1From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris, 19 March 1759 (Franklin Papers)
...grave and wise Men learned in the Laws and Constitutions of the Nation; they are then brought to the Council Board, where they are solemnly weigh’d and maturely consider’d, and after receiving such Amendments as are found proper and necessary, they are agreed upon and establish’d. The Council is
2Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft to Anthony Todd, 10 June 1763 (Franklin Papers)
may be willing to allow us to rent a suitable House there till the Produce of the Office will bear the Expence of Building one, which we suppose will in time be thought proper and necessary, if the Packets are continued.
...continent.” The committee reported on July 25 and, after considering the report the next day, Congress voted to appoint a postmaster general with power to name a secretary and comptroller and such deputies as he thought proper and necessary. It was also decided to establish a line of posts between Falmouth, Me., and Savannah, Ga., with a weekly service to Charleston, S.C. On the same day...
4Pennsylvania Assembly: Instructions to Richard Jackson, 22 September 1764 (Franklin Papers)
After all in this Letter observed, the Assembly are well aware of the Impossibility, at this Distance, of giving all the proper and necessary Hints on this important Business; but this Difficulty is greatly alleviated by the high Opinion they entertain of your extensive Knowledge in the Affairs of America in general, and of this Province in particular; and of your Integrity...
5Intended Vindication and Offer from Congress to Parliament, [before 21 July 1775] (Franklin Papers)
As by frequent Repitition these groundless Assertions and malicious Calumnies may, if not contradicted and refuted, obtain farther Credit, and be injurious throughout Europe to the Reputation and Interest of the Confederate Colonies, it seems proper and necessary to examine them in our own just Vindication.
6To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Connecticut general assembly resolved on 1 July that Governor Trumbull should immediately send £15,000 in bills of credit to Schuyler and such quantity of ammunition as Trumbull and his council “should judge proper and necessary” (
7[In Congress, Spring 1776, and Thomas Paine] (Adams Papers)
...in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I should have made a more respectable Figure as an Architect, if I had undertaken such a Work. This Writer seems to have very inadequate Ideas of what is proper and necessary to be done in order to form Constitutions for single Colonies, as well as a great Model of Union for the whole” (
8John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 February 1776 (Adams Papers)
...the Beginning of a War, in Colonies like this and Virginia, where the martial Spirit is but just awakened and the People are unaccustomed to Arms, it may be proper and necessary for such popular Orators as Henry and Dickenson to assume a military Character. But I really think them both, better Statesmen than Soldiers, tho I cannot say they are not very good in the latter Character. Henrys...
9From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
...York and repair thither myself If circumstances shall require It—I shall be better able to judge what to do when the matter happens, at present I can only say, that I will do every thing that shall appear proper and necessary.
10John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
...in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I should have made a more respectable Figure as an Architect, if I had undertaken such a Work. This Writer seems to have very inadequate Ideas of what is proper and necessary to be done, in order to form Constitutions for single Colonies, as well as a great Model of Union for the whole.
11From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
...the Committee of Salem, Copies of which I do myself the Honor to lay before Congress, that they may Judge of the Intelligence contained therein, and direct such measures to be taken upon the occasion as they may think proper and necessary.
12Resolutions of the Virginia Convention Calling for Independence, 15 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
...from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the crown or parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the assent of this colony to such declaration, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances and a confederation of the colonies, at such time, and in the manner, as to them shall seem best: Provided, that the power of forming...
13Protest against the First Draft of the Articles of Confederation, [before 20 August 1776] (Franklin Papers)
...equally will have a just right to equal Votes. Not that we mean thereby to avoid granting additional Aids when the Exigence of our common Interests shall appear to us to make them proper and necessary; but leaving to the Congress with regard to such additional Aids the Right of making Requisitions as enjoy’d by our late Kings we would reserve to ourselves the Right of judging of...
14From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
that a large share of the misfortunes our Arms have sustained in Canada, sprang from a want of proper and necessary supplies of provisions. Mr Trumbull too I am informed, has already made provision in New Jersey for the Flying Camp which will be stationed there and employed proper persons in that Colony to transact the business Incident to his...
15To George Washington from John Hancock, 23 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
...21 Dec. “that Robt Morris, G[eorge] Clymer & G[eorge] Walton Esquires be a Committee of Congress with powers to execute such Continental business as may be proper and necessary to be done at Philadelphia,” and “that Two hundred Thousand Dollars be immediately sent to Mr Commissary Mease subject to the disposition of the said Committee for providing the Militia going into service, for paying...
16To John Jay from Robert Morris, 12 January 1777 (Jay Papers)
On 21 Dec. 1776, Morris, George Walton (c. 1749–1804) of Georgia, and George Clymer (1739–1813) of Pennsylvania were appointed a committee “with powers to execute such continental business as may be proper and necessary to be done at Philadelphia.”
17George Washington to Robert Morris, George Clymer, and George Walton, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
On December 21, 1776, Congress resolved that “Robert Morris, George Clymer, and George Walton, Esqrs be a committee of Congress, with powers to execute such continental business as may be proper and necessary to be done at Philadelphia” (
18From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to find Congress have ordered the removal of the stores from Lancaster, and York, to places of greater safety, which is, without doubt, a very proper and necessary measure. With much respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most obet Servt
19From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The measures you mention to have taken in the affair of the seizure and with respect to the abuses practiced in the sound appear to be very proper and necessary.
20From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
quantity of both—to answer exigencies, or particular occasional purposes is certainly proper and necessary, but an expedition of the nature of the one you are engaged in cannot have a fair prospect of success where these are made the chief dependence.
21From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac, 19 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
My Grandson writes to me that he has Occasion for a Dictionary. I beg the favour of you to furnish him from time to time with such Books as you may judge proper and necessary for him, and I shall chearfully pay for them with your Account. I hope he will under your Care make a good Use of them. I shall be glad to hear sometimes how he proceeds in his Studies;...
22From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
; which is no doubt a proper and necessary one; but it is to be apprehended the distinction may not be clearly understood by the different States. If any clause could be introduced to make it more explicit it would be desireable; But there will be a...
23From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 9 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
at different places on Connecticut River from Coos downward as far as Hartford—will be proper and necessary consisting of the supplies which those parts of the country afford, and having regard to the convenience of transportation and the avoiding expence as much as possible. one object I have in view in these Magazines is an expedition...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 20 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting you a duplicate of an Act of Congress passed the 16th of March 1779, the Utility of which is apparent: And as it may be proper and necessary that you should be informed of the several acts and proceedings of Congress I have herewith sent you a copy of their Journal from the 1st of January last and shall continue to send you from time to time their...
25To George Washington from Captain Patrick Campbell, 28 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
In War, it may be found proper and necessary, to remove Prisoners from one place to another; My valetudinary state of health, will not enable me to go through with it; I have already suffered a relapse by it; And I am Just now informed, I...
26To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
...often before⟨,⟩ with a patience Scarcely to be conceived. but, a crisis may come, and it may not be far distant, when it will be impossible to exercise those coersive measures which on other occasions may be proper and necessary.
27To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
...to desire it, than I have as it respects the United states in general and that of New York in particular. But I own the Difficulties which arise on every Project, that can be proposed, for want of proper and necessary Means to execute them, are to me exceedingly perplexing.
Ship timber and Masts for the Royal Navy, and would readily consent to such Measures as might be proper and necessary for facilitating it. He further observed that having been informed by M
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
...to ask from you information whether, as you command here for the Continent, and remain for the special purpose of seeing the reinforcements equipped and sent forward, your sanction may not be proper and necessary to justify any loans or advances we may make to the Continent of Articles which we are not Specifically bound to provide. As Colo. Lee I suppose would wish all possible dispatch...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States in Congress assembled, deeming it proper and necessary to communicate to their Constituents in the several States, as fully as can be done, a proper Representation of their national Affairs, the Amount of the public Debts due from the United States, together with the Estimates for...
31Report on Instructions to John Jay, [2 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
ship timber and masts for the royal navy, and would readily consent to such measures as might be proper and necessary for facilitating it” (
32William Jackson to John Adams, 26 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
The recital of Mr. Gillon’s unvaried villanies has already employed a great part of my time, and a minute detail of them requires infinitely more patience than the retrospect affords me. But it is proper and necessary that your Excellency should be informed of some circumstances, and I must beg leave to trespass on your leisure with a narration of them.
33To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Royle et al., [23 November 1781] (Franklin Papers)
which said Vessel shall be provided fitted with proper and necessary accommodations for ourselves and families Victualed supplied with a sufficient number of seamen a Physician surgeon and every other needful accommodation for such a Voyage at the expense of the united states of America.
34X. Resolution of the States General Authorizing the Signature of the Dutch-American Treaty and Convention on Recaptures … (Adams Papers)
Wherefore the said Gentlemen, Deputies for foreign Affairs, submit it to the Consideration of their High Mightinesses to determine, whether it would not be proper and necessary to authorize them to conclude and sign with Mr. Adams the Treaty and Convention aforesaid.
35From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 27 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I must request the favor of Your Excellency to give strict order, that no Goods, besides those really proper and necessary for the officers and Men, be covered under the Flag—such practices have prevailed, in some instances, before your Excellency came into
command, and very disagreeable consequences have followed. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’...
36To George Washington from George Clinton, 6 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
...requested of me to apply on her behalf to your Excellency on this Subject. I am persuaded the bare mention of the Case to your Excellency will be a sufficient Recommendation of it to procure an Order that may be proper and necessary to warrant the Measure she solicits. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt...
37Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following.
38To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 26 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
The manner of doing business, hearing causes in Court for 6 hours, & employing the mornings & evenings in dijesting & settling Opinions, however proper and necessary to be observed in Courts which are, or nearly approach to, the de[r]nier resort of Justice, are a heavy tax upon my advanced age; howe[ve]r when I find it insupportable, I must quit...
39Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 November 1783 (first) (Madison Papers)
XXV, 722–44). The next day a recommendation of the Duane committee concerning the purchase of “goods and articles proper and necessary for the Indians” was entered and read (
40From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 16 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
...from you would easily obtain a Sight of the different Balloons of Mongolfier & Charles, with all the Instructions wanted; and if you undertake to make one, I think it extreamly proper and necessary to send an ingenious Man here for that purpose. Otherwise for want of Attention to some particular Circumstance, or of being acquainted with it, the Experiment might miscarry, which being...
41Enclosure I: Commission for Negotiating Treaties of Amity and Commerce, 16 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
) differed from Gerry’s form by reading as follows: “Whereas we have judged it proper and necessary that treaties of amity and commerce be made between the United States of America and the Commercial powers of Europe or bordering upon the Mediterranean in order to facilitate and cultivate a friendly intercourse between them as well as for...
42From John Adams to Hendrik Fagel, 10 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I beg then the favour of your Advice, if you think it proper and necessary for me to take any farther Steps upon this Occasion, before my Letter of Recall or my successor shall arrive?
43From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
...this way, for pounds lawful, what costs them pounds sterling. Were we to charge all this to the Algerine war it would amount to little more than we must pay if we buy peace. But as it is proper and necessary that we should establish a small marine force (even were we to buy a peace from the Algerines,) and as that force laid up in our dockyards would cost us
44New York Assembly. Resolution on the Call of a Convention of the States, [17 February 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
...the United States of America, and reporting to the United States in Congress assembled, and to the States respectively, such alterations and amendments to the said Articles of Confederation, as the representatives met in such Convention, shall judge proper and necessary, to render them adequate to the preservation and support of the Union.
45H. G. Letter XI, 6 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
...against whatever plan should be proposed by the Convention. For such conduct, or for such an intention, no apology can be made. The United States conceived a Convention to be a proper and necessary expedient. They appointed one, this state concurring. Their deputies were actually assembled, and in deliberation. The step once taken, it became the duty of every good man to give the...
46To James Madison from George Nicholas, 8 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
They deny the charge and say that all they wished was that as Congress and our assembly had both declared that it was proper and necessary to indulge the district with a seperate government that the district should set their government in motion without waiting for the formal assent of Congress. They supposed that the district would be more likely to be received into the...
47To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
...desire for titles and pre-eminence—how comes it that the doors where the Senate sit in their legislative capacity are shut and those of the representatives open—it appears to be equally proper and necessary for the information and satisfaction of the people that their conduct and proceedings in the Character I have mentioned should be as public and well known as that of the other house and...
48From George Washington to the Georgia Legislature, 18 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
...of the people in regard to my dispositions—I assure you, Gentlemen, that nothing could be more consonant to my wishes than to be favored with such facts and opinions respecting the condition of the States as may appear proper and necessary—for I am duly sensible that many errors which would result from want of information may be obviated by timely and just representations.
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 22 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
...abide by them. He gives his opinion at the same time. It is that his expences should be paid, and that he should recieve in addition a thousand pound sterling ⅌ Ann.—He thinks it will be proper and necessary that he should pass some time in Paris in order to have executed such parts of the machine as can be better done here than in ‘America.’ Mr. Grand is to write to you on the subject...
50Militia, [16 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
...was a principle with him, that on every occasion where an exception was made in favour of the framers of a law, that exception should not be extended or carried beyond what is evidently proper and necessary. Now to exempt the members of Congress at all times is unnecessary, because during the recess of the houses, they may be at liberty to pursue their ordinary avocations, and participate in...