1Enclosure: Resolution of Congress of 31 May, 31 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Resolved That the Establishment of the Salaries of the Honorable John Adams and his Secretary Mr. Dana be transmitted to the Minister Plenipotentiary of these States at the Court of Versailles and that He be directed to pay their Draughts to the Amount of their respective Salaries till Congress shall take further Order for that Purpose. Extract from the minutes RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed:...
2Additional Instructions Respecting a Peace Treaty with Great Britain, 18 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the letters of 23 and 24 March last from the honble. John Adams minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a treaty of Peace and a treaty of commerce with the king of G Britain and thereupon Resolved That the said minister be informed it is clearly the Opinion of Congress that a short truce would be highly dangerous to these United...
3John Adams’ Authorization to Accept Bills of Exchange Drawn on Henry Laurens, 28 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Resolved, That the Honble. John Adams be and hereby is authorised and instructed to accept the bills of Exchange drawn on the Honble. Henry Lawrens in pursuance of the resolution of Congress of the 6th. instant in the same manner as he is authorised and instructed to accept those heretofore drawn on Mr. Lawrens according to the resolution of November 23d. 1779, and in case of the absence of...
4Plan for a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Plan of a treaty of amity and commerce between the United States of America and the United Provinces of the low Countries. The parties being willing to fix in a permanent and equitable manner the rules to be observed in the commerce they desire to establish between their respective countries have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality and...
5Instructions to Conclude a Tripartite Alliance with France and the Netherlands, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
By The United States in Congress Assembled. The report of the Committee on the communications of the honble. the Minister Plenipotentiary of France was taken into consideration, and thereupon— Resolved, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States at the Court of Versailles, be directed to inform his most Christian Majesty that the tender of his endeavours to accomplish a coalition...
6Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding three comm[issions] which were not prepared in time to go by M r Jefferson, [and] a duplicate of the instructions he carried with him. I [also] enclose a copy of the Journal of the last session of Congr[ess] as far as printed and a news paper containing the Ordinance for putting the treasury into commission and an Act defining the powers of the committee of the...
7Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 13 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of the orders of the Com ee of the States I have the honor to transmit to you the Copy of a letter signed T. Gilfillan dated London the 19 feb y 1784 with the copy of an inspection roll of Negroes taken on board certain vessels at Anchor near Staten Island on the 30 Nov r 1783. to be made use of in any negotiations you may have with the Court of Great Britain agreeably to the...
8Ratification of Third Dutch Loan, 11 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
Be it Remembered that the within Contract or Engagement entered into by the hon ble: John Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to their High Mightinesses the Lords the States General of the United Netherlands in behalf of the said States with sundry Money Lenders for a Loan of One Million of Guilders dutch Current Money, dated at Amsterdam the first day of June 1787,...
9Ratification of the Fourth Dutch Loan, 4 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Be it remembered that the within Contract or Engagement, entered into by the Honorable John Adams Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to their High Mightinesses the Lords the States General of the United Netherlands, in Behalf of the said States, with sundry Money Lenders, for a Loan of one Million of Guilders dutch current Money, dated at Amsterdam the thirteenth Day of...
10To John Adams from Charles Thomson, 9 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
“I did not till yesterday receive your letter of the 4 of Feby with the enclosed letter to you from Doctr. Belknap dated Jany 2d 1795” The Doctr. with an anxious regard for the reputation of his country states, “That Doctr Kippis has published a life of capt. Cook the famous navigator & in vol 2. p268 has given at large the directions issued in March 1779 by Doct Franklin then in France to all...
11To John Adams from Charles Thomson, 17 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The day after receiving your favour of the 20 Feby I wrote the enclosed answer. But as my mind has been so long withdrawn from the occurrences in Congress and so wholly bent on a different object, I was not in haste to send it until I refreshed my mind by looking over the journals. After all the search I have made and the recollection I am master of I see no reason to alter it. I have now the...
12Charles Thomson to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress concur in opinion with General Washington that there are some Ambiguities characterizing the Measures taken by Genl. Howe respecting General Lee, which justify alarming surmises, notwithstanding all that has passed to the contrary. Resolved That General Washington be informed that it is the intention of Congress that it should be a preliminary in the proposed Cartel for a...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 14 May 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society This is the third Letter I have lately wrote you. With the two last, one dated the 5th: the other the 16th: of April I sent you a Copy of two Conferences between Teedyuscung and this Government. Whether they are gone in the Man of War in which Lord Loudon went, or whether they are kept to go in the Packet I cant say. We are told here that his Lordship is much...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 10 December 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in [Charles Thomson], An Enquiry into the Causes of the Alienation of the Delaware and Shawanese Indians from the British Interest , … (London, 1759), pp. 172–82. Lawrence Wroth first identified Thomson as the author of this letter, Pemberton as the author of that which follows next, and Franklin as the recipient of both, on the strength of a statement in...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 18 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Urgency of my business which called me another way deprived me of the pleasure of waiting on you to Chester. However my best Prayers and wishes attend you, and I hope e’er now you are safe in London. The first Day of my Journey I travelled about 32 Miles up the Lancaster Road and lodged at the 19th. Tavern. This Road tis true is much frequented and on...
16To Benjamin Franklin from “A Merchant in Philadelphia” [Charles Thomson], 19 June 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The London Chronicle , August 17–20, 1765; AL (fragment): American Philosophical Society That this letter was addressed to Franklin and that he was responsible for its printing in London seem virtually certain: the surviving leaf of the manuscript is found among his papers, and two editorial emendations, now almost indecipherable, appear to be in his hand. Identification of the...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 24 September 1765 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in London Chronicle , November 14–16, 1765. Yes, my friend, I grant that “Idleness and Pride tax with a heavier hand than Kings and Parliaments,” “and that frugality and industry will go a great way towards endemnifying us.” But the misfortune is, the very thing that renders industry necessary cuts the sinews of it. With industry and frugality the subjects...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson and Thomas Mifflin, 5 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Enclosed are two bills of exchange, which we have the pleasure of sending you by order and for account of the Directors of the Philadelphia library company. The one is for £50 Sterling drawn by James and Drinker on Neate and Pigou. The other is Willing & Morris’ draught on John Mayne for £100 Sterling; both at 30 days sight and both payable to yourself. Out...
19To Benjamin Franklin from [Charles Thomson], 6 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The rebirth of the American Philosophical Society, more than two decades after its death in infancy, was a complicated process. Charles Thomson’s letter may have been Franklin’s first notification that the process was under way, and is certainly the first that is extant. Although Thompson deals with a quite different organization, it was one of the two that a...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson and Thomas Mifflin, 3 May 1769 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Minutes of the Library Company of Philadelphia Since we had the Pleasure of writing to you an Union has taken place between the principal Librarys in Town. In Consequence of which the Directors have ordered a Review of the Books. And as it is not yet fully known what we have or what we want, The Directors have ordered us to write and request the Favour of you, if you have not laid out...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 November 1769 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , March 1–3, 1770 As Capt. Sparks sails sooner than was expected, the Committee of Merchants here have not time to write to you, they have therefore desired me to enclose you a copy of their letter to the Committee of Merchants in London. As the Parliament will no doubt at their meeting take under consideration the affairs of America, it is necessary you should...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 October 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress This day the congress broke up, the papers are not all got ready, but will be sent to you by the next opportunity. As a vessel sails to Morrow Morning early I am ordered to forward to you the petition to the King. I have the pleasure to inform you that at the last session of Assembly you are continued Agent for this province, of which you will no doubt receive a...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 1 November 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have the honour to forward to you, the Address to the King and an Address to the people of Great Britain and these colonies. I was in hopes by this opportunity to have sent you the Journal of the proceedings of the congress which is in the press. I hope administration will see and be convinced that it is not a little faction, but the whole body of American...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 28 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I have the honor to inform you that Congress have this day elected his excellency Samuel Huntington esqr. their president. I am Sr Your humble Servant Endorsed: Cha Thompson Sept. 28. 1780 notifying the election of Mr Huntington as President of Congress.
25To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress Mr Isaac Norris is the son of our ancient and worthy friend Mr Charles Norris. Though I am confident this would be a sufficient recommendation of him to you, yet as he thinks a letter from me will be of some advantage, I cannot refuse it, especially as he is a young man of an amiable disposition, sober, modest, of good...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 14 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received Your letter of 13 Septr. with the papers enclosed and have taken Steps to procure the Intelligence wanted. I have written to our old friend Reuben Haines who I take to be the person meant by Mr Heintz a brewer in Market Street with whom Marggrander is said to have lived to obtain the necessary certificates respecting him and have directed...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 15 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday nine States being for the first time since October last represented, Congress immediately took up and ratified the definitive treaty with the unanimous consent not only of all the states represented but of every individual Member in Congress. And that it might reach you with the greatest dispatch they immediately sent off col J Harmar with the...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 19 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my last I informed you that I had taken measures to gain information respecting Mr Marggrander and the other persons enquired after. The enclosed is a copy of letter I have received from our old neighbour Reuben Haines in answer to my enquiries touching Marggrander. With respect to the others I have yet heard nothing— Give me leave my dear Sir to...
29Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have the honor of forwarding three comm[issions] which were not prepared in time to go by Mr Jefferson, [and] a duplicate of the instructions he carried with him. I [also] enclose a copy of the Journal of the last session of Congress as far as printed and a news paper containing the Ordinance for putting the treasury into commission and an act...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 18 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania On the third of this month Congress adjourned to meet at Trenton on the 30 of Octr. next, having first appointed a comee. [committee] of the states to sit in the recess, agreeable to the Articles of Confederation. Previous to the adjournment I had the honor to receive your letter dated, if I recollect right, on the 8 March, which I immediately laid...
31Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives; copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania In obedience to the order of the Committee of the States, I have the honor to send you copies of the papers relating to the brig L’Amiable Elizabeth a french vessel that was deserted by her Crew at Sea and was boarded and taken up by citizens of the United States and carried into St Johns in Newfoundland, where she was seized by...
32Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 13 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania In pursuance of the Orders of the Committee of the States, I have the honor to transmit to you the copy of a letter signed T. Gilfillan, dated London the 19 feby 1784 with a copy of an inspection roll of Negroes taken on board certain vessels at anchor near Staten Island on the 30 of November 1783, to be made use...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 13 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania The renewal of our ancient correspondence and the receipt of your letters excited those sensations, which real friends feel on meeting unexpectedly after a long separation. As Mr Jefferson, who I hope is by this time safe arrived will explain matters to you and make you fully acquainted with the state of our...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson: Résumé, 26 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania ⟨October 26, 1784: Mr. Joseph Norris, the second son of our friend Charles Norris, will wait on you with this letter. He goes to Europe with the intention of establishing commercial connections. He is anxious to see Paris, and wants it to be known that you are an old friend of his family. I hope you will point out to him the paths of virtue and...
35To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 11 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The president being necessarily engaged with his family, I have the honour to inform you that your letter of the 10th was duly received & laid before Congress, and to transmit you a resolution of Congress passed this day. I am Sir Your obedient humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Thomson wrote and signed the enclosed copy of this resolution below his ALS on the same manuscript page. Dated “In...
36To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 12 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The president being still necessarily engaged with his family I have the honour to inform you that your letter of yesterday was recd & laid before Congress. I enclose you sundry resolutions passed this day and am Sr Your obedient humble Serv. ALS , DLC:GW . Included among the enclosed resolutions, which Thomson began writing below the ALS and continued writing on two following manuscript...
37To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 21 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having lately met with an Ordinance of the king of France, passed last December, for establishing the corps of engineers I made a hasty translation of it, from which I apprehend some useful hints may be taken for establishing such a corps in this country. And as I know of no better hands into which it may be put for this purpose, I have taken the liberty to send you a copy. You are doubtless...
38To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 31 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
As Mr Hancock took leave of Congress on Wednesday and yesterday set out on his way home to Boston, I have the honour to forward to you Copies of two letters this day received from general Gates and most heartily to congratulate you on the signal success with which providence has been pleased to bless our Arms. Col. Wilkinson who brought the dispatches has not had time to sort and arrange his...
39To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 10 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Charles Thomson, 10 Dec. 1778. On 18 Dec., GW wrote Thomson : “I had the honor to receive your favor of the 10th Instant.”
40To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 28 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Charles Thomson, 28 Sept. 1779. On 7 Oct., GW wrote to Thomson: “I have been honored with yours of the 28th Ulto.”
41To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 7 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
The bearer being just setting out for your seat I have detained him, till I could inform you that I have received the letter which you honored me with by Col. Humphreys. The letter enclosed therein for the chev. de Heintz I put under cover to Monsr Rothenbourg banquier a Danzic and sent the same to Mr R. Morris with a request to take the charge of forwarding it by a safe conveyance either with...
42To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 22 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your letter of the 5. And as the subject therein referred to belongs to the department of foreign affairs, I have transmitted it to Mr Jay. I have no doubt but the Minister who is to negotiate with the court of London will have occasion for the list; but as it would not be safe to trust a paper of such importance to the common conveyance by the post, and as it is proper...
43To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 27 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed order of the United States in Congress assembled will apologize for the trouble I give in requesting you to send me the copy of a paper enclosed in Mr President Lauren’s letter of the 19 feby 1778 and marked “Committee’s Conference with Baron Steuben.” The Baron thinks himself entitled to an indemnification for an annuity of about £600 sterling for life which he relinquished upon...
44Address by Charles Thomson, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The president of the Senate, chosen for the special occasion having opened and counted the votes of the Electors in the presence of the senate & the house of Representatives I am honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your Excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This commission was entrusted to me on...
45To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 24 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have waited upon you in person and submited to your inspection the enclosed report which I have prepared to send to the Senate but by the interruption of visits I was not able to finish it until it was your time of receiving visits. I meant to have submitted to your consideration whither the words “however that” in the answer with which you were pleased to honor me might not be...
46To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have done myself the honor of waiting on you this evening but the dampness of the weather prevents my going abroad I therefore take the liberty of enclosing my opinion on the paragraph in the constitution which you were pleased to mention; the result of my conference with Mr Jay on the subject of sea letters; and the lights I have received by examining the laws of Pensylvania and...
47To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 23 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having had the honor of serving in quality of Secretary of Congress from the first meeting of Congress in 1774 to the present time, a period of almost fifteen years, and having seen in that eventful period, by the interposition of divine Providence the rights of our country asserted and vindicated, its independence declared acknowledged and fixed, peace & tranquility restored & in consequence...
48To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 25 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
I cannot find words to express the feelings of my heart, on the receipt of your favour of yesterday, at this repeated instance of your goodness. I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of this and of your condescension to me on a former occasion when your presence administered a balm to my wounded spirit. From the love and veneration I bear and have continually felt for you, and the light...
49To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 25 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
At the time I made my resignation, I took the liberty of recommending to your notice John Fisher, who had served as a clerk in the office for several years and whom I then considered not only as sober attentive and diligent, but as faithful. To my astonishment and indignation I find by a letter which I received last evening that I entertained an opinion of him which he by no means deserved, I...
50To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 31 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honoured with the receipt of your favour of this day and rejoice to hear that the Western Indians have proposed a conference. I hope as well for their sakes as for that of our country that it will terminate in an honorable & lasting peace. Short as the time is I can be at no loss to return you a direct and possitive answer in regard to myself whom you have been pleased to...