2101From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 19 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 7th instant, with its enclosures, has been duly received. I am very glad to learn that the recruiting business, so far as it has been put in Operation, succeeds agreeably to your wishes. It has commenced in Virginia, and I am informed that, in this vicinity (and I have no intelligence from the more distant parts of the State) its progress is very flattering. A supply of...
2102To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus Graves, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received via Oxford your letter of the 15th. & 17th of Jany. The Paymaster of the 16 Regt at the arrival of the Paymaster General’s drafft was necessarily absent—I had a few days previous sent him to Portsmouth to receive four hhds. of Uniform Clothing which had been shipped by the Agent of the war department to that post for the use of the 16 Regt. and to distribute the same to the...
2103From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ult. was received by the last Post. As the Encyclopædia might be useful, to have by me (though wanting the last Volume or two) I would if the binding business goes on as usual, request Mr Dobson to have all that are published, neatly bound and sent to me, except the last vole which may be retained as a sample to bind the remainder by. I do not recollect, but suppose the...
2104To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 26th. & 30th of Septr. Agreeably to your instructions, I have ordered the recruits of my Regiment, to the Battalion Stations, except Capt. Caldwells, at Wheeling, which are too distant. I have drawn but one Officer from each Sub-Station, leaving the others, with a few Men and the hired Music, to prosecute the recruiting...
2105From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I return inclosed the three letters of Mr Miller approved, in which he recommends John Shackleford, David Allen & Isam Clay to be keepers of light houses With great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
2106To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
After having obtained your approbation of an enterprize to the Court of Spain &c for the two largest Frigates, it is painful for me to propose a different arrangement. But So much time has elapsed in getting the Constitution to Sea—& I have no accot. that she has yet got out; that I fear it would be the 15. of August, before the two Frigates could leave Hampton for Europe—they can Safely...
2107From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Clarke, 22 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Having occasion to make a considerable paiment immediately I send the bearer Jupiter, a trusty servant, to recieve whatever money may be lying for me in Staunton. any sum which you can furnish will be acceptable, and will be safely brought by him. be so good as to let it be in cash, & not in paper which nobody here recieves. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt PrC ( MHi ); at foot...
2108To John Jay from Henry Livingston, [before 25 January 1800] (Jay Papers)
Altho the Enormities perpetrated in the Manor of Livingston for a Series of six or seven Years past, are of public Notoriety Yet I presume that the following Details will not be deemd deme’d improperly Submitted to Your Excellency as tending to prove the Existences of a Combination hostile at once to private property, to the due Course of Law and to the peace of the Community In the Year 1792...
2109Abigail Adams to Sarah Smith, 8 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whilst I feel as a Parent, I Sympathize with You as a wife, hopeing that all the frailties, and offences of My Dear departed son may be forgiven, and buried with his Mortal part I besought the throne of grace that he might find Mercy from his God, to the great judge of us all we must leave him, resigning our wills to the Sovereign of the universe— From My own thoughts and reflections I trace...
2110To Thomas Jefferson from John Coalter, 29 November 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Since receiving yours of 19th. Inst. I have spoken to Mr. Clark about its contents— He says he was disappointed in the sale he contemplated at Amherst Court, & that he hath no means of making payt, except from some Bonds he hath put into the Hands of Mr. J. Kinney for collection & out of which he has directed that Debt with some others to be paid a list of which he has given him—He says he...
2111To John Adams from Cyrus Griffin, 10 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
This being the first instance of capture and trial in my Court under the late Acts of Congress, I take the liberty to inform you that the Ship Niger, brought into this District by Capt. Nicholson of the Constitution, after long and very able arguments by the best Lawyers of this Country, was decreed by me to be restored to the Respondents, together with the ordinary Costs of defence.— It...
2112From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased, whenever a General Order is issued which requires any thing to be done in your Department, to superintend it’s execution. It will be proper as often as there is an appearance of delay to write to the different Paymasters and persons acting as Paymasters to accelerate, in all such cases, the exertions which it is their duty to make. Should delays occur I shall expect you to...
2113To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 5 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] September 5, 1799 . “… I hope Captain Thompson will by the time this letter comes to hand, have had the honor of Seeing you & as I requested him To lay the different wants of this Garrison &a. before you.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see Rivardi to H, July 25, 1799 . Thompson and H did not meet, but in a letter dated September...
2114To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully represents to the President of the United States. That the account of the President of the United States—stands charged in the Books of the Treasury with fourteen thousand dollars advanced by Warrants of the Secretary in pursuance of the Act of March 2d. 1797.— for the purpose of closing which account, the Secretary transmits the draft of an...
2115[Diary entry: 25 May 1798] (Washington Papers)
25. Very brisk So. Westerly wind with misting showers at Intervals from about Noon. Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. Peaks fam. dined here.
2116From John Adams to United States Senate, 2 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
One, “intituled an Act extending the privilege of franking, to William Henry Harrison, the delegate from the territory of the United States, North West of the Ohio and making provision for his compensation.” The other, “Intituled an Act to provide for the supplementary to the Act, intituled an Act,—to provide for the valuation of lands & dwelling-houses and the enumeration of Slaves within the...
2117[Diary entry: 9 November 1797] (Washington Papers)
9. Calm, clear & remarkably pleasant. Mer. 52.
2118From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed affidavits You will be pleased to make enquiry without delay into the case to which they refer, and report to me. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2119To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 June 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 7th. since which yours of the 3d. is recieved. Your next (which I shall still be here to recieve) will probably acknolege mine of May 31. and will perhaps be your last as you would see by mine of the 7th. that I should leave this on the 20th. which I still purpose. The new citizen or naturalization bill is past the Senate also. It requires 14. years residence to make a...
2120From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, Jr., 22 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 4th of August came safe to my hands under cover from Mr Colston—whom I have authorised to draw upon me for the full balance as stated in the a/c transmitted by you. It dwells however upon my mind (but not perfectly) that the first item therein—viz.—£8.17.3 has been paid to some person who appeared authorised to receive it; but as My voluminous Papers (brought from...
2121To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
The recent death of Doctor Way has left the office of treasurer of the mint vacant, to which Mr John Knap a native of Maryland, but for some time an inhabitant of Philadelphia wishes to be appointed. This gentleman some time since produced to me recommendations from the Governor of Maryland, the Chancellor and one or two private gentlemen of that State in whom I have confidence, which bore...
2122To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 29 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday Mr Van Vechtnen Advised me that no Notice had been given by Mr Ogden to Jacob R Van Rensselaer that Special bail had been filed in the Suit of John R. V. Rensselaer Against Stephen Schuyler & Henry J V Rensselaer. in Conformity to Mr Ogdens directions to My Brother, I became Special Bail, and immediately Advised Mr Ogden thereof and that the bail price was filed. on Saturday last,...
2123[Diary entry: 23 October 1797] (Washington Papers)
23. Very clear & pleasant—M. 56. Went with the family to dine with Mr. Potts in Alexandria.
2124Circular on Recruiting Service, [18–19 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
The recruiting service, as connected with the duties of Inspector General, has been committed by the Department of War to my superintendence. It is expected that it will shortly commence for the additional troops which are intended to be raised. [Two Regiments of Infantry are] assigned to Massachusettes. It is conceived to be expedient that for the purpose of recruiting them the state shall be...
2125From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 24, 1799. “… I shall confer with Col Smith on the subject of his Major and communicate the result.… I am of opinion that the hat ought to be delivered with its furniture complete. It will often be no easy matter for the Officers to supply a deficiency; and it is one of those instances in which œconomy will be likely to disgust by the air of excessive parsimony. Will it not be...
2126To George Washington from John C. Ogden, 12 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
It is painful to trouble a man whom I have so long revered with these letters—But Oliver Wolcott whom you honored with a place, has cast me into prison for a small sum due honestly to him. The suit is pushed for two causes—One to defeat my hopes and expectations of the place of collector of the customs in New Haven. He wishes to have it given to Eli⟨zur⟩ Goodrich—Brother to the member of...
2127To Thomas Jefferson from Volney, 19 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Surlendemain de Votre départ, le propriétaire du Vaisseau qui réunissait Mes Convenances s’etant decidé à Ne point l’expedier, je me decidai de mon côté à quitter philadelphie, et depuis cinq à Six jours je respire dans la Ville-campagne d’où je Vous ecris un air peut-etre aussi chaud Mais plus pur. Il N’est plus question de la fievre. Vous M’avez demandé Mon plan de Marche, le Voici. Le...
2128From Thomas Jefferson to Tadeusz Kosciuszko, 25 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of the 21st. mr Niemcewicz has put into my hands the inclosed memorandum, reminding you of a sum of 400. Dollars in the hands of Wannerquist banker of Stockholm, intended for your aid de camp Fischer, but never delivered him, & therefore subject to your order. it also mentions a turning machine in the hands of mr Munford at New York partner of Gahn, worth as he supposes...
2129From John Adams to Stephen Moore, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
An Address from Seven thousand two hundred and Ninety four Men, a Number Sufficient to compose a respectable Army, giving Assurance of their Approbation of Public Measures, and their Determination as Men and Soldiers to Support them, with their Lives and Fortunes, must be a pleasing Appearance to every Lover of his Country. There is no Part of the Union from which, such Sentiments could be...
2130[Diary entry: 10 June 1798] (Washington Papers)
10. Morning—Wind pretty fresh from No. Et. but clear—Mer. 70. Very lowering in the Evening—Mer. 66. Doctr. Stuart returned, & Mr. Lear dined here.
2131To John Adams from Charles Lee, 10 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have attentively considered the letter of the judge of the United States for the district of Pennsylvania, dated the 8th instant, relative to the act of Congress entitled “An act for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt,” which he thinks deficient in many particulars. 1st. He states it as doubtful whether the act vested judicial power in the judge relative to the discharge of...
2132To Thomas Jefferson from James Thomson Callender, 26 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Sensible that this freedom needs an [appology]. I wrote You a letter In last month and if nothing can be done, or ought to be done, in one quarter, it is time that I Should be making application, in another, if I can say that I can have another; for I have not only motives of one kind, but others quite different, for not wishing to revisit that sink of destruction Philadelphia; for whose...
2133From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The completion of the works in the vicinity of our City proceeds heavily. Some embarrassment is understood to arise in the War Department from the Question of Appropriations. I beg to be informed whether the sum appropriated by the Legislature of this State will come in aid of the Operation. Limited as that sum is, nothing upon a large scale can be undertaken in reference to it. Its Agency in...
2134From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 4 December 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day drawn on you in favor of Dabney Carr for [fifty] dollars. tho’ as far as I am possessed of our account there would [be funds?] in your hands sufficient to cover this, [but?] there are some articles of [expences &c] paid by you for me which probably [may make] this an over draught. [if therefore] you will be so good as to make a statement of our accounts and [paiments] so as to...
2135To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having transmitted to Mr Pickering, additional documents, numbered from 36 to 50 inclusively, you will probably peruse them. The first, contained a copy of a motion, I made to the other Envoys; to put an end, as early as the 21st of October 1797, to the disgraceful communications of X & Y. at the bottom of the original, is a note in the handwriting of General Pinckney, which shews, that it was...
2136[Diary entry: 16 March 1797] (Washington Papers)
16. At home all day alone. Wind at East & very cloudy all day.
2137From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 26 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I last night received your Letter dated Yesterday. The Resolutions of the Common Council discover a Mistake as to the Characters under which the Gentlemen named in them made their communication to yourself and the Recorder. They did not pretend to appear in an official Capacity, but intended to be considered merely as private individuals. As such they gave information which they thought might...
2138To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully requests the attention of the President of the United States, to certain measures and arrangements, which appear to him to be indispensable to the improvement of our military system, and solicits, if it shall be thought proper, that the same may be submitted to Congress. No sentiment is more just than this, that, in proportion as the circumstances and policy...
2139[Diary entry: 13 November 1797] (Washington Papers)
13. Clear, calm & remarkably fine & pleasant—Mer. 55 a 65. The British Envoy Mr. Liston & his Lady—Mr. Marchant & his lady & her Son Mr. Brown and Mr. Athill Speaker of the Assembly of Antigua came to Dinner as did a Doctr. Pinckard. The last went afterwards. Robert Liston (1743–1836) served as British minister and ambassador at several important posts before being appointed in 1796 as envoy...
2140Statement for the Aurora, 25 March 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
subjoin to the letter ‘It will be observed that the preceding letter is dated at Paris in 1787. mr Jones , to whom it is addressed, awaited mr Jefferson’s return to America, & authorised his agent to settle it with him there. immediately on his arrival in Virginia in Dec. 1789 he procured a meeting with the agent & the other gentlemen interested, and an amicable settlement was made in writing,...
2141From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 26 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
If Stuart can spare a Steer, you may keep the one you got from thence and pay for him in kine. Fishing, hitherto, has been very unsuccessful at my landing. More were caught last night and this morning (since I have not heard from thence) than in the same space at any time before since it commenced; & unless it continues for some days my expences will not be reimbursed. Have you written to...
2142To George Washington from Marmaduke Leigh, 25 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
I am told you wish to dispose of your Lands on the ohio river in the State of Virginia, I would willingly become a purchaser of a tract of your Land, particularly that tract below the Little Kenhawa river. Should the price and terms of payment suit me, As I am acquainted with the quality of your Lands on the ohio river, If you will Let me know your price and the terms of payment I will Let you...
2143To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Conformably to your directions, I requested, and had an interview, with Mr. Waln this morning and communicated to him, that if it would suit Mr. Whelen best, on account of his family and connections to hold an agency in the branch of the Purveyor at Philadelphia, at a salary from 1000 to 1200 Dollars per annum, in preference to the Principal office which would require the removal of his family...
2144From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 25 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 8th of February came safe, and would have received an earlier acknowledgment if anything had sooner occurred, worthy of communication. I hope you have not only got relieved of the fever from which you were then recovering, but of the langour with which it had affected you; and that you are now engaged in the literary pursuits of which you gave the outlines—and which with...
2145Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have rejoiced in the fine weather which we have had Since your absence, and tho to day it threatens a Change, and debilitates me, I hope it will not prove very urksome to you. I received your Letter written at Flags and should have rejoiced more in your progress, if it had not have distanced you further from Mrs smith who was following you with all speed— I fear she did not overtake you...
2146From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 15th. since that yours of the 12th. is recieved. since that too a great change has taken place in the appearance of our political atmosphere. the merchants, as before, continue, a respectable part of them, to wish to avoid arming. the French decree operated on them as a sedative, producing more alarm than resentment. on the Representatives differently. it excited...
2147From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your’s of the 15th of this month, and must refer you to my letter of the 17th. for the information on the which you have requested request. I have again written to the Secretary of War on a supply of money and Cloathing, and hope that your wants will soon be releived— With great considaration &c On the appointment of Mess. Meredith and Stevens as first Lieutenants I...
2148From Thomas Jefferson to Alexandre Giroud, 22 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved at this place from Mr. Bache the letter of the 20th. Germinal with the seeds of the Bread tree which you were so kind as to send me. I am happy that the casual circumstance respecting Oglethorpe’s affairs has led to this valuable present and I shall take immediate measures to improve the opportunity it gives us of introducing so precious a plant into our Southern states. The...
2149To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of September 26th. and have made a few notes, which I will revise and send to you to morrow. The style & temper is excellent, no observations occur to me upon the first part of the Draught. You will judge of the expediency of sending the Letter, from the information which you possess of the public opinion. I have no lights beyond those which I suggested as from...
2150To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President yesterday, sent the Senate a nomination of Mr Murray to be appointed Minister plenipy. to the french republic, accompanied by a letter, from Talleyrand to the Secy. of the french legation at Amsterdam. By this letter it appears, that for some time, communications have been made to Mr. Murray, of the friendly dispositions of the french Govt. towards this Country, & it contains...