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Livingston, Robert R. (1746-1813) to George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02018 Author/Creator: Livingston, Robert R. (1746-1813) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript letter Date: 22 March 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 34 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy

Written in the hand of Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Washington's Secretary. Marked as a copy of a letter from Secretary of Foreign Affairs Livingston to General Washington. Docket in Knox's hand. Sends "the agreeable Intelligence of Peace, upon which I most sincerely congratulate you and the Army - Harmony, a Regard for Justice, & Fidelity to our Engagements, are all that now remains to render us a happy people." Says the vessel with the news was sent by Comte d'Estaing, who was recalling French cruisers from America waters. Says this news should be immediately sent to British commander Sir Guy Carleton by either Congress or Washington. Says he received a private letter stating the Bahama Islands were ceded to the British. Believes that "Holland seems to have come worst off, & France, by getting little for herself, has laid in a Store of Reputation which will be worth more than much Territory." Postscript states that with the permission of Congress he sent Lewis Morris to inform Carleton of the peace. Originally enclosed with GLC02437.09383, Washington's 27 March 1783 letter to Knox.

[draft]
Phila 22.d March 1783-
Copy
D Sir,
You will by this Express receive the agreeable Intelligence of Peace, upon which I most sincerely congratulate you and the Army - Harmony, a Regard for Justice, & Fidelity to our Engagements, are all that now remains to render us a happy people - The Vessel that brout these their dispaches was sent out by the Count de Estaing to recall the french Cruisers - As the Minister tells me he will forward the Orders & passport to your Excellency, I will not detain the Messenger 'till I have mine copied - This should in my Opinion be immediately sent either by Congress or your Excellency to Sir Guy Carleton -
A private Letter to me mentions that the Bahama Islands are also ceded to the British - Holland seems to have come worst off - & France, by getting little for herself, has laid in a store of Reputation which will be worth more than much Territory [2]
I must request your Excy to send on &c.
I am & c
Signed R R Livingston
PS - I have, with the appobation of Congress dispached M Lewis Morris my Secty to Genl Carleton with the News of Peace -

Copy -
Mr. Livingston
to
Genl Washington
[docket]
Copy of a letter from [struck: the Minister of France and] Mr. Livingston Secretary of foreign affairs -

Livingston, Robert R., 1746-1813
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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