101From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received Your several letters of the twenty seventh of August and of the seventh and ninth of September. have been delivered to me. I regr It is a subject of extreme regret with me that the — Muskets and Horsemen’s tents provided for your regiment are in such should be so very defective. I have paid and shall pay constant attention to the subject; and it will not be — my fault if such —...
102From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richards informs me that it has been found impossible to collect any considerable quantity of wood from the neighborhood of the Bronks river, and that it will be necessary to procure it from the North or East river by water; That the wood delivered at West Chester landing will cost about the same price at as at New York, and that the expence of carting transportation from the landing to...
103From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Very peculiar circumstances have delayed a reply to your letters of the 25 of May those of July 28 and of August the 5th. 6th. 10th. & 11th of August— I proposed postponed determining on the establishment arrangement of the relative rank of the officers of your Regiment, which was agreeably to the list arrangement transmitted by you in concert with Major as the result of the joint opinion of...
104From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some papers from which it would appear that Lieutt. Laidlie, who is now connected with your regiment, has dismissed a soldier from pecuniary considerations; at least that he has committed a great impropriety in discharging a man whom he had regularly enlisted. I request that you will make immediate enquiry into the case, and report the circumstances to me as soon as possible. With...
105From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday, and have given orders to Capn. Read to furnish from the garrison the guard and the orderly sergeant which you request to attend the President of the Court Martial. I presume the different members of the Court have, before this time, arrived. With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
106From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 10th. inst. has just been put into my hands. The course of conduct which you have adopted is such as the dignity and respectability of the service require. You are informed that a Court Martial will sit on the 14th. inst. at Fort Jay which will be competent to the trial of Lieutt. Hoffman. Of this Court you will be President; but should you think it expedient, from the...
107From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter respecting Lt. Hoffman . The incident gives me great concern. It is a delicate affair and must be treated with very great circumspection. Inclosed is a letter which has been written to me by his accuser Lt. Livingston . Several respectable Characters (among these Doctor Charleton) have spoken to me of the Character of the accused in high terms—They represent him as...
108From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If — I am not mistaken, you have already received an additional supply of money so as to obviate the embarrassments stated in your letter of the 21 of June. I approve the idea of permitting the recruiting Officers, who are successful, to go as far as they can; not confining themselves to the complement of their own companies— I agree with you then there is a prospect The motives which led you...
109From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of yesterday is received. I am glad to find that matters are in so good a train; and take particular interest in the favorable appearances respecting Lt. Cocks With great consideration & (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
110From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 5, 1799. On June 12, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “the receipt of your Letter of the 5th. inst.” Letter not found. ]
111From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to inquire whether Capt. Justus B Smith Lts. Thomas Thompson & Jacob C Ten Eyck have mean to accept or decline their appointments. If known to you, you will please to inform me, if not known, you will then ascertain & communicate to me what may be the fact With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
112John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16 th & the bundle of papers inclosed with a great deal of pain. The thing has not a good appearance. Mr. Shieflin had better have addressed his letter & papers to me than to you who are not the Secretary of War. You are suspected & have been accused of improper speculations in the neighborhood of Detroit & in connection with characters whose friendship does...
113From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is proper for you to be informed officially that I have appointed Capt. Church of your Regiment my Aid de Camp. I am sensible that in strict propriety, this ought to have been done previous to his appointment—in order that you might have had an opportunity to state to me if any particular reasons, in respect to the interests of the Regiment stood in the way of the appointment. The Omission...
114From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 20 instant just reached me at this place. The information given you by Major Wilcocks is correct—To obviate possible difficulty on the part of Col Fish, I write to him by the post which carries this letter—to deliver over the money to your Regimental Paymaster The letter herewith answers your concluding enquiry with great consideration I am Sir Yr. obed servt. (Copy, in the...
115From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will please to cause to be detailed for members of the Court Martial of which Major Wilcocks is appointed President, seven Officers of your Regiment of whom as many as practicable to be Captains You are apprised that the Court is to convene on Wednesday. With great consideration & esteem I am Sir Yr Obed St. ( Df , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
116From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 15, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 13th instant and thank you for the suggestions contained therein.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Library of Congress.
117From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed copy of a General Order will apprise you of the appointment of a Court Martial to convene at this City on Wednesday next. It is intended that it shall be composed of officers of your Regiment and of that of Coll. Ogden. The number from each cannot now be fixed. But you will provisionally cause to be notified all your officers in or near this City that they are to hold themselves...
118From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A General Court Marshall is to sit at Philadelphia on the thirteenth of next Month. It may happen that four Officers of your Regiment may be wanted to complete the Court. You will please to notify this number to hold themselves in readiness for a further order. As a Captain is among the persons to be tried it is proper that as many Captains as may can be conveniently had, may compose the...
119John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
Before you receive this you will probably receive a letter from the Secy at war informing you that the general officers have proposed either you or Mr Hammond to be a Lt Col commandant. This event has embarassed me. I know not what to do. I know not whether the senate will not negative the nomination if I make it; nor whether you will accept the appointment if they should advise and consent to...
120John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you wrote me on the 7th of this month, and I shall give all the attention to the Subject of it which may be necessary. It is not new to me— You are too precipitate in my opinion in pronouncing an opinion that the General has been guilty of high Crimes &C a: There have not been wanting Critics upon your conduct, as severe as you have been upon his It is reported not...
121John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I Received yesterday your kind Letter of the 13 th and Return you and yours the Compliments of the Season and Thanks of your Congratulations on the Probability of a Cartain Election the felicities or infelicities of what Events however are Hidden from our Vew by that impenetrable Veil which Covers Futurity the Prospect at Present is not very bright a Country Impotent at Sea tho Powerful at...
122John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 17 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your kind letter of the 9th of the month. The letters to Vergennes were sent to him, not presented. He acknowledged the receipt of them; and Congress acknowledged the receipt of the copies of them, and several others written before those two, upon the same subject, in a vote they passed about Sir John Temple. They say, that although Mr. Adams had thought fit to write a...
123From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I was sorry to learn from your letter of the 7th instant, that you propose to resign the Office which you hold under the United States. Presuming that this determination is the result of a due reflection upon the subject, and a conviction that the measure is for your best interest, I acquiesce in it, altho’ I regret the loss of your services to the public. And, while I express my approbation...
124From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received since my return to this place the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government I took measures for enquiring into the disposition of the british cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very exactly...
125George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved, since my return to this place, the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6th. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government, I took measures for enquiring into the dispositions of the British cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very...
126John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 June 1791 (Adams Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate you and my daughter, as well as your venerable Mother, and her and your amiable families on your arrival in America. The situation of that respectable office to which you have been promoted, and the unhappy sickness of the good Lady your Mother, made us all uncommonly anxious for your arrival, I hope you found your own family in health and your mother recovering....
127Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
Although we have reason to expect, and hope for your speedy return, yet I would not let so good an opportunity as this, by the Portland packet, pass without writing you a few lines, partly to inform you, that your son is in perfect health, and has been so through the winter; that he is full of mirth and glee, and as fine a boy as you can wish him: and partly to congratulate you upon your...
128John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I shall not entertain you with public affairs, because you will learn the state of them from the public papers more in detail. I shall only say, that the National Government has succeeded beyond the expectations, even of the sanguine, and is more popular, and has given more general satisfaction than I expected ever to live to see. The addition of Vermont and Kentucky, the augmentation of our...
129From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 7 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
As I find the duties of your office can be executed by a deputy during your absence, and the business which calls you to Europe appearing to be important to your private interest; I feel a pleasure in complying with the request for leave of absence made in your letter of the 1st Inst., and sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage—a prosperous completion of your business & a happy return to your...
130John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 11 November 1788 (Adams Papers)
I was much obliged to you for a letter by Mr. Nesbit of Philadelphia, and am very sorry I could not have more of his company. He was much esteemed, I find, in Boston. I wished for you, when he was here, because you could never have a better opportunity of seeing your old military friends. We had a review of the militia, upon my farm; and a battle that threw down all my fences. I wish, however,...
131From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured, a few days ago, with your letter, dated the first day of this Month, in which you obligingly acknowledge the receipt of mine of a former date. In the dearth of News and Politics at this moment—and especially in my distance from the sources of intelligence, and retirement from the scenes of public life; I should have scarcely any topic of importance enough to trouble you with a...
132From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 2 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on two interesting circumstances, your safe arrival in your own country, and your having got rid of me; for I think you will not find there so troublesome a neighbor as I was here. I hope Mrs. Smith has well weathered the voyage, the little one also, and the half a one, for I presume he was begun. You arrive just in time to see the commencement of a new order of things. Our...
133From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 1 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself the more indebted to your obliging care in transmitting the letter of the Marquis de la Fayette, as by that means you have given me the double advantage of hearing from two of my distant, military friends at once. It is so long since I have had the satisfaction of holding any immediate intercourse with you, that I may be allowed to touch on a subject rather obsotute indeed,...
134From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, with Enclosure, 2 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Payne happened to be present when I received your favour of January 16. I read to him that part which stated the circumstances of your delivery of the letter of Dec. 3 to Mr. Littlepage and of the place where he put it for greater care. Payne conjectured what had happened, that it’s separation from the common mass of letters had occasioned it to be overlooked. He repeated the circumstances...
135From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 6th. inst. but that of the 4th . therein mentioned to come by Mr. Littlepage, has never come to hand. He remembers nothing of it. It was the more material as you mention it to have contained my account of which I must therefore trouble you to send me another copy. I must remind you also of Mr. Adams’s picture, as I should be much mortified should I not get it...
136From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 13 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to acknolege the receipt of your favors of October the 4th. 8th. and 26th. In the last you apologize for your letters of introduction to Americans coming here. It is so far from needing apology on your part, that it calls for thanks on mine. I endeavor to shew civilities to all the Americans who come here, and who will give me opportunities of doing it: and it is a matter of comfort...
137From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 28 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress that they would do well to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress...
138From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In your favor of June 30. from Madrid is the following paragraph. ‘Mr. Jay sais 562. 163. 449. 350. 92. 213. 479. 609. 57. 189. 547. 407. 407. 642. 186. 48. 449. 186. 72. 290. 136. 92. 368. 38. 582. 518. 48. 186. 149. 327. 48. 186. 92. 547. 324. 290. 82. 518. 72. 393. 525. 371. 407. 82. 570. 189. 339. 380.’ I have four cyphers, two of which it was possible you might have copies of, and two...
139From John Jay to William Stephens Smith, 20 July 1787 (Jay Papers)
Your absence, and a constant but fruitless Expectation of being able to give You some interesting Information respecting the Subject of your private Letter of the 4 Feb: last, has from Time to Time induced me to postpone answering it particularly. Nine States have since that Period been so seldom represented in Congress, that a very inadequate Degree of attention has been paid to our foreign...
140Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 30 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have written you only a few lines since your absence; and those conveyed to you rather an unpleasing account, but you will find my letter attended with so many others of a different complexion, that I hope it will not give you a moment’s uneasiness. Mrs. Smith is now very well, and sitting here at the table, making herself a mourning bonnet, for the Princess Carolina Wilhelmina, whom neither...
141From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I find here the letter you were so kind as to leave for me and am truly sorry I did not arrive in time to have the pleasure of meeting with you here. I hope however you will take Paris in your way back, and indemnify my loss. I am to thank you as usual for favors, attention to the press, the mathematical instrument, books, letters &c. This done I will pass to a more pleasing subject still,...
To William Stephens Smith Esquire Secretary of the Legation of the United States of America to the Court of Great Britain— The Secretary of the United States of America for the department of foreign affaires, His Excellency John Jay to whom was referred a letter to him from the Honourable John Adams of the 27 th. of June last, informing that the Queen of Portugal had ordered her squadron in...
Congress by their Resolution of February the 3 d. 1787, determined, that the Letter to the Queen of Portugal herewith delivered you, should be transmitted to Her faithfull Majesty by your hands— You will therefore prepare yourself, as soon as conveniently may be, and proceed to Lisbon.— In your way, as you pass through France & Spain, you will of Course pay your respects to the Ministers of...
144From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 19 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of Jan. 29. and Dr. Burney’s which was inclosed in it. If the harpsichord be not sent off, perhaps it may as well await the last of March or beginning of April when it may be less exposed to rains. But it is not material. I shall be absent till the 1st. of May. Franks was unlucky with the instrument made by Jones. It was stolen out of his carriage in the...
145From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 15 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Franks’s delay here, occasioned by that of his baggage, gives me an opportunity of acknowleging the receipt of the map. I am now occupied in correcting it. I have got thro about two thirds of the map and have a list of 172 errors, so that we may expect in the whole about 250, and I reckon only those which are material. Small and immaterial changes of orthography I do not correct. Except...
146From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 20 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
‘Not having any letters on my file unanswered, I shall not trouble you further.’—Is this you?— Did you count 10 . distinctly between the origin of that thought, and the committing it to paper? How could you, my dear Sir, add reproach to misfortune with a poor cripple who but now begins to use his pen, a little, and that with so much pain that it is real martyrdom? However I believe I am even...
147From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 22 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
How the right hand became disabled would be a long story for the left to tell. It was by one of those follies from which good cannot come, but ill may. As yet I have no use of that hand, and as the other is an awkward scribe, I must be sententious and not waste words. Yours of Sep. 18 and 22. and Oct. 1. and 4. have been duly received, as have been also the books from Lackington and Stockdale,...
148From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 23 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Being desired by a friend to procure him a copying press I take the liberty of putting the inclosed under cover to you and of requesting you to pay for it and have it sent as therein desired. I wish it may be in time to come with the other articles that it may not multiply my applications for passports. Be so good as to let me know whether Mr. Tessier has any hesitations about going beyond the...
149From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 13 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 9th. of August and since that have received yours of Aug. 23. I have not yet heard of Mr. Adams’s return to London, nor when that may be expected if it has not already taken place. I have nothing public and proper for the post. A letter from Mr. Barclay dated at Mogadore in July shews he was on his return. I impatiently wait an answer from Mr. Adams as...
150From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, [10] August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
An opportunity will offer by Mr. Bullfinch of acknowleging the receipt of your favours of July 5. and 18. and as I mean by the same hand to write my American letters, the number of these obliges me to abridge with you. I therefore make this previous declaration that there shall be neither prayer nor compliment in this letter, nothing but a simple tho’ sincere proffer of respect to Madame,...