51To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 21 June [1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] June 21 [ 1790 ]. “The President … approves of the enclosed contract for … the Light House on Sandy Hook.” LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lear erroneously dated this letter “June 21st. 1789.”
52To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 12 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns Judge Turner’s letter which The Secretary of State submitted to his perusal. The President has no copy of the Act of Virginia giving money for the federal buildings. The President requests that the Secretary of State will at all times introduce such Characters to him as he may think proper to be introduced. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Nov. 1792. Lear was...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 1 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] June 1, 1791 . “In compliance with your request, I … transmit the commissions filled with the names as you directed.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
54To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 9 Nov. 1797. GW wrote Lear on 10 Nov. : “I have received both of your letters dated yesterday.”
55To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 22 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 22, 1792 . “By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return … with the President’s approbation annexed thereto, two Contracts between the Superintendent of the Lighthouse at New London, and Daniel Harris and Nathaniel Richards.…” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives; LC , George Washington Papers,...
56To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. at 30 days sight, for ten thousand dollars, on account of the U. States of America, for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration I have the honor to be, Sir, your mo. ob. St. Privately owned.
57To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 4 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
T Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of State, that if the weather continues cloudy the Indians will not do business to day; but if it should clear off they will meet the President at two O’clock. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 Feb. 1793. For the administration’s conference with the Indians, see Minutes of a Conference with the Illinois...
58To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 25 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Afflicted as I am, I have thought it my duty to write the enclosed, which will communicate an event that must be distressing to you, my dear friend, as well as to myself. The partner of my life is no more! And I am too much distressd at this moment to add more than to assure you that tho my life now is not worth preserving, yet as it is, it is most sincerely & devotedly your’s ALS , DLC:GW .
59To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 26 October 1795 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 26 Oct. 1795 . In Timothy Pickering’s letter to Lear of 28 Jan. 1796, he referred to “your letter to the President of the 26th of October” ( MHi : Pickering Papers).
60To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October, 1789 . Transmits several letters relating to Samuel Caldwell. ALS , Applications for Office under George Washington, Library of Congress. Caldwell had been state tonnage inspector at Philadelphia up to 1789. Although he asked for a Federal appointment for the same job in April, 1789, applied for the surveyorship of the port in July, and asked for the post of lighthouse...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, [6 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 6, 1791. ] Transmits Isaac Holmes’s commission “appointing him collector of Charleston in South Carolina.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
62To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 7, 1791 . “By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Capt. Cochran of Charleston (S. C.) respecting the building of a cutter at that place.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Robert Cochran had been appointed master of the revenue cutter for South Carolina.
63To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 14 March 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 14 March 1796. On 21 March, GW wrote Lear: “Your letter of the 14th Instant did not get to my hands before Saturday.”
64To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] December 28, 1789 . “By the direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor to transmit to you all the letters & certificates which have come to his hands from, or relating to, Mr. Samuel Caldwell of Philadelphia upon the subject of his application for an Office under the United States.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. See Lear to H, October,...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 28 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 28, 1790 . States that the President has approved the Cape Henlopen lighthouse keeper’s contract. LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, RG 26, Lighthouse Deeds and Contracts, National Archives. This letter is in reply to H to George Washington, August 26, 1790 .
66To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 3 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] March 3, 1791 . Encloses a letter to the President “from the Senators … of Rhode Island recommending Mr. Thompson as a proper person for Supervisor of excise in that District.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Joseph Stanton and Theodore Foster to George Washington, March 3, 1791 ( LS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress). Ebenezer Thompson, naval...
67To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you for Twelve thousand dollars, at 30 days Sight, in favor of Richard OBrien Esqr., for value received here, on Account of the United States of America, for their Barbary Affairs, which I pray you will have the goodness to honor and pass the same to Account. With Very Great Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt. DNA : RG 59--CD--Consular...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 20 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of State, the enclosed letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to inform the Secretary that the President approves the same. The President was engaged with the Secretary of War when the enclosed was put into his hands which prevented him from looking at it ‘till this moment. 2 o’clock RC (...
69To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 9 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 9, 1791 . “… the President has received a letter from Mr. Rue, who was appointed second mate of the revenue Cutter on the Delaware station, declining his appointment & returning his commission.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Benjamin Rue was a Philadelphia sea captain.
70To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 7, 1791. Transmits “a Warrant appointing Joseph Greenleaf Keeper of the Light house at Portland in the District of Maine.” ALS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
71To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 4 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 4, 1790 . Asks that “the dates of the Warrants, which are to be issued for the Superintendants of the Light houses &c … be affixed to the names on the enclosed lists.” Copy, RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives.
72To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 27 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 27, 1791. Encloses “two commissions for the inspectors of Surveys No. 4 and 5 in the District of North Carolina.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
73Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 13 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of the Treasury that the President has appointed William Lewis to be keeper of the Light-house on Cape Henry, with a salary of four hundred Dollars per annum. The President does not conceive that the circumstance of mister Cormicks being employed to oversee the building of the Lighthouse, tho’ in his favor, as...
74To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 20 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor to write to you on the 17th Inst. I have received a letter from Mr Morris, in which he thinks it best that the furniture should not be removed sooner than the first of next month. This is about the time I had fixed upon for our departure from this place; and everything will then be in perfect readiness for shipping. It is a work of more time than I had any idea of, to...
75To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 12 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to inform The Secretary of the Treasury, that as Mr. Short’s mission to Madrid will probably cause much delay in negotiating the intended additional loan, if instructions on this subject should be sent to him to transact the business—the President thinks, with you, that it would be best to address the instructions for this business immediately...
76To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
77To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 September 1805, “On board the U.S. Ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” “The bearer of this, Sidi Soliman Mellamella, goes to the U. States, to present himself before the President, as Ambassador from His Excellency the Bey of Tunis; as his Credentials &ca. will fully shew. He has been Ambassador from this Court to Naples and Genoa, appears to be a Man of Correct observation,...
78Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by the President of the United States to send you the enclosed letter from General Hazen dated Decr 16th—and likewise a memorial from the same person of the 12th inst: together with the Copy of a letter written by the Presidents command in answer to the enclosed Memorial. I have the honor to be with perfect consideration Sir Your most Obedt Servt LB , DLC:GW . None of these...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 8 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Accept my grateful acknowledgements and best thanks for your kind letter of the 5th. instant; which, together with the minutes of a Route and the letters enclosed, came to my hands Yesterday. As a sincere friend, and truly wishing your personal happiness, I cannot but be pleased with your determination to retire from your public station; because I know that a mind like your’s can find more...
80To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been honored with your respected favor of the 21st instant—and shall, as soon as possible, obtain information on the several points therein mentioned, which shall be immediately communicated to you. The law for extending the time for opening the navigation of the Potomac has been passed in this State as well as Virginia. I take the liberty to enclose a packet for Mr...
81Tobias Lear to Samuel Hanson, [21 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by the President [of the U. S.] to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 10th of March and to give you the following answer. The law appears to contemplate the surveyor where there is one at a Port, as the person who is ordinarily to perform the service of measuring Vessels, and it may be inferred that the exercise of the power given to the Collector to appoint persons for...
82To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the command of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Peyton Short Esquire resigning his Commission of Collector of the Port of Louisville in Kentuckey, and to request that you will be so good as to consult with Mr. Brown, and any other Gentlemen from Virginia who are acquainted with characters in that part of the Country, upon a...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Mr. Governr. Morris to the president respecting the Debt of the United States in France; which the President requests the Secretary to take into consideration, and to draft such an answer as will be proper for the President to give to Mr. Morris on this subject. LC , George Washington...
84To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1801, Cap Français . No. 13. Encloses decree of Toussaint opening some ports to neutrals. Has been too busy to make an intended trip to Port Républicain. Has received a letter from British agent Corbet complaining that American vessels clear from Jamaica for the U.S. then come to Saint-Domingue to buy produce with Jamaican profits. Has not replied in full but only stated that the...
85Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State the enclosed letters & papers from the Judge of the District of Rhode Island relating to the Ship Catharine. After the Secretary shall have considerd the enclosed documents the President wishes his opinion of the measures which should be taken on the subject. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket...
86Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 13 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
The sum of two thousand five Dollars is necessary to be advanced to take up notes which were given for money advanced for the household of the President of the United States previous to the organization of the Treasury Department. This sum added to two thousand Dollars which you have already advanced for the purpose of taking up Notes, will compleat the payment of all Monies advanced for the...
87To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
88Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 11 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the Speeches to the Chiefs of the Six Nations and to the hostile Indians which have been submitted to the President, and to inform the Secretary that their contents embrace the President’s ideas on that subject. The President observes that the Secretary will write to General Wayne respecting Corn Planter, and to...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 17 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will write to the Governor of New York, by the post of tomorrow, for authenticated Copies, under Seal, of the several treaties between the Six nations and the Governors of New York from the Year 1683; and especially those with Colo. Dongan. They were preserved under the old Government of New York, in the Office of the...
90To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
91To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 10 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall sail from this place for London early in November, and if before that time you can find it convenient to give me the letters which you had the goodness to promise I shall esteem it a mark of peculiar favor. I shall go from London to Amsterdam and letters to our Bankers or other respectable Characters in the latter place might greatly facilitate my business, by shewing them that I am...
92To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, with Jefferson’s Note, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President requests the Secretary of State to call upon him this morning as he goes to the War Office so as to give him about 10 or 15 minutes conversation. [ Note by TJ: ] This was to consult about the premature nomination of Judge Patterson. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 28 Feb. 1793. On 16 Jan. 1793 Thomas...
94To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you this forenoon, I have been favored with your acceptable letter of the 12th. inst. with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. I have been on board the Constitution since writing to you in the morning; and am fully convinced that she will not be ready to sail until the 10th of Augt. Captn. Preble appears to be making every exertion to get the...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 23 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
By the President’s direction T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a Copy of the Resolution of the House of representatives relative to the Loans made in Holland; with which the President requests the Secretary to comply as soon as he conveniently can. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The enclosed resolution, passed by the House of...
96To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
By the President’s command T Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the treasury the proposals which have this day been submitted to the President, for rebuilding the lanthorn story & wooden work of the Light House in South Carolina which has lately been consumed by fire, and likewise proposals for plastering the same —All of which have been approved by the President of the United...
97To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
Could I beleive, for a moment, that you thought my Opinions were grounded on interested motives, or influenced by party views, I should blush to appear before you; but having long known the liberality of your mind, I have never hesitated to declare my sentiments to you, without reserve, on such points as occasionally occurred between us; and I am pleased to think that you do not esteem me less...
98Tobias Lear to Timothy Pickering, 3 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I enclose the translation of the letter which was transmitted to the Secretary of War by the Governor of New York—The translation was made yesterday in great haste, and if it should not be sufficiently clear, referrence had better be had to the original, in the possession of the Secy of War. The President wishes, in your conversation with Colo. Louis, that you would learn the precise time of...
99To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I am yet without information as to the result of the potomac business in the legislature of this State. Of course the board can come to no determination respecting Mr Myres. I have conversed with the Directors on the subject of that Gentleman’s services and it appears to be the universal wish to have him here, if he shall be disengaged when we feel able, from funds, to make engagemts. I have...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 31 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of State, the draughts and Copies of letters which he sent to the President this day—And to inform the Secretary, that the President is so much indisposed that he does not think he shall be able to meet the Gentlemen at his House tomorrow (the President having had a high fever upon him for 2 or 3 days past, and it...