28401[Diary entry: 1 September 1784] (Washington Papers)
Having found it indispensably necessary to visit my Landed property west of the Apalacheon Mountains, and more especially that part of it which I held in Co-partnership with Mr. Gilbert Simpson —Having determined upon a tour into that Country, and having made the necessary preparations for it, I did, on the first day of this month (September) set out on my journey. Having dispatched my...
28402To John Jay from George Washington, 31 March 1796 (Jay Papers)
Accept, my dear Sir, my thanks for your note of the 25 th . Instant— enclosing a copy of M r . Bayards letter to you.— The purport of it is pleasing; but the conduct of the British armed Vessels in the West Indies, is intolerable beyond all forbearance. My answer, given yesterday, to the House of Representatives’ request of Papers, will, I expect, set a host of Scribblers to work:—but I shall...
28403To Thomas Jefferson from De Langeac, 27 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Le nommé savisse est venu me trouver, monsieur pour me prier d’interceder vos bontés pour lui, qu’il est bien faché davoir perdû; vous aves surement de bonnes Raisons pour vous en plaindre et le renvoyer, mais je serois bien flatté et bien reconnoissant si à ma consideration et sur la priere que je vous en fais vous voulies bien lui pardonner. Si vous ne voules vous rendre absolument à mes...
28404New York Assembly. Remarks on the Petition of John Maunsell, [16 January 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton could see no reason why this petition should not be treated as well as others; it was customary to commit, but it did not follow that the prayer must be agreed with, no, if the committee think it improper they will say so; for his own part he did not feel himself alarmed at such an application. The legislative power of granting he should not now give an opinion on, he observed...
28405Bond for Marriage License, 23 December 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Jefferson and Francis Eppes are held and firmly bound to our sovereign lord the king his heirs and successors in the sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to the paiment of which, well and truly to be made we bind ourselves jointly and severally, our joint and several heirs executors and administrators in witness whereof we have hereto set...
28406To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, [November 1765] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society In the Midst of our Confusions, You will permit me to trouble You with the reading a line from me also, but to give You a Regular Course of Intelligence Concerning our affairs, is What I will not Attempt, as I hate Writing Very much, and leave that to Mr. Hughes our Welsh Squire, who upon Honour has fought the Battle Manfully, and I think there...
28407To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Attwood Digges, 20 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A long confinement to my chamber (with a Rhumatic and Pluracy complaint) will I hope plead my excuse for troubling You to read a letter in lieu of giving an ansr. by personal enquiry. I have a very favourable opportunity & mean shortly to send a relative of mine (a Lad of abot 15 yrs. old) to Spain .—there to fix him for 6 or 8 yrs. in order to attain the Language and merchantile advantages of...
28408To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 8 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Buchan says in the Introduction to his Domestic Medicine that “Very few of the valuable discoveries in Medicine have been made by physicians” It has for a long time run strongly in the mind of an old woman that freezing rooms might be constructed where persons might be introduced with good effect in the Malignant or Yellow fever—It is a known fact that nothing but frosty weather stops...
28409To George Washington from Colonel Matthias Ogden, 23 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your letter came to hand at four OClock this afternoon, Col. Moylands was immediately forwarded by express, his answer you have by the express with this. Last evening we much expected to hear from the Island, I think we certainly will hear this evening, by more than one or two Persons, for fear least one might impose on us—I have directed them to enquire how many Transports are left? wether...
28410To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 4 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By my friend Mr Lee I have an opportunity of writing more freely, than by the post. The folly of the mal-contents, in expecting by their siren arts to induce you to exchange the impregnable barriers of vertue & patriotism, for the defenceless transfer of intrigue & corruption, can only be equalled by their desperation & madness. relinquishing your friends, to depend on your enemies, you must...
28411From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 13 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to procure for me from the clerk of the high court of Chancery a copy of the decree of Jefferson v. Henderson which was given by mr Wythe three or four years ago, and inclose it to me? as I have occasion immediately for an authentic copy . I am in hopes your business will permit you to come and pass some time with us at Monticello in August or September, where we shall...
28412From John Adams to Jean Luzac, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of 19 and am much obliged to you for your frank and candid Account of the Paragraphs mentioned. I could not wish, if it were in my Power, to diminish the Utmost Freedom of Speculation upon American Affairs, and especially yours, which are generally with a great deal of Knowledge of the Subject, and upon honest and amiable Principles. But in this Case, I hope your...
28413To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
After having obtained your approbation of an enterprize to the Court of Spain &c for the two largest Frigates, it is painful for me to propose a different arrangement. But So much time has elapsed in getting the Constitution to Sea—& I have no accot. that she has yet got out; that I fear it would be the 15. of August, before the two Frigates could leave Hampton for Europe—they can Safely...
28414To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I learn by the public papers, and I have as yet received no other intelligence, that an English Ship bound from the West Indies has been brought into one of the Eastern ports, the French prisoners on board having risen upon the crew and compelled them to come to the United States. If this Ship is a Cartel or flag of truce, carrying prisoners to France, I have to request that you will issue the...
28415From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Clarke, 22 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Having occasion to make a considerable paiment immediately I send the bearer Jupiter, a trusty servant, to recieve whatever money may be lying for me in Staunton. any sum which you can furnish will be acceptable, and will be safely brought by him. be so good as to let it be in cash, & not in paper which nobody here recieves. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt PrC ( MHi ); at foot...
28416To John Adams from William Crawford, 13 January 1760 (Adams Papers)
I am lately come from divine Service, if I may be allowed the Expression, performd by the Revd. Mr. Cushing, whom you’re not unaquainted with. He has fill’d my head brimfull, of Portions of Sentences, concerning the spirituall and natural man. If what Mr. Locke says be true, that an intent fixedness on any particular object, will cause an alienation of the rational Faculties, I am under no...
28417To John Jay from Henry Livingston, [before 25 January 1800] (Jay Papers)
Altho the Enormities perpetrated in the Manor of Livingston for a Series of six or seven Years past, are of public Notoriety Yet I presume that the following Details will not be deemd deme’d improperly Submitted to Your Excellency as tending to prove the Existences of a Combination hostile at once to private property, to the due Course of Law and to the peace of the Community In the Year 1792...
28418To Benjamin Franklin from Gruel, 28 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je ne suivrai point l’usage, ni ne vous ferai de compliment du jour; le sentiment ne connoit pas ce language; je me bornerai à vous exprimer la sincerité des voeux que je forme pour vous en ce nouvel an: je vous souhaite, monsieur, une continuation de parfaite santé une issue satisfaisante dans vos glorieux projets, et l’accomplissement en entier de tout ce...
28419To James Madison from Anthony Terry, 22 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you the 5th. instant. Edward Preble Esqre. Commodore of the U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean has been so obliging as to communicate to me the pleasing news of the differences being settled between the U. S. & the Emperor of Morocco, on which I most sincerely congratulate you, assuring you that said news has caused a great pleasure amongst all our Citizens here....
28420From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 23 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that the unexpected appearance of the British Fleet off the Harbour of New port deprived me of the pleasure of meeting you at this place—I must refer you to His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau for the plan of operations which has been settled between us and have the honor to be with very great consideration Yr Excellency’s Most obt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
28421From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I really think Cross ought to be immediately removed: the clearance in our possession is evidence enough of the fact. but are we provided with a successor. Hook & Reed should I think be called on to shew cause why they should not be removed. can there not be appeals from the decision of that judge? I propose to appoint Benjamin Harrison Comr. of loans for Virginia if you approve of it, &...
28422“A Lover of Britain”: Preface to Three Letters to William Shirley, [8 February 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , February 6–8, 1766. In the issue of Feb. 6–8, 1766, the London Chronicle printed three letters Franklin had written to Governor William Shirley of Massachusetts twelve years earlier, together with an introductory letter that Verner W. Crane has identified as being also written by Franklin. His letters to Shirley, Dec. 3, 4, 22, 1754, have been printed earlier...
28423George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 27 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 27, 1777. Appoints Malcom to the command of a regiment. Gives instructions for completion of this regiment. Orders Malcom to the field. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Malcom had been a major and then a colonel of the New York Militia. The regiment referred to in this letter was one of the Sixteen Additional Continental...
28424To John Adams from Hiram Haines, 4 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
A desire not only to see, but to possess and preserve relicts of those venerable Heroes and Sages whose exertions won, and whose counsels have preserved that glorious liberty which I, in common with millions of my happy fellow citizens enjoy is the cause of my addressing you at present, in which I hope you will excuse the liberty an intire stranger , has thus unceremoniously taken. My wishes...
28425From Benjamin Franklin to James Alexander, 15 August 1745 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you herewith your Draughts, with a Copy of one of them per Mr. Evans and a few Lines relating to it from him. I wrote to Mr. Parker last Post that they might be got done in Boston by one Turner who is said to be a good Engraver. Our only tolerable Engraver here will not undertake the Jobb. And for my own Part I would rather chuse you should get...
28426To George Washington from Lord Howe, 17 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Letter I received from You of the 13th Instant, is in Matter and Expression so different from the liberal turn of Sentiment I had been habituated to expect on every occasion of personal Intercourse or Correspondence with You, that I scarce know how to believe the Contents and the Name I read at the Bottom, are parts of the same Letter. It surprizes me much that the idle and unnatural...
28427From James Madison to Albert Gallatin (Abstract), 3 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 May 1805, Department of State . “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant, on the appropriations for the relief of Seamen, for one thousand & eighty nine dollars & seventy seven Cents in favor of James Davidson, the holder of the enclosed bill of Exchange, drawn upon me on the 3d. ult. for the same sum, by Josiah Blakely Esqr. Consul of the U: States at St. Jago of Cuba, who is to be...
28428To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding it necessary to remove my family from this place for the recovery of thier health, I have concluded to retire about twenty miles into the country, for two or three weeks, and as billious complaints are becoming prevalent in the City, & will probably increase until Octobr. permitt me to advise you not to return until the first of Octobr; your present situation being a high & healthy...
28429Abigail Adams to Sarah Smith, 8 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whilst I feel as a Parent, I Sympathize with You as a wife, hopeing that all the frailties, and offences of My Dear departed son may be forgiven, and buried with his Mortal part I besought the throne of grace that he might find Mercy from his God, to the great judge of us all we must leave him, resigning our wills to the Sovereign of the universe— From My own thoughts and reflections I trace...
28430To James Madison from Nicoll Fosdick and Others, 6 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
We the undersigned Inhabitants of the city of New London, beg leave respectfully to represent, that some of us during the revolutionary War, others since the adoption of the federal Constitution and others since we have come to years of manhood, have been decidedly in favor of a republican form of Government, that we have all for many years past been unwearied in our exertions for the support...
28431From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 24 October 1810 (Adams Papers)
I received the day before yesterday your favour of 11. June. with a duplicate of that of 22 March—Mr. Kettell sent me the original of this from Gothenburg,—I wrote to him at that place early in the month of August, but have not heard from him since—I also answered your letter about the same time, and enclosed to you, an account of the Russian trade, drawnup by a merchant of long experience,...
28432To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Chamberlayne, 8 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now about to make a request to your Exellency, which I hope if its unreasonable, that you pardon me for it—perhaps you are a stranger to my numerous misfortunes and afflictions, therefore will relate them to you and I am sure you will not condemn me for applying to you for this, the greatest of all favours that can be confered upon me in this World. I make no doubt but you were well...
28433To Thomas Jefferson from John Coalter, 29 November 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Since receiving yours of 19th. Inst. I have spoken to Mr. Clark about its contents— He says he was disappointed in the sale he contemplated at Amherst Court, & that he hath no means of making payt, except from some Bonds he hath put into the Hands of Mr. J. Kinney for collection & out of which he has directed that Debt with some others to be paid a list of which he has given him—He says he...
28434Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 23 May 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Our river has been up so that I could not ford it to visit the Shadwell mills till yesterday. I found that there was not a single boat up, but that some are expected to-day and the miller promised he would send off 2. boatloads of flour tomorrow, and that the rest should follow within a few days. there are between 250. & 300 Barrels still to go. as soon as I know that the 2. boat loads are...
28435To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have just risen from a violent bilious attack, which has vexed me for nearly a fortnight past. But as I am a victim at present to weakness only, I am indulged in the liberty of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 16th. instant. We hear nothing of the constitution on this side of the river. On the other indeed the discontents are said to be loud; but it does not appear that any of...
28436From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
As I owe you more for your Letters of Oct. 12. and 28 than I Shall be able to pay. I Shall begin with the P.S. to the last. I am very Sorry to Say, that I cannot assist your memory “in the Enquiries of your letter of August 22d.” I really know not who was the compositor of any one of the Petitions or Addresses you enumerate. Nay farther I am certain I never did know. I was So Shallow a...
28437To John Adams from Cyrus Griffin, 10 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
This being the first instance of capture and trial in my Court under the late Acts of Congress, I take the liberty to inform you that the Ship Niger, brought into this District by Capt. Nicholson of the Constitution, after long and very able arguments by the best Lawyers of this Country, was decreed by me to be restored to the Respondents, together with the ordinary Costs of defence.— It...
28438To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Gearey, Jr., 9 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Suffer Me to Inform you that Mr. Chipindall, one of the English Creaditors to me which I Mentioned in my Letter of the 24th May, Returned to Brest from Paris and came to The Prison to See me and Made a Proposition of my Returning with him to England, Which I Refused, But Proposed if I Could have my Liberty Amediately at that time I would very [che]erfully Return to dunkirk and thier I would...
28439From George Washington to Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favrs of the 17th and 18th inst. In respect to the prisoners taken by Capt. Brewster, I shall not think myself justifiable in consenting to any of their exchanges, untill they have been sent to the State of Connecticut for further examination; for from the report made to me by Capt. Brewster and from your account they are a most pernicious and dangerous gang, upon all of whom...
28440From George Washington to William Heath, 28 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to Austin’s having permission to go to Morris Town, if nothing unfavorable has been discovered of him, while employed as you Mention. I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obed. Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
28441To Thomas Jefferson from James Turner, 23 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long been acquainted with the Character of Saml. R Jocelyn Esquire, and beleive What is Stated in the enclosed letter relative to his Character and Qualifications to be fully Correct. The Author of the letter is the Collector of the port of Wilmington, his having been so recently recommended to and appointed by You to that office. I deem it unnecessary to Say, that what he might Say on...
28442Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to Alexander Hamilton, 4 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have just now written to the President to communicate some Intelligence lately received from Paris. This I have done in abstract but my correspondent has written to me as follows “The Government here are highly displeased with ours. You may easily guess the Reason. It is come to a very serious pitch. A fleet is to be sent to our shore with a new minister. A definitive answer must be given in...
28443From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased, whenever a General Order is issued which requires any thing to be done in your Department, to superintend it’s execution. It will be proper as often as there is an appearance of delay to write to the different Paymasters and persons acting as Paymasters to accelerate, in all such cases, the exertions which it is their duty to make. Should delays occur I shall expect you to...
28444From George Washington to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 20 July 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 20 July 1776. On 25 July Hay wrote to GW : “I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th Inst.”
28445To James Madison from William Eaton, 14 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1804, Washington. “‘The ship Fortune belonging to the Bacries at Algiers, after having been put under the American flag to carry our captives from Algiers to Marseilles, was afterward kept or placed a new under that flag for the purposes of the Bacries alone; and when laden on their account, and captured and condemned by the British the Bacries demanded and compelled Mr. Barlow to...
28446From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 7 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
No man could have written from memory Mr Otis’s Agument of four or five hours in length, against The Acts of Trade, considered as Revenue Laws, and against Writts of Assistance, as tyrannical Engines to carry them into execution, the next day after it was Spoken. How awkward then, is an Attempt to do it, after a Lapse of fifty Seven Years? Nevertheless, Some of the heads of his discourse, are...
28447From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 23 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your very kind communication of Novr. 22. came duly to hand, and I am particularly thankful for your attention to the wish intimated thro’ Mr. Cabell. It was a sight of the Legislative Journals of 1784–5.6.7. that I had occasion for; and unless the Vols. No. 4 or 5, contain extracts for some of those years, the trouble of sending them would be without avail. It is not surprizing, because so...
28448To James Madison from William Pinkney, 21 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I regret sincerely that my professional Engagements here are so pressing and importunate as to put out of my power to be where my Duty to you requires. I am sure, however, that you will make Allowances for me—especially when you are aware that I am not unmindful, though absent from the Seat of Government, of what I owe to the Strength and prosperity of your administration. The particular...
28449[Diary entry: 2 February 1768] (Washington Papers)
2. Rid to Muddy hole—Doeg Run & Mill.
28450James Oldham to Thomas Jefferson, [received 21 June 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
J; Oldham sends M r Jefferson the Draughts of the window frames for his examenation. the Dorick of diocletion , baths, chambray is not in the Book of Palladio which I have, and I must aske the favor of M r Jefferson to lone me the book to lay down my cornice and I will immediately return it Safe. I will be thankefull for instru c tions as respects the ceiling of the Portico which I have to do,...