21Enclosure: George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On passing thro George town I propose to examine the ground between that town and the Eastern branch, and on that examination to fix on a site for the public buildings. Should there be any circumstances in favour of the ground next adjoining to George town, I foresee that the old town of Hamburg will be a considerable obstacle, as the streets of that will probably not coincide with those which...
22From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 1 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Being accustomed to write to you respecting the grounds for the fedl City, I continue the practice. It may be tuesday or Wednesday next before I shall leave this place, by which (say by mondays Post) I should be glad to hear what progress has been made, and what still remains to be done, in the business which so happily commenced on tuesday last under the accommodating spirit which then...
23To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
I should apoligize for taking the liberty of addressing this letter to you, but the best apoligy I can make is to trespass as little as possible on your time; and though I have no doubt every person interested in the City of Washington would chearfully Join in the observations I shall make, I write alone considering it most respectful, as it will be less irksome to pass unnoticed the trifling...
24From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 14 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 24 Ulto came duly to hand, but the variety of important matters which pressed between the receipt of it, and the meeting of Congress, allowed me no time to give it an earlier acknowledgment: and now, I pray you to consider what I am about to say, as coming from me in my private capacity. It has always been my opinion, & still is so, that the Administration of the Affairs of...
25To James Madison from Benjamin Stoddert and Others, 18 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
We have the honor to inclose, the proceedings of a number of the Inhabitants of the Territory of Columbia in relation to the establishment of a College in the City of Washington, or its vicinity. You will perceive Sir, that the meeting have taken the Freedom to place your name in the list of those they have solicited to receive subscriptions. If your more important avocations will permit you...
26From Benjamin Stoddert to Commanders of Armed Vessels, 10 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:— Given at Philadelphia, The tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the twenty third year of our Independence.— In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the 28th day of May, the 28th. day of June, & the 9th day of July;— You are hereby authorized instructed,...
27To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
By letters previously recd. from Stephen Higginson Esqr of Boston, I had been taught to expect that both the Herald, of 20 Guns, and the Boston Cutter, of 14 Guns, would have been prepared to Join Capt. Barry, at Cape Cod, or Nantasket road, about the 20th. Instant. Barry arrived at the place of destination about the time appointed, but found the Boston Vessels in an unprepared state; and I...
28To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Acts of Congress authorize the President to cause to be procured, from the Public money appropriated for the purpose, & the Public Spirit of the Citizens, Six Vessels, not to exceed 18 Guns each. Twelve not to exceed 24 Guns—& Six, not less than 32 Guns. Of the Six, not to exceed 18 Guns,—one I have directed to be purchased at Norfolk, from the very favorable representation of Capt...
29To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Regt. of Marines, under the Command of Major Burrows, is to supply Detachments of Marines, to the Ships of War, as they shall be wanted. A Detachment will be wanted in the course of this month, for the Montezuma at Baltimore, and in next month, for the Ganges and for the Norfolk, a Brig of 18 Guns at Norfolk. It seems to be necessary then, that a part of this Regt. Should be raised without...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [8 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Robert Hamilton , a first cousin of mine, is desirous of entering into our naval service. He is regularly bred to the sea which he has followed since he was fourteen years old. His opportunities have been of the best, among others that of voyages to the East Indies. I feel myself warranted in recommending him as an able well informed seaman—who adds to this qualification the sentiments...
31From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:—given at Philadelphia, the tenth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the Twenty third Year of our Independence In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the twenty eighth day of May, the twenty eighth day of June, and the ninth day of July. You are hereby,...
32From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your letter of the third of this month.—The Commissions inclosed I return signed, and approve of the List of officers.—The Heat of the weather from the day I left Philadelphia, has been excessive, and continues so to this moment.— I am Sir / yr. mo. obt & hume. Servt, MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
33From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr. William Gray of Salem, a capital Merchant of that place called on me to request a Convoy, for an hundred sail of American vessels now at the Havanna, watched by twenty or thirty French Privateers. I desired him to write to you and to pray you to afford them a Convoy, if possible. Mr. Simmons of Charleston SC on a visit to me Yesterday informed me, that Dispatches & Petitions to Government...
34From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Mr Rutledge at Newport and recommendations from a great Number of respectable Inhabitants of Charleston in favour of George Cross to be a Captain in the Navy. To this Letter and these recommendations I pray you to pay a particular Attention. DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
35From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I, about a fortnight since, wrote to you on the subject of a relation of mine desirous of entering into our Navy and recommending him as a first Lieutenant; to which letter not having received an answer, I am apprehensive it may have miscarried. You will oblige me by your opinion as speedily as convenient how far there is a prospect for him. I anticipate that there may be scruples from his...
36From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from John Jones, Samuel Rankin, Thomas Laing & recommendations of the last which I transmit to you that they may appear on your records & files & receive your consideration. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
37To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I should have replied to your letter of the 8 Inst, before this time, had it not mentioned your intention of setting out on a Journey. I am since honored with yours of the 21st. I have no motive but truth, in saying that there is no man known to me by Character only, to whose wishes I would pay so much respect as yours—that I think you have such claims on this Country & this Govt.—that to...
38To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not having the Honor to hear from you on the Subject of my Letter of the 30th Ultimo, I have presumed that you did not disapprove of the Arrangement therein proposed of our Vessels, and having good Information that about 80 American Vessels with Cargoes to the amount of two Millions of Dollars were blocked up at the Havana by a few French Privateers, and had little chance of escaping without...
39To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 18. Instant: and am happy, that your wishes on the subject of a convoy for the Vessels at the Havanna, had been anticipated. The enclosed copy of a letter from the Captain of a British sloop of war, to the British Consul at Charleston, affords no very honorable testimony of the courage of Capt Cochran, Commander of the Revenue Cutter. I am glad he was...
40From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Recommendations of John Cruft to be a Lieutenant in the Navy. He was mate of the ship, in which I returned from Europe in 1788 and he has Spent part of a Day with me here this month. From my own Knowledge of him I request your Attention to him in the first List of nominations. I am Sir with great regard / yours DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
41From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your obliging letter of the 24 instant duly came to hand. The very polite ground on which you give me to expect your cooperation in procuring an appointment for Capt Hamilton has a very strong claim to my acknowlegement. In consequence of the information in your letter, I have seen Capt Talbot. He seems to expect an official notification from your department to ascertain and fix his own...
42From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters From Judge Law of Connecticut & Capt Hinman recommending Capt Richard Law jun. to be a Capt in the navy & commander of the armed ship now building at Middleton or any other that shall be thought proper. You will of course put these letters on file & the name of the candidate on the list. I have / the honor to be Sir your most humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
43From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night the letter you did me the honor to write on the 25th. I had before received those of 30. 31 of July & 3d August & notwithstanding the heat of the weather my own ill health and the dangerous sickness of Mrs. Adams, I should not have failed to answer them, if I had perceived any thing in them to disapprove, or thought of any thing to improve your plans. I am equally well...
44To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The paper No. 1. will exhibit a view of the Ships already in Service, & those which are building in different parts of the United States, and their Commanders. Of the Ships building, to which Commanders have not been appointed, those of Newburyport, Middleton & Norfolk, are in the greatest forwardness—and are in a situation to require the attention of their Captains. But as Capt Tingey is...
45From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27th of Aug. & return the commission for Captain George Cross signed, and I pray you to make out a commission for Capt. Patrick Fletcher, one day earlier. I am happy a convoy has been ordered for the trade of the Havanna. & am Sir / your most obedient &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
46From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Considering the great length of time before the Frigate here will be ready for sea—I have concluded that it may be expedient, if it can be effected, to have Capt. Hamilton appointed & assigned to some Southern Vessel which will sooner be ready. I imagine Cap Talbot will be glad hereafter to have him as an associate. If this can be conveniently managed in the proper time, it will give me...
47From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter to me of 4 of Septr and another to you of the same date from cap Daniel McNeill of the Navy, which I recommend to your consideration.— Have the Honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
48From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 1st of this month and thank you for the paper No. 1 which exhibits a view of the ships in service those which are building and their commanders. I return you the blank commissions signed and approved of the appointment of Capt. Tingey and Capt. Chapman, as you propose, and leave it to your discretion to appoint the other officers in the list, if nothing should...
49To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will I know, pardon me for trespassing on your time, my object being the Public good. If we are to create such a navy, as will make our Commerce respected, and this I cannot doubt, will be the policy of our Country, one Navy yard at least must be established for building Ships. This subject will probably engage the attention of Congress at the ensuing Session, and it will be my Duty, to...
50From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Captain Patrick Fletcher recommending Captain John Cruft to be a Lieutenant in the Navy.—I have so good an opinion of this Captain Cruft from a personal Knowledge, that I desire you would place him on the List for Promotion among the first Lieutenants that Shall be appointed. Mr Breck of Philadelphia can probably give you Satisfactory Information concerning him. I...