2551From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 6 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
Presuming you are Presidt of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey, I give you the trouble of the enclosed address. If I am mistaken, you will be so good as to hand it to the right person. Months ago, I received a number of blank Diplomas for my Signature, which was affixed & held in readiness for Mr Peck or his order. No call has yet been for them. If a good conveyance...
2552From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, [26 March 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Circumstances prevented my seeing a certain Gentleman. But I have reflected more fully on the subject of our conversation. I continue strongly inclined to the opinion that the Council ought to have canvassed prior to the day appointed for the Meeting of Congress upon the returns then before them, and that the subsequent canvass has been irregular and is void. But as to the second point—the...
2553From George Washington to William Deakins, 10 January 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Deakins, Jr., 10 Jan. 1787. Deakins wrote GW on 10 Jan. : “I have your favor of this date.”
2554From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., 8 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by my overseer who goes to George Town to procure a quantity of twine suitable for making a Sein, as there is none in Alexandria fit for that purpose. Should you have any such as he may chuse, I will thank you to let him have 150 lb.; and if the Balance of the Bond assigned to me by Mrs Kirk has not yet been paid into the hands of Colo. Simms, you will please to...
2555From George Washington to William Deakins, 13 January 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Deakins, Jr., 13 Jan. 1787. Deakins wrote GW on 25 Jan. : “Your favor of the 13th Current did not come to hand till the day before Yesterday.”
2556From John Jay to Silas Deane, 23 February 1784 (Jay Papers)
Your letter of 21 st , January was delivered to me this morning. It is painful to say disagreeable things to any person, and especially to those with whom one has lived in habits of friendship; but candor on this occasion forbids reserve. You was of the number of those who possessed my esteem, and to whom I was attached. To me personally you have never given offense; but, on the contrary, I am...
2557Enclosure N: [Robert Forsyth to William Allen Deaz], 2 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come, be seen, or made known,— Greeting. Whereas Benjamin Johnston of the County of Culpeper, in the State of Virginia, in and by his bond or obligation, bearing date, the twenty eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, became bound to Robert Forsyth, then of the Town of Fredericksburg, in the penal sum of ten...
2558From Alexander Hamilton to John Delafield, [22 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests Mr. Delafield to send him a list of the bills negotiated for Lady Anne Polnitz on or account of the house. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Delafield, who came to New York from England in 1783, was a broker in securities. Anne Stuart, baronne von Poellnitz, the wife of Frederick Charles Hans Bruno, baron von Poellnitz, had purchased twenty-two and one-half acres...
2559From Thomas Jefferson to Fanny Delagarde, 3 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment receive your letter, inclosing those which you wish to have sent to America. I will put them under cover to the Delegates of Massachusets in Congress and will send them by the packet which sails the 25th. of this month, so that you may be assured of their going safe. A packet goes to New York from Havre every six weeks. Whenever you chuse to write to your friends therefore, send...
2560[From Thomas Jefferson to Guillaume Delahaye, 7 July 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 7 July 1787 . Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found.]
2561From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Delaire, 25 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sensible of the humanity and generosity which the merchants of Rochelle were so good as to interpose in behalf of the crew of the Clementina, and am very grateful for the aids they afforded. Congress have not been able as yet to make a regular appointment of Agents in the several ports of France because it is not till very lately that a Convention has been arranged for that purpose...
2562From George Washington to the Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your congratulations and good wishes on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. Convinced that the happy effects which may be derived from our government, must depend, in a considerable degree, on the determinations of the people to support the person entrusted with the administration; I shall rejoice to find that my acceptance has met with...
2563V. To Jean Nicolas Démeunier, [26 June 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson presents his compliments to M. de Meusnier and sends him copies of the 13th. 23d. and 24th. articles of the treaty between the K. of Prussia and the United States. In the negociation with the minister of Portugal at London, the latter objected to the 13th. article. The observations which were made in answer to his objections, Mr. Jefferson incloses. They are a commentary on the...
2564From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Nicolas Démeunier, 15 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Mazzei having asked of me information on the subject of the United States, I lent him the notes I had written for you. I saw in his manuscript afterwards things respecting you which I could not approve, and expressed to him strongly my desire that he should change them. I thought he would do it; but have not had time to look into his work since it’s publication. I beg you to be assured...
2565II. Additional Queries, with Jefferson’s Answers, [ca. January–February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Additional questions of M. de Meusnier, and answers 1. What has led Congress to determine that the concurrence of seven votes is requisite in questions which by the Confederation are submitted to the decision of a Majority of the U.S. in Congress Assembled? The IXth. article of Confederation, §. 6. evidently establishes three orders of questions in Congress. 1. The greater ones, which relate...
2566IV. Jefferson’s Observations on DéMeunier’s Manuscript, 22 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations on the article Etats-unis prepared for the Encyclopedie Pa. 8. The Malefactors sent to America were not in sufficient number to merit enumeration as one class out of three which peopled America. It was at a late period of their history that this practice began. I have no book by me which enables me to point out the date of it’s commencement. But I do not think the whole number...
2567I. Answers to DéMeunier’s First Queries, 24 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
1. On the original establishment of the several states, the civil code of England, from whence they had emigrated, was adopted. This of course could extend only to general laws, and not to those which were particular to certain places in England only. The circumstances of the new states obliged them to add some new laws which their special situation required, and even to change some of the...
2568From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 16 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I availed myself of the letter of June 1 with which you were pleased to honor me to wait on Madame Bellenger, and to begin an acquaintance which I have found perfectly agreeable, and the more so as it has enabled me to be useful to you. I found in her all the good dispositions possible towards you, but not seeing clearly in what way her bounties would relieve you. I made her sensible that by...
2569From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 25 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 8th. of April , and am very happy that you have been able, with the succours of your relation here, to put yourself in so good a way. I have no right to take to myself any part of the merits. She was so well disposed that nothing was wanting but an explanation of your situation, and of the manner in which even a small aid would operate a great relief to...
2570From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 16 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Madame de Bellanger having informed me that she has authorized you to draw on her for fifteen thousand livres Tournois, the purpose of the present letter is to assure those who may be disposed to purchase your bills to that amount that they will be certainly and punctually paid, and, as a further satisfaction to the purchaser, to authorize Colo. Nicholas Lewis to write my name on the back of...
2571From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Desfours, 23 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point reçu, Monsieur, le Projet dont vous faitez mention dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 15 du mois dernier; et Je serois bien aise de le voir. Quant à la Commn que vous desirez, Je n’ai aucune autorité pour l’accorder ou la refuser; tout ce que Je puis faire c’est d’envoyer votre Requete au Congrès, et de...
2572From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Dessin, 17 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to return you many thanks for your attention to the several cases I left with you to be expedited to this place. They all came safe to hand. The Acquit à caution for the parcel which I brought myself, is herein inclosed. I should sooner have sent this, but that I awaited the arrival of the second parcel, meaning to return to you both acquits à caution together. But on asking for the...
2573From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Dessin, 24 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your letter I sent to the Douane to inquire for your other acquit à caution, and I this moment receive from thence the inclosed paper which they assure me will indemnify you. I should not have failed to have sent you both as soon as I arrived here, but the person who had brought the other articles said he was responsible for the return of the acquit à caution and would not...
2574From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Dessin, 28 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson presents his compliments to Monsieur Dessin and returns him the acquit à caution that he was so kind as to give for his carriage, with many thanks for this mark of his confidence. He begs him to be assured that should any occasion arise again for him to repeat the same favor, the most exact attention shall be shewn to prevent him from experiencing any inconvenience from it. PrC (...
2575From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Dessin, 9 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Having desired my friend Colo. Smith in London to procure me some chariot harness, plated, and to send them on to Paris by the Diligence, I have taken the liberty of desiring him, in case that the master of the Diligence cannot send them on to the Douane at Paris, to direct an application to be made to you at Calais. I take the liberty of asking you, in case of any difficulty, to be so good as...
2576From Benjamin Franklin to Deumié Groc, 25 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Copy of translation: American Philosophical Society Jay recu la Lettre que Vous m’aviez fait l’honneur de mécrire le 26me. 9bre. dernier Touchant L’aimable Elizabeth Vau. [Vaisseau] françois destiné pour philadelphie, mais dèserté En mer par son Capitaine et Equipage et Ensuitte Conduit à terre neuve. Jay immediatement Ecrit à Monsieur Barclay notre Consul pourlors á Lorient requerant de lui á...
2577From George Washington to Simeon DeWitt, 17 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of yesterday. The nature of your Office being such as that Congress may possably still have occasion for you, I cannot think myself at liberty to grant the Discharge you request—but circumstanced as you are, I would advise, that you make a final application to Congress to know if they are inclined to comply with your former application or if they have any further...
2578From George Washington to Simeon DeWitt, 3 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
By the interruptions of the post, your letter dated the 12th of Jany never got to my hands until Sunday last. I have urged, not only in public, but private conversations with individual members of Congress, the policy, indeed necessity of having accurate Maps of the United States—& they know full well my opinion of your worth, and ability to execute them. All seem sensible of these, but the...
2579From Benjamin Franklin to John Dickinson, 3 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr Charles Helsted, whom his Majesty the King of Sueden has appointed Consul of that Nation, will have the Honour of presenting this Line to your Excellency. He is recommended to me by the Suedish Ambassador at this Court, as a Gentleman of great Merit: As such I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities and Countenance. With sincere Esteem, I have...
2580From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, [25–30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Having always entertained an esteem for you personally I could not without reluctance yield to impressions that might weaken that sentiment, and it is with pain I find myself drawn by circumstances to animadvert upon the late message from the Executive Council to the Assembly of Pensylvania relative to the mutiny in a manner which may seem to impeach the candor of those who were the authors of...
2581From George Washington to Robert Dick, 27 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 15th inst. and as I am desireous of giving every encouragement in my power to that useful class of men who understand agriculture, and wish to settle in this country, I am sorry that you was not sufficiently explicite in your letter to enable me to answer you more decidedly upon the subject of your enquieries. If you[r] view is to purchase a large tract of...
2582From George Washington to Robert Dick, 21 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the trouble you was so good as to take in forwarding to me the report of the Committee of Council at Quebec to Lord Dorchester. The paper contains many things of importance, and, although I do not doubt in the least its authenticity; yet, if there should not appear to be any thing indiscreet in the request, I should be glad to be more particularly ascertained of...
2583From George Washington to Robert Dick, 22 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 8th Inst. and shall answer your several quœries with as much precision as the nature of the subject will admit in giving a general idea of the matter. The great body of my lands in the western Country lay on the River called the Great Kanawa not far from its confluence with the Oh[i]o—I have also a tract of about 10,000 Acres laying on the Ohio between the...
2584From George Washington to Robert Dick, 1 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 28 ult. I pray you to be assured that no improper use shall be made of the important disclosure it contains, and of the sense I have of the confidence reposed in me by the communication. Your sentiments with respect to the policy which ought to be observed towards the Settlers of the Western Country appear to be exceeding just; and, as...
2585From George Washington to George Digges, 28 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Will you permit me, to give you the trouble of enquiring among your friends of the Eastern Shore, now in Annapolis, if I could be furnished with one thousand feet of the best pine plank; precisely 24 feet long (when dressed)—To be without sap, or knots. It is for the floor of my new room. Many years since, I provided for this, & thought myself secure of that which was perfectly seasoned. It...
2586From George Washington to Thomas Digges, 5 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
If this letter should be put into your hands, it will be delivered by Mr Powell a Gentleman of character from Philadelphia; who with his Lady are returning from a visit to Mrs Byrd (Sister to Mrs Powell) in this State. As I am sure it will afford pleasure to Mrs Digges and yourself to shew them civility, I will make no apology for the liberty I take in introducing them to your acquaintance but...
2587From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Digges, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of May 12. as well as that of the person who desires information on the state of Cotton manufactures in America, and for his interest and safety, I beg leave to address to you the answer to his queries, without naming him. In general it is impossible that manufactures should succeed in America from the high price of labour. This is occasioned by the great demand...
2588[From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Dilly, 26 January 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 26 Jan. 1786 . Entry in SJL under this date: “Chas. Dilly. Book seller of Lond. To send Dr. R’s books by Col. Humphreys.” Letter not found, but see David Ramsay to TJ, 10 Dec. 1785, and TJ’s reply, 26 Jan. 1786.]
2589From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 20 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson a eté tres affligé de n’avoir pas eté rendre ses devoirs a Monsieur le comte et Madame la Comtesse Diodati: mais ç’a eté causé par une autre affliction qui a manqué d’etre bien grave. Son enfant, qui a eu la fievre depuis deux mois (avec une courte intermission seulement) l’a eu très dangereusement les dernieres semaines. Depuis trois ou quatre jours pourtant un mieux s’est...
2590From George Washington to Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 15 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th of January came duly to hand; but being written in French (a language I do not understand) some time elapsed before an opportunity presented to get it translated—This I hope will be received as an apology for the delay of my answer. However much your merits deserve recommendation—& however pleasing it might be to me to offer my testimony to such facts as have come to my...
2591From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Gerrit Diriks, 2 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
As a private individual and citizen of America I can with propriety and truth deliver it to you as my firm belief that the loan office certificate you shewed me, and all others of the same kind will be paid, principal and interest, as soon as the circumstances of the United states will permit: that I do not consider this as a distant epoch, nor suppose there is a publick debt on earth less...
2592From Thomas Jefferson to Rigoley d’Ogny, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir içi, Monsieur le Baron, à mon retour d’une petite voiage au-delà des Alpes la lettre, en date 6me. Avril, dont vous avez bien voulu m’honorer. Agreez, je vous en prie mes remercimens pour votre bonté en faisant remettre en franchise le paquet de gazettes qui m’avoit eté adressé de New York par la voye des paquebots français. Il y a longtems que j’ai vu avec regret les...
2593From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 18 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Often sollicited by persons on this side the water to enquire for their friends in America about whose fate they are incertain, I can only hand on their requests to my friends in America. The inclosed letter from the Chevalier de Sigougne desires some enquiry after his brother whom he supposes to have settled at Todd’s bridge. As this is within your reach, I must refer the request to your...
2594From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 28th. of July, when appearan[ces] rather threatened a war in Europe from the quarter of Holland. Since that the affairs of that country have continued to become more and more incapable of reconciliation. In the mean time a war has actually broken out between the Turks and Russians. It has been formally declared by the former against the latter, and...
2595From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 7 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received duly your friendly letter of Nov. 12. By this time you will have seen published by Congress the new regulation obtained from this court in favor of our commerce. I should have made them known to you at the same time but that there is a sort of decency which requires that first communications should be made to government. You will observe that the arrangement relative to tobacco is a...
2596From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 28 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received with infinite satisfaction your letter of the 1st. of March. It was the first information I had of your being in America. There is no person whom I shall see again with more cordial joy whenever it shall be my lot to return to my native country; nor any one whose prosperity in the mean time will be more interesting to me. I find as I grow older that I set a higher value on the...
2597From George Washington to Alexander Donald, 2 June 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Alexander Donald, 2 June 1787. Donald wrote GW on 20 June : “I had the honour of receiveing your letter of the 2d Current.”
2598From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 15 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Dec. 15. two days after I had written my letter of the 7th. inst. and at the same time with one from Callow Carmichael & co. informing me that your vessel would sail from Havre about the 19th. instant. The shortness of warning not admitting time to order claret for you from Bordeaux early enough to go either by the Bowman or by your next ship, I send you two hampers...
2599From George Washington to Arthur Donaldson, 16 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the first inst. did not reach my hands until last night, or I would have replied to it sooner. I am much obliged to you for the Model of your Hippopotamus, and the information which accompanied it,—I have a high expectation of its answering very valuable purposes, if the mud, in the beds of our Rivers, is of that fertilizing nature which the appearance indicate; of which I mean...
2600[From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Doradour, 11 February 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 Feb. 1787 Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found.]