55751To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 23 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee presents his most respectful Compliments to Dr. Fraklin and will have the pleasure of waiting on him tomorrow forenoon to take leave and hopes the Copy of the Treatys will be ready for him. Addressed: Honble / Benjamen Franklin Esqr. Notation: W. Lee 23 March 1778 to BF. He had requested these copies on the 19th. BF , answering on the 24th, pointed...
55752To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Garrard County, Kentucky, 4 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Document not found. 4 March 1809, Lancaster, Kentucky. Acknowledged in JM to the chairman of the meeting, 29 Apr. 1809 . A set of resolutions lauding JM on his inauguration and expressing a willingness to support the administration against foes at home and abroad.
55753To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 21 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1801, Bristol. Has received no letters from State Department since writing his of 18 Mar. Notes that papers transmitted (which include London prices current) report two great events in northern Europe. Will not conjecture on possible consequences except to say he is not sanguine of peace but fears the contrary. Reports that provisions continue to decline in price; weather has been wet...
55754To Thomas Jefferson from John Ammonet, 10 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Norfolk, 10 May 1787. Encloses letters of introduction; though he had expected to sail with Capt. Ramsay, the bearer, he postpones his voyage on account of illness. Asks TJ to make inquiries into the matter of his claim to the estate, “perhaps in the Town of Tessey, in lower Normandy,” of Jacob Ammonet, who left France for Virginia about 1700. He has credentials proving himself the “legal...
55755[Diary entry: 8 November 1763] (Washington Papers)
8. Put up 15 to fatten at Mudy. Hole.
55756Election by the Triennial General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 3 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, May 3, 1802. “A Ballot was accordingly had; and on counting the Votes it appeared that the following Gentlemen were unanimously Elected to fill the Offices annexed to their names, respectively. Major General Alexander Hamilton, President General.…” “Journals of the Cincinnati, 1784–1787, Vol. I,” 105, Library of Congress. See William Jackson to H, March 12, 1802 . H, who was not...
55757To John Adams from William Bentley, 17 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having been requested by J Marston Esqr to send to him through your hand, a copy of the Mecklenburg N C. resolutions as printed in the Essex Register, June 5. I have taken the liberty of adding another copy for your own use, as he assured me you had sent your own copy to a friend. With increased affection, / & with the highest reverence of your personal virtues, / & unrivalled public services...
55758From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Portail for himself and in behalf of the Gentlemen with him has made different applications to me for horses and servants; and I have been in a manner under the necessity of furnishing them by way of loan till they can be otherwise provided. They expect these things to be found them at the public expence, and informs me that the matter is now before congress, whose determination they look...
55759Bezaleel Howe to David Humphreys, 30 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
As Congress are making an Addition to their Military Establishment, I am induced to offer myself as a Candidate for an Appointment in the same—hopeing my past Services will claim Your influence with the President in my behalf I served in the late War almost Nine years which I hope will plead in my favor. I was a Captain in the Army, and since the Peace have been a Captain of Infantry in this...
55760To James Madison from George Washington, 19 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
If Mr. Madison could make it convenient to spare half an hour from other matters, GW would be glad to see him at 11 Oclock to day. RC (photostat, DLC : Washington Papers); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington. The RC was offered for sale by Parke-Bernet Galleries in 1954. JM noted in his “Substance of a Conversation with the President” (see memorandum of 5 May 1792 ) that...
55761To James Madison from Robert Brent, 7 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Finding material inconveniences frequently resulting to the public service, in the time consumed by the nomination, approbation, and instruction given to paymasters of Regiments, at a distance from the seat of Government I have in consequence thought it advisable to address a letter of which I have the honor of enclosing you a copy, to Major Genl Harrison, requesting him on the contingences...
55762From John Adams to the President of Congress, 11 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have only time, by Major Jackson, to inform Congress, that upon Information from the Comte de Vergennes, that questions concerning Peace, under the Mediation of the two imperial Courts, were in agitation that required my Presence, I undertook the Journey and arrived here last Friday Night the 6th. of the month, and have twice waited on the Comte de Vergennes at Versailles, who this day...
55763To James Madison from James Ryan, 11 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Having understood from Timothy Clowes L L. D. President of Washington College, Chesterton, Maryland, that he is a candidate for a professorship of Mathematics in another college, Situated in a more healthy climate than his present residence, and having had an opportunity of forming a correct judgement of his knowledge of Mathematics from his contributions to the Mathematical Diary and other...
55764To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 26 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknowledge your favours of the twenty sixth of November and seventeenth of December which reached me two days ago. The System of Finance did not indeed fully meet my Opinions but I know it is necessary to conform even to the Prejudices of Mankind. I fully believe with you that any Resources dependent on Consumption will greatly encrease. I believe this Encrease will not be meerly in...
55765[Diary entry: 25 April 1790] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 25th. Went to Trinity Church, and wrote letters home after dinner.
55766“Lettre du Comte de Chanmburg [Schaumberg]”: a Satire Attributed to Franklin, [before 13 March 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in [Baudouin de Guémadeuc, ed.,] L’Espion dévalisé (London, 1782). Franklin’s contributions to the press during his first year in France, unlike his years in England, were few and far between. He helped to translate some state constitutions that were published in the Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique ; three short memoirs, one his and two perhaps his, appeared there in...
55767To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 5 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape Français, Santo Domingo, 5 Dec. 1785. Though unknown to TJ, he appeals to him, as a loyal citizen of the United States, concerning his rights. Born at “ Mézières-sur-Meuse en Champagne, ” he left his large family many years ago and lived some time in Santo Domingo with “ un parent fort-Respectable, M. Du Portal, Lieutenant général des armées du Roy. ” After this relative’s untimely death,...
55768To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your directions, in conjunction with my Majors, I have proceeded to examine the claims of the officers of my regiment, and the result thereof will appear by the inclosed list which I have taken the liberty to make. It would be difficult to state to you, all the principles which governed us in the arrangements, in the application of some which we considered it our duty to...
55769To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 14 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to my promise I enclose herewith a List of the Lands which I propose to mortgage to you as Security for the debt due to Mr Church and I think the value more than Sufficient. For some of these Lands the Patents are issued, for some they are not issued, but the Patents are only considered as Evidence of Title, because when Warrants of Survey are granted the money is paid & a return of...
55770[Diary entry: 18 March 1772] (Washington Papers)
18. Lowering Morning, and Snowy day.
55771Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Hillard, 9 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your letter of Sep. 10. and return you thanks for that & the pamphlet you were so kind as to inclose me. the health you enjoy at so good an old age, and the strength of mind evidenced in your pamphlet are subjects of congratulation to yourself and of thankfulness to him who gives them. I am sorry that a professor of religion should have given occasion for such a censure. it...
55772To George Washington from George Measam, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Measam, 1 Dec. 1778. On 14 Dec., GW wrote Measam : “I received your two letters of the 1st and 4th Inst. this morning.”
55773Conversation with George Hammond, [15–16 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Towards the end of last week, I had a very long and confidential conversation with Mr Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, in the course of which the opinion, I had entertained, of that Gentleman’s just and liberal way of thinking was fully confirmed. The late unfortunate expedition under General St Clair naturally engrossed a great portion of our conversation, whence I was induced to...
55774To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 7 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As You will Receive a letter from General St Clair Who had been desir’d By Congress to Go with me to the pensilvania line, I have Nothing to Add But that I am here with him, and that I Impatiently Wait for Your Arrival which has been Announc’d By Mjor fishBurne on his Going through this place. This Affair is the More Serious As the Men have Appointed A Committee Compos’d of theyr Ring leaders...
55775To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 12 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President & sends the enclosed for his decision —submitting his opinion that it is not adviseable to grant the permission requested. This case is not precisely within the rule already adopted as a general one. LB , DLC:GW . Hamilton probably enclosed French minister Jean-Antoine-Joseph Fauchet’s letter to Edmund Randolph of 12 May,...
55776To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 13 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Recollect once to have Read That on the Fatal Ides of March, when Cesar was going to the Capitol Artemidorus presented him with a paper Containing Those words “Cesar Beware of Brutus Take Heed of Cassius come not Near Casca have an Eye to Cinna; Trust not Trebonius; Brutus Loves thee not These men have all but one mind and That is bent agt Cesar if Thou art not Immortal Look about Thee:...
55777To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 11 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Captain-Lieutenants of Artillery have desired me to forward the enclosed letter to your Excellency. It respects their pay, which, by a resolution of Congress last April or May, was reduced from 40 to 33 1/3 dollars per month, without any reason assigned for its being done. The Committee of Arrangement, when at White Plains in September last, assured them that they would lay their...
55778To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Translation.) Means which the Congress may make use of in order to force the Regencies of Barbary to make Peace with them. The Flag of the United States cannot be displayed ’till after the Congress shall have made peace with the Regencies of Barbary. The consideration of the advantages which the anglo-americans would derive from this navigation, have already induced the Congress to attempt...
55779To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 31 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your esteemed favour of 24 Inst. with 40 Ds. in Bank Notes Came to hand by last post. No other vessel has yet offered for Alexandria. Mr Peters having sent me two Letters & a small Box to forward and the Letters containing some Garden seed I have covered them by post & shall not fail to send the Box which Contains some Roots by first Conveyance I am &c. ADfS , ViMtvL : Clement Biddle Letter...
55780From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 7 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Delaplaine. He is restrained by an established rule, from subscribing to works from the Press, but he will thank Mr. D. to reserve for him a copy of that he is about to publish. RC ( LNT : George H. and Katherine M. Davis Collection). JM had probably been asked to subscribe to Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished American...
55781[Diary entry: 6 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
6. Bated at old Codleys. Dind and lodgd at my Brother Sam’s. GW’s expenses at Codley’s (Caudley’s) were £6 ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 329). Codley’s was located at Williams’ (later Snickers’) Gap in the Blue Ridge. It was near the site of present-day Bluemont, some 15 miles from Samuel...
55782From Thomas Jefferson to J. Phillipe Reibelt, 21 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
During the sitting of the legislature, & especially at it’s commencement it is rare that I can find a moment for my private correspondences, hence my tardiness in acknoledging the reciept of your favors of the 3d. 16th. & 19th. I had often thought on the subject you propose as to the mode of procuring German emigrants to take the place of our blacks. to this however the state legislatures are...
55783To George Washington from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 12 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 12 June 1777. GW’s aide-de-camp Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Sullivan on 12 June, saying that “His Excellency was favoured with Yours of to day.”
55784From George Washington to James Mercer, 26 December 1774 (Washington Papers)
I do not recollect whether, in my last, I informed you that it was £29 you gave for the Negro Kate, & that the whole of your purchases in Frederick amounted to £2385.14.2; If I did not then do it, these will be found right, & agreeable to the original Entries —I have heard nothing yet from Colo. Peyton, respecting those Lands which you appear charged with at the Loudoun Sale—there is no doubt,...
55785To James Madison from John and Samuel Welles, 24 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1803, Boston. “We herein inclose extracts [not found] of Mr Richard Hughes’ letters which we have taken the liberty to call private; thinking on the one hand it was proper for us to make you acquainted with the whole circumstances of the case, & on the other that the open disclosure of these facts—at an arbitrary & corrupt court might endanger the safety of our agent, or produce...
55786From John Adams to William Rotch, 13 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
Having very cogent motives to collect Information relative to our New England Fisheries, a Friend has kindly referred me to you as you will see by the inclosed Papers which I pray you to return to me, by the Post.—Any information you will be so good as to convey to me by the Stage or Post relative to any of our Fisheries in Whales Cod Salmon Seals Macceral or any other species especially on...
55787To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 14 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vous savez à quel point les interêts de l’Amerique me sont chers. Un enthousiasme fanatique ne m’a pas guidé; j’ai regardé sa cause comme celle de l’humanité; et j’y suis d’autant plus attaché que j’ai cru suivre les vrais principes. Ainsi vous ne serez pas étonné Si je n’ai pas été indifférent sur ce qui pouvait affecter son crédit. Vous sentez déjà que je veux parler du mauvais succés du...
55788From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 12 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I know not what apology to make for the trouble I am about to give you. I am sure I must call your publick spirit in aid of your private friendship to me. You will see by the head of the inclosed report, that the house of representatives have instructed me to lay before them a plan for establishing uniform weights, measures and coins. Five and twenty years ago I should have undertaken such a...
55789To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [30 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Wolcott going sooner than I expected, gives me little Time. The Council of Appointment met Yesterday, & appointed Willett Sheriff again. The Governor it is thought, gained Webster. Miles Hughes, tried for it. I negotiated for him, with I. Roosevelt; Tillotson we suppose was for Willett. Peter Schuyler was sick at Home. Miles’s Practice I apprehend is not large. Mel. Smith & N. Lawrence...
55790From George Washington to George Clinton, 27 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of ⟨inclosing your Excellency⟩ an extract of a letter which I have ⟨just received from⟩ Colo. Hay, and of assuring you at the ⟨same time that⟩ the prospects of the Army, especially of ⟨that part of it⟩ which is to winter in the Highlands, ⟨were never so alar⟩ming in respect to the want of Bread, as ⟨at this⟩ time. We carry with us, from this ground, tom⟨orrow,⟩ every pound...
55791James Madison to Thomas S. Grimke, 10 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd the copy of your "Letter to the people of S. Carolina", after the delay of passing to Charlotte County thence to Charlottesville, and finally to O. C. House, the post office nearest to me. I beg you to accept my thanks for the publication; which are the more due as they were not preceded, by what were so, for the several other favors from your pen. Such has been the degree of my...
55792From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Walker, 25 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed are part of some papers I wrote in answer to certain queries sent me by Monsr. de Marbois in 1781. Another foreigner of my acquaintance, now beyond the water, having asked a copy of them, I undertook to revise and correct them in some degree. There are still a great number of facts defective and some probably not to be depended on. Knowing nobody so able as yourself to set me...
55793From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 21 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I embrace the earliest moment to inform your Excellency that, your Request of a passport for Mr Morgan to go with your Dispatches to Philadelphia, is disagreeable to Congress, and cannot be admitted. A Number of Inhabitants of the State of South Carolina, principally Women and Children, having under the British Administration, been sent from Charlestown to Pennsylvania, I have the Honor to...
55794To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 15 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. Oliver Spencer, 15 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Spencer on 20 Feb. : “I have received your letter of the 15th.”
55795To John Adams from Charles Lee, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to the letter of the President of the United States to the Attorney General of the United States bearing date the 20th of this month we have maturely considered the original letter signed Wm. Blount dated at Col Kings Ironworks 21st april 1797 addressed to a person of the name of Carey and the several questions propounded by the President and most respectfully report our opinions....
55796John Jay Proposes Altering Richard Oswald’s Commission Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
Discussions held prior to Jay’s arrival in Paris in June and subsequent changes in the British ministry set the stage for Jay’s efforts to insure Britain’s recognition of American independence before treaty negotiations began and to insist on a commission that would provide its representative at the peace table with powers comparable if not equal to those of his American counterparts. Jay’s...
55797To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d I had the honor of presenting Your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th & last Evening of receiving one of the 22d which shall be presented this Morning. Congress have been so attentive to Confederation some five or six days past, as to admit of scarcely another consideration—& have now Resolved to adjourn to Philadelphia on the 27th. I therefore judge it best to return the bearer with...
55798From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 7 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Commiss[ioner]s having given it as their opinion that one hundred & fo[r]ty pounds Virga Cury wd be a proper compensation to Mr Keith for the trouble he has had with the Accts relating to Colo. Colville’s estate—I have given him a draught upon you for that sum, wh. you will be good as to pay out of the balce that may remain in yr hands due to me after settling the Acct of Mr Bennets. As...
55799From James Madison to George Clinton, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
By direction of the President, I do myself the honor of transmitting to You the enclosed Certificate of your Election as Vice President of the United States. I am &c: DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
55800To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 5 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Two Chiefs of the Cherokee nation of Indians arrived here a few days ago accompanied by Mr Bennet Ballew, who has full powers from a number of Towns to lay before you their Grievances, and to make some proposals, which may eventually preserve harmony between the citizens of the United States and the Indians, and perhaps be productive of considerable advantages to both parties. It is at the...