1From Hannibal Dobbyn to John Adams, 28 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Hannibal William Dobbyn humbly sheweth That Memorialist came to America in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine; to purchase a Tract of Land in the Western Territory of the United States for a Number of respectable Families from Ireland & for himself; that your Memorialist upon his arrival presented a Petition to Congress to be permitted to buy said Lands, which...
2From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 27 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred the petition of Elisha Bennett, by an order of the Senate of the 20th. of November 1792, thereupon Respectfully Reports That the claim of the Petitioner is one, to the adjustment of which the power of the Treasury is competent. That it has been rejected at the Auditors Office for the following reasons— The only paper in that Office relating to...
3From Peter Trezevant to John Adams, 3 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
To the Honorable the President & others the Honorable Members of the Senate of the United States in Congress assembled— Charleston So Carolina February 8th: 1794 The Petition of Peter Trezevant of the City of Charleston in the State of South Carolina who has intermarried with Eliza Willoughby Farquhar, the only Child & sole Legatee & Devisee of Robert Farquhar late of Charleston aforesaid...
4From Richard O’Brien to John Adams, 12 May 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Humble Petition of us the undersigning Citizens of the united States who are now Languishing prisoners at Algiers— Humbly Sheweth that we youre petitioner’s had the misfortune of being Captured nearly Seven years ago by Cruisers belonging to the Regency of Algiers while we were navigateing Vessels belonging to Citizens of the united States. that we were flattered for a Considerable time...
5From Catherine Greene to John Adams, 14 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Catherine Green, widow of Major General Green respectfully sheweth That in the month of March 1795 Messrs: Harris and Blackford, Merchants of Great Britain, obtained a final decree of the Court of Equity in Charleston against the heirs of General Green for a sum amounting to more than seven thousand pounds sterling, as surety for the House of Hunter, Banks & Co: the same being...
6From John Blanck to John Adams, 12 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
That your Petitioner John Blanck after much study, pains & expence hath found out & Invented a New Hydrostatic Pump, or Engine that will be found superior to any other ever before made or Invented, as it will discharge double the Quantity than any other, hitherto known, in the same given space of time, of the same Diameter & length of Stroke. Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to state the...
The Petition of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia and of the Trustees of the Loganian Library Respectfully Sheweth That annual importations of Books are necessary for the use of the respective institutions committed to their care which by the present revenue Laws of the United States are subject to the same Duties as those imported for sale. That whatever promotes the...
8From Sc., Merchants of Charleston to John Adams, 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Subscribers, Merchants residing in Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, humbly sheweth, That by an act pass’d at the third Session of Congress, to regulate processes, in the Courts of the United States, “It is enacted that the same mode of proceedings shall be had, & the same fees exacted in each State respectively as are now us’d, or allow’d in the supreme courts of...
9From Sc., Citizens of Georgetown to John Adams, 1 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Georgetown South Carolina and its vicinity Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners suffer much inconvenience for the want of a Post between this place and Charleston; until the late alteration of the Route of the Post, your Petitioners always enjoyed the benefit of a speedy and regular communication with their Fellow Citizens of Charleston, but agreeably to the...
10From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 26 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Rd. Claiborne Respectfully sheweth That your Memorialist—conceiving that very great honour and utility will result to these States from facilitating the introduction of Machines and Manufactories from abroad—begs leave to pray of your honorable House to pass a Law authorising the Importation of Inventions—and allowing to Original Importers a certain privilege in proportion to...
11From Chandler Fowke to John Adams, 11 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
To The President and Members of the Senate of the United States, in Congress assembled— The Petition of Chandler Dinwiddie Fowke of Charleston, South Carolina Sheweth, That during the War between America and Great Britain, General Green’s Army was stationed near the Plantation of Miss Jane Stobo and Mary Fraser her Sister, who planted together; from which they took a considerable quantity of...
12From William Moultrie to John Adams, 19 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of the Officers in behalf of themselves and the Non–Commissioned Officers and Privates of the late Army of the United States now Residents in South Carolina,— Sheweth Your Memorialists happy in seeing their Country possessed of Peace, and flourishing under a respectable Constitution, presume to come forward and to lay before your Honorable House, such of their Grievances as can...
13From William Cocke to John Adams, 21 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
Having had the honour of being legally and Constitutionally Elected to Represent the State of Tennessee, in the Senate of the United States, My Duty compels me to claim for that State, the right of being admitted into the Union with the Original States in an equal footing in all respects Whatever, and to notify you, that should any doubts remain, or subsist as to the legality, or expediency of...
14From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 27 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the Senate the petition of Barent I Staats respectfully reports thereupon as follows— The claim of the petitioner appears to be one of those, for the due consideration and adjustment of which, provision is made by the Act passed the 12th. of February 1793 relative to claims against the United States not barred by any act of Limitation, and...
15From Jacob Milligan to John Adams, 13 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of Jacob Milligan Sheweth— That at the commencement of Hostilities between Great Britain and America, your Petitioner entered as a Lieutenant on board the Ship Prosper belonging to the State of South Carolina, and continued on board untill ordered to Sullivans Island where he remained during the Seige after which your Petitioner went a Cruizing against the Enemy. That in the year...
16From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 29 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Richard Claiborne Respectfully Sheweth That Your memorialist conceiving that very great benefit will result to the United States by encouraging the introduction of the useful arts from abroad—and perceiving, that, according to the present patent Law, inventions or discoveries, are confined to Citizens of the United States only—Your memorialist respectfully prays that Congress...
17From Thomas Wright Bacot to John Adams, 16 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
That your Petitioner was appointed Post Master in this City in January 1792, and trusts that he has performed the duties required of him, as such, with fidelity. That from the small profits of the Office, particularly for the first three years, your Petitioner has several times determined to resign his appointment, but was induced to continue the same, partly from an expectation that the...
18From Citizens of South Carolina to John Adams, 24 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscribers Citizens of the State of South Carolina, Sheweth that your Memorialists feeling the most ardent attachment to the Constitution and laws of their Country, have at all times Chearfully & faithfully contributed their proportion to the exigencies of government as the price of the protection which they have a right to expect from a Conviction that the power of...
19From James Mathers to John Adams, 11 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of James Mathers their doorkeeper respectfully sheweth. That in consequence of the enhanced price of House Rent and of all the necessaries of life, the maintenance of a large family has become extremely buthensome—and altho’ your Petitioner has pursued the strictest œconomy he finds his present compensation inadequate to their support—Your Petitioner therefore, though very...
20From John Macpherson to John Adams, 2 April 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of John Macpherson most respectfully Sheweth That his attachment to and desire to serve this Country has been the cause of his loosing an independent fortune by the Revolution. Therefore he begs liberty to relate the following facts, viz. That he has enriched North America more than any man of his station ever did, as he took more prizes in the French War than any other person...
21From Peter Legaux to John Adams, 15 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The only and lively zeal which has animated me for these 8 years past for the welfare and prosperity of America has induced me to attempt a kind of agriculture hitherto unknown here. The encouragement which the President of the United States and some among you, Gentlemen, have been pleased to give me has undoubtedly contributed not a little to augment this zeal, and turn my labours into...
22From John Macpherson to John Adams, 27 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
May it please the honourable Gentlemen of the Senate to peruse the following thoughts dictated by humanity & love of my Country. A few minutes since I told General Knox I wished to be sent against the Indians as soon as possible, & that I knew some of the Senate allso wished it. General Knox replyed then lett them send you I am your friend. Therefore Gentlemen, I hope you will be pleased to...
23From William Blount to John Adams, 23 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honor to inform you that we are within the walls of your Chamber, ready to produce, to you papers to prove, that we have been duly and legally elected Senators to represent the State of Tennessee in your Body—and that State having a right to be represented in the Congress of the United States, on an equal footing with the original States; in all respects whatever, our Duty compels...
The Memorial and Petition of Sundry Merchants engaged in Commerce previous to the late Revolution Humbly Sheweth. That your Memorialists chearfully concurred with their Fellow–citizens from the year 1774 in such measures as were deemed necessary to oppose the Claim of Great Britain over America, to Secure its Independence and to Establish the blessings of Liberty and the happiness now enjoyed...
25From George Washington to the United States Senate, 2 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Philip Burr Bradley of Connecticut, to be Marshal of and for the Connecticut district, continued, the legal term of his former appointment having expired. LS , DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–95, Senate Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB , DLC:GW . For Bradley’s original nomination to this position, see GW to U.S. Senate, 24 Sept. 1789...
26From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
United States [New York] Gentlemen of the Senate, May 31st 1790 M. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the last years of the late war, as Secretary to Major General the Marquis de la Fayette, and might probably at that time have obtained the Commission of Captain from Congress upon application to that Body. At present he is an officer in the French National Guards, and...
27From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 12 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the twenty ninth day of December 1794 the following nominations for promotions were laid before the Senate. First Sub Legion Bernard Gaines Captain 30 June 1794 vice Kersey promoted. Bartholomew Shomberg ditto ditto vice Hartshorne killed John Wade ditto 1 July vice Peters promoted. Ross Bird ditto 6 July
28From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 29 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I send herewith a copy of the Treaty of Friendship, Limits and Navigation, between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, which has been ratified by me with your Advice and Consent. A copy of the Treaty will be immediately communicated to the House of Representatives: it being necessary to make provision, in the present Session, for carrying into execution the Third and Twenty first...
29From George Washington to the United States Senate, 9 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
United States [New York] Gentlemen of the Senate, February 9th 1790. Among the persons appointed during your late Session, to offices under the national Government, there were some who declined serving. Their names and offices are specified in the first column of the annexed list. I supplied these Vacancies, agreeably to the Constitution, by temporary appointments; which you will find...
30From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the Cherokee Nation of Indians now in this City. And I request your advice, whether an additional Article shall be made to the Cherokee treaty, to the following effect—to wit. That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the Cherokee nation of Indians, in consideration of the relinquishment of lands, as stated in the treaty...
31From George Washington to the United States Senate, 7 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I submit to your consideration the report of the Secretary of State which accompanies this, stating the reasons for extending the negotiation proposed at Madrid to the subject of commerce, and explaining, under the form of instructions to the Commissioners lately appointed to that Court, the principles on which commercial arrangements with Spain might, if desired on her part, be acceded to on...
32From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill the offices annexed to their names respectively—namely— Nathaniel Rogers, to be Marshal of the New-Hampshire District; vice John Parker, deceased. Alexander Moore, to be Surveyor of the Port of West Point, in Virginia; vice John Spotswood Moore, who has resigned his appointmt. Charles Brown, to be Collector of the Port of George Town, in South Carolina;...
33From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
United States [New York] Gentlemen of the Senate January 11th 1790. I have directed Mr Lear, my private Secretary, to lay before you a copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the State of North Carolina, together with the copy of a letter from His Excellency Samuel Johnson President of the Convention of said State to the President of the United States....
34From George Washington to the United States Senate, 29 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I nominate John Boyd, of Northumberland, to be Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No. 2 in the District of Pennsylvania; vice James Collins: and John Driver, of Virginia, to be Surveyor for the Port of Suffolk; and Inspector of the Revenue for the same port; vice Samuel Riddick; resigned. LS , DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–95, Senate Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s...
35From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Woodbury Langdon of the State of New Hampshire to be one of the Commissioners for settling the Accounts between the United States and individual States, in place of John Taylor Gilman who has resigned his appointment—and William Gardner to be Commissioner of Loans in the State of New Hampshire, in place of Nathaniel Gilman who has declined his appointment. LS , DNA : RG 46, First...
36From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Edward Church of Georgia, heretofore appointed but not received as Consul for the United States at Bilboa, to be Consul for the United States at the Port of Lisbon in the Kingdom of Portugal, and for such other parts within the allegiance of her most Faithful Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port, than to the residence of any other Consul, or Vice-Consul of the United States...
37Enclosure: Nominations for Vacancies, 3 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Nominations for Promotions and Appointments. First Regiment. Major David Zeigler vice Wyllys killed. Major Richard Call vice Parker declined. Virginia. Captains. Thomas Doyle vice Zeigler promoted. John Armstrong vice Mercer resigned. John Pratt vice Heart promoted. Lieutenants. Cornelius Sedam vice Doyle promoted. John Jeffers vice Frothingham killed. Abner Pryor vice Armstrong promoted. Asa...
38From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having fixed on this, as the day of its admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any Officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore required your attendance to receive nominations of the several Officers necessary to put the federal Government...
39From John Adams to United States Senate, 16 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund Respectfully Report to Congress as follow. That the purchases of the Debt of the United States as stated in their Report of the eighteenth of December 1795, amount to Two Millions, three hundred, seven thousand, six hundred, sixty one dollars, and Seventy one cents, for which there have been paid in specie, One Million, six hundred, Eighteen thousand, Nine...
40From George Washington to the United States Senate, 24 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I nominate for the Supreme-Court of the United States John Jay of New York, Chief-Justice John Rutledge, of South Carolina, James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, Associate Judges
41From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons as Company Officers and Surgeon and Surgeons Mates in the Corps of Artiller<is>ts and Engineers. The nomination of the Field Officers is suspended for the present. Captains 1. Griffith McCree North Carolina 2 Richard Scott Blackburn Virginia 3. James Bruff Maryland 4. Alexander Thompson New York 5. William Morris ditto 6. Decius Wadsworth
42From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Oliver Bowen, of Georgia, to be Marshal of the district of Georgia in the room of Thomas Glasscock, resigned. LS , DNA : RG 46, entry 52; copy, DLC:GW . The Senate postponed action on Oliver Bowen’s nomination on 21 May before consenting on 24 May ( Senate Executive Journal , Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America: From the commencement of...
43From George Washington to the United States Senate: Answer to the Address of the Senate, 11 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your address, and for the assurances, which it contains of attention to the several Matters suggested by me to your consideration. Relying on the continuance of your exertions for the public good, I anticipate, for our Country, the salutary effects of upright and prudent Counsels. LB , DLC:GW . For the address of the Senate, see GW to the United States Senate and House of...
44From George Washington to the United States Senate, 6 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to be Commissioners of Loans in the States to which their names are respectively affixed, viz. In the State of New Hampshire Nathaniel Gilman Massachusetts Nathaniel Appleton Rhode Island — Connecticut William Imlay New York John Cochran New Jersey James Ewing Pennsylvania Thomas Smith Delaware James Tilton Maryland Thomas Harwood
45From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the Senate in August 1789, the adjustment of the terms of a treaty is far advanced between the United States and the Chiefs of the Creek Indians now in this city, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation. In preparing the Articles of this Treaty, the present arrangements of the trade with the Creeks have caused much embarrassment....
46From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 9 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I nominate James McDowell to be Inspector of the Revenue for the sixth survey in the District of virginia vice James Brackenridge resigned. L[S] , DNA : RG 46, entry 52; copy, DLC:GW . Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott, Jr., had written GW on 6 May: “The Secretary of The Treasury has the honor to submit to The President, recommendations in favor of several Candidates for the office of...
47From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
The following appointments have been made in the Army of the United States, during the recess of the Senate; and I now nominate the following persons to fill the Offices annexed to their names respectively. Artillery Peter L. Van Alen to be Lieutenant; vice [Dirck] Schuyler, resigned; to take rank from 6th Septr 1792. Infantry Alexander Gibson to be Captain vice William Lewis declined. Howell...
48From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a representation of the Chargé des Affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the Acts of Congress of the 20th of July 1789, and 1790 imposing an extra tonnage on foreign Vessels, not excepting those of that Country; together with the Report of the Secretary of State thereon: and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such...
49From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill vacancies which have taken place in the late military appointments—to-wit— Rank . Names . States . Brigadier General Rufus Putnam Territory of the United States North West of the Ohio—vice Marinus Willett, declined. Captains of Cavalry Jedediah Rodgers New York—vice John Craig, declined. Henry Bowyer Virginia—vice Lawrence Manning, declined. Lieutt of...
50From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from Abroad, and laying others in their stead, and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same”, I have thought fit to divide the United States into the following Districts—namely— The...