51To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 15 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
An Express arrived last night at 12 oClock from Point look out , advising that the Enemy had entered the mouth of the Potomac with five Ships and one leading armed Brigg, Mr. Granger the Post master General who lives but a few yards from me gave me this information, immediately—an universal alarm in the district took place this morning, what few Troops are here have marched, down the River—a...
52From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 16th I hasten to ansr. it as I have by the same post receivd a Letter from our dear Caroline from Schnectady giving an account of the safe arrival of the Party there in improved health they go on to Ballstown to try the Springs & from thence proceed to Quincy; where I now have no doubt but they will arrive safe—I have addressd the paper of the day to Caroline by which...
53To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 28 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 15th. inst., the aspect of public affairs become every day more gloomy The slap which I predicted before I left you has been realized, I expected it from the dividing of our force, and knowing that Govr. Provost as an officer, would try a battle of manævre, previous to our troops taking too imposing a position, he tried it and it put a period to the Campaign—The enemy...
54To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 31 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
It is here a profound secreet of the Cabinet, known only to seven— You may rely upon it a negotiation will be promptly entered into to restore peace between the united States and Great Britain The British Administration, decline the mediation of Russia, but will appoint ministers to negotiate with the American ministers, and express their confidence that all matters, between the two nations,...
55To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 18 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you the United States Gazette to you perfectly acquainted with the Geography of Europe particularly of the frontiers of france, Spain, the borders of the Rhine, and the formerly united Provinces of Holland the details of military movements, may amuse you and perhaps produce some observations, instructive to me. I must acknowledge myself somewhat perplexed in my calculations, on past...
56To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 21 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
This day’s Post brings a communication from Abbey under date of the 13th. from a Gentleman of very high standing of from which the following is an extract— “General Hulls trial will be terminated in a few day’s, the evidence on the part of the prosecution have closed, The Unfortunate Old man, will have but a slender Defence, the Court must I think sentence him to be shot, the state of the Army...
57To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 23 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
More trouble hangs over the Camp The President last night, indulged The Secretary of War, by consenting to the arrest of Major General Wilkinson—The Court martial is detailed, and dispatches with an official arrest were this morning, sent off from the War office, to the Army of the North—somebody must be sacrificed to cover the blunders of the War— Yours respectfully, MHi : Adams Papers.
58To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 28 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday a Letter from my dear Caroline of the 20th. inst. informing me of the better health of yourself and M rs. Adams, of which, of course I was happy to be informed Heaven grant you both a perfect restoration, and that you may continue a blessing to society and a comfort to your family and friends—The removal of Mr. Granger produces a considerable sensation—and the proposed...
59To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 4 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday at 1/2 past 5. P.M. The Bill authorising a loan of twenty five Millions of Dollars, passed the House of Representatives by a Majority of forty two—It has been a Subject of animated debate for twenty day’s—it now of course, passed to the Senate, It is not expected that it will long rest there— The Papers which I forward and those you receive thro’ other channels, put you regularly in...
60From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have your Letter of the 2d. inst. one from My dear Caroline of the 28th. of Febry. and one from my son John of the first and one from Mr. DeWint of the 2d. inst. all of which I have answered, the majority however goes by this post— The subject is highly interesting I have promptly answered Caroline, my Son and Mr. De Wint— I wrote a note to The Hon ble : Mr. Oakley a member in Congress from...
61To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 18 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 2d. instant contains so many weighty and important questions relative to the jaring points of negotiation in the interior of Europe, that I cannot see how they are to be adjusted and settled You take a wider range and a more expanded view of the immense questions, then I conjecture, has crossed the minds of our political seavans , for myself, from the pictures you hold up, I...
62To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 22 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have forwarded to you The Report of the Department of war on the subject of our military force the past Campaign I now enclose you Documents from The Secretary of the navy, relating to the navy of the United States—both of which will put you in full possession of the present real state of these two important departments, of course will be thus far satisfactory to you—The House have been for...
63To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 31 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
The restrictive System is raised and The President this day recommended to The two Houses of Congress to raise the Embargo—The communication was refered to The Committee of foreign relations, who will report to-morrow—The Papers of tomorrow will fully inform you, and I will forward them by the post of the 2d. of april— To make comments to you must be Superfluous, I mark the aspect of the...
64To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 1 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday mr. Eppes chairman of the Committee of Way’s and means, brought in a bill to change the mode of taxation from the capacity of Stills to the quantity distilled eight Cents pr. Gallon on Spirits distilled from domestick materials and 12 Cents on spirits from foreign materials I think this will create serious debates amongst the leaders of the majority, it is supposed this change will...
65From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 2 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 22d. of march, and am much gratified that my enquiries and communications relative to Mr. De Wint meet wit your approbation—you will no doubt observe by my last letter to my dear Caroline, that ultimately my Ideas fully correspond with your own, and thinking that I was hard with the young man, I softened my letter, and withdrew from that stern position that I had...
66From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have your Letter of the 12th. inst, I lament that the delay of my answers should have excited unpleasant sensations, the circumstances from whence it sprung, were out of my controul— They however furnished the young Gentleman with an opportunity of expressing his solicitude, and has finally thus far progressed as you express yourself to your satisfaction, and that it does so, adds to my...
67From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 14 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 1st. inst. and yesterday visited Mr. Hellen & his family, they are all well and received no injury from the late invasion, they all however retired into the Country for a few day’s under great terror, the enemy however did not approach their house nearer than the Palace, distant about one mile—I enclose the report of the naval Committee expressive of the gallant...
68From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 7 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday the 5th. I received your Letter of the 28th. ulto: the introduction you have given to the Revd. Edward Everet, when presented will be received to the full extent of his most sanguine expectations, I love the introduction of Worthy Characters from those I love and esteem— That the communications from our dear Caroline to you are satisfactory, is highly gratifying to me, and that we...
69To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 7 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
When I was in the woods, I could write you freely, and venture my opinions upon men, measures and passing scenes; but now, on the plains of the District of Columbia, I pause, hesitate; and gazing on the political confused aspect feel a diffidence in putting my calculations & conjectures on paper, I dare not state even to you, what my impressions are, least they should produce a pang in your...
70To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 23 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
The Vice President of The United States is Dead . He Presided in the Senate yesterday, with his usual appearance of Health; this morning took breakfast, and went in a Hack to the Treasury department, after finishing the business which called him there, he observed to Mr. Nourse, that he did not feel well Mr. Nourse attended him to the carriage & he ordered the Driver to carry him to the...
71From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 31 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter enclosing one addressed to Mr. Adams, and presented it to the Secretary of State it will be forwarded with the public dispatches to Gent. I do not admire Williams return at this moment, having recieved his Commission as Secretary of the Legation, I think he had better hold it, and remain abroad for the present—least he should be on his Way I stated to Mr. Monroe, as he...
72To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 11 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
you and your dear family may have wondered at my silence for some weeks past, but I have been very, seriously indisposed, this I have not communicated to my Children at Newyork nor to our family at the Valley or Utica, it could only tend to excite painful sensations to them, therefore I have been silent—It is of course a satisfaction to me, to state to you, that I feel as if, I had perfectly...
73To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 28 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the President sent the nomination to the senate yesterday of John Quincy Adams as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain— I am Well thank God— Yours Sincerely, MHi : Adams Papers.
74From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I received your kind letter of the 22d. of Feby. this morning—I have the pleasure to inform you of the restoration of my health—Congress will adjourn of course on Friday next—the roads are intollerably bad I have my horse and Sulkey with me, and after the roads get a little settled, I shall travel on gently to new york, and perhaps to the Valley—an extra meeting of Congress will take place,...
75To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 2 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction your congratulations on the peace, dated the 22d. ulto. the day of the great rejoicings in Boston, I have noticed the detail of the processions, and ceremonies, they must have been great indeed—The Bostonians have always been remarked, as doing things upon a great Scale. I suppose you did not see, the regular confusion, or hear the enthusiastic shouts of the...
76To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 11 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with your letter of the 4th. inst., I am sorry your friends work you so hard—I will endeavour in the course of the season to visit Quincy, and promise to copy all your letters during my stay, the perusal of them will richly pay me for the trouble. I have a letter from my Brother Justus from the valley, mentioning, that our Brother James is very ill; from the nature of his spring...
77To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 24 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
In your last letter from Quincy of April 4th. you wished I would furnish you with a Copy of Hamiltons Letter to Miranda and asked in what Journal, Magazine, Review or Newspaper it s deposited—At the time, I could only furnish Mirandas Letter to Hamilton, since my return home I have found among my books a Vol entitled South American emancipation a London edition By J.M. Antipara, a Native of...
78To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 1 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on the 24th. ulto. and sent a copy of Hamiltons Letter to Miranda as requested in yours of the 4th. of april last; you will find in the Annual Register, or Review of Politics and Literature for the year 1807 page 45 a note relative to the interest the British Government took in Mirandas Expedition, and in page 206. 7. 8 & 9 the account of his visit to Coro. in page 392 you will...
79From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Being thus particular, in designating my position I think my friends at Quincy will not hereafter be at a loss where to address their pleasant letters to me, I am induced to be thus minute, by a remark in your letter of the 18th. of november, which I was delighted to receive,—wherein you say, you had contemplated writing to me for some time previous to the receipt of my Letters to The...
80To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 24 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 21st. of Novr. being forwarded under cover to William at New York, remained some time with him and was not addressed to me here, untill I informed him that I should not proceed to Washington, but pause the decission of the House, on the pretentions of Doctor Willoughby, Knowing the complection of the majority and their political biass, I concluded, I would save myself the...
81To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 28 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 28, 1793. The account of a cabinet meeting on March 2, 1793, reads: “The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury.” Letter not found. ] Smith, who was John Adams’s...
82To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 2 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 2, 1793. According to an entry in JPP “Journal of the Proceedings of the President,” George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. for March 2, 1793, Hamilton submitted to the President “a letter from Colo. W. S. Smith of this date respecting the debt of the U.S. to France —with a Copy of a letter wh. he had written to Mr. Ternant on the subject —and an Extract of a...
83To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 10 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ November 10, 1794. On November 12, 1794, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., wrote to Smith: “Your letter of the 10th. instant covering a Contract dated the 10th. day of Oct. 1794 has in the absence of the Secretary of the Treasury been read by me.” Letter not found. ] Smith, John Adams’s son-in-law, had been supervisor of the revenue for the District of New York from 1791 to 1793. When this letter was...
84To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 13, 1799. “I take the liberty of suggesting for your consideration, whether it would not be conducive to the good of the service, to authorize the officers to engage persons in the capacity of Servants particularly attached to their persons, with the pay and rations of a Soldier, exclusive of the established Rank & file of the Regiment, so that under no consideration the...
85To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
East Chester [ New York ] May 3, 1799 . “I have been honoured with your Letter of the first of may; having always understood that Capt Church tho’ honoured by the appointment of being your Aid De Camp, intended, with your permission to recruit his Company; I mentioned to him, when in Town last, that the money & recruiting instructions, were ready for him, when it was convenient for you to...
86To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
East Chester [ New York ] June 12, 1799 . “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 5th inst.… we have neither tents nor the necessary Camp utensils. I will however endeavour to help them over these inconveniences, untill by your communications to the War office, the necessary supplies may be forwarded—each Company will at present require 4 good axes & 4 spades, and...
87To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 7 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp, 12th Regiment [ Bronx, New York ] September 7, 1799 . “… Upon a close inspection of the Regiments arms at present issued It pains me to observe, that they too generally appear to be old furbished up barrels, many of them full of flaws, new stocked & dressed perhaps to fulfil a contract, certainly not render essential service; of one hundred and ninety men inspected, including music, I...
88To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 10 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It would be of Service to the troops if some arrangements were made, that they might attend divine service on Sundays. The minister of this Parish is a firm good friend to Government, & the Army and preaches up the necessity of Supporting the one and accommodating the other. Finding the officers of the 11th. Regt. much disposed to visit their homes frequently I requested the Minister to give...
89To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Union Camp [ Scotch Plains, New Jersey ] November 15, 1799 . “… Yesterday two french Gentlemen presented themselves here, requesting my permission to teach the back and small sword to the officers of the Brigade.… I felt myself very unpleasantly situated, but informed the Gentlemen, that the particular delicacy of existing questions between their Country and mine, rendered it totally...
90To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of the 21st. relative to the funeral Ceremony, which is to take place at this Camp on Thursday next, agreeably to your orders I immediately dispatched an officer to The Ajutant Genl. who I doubt not arrived at new york before 10. oClock the last night—of course, I have reasons to expect, the necessary supply of field artillery, blank...
91Enclosure: [Inscription for a Monument to George Washington], [23 December 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Sacred To The Memory of The Illustrious George Washington General of The Armies of The United States of America, Who paid the Great Debt of Nature, The 14th. of December, 1799. On Mount Vernon Sol occubuit, nox nulla sequitur. To Commemorate his virtues. To hand down to Posterity, The Great The dignified Character of Their Exalted Chief, The Commandant And Officers of the Union Brigade,
92To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Union Brigade [ Scotch Plains, New Jersey ] December 23, 1799 . “In your Letter of the 17th. you mention your intention of retaining Capt Church with you, to this I cannot with propriety object, but I can with propriety say, the Regt. feel his loss, & I, particularly regret his absence, his pointed attention to duty, & his Gentlemanlike deportment has endeared him much to the Corps, I now see...
93To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Union Brigade [ Scotch Plains, New Jersey ] December 23, 1799 . “… I have not seen the Contractor, for a fortnight. I suspect he does not like the rotundity of my Phiz. I have been much fretted by his supplies. I have of course several times refused them—& have for Some time past, made it the duty of the field officer of the day, regularly, to inspect the provisions on the day’s of Issue, and...
94To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 24 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 23d. this inst. by the hands of the Post Master of Brumswick—the Orders contained in it, of the 21st. shall be minutely attended to, and executed with the deepest solemnity. I did myself the honor of addressing you last night which Letters I sent per stage this morning at seven oClock to the New Ark post office, to which I beg...
95To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 28 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Scotch Plains, New Jersey, December 28, 1799. On January 3, 1800, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “Your different letters of the 23rd 24th and 28th. of December have been delivered to me.” Letter of December 28 not found. ]
96To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3d. inst. I have communicated with the Contractor on that part of its contents, which relates to his department—and I flatter myself I shall have no more grounds of complaint, if I have however, I shall not be silent. On the subject of the funeral expences—there is no other account to be presented, excepting the price of two...
97To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 8 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received a letter from Lt. Baldwin, wherein he states, that the present situation of his Health, obliges him to make a second application for a furlough, for such length of time, as may be thought sufficient, for the better recovery of his health, and refers me for further information, respecting the necessity of his making the application, to Doctor Douglass. I immediately...
98To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 13 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Colo. Ogden proposing to visit New york to-morrow, I have wished him to state to you fully, the situation of the interior of this Brigade. I see no possibility of preserving the necessary order, and regularity, indispensible in military service, unless I have the power deligated, competent to punish offenders, against the orders, I am as Commanding officer, authorised to Issue. The...
99To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 24 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you that in obediance to The Proclamation of The President of the United States, recommending that on the 22d. day of Feby. public testimony should be given of the grief of our Nation for the death of General George Washington by suitable Eulogies, orations and discourses, or by public prayer—the Union Brigade discharged the duty required with respect & reverence—a...
100To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 21st. and two of the 25th. ulto. I have taken measures to obtain correct information, of the disturbances which took place at Elizabeth Town, between Capt. Courtlandt & Lt. Livingston, with some people at a public House. The account in the news paper is grossly exagerated as appears to me, from the statements I have already...