1To George Washington from David Humphreys, 21 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I did not trouble you with a letter from Savannah, because our public Dispatch to the Secretary at War would inform you of our proceedings to that time. Besides the oppressive nature of the intollerable heat & the exertion we were obliged to make to get forward on our journey, occasioned such a relaxation & consequent sickness as rendered me almost incapable of writing. We are all now well....
2To George Washington from David Humphreys, 26 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Finding an opportunity to Augusta, I could not excuse myself from giving you the progress of our negotiation since my last. On monday last (that is to say the day after the arrival of Genl Lincoln & myself) a deputation from all the Creeks of the Tuccasee, the Hallowing & the Tellasee Kings, waited upon us, to congratulate us on our arrival, to express in general terms their desire for peace,...
3To George Washington from David Humphreys, 27 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you yesterday, some things have happened, of which I conceive it expedient to give information by this conveyance. On the evening of the 25th McGillivray omitted to comply with his positive promise to write to us or come over the river, in order to explain the objections of the Chiefs to the Project of the Treaty which we had proposed to them, and to propose...
4To George Washington from David Humphreys, 13 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Seventeen Miles east of Camden [S.C.] My dear Genl Octr 13th 1789. Having been led to believe that this route was the shortest & best, we left Augusta this day week; and having now an opportunity by Charles Town, I write (in conformity to the intimation you was pleased to give) for the purpose of keeping you advised of our progress. From the Savannah at Augusta to the Congaree at Friday’s...
5To George Washington from David Humphreys, 28 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am taking occasion by a water conveyance to inform you, that we are thus far on our way to New York. But my principal object is to mention the political intelligence which we obtained in North Carolina. The prevailing opinion in that State (so far as we could ascertain it from repeated enquiries) is, that the Constitution will be adopted. However, many of those who are opposed to it think...
6To John Jay from David Humphreys, 7 January 1790 (Jay Papers)
In consequence of the conversation which I had the honor to hold with you a few days ago, & of having reported the substance of it to the President; I now take the liberty to acquaint you, that he will meet the two Houses of Congress tomorrow morning at 11 OClock, in the Senate Chamber. I know it is his only wish that you should act on the subject of our conversation, in the manner which shall...
7David Humphreys to John Jay, 8 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by the President of the United States of America to send to you some Papers which have just come to him, and which are of a nature highly interesting to the Community. His object is to avail himself of your opinion, relative to the measures which should be adopted in consequence of this Communication. I have the honor to be with perfect respect &c. N.B. the above letter was from...
8To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to put under cover to you a letter for Mr Manley the Engraver in Philadelphia, who is about to strike the Medal containing your likeness. At the moment when I was leaving New York he asked me for my opinion on the subject, and requested that I would write to him as soon as I might find it convenient—which I promised. In case there should be any thing erroneous in the Model,...
9To John Adams from David Humphreys, 8 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with M rs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from M rs Washington that M rs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with M rs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
10David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
11To George Washington from David Humphreys, 1 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In taking leave of you, at the moment of your departure while I strove in vain to check an impulse which I apprehended betrayed too much weakness, I found the burden on my heart choaked the passage of utterance. In that moment a multitude of ideas crouded into my mind. A long seperation from one’s friends & country, under an idea of going into a nation where one is a total stranger, however...
12To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 14 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of five weeks, the four first of which were very tempestuous, I arrived in the Channel. In order to save time, and slip into London with the less probability of being noticed, I procured a boat from the shore to land me at Dover. From that place I took my passage in the Mail Coach, and arrived here at 6 O’Clock this morning. Having delivered the Dispatches to Mr. Johnson, and...
13To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my first letter, I mentioned such circumstances of a political nature, relating to several of the principal Powers of Europe, as had then come to my knowledge. The facts, according to subsequent informations, were pretty justly stated. Leaving you to deduce such conclusions as your better judgment shall enable you to form, I proceed now to give you the sequel of intelligence which has...
14To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Russian Minister at this Court has received an authentic account from the Minister of his Nation at Vienna of the naval victory gained by the fleet of the Empress over that of the Porte. Of the latter the Admiral’s ship was destroyed, two smaller ships taken, and the rest very much shattered and obliged to fly. The English affect to say this event will protract the war, by making the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
While I am detained for the sailing of the vessel in which I am to go to Lisbon; I cannot do better, in my judgment, than to give you such farther facts, occurrences, or reports of the day, as may be in any degree interesting, in America, when compared with other accounts: though those I may have the honor to give should not be of much importance in themselves.—In my communications, I have...
16To George Washington from David Humphreys, 31 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My dear General London Octr 31st 1790. Since my arrival here, on the 14th inst., I have written four letters to Mr Jefferson, by different conveyances, in which I have given him a detail of such political facts & reports as I supposed might be in any degree, interesting in America. As these communications will be submitted to your inspection, I forebear troubling you with any...
17To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, attempted to go down the river at the time appointed: but contrary winds have prevented, so that she cannot before this evening reach Gravesend. For which place I shall proceed immediately by land. I have the honor to enclose a Paper containing a translation of the Correspondence between the King of France and his Ministers, consequent to the...
18To George Washington from David Humphreys, 4 November 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from David Humphreys, 4 Nov. 1790. Frank Landon Humphreys claimed that before his vessel “finally left England, Col. Humphreys sent a letter to Gen. Washington from Gravesend on November 4.” This could have been, however, the letter Humphreys had written to the president four days earlier (see Humphreys, Life and Times of David Humphreys, Francis Landon Humphreys. Life and...
19To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The only object of this letter is to inform you, that I have been unavoidably detained by the weather until the present moment; in which I am embarking. Nothing has yet transpired to enable one to form a definitive conclusion, whether the great hostile preparations will terminate in war. Notwithstanding the Public continues to be amused and deluded, with pompous accounts, in all the Papers, of...
20To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I came on shore yesterday evening, and hearing a vessel is to sail for England before the Packet, I write with the design of sending this letter by that conveyance. We made the passage from Gravesend to the Rock of Lisbon in a fortnight, during which time we had favorable winds and fine weather, for the season.—The forms to be passed through in entering the vessel, and the impediments I shall...
21To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My Dear General Lisbon Nov 30th 1790. I have forwarded to Mr Jefferson for your information the continuation of my Proceedings until the present time. You will be pleased to observe by my letter to him of this date, that the Court of Lisbon, having, from a desire of opening an official intercourse with the U.S., made the first advances by appointing a Minister Resident to repair...
22To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as my baggage was landed, I wrote a note to M. de Pinto, advising that I was charged with the delivery of a letter from you to him, and requesting the honor of being informed at what time it would be convenient for His Excellency to receive it. To this he gave an extremely polite answer, and fixed upon the 25th of this Month at his House in Junqueira. I accordingly waited on him, and,...
23To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not until the 3d of this Month that I was able to obtain my Passports and have every thing in readiness to leave Lisbon; nor until yesterday to arrive here, although I travelled constantly from daylight to dark, making only one stop of about an hour in the middle of the day. After much difficulty, delay and vexation the papers are delivered safely to their Address. I shall not write any...
24To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had, Sir, many conversations with Mr. Carmichael on the subject of your letter to him. If it had arrived early in summer, he thinks we might have obtained all our wishes. Then the critical state of affairs induced the Comte de Florida Blanca to throw out those general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of the conduct of this court with respect to the Mississippi, which...
25To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed my time here in communicating according to instructions the sentiments of the President on the navigation of the Missisipi, and other important points. Mr. Carmichael’s ideas are just; his exertions will be powerful and unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country: the task will now be difficult, if not impracticable, from the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 24th. of Janry. I left Madrid, and arrived here this day. I remained a week beyond the time I had prescribed myself, in order that Mr. Carmichael might have an opportunity of confering fully with the Compte de Florida Blanca, after the King’s return from hunting at Aranjuez. We were, however, disappointed in the expectation of sounding that Minister; for at the time when Mr. Carmichael...
27To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The postponement of the sailing of the Vessel by which I wrote on the 6th instant affords me an opportunity of continuing my Correspondence to this day. Since I had the honor of addressing you last, a Packet has arrived from England in five days passage, and yesterday the ordinary Post came in with the Mails from different parts of the Continent. The summary of Intelligence received through...
28To George Washington from David Humphreys, 16 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Although it is impossible for a stranger, in merely travelling through a country & remaining only a few weeks in its capital, to give a complete account of the state of affairs & system of policy in it; yet he may have opportunities of collecting some informations which will be perhaps entertaining, if not useful, to Persons in public life at a distance. Under this idea, in consequence of your...
29To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not wait to become fully acquainted with the commercial intercourse which subsists between the United States and Portugal, before I resume the subject mentioned in my letter of the 19th of Novr. last, so far as relates to the manner in which our trade has been managed here, since the year 1783. Immediately after the war, upon the arrival of the first vessels from America, there appeared...
30To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 31 Mch. 1791. He received packet last night from Mr. Bulkeley and information of a vessel departing for Alexandria in a few days, hence he sends this by a servant to Lisbon. Having accounts from America as late as 10 Feb. and not being advised by “the Department of foreign affairs” of receipt of any of his letters, he fears their detention or miscarriage. He gives their dates to show it...
31To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 8 Apr. 1791 . In France uncommon agitation produced by journey of king’s aunts to Rome. Great tumults in Paris. Repairing of Chateau de Vincennes, effort of mob to destroy it, and resultant confrontation with the national guard. Another dangerous affair at the Tuileries, involving misunderstanding between Lafayette and the mayor. “The Marquis is said to have acquired additional...
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal. 30 Apr. 1791 . On 13th Samuel Harrison, at instance of Jacob Dohrman, sent messenger from Lisbon to inform Humphreys that Dominick Joyce, merchant of Philadelphia, had written his brother Edward Joyce on 25 Feb.: “A Minister is appointed to your Court; Colo. Humphreys is the person.” This and three others from Philadelphia received in extraordinary manner. An American...
33To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Private. My dear Sir, Mafra [Portugal] May 3d 1791. I write this short letter for the sole purpose of thanking you for nominating & appointing me Minister Resident at this Court. The language of affection & gratitude is brief. It is with a sensibility not expressed in words, that all the instances of your friendship & particularly the kind expressions in the close of your letter of March 16th,...
34To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791 . Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ’s of 15 Mch.—As minister, “I can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those … concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and … it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every...
35To George Washington from David Humphreys, 12 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My dear Sir Lisbon May 12th 1791 Lest my letters to the Secretary of State on the subject of the Persons executing the Duties of the Consulate here, should have been so inexplicit as to leave your mind in doubt respecting the merits or pretensions of those persons, I take the liberty to add a few facts; not because I feel myself interested in the decision, but because I wish to remove...
36To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 May 1791 . He was presented to the Queen on the 13th, delivered his letter of credence, and, with the approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his discourse in English, a copy of which he encloses. The Queen, surrounded at the public audience by her ministers, the diplomatic corps, the nobility, the chief officers of the departments, and many ladies of the court,...
37To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon , 21 May 1791. Sends English papers. From talks with De Pinto and others, peace more expected to prevail than formerly. But newly arrived vessels from north bring nothing definite. By direct accounts from Paris at end of April, he finds tumults have subsided, Lafayette again in command of national guard, and his popularity and triumph complete despite English prophecies. The mischievous...
38To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Acknowledging TJ’s of 11 Apr. with dispatches for Carmichael. After trying in vain for some weeks to get a private conveyance, he “made interest” to have TJ’s former letter to Carmichael carried by the Portuguese from the office for foreign affairs. He expects to use same means to dispatch those now received, which will be sent as soon as possible. He will be pleased to be...
39To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Knowing extreme jealousy of Spanish government and rigid regulations of this respecting all kinds of books, he almost despairs of being able to get those named in TJ’s private letter. Even if he had received it at Madrid, he could not have brought the books with him. But he will “revolve the matter in different views; and consult … my acquaintances” on means to effect it....
40To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 17 June 1791. Nothing final received by packet from England about war between Russians and Turks. Fox’ speech gives “a just representation of the interfering, restless and bullying conduct of the British Ministry for some years past; with the probable disgrace, disadvantage and humiliation to be expected from it.”—A real novelty appears in “true accounts of the prosperous condition of...
41To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1791 . Enclosing his account, as requested in TJ’s of 15 Mch. He wrote Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard to ask if they had received orders to pay him the sums stated in that letter, but has had no reply and has not drawn the whole due him, not needing remainder until furniture ordered from England arrives. He has not been able to state amount of postage with precision, but it is...
42To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday, when the Nuncio and the Diplomatic Corps were at my house, the former with some of the latter mentioned the existence of a private report, that the King of France had attempted to make his escape and that he had been arrested near Strasbourg. Yesterday, I dined with the Duke of Alafoñes, where the same rumour was repeated. Last night, at the Royal Academy, I met with...
43To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 12 July 1791 . The news in his of the 7th about secret flight of French King has been confirmed. Assumption by National Assembly of executive powers notified in circular to diplomatic representatives. Yesterday, dining with diplomatic corps at Walpole’s, he was shown by him a letter from Lord Gower in Paris dated 25 June containing news of arrest of the King and his entourage, of...
44To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I came to this place a few days ago, in order to avoid the heat of Lisbon. But before I left Lisbon, I had a conference with M. de Pinto, on the subject suggested for his consideration in your letter of March 15th, and enforced on me in the beginning of the cyphered part of your letter dated April 11th. He seemed to accord fully with you in his ideas of the propriety and utility of the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 25 July 1791 . A packet from Falmouth brings no news of sailing of British fleet or peace in the north. Fawkener, British envoy at Petersburg, momentarily expected at London with conclusive news, which public judgment thinks will be peace. Yet bounty for seamen extended to end of July. All accounts indicate the Empress stands by her original demands, and the fresh rupture between...
46To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Aug. 1791 . He has just received TJ’s of 23 June, with gazettes for himself and dispatches for Carmichael. He has received TJ’s of 11 Apr., but not that of 13 May.—TJ will learn from French papers, sent herewith, what they know about the late “tumult in Paris.” Private accounts indicate the affair was much exaggerated. “The actual Period of the Revolution is however critical,” and...
47To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 Aug. 1791 . Spanish decree against foreigners mentioned in his of 6th he has now seen in house of British consul, with a great company present. Though expressed in general terms, it seems aimed at French. Retailers, barbers, surgeons, shoemakers, &c. already there must take oath of allegiance to carry on trade. They are mainly French. Several diplomats are said to have protested to...
48To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Aug. 1791 . He writes chiefly to send duplicate of resolution of States General concerning tea.—Spanish decree respecting strangers so vague three different constructions said to have been given by Spanish ministry. Recently several foreign mechanics have applied to him about going to America and possibility of success there. On threshing harvest in Portugal, wheat crop is much...
49To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Aug. 1791 . Reports say a courier has arrived today from Paris with news King of France has declined to accept the constitution, because, though it might be very good, he was deprived of all counsel and could not act on it.—King of Sweden is said to have written very spirited letter to National Assembly, declaring Fersen acted on his orders to effect escape of King. Thus royalty...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 31 Aug. 1791 . The enclosed papers reveal that the report of Louis XVI’s rejection of the French constitution, mentioned in his last letter, is premature. The Gazettes from France that arrived tardily yesterday were probably delayed in Spain. The Gazettes of Leyden forwarded with this letter were delivered by sea to save postal expenses. The two English packets that arrived here late...