1To George Washington from James Lovell, June–July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Though your Excellency be not a Pope nor I a Murderer, yet I write under the full Influence of an Idea expressed by Cicero, when soliciting for his Friend Fabius the Patronage of Marcus Cælius a Curule Odile; “novi ego vos magnos patronos: hominem occidat oportet qui vestra opera uti velit” —When I first addressed myself to your Excellency, thirteen years ago, my Life & Liberty were at Stake,...
2From John Adams to James Lovell, 4 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
By the last post I was favoured with yours of the twenty first of May: M r Duncan I presume has not come on—neither by his letter or your own am I made acquainted with his Views or the Object of his Wishes— I can only say to him as to all others, that his application must be made to the President and it ought to in writing Your testimony in his fav r will have weight— I thank you Sir for your...
3To John Adams from James Lovell, 9 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
altho’ this Letter is somewhat of a public Nature, yet I dare not address you in a consonant manner, ’till the Point is settled between his Excellency and John Adams. I apply to you, as I feel you in my Heart to be; satisfied that the Yeas & Nays of no public Body whatsoever concerning Epithets can in any measure alter Essences. Dear Sir, Sturgis Gorham of Barnstable is my Brother in Law,...
4From John Adams to James Lovell, 16 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
There is no such point in dispute, as that you mention in your favour of the 9 th. The only question is concerning the title of the first man. All the world sees the absurdity and feels the humiliation of giving the titled of excellency, which is only a provincial, or diplomatic title of the lowest order, to a great Prince vested with the whole executive authority of Government in a nation,...
5To John Adams from James Lovell, 26 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
I had often considered your Situation, before the Receipt of your Letter of the 16 th , and I had hoped you would “Possess yourself in Patience. ” If you already draw a Picture Teste di legno and talk of sharpening an Ax for Decapitation, what am I to look for in the Run of a Twelvemonth? I do not like your diminutive italien Idea. You who are said to be more than half british ought to have...
6From John Adams to James Lovell, 1 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have not yet answered your letter of the 26 of July. You guess well—I find that I shall have all the unpopular questions to determine: and shall soon be pronounced Hostes Republicani generis— What they will do with me I know not, but must trust to providence. You insinuate that I am accused “of deciding in favor of the power of the prime: because I look up to that goal” That I look up to...
7To John Adams from James Lovell, 19 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
Though I know your extreme Delicacy as to any Interference in the executive Affairs of the U.S s. yet to you I must apply; for, Heaven & Secretary Jackson know I may be chagrined in an Attempt to address the President. I am in Dread least an Action should take Place which will renew the Vigour of the Opponents & damp the Spirit of the Friends of Government: And, it will be out of Time to await...
8To John Adams from James Lovell, 20 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
You will have a Visit from your old Friend Gen l. Warren who supposed I could certify some Intentions of the former Congress greatly to his Advantage— Your Namesake has done it; but I found it impossible for me upon a strict Review of the Case. As you were absent part of the Time I think it my Duty to save you the Toil of searching those Journals wherein this Business is scattered. The Sketch...
9From John Adams to James Lovell, 5 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor of March 20 th and very apprehensive that this is not the only letter of yours unanswered. To leave your letters unanswered is in me very bad œconomy. The General is arrived here; but has as yet said nothing to me of his business. Doctor Craigie shall have all the aid in my power to give him, in his pursuit of justice in your affair: but I do not at present see...
10To John Adams from James Lovell, 22 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
From the Borders of the Grave, revived, and even established in Health, I once more present my Respects with my accustomed Fervency to You and Yours. But, with my Respects I must also send my Complaints and Supplications. In a Transaction where you was only, according to your own chosen Expression, Teste di Legno, I was fretted disgraced & beslaved; and have taken some Measures for...
11To Alexander Hamilton from James Lovell, October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreably to the directions of your circular letter of August 31st. covering an order of the Senate passed on the 7th. of may last, I now transmit the demanded account. I cannot, however, refrain from expressing an Hope that my statements may not prove injurious to such Officers as have had usual & necessary Assistance of Clerks, without being driven to devote their own Nights as well as days...
12To Alexander Hamilton from James Lovell, 22 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, August 22, 1793. On November 29, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Lovell : “Various circumstances have prevented an earlier answer to your letter of the 22d of August last.” Letter not found. ] Lovell was the naval officer for the port of Boston.
13From Alexander Hamilton to James Lovell, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Various circumstances have prevented an earlier answer to your letter of the 22d of August last. The question referred to having been stated to the Attorney General, you will receive a copy of his opinion herewith enclosed, in which I concur. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Although...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 31 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, January 31, 1794. On February 20, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln, Lovell, and Melville : “I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was the collector, Lovell the naval officer, and Melville the surveyor of the port of Boston.
15From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 20 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 20, 1794. “I am to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, respecting the Petition of the Inspectors and to assure you that early and proper attention will be paid to the subject.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston,...