17601To George Washington from James Madison, 5 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
On our journey hither we have fallen in with the Bearer of the Electoral votes of Georgia. They are unanimous as to the President and are all thrown away on individuals of the State as to the Vice President. The Representatives were not chosen when the Gentleman set out, but the election was to take place in a day or two after. General Matthews, he tells us will be one, Mr Baldwin another, &...
17602Note on “The North-American,” No. 1 and No. 2, 17 September and 8 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
17 September and 8 October 1783. In the Pennsylvania Journal, and the Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia) of 17 September and 8 October there are two essays, respectively entitled “The North-American, No. 1” and “The North-American, No. 2.” With some reservations, Edmund C. Burnett attributed these anonymously written articles to James Madison. Irving Brant is completely convinced that JM was...
17603From George Washington to James Duane, 15 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely happy 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 from Kingsbridge to McGowens pass inclusive, on the 21st instant, Herricks & 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 Paulus...
17604[Diary entry: 11 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 50 at Noon and 58 at Night. A heavy mist all day with little or no wind. At or before dusk it began to rain fast and about 9 at Night it cleared with a puff of Wind from the Southward and the Moon & Stars appeared. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Sanderson and a Mr. Hugh Mitchel dined here and went away in the afternoon. Hugh Mitchell is probably a member of the...
17605To John Adams from Charles Storer, 13 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
By M r: Thaxter I ought in duty to have written you, and, not having done it, I fear you may be inclined to lay some neglect to my Charge. I have only to say in apology that our time, from our arrival to M r: Thaxter’s departure, was constantly employed—and I hope to his satisfaction, as that was our object here.— My motive in writing to you is particular. I have acknowledgements to make for...
17606To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 27 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have frequently called to see Billy he continues too bad to remove—Doctor Smith was uneasy without some other experienc’d Surgeon or Physician to look at his knee, and I called on Doctor Hutchinson They are of opinion that the present Sore reaches to the joint and that it would be very improper to remove him at least for a week or two, by which time he probably may be fit to send on by the...
17607To Thomas Jefferson from Dubosq, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 22 Nov. 1787 . Has been told TJ needs an accurate copyist; offers his services. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; endorsed; at foot of text: “Chés Duhamel, Epicier au Coin De la Rüe des Bourdonnais au 4e.” Recorded in SJL as received 23 Nov. 1787.
17608[Diary entry: 22 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 22d. Left town by 5 Oclock, breakfasted at General Mifflins—rode up to the Spring Mills and returnd. to Genl. Mifflins to Dinner, after which came to the City.
17609[March 1785] (Adams Papers)
Coldest weather we have had this year. Reaumur’s thermometer at 8 degrees below the freezing point. Abbé de Chalût told me last evening, that neither he nor his brother, (and they are both turned of seventy,) remember ever to have experienced so cold weather in the beginning of March. Paris afternoon. La Servante Maitresse , and, the 20th. Representation of Richard Coeur de Lion , an Opera, at...
17610Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 13 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of the orders of the Committee of the States I have the honor to transmit to you the copy of a letter signed T. Gilfillan dated London the 19 feby 1784 with the copy of an inspection roll of Negroes taken on board certain vessels at Anchor near Staten Island on the 30 Novr. 1783. to be made use of in any negotiations you may have with the Court of Great Britain agreeably to the...
The English Packet which arrived the Day before Yesterday, brought me no Letters from M r . Adams, which I impute to its being a Mode of Conveyance to which nothing very important can prudently be trusted.— Some private Intelligence by that Vessel, leads me to consider the Surrender of our Posts as being more problematical, than it has lately appeared to be.— I hear that the Circumstance of...
17612To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 12 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Hearing by accident that a Ship will sail in a Day or two from Bristol for Virginia I just Embrace the first opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your very kind Letter of the 30th of June last, covering your draft on Wakelin Welch Esqr. for 155:14:9 Sterling, which I doubt not will be duly honor’d. And now my good Sir, I am to express my concern, that You should even hint anything about...
17613To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 1 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured yesterday with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th. of last month and I am extreemely flattered by the Confidence you seem to place in my zeal for your Country. I can assure you that after my own Nation there is none in the World to whom I am more Sincerely attached than to the American, and the small influence my Correspondance may have upon the determination of Government...
17614The American Commissioners to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 4 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Agreably to your Lordships request expressed to one of Us in Conversation, and again communicated to Us through M r Fraser, We have drawn up the enclosed Project of a Treaty of Commerce, which We do ourselves the Honour to propose to the Consideration of his Majestys Ministers. We have the Honour to be My lord / your Lordships most obedient and / most humble servants The Subjects of His...
17615To Thomas Jefferson from Maupin, 18 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
On peut faire réellement, quoique Scientifiquement, les plus grandes conquêtes au profit des Nations, et en general de toutes les Sociétés, et non Seulement n’en recevoir aucun prix ni aucune marque de reconnoissance, mais encore en être pour ses frais. J’en Suis un exemple. Cependant, Monsieur, je voudrois, entre autres choses, perfectionner la vigne dans les lieux où elle est établie; et...
17616To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Would not the figures to which one must advert in studying geometry, formed of wood, metal, or ivory, be more instructive than those, which are delineated on paper? If you think so, and if such figures can be procured where you are, i wish to know the cost of them, that i may remit money to pay for them, when i will beg the favour of you to send them to me. RC ( DLC ); endorsed: “Wyth George.”...
17617October [1787] (Washington Papers)
October 1st. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—64 at Noon and 62 at Night—Cloudy in the Morning but clear afterwds. with variable winds. Mrs. Fanny Washington, and the Children, and Mrs. Jenifer went up to Abingdon. Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Willm. Craik dined here. The latter stayed all Night. Rid to all the Plantations. Work at each as usual except that the Plows at Dogue run were putting in rye...
17618To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 9 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
9 Feb. 1785 . Wrote the preceding day recommending his son, who, after a long illness, has been advised by Dr. McClurg to take a sea voyage and “terminate his Journey in the South of France” for his health. Banister hopes he will there learn the language and that TJ will introduce him to “the best Person … with whom to associate and study.” RC ( MHi );2 p.; endorsed by TJ: “Bannister John...
17619Report on Anglo-American Relations, 26 July 1787 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred two Letters from the Honorable M r . Adams of the 24 th . & 27 th . January last— Reports. — The first of these Letters gives Occasion to several Questions. Shall M r . Adams return after the Expiration of his commission to the Court of London, viz t . 24 th . Feb y . 1788? Your Secretary is...
17620[Diary entry: 28 January 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 28th. Mercury at 26 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind Westerly all day, and not much unlike Snow—Grd. froze in the Morning. Colo. Henry Lee, his Lady, Miss Lee and Mr. Fendall came here to dinner—the last of whom went away afterwards (crossing the river for Maryland). Miss Lee is undoubtedly Mrs. Matilda Lee’s sister Flora Lee.
17621To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 20 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Nationaal Archief J’ai reçu la faveur du 10e., que m’a faite de votre part Mr. Votre Petit-fils, auquel vous voudrez bien permettre que j’en témoigne ici ma reconnoissance, en me recommandant toujours à une bonne part dans son amitié, qui m’est précieuse. J’ai envoyé tout de suite les Papiers concernant la translation du Congrès à Princeton, à mon ami à...
17622To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 17 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am still waiting for a decision respecting the claim of M. Puchilberg. But I think it my duty to inform you that one or two of the common sailors that served on board the Alliance, when that frigate was under my orders, are now here in a merchant vessel, and, as I am this moment informed, they have been persuaded to write to M. Puchilberg, desiring that their share in the prizes may not be...
17623Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 10 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have within this Hour receiv’d your Letters by captain Bigelow and have also heard that cushing is not sail’d. He has one Letter on board for you already but tis not so long a one as I have generally sent you. The Subject was So melancholy that I could not mix any thing with it. I expected every hour that Cushing would sail and had not time to write more. I began to write you last night but...
17624From Thomas Jefferson to Dominique Audibert, 24 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Quand j’avois l’honneur de vous voir à Marseilles, j’eus celui aussi de vous parler de l’usage de la Pot-asse, au lieu de la soude, pour les manufactures des savons. Vous m’avez paru penser qu’il en faudroit environ une vingtaine de quintaux pour en faire une experience satisfaisante, et je vous ai promis de vous faire tenir cette quantité. Un negotiant de l’Amerique vient, en consequence,...
17625[Diary entry: 4 May 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 4th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning 59 at Noon and 64 at Night. Raining until 7 O’clock, when the wind getting to the Westward, the Clouds broke, & the weather cleared & was tolerably pleast. After doing a little business, & calling upon Judge Mercer and the Attorney General, I left Richmond about 11 Oclock. Dined at one Winslow’s abt. 8 Miles from the City, & lodged at Clarkes Tavern...
17626To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 13 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
It has given me great pleasure to hear you are arrived at home in safety & good health, I most sincerely congratulate you on this happy Event, and all others that have contributed to it, and wish you a long continuance of every Happiness you can desire. I have endeavored to arrange the Affairs of Mr Custis’s Estate in such a manner as I judged most for it’s Interest, but I must own I have not...
17627To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 14 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Phial contains some of my Essence L’Orient but very imperfectly prepared. I heard only this Morning that Mr. Paine would set off Tomorrow. I had to buy the Fish and prepare the Essence. It should be three or four Days in settling and the water then poured off but I have had only as many Hours for the Purpose, so that great allowances must be made. I have put some volat Spt. Sal...
17628John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I should deserve, all the reproaches which my friends in America have made me if I neglected writing, by so good an Opportunity as the one that presents itself at this time. Mr. Thaxter who will deliver you this expects to sail for New-York in the course of this Month. He will probably carry the Definitive Treaty, (which was at last signed yesterday,) to Congress. So you will not receive this...
17629To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin & sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to mr. Adams. Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin / Ministre plenip. / des etats unis d’Amerique / á Passy
17630To Thomas Jefferson from Jean François Lesparat, 11 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris ] 11 Sep. 1787. Sends a copy of his Réflexions; hopes the United States will avoid the abyss into which the principal powers of Europe have fallen because of their accumulation of a permanent debt; if the advice in his pamphlet will be of use to the citizens of the United States, as he hopes it will, now or later, be of use in France, his labors will not have been in vain. RC ( ViWC );...
17631From George Washington to Samuel Griffin, 20 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored & gratefully affected with the receipt of the Resolution of the Visitors & Governors of William & Mary College, appointing me Chancellor of the same; and have to thank you for your polite attention in the transmission. Not knowing particularly what duties, or whether any active Services are immediately expected from the person holding the Office of Chancellor; I have...
17632[Diary entry: 12 August 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 12th. Dined at Bush-hill with Mr. William Hamilton. Spent the evening at home—writg.
17633From Thomas Jefferson to Giovanni Fabbroni, 2 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have for sometime deferred the honor of addressing you, in expectation that our friend Mr. Mazzei on his return from Holland, would go on immediately to Florence. He is now returned, but proposes staying here two months. I must therefore adopt an earlier conveiance to return you my thanks for the pamphlets you were so kind as to inclose to me, and from the perusal of which I received very...
17634From George Washington to George Gilpin, 1 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
After I had written to you on Saturday, I saw Lund Washington, who informed me that he had seen you the day before, & understood from you, that it would not be convenient for you to spare your Scow until next Week—as your letter to me says it may be had tomorrow I fear, in order to accomodate me, you have been induced to put your self to an inconvenience. To prevent which, I give you the...
17635To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine Houdon, [before 24 January 1784] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir que je dois couler une statüe en bronze: Si cette opération d’un moment peut intérresser votre goût et votre curiosité; je vous prie de me faire celui de vous rendre à onze heures précises du matin 24 de ce mois au lieu indiqué par l’adresse ci-incluse. J’ai l’honneur d être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeïssant...
17636To George Washington from Thomas Fairfax, 30 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cary who Came Passenger with me does me the favor of taking charge of four Vols of Annals for you; they were Sent to me at London by Mr Young —inclosed is two Letters from a Lady in London (one of which directed to Mr Lyons, shoud be much obliged to you to put in some good channel of Conveyance) also a Letter for Bloxham the Farmer who my uncle Sent out to you and who I hope to hear is...
1763727th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Andrews preached for us this day; and was somewhat longer than usual to the great satisfaction of some people who cannot easily be contented. Mr. Spring, and Mr. Murray, both had a third meeting in the evening; it was occasional at Mr. Murray’s, but Mr. Spring is determined henceforth to make a practice of giving a lecture on Sundays; besides, one in the evening, on Thursdays. As Mr....
17638To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Votre Excellence verra dans la Dépeche ci-jointe, tout ce qu’un Anachorette comme moi peut avoir oui dire de ce qui se passe.—Je saisis cette occasion pour Lui témoigner mon desir, de savoir si les dernieres Lettres, jusqu’ici au nombre de 5 , que j’ai fait insérer successivement dans les supplémens de Leide et qui seront suivies de quelques autres encore, ont mérité l’approbation de V. E....
17639Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
Not a word have I heard of, or from you Since you left me this day week. I am anxious to know how you got over & how you do. I am so unfortunate as to be confined for several days past with an inflamation in my Throat attended with canker, & some fever. it is rather abated to day, and I hope is going of. we go on packing, but it is a much more labourious peice of buisness than I imagind and...
17640To George Washington from Jacob Read, 29 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr Vidler the Architect of whom I had the honour to inform you when at Mount Vernon is the bearer of the present Letter. his Visit to Virginia is to inform himself from his own Observation of the best place in which he Can settle and exercise his trade. I find he has sent to Europe for a Considerable Number of hands and will be soon able to undertake any piece of Work that may offer. Mr Vidler...
17641From Thomas Jefferson to André Pepin, 3 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je suis extremement faché, Monsieur, de l’embarras où vous vous trouvez pour votre passage en Amerique: et d’autant plus que je n’y peux pas remedier. De payer votre passage moimeme me seroit là chose impossible: et de demander au ministre qu’on vous dispense du reglement qui en demande le paiment d’avance, par un ordre superieur, seroit une indiscretion pour laquelle je nepourrois pas...
17642To George Washington from James Madison, 4 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d Ulto was not recd till my arrival here on monday evening. I found, contrary to my expectation that not only a very full house had been made on the first day, but that it had proceeded to the appointment of the President & other officers. Mr Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition. Yesterday little more was done than settling some forms and Resolving that no...
17643Sunday Octr. 26th. (Adams Papers)
We came away from Dartford at about 8. o’clock; and arrived at London at about 11: the distance from Dover is. 72, miles: we took up Lodgings at Osborn’s Adelphi Hotel John Street; in the Strand. Osborne’s Hotel was in the Adelphi Buildings, extending from the Strand to the Thames, which were constructed in 1768 by the Adam brothers and used as dwellings and warehouses; John Street, off the...
17644To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 19 February 1786 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Clement Biddle, 19 Feb. 1786. GW wrote Biddle on 18 May : “Your favors of the 19th of Feby . . . [is] before me.”
17645IV. First Report on Petition of Zebulon Butler, [21 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the resolutions of the General assembly of Connecticut and the letter and proclamation of Govr. Trumbul desiring a revision of the sentence of the judges formerly appointed to hear and finally determine the controversy between that state and the state of Pennsylvania concerning the boundaries and jurisdiction of the said states on the Western side of the...
17646To George Washington from the Holland Masonic Lodge, 7 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
7 Mar. 1789. “We are directed, Sir, to express a Hope . . . that the Name of Washington may adorn, as well the Archives of our Lodge, as the Annals of our Country—and that we may salute as a masonic Brother him, whom we honor as the political Father of our Country.” LS , DLC:GW . This letter signed by Baron von Steuben and other members of the Holland Lodge, New York City, enclosed a...
17647From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after the return of the letter to him, JM wrote “Sepr. 20. 1783” at the top of the last page. Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular...
17648To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 19 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The papers are found about which I wrote you in my last. I wish there had been found at the same time a concillating temper and a disposition to do the business of the continent and promote the general interests of the U.S. Unless a different spirit prevail from what has of late appeared there is reason to apprehend a dissolution of the Confederacy. The claim of the Massachusetts on the state...
17649To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
Je vous remercie de m’avoir mis à même de pouvoir répondre aux questions qu’on me fait sur votre retour ici; & je vous félicite de la nouvelle besogne dont vous êtes chargé. Quoiqu’elle doive être un peu longue, elle ne peut que vous être agréable par son importance, en occupant tout à la fois votre activité, votre intelligence & votre fermeté. Dans l’incertitude où vous êtes, Monsieur, si...
17650From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 9 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 24th of Septr, together with the bill enclosed. You will receive with this, the first of another sett of Bills, which Mr Watson the Drawer not only very readily gave, but likewise allowed interest upon the protested Bill, altho’ it is not customary to do so here, upon inland Bills of exchange. I shall forward the others next week, & you will be so good as to...