101From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 12 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
We were happy to find by your Letter 22d of May that you had arrived safe at Baltimore on your way to the great city of Washington—We have not pursued the jocular hints or menaces on promisses of advice to you in your legislative Capacity as yet—for reasons too many to enumerate. We do not however give up the right of Instructing you—when we please—We claim this priviledge—not as Friends—Not...
102From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Stephens Smith, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commandr in Chief has recied A Letter from a Mr Richd Corbin of Laneville in Virginia— desiring him to cause Enquiry to be made for his Son Dicky , who left his Father in the Year 1775—and went to England to secure family Claim to an Estate in England & in Jamaica—The Father is informed that his Son is now in N. York, & wishes to get a Certainty of the Fact—His Excellency desires you to...
103From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 13, 1799. In reply to Smith’s letter of November 11, 1799, states: “There is no provision in the law for Chaplains , and I can not therefore comply with your wishes. I am nevertheless deeply impressed with the importance of divine service among the troops, and have heretofore made it a subject of communication with the S of War.…” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
104From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Having found an opportunity of furnishing myself with a horse here, I notify it to you according to what we had agreed on, to prevent you the trouble of getting me one in England. No news to give you but of the decision of the celebrated cause. La Villette banished. Madame la Motte condemned to be branded and whipped and to remain in a hospital all her life. But it is said the branding and...
105From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty first instant with it’s enclosures has been delivered to me— I am much pleased — with the accou nt you give of the conduct of your men, and have great confidence in the habits of regularity and obedience that will be created in them by your exertions. I am informed assured, that two months pay will be immediately forwarded to the several regiments. It would appear...
106From Benjamin Walker to William Stephens Smith, 17 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency has reced the packet transmitted by you of the 14th. The Money you mention is for Genl Chattelleux and is the same that has been desired to be Sent to the Chev. de la Luzerne. Yrs &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
107From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 9 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 16th. of June. Since that your favors of May 21. 21. and June 12. have come to hand. The accounts of the K. of Prussia are such that we may expect his exit soon. He is like the snuff of a candle; sometimes seeming to be out; then blazing up again for a moment. It is thought that his death will not be followed by any immediate disturbance of the public tranquillity; that...
108John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 26 February 1803 (Adams Papers)
I duely rec d yours of the 16 th with the Paper enclosed. I had given no Attention to the Attack upon you in Cheethams Paper, because I know that no Integrity of heart, no Purity of Conduct, or Innocence of Life can protect any Man from the Shafts of Calumny, in these times of party rage and under an elective Government, which breeds Passions and prejudices as fast as ever the sun upon the...
109Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Last evening col Forrest sent a servant with a Letter addrest to me, but upon opening it, I found I was honourd only with the cover. The inclosed I deliverd the Lady who sat next me but as I could not prevail with her to communicate a word more than “that the cake was good” I threatned her with opening the next unless I should find something in the cover to appease me. But I did not keep my...
110From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 2d of April which has lain by from the pressure of more urgent business. In breaking the silence now I wish only to prevent misapprehension as it may influence future cases. I am persuaded that in what you did you were actuated by a very praiseworthy zeal, and I perceive that there were circumstances from which you were led to infer a larger discretion than...
111From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 21 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your for two Letters from the Valley; one dated October 4th. the other November the first, 1815. The Documents to which you refer are of so much Importance to your Reputation and to mine, that I wish you would depose it, the Sketch you have made of them, somewhere in print. It is at my Age impossible for me to look up the Scattered Volumes in which they are to be found and my...
112From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 26 March 1806 (Adams Papers)
I received last Evening your favour of the 23d:—The appointment of Mr. Schenck had been two or three days before confirmed by the Senate—I most sincerely lament your removal from the Office of Surveyor; but this act is exclusively within the power of the President, and the only notice he usually gives to the Senate of a removal is by a new Nomination to the Office—Such was the case in the...
113John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
Before you receive this you will probably receive a letter from the Secy at war informing you that the general officers have proposed either you or Mr Hammond to be a Lt Col commandant. This event has embarassed me. I know not what to do. I know not whether the senate will not negative the nomination if I make it; nor whether you will accept the appointment if they should advise and consent to...
114From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 19 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of Jan. 29. and Dr. Burney’s which was inclosed in it. If the harpsichord be not sent off, perhaps it may as well await the last of March or beginning of April when it may be less exposed to rains. But it is not material. I shall be absent till the 1st. of May. Franks was unlucky with the instrument made by Jones. It was stolen out of his carriage in the...
115From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, with Enclosure, 2 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Payne happened to be present when I received your favour of January 16. I read to him that part which stated the circumstances of your delivery of the letter of Dec. 3 to Mr. Littlepage and of the place where he put it for greater care. Payne conjectured what had happened, that it’s separation from the common mass of letters had occasioned it to be overlooked. He repeated the circumstances...
116From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter sent to me by the Secretary of War—you will make enquiry into the case, and if the representation proves to be just, have the person discharged—The circumstances you will report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
117From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is not improbable, that as the Arrival of the Packet at N. York with the news of Peace, Sir Guy Carleton will send out an Officer with dispatches for me, containing that agreable intelligence—in such case, the Officer may be permitted to come to this place and you will send an Officer with him or accompany him yourself as you may think proper. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
118John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I Received yesterday your kind Letter of the 13 th and Return you and yours the Compliments of the Season and Thanks of your Congratulations on the Probability of a Cartain Election the felicities or infelicities of what Events however are Hidden from our Vew by that impenetrable Veil which Covers Futurity the Prospect at Present is not very bright a Country Impotent at Sea tho Powerful at...
119From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 5, 1799. On June 12, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “the receipt of your Letter of the 5th. inst.” Letter not found. ]
120From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 16 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the receipt of your favor of May 21. I have been in daily expectation of receiving from you a particular state of the cost of my press &c. Mr. Paradise wrote me that it was about five guineas, but I knew there would still be some additions. The moment you will be so good as to favor me with this information I will remit you a bill for that and the eight guineas I formerly took the...
121From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Governor Jay—You will make immediate enquiry into the subject of it, and report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
122From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your different letters of the second, seventh, eighth, twelfth, fourteenth and twentieth of october have been duly received. I have attended to the representation in favour of Captain Kirkland, and you will hereafter consider him as ranking after Captain White. This will place him third on the list. It appears from your letter of the second instant that there was a ballance of three thousand...
123John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 11 November 1788 (Adams Papers)
I was much obliged to you for a letter by Mr. Nesbit of Philadelphia, and am very sorry I could not have more of his company. He was much esteemed, I find, in Boston. I wished for you, when he was here, because you could never have a better opportunity of seeing your old military friends. We had a review of the militia, upon my farm; and a battle that threw down all my fences. I wish, however,...
124From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Colonel Taylor relative to the discharge of Justus Cadwell of Capt. Meiggs company. If Abner B Chapel, the man offered as a Substitute, and who is now I conjecture at the Brigade, after being examined, by the Surgeon, as should be approved of by him the Brigade Inspector or Commanding Officer of the Brigade regiment, you will notify me of it, and I will accordingly...
125From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in your Recovery from Sickness and wish a perfect restoration of your health—I think I may Congratulate you on the Glorious termination of the War. The Rejoicings here are enthusiastic, If Such Rejoicings here are at my Peace with France in 1800, had been Exhibited, would the Condition of our Country at this hour however have been better? Tallard when he had been beaten and taken...
126From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from Colonel Taylor and an arrangement which he proposes. The grounds, as stated in his letter, of this arrangement do not strike my fancy. The spirit seems to be too much that which almost ruined our revolutionary army in the outset. Do me the favor to remark the individuals who are with you and send me as soon as possible a brief comment on each as officer and Gentleman...
127From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 18 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The return of Doctr La Moyuer (who has been sick since he came to this place) affords me an oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of your several letters of the 20th and 30th of May, and of the 1st and 7th Instt—and to thank you for your attention to the different matters I gave you the trouble of. If the Books which I required in one of my former letters, & were not then to be had are now...
128From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I returned to this place yesterday afternoon from a tour of Nineteen days through the Northern & Westwern parts of this State. Upon my arrival I found the enclosed from Mr Rivington accompanied by the Books therein alluded to. Be pleased to thank Mr Rivington for sending them to me, and get Money from Mr Parker & pay for them as (if any thing more was meant) it is upon these terms only I shall...
129From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have within these few days successively received your two letters, one of them containing the relation of the circumstances respecting General Miranda’s projects, and your relations with him while he was in this Country; and the other containing the request that I would write an Oration for your Son John—On the first of these subjects, I trust that in the trial of the Cause, on the Bill...
130From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter not found. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
131From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that you will call the attention of the different Paymasters to those men who may have been confined by the Sentences of Courts martial to hard labor, they being entitled to their pay— With &c. ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
132Enclosure: [Account of the Incident at Elizabethtown], [27 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Some publications having appeared in the news papers in respect to a disturbance at Elizabeth Town implicating Capt Courtlandt & Lt. Livingston of the twelveth Regiment—it is proper that the public should know that early and particular inquiry was made into the affair by order of Major General Hamilton, & that, according to information received from very respectable authority in the Civil...
133From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty eighth instant with their enclosures— The winter quarters of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth regiments will be on Green brook in the vicinity of the Scotch Plains. Preparatory measures are now taking for the purpose. I shall be particularly attentive to the wish which you express in the case of Mr. Fowler. With great considerat I am, Sir ( Df ,...
134From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The morning after John left me at Dover, that is to say, on Friday, the wind became so favourable as to place me at Calais in three hours. At the moment therefore of your writing your friendly letter, to wit at a quarter before four of that day, I was on the road between Calais and St. Omer and I reached Paris in 48 hours from Calais. Whenever you come again to Paris come by the way of St....
135From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If — I am not mistaken, you have already received an additional supply of money so as to obviate the embarrassments stated in your letter of the 21 of June. I approve the idea of permitting the recruiting Officers, who are successful, to go as far as they can; not confining themselves to the complement of their own companies— I agree with you then there is a prospect The motives which led you...
136From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 4 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
Washington used to say Sometimes “They work me hard” Sam. Allen Otis said a day or two before his Death “They work me two hard” And I who have not the Honor to be “ Father of my Country” nor Secretary of the Senate, might now say in my Octoginary year, that John Taylor and a dozen others, some of them greater and some of them less Men, now work me confoundedly hard: but I will not say it. I...
137From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Very peculiar circumstances have delayed a reply to your letters of the 25 of May those of July 28 and of August the 5th. 6th. 10th. & 11th of August— I proposed postponed determining on the establishment arrangement of the relative rank of the officers of your Regiment, which was agreeably to the list arrangement transmitted by you in concert with Major as the result of the joint opinion of...
138From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your three letters of the fifteenth instant, and have taken measures to ascertain whether accommodations can be procured for the two companies of Artillerists at the forts in this harbour. If accommodations can be had it is my intention to change the destination of these regiments companies. I have directed General Stevens to repair to camp in order to settle with you the...
139From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
While I am writing the loud Roar of the cannon announce the landing of comodore Bainbriddge from the fortunate frigate constitution. the account of the Capture of the Frigate Java I presume you will get, sooner than this Letter will reach you. She contended bravely an hour and 50 minuts untill masts spars and rigging were all gone and the ship a wreck. accordingly she was blown up by Commodore...
140From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventh instant relative to the complaints of Benjamin Cornwell and John Coles, privates in the twelfth regiment against their Officers. It ap The Soldiers stated to the Governor that they had been The part which appeared to struck me is Corn as the most material was Cornwell the allegation of Cornwell, that he had been obliged to take goods from the store of...
141From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 15 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Franks’s delay here, occasioned by that of his baggage, gives me an opportunity of acknowleging the receipt of the map. I am now occupied in correcting it. I have got thro about two thirds of the map and have a list of 172 errors, so that we may expect in the whole about 250, and I reckon only those which are material. Small and immaterial changes of orthography I do not correct. Except...
142From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 20 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Doctr La Moyaer, by whom I expect you will have received my letter of the 18th had scarcely left this when your favor of the 17th accompanied by Vertots Romish Histy & Watsons History of Philip the III were put into my hands. For sending me the latter unasked, please to receive my thanks—I shall be obliged to you for sending me by the first good conveyence the following Books which are...
143From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A General Court Marshall is to sit at Philadelphia on the thirteenth of next Month. It may happen that four Officers of your Regiment may be wanted to complete the Court. You will please to notify this number to hold themselves in readiness for a further order. As a Captain is among the persons to be tried it is proper that as many Captains as may can be conveniently had, may compose the...
144From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed warrant for Nathaniel Baldwin as Cadet in the 12th. regiment has just been sent to me by the S of War. You will direct Mr. Baldwin to transmit his former appointment to the War Office. (two drafts, both in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
145From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 18, 1799. “… I have not the smallest objection to the Officers being taught the use of the sword by the French gentlemen of whom you speak, nor to any measures of the kind which you may think proper to adopt that will not involve an actual expence to the public.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith to H, November 15, 1799 .
146From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third instant. Those officers who have been appointed since the adoption of the arrangement of relative rank for your regiment will rank stand on the list take rank according to the dates of their appointments. Where two or more persons have been appointed on the same day, the precedence will be determined by lot. ( Df , in the handwriting of...
147From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 6th. inst. but that of the 4th . therein mentioned to come by Mr. Littlepage, has never come to hand. He remembers nothing of it. It was the more material as you mention it to have contained my account of which I must therefore trouble you to send me another copy. I must remind you also of Mr. Adams’s picture, as I should be much mortified should I not get it...
148John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you wrote me on the 7th of this month, and I shall give all the attention to the Subject of it which may be necessary. It is not new to me— You are too precipitate in my opinion in pronouncing an opinion that the General has been guilty of high Crimes &C a: There have not been wanting Critics upon your conduct, as severe as you have been upon his It is reported not...
149From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter from the secretary of War announcing the appointment of Mr Walter B Voorman as a Lieutenant in your Regiment. Mr Voorman’s appointment has been forwarded to him. You will therefore make such a disposal of him as you may think proper with true consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James McHenry...
150From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 12 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant is duly received. M. Mersereau being out of military office, and retired to the Class of Citizens, his application to me for Liberty to go into New York, is not properly made, but should be addressed to the civil power of the State within which he resides—Independant of this principle, I should have no Objection to granting his request. You may communicate my...