1From John Adams to Joseph Willard, 1 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr Taylor one of the Senators from Virginia, as it contains Information which may become useful to the Agriculture of the Northern Parts of America I request the favour of you to communicate it to the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences. I am Sir with great / and Sincere Esteem, your most / obedient Servant MBAt : American Academy of Arts and Letters Collection.
2To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 13 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is the unanimous request of the Corporation of Harvard college, that you would honor the College with your company on the next Commencement day. I hope, Sir, that you will accept the invitation. Your presence will give great pleasure to all, and to none more than to him who begs leave to subscribe, / with Sentiments of the highest respect, / Sir, / your most humble, / and most obedient...
3From John Adams to Joseph Willard, 21 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
I pray you to communicate the inclosed Letter and Memorial to the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences at their ensuing meeting. Perhaps it may not be proper for me to give any Opinion on the subject, or to have any Agency in the Business but I saw nothing wrong in presenting the Papers to you which I do with pleasure as it gives me an Opportunity of repeating the Assurances of my Respect...
4To George Washington from Joseph Willard, 7 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
When you were in the Philosophy Chamber of the University in this place, you may perhaps remember, that I expressed my wishes, that your Portrait might, some time or other, adorn that Room. Since that, Mr Savage, the Bearer of this, who is a Painter, and is going to New York, has called on me, and of his own accord, has politely and generously offered to take your Portrait for the University,...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Willard, 1 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received the letter wherein you are so good as to notify to me the honor done me by the American academy of arts and sciences in electing me one of their members together with the diploma therein inclosed: and I beg leave through you, Sir, to return to the academy the homage of my thanks for their favor, and to express to them the grateful sense I have of it. I only regret the...
6From George Washington to Joseph Willard, 22 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am much indebted to you for announcing my election as a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences—I feel myself particularly honored by this relation to a Society whose efforts to promote useful knowledge will, I am perswaded, acquire them a high reputation in the literary world. I entreat you to present my warmest acknowledgements to that respectable body and to assure them that I...
7To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 23 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I hoped to have had the honor, before this time, of paying my respects to you at your Seat in Quincy, but have been unavoidably prevented. I am very happy to hear that you enjoy good health. May Heaven long preserve it; and preserve a life invaluable to the United States! Will you permit me, Sir, to recommend to your favorable notice, for an Office in the military line, Mr William Amherst...
8From George Washington to Joseph Willard, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th Ultimo was handed to me a few days since by Mr Savage, who is now engaged in taking the Portrait which you, & the Governors of the Seminary over which you preside, have expressed a desire for, that it may be placed in the Philosophy chamber of your University. I am induced, Sir, to comply with this request from a wish that I have to gratify, so far as with propriety may...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Willard, 24 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace the favorable opportunity which offers by Mr. Duquesne, a Lieutenant of a Man of War in his most Christian Majesty’s Squadron, which is just upon sailing from Boston, to send your Excellency a Diploma for a Doctorate of Laws, which was conferred by Harvard University, in this place, more than a year ago, and which various circumstances have prevented my conveying before. Mr. Duquesne...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Willard, 16 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your letter of March 24. 1789, and the interesting communications contained in it. I observe, that among other things, you mention Mr. Rumsey’s Steam Boat. I would beg leave to acquaint you, that this is a subject, which, a Gentleman among us has, for some time past, paid much attention to; and it appears, that he has made great improvements in the Boiler, so that...