1From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 14 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Bedford put into my Hand this Moment a Card from you, containing a Reprehension for the past, and a Requisition for the Time to come. For the past I kiss the Rod: but from complying with the Requision at least one Part of it, I must be excused. I have no Objection to writing you Facts, but I would not meddle with Characters, for the World. A burn’d Child dreads the Fire. I have Smarted to...
2From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 9 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 5th came to me the 8th. You will see by this Post, that the River is past and the Bridge cutt away. The Declaration was yesterday published and proclaimed from that awfull Stage, in the State house Yard, by whom do you think? By the Committee of Safety,! the Committee of Inspection, and a great Crowd of People. Three cheers rended the Welkin. The Battallions paraded on the common,...
3From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 1 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour by the Post this Morning gave me much Pleasure, but the generous and unanimous Vote of your Convention, gave me much more. It was brought into Congress this Morning, just as We were entering on the great Debate. That Debate took up the most of the day, but it was an idle Mispence of Time for nothing was Said, but what had been repeated and hackneyed in that Room before an hundred...
4From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 23 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the Pleasure of your kind Letter of the 2d of this Month. I should not have sat down in so much Haste as I am in at present, even to acknowledge the Receipt of it, if it was not for the Extraordinary Intelligence it contains, of some Merchandizes shipped to me from Amsterdam, in the sloop Porpus. There must be some Mistake in this, as I knew nothing of it. I never heard nor...
5From John Adams to Samuel Chase, 24 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
I received your obliging Favour of the 21st. this Morning, and I thank you for it. Dont be angry with me. I hope I shall attone for past Sins of omission soon. The Express which you mention brought Us Such contradictory accounts, that I did not think it worth while to write to you upon it. In general, Sullivan writes that he was intrenching at the Sorell, that the Canadians expressed a great...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, 11 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress We are fully sensible of the great Risk of taking post at Dechambeau. We have suggested in Writing the Difficulties and Reasons which have occurred to us against that Measure to Genl: Arnold. Our Army’s remaining at Dechambeau will depend in great Measure on the Strength of the Enemy’s Land Forces, and their Activity and Diligence in following up the Blow they have...
7The Commissioners to Canada to [William Heath], 5 April 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives We this Evening arrived here, and from Curiosity Mr. Chase and Mr. Carroll went ashore, and found the State of the fort as follows: 3 Companies of Minute Men, Captain Moffats, Capt. Raymonds, and Capt. Woshons, Consisting of 5 Lieutenants, 6 Serjeants, 8 Corporals, 2 Drummers, a fifer and 102 privates. Mr. Seth Marvin 1st. Lieutenant of Capt. Moffats Company has now the...
8To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
As I consider the Appointment of a Judge, for the fifth Circuit, of very great Importance to the Public, and to the judiciary Department, I take the Liberty to recommend to your Excellency Philip Barton Key Esqr.—I know no Gentleman, in this State (who will accept) better qualified, in every Respect, to discharge the Duties of the Office; and I am well assured, that only Want of Health, of...
9To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 28 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive your favor of the 17th Instant, about a Week past, enclosing an Extract of a letter to You from the Reverend Mr Belknap, of New-Hampshire. I have been very unwell, with very little Interval, for some Months, and confined to my House for the last Nine Weeks, with the Sciatica and Gravel. I have no knowledge of the Family of Calvert than what I obtained in a Cause,...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 28 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to introduce to Your Notice, Civility and friendship Mr. Moss, Son of the Bishop of Bath & Wells. This Gentleman is very desirous of being honoured with your Acquaintance. I am still detained here but shall certainly sail before the middle of next Month. I shall be happy to render You any Services in America. Mr Champion, requests his...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Chase, June [1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Annapolis, June [ 1786 ]. Introduces Richard Ridgely, of Baltimore, who wishes to procure a loan of £7,000 sterling in France; TJ may be questioned about Ridgely in connection with the negotiation; Ridgely has real estate in Baltimore worth five times the amount of the loan he is seeking; the funds are to be used in improving that property, thus increasing its value. “To secure the payment and...
12To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 8 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Paca can show You the Declaration of our Convention, different from the one in December. We have declared the Throne vacant, and by the Omnipotence of our Power, in the Stile of the Papal Chair, We have absolved the people from their Allegiance—this too before You have done it. I hope the Congress will not be offended with our advancing before we received their Orders. Our Colony will...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your letter of the 15th. of July last by Captain Barney, came to my Hands the 18th. of March, but I have never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jones, or Mr. Paradise. It was very unfortunate for Mr. Russell that your recommendation of him did not arrive sooner; the Character and Conduct of this Gentleman entitle him to every favour. His property was ordered...
14To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 18 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I left Saratoga last Tuesday and arrived at this place the same afternoon. I expected to find the Lake open but am disappointed. General Thomas left this yesterday Morning, and intended to break his way. On this Day about 40 Batteaus went off with the same Intention, with about 500 Men. The Residue of the Troops here, about 300, and the Cannon, 4.32. 4.24. 4.18 and some 9 pounders, with 8 Ton...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 19 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On Fryday last I had the Honour to receive your letter of the 6th. Inst., for which be pleased to accept my thanks. The temporary loss of the Papers gives Me no other Concern, that what arises from the Remembrance that your Illness was the Cause of the Accident. I am glad to hear of your Recovery, & sincerely wish You may never again be afflicted with the...
16To James Madison from Samuel Chase, 10 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 February 1802. Acknowledged in JM to Chase, 12 Feb. 1802 . Inquires about the status of Rufus King’s negotiations with Great Britain on the Maryland bank stock case.
17To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 20 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wish some Mode could be adopted to procure the Release of our Subjects, w⟨ho⟩ are taken by the Enemy, not in Arms. Th⟨e⟩ Situation is truly distressing. Humanity and Policy combine to urge Us to take some speedy and effectual Measures to obtain their Discharge but one of two Modes occurs to Me, either to declare them not Objects of Capture, or to seise the Friends of Great-Britain, and...
18To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 21 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
To remind our friends of their Inattention and Neglect must give Pain. I am almost angry with You. If You are inclined to oblige or please Me write constantly. I found my Lady very ill, but have the pleasure to say she is better, tho’ still very low and weak. An Express from Canada and not one Line to acquaint Me of the Contents. General Sullivan writes Me, that he has the most pleasing...
19To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 8 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your Letter of 2nd. Instant. I intirely agree with You in Sentiment as to the Propriety, nay the Necessity of assuming and exercising all the Powers of Government. Our Convention only met yesterday afternoon. I shall, if possible, induce our People to set the Example, and first take Government. We have no News here worthy of your Notice. I cannot but intreat your...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 4 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Colo. Harrison yesterday having informed Me that a Constitutional Post Office is now established, and that You are appointed the Head of that Department, the present Deputies I doubt not will be removed, particularly in this City and Baltimore Town. Give Me Leave to recommend Mr. York as a Rider from Philadelphia. I never heard an Imputation on his Character and...
21To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 28 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
I thank You for your two Letters of the 17th. and 24th Instant. They were handed to Me in Convention. I shall offer no other Apology for Concluding, than that I am this Moment from the House to procure an Express to follow the Post with an Unanimous Vote of our Convention for Independence etc. etc. See the glorious Effects of County Instructions. Our people have fire if not smothered. Poor...
22To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 24 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am this far arrived on my way Home. Give Me Leave to introduce to your Notice Mr. George Lux a Son of a Gentleman who is my particular Friend, a Man of the most worthy and amiable Character, he is bound for our Camp and would be glad to carry your Commands to any of your Friends. Mr. Cary, Mr. Hopkins and Smith, young Gentlemen of Balt. Town, are also for our Camp and worthy of Attention. I...
23To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 31 December 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Chase, 31 Dec. 1784. On 5 Jan. 1785 GW wrote to Chase : “Receive my thanks for your favor of the 31st ulto.”
24To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Buchanan, Commissary General of Purchases, informs Me this Morning, that he was at Christiana Bridge on Saturday Afternoon, that Colo. Gist was then there, with 400 Maryland eastern Shore Militia, that he informed Mr Buchanan he expected to be joined by 400 more in a few Days, that he had with him three Iron field pieces with 36 Artillerists. That he was informed by several, & by Colo. Gist...
25To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 16 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am well assured that a Supply of Powder is arrived at Statia, so writes Captain Waters on 10th. October. A Dutch Vessell bound to Surrinam has contracted with a Captain of this place for twenty five Tons, if he comes for it by Xmas. I have seen several of the principal Gentlemen here. They are wishing for the Destruction of Lord Dunmore and his fleet. Inclosed You receive the Terms on which...
26To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 12 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Business of our provincial Convention draws to a Conclusion, and the Session will end in a few Days. I have Leave to visit my Family before I sett off for the Congress, and I expect to take You by the Hand before 1st. of Febry. I cannot omit in the mean Time to express to You my opinion on the present State of our public Affaires, and the Measures I would wish to be adopted. The early...
27To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 25 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I did Myself the Pleasure to write to You from Baltimore Town, relative to two Vessells, which could be procured there, and that I was informed and beleived the Brigg was reasonable. The Owner is waiting your Answer, I therefore beg You to send the Determination of the Committee to Mr. Robert Alexander of that Town. I this Evening learn the Capture of Quebec. Montreal would gloriously close...
28To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 5 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 1st. conveys both pleasure and Grief. I hope eer this Time the decisive blow is struck. Oppression, Inhumanity and Perfidy have compelled Us to it. Blessed be Men who effect the Work, I envy You! How shall I transmit to posterity that I gave my assent? Cursed be the Man that ever endeavors to unite Us. I would make Peace with Britain but I would not trust her with the least...
29To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
From an Opinion that your Excellency would wish to be acquainted with the Country, which will probably be the Seat of this Summers Campain, and that a Knowledge of such Persons, there, in whom You may repose a Confidence, would be acceptable to You, I take the Liberty to solicit, for a Moment, your attention to this Subject. You will receive, by Dr Shippen, a pretty exact Map of the Country,...
30To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 21 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I left Fort George on last Fryday afternoon and arrived at this place yesday Evening. I have just seen a Gentleman, who left Quebec on the 6th Instant. General Worster arrived there on the 1st. On the 3rd. We opened a four Gun Battery of 9 pounders on point Levy. Another was erecting on the Plains of Abraham, and a third on Passage which would be finished in a few days. We on the 6th. had...
31To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 26 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Chase, 26 Aug. 1777. GW wrote Chase on 27 Aug. : “I am favd with yours of Yesterday.”
32To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 14 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Chase will excuse the late Neglects and Inattention of Mr. John Adams to him, upon the express Condition, that in future he constantly communicate to Mr. Chase every Matter relative to persons or Things. Mr. Chase flatters himself with seeing Mr. Adams on Monday or Tuesday fortnight with the voice of Maryland in favor of Independance and a foreign Alliance, which are, in Mr. Chases...
33To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 3 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I most cordially congratulate You on Your safe Arrival to your Country, Family and Friends. I was honoured with a letter from You last Winter, which I should have answered, but what was worthy of your Notice or conveying Information could not with Prudence be intrusted to Paper without a Cypher. Our political Climate has been greatly changed since I had the Pleasure of Seeing You last in...
34To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 19 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have, for some time, wished to be employed by the National Government; and I now, Sir, make you a respectful Offer of my Services. my per<so>nal Respect and Attachment for your private and public Character, and my Desire to render your Administration as happy as possible, united with a Resolution to support the present Government, will, I flatter Myself, be a sufficient Apology for my...
35To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 28 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I left Ticonderoga last Wesdnesday and arrived at this Fort yesday afternoon. Our Troops were to come off the next Day, and twenty four Batteaus have already passed, and the Wind blows a fair and fresh Gale. I am afraid all our Efforts to take Quebec will prove fruitless. We met on the Lake the Letter from General Arnold to General Schuyler. I hope you will attend to every Quarter of America,...
36To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 21 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I sincerely hope, my dear, and Honored Sir, that this letter will find You at Braintree, in good Health. I take the liberty to enclose You a Paper containing my Opinion in the Case of Callender, which, after Perusal, I request Mr. Shaw to convey to one of the Printers, in Boston, for Publication. An imperfect Copy was printed at Richmond from the illegibility of the Original; but the within is...
37To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 23 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Committee appointed by the enclosed Resolution of Congress, request your Excellency to appoint some Gentlemen of the State of New-Jersey to enquire into, and take the Depositions of credible Witnesses on, the several Matters containd in the Resolve, and to direct them to transmit the Testimony, as taken, to the Committee that they may report to Congress as soon as possible. The Committee...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 20 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did Myself the Honour of writing You from this City, on the 18 of September, and on the 8 of November. I inclosed Papers on two Subjects, the first concerning the loss of a Ship from the Misconduct of the Commander of a french frigate, the other relating to a young Lady of Annapolis. I took the liberty to request your advice & Assistance. Both my letters...
39To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 22 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In this Place the Inhabitants are almost all Tories. I have endeavoured to obtain Information whether any Goods are stored here. Capt. Caldwell, who now lives here, beleives that some Goods and Spirits, above 100 Hogsheads, are lodged in the Hands of one John Phillips. it is probable some Goods may be stored with the Potts’s of this place. an immediate Search & Waggons ready to remove what may...
40To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 3 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg You to be assured, that no Person more sincerely rejoiced in your unanimous Election as President of the united States, than Myself; and that my personal Respect for, and attachment to, your private and public Character have been uniformly manifested, ever since I had the Honour to be known to You. I have always esteemed it honorable to execute a public Office in a free Government; but...
41To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 31 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
Last Evening Mr McHenry shewed Me your letter to him, in which You desired him to inform Me, of my Appointment, as one of the Judges of the supreme Court of the united States. This high Mark of your Confidence will be always remembered with Gratitude, and shall never be a Subject of Regret to You. I can promise, Sir, to use my utmost Endeavours to execute so honourable and important an office...
42Instructions and Commission from Congress to Franklin, Charles Carroll, and Samuel Chase for the Canadian Mission, 20 … (Franklin Papers)
I: Copy, National Archives; II: DS , Yale University Library; copy, National Archives. On February 15, in response to the report the day before from the committee of secret correspondence, Congress resolved to send a committee of three as its commissioners to Canada. Two of the members were to be delegates, and Franklin and Samuel Chase were chosen. The third member was Charles Carroll of...
43From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Chase, 6 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I duly Receiv’d your Letter of the 18th. of September, with the Papers that accompanied it; but being at that time afflicted with two painful Disorders, the Gout and Gravel, I could not then give any Attention to Business; and before my Recovery, the Letters and Paper were both most unaccountably missing. I spent Hours from time to time in searching...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carroll and Samuel Chase, 27 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library We arrived here safe yesterday Evening, having left Mrs. Walker with her Husband at Albany, from whence we came down by Land. We pass’d him on Lake Champlain; but he returning overtook us at Saratoga, where they both gave themselves such Liberties in taunting at our Conduct in Canada, that it came almost to a Quarrel. We continu’d our Care of her, however, and...
45From James Madison to Samuel Chase, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, in answer to your letter of the 11th. Instant, that the latest Intelligence received from Mr. King concerning the Maryland Bank Stock is of the 28th. Jany. last and of the following substance—That Lord Hawkesbury some weeks before had sent an Instruction to the Attorney General for effecting a transfer of this Stock to the King, in order that His Majesty might...
46From James Madison to Samuel Chase, [12] February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 10th. instant. At the date of the letter from Mr. King prior to his last on the subject of the negociation on foot with the British Govt. every point had been settled & nothing remained to be done but to sign the instrument. His last letters to Novr 5. shew that a sudden & very unexpected hesitation on the part of the British Ministers, had suspended the...
47George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 27, 1778 . Discusses British practice of seizing and imprisoning civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Chase was a member of the Continental Congress from Maryland.
48From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 5 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
Receive my thanks for your favor of 31st ulto, & for the copies therewith enclosed: they will answer my purposes equally with the fairest that could be made. When I found your Express at Mount Pleasant, & was unable to procure another in Marlbro’, I commenced one myself—got home before dinner, & dispatched one of my servants to Hooes ferry immediately. He placed the packet into the hands of...
49From George Washington to George Plater, Charles Carroll, John Cadwalader, and Samuel Chase, 11 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Gentn who will have the honor of presenting this letter to you, is a Nephew of mine, heir to my Brother who was one of the Partners in the Principio Company, and to whose Will I was appointed an Executor, though circumstances put it out of my power to qualify. He is about to offer a petition to your honble Assembly, from the Execrs of my Brother, to obtain the Estates proportion of the...
50From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 20th instant, I have received—The practice of seizing & confining the friends to America in the civil line, however barbarous it may be is a favourite engine of policy with the enemy; from which, I believe it will not be easy to make them depart. Their object is to deter men from taking an active and leading part in our governments; the firm establishment of which they...