1To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 30 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Tench Coxe informs Me, that General Muhlenberg’s Office is likely to be soon vacant, and he desires to be his successor. By an intimate and confidential Correspondence of several Years and by other Evidence I am fully convinced, that, with correct political Principles, he is faithfully devoted to the true Interests of his Country. Indeed, he is bound to them by the strongest Ties, and, among...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 22 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I should be unworthy of thy kind Attentions, if I was not truly grateful for them. The details mentioned in thy Letter of the 13th, point to Objects of high Importance indeed: Yet, I cannot forbear entertaining a Hope, that thy Knowledge and Love of Country, will apply some Remedy to the threatening Evils. The discontents occasioned by the administration of Justice, in our Forms, Principles,...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 1 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A respectable French Gentlemen of my acquaintance lately arrived from Louisiana, has, in Conversation with a particular mutual Friend from whom I receive my Intelligence, mentioned Circumstances of such a kind, that I think it my duty to submit the Communication to thy Judgment. He says, that the people settled in the Country ceded by France to The United States, are universally dissatisfied...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately found among my Papers the original Documents relating to the Convention that met at Annapolis in the Year 1786, I think it my Duty to transmit them to the Executive of the Union, and therefore I now send them. I am entirely thy Friend RC ( PHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President”; written on verso of sheet addressed to Dickinson by George Logan. Recorded in SJL as...
5To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 24 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Accept my heartiest Thanks for thy late Message to Congress , carrying in it Communications of the highest Moment to the fortunes of our beloved Country. I hope, that the great outline drawn by thee with so steady a Hand, will in due Time be filled with establishments dictated by wisdom and Virtue, all contributing to the advancement of human Happiness. May thy Life be continued long enough to...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 1 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Gratitude, a Duty pleasing even to a deeply wounded Heart, prompts Me to present my Thanks as a Father, as a Relative, as a Citizen, for the faithful and well-directed Application of thy powers to produce Happiness, of which, by the Divine Blessing on thy Exertions, my Children, my Kindred, my Country, are likely to largely to participate. May Providence grant success to all thy benevolent...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter will be delivered by Archibald Alexander , prothonotary of this County, a Man of sense and sound Principles. He is deputed, as I understand, by the Inhabitants of the antient Town of New Castle, to make some application to Government , concerning Improvements of the Port there and the Advancement of commercial Interests. He believes, that I am honoured by a share of thy Friendship,...
8To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 12 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy late Communications to Congress are so important to the wellfare of our Country, and such Demonstrations of thy Love to thy Fellow Citizens, that I feel it as a Duty to give thee my hearty Thanks, for thy strenuous Exertions to realize the public Blessings contemplated by thy Policy. I hope and trust, that a system will be now established, plainly shewing, how all the Ends of Government...
9To Alexander Hamilton from John Dickinson, [30 November 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
A sense of thy services to our Country, and the satisfaction I have received from our acquaintance, cause me to take an Interest in every Thing that importantly concerns thy Happiness. This Disposition compells me with a heart-felt love, most deeply to sympathize with thee and thy family in your present affliction. Could I add to this regretful Testimony any Arguments to soothe your Minds,...
10To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 18 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote lately by Dr. Vaughan , my sole Intention was to gratify him knowing his high Veneration for thy Character; by introducing him to thy Acquaintance. He never gave Me the slightest Intimation of any Design thereby to obtain any of the offices in this state for himself or any other. The first Intelligence I ever received of his Father in Law’s appointment, was on the arrival of the...
11To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 27 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy Letter of the twenty first was recieved the Day before Yesterday, and as I value thy Esteem at a very high Rate, it gave Me great Pleasure. If it be possible, that I can render any service to thee by offering my sentiments on things relating to this state or on the broader scale of the Union, I shall cheerfully express them, being fully persuaded that therein I shall, in the best Manner I...
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 25 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As the desire of an Acquaintance with those whom We have been long accustomed to esteem, is a very natural and commendable Inclination of our Minds, I cheerfully consent to gratify, as far as I am able, that Disposition in Dr. John Vaughan of this Place. He wishes to know the Man whom he has for Years revered as a Citizen, and he flatters himself, that as he is a stranger, an Introduction by...
13To James Madison from John Dickinson, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Accept my heartiest Congratulations on thy advancement to the secretary’s office. My Mind has for several Years been deeply distressed, by the artificial Storm that has agitated this Land. The late Changes open a cheerful Prospect to those who love their Country; and one of the most pleasing Circumstances is thy holding thy present station. I am too old, and, I believe Myself too independent...
14To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 7 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy Letter of the 6th of last Month I received with all the pleasure that arises from every Testimony of Regard given by a person highly Esteemed on Considerations of private and public Import. My Mind is much at rest with what relates to my Country; tho I shall allways lament, that thy predecessors did not discover this all important Truth, that after France had declared herself a Republic,...
15To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 21 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Amidst the many and important Affairs that must engage thy Attention at this Time, my Heart impells Me to congratulate our Country and of Course thyself, on thy Promotion to the high Office of presiding over her Wellfare. What I have felt for several Years, and what I now hope, it is needless and would be difficult to express. As to the past, as far as I am enabled to form a Judgment, I...
16To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 8 May 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
John Dickinson presents his Thanks for the appendix, and has been much gratified in perusing so complete a Vindication of a Character he has so long and so constantly regarded with high Esteem— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 10 May and so recorded in SJL .
17To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, [18 March 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
John Dickinson accepts with many Thanks the Copy of the late Resolution of the Legislature of Virginia. It is an inestimable Contribution to the Cause of Liberty; and, if it was possible, that any thing could be justly compared with the Importance of Truth, it might be said, that the Manner is equal to the Matter. How incredible was it once, and how astonishing is it now, that every Measure...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 25 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Joseph Norris intends to visit several parts of Europe. His Family has been very respectable in this Place for several Generations, and he is a young Gentleman of much Merit. I am convinced that his Worth will induce You to excuse my introducing him to your acquaintance. Your favorable notice of him will be considered as a particular Obligation by Sir, your most obedient & most...
19To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 22 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Mr. Vernon proposing to return from a Visit to America thro France, and earnestly desiring to have the Honor of your Acquaintance, I cannot forbear complying with the Wishes of a Gentleman recommended by his Politeness and his favorable Dispositions towards this Country. I am with the sincerest Esteem Sir, your most obedient & hble servant Notation: John...
20To George Washington from John Dickinson, 9 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your return in Safety and Health to this City (from which you first set out commissioned to defend the Liberties of your Country), and after so successful a performance of that high Trust, affords us a most Sincere Joy. We heartily congratulate You on the late honorable Peace, by which the Freedom Sovereignty and Independence of the United States are acknowledged, their Territorial Rights...
21To George Washington from John Dickinson, 29 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have communicated the Letter with which You lately honored Me, to the General Assembly now sitting. As they will take into Consideration the Defence of our Frontiers, I should be glad to know, if your Excellency has received any Intelligence that can be safely relied upon, respecting the Designs of the Enemy and Attempts of the Indians next Spring against this State. Information on that...
22To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny Myself the Pleasure of introducing to the Honor of your Acquaintance Mr. Benjamin Morris, the youngest son of your Friend Mr. Samuel Morris. Your Regard for the Memory of his Father, and his own Merit, will, I am persuaded, place him before You in that Light, which his Relations desire. I am with perfect Esteem sir, your most obedient & hble...
23To George Washington from John Dickinson, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Memorial from Citizens of Pennsylvania who are among the Marine Prisoners at New York has been laid before this board representing their distresses as very great arising from the want of a proper supply of food as well as of cloathing, and their case being laid before the General Assembly a sum of money has been appropriated to the purpose of supplying their wants, including those on board...
24To George Washington from John Dickinson, 30 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
My Affection for your person and my Veneration for your Character, prompt Me to take that Liberty I now do. Those Motives, and my Want of Information respecting Circumstances, will, I hope, procure Me your Forgiveness. It is asserted here, that a British Officer taken at Yorktown, is to be executed in Retaliation for Mr Huddy, as General Carleton has not delivered up the person principally...
25To George Washington from John Dickinson, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I expect, a small party of Recruits in this State will be ready to march about the Beginning of next Month, tojoin the army under the Command of General Green. As several important Circumstances have lately occurred in public Affairs, I should be glad to know, whether your Excellency would chuse, that these Recruits should proceed with all Expedition to the Southward, or remain where they are...
26To George Washington from John Dickinson, 4 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s Letter of that Date; and on a Conference with the Director General and Doctor Latimer, have taken such Measures, as in the opinion of those Gentlemen and my own, have been judg’d most likely to carry the designed Establishment into Execution effectually and without Delay. If any further Assistance within my Power shall be wanting I shall give it...
27The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Johns Hopkins University Library; copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress, University of Virginia Library This letter is intended to be delivered you by John Paul Jones Esquire an Active and brave Commander in our Navy, who has already performed signal services in Vessels of little Force and in reward for his Zeal, we have directed him to go on board...
28The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We are commanded by Congress to transmit Copies of their Resolve of the 13 instant to all the Gentlemen abroad that hold correspondance with any of their Committees. The Necessity of Such a resolution and due attention to it, is fully evinced by the heavy expence america has been put to by many Gentlemen received into their...
29The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Virginia Library; two copies: National Archives; draft: American Philosophical Society The events of war have not since our last furnished any thing decisive. The enemies Army still remains encamped upon the hills near Brunswick, and still our Troops continue to beat back and destroy their Convoys insomuch that we understand their Horses dye in numbers, and we have reason to...
30The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library You will receive herewith a Copy of our Letter of Yesterday by the Lexington, with its enclosures. This goes to Boston for a Passage from thence. An armed Vessel belonging to that State will carry the dispatches and will be governed by your directions respecting her Load back, and the Time of her return. Should you have failed in obtaining the Loan, or of...
31The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; draft: Harvard University Library We have the honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress that is of great Importance to the public Service, which has suffered considerably the last Fall, and during this Winter, by the insufficient manner in which our Soldiers were clothed. Having found much Delay heretofore in getting Cloth made up, the Congress desire that 40,000...
32The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; LS : Rutgers University Library ; draft: Harvard University Library; copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress You will recieve inclosed copies of our letters of the 21st. and 30th. Decemr., and of the Resolves of Congress accompanying them. It concerns us not less than we are sure it will you, that you should have heard so seldom from us, but...
33The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; LS : American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library; copies: Library of Congress, British Library. I have the honor to enclose herein a Copy of two Resolves of Congress passed the 19th and 29th Novr. by which the Secret Committee are directed to import two hundred and twenty Six Brass Canon and Arms and equipage compleat for three thousand...
34The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress; Yale University Library Captain Hammond having been detained longer than we expected, furnishes us with an opportunity of giving you the information we have since our last received from the Army, thro a Committee of Congress left at Philadelphia; for we have yet had no regular accounts from General Washington. On the 2d....
35To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 1 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (four) Congress relying on your wisdom and integrity, and well knowing the great Importance of the Case, have appointed you their Commissioner to negotiate a treaty of friendship and commerce with the Court of Spain. The Idea of Congress on this Subject you will find in the instructions...
36The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the Amerìcan Commissioners, 30 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; Haverford College Library; LS without postscript: Joseph E. Fields, Joliet, Ill. (1958); AL (draft ): American Philosophical Society; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; National Archives (two) The military defeats that had followed consistently on the Battle of Long Island, and had brought the British so near Philadelphia that Congress had fled to...
37The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 21[–23] December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, New York Public Library, University of Virginia Library, British Library; AL (incomplete draft ): American Philosophical Society; three copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress This letter was in response to Deane’s of October 1, which was the first word from him in Paris that reached Philadelphia. He complained hotly...
38The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners to France, 24 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copies: Library of Congress; National Archives The Congress having Committed to our Charge and Management their Ship of War called the Reprisal, Commanded by Lambert Wickes Esqr. carrying sixteen Six pounders and about one hundred and twenty Men, We have allotted her to carry Doctor Franklin to France and directed Capt. Wickes to proceed for the...
39The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 23 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: National Archives We have wrote you already by this Conveyance of the Brigantine Andrew Doria to St. Eustatia which we deem safer than the Sachem as she sails faster and is of more Force. Therefore we now enclose you some very Important dispatches for Mr. Dean and request you will forward them by the very first good Conveyance advising us...
40The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Stephen Ceronio, 23 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: National Archives The Inclosed letter was wrote and signed before we had an opportunity to transmit it and having now so good a conveyance as the Brigantine Lexington we transmit the Same to you as an official Letter from the Committee of Secret Correspondence which you’l observe is distinct from the Secret Committee with whom you also Correspond, by this letter you’l find we...
41The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Silas Deane, 23 October 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Haverford College Library; copy: National Archives <Philadelphia, October 23, 1776: We have written you twice today by different ships. This letter goes by the Andrew Doria to St. Eustatius, to be forwarded to William Bingham and by him to you in a French vessel. We enclose two resolutions of Congress. The first replaces Thomas Jefferson as commissioner with Arthur Lee, whom you will...
42The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee, 23 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; two copies and extract: National Archives By this conveyance we transmit to Silas Deane Esq. a Resolve of the Honble. the continental congress of Delegates from the Thirteen United States of America, whereby you are appointed one of their Commissioners for negotiationg a treaty of alliance, Amity and Commerce with the Court of France, and also for negotiating...
43The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 21 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives We send you herewith a copy of what we wrote you the 1st Inst. per the Sloop Independance Capt. Young and hope some of the articles that were to be forwarded to your Island or St. Eustatia by Monsr. Hortalez have arrived. In that case you will apply for, receive and Ship them by these opportunities of our Continental Cruizers, which...
44The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Hodge, Jr., 3 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives We Commit to your care sundry dispatches delivered you herewith, and you are immediately to repair onboard the Sloop Independance John Young Commander now waighting for you between this and Rheedy Island. This Sloop will carry you and Said dispatches with the utmost Expedition to the Island of Martinico, where you must apply to Wm. Bingham Esqr. delivering to him all...
45The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Silas Deane, 2 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library; letterbook copy: National Archives We have this day received from the Honorable Congress of Delegates of the United States of America the important papers that accompany this letter being, These papers speak for themselves and need no Strictures or remarks from us, neither is it our business to make any. You will observe, that in case of the absence or...
46The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 21 September[– 1 October 1776] (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library Your several letters of the 4th. 15th. and 26th August to this Committee have been duely received with the several enclosures and the whole have been laid before the Congress. We can therefore communicate that satisfaction which we dare say it must afford you to know that you have so far obtained the approbation of that August Body. It is not necessary that we...
47The Committee of Secret Correspondence to William Bingham, 1 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; LS : New York Public Library; LS : Harvard University Library Having received advice that our Agent Monsr. Hortalez is dispatching Sundry Articles wanted for the Service of the United States of America to Martinico recommended to the care of his Excellency the General or the Governor and Intendant there, to be by them delivered to whoever Shall be properly...
48The Committee of Secret Correspondence to Silas Deane, 1 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; letterbook copy: National Archives Mr. Morris has communicated to us the substance of your letters to him down to the 23rd June when you was near setting out for Paris. We hope your reception there has been equal to your expectation and our wishes, indeed we have no reason to doubt it considering the countenance we have met with amongst the French Islands, and...
49The Secret Committee to John Ross, 27 September 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : New York Public Library <Philadelphia, September 27, 1776: Several vessels bringing clothing have been captured. Please purchase on the best possible terms 10,000 striped blankets, 30,000 yards of blue and brown broadcloth at 3 s. to 6 s. the yard, 3,000 yards of different colors for facings at about 4 s. , and 1,000 pieces of Duffields or the equivalent at about 90 s. Use either funds on...
50The Secret Committee to the Maryland Council of Safety, 13 September 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Maryland Historical Society <Philadelphia, Sept. 13, 1776: We have been asked for powder for the continental frigate built at Baltimore. The powder should have been ordered there, and we understand you have a considerable supply; please furnish four and a half tons for the purpose to Messrs. William Lux, Samuel Purviance, and David Stewart. We will repay you in kind or supply more if...