2 August 1781

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Nelson

Relays information about and an analysis of Lord Cornwallis's maneuvers to Virginia's Governor Nelson. Written shortly before the defeat of Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Mercer (who later became the governor of Maryland) was then an officer in the Continental Army.

GLC02498.08

11 March 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter

Title: to George Weedon

Discusses waiting for news of a peace treaty to end the American Revolution. Indicates that no major breakdowns in negotiations are anticipated. The British desire "a kind of naturalization for their merchants" and free trade to their islands in the West Indies, which is likely to be conceded. A note on the verso states that he will relay the official communication as soon as it arrives.

GLC06491.01

18 March 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon and William Fitzhugh

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Discusses a dispatch from Henry Laurens, one the American delegates working on the treaty, that "conveys...the design of the court of London...to disconnect belligerent Powers" and that "the spirit of the Nation is high for the prosecution of the War agt. France." Laurens recommends that the United States "adhere religiously to our engagements with France." Also encloses (not included) and discusses newspapers with pertinent information.

GLC06491.02

1 April 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Discusses the possibility of a separate peace being brokered that does not include France. Also discusses the insincerity of some British protestations (revealed in the Robert Livingston - Guy Carleton correspondence) supposedly meant to curb blood shed, "which has disgraced the British Councils thought this war." Comments on the British in New York.

GLC06491.03

11 April 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Announces the arrival of an officer in New York with a "Proclamation from the King of Great Britain." Also notes the arrival of vessels from France with dispatches from the American ministers negotiating peace. Indicates that Congress will declare an end to hostilities on the day this letter was written. Discusses opposition and reluctant acceptance of American Independence in Parliament.

GLC06491.04

29 April 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Sends a newspaper (not included) with "a very interesting debate in the House of Commons." Also mentions the Robert Livingston-Guy Carleton correspondence, as it relates to executing the provisional peace treaty's call for the British evacuation of New York. Explains the need to be prudent about keeping up American defenses. A post script indicates he misplaced a letter from Weedon from which he was to send an extract from to another person.

GLC06491.05

20 September 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Discusses a letter he sent to William Fitzhugh, which was "to be considered in a great measure a joint one." Notes that France has assured the United States that the definitive treaty will not be signed without the Americans, in addition to hinting that "our own facility is running with the British Commerce." Alleges that "we have reason to apprehend that not only great Britain but all the other European Powers, even our friends will pursue the object of deriving advantages from our commerce…

GLC06491.06