1951From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 17 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved by the last post Martha’s letter of Jan. 30. since which date I wrote to you on the 4th. & to her on the 11th. inst. your letters if they came by the Fredericksburg mail would arrive here on Saturday and would give time to answer them by Wednesday morning, the departure of our mail. but they have for some time past reached us only Tuesday afternoon, which shews they go in the...
1952From John Adams to United States Congress, 28 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
An edict of the Executive directory of the French republic of the twenty ninth of October 1798, inclosed in a letter from our minister plenipotentiary in London, of the sixteenth of November, is of so much importance, that it cannot be too soon communicated to you & to the public DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1953To Alexander Hamilton from James Read, 22 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of ye 21st. inst. requesting me to mention to you whether Lieut. Ross is in ye City of New York and not in charge of Captn McClellands company at Ellis’s Island, and if so, what it has proceeded from. Lieut. Hossack left this garrison about ye 13th. inst., previous to that time it was at my particular request Lieut. Ross remained in ye city, visiting ye garrison at...
1954To James Madison from Montesquieu, 12 September 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 September 1797. Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2); however, no correspondence has been located between JM and Charles Louis, baron de Montesquieu (1749–1824), grandson of the famous French philosopher.
1955To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
We have had the honour in obedience to your commands maturely to consider the papers and subject referred to us in your letter dated 29 January Ultimo, and the law of Tennessee passed the 26. October 1799 and a letter from the Governor of the said State to William Cocke and Joseph Anderson Senators and William Charles Cole Claiborne Representative of the State of Tennessee in the Congress of...
1956Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The June packet is to sail tomorrow. as I know you must be anxious for constant intelligence, at this critical & important period, I will not let her sail without writing to you, tho it is a hazard whether she will go safe, for our very coasts are infested with French Privateers, who insult us in our own Waters. every exertion is making to get our Frigates to sea. we have some 20 Gun vessels...
1957To John Adams from Lewis Mengher O’Brien, 13 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I crave your permission for to offer You this mark of my respect, which, at once displays my confidence, and congratulates your Excellency on being chosen President of the American Congress.—Who ever is acquainted with your vigorous, and efficacious exertions in the Support of your Country, during its hard struggle for Independence, must applaud the choice, and still admire in your invariable...
1958From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to call recall your attention to my letter of the 10th inst mentioning the resignation of Lt. Blake acting Pay & Qr. Mas to the detachment at Wilmington under Major Cass and proposing Lt. Jacob Wilson as a substitute. I understand from Major Cass that the bounty money deposited in the hands of the different recruiting officers has been withdrawn by order of the PM General—This puts...
1959From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an arrangement of the Officers of Artillery attached to the Western army into companies as proposed by Col. Burbeck. You will consider this arrangement as confirmed. You will of course make known the confirmation to the commanding officer of the regiment. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1960To James Madison from John Dawson, 1 February 1800 (Madison Papers)
This will find you on your farm & I hope with restord health. According to practice we have had a bankrupt law before us for many days. The final question on it is pospond untill tuesday week, & the fate of it uncertain —tho I much fear that it will pass—you well know what they can do by time—there was a majority of 20 agt it when introducd. You observe by the papers that there is a small...
1961From Alexander Hamilton to Washington Morton, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On revising the proceedings of the General Court Martial received from you, I find that it does not appear by them whether two thirds of the members of the Court concurred on the Conviction of Sergeant Hunt. The articles of War (8th of Chapter Administration of Justice) require that two thirds shall agree in cases where death is inflicted, and I am of opinion that this agreement ought to...
1962[Diary entry: 4 January 1799] (Washington Papers)
4. Very cold. Wind at No. and Mer. 24.—V—x
1963From John Adams to William Fitzhugh, Jr., 11 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive from the Citizens of Alexandria, this kind salutation on my first Visit to Virginia with much pleasure. In the earlier Part of my Life I felt at sometimes an inexpressible Grief and at others an unutterable Indignation at the Injustice and Indignities which I thought wantonly heaped on my innocent virtuous, peaceable and unoffending Country. And perceiving that the American People...
1964John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I cannot Say when I shall be able to sett out. But I shall loose no time here. When the Public Business is in such a state that I can leave it, I shall go, be the Roads as they may.— I expect bad travelling all the Way. Truxton has indeed taken the Insurgent. But We have a silly Insurgence in Northampton County in this state, which will detain me, I suppose, some days This state is not a moral...
1965From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I Your letter in recommendation of Mess Powers and Blake as Cadets in the fifteenth regiment, has been delivered to me. I have made the necessary communication on the subject to the Secretary of War— With great consn I am Sir & & ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1966From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 31 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing how far the inclosed address may serve to give a certain conveyance to the letter, I have thought it safest to put it under your cover, not doubting that your communion with the person would enable you to procure it a sure passage to it’s destination. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Mr. John Vaughan.” Enclosure: TJ to Benjamin Vaughan,...
1967From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 26, 1799. “In consequence of the reference to me by the Secy. of War in the letter which you shewed me, respecting Mr. Mangin’s compensation, I give it as my opinion that you pay him the four Dollars per day for the times of his employment which you have heretofore stated to me.… You have informed me that at the time of employing Mr. Mangin you promised him compensation at the...
1968To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 27 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having been able to meet with any Havanna sugar I send you a barrel of brown, by Mr. Hendersons boat. Yr. Very humble servt. 246 – 18 – 228 ℔s. @ 88/. £10 – 7. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson esqr.”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Sep. and so recorded in SJL .
1969To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The very obliging manner, in which you was pleased to assure me of the appointment of my nephew Philip Church , and the actual appointment of my relation Captan Hamilton to a Lieutenancy in the Navy, which I just learn from the Marine Department, are circumstances from which I derive much pleasure, which I consider as conferring upon me a personal obligation, and for which I beg you to accept...
1970To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to the President’s direction, the Secretary of State respectfully offers the following notices of matters appearing to him proper to be communicated to Congress, at the opening of their approaching session. “It appearing probable; from the information I had received, that our commercial intercourse with some ports of the Island of St. Domingo might safely be renewed: Conformably to...
1971Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has Determined to appoint immediately two Cadets to each regiment, and he has directed me to request from the several Commandants a special recommendation of two young gentlemen for the purpose. You have nominated different persons, from time to time, as cadets severally: but [it is now wished that you should make a selection of two whom you prefer.] The Secretary of War...
1972To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
On the petition of David Steward & other respectable citizens of Baltimore, praying the President to order a nolle presequi in the case of Captain Levin Jones, late master of the American Brigantine called the David Stewart, who has been indicted for the crime of murder committed, as alledged on the body of William Davis one of his crew, on the high seas. The Secretary of State, in obedience...
1973To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798. On 4 July GW wrote Lear : “I have received your letter and A/c of the 2d Instt.”
1974Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
but I was thinking so much of Quincy, that I mechanically dated from thence; when I sent Letters for Louissa Mrs Brisler &C by yesterdays Mail; I could not get time to add a line of my own; being engaged in writing to Berlin by the British packet. Since my last to you, I have received a Letter from mrs Johnson inclosing Letters to her, both from mr & mrs A—at which I rejoiced. she has thought...
1975To Thomas Jefferson from William Linn, 8 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel honored & obliged by your communication of the 5th instant. I have lately formed a table of the Indians within the territory of the United States, in which I have followed yours as to the arrangement, spelling, & lists of the numbers of the warriors. I have added an anonymous list published 1797, & a column marking their languages. I have inserted the Weeas & Eelriver, finding them...
1976From George Washington to William B. Harrison, 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
It has often been in my mind to ask, (if your tenements near my Mill are not under leases already) whether you would be inclined to let them to me, for a term of years? for what term? and at what Rent? I can assure you, most sincerely and candidly, that it is not because I want these tenements, that I make this enquiry; but to be relieved from Neighbours who are really a nuisance; and who...
1977From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith [13 January 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Whilst Colonel Ogden sh all continue in the particular service — —— he has been destined you he will still superintend, as far you he shall think proper fit, the interior police of his regiment ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1978From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 10 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
The annual period for electing a President of the American Philosophical society being now approaching, and no circumstances rendering it probable that I may be able to attend their sessions in Philadelphia it is become my duty to desire the society to turn their views to some other person, better situated and more capable of discharging the functions of their President. permit me to do this...
1979From Thomas Jefferson to William Evans, 22 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
You mentioned to me in conversation here that you sometimes saw my former servant James, & that he made his engagements such as to keep himself always free to come to me. could I get the favor of you to send for him & to tell him I shall be glad to recieve him as soon as he can come to me? Francis Sayes who also lived with me formerly and, since that, with you, came here some time ago to offer...
1980From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Ought it not to be a rule to forward from your department to the Major Generals, as they are passed, copies of all laws respecting the military establishment? At any rate you will oblige me by sending those of the session just finished. I observe in the 5 § of the Recruiting Instructions, filled up in Manuscript, the term of inlistment is five years. The law for augmenting the army § 2 directs...
1981From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 11th Ulto was received in the usual course of the Post. That the City of Phila. should again be visited by that dreadful malignant fever which has made such impressions upon it heretofore, is matter of sore regret and that it should baffle more & more the skill of the Physicians adds poignancy to the misfortune. The only intention of giving you the trouble to receive a...
1982Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 27 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I have written to you— My mind has been so agitated that I was not fit to write—or in other words, when I sat for a moment, & attempted to write my paper became so blotted, that I was asshamed to send it— Now do not attempt to reason; for I should feel so conscious that its dictates ought to be obeyed, & so little able to comply, that this would prove another source of...
1983To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 9 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The health of David Austin Esqr. the present Collector of the customs in New Haven, is declining so fast, that it is generally supposed that death, will put a period to his valuable life within a short period time. As that office will then be vacant, I thought it to be my duty, in as early a season, and in as respectful a manner as possible, to ask it of Your Excellency for myself. Perhaps an...
1984From Thomas Jefferson to James Lewis, Jr., 9 May 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your friendly letter of the 4th. inst. as soon as I saw the first of mr Martin’s letters, I turned to the newspapers of the day & found Logan’s speech as translated by a common Indian interpreter. the version I had used had been made by Genl. Gibson. finding from mr Martin’s article that his object was not merely truth, but to gratify party passions, I never read another...
1985From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 19th Ulto, mentioning the nomination of Mr Murray to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic. With the writer of the letter, which I did myself the honour to enclose in my last to you, I truly observed that I had never held any correspondence; and I only knew him in his public mission from this Country to the Barbary States, the...
1986From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Mercer, 5 September 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved safely your favor of Aug. 9. with the two packets of Smyrna and Sicilian wheat. The latter I shall value as well because it lengthens our fall sowing, as because it may be sown in the spring. And in a soil which does not suit oats (as is the case of ours) we want a good spring grain. The May wheat has been sufficiently tried to prove that it will not answer for general culture in...
1987[Diary entry: 26 June 1799] (Washington Papers)
26. Morning clear—wind fresh from the So. W. Mer. at 82. Fresh from the same quarter all day, with a good deal of rain to the Eastward but a sprinkle only fell here. Mer. 91 at highest & 79 at Night.
1988To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Hichborn, 1 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer of this Mr: Israel Hatch of this town has discovered, as he thinks, a new method to give effect to chaind Shot when directed against Ships of War in defence of forts Towns &c—in this view, it appears to me important & induced me to yeald a ready complyance with his request, to recommend it to your patronage, shoud it be found upon examination to deserve attention—I have a Stronger...
1989From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 2d. I have considered the petition of Warrall and return you his pardon signed.—The copies of the Instructions and dispatches I have received. I will thank you to send me a Copy or two of the Laws of the last Session compleat.— I have the Honor to be Sir / yr mo Obt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1990From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 1 January 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I left Monticello the 18th. of Dec. and arrived here to breakfast on the 25th. having experienced no accident or inconvenience except a slight cold, which brought back the inflammation of my eyes and still continues it, though so far mended as to give hopes of it’s going off soon. I took my place in Senate before a single bill was brought in or other act of business done, except the Address...
1991To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 25 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg you to be assured that I have not been inattentive to your request in regard to an Aid de Camp—From my more early enquiries I was apprehensive that the appointments in Virginia would not afford you a choice to your satisfaction; But finding that Colo. Bentley was about, from time to time, to have meetings with his officers at this place, I thought it best to wait until that better means...
1992To John Adams from Elias Boudinot, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Being on a Visit at this place, I am solicited by Mr John Pintard to introduce him to your knowledge. He means to apply for the office of your private Secretary in the room of Mr Malcolm, who he is informed has resigned— I am well acquainted with Mr Pintard and have been so from his Infancy, and can with pleasure recommend him in the strongest Terms— His liberal Education, knowledge of several...
1993Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 15 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
After your having been three months in the City of Philadelphia at this season of the year I think our good Friend the President and you must want some relaxation, and the sea air for a few weeks will be gratefull to you. as we are agreeably situated near the river I dont feel the want of it. where ever you are I wish health and happyness to attend, and hope you will return perfectly recovered...
1994To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus Graves, 26 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having, in concert with Majors Timo. Darling and Cornelius Lynde, of the 16th. Regiment, which I have the honor to command, deliberated on the relative rank of the Officers, as proposed in the list, with which I have been furnished, I beg leave, in concurrence with their opinion, to submit to Major General Hamilton, the following alteration, viz. That No. 10. against the name of Capt. Josiah...
1995To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 15 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of some conversation the other day at Quincy respecting Dr Priestley, I here send you the paper of to-day which contains what was intended as a vindication of Dr. Priestley from the aspersions of Willm: Cobbett.—Untill last Tuesday, I did believe that Dr. P. had excited the venom of the Porcupine more from his being a distinguished Dissenter from the church to which Corbbett is...
1996[Diary entry: 16 July 1799] (Washington Papers)
16. Morning calm. Mer. at 74. Wind brisk from the No. W. till the afternoon when it grew calm again. Mer. 78 at Night. Mr. Dunn left this after breakfast.
1997To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [10 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday this morning at 5 o’clock. mr wolcott will send instructions by the express to secure the powder provisionally for the public. We do not absolutely want the article, and could go on for some time without it. I think it right however that it should not leave the country. Yours affectionately ADf , James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found....
1998From George Washington to John Adams, 4 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do. I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your obliging favour of the 22d Ulto, to thank you for the polite &...
1999From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I ought oftener, my dear Martha, to recieve your letters, for the very great pleasure they give me, & especially when they express your affections for me. for though I cannot doubt them, yet they are among those truths which tho’ not doubted we love to hear repeated. here too they serve like gleams of light, to chear a dreary scene, where envy, hatred, malice, revenge, & all the worst passions...
2000To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have Received yours of the 24th & 28th ultimo; previous to which I had Received an assurance from the Paymaster General that the money for the pay & Subsistance of the Troops woud be Immediately sent on. I Imagine it may now be daily expected I Informed you in a former letter that we had Received a Supply of Coats & overalls these will for the present make us Quite Comfortable as soon as...