11To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 14 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Permettez que j’aie l’honneur de vous offrir deux petites pièces qui ont paru depuis peu dans cette ville, à l’occasion des fêtes que nous avons Célébrées avec tous les bons français, et les Anglo-Américains vos braves Compatriotes. Si ces deux pièces ont l’avantage de mériter votre suffrage, accordez-leur, je vous en supplie, Monsieur, la grace d’être...
12To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 1754 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This letter, undated, unsigned, and in an unidentified hand, survives among Franklin’s papers. Internal evidence indicates that it was written by someone in the colonies and at about the middle of the eighteenth century. Because the problem of colonial union was being so actively discussed in 1754, it is tentatively assigned to that year. According to your...
13James Madison: Testimonial, 27 November 1834 (Madison Papers)
Being satisfied from observation and experience, as well as from medical testimony, that ardent spirit as a drink, is not only needless, but hurtful; and that entire disuse of it would tend to promote the health, the virtue and happiness of the community, we hereby express our conviction, that would the citizens of the United States, and especially the Young Men , discontinue the use of it,...
14To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 21 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Monsieur franklin est suplié de vouloir bien se rappeller l’Engagement pris avec Madame helvetius de diner aujourdhuy mercredy a auteüil chez M. hebere ou il sera toujours desiré avec la meme ardeur. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a Passy In an unknown hand. BF started to draft an answer on the address sheet of Dubourg’s letter of the same day:...
15To Benjamin Franklin from ——: The Dispute over Commissions for the Militia, [January 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (incomplete): American Philosophical Society The author of this document, which survives among Franklin’s papers, might have been any one of several well-informed members of the anti-proprietary party who was in Philadelphia at the end of December 1755. The handwriting has not been identified. The manuscript consists of three pages, the first two of which are numbered 5 and 6, and the...
16Authorization to Rector [James Madison] to appoint Professor of Ancient Languages for University of Virginia, 31 … (Madison Papers)
Resolved that the Rector be authorized to appoint to the Chair of Antient Languages, for the term of one year from the date of Such appointment, with a salary not exceeding $1000, & with the usual fees paid to that chair, either of the following persons, they being preferred by the Board in the order herein named; that is to say: Dr Gessner Harrison, M. L. Tracie, R. Reynolds; and if neither...
17To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 8 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : South Carolina Historical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society If your Excellency will reffer for No. 3—to the extract of the letter sent from Holland you will find the danger express’d therein, nearly realized (by that Nation’s enthusiasm for America’s Cooling) and if not particularly attended to before too late, the best fruits of that connection will be lost, with the...
18Fragment in his writing re book for Lawrenceville Lyceum (filed with 17827), 25 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
Front March 27 1836. Forwarded for the Lawrville Lyceum at the request in its name, of a Book from my library, and as a token of the respect I feel for an Institute patronizing youthful talent Back to the youth of a free country < >, on a subject particularly adap< > Fragment (NjMoHP) .
19Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 14 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
Wednesday the 14th. Present the same members, & Chapman Johnson and Joseph C. Cabell. On motion resolved; That the sentence of the Faculty pronounced on the 22d. of May in the present year expelling John Willis, a student of the University, is approved; and that the sentence pronounced on the 4th. of the same month expelling the student, Robert W. Walton, is also approved. Resolved, That a...
20To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 2 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society On ne doit jamais Batonner ny Biffer une signature d’une Lettre de change que quand on l’a payée; on pouvoit Repondre qu’on avoit accepté la seconde et qu’on ne vouloit pas accepter la premiere, cette reponse suffisoit, Mr. petit de Lanauze a qui elle a eté envoyée ne peut se dispenser de faire constater le refus d’acceptation, et de la Renvoyer a son cedant...
21To Benjamin Franklin from ———, 10 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society The accurate determination of longitude by a ship at sea long remained an unsolved problem. Several theoretically possible methods were advanced during the two centuries and a half after Columbus, but when put to actual test none proved both practicable and sufficiently reliable to serve the needs of mariners, especially of those embarked on long...
22To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [December 1777]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <[Brussels, December, 1777, ] in French: You do not know me, and my name would not mean much to you. I am fond of great souls, and want to pay tribute to their virtues. Sincere congratulations on the defeat of M. de Burgoÿne, obtained by skill and bravery. M. de Washington has those qualities, and we may hope that Sir Howe, now in check, will be checkmated....
23——— to the American Commissioners, 11 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 11, 1778: Jerome Cazneau, sergeant of marines, obtained shore leave and persuaded the other Frenchmen aboard to quit the ship. He did everything in his power to alienate them from returning to duty. The General, though under orders to assist us, gave them the choice of staying or quitting, even though he was reminded...
24James Madison’s List of Autographs, beginning 1828 (Madison Papers)
List of autographs [by James Madison:] Autographs sent [by Dolley Payne Madison:] G. Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Monroe John Quincy Adams A. Hamilton Robert R. Livingston Albert Gallatin Edw. Livingston Richard Peters John Page Edmd. Pendleton Wm. Pinkney Timothy Pickering Lafayette Le Baron de Humboldt Du pont de Nemours Peter S. Du Ponceau. 18—
25To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [before or during July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society On a appris par un officier francois lieutenant dans les troupes aux ordres du général Gates que Klinton avec un corps de 4000 hommes, etant en marche pour se réunir a Philadelphie au général Howe a été attaqué en chemin par le general Gates, et qu’apres un combat très opiniâtre les anglois ont été tous ou tués ou blessés ou prisonniers de guerre. Le Genéral...
26Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I rejoice to find you engaged in your latter days, in so laudable an undertaking as that of perfecting a system for the education of our youth: an estabilishement much wanted on your side of the mountains: and which must hereafter prove a great blessing to our posterity. But, what has astonished me more than all the miracles of Moses , is, that the birth state of Washington , Jefferson ,...
27Description of a Cipher, [23 May 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Pour se servir de l’Echiquier cy inclus, en place d’un Chiffre, afin d’empecher la decouverte de votre correspondance; employer la maniere suivante. Ayant ecris votre lettre comme de coutume; vous prepárerez le papier sur lequel vous ētes intentioné a coucher votre copie secrete de la meme grandeur que le carré en Echiquier, lequel ētant placé sur le dit papier, vous l’y fixerez par les quatre...
28A. & J. W. Picket to Thomas Jefferson, 10 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We address you on a Subject of vital importance; we mean the Subject of Female Education , which in our opinion has not received that attention which its intrinsic value merits.—To benefit, & place it on a more permanent basis, as far as our capabilities will allow, we intend to apply to the Legislature of mary land , at its next session, for means to erect a Female College . The importance of...
29To Thomas Jefferson from “A. B.,” 2 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had frequent occasion to transact Business at the Collectors Office in this Port & for a year or two past the Business of the different departments has been executed entirely by Clerks, many of whom are perfectly ignorant of their Business; the Collector during that time has not been at the office once a fortnight on an average, the consequence of which is a great inconvenience to...
30To George Washington from “A.B.,” 19 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
Being a Resident of this place and since the prospect of having the seat of a great Empire (which the Rapid Increase of my native Country forebodes, and its Rising consequence among the nations Indicates) is likely to be fixed near us, I have been for one, well pleased. Being under the direction of the man who gave our Infant Empire its Consequence, and whose manly fortitude supports her...
31The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
32To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Abadie, 28 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Daignés recevoir mes felicitations sinceres sur l’heureux Evenement qui vient de couronner vos vertus patriotiques et remplir les veux de tous les francois. J’ose suplier votre Excellence de m’accorder une nouvelle Lettre pour les Etats de georgie ou je vais passer avec Mr. Laplaine Capitaine au premier Bataillon. C’est moy que Mr. turgot a eu l’honneur de...
33To John Adams from Balthasar Elias Abbema, 11 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Je Serois bien flatté, Si j’etois le premier a Vous informer, que les Etats de la Prove. d’Utrecht ont pris hier unanimement la Resolution de concourir avec les Autres Provinces à Votre admission, comme Ministre Plenipot. du Congres des Prov. Unies de l’Amer ique; Je viens d’en recevoir la nouvelle de Mon frere, Membre du Tiers Etat de la dite Province: Je profite toujours de cette occasion...
34Balthasar Elias Abbema to John Adams: A Translation, 11 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I will be very flattered if I am the first to inform you that the Provincial States of Utrecht yesterday adopted unanimously the resolution concurring with the other provinces for your admission as minister plenipotentiary of the Congress of the United Provinces of America. I received this news from my brother, a member of the third estate of the said province. I take advantage of this...
35"Abbe Salemankis" to Thomas Jefferson, 27 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letters are respectfully presented, for Your perusal. The author has composed them from no other motive, than a sense of public duty; If th e y have no beneficial effect it will not militate against the design, but to him must remain a subject of regret. Some appology Apology is necessary. They were written, without sufficient documents to furnish a full View of the subject...
36To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 11 November [1785] (Jefferson Papers)
11 Nov . [ 1785 ]. Extend dinner invitation to TJ and David Humphreys for that day on the part of Chalut de Verin of the farmers-general; they are to be at the Place Vendôme at two o’clock. D’Estaing will also attend. The Abbés are grateful to TJ for forwarding the letter from Adams. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; dated “Vendredi lle. 9bre.”; addressed.
37To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 17 April [1785] (Jefferson Papers)
17. Apr. [ 1785 ]. Accept dinner invitation for Tuesday, 19 Apr. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; in French; addressed: “A Monsieur Monsieur Jefferson ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats-unis d’Amerique Dans son Hotel.” The two Abbés’ names are often misspelled, particularly that of Abbé Arnoux, whose name is also frequently confused with that of the Abbé François Arnaud (1721–1784). They lived on the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 13 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 13 Nov. 1785 . Extend dinner invitation to TJ and his party for that day on the part of Chalut de Verin of the Farmers General; they hope “ qu’il ne lui restera aucune raison de refus .” RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; dated: “dimanche 12. 9bre. 1785”; addressed. Since 12 Nov. 1785 fell on a Saturday, the date of this letter has been corrected to the 13th. TJ evidently had declined the invitation for...
39To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 28 June [1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux ont l’honneur de faire leurs compliments à Monsieur jefferson et de Le prier de la part de M. de Chalut de Lui faire L’honneur d’aller diner chez lui à St. Cloud jeudi prochain 30 juin. M. de Chalut fait la meme priere à M. Le Colonel humphries et à M. Williasmos il espere qu’ils voudront bien être de la partie. Les deux abbés iront diner à St. Cloud ce jour là,...
40To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 24 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
24 May 1785 . Accept TJ’s invitation. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; in French; addressed.
41David Abbot to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to You on a subject which I think of great importance and because in your life I think you have done a great deal of good because you are in a situation to do much on the subject which I shall mention, and because I think You have been a friend to the people, in stead of favoring a chosen few—You will not Sir, think this a piece of flatery; my situation forbids it— but few Years have...
42To James Madison from James Abbott, 29 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed, that a paper addressed to the President of the United States is privately circulating in this Territory for signatures, and as it is said to contain charges derogatory to my character, I respectfully request and should esteem it as a particular favor, to be furnished with a copy (as I cannot procure a sight of it here,) as soon after its arrival at Washington City as may...
43Thomas Jefferson Abbott to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
we are all tolerable well At present Exept my father who is Down with the Rhuematick pains & has been Subject to it this six years & I hope these Lines will find you & yours Enjoying your healths And I, am named after you sir and was Born Just Eight days Before you took your Seat as late president of unighted states of America —and I shal beg leave of you to Ask of You a small Complement or...
44Thomas Jefferson to Martin Dawson, 22 October 1815, with Jesse Abell’s Receipt, 23 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have bought a mule of the bearer mr Jesse Abell for eighty Dollars, and not having the money by me, I ask the favor of you to pay it for me, and it shall be repaid in cash in the course of the week, or by an order on Gibson & Jefferson at your choice which will oblige your humble servant P.S. should mr Dawson be from home I ask the same favor of mr Watson , and will call on him in a day or...
45To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 25 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ conscious that the Sermon which accompanies this, is in no degree worthy of your acceptance, yet, while distributing the copies of it among those I most esteem and honor, I cannot resist soliciting permission to offer one to you. With most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, I have the honor to subscribe myself Sir, Your mo. obedt hble Servt ALS , PHi : Gratz Collection. GW replied...
46To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 20 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The death of Dr Frederick Phile the late Naval Officer of this State, occasioning a vacancy in that department, I beg leave to offer myself a Candidate for the appointment. I forbear to trouble your Excellency with testimonials in my favor, as I flatter myself those recommendations which upon my application for the Treasuryship of the Mint, I presented to Coll Hamilton, will operate with equal...
47To Benjamin Franklin from John Abercromby, 11 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay eu L’honneur de vous ecrire ilia trois cemaine pour optenier de vous un pasport pour sortire de france pour man retourné che moi a charlestown. Je cere [serais] parti a presant si javais receu un pasport de vous mai aparaman que les grand safair [affaires] dont vous aitre ocupé maura fait obliet, je vous prie pour la ceconde fois Monsieur de ne pas...
48To Benjamin Franklin from John Abercromby, 24 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay L’honneur de vous ecrire pour vous demandes une paspor pour man retournes chez moi a charlestown j’ay heu L’honneur de vous fair ma reverance il ya peupre 3. cemaines don je vous informi que je vene daitre fai prisonier par des corcers grenesai, pour vous donair une melieur ides de moi je suis celuis qui vous a dit que javais perdu 12 maisoin dans...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Abernethie, 1 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Certificate I venture to send to you, humbly requesting of your Exclly. to have the same laid before Congress (at this Session if your Exclly pleases.) if it’s good I wish very much to have the value of it, if it’s not good, your Exclly. & Congress may do what you please with it. The Cer. has belonged to me for about twenty years past—I have sent it once or twice to Congress at...
50To Alexander Hamilton from James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, [28 June 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 18th. Instant Mr. Thomas had the Honor to address you on the Subject of the pensions paid to invalids by the state of N. Carolina, since which we have found that payments made by that State to Widows & orphans of deceased officers are in the same predicament. We therefore respectfully request that with your answer to Mr. Thomas’s letter you will favour us with your sentiments on the...
51To Alexander Hamilton from James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, [27 June 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
As there are sundry Credits to the State of N. Carolina existing on the books of the Treasury of the U.S. The vouchers of which the undersigned Agents of said State are not in possession of whereon to Support the claims of said State for such credits, We take the liberty to solicit that you will be so good as to direct the proper Officer to furnish us on or before the 30th instant with an...
52"A Bond Street Lounger" to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of M r Sec y Smith (lately published) has fully exposed the diabolical views, & Strange fallacy of the democrats of America in fine the above letter will do more for the Cause of Federalism than all their own writers Combined could have done—to use a Cant & Vulgar phrase “when theives fall out, honest Men Come by their own”—the above speaks more than volumes—in fine you must Shrink...
53To James Madison from Henry Aborn and Others, ca. 28 October 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 28 October 1811, Washington. The memorialists have learned that “in the allotments of the military Divisions of Washington City,” they have been assigned to the command of Joseph Wheaton. They point out that “efficient organization” requires that “those who are appointed to places of Command, should enjoy the respect and esteem of those who by law are bound to obey,” and that “without this...
54To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 28 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have to inform you of my arrival from Cayenne, which place I left on the 9th. of April last. On my arrival at that Port which was on the 5th. Feby. 1802 I waited upon the Governor Victor Hugues and acquainted him of my appointment as Vice Commercial Agent of the United States for the Port of Cayenne &c. The Governor observed to me that he was not authorised to receive an Agent from the...
55To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 28 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1802, Providence. Informs JM that he left Cayenne on 9 Apr. “On my arrival at that Port which was on the 5th. Feby 1802 I waited upon the Governor Victor Hugues and acquainted him of my appointment as Vice Commercial Agent of the United States.… The Governor observed to me that he was not authorised to receive an Agent from the United States, as he conceived the American Government had...
56To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 18 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing my Commission as vice Commercial Agent for the Port of Cayenne, and agreeable to your directions I herewith transmit the Bond required by Law previous to entering on the execution of the trusts of said office, the duties of which I shall endeavor to execute to the best of my abilities. I have the honor to be very...
57To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 18 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1801, Warwick, Rhode Island. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter enclosing his commission as vice commercial agent for Cayenne. Sends required bond. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cayenne, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 26 Aug., with his notation: “for the Secretary of state’s approbation.” Enclosure not found. Aborn had probably received a copy of JM’s 10 June 1801 standing...
58To Thomas Jefferson from “A Boston Merchant,” 26 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your REPLY to the merchants of the respectable City of New-Haven has just come to hand—Your boasted majority who are they. why Negro’s or what in New England are there cattle as the majority by whom you have been chosen. as you will see dele[…] in a peice in a late centinel of this town?—Let your Vengence of which you intimate as much fall on this spirited town. the first to avenge its...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Abraham, 17 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At this time I am in very Great Distress and Now Sir Beg your assistance if you please I am oweing abought one hundred and Forty Dollars and have no way of Raising it without Borrowing it. and I thinke you to be the moste proper Gentleman of my acquaintances to aske a Favour of that Kinde of if you will be so Good as to Lende me one hundred and Fifty Dollars untill march next you Shall Surely...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Abraham, 13 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I See By the papers that there is to be a road Cut out from Nashville to Natchez M.T. and you are to have it done: and I Suppose there must be Some person to atende to it and as I am out of Business I Would be very thankfull to you for the Burth of atending to it and every thing on my Part Shall be atended to to have it done Well I am Sir your very Humble Servant DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of...