business; & I have not heard since what was done with the Instrumt.  Will you be so good as to enquire whether it ever reached Mr Rittenhouse—& to prevail on him to afford it the necessary repairs without delay if he has it.
                  My Complimts, in which Mrs Washington joins, is offered to Mrs Biddle & I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elijah Hunter, 11 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hunter, Elijah

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters June 11th 1783

                  To your Letter which was recd sometime in the Month of March last I have now to reply in writing, as I did then to a part of it verbally—but I must first make an apology for the long delay, and assure you it was owing to the accident of its being mislaid among a multitude of other papers, & not to any designed neglect or inattention.
                  The happy pacification which has been announced since the writing of your letter will now establish you in the quiet enjoyment of your possessions; & supersedes the necessity of my saying any thing except as to the point of light in which I viewed your political Character at the time when you was employed in a confidential manner.  On this head I can (from my best recollection) be thus far explicit—The Recommendations given in your favor by Mr Jay then President of Congress & Major General McDougall were such as induced me to repose great confidence in you—and, to my own knowledge, after being employed in the manner above mentioned you obtained such intelligence, either by yourself or your Correspondents, of various things which passed within the British Lines, as was of considerable consequence to us—Under this recollection of circumstances I cannot hesitate to Certify, that I thought at the time & still conceive, your services were of such an interesting nature as entitled you to the good opinion & favorable notice of your Countrymen.  I am Sir with great regard Your Most Obedt Servt


Title: To George Washington from Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 11 June 1783
From: Lauzun, Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Général
                     Brest June 11th 1783

                  My furst, and most agreable duty is to acquaint your Excellency with my safe arrival in that harbour after a passage of 31 days.  I shall during my whole life, keep the most grateful remembrance of your kindness to me; I could never feel myself happy without the hope, to pay my respects to Mrs Washington and to your Excellency in Virginia.
                  I beg leave to your Excellency to present my best Compliments to the Gentleman of your family.  I have the honor to be with the warmest respect, and admiration Dear Général, your most obedient humble Servant

                     Lauzun


Title: To George Washington from Richard Platt, 11 June 1783
From: Platt, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Robinson’s June 11th 1783.

                  I had the honor early in the Month of April, to address your Excellency, on the subject of visiting my Friends on Long Island, (from whom I have been absent seven years) requesting to return Via New York.
                  Unsuccessfull in that Application, I now beg leave to ask the same Indulgence I did then.  I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble Servant

                     Richd Platt


Title: From George Washington to John Rodgers, 11 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Rodgers, John

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 11th June 1783

                  I accept with much pleasure your kind Congratulations on the happy Event of Peace, with the Establishment of our Liberties & Independence.
                  Glorious indeed has been our Contest;  glorious, if we consider the prize for which we have contended, and glorious in its Issue: But in the midst of our Joys, I hope we shall not forget that, to Divine Providence is to be ascribed the Glory & the Praise.
                  Your Proposition respecting Mr Aikins Bible would have been particularly noticed by me, had it been suggested in season.  But the late Resolution of Congress for discharging Part of the Army, takg off near two thirds of our Numbers, it is now too late to make the Attempt.  It would have pleased me well, if Congress had been pleased to make such an important present to the brave fellows; who have done so much for the Security of their Country’s Rights & Establishment.
                  I hope it will not be long before you will be able to go quietly to N. York—some patience however will yet be necessary—But Patience is a noble Virtue, and when rightly exercised, does not fail of its Reward.  With much Regard & Esteem I am Dear Doctor Your most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  Be so good as to inform me whether Mrs Thompson is living with you, or gone into New York?  Before I retire from Service it is my wish to render her what is owing to her.

                     G:Wn.


Title: General Orders, 12 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Thursday June 12th 1783.
                     Parole Wales.
                     Csigns—Norway, Denmark.

                  For the day tomorrow Colonel H. Jackson
                  Adjutant Davis
                  The 4th Massachusetts regt is for Duty tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 12 June 1783
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Pompton 12th June 1783

                  I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th Current, and Three Hundred Discharges by Col. Stewart, the Bearer of this, and I have furnished him with the Return required; their is but a few Men in the Regiment that do not wish to leave the Service as soon as possible, yet their is not however a single Man amongst the whole that will be satisfied to move from this Place on Furlough or otherwise until he is paid up as far as the other Parts of the Army.  Their is a small Store of Goods just arrived from Philadelphia to this Place; and some more expected in a Day or two, which may be sufficient for one Month’s Pay, or thereabouts; we have agreed with the Merchant to issue them on the Credit of the Soldiers Pay.
                  As we are told Mr Morris has sent his Bills to Head-Quarters for three Month Pay of the Army, I beg your Excellency will please to direct that this Regiment have its Share of them; as well as to direct the Paymaster-General to pay up the Remainder of the Month of January last in Specie; this Regiment not having received the one third of that Month’s Pay.
                  Your Excellency may be assured that every Attention will be paid by me, to get those Men out of the Field as soon as possible, which I hope will not exceed the latter End of next Week.  I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient And very humble Servant,

                     Moses Hazen


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 June 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Paris june the 12th 1783

                  Give me leave to Present to You Mr de Beaune a french officer Whom Respectable Persons Have So much Recommended that I Could not deny Him this letter of introduction—He is Well Spoken of, and Wishes to Improve Himself so as to Become Proper for a Consulship in America.
                  We are Anxiously Waiting for letters from the Continent, and independant of Public Concerns, letters from My dear General Become Quite Necessary to His Most Affectionate, filial, and Respectfull friend

                     Lafayette

                     My Best Respects Wait Upon Mrs Washington, and to Her and to You My wife and children Beg to Be Respectfully Remembered.


Title: General Orders, 13 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Friday June 13th 1783
                     Parole Newark.
                     Countersigns Burlington. Willmington

                  For the day tomorrow Lt Col. Comt Mellen
                  Adjutant of the 3d Regt
                  For duty tomorrow the 3d Massacht. regiment.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 13 June 1783
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Newburgh, June 13. 1783.

                  Enclosed I have the honor to present your Excellency the arrangements of the four reformed Massachusetts regiments, and the New Hampshire corps.  Some few of the Massachusetts officers have been arranged on the principles of seniority—I wish the arrangement may be left so far open that in case any of the senior officers should prevail on the juniors to exchange with them, it may be done.  This I conceive can work no injury to the service, as the corps are now complete, and the alteration will only be changing a name.  It is submitted to your Excellency.
                  The last detachment of the Massachusetts furloughed men marched eastward this morning.  I have ordered the regiments to incorporate immediately, and have desired the brigadiers of the line with the four gentlemen who command the reformed regiments to change the disposition of cantonment to morrow morning, so far as to bring the new corps together as far as may be convenient and circumstances will permit.  In consequence of colonel M. Jackson continuing in service, it has been requested that the 7th regiment might be incorporated with the 4th and the 8th with the 3d—the latter falling to colonel M. Jackson—This has induced me to vary my first intention accordingly; which although perhaps not altogether so military as the other, can be of no inconvenience, and gratifies the commandants of the corps.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 13 June 1783
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

                     my dear Sir
                     Passy 13 June 1783

                  Mr Geo. Mason Junr who sailed lately from Nantes has a Letter from me to You.
                  I have within these few Days past, read & admired your address to the army and their Proceedings in Consequence of it.  Such Instances of Patriotism are rare, and america must find it difficult to express in adequate Terms, the Gratitude she owes to both.  Such a Degree of Glory, so virtuously acquired, and so decently sustained, is as new as our political Constellation, and will forever give Lustre to it—may every Blessing be yours!
                  Doctr Bancroft will be the Bearer of this Letter.  I know that he has been useful to our Country, and I recommend him to your friendly attention.
                  Mr Hartley has just informed me that orders have been sent to the british Commander in Chief to evacuate the United States.  our Attention will then I hope be turned to the Preservation & Improvement of what we have gained; and a Sense of the Importance of that Task leads me to wish that the Execution of it may be facilitated by your Counsels and application.  with perfect Esteem & affection I am Dear Sir Your most obt servt

                     John Jay


Title: General Orders, 14 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                      Saturday June 14th 1783
                     Parole Annapolis.
                     Countersigns Baltimore—Harford.

                  For the day tomorrow Colonel Tupper
                  Adjtt from the 6th regimt
                  For duty tomorrow the 6th Massachusetts regt.
                  Such Officers as are not attached to any particular Corps, who may choose to remain in Camp in consequence of the orders of the 6th instant, will be pleased to report their names, Rank and the regimt to which they lately belonged, to the Adjutant General by the 17th instant.
                  The Arrangement of the different Corps being fixed, all officers not comprehended therein, whose baggage remains to be transported, are to report their names, Ranks, quantities of baggage & the States Counties & towns to which they are distined, to the Quarter Master Genl by tomorrow evening.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 14 June 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia 14 June 1783

                  Mons. le Compte de Grasse having requested me to have the two pieces of Artillery presented him by Congress forwarded to him without delay, I endeavoured to urge the engraving and getting them ready to be shipped by the Duc de Lauzun, who sailed from hence about three weeks ago.  I was led to believe by the Quarter Master that they should certainly be ready in time, and I accordingly wrote the Compte that he might certainly expect them by that Vessel.  However when it was too late it was discovered that the pieces pitched upon were not of those taken at York-Town and therefore were improper to be sent.  This disappointment mortified me greatly on account of my having pledged my word for their embarkation.  The Secretary at War informs me that directions are given for their being engraved and forwarded from West-Point.  Shall I beg the favour of your Excellency to urge the compleating and sending them to the proper place of embarkation as speedily as possible; as the present delicate situation of the Count de Grasse makes me more attentive to his earnest request.  I have the honor to be, with highest respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedt & very humb. Servt

                     Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from Egbert Benson, 14 June 1783
From: Benson, Egbert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York June 14. 1783

                  We do ourselves the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 2d instant, covering the Act of Congress of the 26th ulto, and We also do ourselves the honor to transmit your Excellency a Copy of a Memorial which We presented to Sir Guy Carleton on Monday last, to which We have not as yet received our answer, except a Verbal Message by his Deputy Secretary that he did not conceive an answer at this time necessary.
                  Your Excellency will recollect, that in answering our Claim for Restitution in the Case of Mr Vanderburgh Sir Guy Carleton intimated, an impropriety in the Claim as the Property was not suggested to be in danger of being sent away; this left room for an idea that possibly Property about to be sent away would be restored, and We apprized your Excellency That We should take the first fair occasion, which should present itself, to remove all doubt on this point, and with this View we made the Requisition in behalf of Mr Lott, and We conceive it is now reduced to a certainty that all applications for the Delivery of Property will be fruitless and We shall therefore desist from them.
                  That Part of the memorial which is in the nature of a Remonstrance is in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress, and your Excellency’s Letter which accompanied it.
                  Yesterday We assisted in Superintending Embarkation, consisting of fourteen Transports bound for Nova Scotia, having on board as nearly as we could estimate about three thousand souls, among which were at least one hundred and thirty negroes who appeared to be the property of the Citizens of the United States, and as this Embarkation was made since We presented our Memorial, and as it were in the face of it, We submit it to your Excellency, whether it is necessary for us further to Remonstrate to Sir Guy Carleton against his permitting Slaves the property of American Subjects to leave this place and could Wish to receive your Excellency’s Directions on that subject.  We have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servts

                     Egbt Benson
                     Danl Parker

                Enclosure

                        New York June 9th 1783

                     The Undersigned Commissioners, in behalf of the United States of America, do Represent to your Excellency, that on Friday last the Board composed of the Commissioners appointed by your Excellency and of the undersigned, examined into the Claim of Mr Philip Lott to a negro named Thomas Francis, now on board a Vissel called the Fair American in this Harbour and about to be carried off to the Island of Jamaica; that on such examination it appeared to the Board, that Mr Lott purchased the aforementioned negro from Mr Elihu Spencer of New Jersey, and that the said negro came within the British Lines the second day of November last, and was inlisted by Captain Thelwall in a corps distinguished by the name of the Jamaica Rangers.  Captain Thelwall produced to the Board a Certificate from the Commandant of this City that the said negro came within the British Lines under the sanction of the Proclamation respecting negroes.
                     The Undersigned therefore, in conforming to that part of their Commission whereby they are required, "to attend particularly to the due execution of that part of the seventh Article of the Provisional Treaty where it is agreed His Britannic Majesty shall withdraw his Armies &ca without causing any destruction or carrying away any negroes or other property of the American Inhabitants," do request of your Excellency, that the said Captain Thelwall may be prohibited from carrying away the said negro; and in conformity to that part of their Commission whereby they are required "to obtain the delivery of all negroes and other property of the Inhabitants of the United States in the Possession of the British Forces or any Subjects of or Adherents of his Brittanic Majesty," do further Request of your Excellency that the said negro may be delivered to Mr Lott.
                     The Undersigned do themselves the honor herewith to transmit to your Excellency a copy of an Act of the United States in Congress assembled of the 26th of May last, which has been transmitted to them by His Excellency General Washington with directions to pay strict attention to the injunctions of Congress contained in the said Act, and as the Undersigned are by their Commission injoined to Represent to the Commander in Chief of the British Forces in this City every Infraction of the Articles of Peace, it therefore becomes their duty to remonstrate to your Excellency against your permitting any negroes, the property of the Citizens of these States to leave this City, and to insist on a discontinuance of that Measure.

                        Egbert Benson
                        Will. S. Smith
                        Danl Parker


Title: From David Humphreys to William Heath, 14 June 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters June 14th 1783

                  His Excellency the Commander in Chief having recd your Letter of the 13th inclosing the Arrangements of the reformed Regts & Corps in this Cantonment, directs me to acknowledge it, & to inform you that he fully approves of the alteration you have made, as well as of such others as you may judge proper & conducive to the good of service.  I have the honor to be With perfect respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     D. Humphrys A.D.C.


Title: From George Washington to Ralph Izard, 14 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Izard, Ralph

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters. 14th June 1783

                  I have transmitted to Governor Clinton the Letter of Mrs De Lancey, which you ‘was pleased to inclose to me.
                  The Acts complained of were committed at a Time when neither civil or military Government existed in that part of the Country.  & while Measures were concerting for their Re:establishment under American Laws & Polity—those enormities, being totally abhorrent to my Disposition, as soon as they were made known to me, I communicated to the Governor, who is equally disposed to preserve Peace & good Order.
                  The Chief Justice of the State, supported by a Regiment of Continental Troops, is now administering Justice in that County, since his Arrival there, I believe no Outrages like what Mrs De Lancey complains of have been experienced—and I hope e’er long, that good order & Regularity of Government may prevail in that distressed  County.I am &ca

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 14th June 1783

                  The enclosed paper relative to the Services & Claims of Capt. Goodale, was put into my Hand by Brigr Genl Putnam, with a Wish that it might be laid before Congress.
                  Something peculiar appears in Capt. Goodales Case; and his pretensions, being founded entirely on the Idea of Merit, I am desirous they may be represented in a favorable Light.  Should Congress, from a Consideration of his Services, compared with their established principles of promotion by Merit, think proper to grant Capt. Goodales request, I have no Objection to make.
                  I wish Congress would be pleased to take up the proposal made to you in my Letter of the 1st of April last; it would give much satisfaction to many Officers who are impatiently waiting a Decision.  It is now more than two Months since that Application was made by me: has it been submitted to Congress?  or am I to suppose that it is forgotten or neglected?
                  Should that proposal be complied with, it would include Capt. Goodale, and perhaps supercede the necessity of a particular Determination.  With great Regard & Esteem I have the Honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obedient and humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 14 June 1783
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Cantonment of New Windsor June 14th 1783

                  At the Inspection of the Canadian Regiment for the Month of May, I find One Lieutenant Colonel Promoted to the rank of Lt Colo. Commt, one Major to that of Lt Colo., And three Captains to that of Majors, which with Major Reid gives this Regiment four Majors.
                  These Gentlemen newly Promoted are plac’d in the Above Ranks without any proper Authority, and I Cannot think myself Justified in Mustering them as they are now Returned, Untill I have Your Excellency’s Permission for so doing.  I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & hbl. Servt

                     Walter Stewart Colo.
                     Inspr Northn Army


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Walter Stewart, 14 June 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Stewart, Walter

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 14th June 1783

                  His Excellency directs me to reply to your favor of this Day—and to mention that he knows no Authority under which Genl Hazen has acted in makg the late promotions you intimate nor has the Comr in Chief received any particular Instructions from Congress or the Secty at War respectg any promotions in his Regiment—the promotions you mention are therefore to be disregarded in the Musters, until Genl Hazen can satisfactorily explain this Conduct.  I am &c.

                     J. T——ll


Title: General Orders, 15 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Sunday June 15th 1783
                     Parole Brunswick—
                     Countersigns Princetown—Amboy.

                  For duty tomorrow Lt Col. Comdt Sprout
                  Adjutant from the 2d regt
                  For duty tomorrow the 2d Massachusetts regiment.
                  As soon as the furloughing of the officers and Men who retire from the field in consequence of the Resolution of Congress published in the orders of the 2d instant is compleated and the incorporation of those who continue in service has taken place, (in order to prevent irregularity and confusion) the furloughed officers Noncommissioned officers and soldiers are to be discontinued on the returns and Muster rolls, and their Settlemts made from the rolls by which they were last Mustered.
                  Regimental Returns are to be made to the Orderly office, as soon as the incorporation has taken place.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 15 June 1783
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Pokeepsie 15th June 1783.

                  I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday—I some Time since recommended to the particular Attention of the Courts of Justice: The Outrage said to have been committed by a Party headed by Mr Honeywell in the lower Part of West Chester County and I have not a Doubt but—proper Measures will be taken for the Punishment of the Offenders—I am happy at the same Time to inform your Excellency that by my last Account from the Chief Justice Peace and good Order seem to be more perfectly established in that Quarter than—considering the Situation out of which it has so lately emerged could have been    expected.
                  From Mrs DeLancey’s Letter she must have been much deceived in point of Information as I cannot suppose she meant to exagerate or agravate the Offence by confining on Mr Honeywell the Title of an Office to which he has no Pretensions.I thank your Excellency for the Transmition of Mr Barringtons Papers—He can most certainly be not of great consistency of Charecter. Fortunately it is such a one as will not lead me to transgress the Command by—coveting what belongs to my Neighbour—His most Excellency Majesty may keep his Printer—I only wish we were as safe with respect to our Slaves. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

                            Geo. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 15 June 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head Qrs Newburgh 15th June 1783.

                  The Letter to Lord Fairfax which accompanied your favor to me of the 22d of March, went into New York immediately upon its arrival at this place; & no doubt obtained a ready passage to England.  I should not have delayed so long to inform you of this, & (as you seemed to desire it of me) to have announced the Ratification of the Provisional & Preliminary Articles of Peace, had I not been sure that you did not doubt the first; & that the second would come Officially from the fountain head, before any letter from me could reach you. I now, only await the arrival of the Definitive Treaty to bid adieu to public life, & in retirement to seek that repose which a Mind always on the stretch, & embarrassed by a thousand difficulties in the course of Eight successive years stands much in need of.
                  Your direction to the Attorney General is, I think, very proper; and it is my opinion we should be governed wholly by his advice in the suit of Mrs Savage—whether she is Dead, or alive.
                  I have been informed (by Mr Lund Washington) that some person has petitioned, or is about to petition the Court of Londoun for an Acre of the Land I bought of you on Difficult, to Build a Mill on; but I hope no advantage will be permitted, by that Worshipful bench, to be taken of my absence, in this Affair—The losses I have already sustained by an Eight years absence from home, & the Total neglect of my private concerns, are already capitolly great—they need not be augmented by lessening the value of what is left me.  With the greatest esteem & regard I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 15 June 1783
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Saratoga 15th June 1783

                  I have the Honor to Transmitt your Excellency the Inclos’d Return of the Officers & men of the Rhode Island Regmt who Retire from Service on Furlough untill the Ratification of the Definitive Treaty of Peace Shall be announced by Congress—likewise those that Continue in the Field—having a Number of Sick I have thoughtt it Expedient to Continue the Surgeon so long as they may Require his attention—I shall be under Necessity to Leave a Subaltern officer with the Sick & Lame in the Hospittal at Albany, in order to Conduct them to the State, So Soon as they have Sufficiently Recovered—The last Detachment will march tomorrow. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s Very Obed. Hume Servt

                     Jereh Olney Lieut. Colo. Comt
                     R.I.R.