101To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. & 19th. inst. by Dr. Stevens, I have received a letter from the Governor (a Copy of which is enclosed) informing me that his residence would be established at Port Republican, and requesting that I would obtain instructions from my Government to fix myself near him. In my answer, I informed him that I would hasten to communicate his wishes...
102To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
103To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Dr. Stevens’ departure being delayed two days beyond the time he expected to sail, gives me an opportunity of writing this, in addition to my letter of the 17th. Two British frigates appeared off this harbour on the 17th., and continued there until last evening. One was the Trent—the other not known. The latter boarded the Am. Schooner Commerce, Capt Ingersoll, from Salem, coming into this...
104To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 6. Sends dispatch by Dr. Stevens, who leaves 18 Aug. on the Amphitrite for Philadelphia and intends to go on immediately to Washington. Continues to believe that Stevens’s official conduct has been faithful and beneficial to U.S. trade and that he has suffered great loss of personal fortune in the exercise of his duties. Has received from Stevens a copy of...
105To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Dr. Stevens, who embarks tomorrow, with his family, on board the Brig Amphitrite for Philadelphia. As Dr. Stevens intends going on to the seat of Government immediately on his arrival, I shall say but little more in this letter than to refer to him for the detail of the present state of things here. In my letter of the 27th. ultimo I mentioned that the official...
106To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 5. Will write frequently since any information, however trivial, may prove to be of consequence. Still has not received any communications from British agent to the island [Edward Corbet]. In a 30 July conversation Toussaint told him to send passports for French and American ships going from one port to another on the island to the British agent for signature....
107To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
As I feel it my duty to write to you by every good and safe opportunity which offers, I am afraid that the frequency of my letters may be troublesome, as they do not contain matters of much importance. But as every occurrence, however trivial, may, in the present state of things between the United States and this Island, be of some consequence to our government, I shall rather chuse to be...
108To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
109To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace a favourable opportunity offered by Mr. D’Arcy, who goes passenger in the Schooner Fox to Philada. to write you a few lines, and enclose a Copy of my last of the 25th. inst. which covered a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Island. I would forward another Copy by this Opporty., was it practicable for me to get it; but that seems to be out of the question at present. I hope to...
110To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 3. Forwards copy of constitution of Saint-Domingue, just received and not yet published. Reports that Toussaint has not yet returned. American vessels are arriving daily without incident. Explains that he has issued eight passports, which Stevens had given him already signed by Toussaint and British agent, only after making it clear that the U.S. no longer...
111To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 17th. instant, by the Sloop Polly of Wilmington (Del.) and on the 20th. by the Brig Neptune of Alexandria. A Copy of the last is enclosed. I have now the satisfaction of forwarding a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Government of this Island. I have obtained it with difficulty, and under an injunction that it shall not be made public in the...
112To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the Memo. which you gave me, I have now the pleasure of sending you some of the Liqueurs & Sweetmeats of this place.—They are packed in two Boxes with a card of Direction on each “The President of the US.”—ship’d in the Schooner Betsy of Alexandria , Saml. Gilpin Master, and addressed to the care of Colo. Gilpin of that place, to whom you will have the goodness to order the Amount...
113To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. inst.—a copy of which I now enclose. Since that time nothing new has occurred here. The Governor, General Toussaint Louverture, has been absent from this place for 3 days past. It is supposed he has gone towards Port Republican. His movements are very rapid and uncertain. He commands everything in this Island. He is certainly an extraordinary man....
114To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived here on the 4th. instant, after a passage of 21 days from the Capes. We met with no Cruisers, and saw but three or four Vessels of any kind on our passage. On my arrival I delivered your letter to Dr. Stevens, and received from him every mark of polite attention. He went with me to General Toussaint Louverture, to whom he introduced me as the...
115To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
116To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been this moment honored with your favor of the present date, and feel grateful for the attention you have been so good as to pay me, by an offer of the Consulship in St. Domingo; and am highly flattered by the confidence which you repose in my prudence and discretion.—But, how ever desireable such an office may be to me, either in a pecuniary point of view; or from a wish to serve my...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to offer you my services in the Naval Department.—It would be presumption in me to say that I am fully qualified to conduct the business of this Department; but, having passed a few years, on my first entrance into life, in maratime affairs, which included the building and fitting out Vessels, and having been latterly engaged, for some years, in commerce, I cannot say that I am...
118To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 23 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Washington has put into my hands your letter of the 12th instant, and requests me to acknowledge the receipt of it. While she expresses the most grateful sensibility for your kind and affectionate condolence, she is sensible that your loss, as well as hers, is irreparable. In resigning herself to the dispensation of Divine Providence, she looks up for consolation to that Being alone in...
119To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 16 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 2d inst. did not get to my hands ’till last evening. I had anticipated the reasons for my letter of the 15th of december being so long in reaching you. No one living, besides yourself, knows so well as I do, the loss which you have sustained by the General’s death. And I know, at the same time, that no one, under these circumstances, could find a greater resource in himself...
120To John Adams from Tobias Lear, 1 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have duly received, by the hands of Mr Shaw, the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 24th of December;—and have communicated to the Family at this place, your kind assurances of regard and sympathy; for which they request you to accept their grateful and respectful acknowledgements.— For the feelings which you have had the goodness to express for my loss, I am truly...
121To John Adams from Tobias Lear, 15 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is with inexpressible grief that I have to announce to you the Death of the Great and the Good General Washington. He died last evening between ten and eleven O’clock, after a short illness of about twenty hours. His disorder was an inflamatory sore throat, which proceeded from a cold, of which he made but little complaint on Friday.—On Saturday Morning, about three o’clock, he became ill....
122To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
With the most sincere grief do I communicate to you the information of the Death of our beloved General Washington. After a short and severe illness of about twenty hours, he expired last evening, between ten and eleven o’clock. He had taken cold and complained of a sore throat on friday; but considered it only as a slight disorder. On Saturday Morning about 3 o’clock, he became ill. Doctor...
123I, 15 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
The following circumstantial account of the last illness and death of General Washington was noted by T. Lear, on Sunday following his death, which happened on Saturday Eveng Decr 14th 1799 between the hours of ten and eleven. On Thursday Decr 12th the General rode out to his farms about ten o’clock, and did not return home till past 3 oclk. Soon after he went out, the weather became very bad,...
124II, 14 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
This day being marked by an event which will be memorable in the History of America, and perhaps of the world, I shall give a particular statement of it, to which I was an eye witness. The last illness and Death of General Washington On thursday Decr 12th—the General rode out to his farms about ten o’clock, and did not return home ’till past three. Soon after he went out the weather became...
125To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 10 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On my return from Harper’s Ferry I had the honor to receive your letters of the 25th & 30th ultimo covering letters for Colo. Parker, which have been duly forwarded to him. and I have since received another letter for Colo Parker and one for Majr Campbell & Mr. Mackey, all which shall be transmitted by the next mail. and I pray you to command me whenever there is any way in which I can be...
126To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 4 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders I left Mount Vernon on Monday the 28th of Octr to communicate to Colo. Parker your instructions respecting hutting the Troops at Harper’s Ferry. I reached the Camp at Harper’s Ferry on the eveng of the 29th; and finding that Colo. Parker was gone to Winchester, I sent an Express for him immediately. In the afternoon of the 30th Colo. Parker arrived in Camp, when I...
127To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place yesterday afternoon, and finding that Colo. Parker had gone to Winchester I dispatched a messinger for him (one of the Soldiers). He got here this afternoon, when I delivered him your letters. The huts for the 8th Regt are in a state of forwardness; 22 of them are finished to the roofs; several of which are now covering, they are 16 feet sqr. and intended for 12 men...
128To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By order of the Commander in Chief I have the honor to transmit to you a letter from Major Rivardi, the Commandg Officer at Niagara, on the subject of a dispute between him and Captn. Bruff—that you may issue such orders thereon as shall appear to you to suit the occasion. with great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. mo. Ob St. ( ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress),...
129To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 March 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 24 March 1799. On 26 Mar., GW wrote Lear : “Your letter of the 24th. Inst. . . . was delivered to me last night.”
130To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798. On 4 July GW wrote Lear : “I have received your letter and A/c of the 2d Instt.”
131To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Cornelius the day after I was last at Mount Vernon; but have not yet recd any answer from him. When I last saw him he was about removing from Loudon [to] Berkley, which may have prevented his receiving my letter. I think it uncertain, however, whether he would incline to go so far from his family for a long job, as he is now about to make a new fixture, and has several Children...
132To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 26 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
I, unfortunately lost one of my working Steers a few days since, and having none to match the one left, and a large quantity of manure yet to haul out on my Corn hills, I applied to Mr Stewart to know if there were any on your River Farm that had not been, and would not be used this year, that would be likely to match mine. He informed me there were a number of that description; but that he...
133To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 4 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
I enclose a deed for the Potomac Shares which you subscribed for the use of the Potomac Company, which you will be so good as to execute whenever it may be convenient. The form of the Receipt to be given to those who convey their Shares is also enclosed, which will be given when the deed shall be delivered. It was thought best to have those shares conveyed to the President of the Company...
134To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 12 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
I enclose the letter from Colo. F. Deakins which I mentioned to you yesterday. Any Commands you may have for Richmond I shall be happy to take. Altho’ I have not sanguine expectations of pecuniary aid from the Assembly of Virginia; yet a petition to permit the collection of Tolls is an object of too much importance to be neglected at this moment. I therefore feel it a duty incumbent on me to...
135To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 9 Nov. 1797. GW wrote Lear on 10 Nov. : “I have received both of your letters dated yesterday.”
136To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the pleasure to see you last I have contemplated very fully the subject of renting your River Farm, provided you should be disposed to let it upon the terms which I understood you had offered it to a person who was speaking to you on the subject some time ago, which, if I mistake not, was for 1200 bushl Wheat the first year—15 or 1600 the second year and 1800 for the succeeding...
137To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 16 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday at the Great Falls, when Frederick informed me that he could calculate with certainty upon getting two hundred bushels of Rye, and perhaps more, from 4/6 to 5/ pr bushl. The farmers will begin to get it out in a few days, and as soon as there may be enough received to make it an object to send for it, he will give me information thereof. I am, my dear Sir, most respectfully &...
138To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 31 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Mr Peter informs me that you wish to know more particularly respecting the Carpenters engaged for you than what I communicated on Saturday last. Since that time I have seen Frederick, who tells me that the letter from his brother was dated at Amsterdam on the 7th of March, in which he states, that he had engaged for you two very good House Carpenters & Joiners, who would come out in the Ship...
139To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 20 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Lading for the Articles ship’d on board the Sloop Salem, which was chartered to take your things around to Mount Vernon. She sailed Yesterday with a good wind, and I think the chance is that she will be in the Potomac by this day week. She is entirely filled with your things; and a few are yet remaining, which will be put on board a Vessel that sails...
140To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your respected favers of the 9th, 10th & 12th inst. which have been received in due course. The directions contained in these several letters shall be duly attended to & the articles therein mentioned, forwarded. We have been fortunate in getting the things on board the Vessel without any injury and they are well stowed. A few more are to go down this morning (if rain should...
141To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment returned from Berkley, and as business will call me to Philadelphia in the course of next week I shall have the pleasure of communicating to you fully every thing relative to the subject of the Arsenal land &c. At present I have only time to say, that Rutherford’s deed has not yet come to hand, and that Wager’s is in the office to be recorded at the Court of this month. The...
142To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your respected favor of the 13th instant reached this place last evening, and should have been answered by return of the mail; but I had been absent for some days at the Great Falls, on the business of the Potomac Company, and did not get home till this day. I trust, my dear Sir, that after knowing my reasons for not having sooner acknowledged the receipt of your kind letter of the 14th of...
143To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but my absence from home (to which place I returned last Evening) could have prevented an immediate acknowledgement of your respected & kind favor of the 25th ultimo. I am pleased to find, by Mr Van Vleck’s letter (of which you had the goodness to enclose me a copy) that my Maria can be admitted into the School at Bethleham; and the time which he mentions for her acception is more...
144To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 20 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received your kind & respected favor of the 16th inst. with much pleasure. No apology, my dear Sir, can be necessary for your not having recollected my having put the Certificate for one hundred Bank Shares into your hands. I only wonder, that, under the multiplicity of important, and often anxious, cares which lay on your mind, you can recollect one half you do. I am rejoiced, however, that...
145To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 30 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment returned from Berkley County where I have been detained much longer than I expected on account of the difficulties raised by the Wagers; because the land was not taken possession of on the first of April, agreeably to contract. These I have at last surmounted, and have received possession for the United States; but the deeds are not yet executed, as one of the parties is in...
146To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
Could I beleive, for a moment, that you thought my Opinions were grounded on interested motives, or influenced by party views, I should blush to appear before you; but having long known the liberality of your mind, I have never hesitated to declare my sentiments to you, without reserve, on such points as occasionally occurred between us; and I am pleased to think that you do not esteem me less...
147To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your kind & acceptable favor of the 27th instant; and at the same time a letter from the Secretary of War on the subject of the Arsenal. It contains but a few lines, informing me that he shall put the papers, which I transmitted last month, into the hands of the Attorney General, to enable him to draw the deeds, and that he will write me more particularly in a short...
148To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Once more I refer you to another letter for what has occurred to me on the late distressing event, and I will therefore only say that the contents of your last letters to me shall be shortly attend’d to, and that I am most truly & devotedly your’s ALS , DLC:GW . See Lear to GW, 25 March. Lear is referring to GW’s letters of 13 and 21 March.
149To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 25 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Afflicted as I am, I have thought it my duty to write the enclosed, which will communicate an event that must be distressing to you, my dear friend, as well as to myself. The partner of my life is no more! And I am too much distressd at this moment to add more than to assure you that tho my life now is not worth preserving, yet as it is, it is most sincerely & devotedly your’s ALS , DLC:GW .
150To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 23 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
All I can do at this time is to acknowledge the receipt of your respected favor of the 21st instant, with its enclosures. The situation of Mrs Lear is such at present as to occupy my mind & my attention. To the within letter I refer for particulars, and trust to your goodness to excuse the brevity of this; assuring that I shall take the first moment in my power to attend to the matters...