Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                     Dear Sir
                     West Point Novr 15th 1783

                  The very favorable opinion you are pleased to entertain of my public conduct, and the kind expressions of personal friendship you have had the goodness to repeat in your Letter of the 15th Ulto could not fail to receive my warmest acknowledgments; had not the higher Motives of esteem & attachment already rivitted my affections to you.  Accipt my best thanks for the present testimony of your regard, which is made more acceptable by the happy occasion.
                  Actuated, as we are, by the same anxious concern for the interest, the dignity & happiness of our Country, I was extremely pleased with the patriotic Sentiments contained in your Excellencys Speech at the opening of the present session of your Legislature, as well as with the subsequent communication to them—Nor was I less satisfied with the happy effect of those sentiments in producing a compliance with the requisitions of Congress: a Measure strongly tending to revive the expiring reputation & credit of the Nation—Would to Heaven that the Legislatures of all the States might be inspired by a similar disposition to candour in discussion, & rectitude in decision, before it shall be too late!
                  Be persuaded, my dear Sir, that my wishes & prayers will ever be most ardent for the health & happiness of your Excellency, and for the prosperity of the Commonwealth over which you preside. With sentiments of unalterable respect & esteem I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 15 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

                     Dear Sir
                     Poukeepsie Novr 15th 1783

                  It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to inform you, that Sir Guy Carleton has announced to me his intention, to relinquish the Posts he holds on York Island, as far as McGowens pass inclusive, on the 21st inst., Herricks and Hampstead with all to the Eastward on Long Island on the same day, and if possible to give up the City, with Brooklyn on the day following; and Palus Hook, Denyces and Staten Island as soon after as practicable.
                  From this disposition I have great hopes (in case no accident should happen to retard them) that I shall have the pleasure to congratulate you on the full possession of this State by its Government, before the end of this month—with very great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  My best respects to all the good family at  Claremont.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 November 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy,McDougall, Alexander,Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     West point 15th November 1783.

                  The Officers of the part of the Army who agreed on the inclosed address, having committed to us the honor of presenting it.  With great pleasure we now offer to your Excellency this testimony of their affectionate attachment & respect.  We have the honor to be, with perfect consideration, sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servants,

                     Alexr McDougall M. General
                     H. Knox M. General
                     T. Pickering Qr Mr Genl


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 15 November 1783
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Phila. November 15 1783

                  My Friendship for you induces me to transmit a Pamphlet that is now in Circulation in this City, & probably, may not have come to your Hands.  I believe it meets with universal Approbation from all the disinterested sensible & considerate, as it is replete with good Sense & the Arguments are generally conclusive.  It is possible you may not have yet taken a decided Part, & indeed the Author supposes you have not, I wish you to peruse it while you have Leisure, with that Coolness & Deliberation so characteristic of yourself, & which has hitherto, been so beneficial to your Country.  Some say there is no Cincinnatus in existence; I think there is; & after having so largely contributed to erect the glorious Fabric of Liberty in this new World he will never, intentionally, aid or support any Scheme that may eventually sap & overturn it.  If I am deceived on this Occasion my Feelings will not be for myself.  Receive this Testimoney of my Friendship in the Spirit in which it is dictated.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 15 November 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Lebanon 15th Novemr 1783

                  It may be a matter of Curiosity to your Excellency to see the Address of Governor Trumbull to the Genl Assembly and Freemen of the State, declining any further Election to public Office.  As such I take the Liberty to enclose it to you, with the reply of the Legislature on the occasion.
                  To shew your Excellency the cautious Jealousy of our Legislature, which takes its tone from the people, & has arisen to a pitch of very extraordinary Excess, I enclose also a paragraph, which was reported by a Committee of the Genl Assembly as part of their reply; but which was rejected by the lower House of Assembly, lest, by adopting it, they should seem to convey to the people an Idea of their concurring with the political sentiments contained in this address— so excessively jealous is the spirit of this State at present, respecting the powers and the engagements of Congress: arising principally from their aversion to the half-pay &Commutation granted to the army.  principally I say arising from this Cause; because it is but too true that some few are wicked enough to hope that, by means of this clamor, they may be able to rid themselves of the whole public Debt; by introducing so much confusion & disorder into public Measures, as shall eventually produce, a general abolition of the whole.  lamentable as this Idea is, I fear the sentiment is but too growing a one: what from the interested motives of some, and the wicked designs of others, there is too much reason to apprehend its prevalence.But providence is wise—and that same divine Superintendence which has so remarkably watched over our Revolution, will, I trust still guard us from the machinations of wicked Men, and prevent the fatal Consequences of the ill-judged policy of interested and designing ones.
                  You will pardon me Sir! for troubling you with this gloomy Tale.  For myself, I have not lost my confidence in the final Issue of our political Establishment; and your Excellency’s firmness & resolution, I know to be superior to any desponding Ideas:  I give it to you, as the present Temper of the people only, which, tho’ for a time misled by the artfull, interested& contracted Views of the designing part of the Community, too many of whom, mounted upon the hobby horse of the Day, have rode into confidence, yet must take a turn soon, overcome by the superior good sense of the virtuous part of the public, some of whom already begin to perceive the Delusion.
                  Our Assembly, who did nothing in their last sessions, stand adjourned to January—the popular Clamor against Commutation, which alone prevented a compliance with the recommendations of Congress, is on the decline; and it is hoped that the next Assembly, following the Example of Massachusetts, will pass the Impost without restriction.
                  I expect this will reach your Excellency at your own seat— the long wished-for place of your retreat from public Cares & Business.  In this happy retirement, may you enjoy many pleasant Days & Years of unenvied felicity, partaking every domestic & social happiness that your exalted Virtues & Merits so justly intitled you to.  May I beg your Excellency to present my most respectful Compliments & Regards to Mrs Washington, for whose health & future happiness I feel a very particular desire.  With the most respectful attachment and sincere Regard, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Obliged humble Servant

                     Jonathan Trumbull, Junr

                     P.S.  I have in charge to convey to you the Governor’s very sincere Respects & Compliments— with his earnest Wishes for your future Health, prosperity, & every felicity.


Title: To George Washington from George Weedon, 15 November 1783
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Baltimore Novr 15th 1783

                  Your letter from Rocky hill of the 24th Ulto to the Senr Officer in Virga came under cover Addressed to me from Majr Walkers.
                  The Officers of the Virga line had a General Meeting at Fridericksburg the 1st of October, and I am Estonished Your Excellency has not Yet been informed of our Proceedings respecting the Order of Cincinnati as they were transmitted to Genl Gates for that Purpose.  I have the honor to inform Your Excellency however, that the line Unanimously Associated, and Approved the Original institution and Proceedings, Subscribing their Names, and such as was Authorised to give Draughts on the Paymaster so Others who were not intittled to draw, are allowed to Deposite one months pay in their Cirtificates.
                  Our State Officers ware as follows Viz. Genl Gates Prest—Genl Muhlenberg Vice Prest—Colo. Carrington Trear  Capt. Young Deputy Trear Colo. Fowler Secretary.  Myself, with four Field Officers have the honor to represent the line at the Genl Meeting in May Next, at any place Your Excellency may think proper to direct.  Our whole proceedings ware Ordered to be Published, on my return to Virga shall do myself the honor of transmitting You a Copy for Your Excellencies further infirmation.  I have the honor to be with much Esteem & respect Your Excellencies Most Obt Servt

                     G. Weedon


Title: To George Washington from Simeon DeWitt, 16 November 1783
From: DeWitt, Simeon
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Windsor November 16th 1783

                  Since the Army is now about being disbanded and as I suppose the public will stand no farther in need of my services and consequently include me among the number of those who are to recieve their final dismission, I therefore ask from Your Excellency as the last favor a Discharge, and beg the Acceptance of my sincerest acknowlegements for the honor I have had of serving under Your Excellency’s immediate direction.  All I regret is that the poverty of my Country and myself have not permitted me to make my office more extensively usefull.
                  Last summer I made application to Congress for permission to prepare the Maps in my possession for publication.  I pointed out, to a Committee appointed on the business, their usefulness; That tho’ no direct advantage would result to the public, every light that could be thrown on the transactions of the war was due, not only to that sollicitude which every individual has for the reputation of his Country, but more particularly to the merits of our principal Commanders, whose proceedings in all their particulars have hitherto been and will continue to be pryed into with the greatest eagerness by persons in every part of the globe—I represented that in every civilized nation, where circumstances prevented the progress of any Liberal Arts, it had been the business of Government to lend every encouragement—that in the present case the inundation of Catch-penny-Maps which upon the commencement of a Peace would probably be poured upon us from Europe, and which can be there executed with a facility that must discourage any attempts of the kind in this part of the world, would render such an undertaking too precarious for me to venture upon at my own risque—that all I desired was to be Assisted in going thro’ the business and indemnified in the end.  The remarks on the opposite side were that the state of our finances was in so low a condition that the strict Oeconomy they were obliged to observe forbid the application of money to any thing but the numerous necessities which urged their immediate relief—That this was not an affair which claimed a primary regard and therefore it was not very probable that Congress would second the proposals I made—When I was at Princeton the matter stood upon the same footing and I have not heard of it since.
                  Thus circumstanced I have resolved to put my papers in the best order the Materials I have will admit, and wait till I shall have a prospect of putting my design into execution without hazarding  capital which may come to be the case when we are furnished with European workmen or the Country is satiated with the productions which are now circulating, Unless Your Excellency pleases otherwise to direct.  I have the Honor to be Sir, Your Excellency’s much Obliged And most Obedient servant

                     S: DeWitt


Title: From George Washington to David Brooks, 17 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Brooks, David

                        By His Excellency &c.

                             17 November 1783

                  This Certifies that from the testimonial produced to me it appears that Mr Brooks entered the service of the United States in 1776 as Lieutenant in one of the Regiments raised by the State of Pennsylvania for the service of the Continent, and was made prisoner in Fort Washington when that Garrison surrendered to the British troops.
                  After his Exchange he accepted the post of assistant clothier General to the army, and continued in that Employ until the end of the War.
                  During the time that Mr Brooks served in the clothing Department he acted chiefly under my immediate orders, and his assiduity & attention to the duties of his Office was such as to gain my entire approbation.  Given &c. West Point 17 Nov. 1783.


Title: From George Washington to Simeon DeWitt, 17 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: DeWitt, Simeon

                     Sir
                     West point 17 Nov. 1783

                  I am favored with your Letter of yesterday.
                  The nature of your Office being such as that Congress may possably still have occasion for you, I cannot think myself at liberty to grant the Discharge you request—but circumstanced as you are, I would advise, that you make a final application to Congress to know if they are inclined to comply with your former application or if they have any further occasion for your Services. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servant

               Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 17 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     West Point Novr 17th 1783

                  I have received a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton dated the 12th inst. at N. York, of which the following is an extract.
                  "The preparations for withdrawing his Majesties Troops from this place are so far advanced, that, unless some untoward accident should intervene I hope it may be accomplished some days before the end of the Month; in all events, I propose to relinquish the Posts at King’s Bridge and as far as McGowan’s pass inclusive on this Island, on the 21st instant; to resign the possession of Herricks and Hempstead with all to the Eastward on Long Island on the same day; to give up this City with Brooklyn, if possible on the day following; and Paulus Hook, Denyces, and Staten Island, as soon after as may be practicable."
                  This intelligence I considered of So interesting a nature that I could not resist the pleasure of communicating it to Your Excellency; and of taking the opportunity to subscribe myself with the most perfect consideration & Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Sert

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., 17 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lawrence, Jonathan, Jr.

                     Sir
                     West–point 17th Novr 1783

                  It gives me real uneasiness when I am unable to afford any assistance in a case that seems evidently to bear very hard on an individual who merits well of the public.  In this predicament I now find my self with regard to the Situation you have described in your Letter of the 11 Instant for having already declined to interfere in a similar instance I could not comply, with the present application without the imputation of partiallity, did not the same reasons that operated then still prevail.
                  I will candidly inform you it was my opinion that an Officer totally disconnected with the service by resignation could not be entitled to any of the emoluments that might afterwards accrue in the course of it; and that a deviation from this rule would establish a precedent, to which no limit could be set: but if Congress should think otherwise I shall not be the less pleased in your availing yourself of the circumstance as I know the ill State of your health as well as your peculiar situation in other Respects carry a strong Recommendation with them.  with great Regard I am—Sir Your most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Pettingill, 17 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pettingill, Joseph

                     Sir
                     West point 17 Novr 1783

                  I have reced your Letter of the 14 Instant.
                  It is undoubtedly just that you should receive the same compensation that others have for the like services—but I cannot recollect that any extraordinary pay was ever allowed to Officers for the Services you mention—On the contrary it has generally been considered as an agreable duty, as it afforded the Officers employed in it, an opportunity to Remain with or near their families.


Title: From David Humphreys to Richard Varick, 17 November 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Varick, Richard

                     Dear Varick
                     West Point Novr 17 1783

                  It is the Commander in Chief’s earnest desire that you will, without failure, forward all his Papers, recorded and unrecorded, to New York before the first of Decr next.  I am with much esteem Dear Varick Your Most Obed. Servt

                     D. Humphrys

                     P.S.  I am recovering my health & strength slowly—I hope we shall see you in N. York where we may talk over matters & things at our leisure.

                     D.H.


Title: From George Washington to Louis Frondeville, 18 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Frondeville, Louis

                     Sir
                     West–point 18 Novr 1783

                  I had not the pleasure to Receive your Letter of the 15 May untill the 7th of this Month, and the same day I transmitted the Letter for Mr Lambert to the Consull General of France to deliver to that Gentleman who I understood was then in Philadelphia—but by the inclosed answer of Mr Marbois it seems Mr Lambert had already left this Country—the Letter is therefore inclosed.
                  It was unfortunate for Mr Lambert that he arrived at a time when all Military Operations were about to cease—had this not been the case I should have been happy in paying every attention to the Recommendations he brought—and rendering him every service in my power. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to George Morgan, 18 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, George

                     Sir:
                     West Point 18th Nov’r. 1783.

                  If the servant man (William) who I left at Rocky Hill to take care of his sick wife, is yet there, be so good as to give him a Pass. & order him to proceed to New York in the stage—He will find me there, or he may report himself to Colo. Smith if I should not.I am, Sir Yr most obed Servt

                     Go. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 18 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                     Sir
                     West Point Novr 18th 1783

                  I have the satisfaction to congratulate you on the near approach of the evacuation of New York, the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton will give you all the information I am possessed of on the subject.
                  Knowing, as I do, the embarrassed state of our Finances, I should at this time not have troubled you with the representation of the Officers now in service, had not a sense of their extreme distress overcome every other consideration—with an earnest recommendation of their circumstances, I submit the practicality of complying with the proposal but at the same time I must inform that, as soon as the event mentioned in the former part of the Letter shall have taken place, I shall reduce the force in this quarter very considerably, which will lessen the public expenditures on the same proportion, and I should hope would enable you to pay some attention to the enclosed representation.  I have the honor to be With great esteem Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 18 November 1783
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Poughkeepsie Novr 18th 1783.

                  Yesterday, on my Return from Goshen, I was honored with Your Excellencys Orders of the 6th, by Letter from Colo. Walker covering the Letters subsequent to those between the 1st & 23d Octr, (which I was informed were stolen out of the Post Office at Princeton) with Directions for their immediate Completion, And on this day I received further Orders of the 17th thro Colo. Humphrys, to send to New York all the papers recorded & unrecorded by the 1st of December.
                  I regret my Absence from this place when Your Excellency last honored it with a Visit, as it might be considered as a Dereliction of the Duties of my public Office, but believe that that Absence will prove the Cause of preserving the Records of the Letters in the regular Order of date, for I received yesterday, with a good Deal of Satisfaction, an Account from one of the Assist. Q. Masters at Newburgh, that the Packet of lost Letters was found in a Swamp, but that the Letters were too wet to come on by the Conveyance by which the Intelligence came.
                  In Consequence of Colo. Humphrys Letter of Yesterday, I shall Embark with the public papers & my own Baggage by the first Conveyance, which I am informed will probably be on Saturday the 22nd & repair to the City, as the place of my future Residence, where I expect to find Mr Taylor, to receive the lost papers and by a little Assistance from Mr Sickels, to complete Your Excellencys Business by the Beginning of December next, unless unforeseen Accidents shall take place to prevent it; In the mean Time while here I will prepare the fair Copies of Indexes as far as I can.
                  I think it a duty to Your Excellency as well as myself, to account for the Absence of the Writers from this place; And to inform You that as I had no further Employment for Mr Sickels, he was paid off & surrendered his Appointment into my Hands some Time in October & is gone to reside in the City.  And Mr Taylor having finished to the 1st October, being as far up as I was furnished with Papers, & expressing a Wish to go to New York on a Visit, which I could not nor indeed wished to prevent, as he and every other Writer, by express Stipulation, was only to be paid for actual Services & he promised to return soon & complete the whole Business: but I suppose the Report of your Excellency’s Misfortune in loosing the Papers by the Postmaster and the Curiosity & Wish so material to every Citizen of New York to see the British evacuate our Metropolis, have detained him from hence and will prevent his Return till that Period; and I have now taken Measures to prevent it till my Arrival there; or if now at Fish Kill, to ensure his Return to the City by the 24th.
                  As I have carried thro this Business thus far, in the full and Satisfactory Enjoyment of your Excellency’s Confidence, I hope to have the Honor, of compleating it to Approbation; After which I shall bid a happy Adieu to public Service & return to the pleasant, tho fatiguing, Amusement of a City Lawyer.  With every Sentiment of Gratitude & Affectn I have the Honor of subscribing myself Your Excellencys Obedt & Very Hble Servt

                     Richd Varick


Title: To George Washington from Michael Jackson, Sr., 19 November 1783
From: Jackson, Michael, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     W. Point Novr 19th 1783

                  The inclosed is a Memorial to Congress—I have only represented plain, simple facts; & beg your Excellency would use your influence, that I may receive some compensation for the pain (I have, & still undergo—Your former goodness to me induces me to trouble your Excellency with this.  I am Dear sir with the highest esteem your Excellencys most obedient humble servant

                     M. Jackson


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Elliot, 20 November 1783
From: Elliot, Andrew
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York 20th November 1783

                  Allow me before I leave this Country to make my Acknowledgements to Your Excellency for the very Polite Attention you was pleased to honor me with when at Tappan: and to assure you that it will give me real pleasure if Events should ever afford me an opportunity of evincing a grateful Remembrance.
                  Mrs Jauncey my Eldest Daughter chooses to remain in America; I shall leave her at New York: Should her Situation make any applications necessary, I have desired her to make them to Your Excellency; for this Presumption I am convinced an Appology is unnecessary, as the Exertions of Hum are ever pleasing to the Benevolent.  I am with great respect and regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

                     Andrew Elliot


Title: Proclamation, 20 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                      20th day of Novemr 1783

                  Whereas at the time when the troops who were engaged for the War were furloughed, the men inlisted to serve three years in the Legionary Corps commanded by Colo. Sheldon, were permitted to be absent from the army for a limited time; And whereas, from the circumstances which have since intervened, their further services may be dispensed with, without detriment to the Public.  In virtue of a resolution of Congress authorising me there unto, I do therefore direct & command that the said non-commissioned Officers, & private Soldiers enlisted to serve three years in the Legionary Corps commanded by Colo. Sheldon, shall be from the present day discharged, they are hereby discharged from all further service in the armies of the United States.  Given at West Point, this 20th day of Novemr 1783.

                     G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 20 November 1783
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      Novr 20th 1783

                  I have the Honor to Inform Your Excellency that this post will be intirely broken up by the 1st of December.
                  Those of the Invalids who were not intitled, or did not choose to go to West point, are discharged, those destined to that place amount with Seven Commisd Officers to thirty four.  These will be sent off with all the speed possible.
                  I shall this day agree with the directors of the State Hospital for the Entertainment of those unfortunates whose situations require it their number is greater than I expected amounting to Seventeen, but tho’ their disorders are at present such as to oblige them to be taken care of, yet with care & attendance the most of them will in a little time be dismissed.
                  Mr Morris has agreed to keep the Hospital up till the 1st of Decr so that they will remain there till that time—with great respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Obedt Humble servant

                     Steuben
                     Majr. Genl


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 22 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                     Sir
                     Harlem 22d Novr 1783

                  I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 19th inst. and for a reply to the propositions contained in it I must beg leave to refer you to His Excellency Govr Clinton who will inform you by this conveyance, that the Council instituted for the temporary government of the State, have acceded to your reservations in full confidence that the embarkation will be expedited as much as the circumstances will admit.
                  With regard to the information that a deliberate combination has been formed to plunder the City of New York, I have to observe that the intelligence appears to me not to be well founded; at least no intimations of the kind had ever before come to my knowledge; and I can assure Your Excellency, such arrangements have been made and will in my opinion not only utterly discountenance, but effectually prevent any outrage or disorder, unless the Evacuation should be delayed until a much larger number of People shall be collected from the Country than have been assembled as yet for the purpose of going into Town on its being relinquished by your Troops, in which case the difficulty of establishing Civil government & maintaining good order may be greatly encreased.
                  Lt Colo. Walker will have the honor to deliver this letter to your Excellency and to assure you of the respectful consideration with which I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Basher, 22 November 1783
From: Basher, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

                     Sir—
                     New York Novr 22d 1783

                  At a moment when the Arm of Tyranny is yielding up its fondest usurpations; we hope the Salutations of long suffering Exiles, but now happy freemen will not be deemed an unworthy tribute.
                  In this place and at this moment of exultation and triumph, while the ensigns of slavery still linger in our sight, we look up to you our deliverer with unusual transports of Gratitude and Joy.  Permit us to welcome you to this City, long torn from us, by the hard hand of oppression, but now by your Wisdom and energy under the guidance of Providence once more the seat of Peace and freedom.
                  We forbear to speak our gratitude or your praise, we should but echo the Voice of applauding Millions.
                  But the Citizens of New York are Emminently indebted to your Virtues.  And we who have now the honor to address Your Excellency, have been often companions of your sufferings, and Witnesses of your exertions.  Permit us therefore to approach your Excellency, with the dignity and sincerity of freemen, and to assure you that we shall preserve with our latest breath our gratitude for your services and Veneration for your Character.  Accept of our sincere and earnest wishes, that you may long enjoy that calm domestic felicity, which you have so generously sacrificed; that the cries of injured Liberty, may never more interrupt your repose; And that your happiness may be eaqual to your Virtues.  Signed at the request of the Meeting
                   Ephm Basher  Thos RandallGeo: JanewayDanl PhoenixJeremh WoolSam. BroomeFrancis Van DykThomas TuckerWm W. GilbertHenry KipWilliam Gilbert SenrAbm P. LottzPatk Dennis


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 23 November 1783
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 23d November 1783

                  I have the Honor to inform your Excellency, That Mr Thraxter, private Secretary to Mr Adams, arrived here last Evening from France with the Definitive Treaty of Peace; signed on the 3d of September.  This Treaty appears to be the same as the Preliminary Articles.
                  I beg Leave to congratulate your Excellency on this important Event and with the greatest Respect & Esteem Remain Your Excellency’s Obedient humble Servant

                     Thomas Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 24 November 1783
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York 24th November 1783

                  Agreeable to the notification given You in my Letter of the 22d instant, I purpose to withdraw from this place tomorrow at Noon, by which time I conclude your troops will be near the Barrier.  The Guards from the Redoubts & on the East River shall be first withdrawn, but an Officer will be sent out to give information to your advance Guard when the Troops move.
                  A Packet from England is this morning arrived.  I transmit a letter addressed to your Excellency which came enclosed in my Dispatches.  I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Guy Carleton


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 25 November 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philada Novr 25. 1783

                  The Bearer of this Letter is the Baron de Poellnitz a Gentn of Considerable Family and Fortune who proposes becoming a Citizen of America he desires from me a few Lines of Introduction to your Excellency—and as he appear to be a Gent. of Merit and Information I have Complied with his Wishes—and any Civilities which Your Excellency may be pleased to shew him will very much oblige Sir Your obed. hble servt

                     Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Ann Bingham, 26 November 1783
From: Bingham, Ann
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York Novembr 26th 1783

                  Captain Charles Bingham of the 105th Regimt Volrs of Ireland in the British Service, my Husband, being in Ireland last Winter, was requested by a respectable Personage there to avail himself of the honor of Conveying and presenting to your Excellency a curious Seal, of Singular devices, expressive of the Glory you acquired in the American contest.  Upon his, Capt. Bingham’s, arrival here he thought it his Duty to advise with Sir Guy Carleton concerning this deposit, who cooly intimated to him to use his own discretion as to the delivery of it.  Not meeting with a convenient opportunity of profiting by that honor before his departure for England where his business called him, he left it with me for your Excellency’s acceptance, with his highest Compliments.  I Shall with pleasure deliver it to Your Excellency’s orders directed to me No. 60 Kingstreet.  Capt. Bingham wou’d long ago have taken a Journey up the North River, to wait upon, and have the honor of Presenting the deposit to General Washington with his own hand, had it not been for Some Jealousies and discouragements he met with from some of his Brother Officers.  Inclosed is a Letter from the Presenter.  I am Proud of this opportunity of paying my Profound respects to Your Excellency

                     Ann Bingham


Title: From George Washington to Ephraim Basher, 22 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Basher, Ephraim

                     Gentlemen
                      26-27 November 1783

                  I thank You sincerely for your affectionate Address, and entreat You to be persuaded that Nothing could be more agreeable to me than Your polite Congratulations: Permit me, in turn, to felicitate You on the happy repossession of your City.
                  Great as your Joy must be on this pleasing Occasion, it can scarcely exceed that which I feel, at seeing You, Gentlemen, who from the noblest Motives have suffered a voluntary Exile of many Years, return again in Peace & Triumph to enjoy the Fruits of your virtuous Conduct.
                  The Fortitude and Perseverance which You and your suffering Brethren have exhibited in the Course of the War have not only endeared You to Your Countrymen, but will be remembered with Admiration and Applause to the latest Posterity.
                  May the Tranquility of your City be perpetual.  May the Ruins soon be repaired, Commerce flourish.  Science be fostered; And all the civil and social Virtues be cherished, in the same illustrious Manner, which formerly reflected so much Credit on the Inhabitants of New York.  In fine, may every Species of Felicity attend You Gentlemen & your worthy fellow Citizens

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pieter Johan van Berckel, 26 November 1783
From: van Berckel, Pieter Johan
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 26 Novr 1783

                  Receiving your favour of the 17th instant, with a copy of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton, giving notice of the intended evacuation of New York I find myself indispensably bound to return your Excellency my hearty thanks for the communication of this most important matter and at the same time to congratulate you with this happy event, which affords great pleasure to every one who wishes well to America, and especially to him who has the honour to Subscribe himself With perfect consideration and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble servant

                     P:J: Van Berckel


Title: To George Washington from Mary Harding Bristow, 27 November 1783
From: Bristow, Mary Harding
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Spring Garden, London 27th Novr 1783

                  The high Character I have heard of Your Excellency emboldens me to take the liberty of addressing a few lines to You, (tho’ I have not the honor of being personaly known to You) in behalf of my Son. The Coppy of a Memorial & Petition, address’d to the Governor, the Senate, and House of Delegates of the State of Virginia, which I have the honor to enclose to Your Excellency, from myself and the two Gentlemen who are joint Guardians with me: will convince You of the Justice of our Cause, & Claim.  You Sir, I am told, have Children of Your own; therefore can more easily immagine, than I describe what A Parent must feel, on seeing her only Son a Child of now but ten Years old! deprived of so large a property, which has been in his Family for so many Years! and his Father dyeing Seven Years ago, he will have three Sisters Fortunes to pay—which of Course, was left in proportion.
                  Your Excellency, from Your Noble Character, and Abilities! must have great Weight with the legislature!  let me intreat You, by all the ties of honor, justice & humanity! to support the Petition—Consider Sir, my Child’s tender Age made it impossible for him to do any act inimicable to the Country!  and the Laws of every State, (I have always understood) are form’d to protect, and not to prejudice Infant property.
                  May I hope You will not think me too presuming, if I request the honor of a line to let me know this has reach’d your hands.
                  I will not further intrude on your time. but beg leave to subscribe myself with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant

                     Mary Bristow


Title: To George Washington from Philip Nagel, 27 November 1783
From: Nagel, Philip
To: Washington, George

                     Kings County 27 November 1783

                  The Address of the freeholders and Inhabitants of Kings County on Nassau Island in the State of New York, who are Attached to the freedom & Independance of America.
                  With Hearts full of Duty and Acknowledgement to the Supreme Director of all Human Events and with the Most profound respect to your Excellency, We beg Leave to present you Our Sincere Congratulations on this glorious And ever Memorable Aera, of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America; Sanctified by the Definitive Treaty and the Evacuation of the City of New York, your Excellencys Entry into Which With his Excellency Governor Clinton was With that dignity Order, and regulation, as Will redound a Lasting Honor to your Excellency, be rever’d by foreign Powers and Certainly Obtain the Affection of many Whose Sentiments be Averse to that Liberty Which With the Divine Assistance Your Excellency has so happily Acquired for us.
                  It will Ever be Our Unfeign’d Prayers for your Health And Happiness, Whether you retire to the Private Paths of Peace, or hereafter May Be Called to move in the Busy Scenes of War in the defence of your Country. With Sincere Affection, Equal duty As respect; we humbly beg leave to Subscribe Ourselves; in behalf of the freeholders & Inhabitants aforesaid, your Excellencys Very Obedient & Very humble Servants

                     Philip Nagel
                     Jeremyas V.D. bilt
                     Cornelius WyckoffJohannes BergenBarrent Lefferts
                     Abraham Luque
                     John Titus
                     Abraham Voorheis
                     Elias Hubbard
                     R: Van Brunt
                     Stephen Van Voorheis
                     Adrian Van Brunt
                     Johannus Covenhoven


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Griffiths, 27 November 1783
From: Griffiths, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                     May it please your Excellency
                     New York Novr 27th 1783

                  While we participate in the lively Joy that appears diffused through all Ranks of People, we beg leave to approach your Excellency, to offer you our Congratulations upon your return to this City, and the happy Termination of a War, in which you have sustained a most conspicuous and glorious Part.
                  It were needless to recount, because the World already knows, the singular Virtues you have displayed in every Stage of a Contest, which on the part of America was unparrallel’d for Difficulties and Dangers—Nor is it for us to expatiate on that Disinterestedness and Patriotism, that Valor and Perseverance, that Coolness in Action and Wisdom in Council, which have filled all Europe with your Applauses, and so greatly contributed, to fix the Libertys of this Country upon the broad and permanent Basis of Independence.  A Subject so sacred and dignified, falls to the Province of History, and happy will that Historian be, who shall succeed in a Task, which even the ablest might tremble to undertake.
                  But it is not for publick virtues alone that your Excellency is distinguished, let the numerous Officers & Soldiers who have shared with you the Perils of the Field, and are now the Companions of your Glory again declare, as they often have declared, how embarrassed they were to determine, wither most to admire or love you; for, while on the one hand they were astonished at the military Talents and Virtues of their General, they were drawn to adore you, by the irresistible Attraction of such Politeness and Condescension, such Humanity and Sweetness of Disposition, as were never perhaps, before exhibited by any other Commander.
                  Your Excellency is now returning from your Labours, happily and gloriously accomplished, to the Shade of private Life—how Glorious a Situation!  when you consider that the Blessings and Applauses of all good men & Lovers of their Country follow you, and that your Services will be ever held in grateful Remembrance, by the virtuous Citizens of these States, and their Children’s Children after them.
                  Among those who are willing to pay their best Tributes of Regard to your Excellency, this Corporation wou’d wish to appear—they have therefore unanimously elected you one of their Members, hoping that this Institution, founded upon the most liberal and humane Principles, aptly coinciding with your Excellency’s benevolent Disposition, will meet with your Party Approbation.

                     By Order of the Society
                     Anthy Griffiths Secry


Title: From George Washington to Johann Daniel Gros, 27 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Gros, Johann Daniel

                     Gentlemen
                     New York 27th November 1783

                  The illustrious and happy event, on which you are pleased to congratulate and welcome me to this City, demands all our gratitude; while the favorable sentiments you have thought proper to express of my conduct, entitles you to my warmest acknowledgements.
                  Disposed, at every suitable opportunity, to acknowledge publicly our infinite obligations to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for rescuing our Country from the brink of destruction; I cannot fail at this time to ascribe all the honor of our late successes to the same glorious Being.  And if my humble exertions have been made in any degree subservient to the execution of the divine purposes, the contemplation of the benediction of Heaven on our righteous Cause, the approbation of my virtuous Countrymen; and the testimony of my own conscience, will be a sufficient reward, and augment my felicity beyond any thing which the world can bestow.
                  The establishment of Civil & Religious Liberty, was the motive which induced me to the Field, the object is attained, and it now remains to be my earnest wish and prayer that the Citizens of the United States would make a wise and virtuous use of the blessings placed before them; and that the reformed German Congregation in New York, may not only be conspicuous for their religious character but as exemplary in support of our inestimable acquisitions, as their Reverend Minister has been in the attainment of them.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 28 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                     My dear Marqs
                     City of New York Novr 28th 1783

                  Mr Platt, who will have the honor of presenting you with this Letter, and his Lady are going to England, and probably to France—Should the latter happen, I would beg leave to recommend them to your kind notice and civilities as respectable Citizens of this State.  With great truth I am, My dear Marqs, Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 28 November 1783
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 28th Novemr 1783

                  The Merchants of Philadelphia wishing to manifest their Respect for a Character which so justly possesses the grateful Esteem of the Citizens of America, flatter themselves with this Hope that Your Excellency will do them the Honor to accept an Invitation to a Dinner when you shall find it convenient to be in this City.  Having the Honor to be one of the Committee of Merchants, and being uninformed when Your Excellency may be expected, I presume, on the Strength of former Condescentions, to request such Information as may be proper on this Occasion respecting the probable Time of your Arriving in Philadelphia & your Continuance in it.
                  Your Excellency will be pleased to consider this as the private Request of an Individual who wishes to accomodate Marks of Respect to your Convenience as far as possible.  I have the Honor to be most respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                     Chas Pettit


Title: To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 29 November 1783
From: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia Nbre 29th 1783

                  agreable to your Commands of the 3d present delivered to me the 8th of the same month, I prepared to disband the legion—Capt. le bert paymaster who, since he had the honor to see your Exellency at princeton, had been continually busy with the commissioners of accounts to settle & close the final accounts of the non commissioned officers and privates went off the 11th when those accounts were ready, to west point in order to receive Certificats for the troops from the pay master general—the next day I set off for the legion & made there the Necessary preparations to disband that corps regularly & with as much Conveniency to individuals as circumstances permitted—the 21st capt. de bert arrived at york town—he delivered to the men the cloathing which was due to them & was in our store, he settled with them for their pay—delivered their certificats & the 25th early in the morning, the legion to the number of 340 paraded when I announced to them that by order of your Exellency the officers, non commissioned officers & privates were disbanded & no more subject to the articles of war—then their discharge were given to them.
                  it is impossible to me to express the scene of affection which immediately took place, the officers & soldiers shed tears, came around me, all expressed their sorrow to part from each other-- the men who had formerly been punished, asking at that moment that they were free, their officers to forgive them their faults  & the whole promising to joign me again if ever our services were wanted in this country.
                  few days before I had the pleasure to receive from the inhabitants of york town the address which I take the liberty to enclose here.
                  it gives me much pain not to have been able to disband the legion the 15th as you had ordered, because your Exellency not having perhaps a perfect knowledge of me might suppose that the war being at an end & myself near to quit the country, I give less importance to my punctuality in obeying your Command—if such were your thoughts, permit me to request here your Exellency to make in them that alteration which my heart full of respect & attachment for you do really deserve—though perhaps I may never be so happy as to bear again a commission under your command, I am too sensible of your superiority over men in general & your past kindness to me act with too much force on my feelings for me not to be submitted to you all my days & in all occasions whatever—I regret to have not fought & to not fight for a cause more personal to his Exellency general washington,happi indeed I would  be at the instant where sheding all my blood, my soul leaving this world would glorify with the honor of having served my heroe—but I am not so fortunate & allready to far in my career to change my profession.  I am perhaps doomed to serve a man not of my choice, however I will have the encouragement in my future life, that by a propriety in my Conduct I am assured to deserve & obtain your Esteem.
                  when your Exellency come to philadelphia I will have the honor to request certificats for some of the officers of the Legion who have served with credit & may draw a great advantage from their good conduct when attested by your Exellency.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect, sir, your Exellency’s the most obdt hble st

                     Armand Mqs De La Rouerie


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 29 November 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Paris November the 29th 1783

                  This Letter will be delivered by M. de Sailly Who is going over to America, and intends establishing forges of Which he is a Master—Upon His application for a letter to You, I the more Willingly have Granted it, as there May Be Proper Materials about Mount Vernon, and I know Your Excellency will be disposed to encourage M. de Sailly’s plans for the improvement of the Mines in Virginia.  With the most tender Sentiments of that Affection and Respect Which for ever devote me to My dear General I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant and Most loving friend

                     Lafayette

                     My best Respects wait Upon Mrs Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Griffiths, 29 November 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Griffiths, Anthony

                     Gentlemen
                     New York Novr 29 1783

                  I consider myself highly honored by the polite attention shewn me in your address, and the too partial manner in which you are pleased to express your sense of my public & private conduct—at the same time I have the pleasure to assure the Corporation that I am extremely happy in becoming a Member of their humane & excellent Institution.
                  To have conducted as a Nation with so much dignity & propriety thro’ the unparralleled difficulties & dangers of an arduous contest, to have accomplished our fondest wishes, and to have fixed the Liberties of this Country upon the broad and permanent Basis of Independence, will ever reflect the truest glory on the patriots of the present age, & afford the amplest field of description for the future Historian.
                  It would be a mark of great insensibility in me not to partake in the public Joy or not to derive an unusual degree of satisfaction from the approbation of good Men & Lovers of their Country—Believe me Gentlemen!  I shall return to private life impressed with the most pleasing sensations—A recollection of the happy scene to which I have lately been a Witness, will attend me in my solitary Walks, & chear me in the shade of retirement.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Michel-Guillaume St. Jean de Crèvecoeur, 30 November 1783
From: Crèvecoeur, Michel-Guillaume St. Jean de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York 30th November 1783

                  A Conversation I lately had with the Marquis de La Fayette, affords me a pleasing Subject to communicate to Your Excellency.
                  In the month of August last at Versailles, in a large Company, with the Marquis, which deprived him of the possibility of writing, he entrusted me with the following Message to Your Excellency.
                  "That he promised himself soon the pleasure of seeing his Dear General Washington, as well as a Country to which he was attached by the Ties of Gratitude and Affection and no less by the Ties of a Second Patriotism: that in his Hours of lonely Recollection, one of his most pleasing and interesting thoughts was that of soon again seeing those Friends with whom he had Shared the Fatigues of the Field, and with whom he hoped to partake the Supreme pleasure of Retirement after such arduous toils."
                  It is with particular pleasure I thus obey The Marquis’s Commands, and permit me to assure Your Excellency, that this Pleasure is much heightned, by the opportunity it affords me of having the honor to address myself to Your Excellency, and as an old Citizen of America as well as His Most Christian Majesty’s Consul for this State, to join in the general voice of congratulation and Tributes of Praise and Thanks due to Your Excellencys most exalted Character—I have the honor to be with the most profound Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

                            St John


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 1 December 1783
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Ceres, off Staten Island 1st Decemr 1783

                        If wind and weather permit, I hope we shall be able to embark the Remainder of His Majesty’s Troops from Long
                            Island and Staten Island, and take our final departure, on the 4th Instant. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and
                            most humble Servant,

                            Guy Carleton


Title: From George Washington to John Lillie, 1 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lillie, John

                             1 December 1783

                        Whereas Captain John Lillie hath behaved with great propriety during his military Service—I have therefore
                            thought proper to grant this Certificate, thereby making known that the said Capt. Lillee entered the Armies of the United
                            States as a second Lieut. of Artillery the 1st of May 1775, that he was appointed to a 1st Lieutcy in the year 1776, to a
                            Captain Lieutenancy in 1777, and that he was promoted to be a Captain in the Month of August 1780, he was also appointed
                            an Aid de Camp to Major Genl Knox on the 1st day of May 1782. In all which several stations & capacities I do
                            hereby further certify & make known that the aforesd Captain Lillie, hath conducted himself on all occasions with
                                dignity, bravery & intelligence. Given under my hand & Seal this 1st day of Decr
                            1783.


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Elliot, 1 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Elliot, Andrew

                            Sir
                            New York 1st Decem. 1783

                        Upon the receipt of your Letter respecting Mrs Jauncey I did myself the pleasure of waiting upon that Lady;
                            and beg you to be persuaded, that I shall be happy on occasions of rendering her any advice which may be in my power.
                        I am confident, Sir, it must give you great satisfaction to be informed that the most perfect regularity and
                            good order prevail in this City, and that every description of people find themselves under the protection of the Laws of
                            the State.
                        Wishing you a safe passage and an agreable sight of your friends. I remain with great regard Sir Your most
                            Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip Nagel, 1 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Nagel, Philip

                            Gentlemen
                            New York Decr 1st 1783

                        While you speak the language of my heart, in acknowledging the magnitude of our obligations to the Supreme
                            Director of all human events; suffer me to join you in celebration of the present glorious and ever memorable Æra, and to
                            return my best thanks for your kind expressions in my favour.
                        I cannot but rejoice sincerely that the national dignity & glory will be greatly encreased, in consequence
                            of the good order and regularity which have prevailed universally, since the City of New York has been repossessed by
                            us—This conduct exhibits to the world a noble instance of magnanimity and will doubtless convince any who from ignorance or
                            prejudice may have been of a different sentiment; that the Laws do govern, and that the Civil Magistrates are worthy of
                            the highest respect & confidence.
                        For my own part, Gentlemen, in whatever situation I shall be hereafter, my supplications will ever ascend to
                            Heaven, for the prosperity of my Country in general; and for the individual happiness of those who are attached to the
                            Freedom, and Independence of America.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 1 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            Gentn
                            New York 1st Decr 1783

                        Mr Platt who will have the honor of presenting you this letter, & his Lady are going to England,
                            & probably to France: Should the latter happen, I would beg leave to recommend them to your kind notice &
                            civilities, as respectable citizens of this place. I am, &ca

                            G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 December 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New—York Decr l. 1783.

                        As I may not have another opportunity, I beg leave now to present to your Excellency the following questions
                            & to be favoured with your answers or advice for my government.
                        l. Whether any batteaux, & if any what number must be provided for the frontier service; and at what
                            places, & by what time in the Spring, they must be ready?
                        2. For what number of troops, destined for the frontier service, provision of all other articles to be
                            furnished by my department, must be made?
                        I have to inform your Excellency that Mr Glen, with whom Mr Mix contacted for building batteaux, had made
                            such preparations before the counter orders arrived, that he insisted on completing fifteen, which was done. I have the
                            honour to be with the greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            T. Pickering
                            Q. M. G.


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 2 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                            Sir
                            New York 2nd Decr 1783

                        I have received your favor of yesterday’s date, announcing the time of your departure; and sincerely wish
                            that your Excellency, with the Troops under your Orders may have a safe and pleasant passage—I have the honor to be
                            &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 2 December 1783
From: Hull, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York 2d Decembr 1783.

                        I take the Liberty to enclose your Excellency an Account of my extra Expences while commanding in the County
                            of West Chester, and request a Warrant on the Pay Master General.
                        I am encouraged in this Application from an Assurance in your Excellencys Letter of the 8th of July that
                            whatever was "just and reasonable" should be done on the Subject.
                        Altho’ the enclosed Account is far short of the extra Expence, to which I was subjected by my Situation, yet I
                            shall be satisfied that the Residue be counterballanced by the Honor of the Command. I have the Honor to be your
                            Excellencys most obedt Servt

                            Wm Hull

                     Enclosure

                                 Decembr 2d 1783

                            United States to Lieut. Colo. Wm Hull Dr
                            To my Extra Expences while commanding in the County of West Chester from the 22d of June 1783 to the 21st
                                of Novr it being five Months at 24 Dollars ⅌ month—120 Dollars Errors excepted

                                Wm Hull


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Holmes, 2 December 1783
From: Holmes, Joshua
To: Washington, George

                             2 December 1783

                        We the Members of the Volunteer Associations and other Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Ireland lately arived in
                            this City; unable to resist the temptation of doing ourselves so great an honour, beg leave to present your Excellency
                            with our unfeigned and warmest Congratulations on the glorious termination of the late Cruel Unnatural and oppressive War,
                            in which you have so happily succeeded.
                        We view with admiration what the efforts of a Brave Determined and Virtuous People, under so great a
                            Commander is capable of producing—The Nations are become enlightened and the universal Liberty & security of the
                            Subject thro’ your means and exertions is rendered permanent and respectable—We want words expressive of our Gratitude
                            for the great benefits our long oppressed Country is indebted to you for, or our Veneration our affection for so great a
                            Character—We would have been happy cou’d we have been Soldiers under your Command, we have taken the first opportunity to
                            offer ourselves as Citizens & pray a participation of those Blessings you have so dearly won and effectually
                            established.
                        We trust great Sir, that fame has not injured our Country in your Excellency’s estimation; its natural
                            Hospitality was not with-held from such of our American Brethren as the chance of War sent amongst us. we were happy in
                            rendering them liberty, and every Comfort and convenience, but in this we barely did our Duty.
                        To be well in your Excellencys opinion is our utmost wish, being confident that to attain it our conduct must
                            be strictly consistent with honor and virtue.
                        May every Ease and happiness be the attendants of your Excellency’s own reflections of having acted right to
                            that awful, but we hope very distant period at which the World must say We have lost our Friend—Signed on behalf of and at
                            the request of the meeting at New York the 2d Day of December 1783.

                            Josh. Holmes Secry


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Holmes, 2 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Holmes, Joshua

                            To the Members of the volunteer Associations & other Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Ireland who have
                                lately arrived in the City of New York.
                            Gentlemen
                             2 December 1783

                        The testimony of your satisfaction at the glorious termination of the late contest, and your indulgent
                            opinion of my Agency in it, afford me singular pleasure & merit my warmest acknowledgments.
                        If the Example of the Americans successfully contending in the Cause of Freedom, can be of any use to other
                            Nations; we shall have an additional Motive for rejoycing at so prosperous an Event.
                        It was not an uninteresting consideration, to learn, that the Kingdom of Ireland, by bold & manly
                            conduct had obtained redress of many of its greivances—and it is much to be wished, that the blessings of equal Liberty
                            & unrestrained Commerce may yet prevail more extensively in the Mean time, you may be assured, Gentlemen, that the
                            Hospitality & Benificence of your Countrymen, to our Brethren who have been Prisoners of War, are neither unknown,
                            or unregarded.
                        The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent & respectable Stranger, but the
                            oppressed & persecuted of all Nations & Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our
                            rights & previleges, if by decency & propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 2 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

                            Dear Sir,
                            New York 2d Decr 1783

                        I have been favored with your letter of the 28th ulto. The honor which the Merchants of Philada—have in
                            contemplation to shew me; is very flattering, & deserving of my best acknowledgments. I expect to leave this place
                            on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning, and to be in Philada on Monday:but as there may be an intervention of
                            circumstances not altogether within my controul, I can not speak positively to the day—& have only given this
                            information in conformity to your wishes. I am, &ca

                            G: W——n


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            sir
                             Decr 3. 1783

                        I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency Copy of a Letter from Generals McDougall Clinton
                            & Cortlandt in favor of Majr Hamtramck.
                        My knowledge of that Officer is such, as makes the task of Recommendg him to the notice of the Government of
                            this State, extremely pleasing—being assured that if it shall be in their power to favor his views his conduct will always
                            justify any appointment that may be given him. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Theodosius Fowler, 3 December 1783
From: Fowler, Theodosius
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York 3d Decemr 1783

                        As I have made the art of wars my profession for these seven long years, which has giving me a very great
                            attachment for a military life, I therefore take this method, to address myself, to your Excellency and beg your
                            Excellencies, influence and recommendation to be appointed in the peace establishment when ever it shall take place. I have
                            the honor to be with greatest Esteem your Excellencies most Obt & very Humbe Sert

                            Theods Fowler


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir
                            New York 3 Decr 1783

                        The splendid display of Fire works last Evening was so highly satisfactory that I must Request you to present
                            to Captain Price under whose direction they were prepared, and to the Officers who assisted him, my thanks for the great
                            skill and attention shewn in the conduct of that business. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant.


Title: From George Washington to William Duke Moore, 3 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Moore, William Duke

                            Sir,
                             December 3d 1783

                        Mrs Bingham has done me the honor to deliver me your Letter of the 15 March with the Seal you have been so
                            polite as to present to me—and for which you will please to accept my thanks I could only wish the object had been more
                            worthy the great talents shewn in the invention and execution of the Seal. You will however believe that I feel my self
                            extremely flattered by this mark of attention and that I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Vandenburgh, 3 December 1783
From: Vandenburgh, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York Decmr 3 1783

                        I take this opportunity previous to your excellencies leaving town to anounce my attachment to the military
                            profession, which I have served in for upwards of seven years.
                        Should a peace establishment take place and your excellency could see proper to Use your influence in my
                            behalf—it should ever be acknowledge’d as a favour by your Excellencies most obedient and Very Hume Servant

                            H.V.D. Burgh


Title: From George Washington to Michel-Guillaume St. Jean de Crèvecoeur, 4 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Crèvecoeur, Michel-Guillaume St. Jean de

                            Sir
                            New York Decr 4th 1783

                        I recd with the greatest satisfaction the Message you had the goodness to bring me from my friend the Marquis
                            de la Fayette—Nothing could give me more pleasure than a sight of that amiable, disinterested, &
                            patriotic Young Nobleman.
                        While the polite mode of your communication merits my acknowledgments, I take a pleasure in congratulating
                            you on your appointment to be the Consul of His Most Christian Majesty for this State. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 4 December 1783
From: Fraunces, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York Decr 4th 83

                        I cannot but with heartfelt anxiety think of your leaving so soon your sincere friends, together with your
                            humblest of servants. However reluctant, we must acquiesce, since it is the resolution of one of the
                            first and best of men. Your extreme goodness and generosity will pardon any impropriety in this small
                            Address since the motive rises from the overflowings of a gratefull heart.
                        Let me intreat your Excellency to accept the sincere wishes of one who is proud to say he has been but too
                            much Honored—for which you have the constant prayers of a numerous
                                illegible which a sensibility and a thorough knoledge of your kindnesses
                            inspires.
                        And that all happiness in this life may attend you & your good family; and every thing the Blessed
                            expect from  and the sincere and daily prayers of Your Excellency’s intirely devoted Servant

                            Samuel Fraunces

                            N.B. I most earnestly beg your Excellency will order about the Carriage of a small piece of Shell Work
                                which I have lately compleated for Mrs Washington purposely—whose acceptance of it will confer the greatest Honor on
                                me—the feild is Hector and Andromache adorned with Shell Flowers the collection of a number of
                                years—I have but one more wish, that is at any time your Excellencys commands are laid on me, to think they will be
                                undertaken with the greatest pleasure & that I always shall be as I am at present—I dare hope your Excellency
                                sooner or later will not deprive my family & self the satisfaction of hearing of yr health.

                            S. Fraunces


Title: To George Washington from Frederick Haldimand, 4 December 1783
From: Haldimand, Frederick
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Quebec 4th Decr 1783

                        A few days ago I had the honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th October last Covering a Schedule of
                            Sundry Papers which a Mr Campbell represents to have been taken from Him when He was made Prisoner by a Party of Indians
                            upon the Ohio and requesting that they may be restored to Him.
                        I take the earliest occasion to forward to your Excellency that Gentlemans Papers, exactly in the state they
                            were transmitted to me by Lieut. Col. de Puyster, a draft upon the Treasury of Virginia excepted for which he made
                            application when in confinement at Chambly and which was conveyed to him through the Channel of the Commanding officer of
                            that Post. I am happy in this and I shall be So upon all occasions to testify, my ready compliance with every act that can
                            tend to obliterate the unhappy discord which has made us distinct People and to persevere in the exercise of that humanity
                            and moderation I have uniformly observed throughout the contest notwithstanding the unworthy representations which have
                            been circulated to the Contrary and in which I find Mr Campbell has bore a part; whose Conduct (it may not be improper to
                            acquaint your Excellency) from the moment he found himself out of the power of the Indians to that in which he embarked
                            for Exchange was as ungrateful & indecent, and ill Suited to the His Situation and the public Character he at
                            first denied but after wards assumed as it is possible to conceive. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most
                            obt. & most humble Serv’t

                             Fredk Haldemand


Title: To George Washington from Robert Howe, 4 December 1783
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            New York 4th December 1783

                        In the year 1781 when I went to the protection of the Stores at Tarry Town I marched off as your Excellency
                            well remembers at a moments warning the party who went under my Command moved off without Baggage or Provisions, as this
                            was the case the men were in want of support the more especially as the fatigue in getting the Stores on Shore &
                            up the hill was considerable—a little Rum upon such an occasion you know Sir has a very good effect, I therefore upon Mr
                            Sackets offer to supply that article, directed that the men should be served with a Ration of Rum a day while the Command
                            continued, which he with the greatest readiness issued upon my promising that the Commissary should replace it. He took a
                            certificate of the quantity & was to call upon me at Camp to receive it of the Commissary but our sudden movement
                            from the Plains made it necessary for Mr Sacket to take care of his Effects, and I was gone to Philadelphia before he came
                            up, he produced the Certificate to General Heath who for reasons best known to himself refused giving an order for it
                            until I came up, which I the more wonder at as the men had drawn no more than what they had a right to & what the
                            Soldiers in Camp were than actually drawing. when I returned from Philadelphia the new Contract had taken place, so that
                            an order from me was of no Effect.
                        Mr Sackets situation makes this matter triffleing as it is of importance to him, & he has requested me
                            to lay it before your Excellency whose influence he supposes can obtain him the money and in justice to him I must add
                            that he supplyed the Troops with provisions and other articles of which he made no charge, that he was very useful upon
                            that occasion & that if you Sir can serve him it will much oblige me. I am dear Sir, with the greatest respect Your
                            Excellency’s most Obt Servt

                            Robt Howe


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir
                             4 Decr 1783

                        The splendid display of fire works last Evening were so highly satisfactory that I must request you to present
                            to Cap. Price under whose direction they were prepared and to the Officers who assisted them, my thanks for the great
                            skill and attention shewn in the conduct of that business. I am Sir


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Dear Sir
                            New York Decr 4th 1783

                        Finding it essential to  public Interest that you should superintend the Posts
                            & Military affairs in this Department; untill some farther Arrangement or untill the pleasure of Congress shall be
                            known; I therefore to request that you  remain in Service untill  the
                            foregoing events shall  place—in the mean time  will be pleased to pay
                                part attention to the enclosed In respectg a reformation of the
                                Army. With great regard I am Dear Sir.


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My Dr Marqs
                            New York City 4th Decr 1783

                        Since I came to this place, which was evacuated by the British Forces, & taken possession of by our
                            Troops on the 25th ulto, I have made a purchase of so many pieces of the plated Ware, as to render it unnecessary for you
                            to comply with the request of my letter of the 30th of October from Princeton by Majr L’Enfant; & have to beg the
                            favor of you to take no steps in consequence thereof. With the greatest truth, & most unfeigned regard, I am, My Dr
                            Marqs Yr sincere friend & affecte Servt

                            G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 4 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles

                            Sir,
                            New York 4th Decr 1783

                        Having made a purchase of most of the Articles of plated ware contained in my last to the Marqs de la
                            Fayette, of wch you were the bearer, & was desired, if he was not in Paris, to open & comply with. I have
                            to request that nothing may be done in the matter by him or you, as it is unnecessary. I am Sir Your Most Obt Servt

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Galloway, 5 December 1783
From: Galloway, David
To: Washington, George

                            Fredericksburg Decemr 5. 1783

                        I have the Honor by Order of the Master, Wardens, and other Members of the Fredericksburg Lodge of Free and
                            accepted Masons, to inform you "that the Fraternity entertain the highest esteem and Brotherly Affection for your person,
                            that they put the greatest pleasure on your happy return to your native Country and beg leave to request the Honor of your
                            Excellency’s Company on Saturday the 27th Inst in Celebration of the Anniversay of St John—By Order of the Grand Master.

                            David Galloway Secy


Title: To George Washington from Baron de Perin, 5 December 1783
From: Perin, Baron de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Castle of Nan 5th December 1783

                        I have not the honor to be known to Your Excellency, but your great love of justice, makes me hope for every
                            thing from your goodness; wc. I here venture to claim to obtain a reimbursment of more than sixty thousand dollars from
                            the United States, due to me from the sale of sugars, the produce of my estate in St Domingoe, that were shipped in a
                            French vessel the jonathal, of Marseilles; wc. after a violent tempest, was obliged to put in, to New London, where she was
                            condemned, and the cargoe sold. It was paper money the Captain recieved; and by the order, or advice of Monsr de Valnay,
                            who was then French Consul, he put it into the treasury of Boston—I hope Sir, the Congress have too much justice, not to
                            form some arrangements for the liquidation of this paper; wc., in my particular case, is the property of my children—I am
                            ready to submit to any arrangements, they shall think proper on the matter, by way of liquidation—I have been too unhappy,
                            & too much punished, in being detained in France, by duty; so that I could not tender my poor services to
                            Congress, and act under the greatest Officer in Christendom—I beg your Excellency, who detests flattery, to pardon me the
                            truth I have dropped; & to suffer me in claiming his goodness & justice, to assure him
                            of the profound respect, with which I am His Hble & obnt servant

                            Le Baron de Perin
                            Coll Commant of infantry—
                            Chevalier of the Royal & Military order of St. Louis


Title: To George Washington from Minne Van Voorhees, 5 December 1783
From: Van Voorhees, Minne
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New Brunswick Decr 5th 1783

                        We are this day Informed that there was an Address presented to you by the Citizens of New Brunswick, we
                            thought as Soldiers who had Served Durg the War under the Command of Your Excellency, and had not as Yet become Settled
                            Citizens, Could Not Forbear to Congratulate Your Excellency On Your Arrival in this Place.
                        We Feel Ourselves Happy to think that After Your Excellency has Gone through the Fatigues of Such a Horrid
                            War, and Sacrificed so Much time for the Good of Your Countrymen, has the Pleasure at Last to see Our Enemies Obliged to
                            submit to Grant us our Wished for Independence, and Our Land Once More restored to Peace.
                        We Wish Your Excellency May have an Agreeable Journey to Your Native State and there rest Uninterrupted; and
                            that the Almighty may be Your Guardian and Protection While here, and when He Pleases to Call you from Hence, that You may
                            be Conducted into Everlasting Bliss. Signed On behalf of Our Fellow Soldiers

                            Tunis Voorhies
                            Minne Voorhies
                            Garret Voorhies
                            John Lyell Jnr


Title: To George Washington from Henry Babcock, 6 December 1783
From: Babcock, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellency

                            Head Quaters Little Rest Goal Decr 6. 1783

                        Permit me to congratulate you, upon the Independency of your Country, The Conspicuous part your Excellency
                            has acted, upon the Great American Drama in bringing about this important Revolution, will ever endear you to your
                            Country, & many Millions yet unborn, will rise up, and call you blessed. as the Father and protector of your
                            Country, of the rights of Humanity. In Opposition to the formidable attempts of a haughty Tyrant, who vainly attempted to
                            Subjugate the Americans.
                        That your Excellency both by your immortal Pen, & your Glittering Sword, taught the brave Americans:
                            when Liberty was the Prize; To oppose those Troops, that but a few Years before, carried Conquest in every
                            Quarter of the Globe. Commanded by the bravest Generals, that the Island of Great Britain cou’d Boast
                            of.
                        That your Excellency had address enough, to keep the Flame alive, Tho. frequently without Money; and often
                            without Provisions, when at sometimes it was just expiring; Your persevering—thro. this long & arduous Conflict,
                            wou’d not be believ’d in future Ages, were there not so many Living Testimonies to relate the Glorious Story, certify’d by
                            many illustrious Foreigners?
                        Congress, never did themselves more honour, than when they begged the loan of your Abilities, to make a proper
                            Peace Establishment. After you had won the Prize at War, and had Landed your Country Men upon the Broad Basis of
                            Independancey, upon which Basis; fair Liberty Smiles, Commerce, & the Polite Arts, with honest Industry, supported
                            by Religion, will erect such a Fabrick that Heaven itself will take pleasure in beholding?
                        Long may you live to enjoy the endearing—Sweets of Liberty, & peace, with Mrs Washington that honor
                            to her Sex, whose Joys will be redoubled by her Consciousness of being so intimately allied, to not only the greatest
                            Hero, of the Age, but the greatest Philosopher & Legislator of your Country.
                        The Glorious Institution of the Noble Order of Cincennati, does your Excellency great Honor; when I presume
                            to address, so great a Character, my Pen faulters hesitates, & Blunders, I wish for some American Homer, only to
                            do your exalted Character Justice; & no doubt Providence will raise up one, which will exceed the Monument so
                            well earned, that Congress have done themselves the Honor to be erected to your Memory; for when that has mouldered,
                            & worn out, the bright Pages of the Historian will be remembered; not only for the Sublimity & Sentimental
                            manner in which it will be wrote, but by the Magnitude of the Prize contended for, & so gloriously obtained, which
                            will endure as long as Gratitude, the noblest Sensation of the human Mind will be held in Estimation. I have the Honor to
                            be with every Sentiment of the highest Esteem; Your Excellency’s most Obedient, most oblig’d & most humble Servt

                            Henry Babcock

                            P.S. The reason of the Letter being dated at a Goal is, for not being able to pay my Debts, which Debts
                                have been made, in consequence of taking a small Part, in the defence of my Country, having Leased out my Estate to a
                                Tennant, who committed such—waste. with my Lands & Stock as hath disennabled me to make payment, together with
                                some Excentrical Exhibitions; But cou’d I be honor’d with a Medal of the Noble Order of Cincennati, it wou’d be more
                                esteem’d than Money, Tho. I now stand in the greatest need of it; For honor ever was Esteem’d by me, more than Cash, & there I believe I shall have your Excellencys approbation.

                            Henry Babcock


Title: From George Washington to John Neilson, 6 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Neilson, John

                            Gentlemen
                            New Brunswick Decr 6th 1783

                        I receive with perfect satisfaction the Address of the Citizens of New Brunswick, and acknowledge with great
                            sensibility that their sentiments of my character & services are favorable beyond my fondest expectations.
                        If any thing could add to my happiness, at the present auspicious period, it would be the testimony of esteem
                            & veneration which you, Gentlemen, have just exhibited towards those Worthy & deserving Men who have so
                            eminently contributed to the glorious termination of the War; and the protestation you have made of affording your
                            influence & example, in rendering full & ample compensation for their important services. Altho I now am
                            returning to a much wished for retirement, yet I cannot bid adieu to the Acquaintances & Connections I have formed
                            while acting in a public character without experiencing a certain pleasing melancholly sensation—pleasing because I leave
                            my Country in the full possession of Liberty & Independence; melancholly because I bid my friends a long, perhaps,
                            a last farewell.
                        You must permit me Gentlemen to return you my best thanks for your benevolent wishes, and to assure you that
                            the prosperity of the Citizens of New Brunswick will ever afford me the sincerest pleasure

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 6 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                            Gentlemen
                             Decr 6th 1783

                        I want Words to express the heart-felt pleasure I experence on receiving the congratulation & plaudit
                            of so respectable a Body, as the Legislature of the State of New Jersey—I cannot however suppress the effusions of my
                            gratitude for their flattering allusion to an event which hath immortalized & signalized the name of Trenton; for the delicate manner
                            of their recalling to mind none but grateful ideas; as well as for all their former assistance at the period of our
                            deepest distress.
                        I am heartily disposed to join with you, Gentlemen, in adoration to that all-wise & most gracious
                            Providence which hath so conspicuously interposed in the direction of our public affairs & the establishment of
                            our national Independance.
                        The faithful page of History, will I doubt not, record all the patriotic sufferings & meritorious
                            Services of the gallant little Army I have had the honor to command; Nor, (if my tesimony & the voice of truth can
                            avail any thing), shall the efficacious exertions of the State of New Jersey, or the almost unrivalled bravery of its
                            Militia ever be forgotten. Let the fact be made known to the whole world, let it be remembered forever as an example to
                            suceeding Ages—that, after a large extent of Country had been overrun by a formidable Enemy, and thousands of Citizens
                            driven from their possessions; the virtuous freemen of New Jersey—recovering from the temporary shock—stung by the
                            remembrance of what their wives, their children & Friends had already suffered, by the thought of losing all they
                            yet held dear & sacred—animated by an enthusiastic hope of success—and bouyed, by a reliance on the aid of Heaven,
                            above the fear of danger & death itself; then began to stem the tide of adversity; and, in concert with our other
                            force, recoiling like an impetuous torrent on our lately victorious foes, confined them within narrow limits ‘till
                            compelled to take their final departure from the State.
                        For me, it is enough to have seen the divine Arm visibly out-stretched for our deliverance, and to have recd
                            the approbation of my Country, and my Conscience on account of my humble instrumentality in carrying the designs of
                            Providence into effect; but for my gallant Associates in the Field, who have so essentially contributed to the
                            establishment of our Independence & national glory, no rewards can be too great.
                        I am now to bid you a long farewell, & to recommend, you Gentlemen, & the State whose
                            wellfare you are appointed to superintend, to the indulgent care of Heaven. May unaminity & wisdom ever prevail in
                            your public Councils! May justice & liberality distinguish the Administration of your Goverment! And may the
                            Citizens of New Jersey be completely happy in the practice of Industry, oeconomy & every private Virtue.

                            G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 7 December 1783
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            New York Decr 7. 1783.

                        The lost papers are just come to Hand & I have folded but not had Time to Number them; they are in
                            their respective Bundles. The Letter to me was not open’d, but in perfect Order & Muddy.
                        I have put up the two Blankets I used On my writing Tables. I pray my most respectful Regards to Mrs
                            Washington & am very sincerely & Affectionately Yours

                            Richd Varick