Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 30 September 1783
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                     dear general
                     philadelphia, 7br 30 1783

                  according to the demand of the Committee I have the honour to send to your excellency my ideas about the establishment of my department.  I wish I may be so happy as to meet with your own—I had a peculiar attention not to say any thing more than what is necessary—to take a determination upon the matter without defending to particulars which should have fuelled the memorial without any advantage in this moment.
                  I am sorry that I cannot give to your excellency the name of the gentlemen who might be disposed to Remain in this Country.  In the present unsectled state of the affairs their choice would be a blind one—those who are attached to the service in europe or who have  former hopes there should be unwise indeed to make any sacrifice—Congress must pronounce first and show what they intend to do.  then if the gentlemen see that they have here an honourable, solid employment, if the united states show themselves to be a great Respectable empire, or at least take proper measures for becoming so—I do not doubt that many of my department induced by inclination, and by the opportunity offered to them here of doing things more important and interesting than those they Could do in europe, would Remain with pleasure.
                  I take the liberty of Requesting again your Excellency in the most earnest manner to use his influence with Congress to have a Resolution upon this the soonest possible.
                  I beg for to be excused for the faults against the language which may be found in the memorial, but the gentlemen to whom I might apply to have them Corrected are not here.  I have the honor to be with great Respect your Exellency’s the most obedient humble servant

                     duportail

                Enclosure

                        philad. sept. 30th 1783

                     To answer the Confidence I am honored with, I will at once Say what I think best for the united States to do in that Respect.  It is to unite the Departement of the Artillery with that of the Engineers So that after the Union every Officer Should be without any Distinction an Artillery Officer and an Engineer.  There are many reasons for the operation which I propose; The following are the principal ones.
                     1st.  The preliminary Knowledge necessary for an Artillery Officer or an Engineer, as the different Branches of Mathematicks, the Natural philosophy &ca are the Same.
                     2ndly.  The very great Relation between the professions themselves.  The most important use of Cannon, that one which requires most Skill and Knowledge of the Art is for the Defence of fortifyed Places or the Attack of them.  When an Engineer combines the different Lines and Angles of a fortification between themselves and the Surrounding Ground to make that fortification of the most advantageous Defense; when to the Contrary he frames the Plan of the Attack of it, and lays out his Trenches and other Works, he has principally in view to prepare the use of the Artillery; facilitate its Effects and make them as great as possible.  So he must be perfectly acquainted with the Nature of that Arm, and have really on that Point all the Knowledge of the Artillery Officer.  It is true the Thing is not reciprocal and that the Artillery Officer, when he is not Engineer at the Same time, and is confined to the execution of his Cannon, does not want to have the Knowledge of the Engineer; But why not make him acquire it Since he has already all the Preliminary Knowledge and the practise of the Artillery; and So he wants only to add the Study of the Art of fortification.  Do we not See clearly that to do otherwise is to make two Professions of what ought to be the Object of one only.
                     3rdly.  The great OEconomy which results from that Union.  Wherever there is any fortification there is an Engineer to have the Charge of it, and there is an Artillery Officer for the Artillery.  But very often each of those Officers has not a Sufficient Employment in his Departement, and if the Departements were united one Officer could do the Duty of the two with the greatest ease.  I think one third of Officers might be Spared upon the whole without the least inconveniency for the Service.
                     4thly.  That great Relation which we Said to take Place between the two Professions of the Artillery Officers and the Engineers is the Cause of frequent Disputes and Dissentions amongst them because the Line of Separation cannot be drawn exactly, principally for the most delicate Circumstances in War, and the more Knowledge and Talent each Corps possesses, the more Difficulties arise between the individuals, because they have more pretensions.  So that reciprocal Envy and Enmity make the very qualities which Should be conducive to the Good of the Service turn against it.
                     For those Reasons and many less important the Departements of the Artillery and of the Engineers are united in some European States; and in those where they are not Plans for uniting them are proposed every Day.  In france that Union has been executed once; and if it did not last it was because the time was not proper (in the middle of the war), and the Operation was formed upon a bad Scheme.  Besides the private Interests of many Individuals principally of the first Officers were much hurted by it.  Add to this that as those Corps in france exist a long while ago, each of them has acquired a particular Spirit which makes it very adverse to such Union.  However every Officer of Experience almost, is persuaded of the advantage of it, and that it will take Place one Day or another.  But here, where there is not yet private interests or passions of the Corps to combat, the Congress must avail themselves of a happy Circumstance which may never return to make at once their Establishment upon the Plans that Experience Show to the old Peoples of Europe to be the best, although they cannot always follow their Notions.
                  Establishment of the Corps of Artillery and the EngineersI Suppose here, that, according to the Letter which his Excellency Genrl Washington has honored me with, the present Establishment must be calculated only for the Want of the Frontiers against the british for if the united States intended to have fortifyed Harbours, what I am going to propose Should be insufficient.
                  I propose two Regiments each to be composed of five Companies of Gunners, one of Bombardiers, one of Sapers & Miners, one of Artificers, each Company in time of peace (in time of war the number of privates may be doubled) Shall be composed of 3 Sergeants, 6 Corporals, 24 privates commanded by a first Captn a Second Captn one first Lt and one Second Lieutenant.
                  The Regiment Shall be commanded by one Colonel, one Lt Colonel, one Major, adding to this one pay master; adjutant, one Qr Mr two Surgeons, one Sergent Major, the Drum major, 6 Drums and fifes, which would make the whole of the Regiment altogether of 327 Men and the two Regiments of 654.
                  I propose four Officers in each Company because it is necessary to have Some to detach without Troops to different Places for the Erection or Care of fortifications sunderies &ca.  Thus one of the Captains or Lieutenants may be detached that makes 16 Officers for the two Regiments,  one of the field Officers, the Lt Col. or the Major may be detached also, So in all there will be eighteen which will be Sufficient for this Moment.
                  I propose to divide the whole extent of the frontiers in three Parts at the Head of which there should be an Officer of the Rank of Brigadier or Colonel to have the Direction of all what concerns the Artillery or the fortifications erected or to be erected and generally of all the Establishments relative to that Departement.
                  Above all there must be a Commandant, Director General of the Artillery and the fortifications of the united States.  To the Director General, the three Directors of the Districts mentioned shall be accountable for every thing, as the Colonels of the Regiments and every Person employed in that Departement.
                  Through him shall the Orders of Congress or of the Board of War be transmitted to the Corps.  Such an Office appears to me absolutely necessary, to have that important Branch of the Administration governed upon the Same plan and constant Principles.  Let us remember that a great many Things tend to break the Union between the american States,  all the Continental Establishments ought to be calculated to reinforce that Union.  Thus, if in this instance, there were, at the head of the Departement of the Artillery and fortifications many Officers independent one from another, great inconveniences might result from it.  These Officers would differ in Opinion and Soon be Jealous and enemys of one another; Some might acquire more influence with Congress than Some others.  So in the Establishment of fortifications, in the Distribution of the Means of Defense, each State might be treated, not according to what its Situation, its importance requires, but according to the Credit of the Officer who has the Direction of that Departement.
                  Some Persons will perhaps imagine that the three Directors of Districts proposed are not necessary, that, for the sake of OEconomy, the Colonels and the Lt Col. of the Regiments may be charged with the functions attributed to those Directors.  But if they observe, those functions Shall be to make under the Direction of the Director General, an exact Reconnoitre of all the frontiers, to Search for the most proper Places for the Forts and for all the Establishments relative to War, After that to plan those Establishments, preside over their Erection, They will confess probably, that the Directors of the Districts shall have enough to do without clogging them with the particular Command and Care of a Regiment, which they could never attend to.  But, as we have mentioned, a field Officer of each Regiment Shall be detached with the directors of the district to assist them and have under them the Command of the Captains and Subalternes employed in the Busyness above indicated.
                  I do not think it necessary here to expatiate myself upon Talents and Knowledge, which the Duty attributed to the Directors of the Districts requires of them, as well as of the Director General.  I take the Liberty to refer on that Head to the Memorial, wherein I endeavoured to Sketch what is to be done.  A Vauban (marshall of vauban is the greatest engineer France and europe had.  he lived under the Reign of louis the 14th—it is he who found the general plan of defense for the Kingdom and gave the situation and designs of almost all the foreign plans) should be necessary in this Moment to the united States and nobody unless he thinks himself as able a Man as the famous Marshall, can undertake, without the greatest Diffidence, that difficult Work.  And he who would undertake it, without any fear, proves that he has not the least Idea of it.AcademyThe necessity of an Academy, to be the Nursery of the Corps, is too Obvious to be insisted upon.  The Academy must be commanded (under the Director General) by a field Officer, assisted by a Captain.  It requires a Master of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, one of Chymistry, and one of drawing; as for Military Matters, it belongs to the Officers at the Head of the Academy to give those Kind of Instructions.  This is not the Place of enlarging upon this Subject.  The Students ought to spend three Years at least at the Academy.
                  According to the total number of Officers of the Corps, ten or twelve Students Should be Sufficient to keep the Corps compleat;  But as it is very advantageous to introduce in it, the Soonest possible, Men of Theory and Knowledge, I will propose here to leave in each Company the Place of Second Lieutenant vacant, to fill those Vacancies with the first Students which will receive their instruction at the Academy.  So the number of Students in this Moment, might be of twenty, and I do not doubt that it Shall remain Such afterwards, because if the Union of the States is durable, the Establishment proposed here shall be found certainly too Inconsiderable, and if I propose it So, it is only to fall in with the present Circumstances and Dispositions.
                  it is not improper perhaps to observe here that according to the Calculation I made the total establishment such as I propose it including the academy, the Rations and Cloathing will not Cost much more than two hundred thousand dollars only I lessen a little the pay of the soldier which is a Really too high.

                     duportail


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 September 1783
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Dr Sir
                      Sepr 30 1783

                  As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress.  You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful— and I have entire confidence that you will do me justice.
                  In a letter which I wrote to you several months ago I intimated that it might be in your power to contribute to the establishment of our Foederal union, upon a more solid basis—I have never since explained myself.  At the time I was in hopes Congress might have been induced to take a decisive ground—to inform their constituents of the imperfections of the present system and of the impossibility of conducting the public affairs with honor to themselves and advantage to the community with powers so disproportioned to their responsibility; and having done this in a full and forcible manner, to adjourn the moment the definitive treaty was ratified.  In retiring at the same juncture I wished you in a solemn manner to declare to the people your intended retreat from public concerns— your opinion of the present government and of the absolute necessity of a change.
                  Before I left Congress I dispaired the of the first and your circular letter to the states had anticipated the last.  I trust it will not be without effect though I am persuaded it would have had more combined with what I have mentioned.  At all events, without compliment Sir— It will do you honor with the sensible and well meaning; and ultimately it is to be hoped with the people at large—when the present epidemic phrenzy has subsided.  I am Dr Sr with sincere esteem Your obedient serv.

                     Alex. Hamilton

                     Mrs Hamilton presents her compliments to Mrs Washington.
                     I beg the favour of Your Excellency to forward the inclosed to General Greene.


Title: To George Washington from Hayenga, 30 September 1783
From: Hayenga
To: Washington, George

                  Gnädiger Herr! Curaçao d: 30î Sept: 1783.
                  Jetzo habe die Ehre Ir Excellenz meinen geringen Persohn den Nahmen nach, Bekandt zu machen;  mir, dasβSie es nicht mit gleichgültigen Augen werde ansehen. bEin liegenden brief habe ich von Ir hoch: v: Bricsen aus der stadt Aurich (im fürstenthum Ostfriesland)  erhalten, welche mir ersucht hat, selbiger an Ir Excellenz besorgern zu lassen.
                  Nach mich in dero gewogenheit unterthänig habe recommandirt; so habe die Ehre mich zu nennen Ir Excellenz unterthänigster Diener

                     Haijenga


Title: Receipt for Goods Used by Washington, 30 September 1783
From: Howe, Bezaleel
To:

                     Head Quarters Rocky Hill 30th of Septemr 1783

                  Receivd of Daniel Parker & Co. By the Hand of Mr Joseph Skelton five Hundred & forteen & 1/2 Lbs. of Beef; Eight Hundrd & Sixty three & 1/2 Lbs. of Bread thirty Eight & 3/4 Lbs. of Soap one Hundred and ten Lbs. of Candles for the Use of His Excellency General Washingtons Famely in the Present Month of Sepr.

                     Bezl Howe Comdt of
                     His Excellencys Guard


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, September 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                        September 1783

                  I begg you to accept of my grateful Acknowledgment for the kind concern you are pleased to express for my ill State of Health, My disorder has been extreamly painful & of long duration; but I flatter myself I am now recovering, tho’ very slowly—Mrs Clinton and my Family join in best Respects to you & Mrs Washington with Dear Sir your sincere and Affectionate Humble Servant

                     Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to David Howell, September 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Howell, David

                            September 1783

                        General Washington presents his compliments to Mr Howell and requests the favor of his company at dinner tomorrow 4 oclock. Monday.


Title: From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 1 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie

                            Sir,
                            Rocky Hill 1st Octr 1783

                        I have been honored with your favor of Yesterday—As you think the Petition of the Officers (dated the 16th of
                            June for Lands within a certain district therein described Northwest of the Ohio) has a different tendency to that which
                            you propose for your Legion—As your views—my ideas—and the Sentimts of Congress may all differ. and Moreover as it would
                            give me great pain to think that a previous declaration of my opinion restrained any application of yours which might
                            ultimately have met the approbation of Congress at a time when the Settlement of the Western Country is like to become the
                            subject of serious discussion—My advice to you is, to offer your proposal without delay to the consideration of
                            Congress—They will, I doubt not, be handed to the Committee to whom all these matters are referred; and consequently will
                            have all the attention given to them that the nature of the case merits. this, in my opinion, will be the most regular—the best—and speediest mode for you to obtain such a decision as will be final although it should not be altogether
                            satisfactory. I am Sir.


Title: From George Washington to Du Bois de l’ Amoligniere, 1 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Amoligniere, Du Bois de l’

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill State of New Jersey 1 Octr 1783

                        I have had the honor to Receive your Letter of the 27 July and the Discourse which accompanied it and I beg
                            you Sir to accept my thanks as well for this mark of your attention as for the pleasure I have Received from the
                            perusal of your performance.
                        The interest you take in the future happiness of this Republic—claims the gratitude of every American—and I
                            am persuaded that all, to whom your discourse shall be communicated, will join me in that esteem with which I have the
                            honor to be.


Title: From George Washington to Charles François Guéniot, 1 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Guéniot, Charles François

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill State of N. Jersey 1 Octr 1783

                        A few days since I had the honor to recieve your Letter of the 19th April last, with the Ode which
                            accompanied it.
                        The glorious Acts of Louis XVI is a theme so agreable to every true American—that you will easily conceive
                            the pleasure I received from the perusal of your Elegant little Ode on that subject.
                        I beg you, Sir, to be persuaded, how sensible I am of this mark of your Regard, and of the esteem with which
                            I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Westpoint 1 October 1783

                        I am unable to express the sense I have of your kindness, in the instance of your writing to General Lincoln,
                            on the 6th of last June respecting an extra allowance from the Publick, as head of the ordnance, and during the time I
                            have been in the command of these posts. Your letter to him, was so full, and complete, that I did not think another word,
                            would have been necessary to have obtained the compensation requested. I am really astonished that it has not answered the
                            end and totally ignorant of the reasons. To obtain some information, and if possible, a favorable resolve, is the sole
                            reason of Major Shaws journey. He will make the necessary enquiries, and inform your Excellency of the present state
                            & the application. I have such an opinion of the honor of Congress, that they only want full information to render
                            equal justice to all their servants.
                        If the request should not have been presented to Congress, in a manner tending to ensure success or should
                            not have been presented at all, perhaps it is well to drop the claim for an extra allowance as Matter
                            of ordnance and prefer the one for the time I have been in command at this place. It is upon this principle I have taken
                            the liberty to address a publick letter to your Excellency, submitting entirely to the propriety of bringing it before
                            Congress in its new form with such observations as you should please to add in a favor, or to persevere in the first
                            application.
                        I hope it cannot be thought an unreasonable solicitation, to be placed upon the same footing with my
                            predecessors, as an equality of rewards for the same services is but common justice. General McDougall by a Special
                            application in Augt 80 obtained compensation for the time he previously commanded here, and afterwards in consequence
                                of a resolve of Congress, Generals Heath, McDougall, and  Patterson
                            obtained the same.
                        I have experienced too many instances of your favorable regards, not to rely with confidence upon your
                            interest in an affair, upon which you have so fully given your opinion.
                        As Major Shaw is going abroad, a certificate of his services, under your Excellencys hand might be of the
                            greatest utility to him. I should say everything in his favor—But your Excellency knows him.
                        Mrs Knox joins me, in presenting our respectful compliments to Mrs Washington, and our ardent wishes for the
                            perfect reestablishment of her health. I am my dear sir with the greatest attachment, Your most obedient Servant

                            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 2 October 1783
From: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            princeton octo. 2d 1783

                        I have this morning presented a petition to the hble the Congress requesting them to grant to the legion
                            lands on the Northwest side of ohio agreeable & in a proportion to what they have promissed to their army in
                            général a Committee of three has been appointed on that affair but doctor willamson who is one of
                            them having told me that it could not be taken in to Consideration before some days I shall return this evening to
                            philadelphia & come back next week.
                        permit me to repeat here that when the affair is brought before your Excellency my addition or reduction
                            alteration you shall advise will in my own mind be a New merit in the undertaking and inforce my Confidence in its succés.
                        Capt. Second de pontiere with one or two more Gentlemen having been promoted by brevet the day before
                            yesterday, I have wrote to the ministre at war requesting him to obtain promotions for two Captains & three
                            lieutnants of the legion who are in the same circumstances than those promoted thursday last—and as they are all seignor
                            officers in their several ranks in the legion—it will cause neither jealousy or disorder-- le chevalier de fontevieux
                            recommended to your Exellency by the princess de deux ponts is one of them—and as his case is precisely the same with that
                            of the others, I have thought it would be indiscreet in me to trouble your Excellency in making a particular application
                            on his subject to you.
                        I take the liberty to mention here after the name of those gentlemen.
                        Captain le Brun
                        Capt. de bert
                        lnt swartz
                        lnt verdieu
                        lnt de fontevieux
                        I have the honor to be with the highest respt Sir your Exellency’s most obdt hbl. svt

                            armand Mqs de la Rouerie


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 2 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 2 Octr 1783

                        I do myself the honor to transmit your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have received from Colonel Kosciusko
                            on the subject of his promotion.
                        The general promotion now before Congress, should it take place, would have included him—but this does not
                            seem to be his wish—as a Foreigner I suppose a particular promotion would be more consonant to his views and interest—and
                            from my knowledge of his Merit and services, and the concurrent testimony of all who know him I cannot but recommend him
                            as deserving the favor of Congress. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient humle
                            servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 October 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Westpoint 2d October 1783

                        By some bad arrangement of the post, which has been detained two days upon the road, I did not receive your
                            excellencys dispatches of the 23, and 25 ultimo untill last night.
                        I will attend to your directions to discharge the invalids and those whose times of service will
                                shortly expire. If 3000 men or any number near it, should be absolutely necessary for a
                            considerable part, or the whole of the Winter, it would be proper to make some immediate arrangements to procure wood, and
                            to render them comfortable in Barracks. Upon this point I, request your Excellencys directions as soon as possible. The
                            redoubts, barracks, and the huts occupied by Colonel Swifts regiment last winter, and one regiment to hut anew would
                            probably accomodate the whole.
                        The british unreasonably protract the evacuation of New York. They appear to be ready to
                            go or stay as shall best answer their views. Major Bauman who was in New York a few days ago was informed by Mr D. Parker
                            that they would not get away untill December If his conjecture should be right, they will hardly go at that time. Your
                            Excellency is probably possessed of such information as to enable you to decide with precision upon their intentions.
                        The wishes of the engineers here been sounded previous to your Excellencys letter. Lt Colonel Villefranche,
                            Major Rochfontaine, and Major L’Enfant would be well pleased to continue in the American service. They wish however to
                            retain their rank in the french army and to go to france this winter. I will endever to find out the inclinations of the
                            others. I am my Dear General with the greatest respect Your Most Obedient Servant

                            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 2 October 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Philadelphia 2 octr 1783

                        I beg Leave to enclose you a Letter just now received from the Viscount De Noailles—I learn from my Steward
                            that there are some Boxes of Claret in my Cellar belonging to you—These were (as I thought) long since sent forward as I
                            had spoken to the Qr Master Genl on the Subject. At present they shall if you please be sent to Princeton or they shall
                            wait your order here. I am my dear Sir with real Esteem your most obedt & humble Servant

                            Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 2 October 1783
From: Newton, Thomas, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Virginia Norfolk Octr 2d 1783

                        I Received your Excys favor inclosing Miss Janet Dalgleishs letter & have wrote her as near as I can
                            the situation of her Brothers affairs here. Dotr Campbell the Exr lives in Bermuda he has made no
                            return of his proceedings nor has their been an audit of the Estate that no thing can be done without his rendering an
                            acct. I have inform’d by letter that if she can send me proper papers, I will do all in my power to have her justice done.
                            Your Excys letter gave me great pleasure & I hope the Confidence you have placed in me by recommending me may gave
                            those interested every satisfaction, and I also hope to render you an Acct of my former proceedings that may prove
                            satisfactory the whole has lain still during the war and I think good but the great sufferings of some of those indebted
                            will I am afraid make it a long time in Collecting. my best indevers shall not be wanting to finish the
                            whole as soon as possible. I am Yr Excy Most Obt Servt

                            Thos Newton Jr


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 2 October 1783
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia  Octr 2d 1783

                        I have drawn up the inclosed with a design of presenting it to the Committee to whom a letter of mine to
                            Congress was referred, and who have delivered in a report, as mentioned in my former letter to your Excellency. I have not
                            read the Narrative over since I wrote it. A Man’s Judgment in his own behalf, situated as I am, is very likely to be
                            wrong, and between the apprehensions of saying too little, or too much, he probably errs in both.
                        What I can best say in favor of it, is, that it is true, and contains matters which I wish Congress to know,
                            and tho’ there is an awkwardness in the information coming from me, yet, as it cannot come from any body else, I feel an
                            excuse to myself in doing it. I have shewn it to no person whatever, nor mentioned it to any one except Mr R. Morris
                            who advised the measure, and for that reason wished it to be done without his knowing any thing further of it. Therefore
                            as it is yet in Embryo, should there be any thing in it that might be thought improper I shall be much obliged to you to
                            point it out to me.
                        The Case, as it appears to me turns thus. If Congress and the Country are disposed to make me any
                            acknowledgments, it is right and necessary  they should know what the narrative mentions and if not, it will serve to
                            exculpate me, in the opinion of future Congresses, from the implied demerit which the neglect of former ones serve to lay
                            me under, and these are the points I chiefly had in view in drawing it up. Mr Clarke and Mr Peters, who are of the
                            Committee, were earnest with me to communicate myself to them freely and had proposed my meeting them on the Monday on
                            which the Alarm of the soldiers happened at Philadelphia. This of Consequence prevented it, and I then proposed doing it
                            in writing, and, therefore as I am under the obligation of presenting something to the Committee, from whom it will
                            probably come before Congress, my wish to your Excellency is that you would give me your Confidential opinion whether I
                            am acting in or out of Character in what I have drawn up for that purpose.
                        My Land-lord where I lodged at Philadelphia having removed from the house, occasioned my coming to Town to
                            pack up my things, after which I shall return to Borden Town, and hope, in a few days to have the happiness to see you
                            well at Rocky Hill. I am now at Col. Biddle’s-- General Greene is come to Annapolis, and I hope for the opportunity of
                            seeing him before I leave Town, as I understand from Col. Pettit that his health is on the recovery.
                        We have no news here. The definitive Treaty and Treaty of Commerce are long in compleating. 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 shew it. The British, I believe, would have had no Idea of superior advantages in a Treaty of
                            Commerce, had they not discovered, that the authority of Congress was not sufficient to control or prevent them.
                        Tho’ I am most exceedingly obliged to you for your good opinion and kind disposition towards me, yet I have
                            not a great deal of expectation from Congress. The Constant Coldness they have shewn in every thing which respects me,
                            does not, I am apt to think, arise from my not having done enough, but too much; Many of them, hitherto, were not friends
                            to fame in Individuals, and perhaps less so to me, because that which I gained, or rather, could not
                            avoid, tho’ a service to them, was in a line which bordered too nearly on their own. So far as this is a reason it
                            makes the Case the harder; yet I cannot help thinking there is some truth in it. I am, with every Wish for your Health and
                            Happiness your Excellency’s much obliged and obt Humble servant

                            Thomas Paine


Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 2 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

                            Dear Sir,
                            Rocky Hill Octr 2d 1783

                        The Chevr de la Luzerne, hearing me the other day enquire after Claret, informed me that he had a quantity of
                            it at Baltimore—more than he wanted—& would spare me some. I am, in consequence, to have two or three Hhds of this
                            Stock.
                        I requested him to direct his Corrispondent at that place, to commit them to your care, on the Supposition
                            that you are a Resident of Baltimore, and I have to beg your attention to them accordingly.
                        As you knew how liable Liquors are to be Adulterated by common Boatmen, or common Waggoners; and that it is
                            the quality only which constitutes the value, I perswade myself you will put this wine into the
                            charge of some person who will be responsible for the safe transportation of it. The Chevr assures me that it is old Wine,
                            and of the first quality. I hope to drink a Glass of it with you at Mount Vernon ’ere long; and for this, and other
                            Reasons, wish it may precede my arrival, at that place—accompany it if you please, with a line to Mr Lund Washington.
                        Why have you been so niggardly in communicating your change of condition to us? or to the world? By dint of
                            enquiries we have heard of your Marriage; but have scarcely got a confirmation of it yet. On the presumption however that it is so, I offer you my warmest
                            congratulation—& best wishes for the enjoyment of many happy years; in both which Mrs Washington joins me very
                            cordially.
                        She is on the eve of setting out for Virginia before the weather and Roads get bad. I shall follow as soon as
                            the Definitive Treaty arrives—or New York is Evacuated by our newly acquired friends. On the first there is little said—of
                            the latter a great deal, but scarcely the same thing by any two who come from there. The general opinion however is, that
                            they will be gone by the last of this Month.
                        Present Mrs Washington’s & my compliments to your Lady and Mrs Carroll, and be assured that with
                            great truth and Affection I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 3 October 1783
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York 3rd October 1783

                        I take this opportunity of informing your Excellency that I have ordered several Transports which sailed with
                            Refugees for Nova Scotia, to proceed immediately after performing that service to Penobscot to remove from thence the
                            Kings Troops and Stores. I have directed the Officer commanding that Post of conform strictly to the Articles of the
                            Provisional Treaty, and to notify to the Officer commanding the nearest American Post, or the nearest civil Magistrate,
                            the time he thinks he shall be able to remove from thence, in order that some person properly authorized may attend, to
                            whom he will deliver up the Fortifications, with such American Artillery as may be found therein.
                        I write also to His Excellency Governor Hancock, to give him the same information. I am Sir, Your Excellency’s
                            most obedient and most humble servant

                            Guy Carleton


Title: To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 3 October 1783
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            West Point 3d Octor 1783

                        The cold Season drawing near, admonishes Mrs Huntington of the Necessity of leaving her present
                            Habitation—she proposes, therefore, to move next Week to New York in order to take Passage by Water to Norwich—the State of
                            the Connecticut Line & my own affairs will, I expect, allow me to follow her soon after—we join in the most
                            respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington & your Excellency, and assure you that Time only will efface the
                            Impressions which your Friendships and Civilities have made on our Minds.
                        As a Soldier I cannot part with your Excellency without expressing the uninterrupted Satisfaction which I
                            have enjoyed under your Command, during an arduous War of Eight long years—that the Happiness of your future days may be
                            proportioned to the eminent Services which you have rendered your Country is the devout and fervent Wish of dear Sir, Your
                            sincere Friend & humble Servant

                            J. Huntington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 3 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                            Dear Sir
                            Rocky hill 3 October 1783

                        When the Men inlisted for the War were sent home on furlough, not being able to do without a small detachment
                            of Horse, a Serjeant, Corporal and Eight of Van Heers Dragoons were prevailed on to remain a Month or two
                            longer. They have been extremely faithfull and serviceable—but their detention being much longer than
                            was expected and not receiving any immediate recompense for their voluntary service they begin to be uneasy and without
                            something is done for them will certainly quit me—as I cannot possibly do without them whilst I remain here—I could wish
                            some little pay might be advanced them, say a couple of Months—the sum would be trifling—and would induce them to stay as
                            long as they shall be wanted. What gives them an additional claim to this is that they laid out the greatest part of their
                            three Months pay in Cloathing which they are now expending in public Service.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 3 October 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir—
                            New York Octr 3d 1783

                        The detachment made from the british Camp mentioned in my last to Your Excellency for the purpose of
                            suppressing certain riots and dis-orders near Huntington on Long Island, returned on the morning of the 29th Ulto, they
                            have taken up a Number of the most respectable Inhabitants of that part of the Country—who are charged with
                            robbery—confin’d in the Provost, and under tryal by General court martial, to which for near three weeks past they have
                            been daily paraded thro’ the streets in Irons.
                        The Attorney employ’d by the Prisoners complains to me of evident prejudice in the Court & has
                            promised to give me a detail of their Conduct & Copy of their Proceedings, which I shall communicate and Submit to
                            your Excellency’s perusal.
                        I am sorry to observe in many instances that their opinions in several cases appear strongly marked with
                            Party Prejudices—I am possessed of determinations on two seperate tho’ similar Cases where their Police or Court of
                            Justice, have given directly opposite opinions in the one case against a Gentleman they Stiled a Rebel
                            & the other in favour of one destinguished by the appellation of a Tory—these Cases if your Excellency thinks
                            necessary I will state and forward.
                        In the course of the last week thirty sail of large transport Ships were inspected and have sailed for Nova
                            Scotia, this is said to be the last embarkation of Refugees that is to take place on public account, the 17th Dragoons and
                            what remained of their New Corps composed a part of their stock; the 42d & 23d british Regt are under orders to
                            embark immediately—tho’ difficult to form an opinion of and acount for their Actions—I will risk this—that I think it very
                            probable they will be off by the 15th of Novr. I must further observe to your Excellency that tho’ the conversation of
                            their Men in power and the Numberless Proclamations Issued, founded on and consistant with the Preliminary Articles of
                            Peace, might lead us to expect every indulgence which those Articles would justify us in seeking for, still it strikes me,
                            as if they were only intended to give a favourable gloss to their proceedings in the Eyes of Europe.
                        For as far as their Conduct relates to the Citizens of America notwithstanding their Proclamations
                            &c. they in numberless Instances have run counter to the letter and seeming spirit of them, and particularly in
                            the removal of American Property cover’d by the 7th Article. the door for Imposition is widely opened
                            and they dash thro’ it without a Blush.
                        Mr Parker will be able to give your Excellency a full account of the situation of Matters here—I have the
                            Honor to be Your Excellency’s most obliged Humble servt

                            W.S. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 5 October 1783
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Highlands 5th October 1783.

                        It is with extreme Reluctance, I trouble your Excellency with the Subject of this Address: But I am
                            constrained to it, from a Sense of duty and Justice. I am Sole and surviving Executor, to two estates in the City of
                            Newyork, one of them has suffered by my not going in, to dispose of
                            an house, while Money was plenty, and before so many houses were sold belonging to Persons, who
                            intend leaving the State: And the Heirs are suffering, if not in distress for want of the
                            Money, which might arise from the Legacies left. I was deterred from availing myself of that favorable opportunity, to
                            make Sale of the house, in hopes, the British would long ere this have left the City, and to avoid setting a bad example. But their Stay has been lengthend
                            out, far beyond, my expectation. And it is not easy even now to fix,
                            on a near Period, when they will evacuate the City. I therefore beg your Excellencys permission, to go in to attend to
                            that Concern. I am with great Truth and Respect Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

                            Alexr M’Dougall


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 6 October 1783
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                            dear general
                            philad. 8br October 6th 1783

                        i beg that your Excellency be pleased to peruse the inclosed letter for Congress—it Contains the general
                            Reasons i have for that new measure. if your Excellency does not disapprove of it i shall be much
                            obliged to you to order it sealed up and sent to his address. i have the honour to be with the greatest Respect and
                            attachment your Excellency’s the most obedient humble servant

                            duportail


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hodgdon, 6 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Rocky Hill 6th Oct. 1783

                        Mrs Washington, accompanied by Doctr Craik, are on their way to Virginia—Business of mine will require their
                            stay in Philadelpa— perhaps a week—during this time they will rely upon you for the care & expence of keeping their
                            Horses while they are in the City; and I shall thank you for such other assistance as Mrs Washington may require & shall call upon you for. I
                            am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 6 October 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York 6th Octr 1783

                        The enclosed Letters came by the last Packett I forwarded to your Excellency in the begining of the last
                            Month several Letters which I took from the post office, I hope they met with a safe conveyance—By Capt. Pickering I on
                            the 22d Ulto I forwarded the Glass Your Excellency was pleased to lend me about the close of the last Campaign—nothing
                            material has taken place since Mr Parkers last departure except the arrival of 12 large Transports said to be part of a
                            fleet from the West Indies. I am Your Excellency’s Obedient servt

                            W.S. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 7 October 1783
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia Octo. 7. 1783

                        I wrote your Excellency by General Greene to which I beg leave to refer.
                        Permit me to introduce to you the Count de Wengierski a Polish nobleman who is makeing the tour of America
                            & wishes to pay his respects to you.
                        He was particularly recommended to me which induces me to take this Liberty. I have the honour to be Your
                            Excellencys Most Obedient & very hum. servt

                            Clement Biddle


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 7 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 7 October 1783

                        I do myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter I have received from Sir Guy
                            Carleton, informing me of his having ordered the evacuation of Penobscot. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir
                            Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 7 October 1783
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                Philadelphie le 7. 8bre 1783

                            Je prends la liberté de vous demander vos bontés pour Le Cte Wengiersky, Gentilhomme Polonois, qui voyage
                                uniquement pour son instruction. Le respect universel de ses Concitoyens pour votre Excellence et plus encore le desir
                                de connoitre l’homme qui a réuni par ses grandes qualités le suffrage de tous les Pays et de toutes les Nations,
                                l’engageront à rester quelques jours à Princeton. j’ose vous assurer qu’il se rendra digne des attentions que vous
                                voudrés bien lui marquer et je partagerai bien sincerement sa reconnoissance.
                            Vous connoissés les sentimens d’attachement et de respect que je vous ai voué et avec lesquels j’ai
                                l’honneur d’être de Votre Excellence Le très humble et trés obéissant serviteur

                                le Che. de la luzerne

                        Translation

                                Sir
                                Phila. 7 October 1783
                            I take the liberty to ask your civilities for Count Wengiersky a Polish Gentleman who travels merely for
                                his instruction The universal respect his fellow Citizens bear towards your Excelly and still more the desire of
                                becoming acquainted with the Man who has by his great qualities united the suffrages of all countries and Nations will
                                engage him to remain some time at Princeton—I dare assure your Excellency he will render himself worthy of any
                                attentions you may think proper to pay him and I shall sincerely partake in his acknowledgements.
                            You know the sentiments of respect and attachment I have always possessed & with which I have the
                                honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to Frederick Haldimand, 8 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Haldimand, Frederick

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill New Jersey 8th October 1783

                        I do myself the honor to transmit to your Excellency, a Letter from Mr John Campbell, together with a
                            Schedule of sundry papers which he alledges were taken from him when made Prisoner and deliverd to Major De Peyster at
                            Detroit, and were never returned.
                        I can have no doubt, but that your Excellency will on receipt of this Letter, cause every measure to be taken
                            which may be most likely to restore to Mr Campbell the property thus taken, and which, tho so important to him, cannot
                            benefit any other individual. I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


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

                            Dear sir
                            Rocky Hill 8th October 1783

                        Captain Shaw has handed me your Letter of the 2d instant.
                        I have been impatiently waiting the determination of Congress to ascertain what number of Troops are actually
                            to be kept up in the Garrison of West-point during the Winter but I do not see any probability of their coming to a speedy
                            decision; on the contrary, the Members with whom I have conversed seem unwilling to lessen the present force whilst the
                            British remain in the Country and when they will quit it is a matter of uncertainty.
                        I shall therefore by this conveyance send orders to Colonel Pickering to extend his provision for the Winter
                            to the number of 2500 or three thousand Men.
                        Captain Shaw is gone to Philadelphia—by his return I shall Reply to your other Letters. With great Regard I
                            am Dear sir Your Most Obedt humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


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

                            Dear Sir,
                            Rocky hill 8th Octor 1783

                        Count Wengiersky, a Polish Gentleman travelling the Continent for his amusement, will have the pleasure to
                            deliver you this; he comes recommended to me by the Marquis de la Fayette and by the Minister of France and as he proposes
                            to take West-point in his tour I take the liberty to Request your civilities to him during his stay there.
                        Mr Vernon, an English Gentleman lately from Europe travels with the Count and will I know equally participate
                            in your attention. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 October 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            West point 8th October 1783

                        I have just received your Excellencys favor of the 28th ult., requesting a return of clothing, which will be
                            actually wanted supposing the troops necessary during the Winter. And of the 26th ultimo, containing the resolves of
                            Congress, thanking general Howe, and the detachment under his orders, which, with your Excellencys sentiments, will be
                            published this day. The return shall be forwarded as soon as possible.
                        I enclose the Weekly return of the troops, and a statement of the periods for which the men in this quarter,
                            are engaged to serve. By this, and supposing that the numbers of the first massachusetts regiment, are similar to the
                            other regiments of that line, it will appear that more than 1500 men will be discharged, previously to the first of next
                            April.
                        I imagine that your Excellency may be in possession of a similar return, but it is possible, it may not be at
                            hand and it is necessary to enable you to judge whether the services of these men, through the Winter, will probably
                                to any degree, be adequate to the expences of detaining them especially as they must be clothed, in
                            order to encounter the severities of the season.
                        I propose setting to work, as soon as the Quarter master General, shall be able to make the
                            necessary arrangements of places for that purpose, a party of five or six hundred
                            men, to obtain wood for the Garrison, which may be here, the ensuing Winter. These men to be of the
                            number whose times first expire, and to receive the discharges as soon as the task assigned shall be
                            finished which will be probably before the 10th of next month. I flatter myself that this will be
                            consistent with the intention of your letter of the 25th ultimo.
                        A board of inspection have been sitting in order to discharge all the infirm men, but they
                            have not yet made their report.
                        Before I received your Excellencys favor I have requested a return of clothing in store, which I have just
                            received, and enclose a copy of it. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys obedient Servant

                            H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 8th October 1783

                        When I last wrote you on the subject of providing for the Garrison of West Point I mentioned 500 Men as the
                            number which Congress would probably think proper to keep in that Garrison during the Winter—I have been long waiting
                            their determination on this subject but so far from coming to any such decision, the Members with whom I have conversed
                            seem unwilling to lessen the force now existing until the British shall finally evacuate the Country—this being the case
                            and the season being now so far advanced it would be imprudent to delay any necessary preparations, I am therefore to
                            desire that the provision for the Winter may extend to the number of twenty five hundred or three thousand Men or at least
                            that it may be in train. I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 8th Octobr 1783

                        The dayly expectation of one of the two events which I designed should put an end to my Public Services has
                            nothing more to fix it to a period now, than there was several Months ago, and, as to carry my Papers home by Land (for I
                            never could think of trusting them on the Ocean or Bay) was the only inducement for requiring Waggons to be retained for
                            this service, I have, to avoid further expence on this account (as I think no great inconvenience can result from the
                            seperation from my Papers at this time) come to a resolution of sending them off the latter end of this Week or the
                            beginning of next Week—for my House in Virginia—being more particularly induced thereto by the present low condition of
                            the Waggon Horses and approaching Season for bad Roads.
                        I mention this circumstance to you, that you may consider whether it will not be better to dispose of both
                            Waggons and Horses at Alexandria, after the service is performed, than to March them back again—the latter will not only
                            add considerably to the expence of the Trip, but will be a means of reducing Horses (already unfit for the Journey) so low
                            as to be altogether unsaleable.
                        ’Till the Waggons are loaded I cannot say how many it may take to transport my Papers; but as they are very
                            bulky, it is probable that not less than four or five will do—In all there are Six at this place—I wish to know your
                            determination upon the expediency of selling the Waggons and Teams which go on, and what is to be done with the remainder
                            (if any there should be) when I leave this place. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 8 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                            Dear Sir
                            Rocky hill 8th Octob. 1783

                        I take the liberty to introduce to the pleasure of your acquaintance, Count Wengiersky, a Polish Gentleman
                            who is visiting the Continent for his amusement.
                        This Gentleman comes recommended to me by the Marquis de lafayette and by the Minister of France, and
                            proposing to visit Albany in a short time, I have to solicit your attention and civilities to him whilst there.
                        Mr Vernon, an English Gentleman lately arrived, accompanies the Count in this tour and will I dare say share
                            in the Civilities shewn him. With very great regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Howe, 9 October 1783
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 9th Octr 1783

                        I was honour’d with your Excellency’s favour of the 26th Septr on the 6th Instant late at
                            night I feel the greatest happiness that my conduct has met the approbation of Congress and am very much obliged to your
                            Excellency for the polite manner in which you have favour’d me with the Resolves of that Honble Body. I am Dear Sir with
                            Every Sentimant of Respect and Regard your Excellency’s most obt hum. Servt

                            Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Jedidiah Peck, 9 October 1783
From: Peck, Jedidiah
To: Washington, George

                            Honored Sr
                            Dated on Prinston this 9th Day of Octr 1783

                        I beg you would Excuse my boldness in troubleing your Exelency with the folowing Naretive.
                        The Obligation I am under to do my Self and Constituants justice preseth upon me the Nesesety of Calling for
                            your Exelency’s assistance in my Affairs.
                        As I must be Something Particular in my Naretive So that your Exelency may have a Right understanding of the
                            affair I beg your Exelency’s Patience if I Should be Somthing Lengthy.
                        The Matter Standeth thus in the forepart of the year 1777 Capt. Anthony Post of New-york State had Orders to Ingage
                            a Company of Artillery Artificers (under the directions of the Honorable Briga. Genell Knox) for one year at 20 Dollars pr
                            Month which he Accordingly did when their times were out in the fore part of the year 1778 he had orders to Ingage them
                            again for two years at 30 Dollars pr Month but they declined to Ingage (all Except his Lieut. and about 4 or 5 privets) he
                            Sent into the State of Connecticut and Ingaged a Number of Artificers for the afore Sd time and 3 or 4 in the State of Newyork. We served our respective times out at which time our Company was Disbanded and no more Orders for ingageing again
                            and had Received only Nominal pay for about two thurds of the time we Served. our Capt. upon our
                            Discharge told us he would Settle our Accounts as Soone as Possable but after wateing Some time and Could not obtain any
                            Pay from the Continent he Petitioned to Newyork State upon that the Assembly of Newyork made a Resolution in faver of
                            them that belongs to that State and had served 3 years upon which the Capt. Lieut. and those Privets who had Served 3
                            years were Settled with for their Depreciation at the Rate of 20 Dollars pr Month. as before
                            Mentioned those who Served 2 years had no more advantages than those who Served 3 years Neither of us had one farthing
                            bounty or any other Rewards but only the Nominal pay in old Money for the time above mentioned. those
                            who Served 2 years haveing their Accounts Still unsettled untill Peace had taken place upon which we found the Continental
                            Accounts Settleing fast thought it highly Nesesery to Serch for a Settlement of our accounts upon which I was appointed an
                            Agent to Settle the Same and Repaired to the Capt. who gave me Propper Certificate to Settle with the Pay Master
                                Genll. upon application to him he made serch and found there was no Resolve of Congress in faver
                            of us for the makeing up of our Depreciation So that he Could not allow us No more than the arears of Old money which was
                            So Inconsiderable that he Directed me to Majr Genell Knox upon application to the Genell he Sd the
                            Arears of old money were not worth Looking after and that he was highly Sencable of the Justice of our being allowed our
                            Depreciation and that if I undertook Petitioning Congress he would Recommend the Matter by writeing on the Subject to
                            Genell Lincoln the Secretery at war which he accordingly did upon my arival here and application made to the Secretery he
                            made Report to Congress in faver of our Depreciation being made up and my affairs Layed before Congress.
                        I have beene from home about ten weeks Six of which I have beene wateing on Congress for their Definetive
                            answer to my affairs but Cannot as yet Obtain any which Long Procrastination of my affairs hath Reduced me to a Sad State
                            of Poverty. The absolute Nesesety of my being at home at this Season of the year with my family that I may Make Provition
                            for them on the one hand and the obligations I am under to my Constituents to Settle this affair before I Return on the
                            other are like two Great Powers in Conteriety Drawing me Each way which Reduce’s me to the Greatest Anxiety and Sorrow and
                            if it is not Soone Settled I Shall be Reduced to the Nesesety of Leaving it unsettled after So Long time and So much money
                            Spent which will give my Self and Constituents Exceeding great Sorrow as we are but Poor Mecanicks and poorly able to bear
                            the Expences. Kind Sr it Doth Appear Exceeding hard to me that poor men as we are who have Adventured
                            into the Service of their Country and Endured the Sumer’s heat and Winter’s froast (as I did that Extreeme hard Cold winter
                            on West-Point) and Served faithfully the time they Stipelated for Should be So perplexed to Obtain only a Settlement of
                            their Acounts.
                        Honorable Sr I Look upon your Exelency to be (under the hand of kind Providence) our Countries Great temporal
                            Benefactor and those under your Exelency’s Command to be Assistant there to and as we Composed a part of
                            the Army and were Assistant in bringing about the Grand Object for which we Contended.
                        I would for my Self and Constituents humbly Intreet your Excelency’s Interposition in our Affairs that your
                            Exelency would use your Great Influence with Congress to do your Servants Justice on this Occation that my affairs may be
                            Soone Settled and I Return to my famely and Constituents in Peace. So I Conclude with wishing all
                            Wisdom Grace Peace & health may Rest on your Excelency throu the Remainder of your Days while I Subscribe my Self
                            your Exelency’s Verry much Afflicted Humble Servant

                            Jedidiah Peck Agent
                            for Capt. Posts Comy Artificers


Title: From George Washington to Francis Moore, 10 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Moore, Francis

                            Sir,
                            Princeton 10th Oct. 1783

                        Your favor of the 25th Ulto came to me by thursday’s Post.
                        It meets my thanks, for the obliging expressions with which the information respecting the deceased Mrs
                            Savage is conveyed.
                        I think you judged very properly in not sending the original Will of that Lady—whose death with the
                            circumstances attending it, is much to be regretted—She certainly merited very different treatment from her husband—Doctr
                            Savage.
                        If the Will is not lengthy, you would do me a favor by transmitting me a Copy of it—the Original you will be
                            so good as to retain in your hands, or deliver it to Mrs Washington as she passes through Baltimore on her way to
                            Virginia. I am Sir Yr most obt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 10 October 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Office of Finance 10th Octr 1783

                        I have received your favor of the third Instant and am very much disposed to go into the measure you mention
                            but for evident Reasons I cannot do it. You my dear Sir undoubtedly may and as the Paymaster is
                            bound to answer your Drafts the money can be by your order put into the Hands of one of your Aids or of your Secretary and
                            paid to these people as Compensation for voluntary extra Service without involving a Precedent as it would do in coming
                            directly from this Office. I am Sir with sincere Esteem your most obedient & humble Servant

                            Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 10th October 1783

                        I inclose you the Copy of a resolve of Congress passed the 26 Septr but which did not reach my hands untill
                            yesterday.
                        Should there be in your Department any more Officers than are necessary for the Troops remaining in service I
                            have to request you to grant them furloughs in compliance with the resolve. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Sivetau de Lepinay, 10 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lepinay, Sivetau de

                            Sir,
                            Rocky Hill 10th October 1783.

                        A few days since I had the honor to Receive your letter of the 8 Septr inclosing a Packet from Monsr Dr
                            Lamolissiere.
                        You will please, Sir, to accept my thanks for the trouble you have had. and to add to the favor by the
                            inclosed answer to that Gentlemans letter. I am Sir. Your very humble Servant

                            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

                            Sir
                            Rocky hill 10 Octob. 1783

                        I have to reply to your several Letters of the 20 September and 3 & 6 of this Month.
                        The Glass was safely delivered me by Captain Pinkney.
                        I am obliged to you for your information respecting the oppression of some of the Inhabitants of Long Island
                            by the British but as the offence is against the subjects of the State it belongs more properly to the Executive Authority
                            to take cognizance of it, and I wish you in all matters of this kind to give information to the Governor—that they may
                            take such notice of them as they think proper.
                        You mention your having forwarded to me the beginning of September several Letters from Europe.
                        I cannot recollect to have reced any European Letters from you whilst at Newburg and am confident that since
                            I arrived at this place (about the 20 Aug.) none such have come to my hands—the only Letters of yours in September are one
                            of the 1st one of the 5 and the one above mentioned of the 20th neither of which inclosed the Letters you mention.
                        I therefore wish you to recollect to whose care you committed them that the necessary enquiries may be made.
                            I am Dr Sir Your very Obed. Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Thompson, 10 October 1783
From: Thompson, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York 10th October 1783

                        When I had the Honor of seeing your Excellency at Princeton, you desired that I should make out an Account
                            for my Services in your Family to be laid before the Financier.
                        I came in to Your Excellency’s Service as Houskeeper in the Month of June 1776 with a zealous Heart to do the
                            best in my Power. Although my Abilities had not the strength of my Inclinations Your goodness was pleased to approve and
                            bear with me untill December 1781 when Age made it necessary for me to retire.
                        Your Bounty and goodness in that time bestowed upon me the Sum of £179.6.8 which makes it impossible for me
                            to render an Account; my Service was never equal to what your Benevolence has thus rated them.
                        And being now in my Eightieth Year, should I ever want, which I hope will not be the Case, I will look up to
                            Your Excellency for Assistance, where, I am sure I will not be disappointed. And that the Father of Mercies may pour on you
                            his Choicest Blessings, shall ever be the Prayer of Your Excellency’s Old Devoted Servant

                            Elizabeth Thompson


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

                            Dear Général
                            Orient October 11th 1783

                        I cannot see a vessel going to America without desiring to recall meself in your Excellency’s remembrance. I
                            shall forever be proud of the mani proofs of kindness, and Interest, your Excellency has honored me with, in the time, I
                            was so happy to serve under your Excellency’s Comands. The king has been So good to appoint me Major General and to keep
                            my regiment in the peace, establishment on the list of the Hungarian Regiment of horse. I expect with
                            the most sincere Impatience the Instance where my present duty will permit me to go pay my respects to your Excellency and
                            to Mrs Washington.
                        The Col. Thom: duplessis Mauduit now in my room desire my to present his most respectful compliments to your
                            Excellency.
                        Col. Dillon, Col. Sheldon, Col. Lomonie, Col. Hugan and the all officers in my Regiment
                            desire me to present theyr most respectful and warmest wishes to your Excellency and Mrs Washington. I have the honor to
                            be with the most respectful attachment and the most Sincere admiration Your most obedient humble Servant

                            D: Lauzun


Title: From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 12 October 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

                            My Dear Chevr
                            Princeton 12th October 1783

                        I have not had the honor of a line from you, since the 4th of march last, but I will ascribe my disappointment
                            to any cause, rather than to a decay of your friendship.
                        Having the appearance, & indeed the enjoyment of peace, without a final declaration of it; I, who am
                            only waiting for the ceremonials, or ’till the British forces shall have taken leave of New York, am placed in an awkward
                            and disagreeable situation, it being my axious desire to quit the walks of public life, & under the shadow of my
                            own vine, and my own Fig-tree, to seek those enjoyments, & that relaxation, which a mind that has been constantly
                            upon the stretch for more than eight years, stands so much in need of.
                        I have fixed this epoch to the arrival of the Definitive Treaty—or to the evacuation of my country by our
                            newly acquired friends. In the mean while at the request of Congress, I spend my time with them at this place, where they
                            came in consequence of the riots at Philadelphia, of which you have doubtless (for it is not a very recent transaction)
                            been fully apprised. They have lately determined to make choice of some convenient spot near the Falls of Delaware for
                            the permanent residence of the sovereign power of these United States; but where they will hold their Sessions ’till they
                            can be properly established at that place, is yet undecided.
                        I have lately made a tour through the Lakes George & Champlain as far as Crown point—then returning to
                            Schenectady, I proceeded up the Mohawk river to Fort Schuyler (formerly Fort Stanwix), crossed over to the Wood
                            Creek which empties into the Oneida Lake, & affords the water communication with Ontario. I then traversed the Country
                            to the head of the Eastern Branch of the Susquehanna & viewed the Lake Otsego, & the portage between that lake & the
                            Mohawk river at Canajohario—Prompted by these actual observations, I could not help taking a more contemplative &
                            extensive view of the vast inland navigation of these United States, fromMaps and the information of others; &
                            could not but be struck with the immense diffusion & importance of it; & with the goodness of that
                            providence which has dealt her favors to us with so profuse a hand. Would to God we may have wisdom enough to improve
                            them. I shall not rest contented ’till I have explored the Western Country, & traversed those lines (or great
                            part of them) which have given bounds to a New Empire. But when it may, if it ever shall happen, I dare not say, as my
                            first attention must be given to the deranged situation of my private concerns which are not a little injured by almost
                            nine years absence & total disregard of them. With every wish for your health & happiness—and with the most sincere
                            & affectionate regard, I am, My Dr Chevr Your most Obt Servt

                            G: Washington


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

                            My Dear Marqs
                            Princeton 12th Octor 1783

                        While I thought there was a probability of my letters finding you in France, I wrote frequently to you there;
                            and very long epistles too—My last was dated the 15th of June—between that, & the letter which must have been handed to
                            you by the Chevr Chartellux, I addressed three others, under the following dates—March 23d—April 5th—& May 10th—Subsequent to these I have been honored with your favor of the 19th of April dated at the seat of the Marqs de Castries;
                            & of three more in June, recommendatory of Doct: Bancroft, Monsr de Baune, and the Count Wengierski.
                        I should not have remain’d silent so long, had I not been in daily expectation of seeing you in this Country—The event My Dr Marqs which seems (by your last letters) to have been in some degree a let to this pleasure, will not I
                            apprehend, ever take place—The late Secretary of foreign Affairs (for at present there is none) with whom I have
                            conversed confidentially on the subject of your wishes, as they are expressed in your favor of the 4th of February,
                            thinks, high as you really stand in the good opinion of Congress, & however great their inclination is to comply with
                            your wishes, in almost every thing; yet, in such a case as that, it would be impracticable to
                            obtain it, & for that reason impolitic to attempt it—Lest he should not have communicated
                            these sentiments to you, motives of friendship have prompted me to do it without reserve—To
                            add after giving this information, how much it is my wish to see you in a country which owes so much to your important
                            services in the Cabinet, and in the Field; & how happy you would make your friends at Mount Vernon by considering that
                            place as your home—would only be to repeat, what I persuade myself, you have long ago been convinced of—Nevertheless, I
                            cannot forbear urging it.
                        With anxious expectations we have been upon the lookout, day after day these four months for the arrival of
                            the Definitive Treaty of peace—In equal expectation have we been the last two of the evacuation of New York by the
                            British forces—On the happening of either of these events, I have placed my retirement to the walks of private life, &
                            look forward to the epoch with heart-felt satisfaction—’Till I get home & have time to look into the situation of my
                            private concerns, which I already know are in a deranged state, & very much impaired; I can form no plan for my future life.
                        I have it in contemplation, however to make a tour thro’ all the Eastern States—thence into Canada—thence
                            up the St Lawrence, & thro’ the Lakes to Detroit—thence to lake Michigan by Land or water—thence thro’ the western
                            Country, by the river Illinois, to the river Mississippi, & down the same to New Orleans—thence thro’ the two Carolina’s
                            home—A great tour this, you will say—probably it may take place no where but in imagination, tho’ it is my wish to begin it in the latter end of April of next year; if it should be realized, there would
                            be nothing wanting to make it perfectly agreeable, but your Company.
                        Congress have fixed upon the falls of Delaware for the residence of the sovereign power of these United
                            States, and ’till a proper establishment can be made at it, & accomodations provided, they will hold their Sessions at*
                                .*no place yet agreed on. By their desire I shall remain with
                            them, ’till one of the events already mentioned takes place, & then shall bid a final adieu to public life.
                        I hope the Russians & Turks will accommodate their differences—I wish it from motives of universal
                            benevolence, which I should be glad to see as extensive as the great Globe itself. And I wish it also, because the flames
                            of War once kindled may draw in one power after another, ’till the regions most remote may feel the effects of it.
                        The Dutch Minister, after a passage of near 16 weeks, is just arrived at Philadelphia—Many foreigners are
                            already come over to that & other places; some in the Mercantile line—some to make a tour of the Continent—and some
                            (employed) no doubt to spy out the Land, & to make observations upon the temper and disposition of its Inhabitants—their Laws, policy &ca.
                        No peace establishment is yet agreed on by Congress—but the opposition which was given by the Eastern States,
                            to the half pay, or commutation of it for the officers, is begining to subside: it is to be hoped that everything will
                            soon go right, & that the people will get into a proper tone of thinking again.
                        Mrs Washington left me a few days ago for Virginia (before the weather & roads shou’d get bad)—Otherwise I
                            am sure she would unite most cordially with me in respectful compliments to Madame la Fayette, & congratulations on the
                            passage of my namesake, thro’ the small-pox—With every wish for your & her happiness, & with the most sincere
                            friendship I am, My Dr Marquis Your Affecte Servant

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 12 October 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York 12th Octr 1783

                        I have the honor of informing your Excellency, that I inspected yesterday morning, the following british
                            Regiments bound for Halifax Viz. 17th 33d 37th 42d 54th & 57th. The fleet sailed in the afternoon.
                        I am still of opinion that the evacuation will be compleat within the time mentioned in my last—I am Your
                            Excellency’s Most Obliged Servt

                            W.S. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 13 October 1783
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Borden Town Octr 13th 1783

                        I returned to this place last Saturday from Philadelphia, but not in a Condition of health fit to wait on you
                            at Rocky hill. I was taken with a severe attack of the fever last Wednesday while at Col. Biddle’s, accompanied, as is
                            usual in the complaint, with extreme pains in the back. But as the fever has been but of short duration with those who
                            caught it late in the season, I am in hopes that a few days will terminate mine, as I feel less of it this morning, than
                            at any time since I was first taken, and I shall be very happy when I find myself well enough to wait on you. I am, Your
                            Excellency’s Obliged & Obt Humble servant

                            Thomas Paine


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 October 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Octr 13. 1783

                        I was last evening honoured with your two letters of the 8th. Measures were taking to supply the great
                            article of wood, to the amount of five hundred cords, in addition to the quantity first proposed; in consequence of a late
                            letter from your Excellency to general Knox; from which it was thought not improbable that a larger garrison than five
                            hundred men must be provided for. Those measures will be executed to the extent general Knox deems necessary.
                        The propriety of selling at Alexandria the waggons and horses which carry your Excellency’s papers to Mount
                            Vernon cannot be doubted. I have already done the like in divers instances since the troops were furloughed. The inclosed
                            letter to Mr Roberts directs him to deliver the waggons & horses to Colo. Fitzgerald, to whom I will write by the
                            next post, & desire him to dispose of them.
                        I learn that one of the six teams is already disabled. What remains of it I wish to have delivered to Colo.
                            George Morgan at Princeton. I will write to him & request him to complete it with horses, if necessary for your
                            Excellency’s use while at Rocky Hill. With great respect I remain Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            Tim: Pickering Q. M. G.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 14 October 1783
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Poughkeepsie Octr 14th 1783

                        This is the first moment I have found myself able to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s obliging
                            Letter of the 11th Ulto and to express the grateful Sense I entertain of the concern which you are so kindly pleased to
                            express for my Recovery. The severity of my Disorder had so far abated as to enable me to leave my Room and attempt a
                            little moderate Exercise: But after two or three Days, it was succeeded by a slow Fever attended with a disagreable Cough
                            and depression of Spirits which came upon me every Afternoon and continued until Morning. It’s long continuance has
                            reduced me very low and my recovery is almost imperceptable so that I have little reason speedily to expect a return of my
                            usual Health.
                        I am sorry to learn that the Peace Establishment is so long delayed, though it is what I expected, nor do I
                            believe one will ever be agreed upon, that will give respectability to the Nation and Security to the Frontiers. Some
                            States appear now to be exceedingly Jealous of the Confederation and I observe even Towns are giving Instruction to their
                            Representatives to guard against any Infringement of it. It would become them to reflect that not long since when it
                            suited their Interest and their Humour, a violation of it in a very essential Instance was so far from being disagreable
                            that it was strongly advocated by those States who now appear the most scrupulous. I am fully persuaded unless the Powers
                            of the national Council are enlarged and that Body better supported, than it is at present, all their Measures will
                            discover such feebleness and want of Energy as will stain us with Disgrace and expose us to the worst of Evils.
                        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 tenth of next Month. As my Correspondence with Sir Guy, since your
                            Excellency left this quarter, has ceased. I am something apprehensive that he may not give me timely Notice, as he
                            promised to do in his first Letter, for the establishment of the Jurisdiction of the State over that District, on his
                            Departure; and Disorders will consequently take place before Measures can be taken by the State to prevent them It could
                                be wished therefore that the Troops on the Lines in Westchester County might
                            have Orders to move to the neighborhood of the City (the moment the British leave it) and if there should be no
                            impropriety in it, be subject to my Direction while they remain there; and I would be much obliged to your Excellency if
                            you will be pleased to inform me by Express (the Expence whereof the State will chearfully pay) of the first Advice you
                            may receive of the time proposed by Sir Guy for his Departure.
                        We were under much anxiety on hearing Mrs Washington’s Indisposition and were made extremely happy by your
                            Account of her Recovery. Mrs Clinton joins me in requesting you to accept and to tender Mrs Washington our most respectful
                            Compliments. I am with the highest Sentiments of Respect & Esteem. Dear Sir Your most Obedient Servt

                            Geo: Clinton

                            Your Excellency will be pleased to excuse this Scrolls not appearing in my own Hand—I
                                attempted to Copy it but found it too much for me.