301From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
We arrived here last Evening well and shall proceed immediately on our journey. I forgot my brief in the cause of Le Guen against Gouverneur which is in a bundle of papers in my armed Chair in the Office. Request one of the Gentlemen to look for it and send it up to me by the post of Tuesday. Beg them not to fail. Adieu My beloved. Kiss all the Children for me. Yrs. ALS , Mr. George T....
302Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Tho I have not heard from you since I wrote you last, and have nothing new to say, unless it be a resital of my own perplexities, out of which I must get by myself. Yet a few lines will assure you that I am getting forward as fast as possible with my affairs, and prepairing to sit out on my journey. the weather has been as uncommonly cold and stormy for the week past, as it was Hot for two...
303From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured by your Letter of the eleventh. Sensible of the difficulty of obtaining Loans of Money in Europe at this time, and equally with my Predecessor aware of the evil of Stopping the public Buildings, I shall have no hesitation to approve of your Plan of employing Agents to Sell Lotts, for the best Prices they can obtain, provided they be not lower, than the Standard that you Shall...
304From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received and in due time, your favour of the third of this month. I have looked into the Acts of Congress and the Deed of Trust, and although I find no literal Authority given to the President to convey Lotts by Deed of Gift, yet the terms and Conditions of the Sales are subjected to his Discretion. The general Policy of the measure under Consideration, that of offering sites to the...
305To John Adams from Samuel Adams, Sr., 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am loth to trespass one moment upon your time, which at present must be very precious.—But I am induced even to offer Mr: Wyllys this recommendatory Letter to you. He is a native of our Commonwealth, and lately a traveller in Europe. Thô his travels have been merely on Mercantile Business, he appears to be very intelligent, observing, and impartial. He has seen Italy; and conversed among...
306To Alexander Hamilton from John Girard, 17 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, April 17, 1797. “As I wish to have the Suit against Armstrong & Barnwall Brought to an end, I wrote to Capn Briggs at New London to be ready for this next court. I received: Last saturday his answer was that tho’, he was just from Sea, that he was forced to Sett off immediately for Jeremie.… Pray what and how Shall I do? It is indispensable for you to take the properest means So...
307To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
When you first ascended the highest seat in the Government of the United States, I could not but address you on an event so auspicious to our Country—Perhaps you might then think that I was pressing myself into notice or seeking for a place—But be assured my honorable Friend, that my heart is now as much attached to you on your retreat from Public Life, as when you Commenced a Career, which...
308From John Adams to James Drake, 18 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I sent 600 dollars this morning to the Bank to purchase a Postnote and they sent me the inclosed. I hope it will answer your purpose: But it is not exactly as I wished and intended. You will please acknowlege the rest of it by return of Post I am Sir your obliged servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
309To John Adams from Jean François Paul Grand, 18 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Vôtre Excellence aura probablement la bonté de se rapeller Lors de sa Mission Ministerielle à Paris de la famille Grand dont la maison de commerce ètoit dèja chargée de la Confiance des Etats unis, dont elle n’a cessé d’être depuis honorée. Comme fils ainé de cette famille, j’ai été apellé à ressentir plus particulierement les tèmoignages honorables de Cette faveur & notament à jouir lors du...
310John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
as soon as your Letter informed Us that M rs Brisler could not come without her husband I sent him off, in two hours, the day before Yesterday, i.e Monday. There has been Such a snow storm ever since that he must have had a bad Journey to N. York— Whether he will wait there for a Wind for Rhode Island or take the stage I know not but hope he will get home before you come away. This days Post...
311Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here last night after a pleasant journey from Antwerp, where I lodged on Monday. Upon enquiry here I found no Diligence going to day, so that it has given me an opportunity of seeing a great part of the City, which I find surpasses much in point of situation the idea I had of it. The quarter of the park is delightful, and the prospect from the Ramparts is such as brings to mind some...
312From John Adams to William Heath, 19 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd the Letter, you did me the honour to write me on the tenth of this month. The Date of this Letter reminds me that it is two and twenty years Since our final Separation from Britain, and my Letter which you quote recalls old Times and scenes to remembrance. I thank you, Sir, for your kind Congratulations on my Advancement. The Times appear not to me, so critical and difficult, as...
313From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [19 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I informed you My Darling by a letter which will go by post of my arrival here in good health and finding your family well. But this morning your papa has an attack of the Gout, not particularly severe, one indeed which in a different situation would give no uneasiness—but as his strength has been of late somewhat diminished, it is impossible not to feel anxiety about him. On the whole I...
314To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a further request on the subject of the paper communicated to you in my last, that you may have the whole before you and that you may aid me with your talents and experience. It strikes me that, it will be proper for the Pres. to state to Congress the species of defensive force necessary for the occasion, and consider it an essential attribute of negociations I had given him in...
315To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have availed myself before this time of the permission you was pleased to give me, at a moment which I shall never forget; but indisposition & an uncommon pressure of business have prevented. The last accounts from France mention that General Pinckney had gone to Amsterdam in consequence of orders from the Directory. The treatment he recd was rude and insolent in the highest...
316To John Jay from Peter Thacher, 19 April 1797 (Jay Papers)
The board of commissioners in Boston from the society in Scotland for propagating christian knowledge have directed me to address your excellency, upon a subject which is important to the interests of christianity and of the society whom they represent. This society have, for a number of years past, supported a mission to the Oneida indians who live in your state. M r . Kirkland, who has been...
317From John Jay to Timothy Pickering, 19 April 1797 (Jay Papers)
I enclose one of Greenleafs Papers, printed the 15 of last month. You will find in it some Statements and Remarks on the Expences of the british Treaty— Some Gentlemen on whose Judgments I rely, and among them Col. Hamilton, think it adviseable that some notice be taken of this publication — a certain Description of People make a Handle of it— I enclose a Paper on the Subject, which I think...
318To Thomas Jefferson from Mann Page, 19 April 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hugh Mercer, the posthumous Son of the late Genl. Mercer, will do me the honour of forwarding this to you. I will shortly make known to you what have been his persuits in Science, and what is his Object in applying to you. His Education commenced with the Study of the Greek and Latin Languages, in which he made some Progress. His chief Attention has been to the Belles Lettres, in which he...
319To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 20 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New Ark [ New Jersey ] April 20, 1797 . “I wrote you a few days ago relative to my business with F. … and as I have not heard any thing from you on the subject, I take it for granted they have shuffled as usual, if so, please to order the writ to be issued at once—and in order to give you no further trouble of negociating with persons so little disposed to the common rules of equity—I have...
320To George Washington from Reed & Forde, 20 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
We should have answered your favour of the 31st of March earlier but waited for information from George Town the Power of Attorney we forwarded to transfer parts of the Columbia shares being informal has been returned to us, we have since sent a power properly authenticated and expect that on application to Mr Walter Smith the Shares will be transfered agreeable to our obligation. we are with...
321Abigail Adams to William Smith, 21 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Death of my Mother which took place this afternoon very suddenly, will prevent my Sitting out on my journey as I had intended on twesday. we propose to burry her on Monday. I do not think I can get away untill thursday. I shall therefore omit sending Beckey untill fryday. I would wish two places engaged in the Stage as I have an other Girl to go with her, and should like to have them under...
322John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
For I suppose you must have an explanation to keep you current with the vieux stile , now-a-days.— I have received your pleasant account from Brussels of your travels thus far. Continue to write me as often as you can, and sur tout return as speedily as possible. I have read something in Adam Smith about the wonders performed by division of labour. I know very well the effects of its...
323To John Adams from Carlos Martinez de Yrujo, 21 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recent grounds to believe that it is intended to carry into effect the expedition on the part of the English against upper Louisiana, by violating the territory of the US. according to what I informed you in my letter of the 2d March last; I must add that I know to a certainty that the English have made propositions to General Clarke in Georgia, in order to obtain his powerful influence...
324To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the command of the President of the United States, respectfully reports his opinion on the following questions. 1st. Whether the refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney, and the rude orders to quit Paris and the Territory of the Republic with such circumstances of indignity, insult & hostility as we have been informed of, are bars to all further measures...
325To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Hamilton, 21 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I just now received the enclosed letter from grandpapa, in answer to a letter I wrote to him, in which he has enclosed to me three receipts for shares in the Tontine Tavern, amounting to £100. I have given the receipts to mama. I delivered my speech to Dr. Johnson to examine. He has no objection to my speaking; but he has blotted out that sentence which appears to be the best and most animated...
326To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
To-day a Jerseyman called on me to enquire whether I knew of any agent of yours in this city, who could receive money for you. He said Colo. Israel Shrieve had formerly purchased some land of you at Red-Stone, which the Colo. sold to the Enquirer’s brother, in whose behalf he had come to pay two hundred pounds. Not knowing of any such agent, I told the man I would inform you of his...
327To John Jay from Jedidiah Morse, 21 April 1797 (Jay Papers)
I should have acknowledged the receipt of your obliging & acceptable Letter of the 28th of Feby. earlier, but for the great & unremitting attention I have been obliged to pay to my Gazetteer wh[ic]h is in the press. The plan of a History of our Revolution wh[ic]h you, Sir, have suggested, is certainly natural, plain, concise, comprehensive & judicious— & your directions, as to the objects of...
328John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had no Letter from you Yesterday. As You intended to commence your Journey on the 24 th. it is not probable this Letter will meet you, till it returns to this Place. But as it is possible you might not be able to set out so soon, you may receive it at Quincy. Brisler is at Quincy before this, I hope. Charles is just gone, for N. York— I have communicated to him my Plan of sending my Coachman...
329From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [22 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The consideration for the candidates in the better part of the community stands nearly thus. Clarkeson , ver Plank , Fish = Walker , Burrall , Giles ,
330From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
My absence from New York to attend the Court here has put it out of my power to answer sooner your letter of the 13th instant. The characters which occur to me as proper to be considered for Collector are these— Benjamin Walker —This Gentleman you know as well as I do. He is every way qualified and fit, and had he remained in the place of naval officer he might, qualified as he is, have looked...
331To George Washington from William Charles Cole Claiborne, 22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Permit an individual from a remote part of America, to address you, an individual little known in public Life, and whose personal Acquaintance with you is very confined: The freedom I thus take illy-becomes me; but when I recollect, that the Character I write to, is the great friend of Mankind, his Goodness to pardon an honest intention is my best excuse. The object of this Letter, is to...
332From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I should not have taken the liberty of giving you the trouble wch the enclosures must occasion, but for the request of Genl Lee who left this yesterday and is implicated in the business to which they relate. Messrs Reed & Fords obligation, paid me by Genl Lee to discharge in part a debt he owed me, the letter of the latter with Mr Lingans note (all of which are enclosed) will be sufficient I...
333To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have flatter’d myself should have got what fine herrings I want from your fishing Landing, but am inform’d I cannot, which has put me to a great nonplus to know what to do, or where to apply—for not doubting but what I should get them there (as it had been the custom) I never applied any where else. I have already had four hands waiting at the ferry Landing for near a week & got only three...
334Farm Reports, 23–29 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
1797 April 23d Morning 57 Thunder & Rain 59 W. Rain 57 W. cloudy 24 57 N.E. cloudy & rain 58 N.E. cloudy & showers 56 S. cloudy 25 57 S. & Rain 60 W. & clear 58 S. clear 26 60 W. clear 62 W. clear 60 W. clear 27 62 S.E. clear 64 E. clear
335Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I think through all the most trying conflicts of my life, I have been called to pass through them separated from the personal condolence and support of my bosom friend, I have been taught to look for support and aid from superior power than man: there is a state of mind, when affliction dries up the source of tears, and almost bids the swollen heart burst. I have left one of those distressing...
336From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Lest my Dear Eliza any circumstance should have prevented your departure before this reaches you, I conclude to drop you a line to tell you your Father is considerably better at the same time considering the delicate state of his health generally I am very desirous you should come up as he is. Yrs. Most Affec ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to...
337To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 23 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of your favor of the 22d Instt with the Inclosures. In this and in every other Instance within my small Powers it will give me infinite pleasure to obey your Commands. I will wait on Messrs Lingham and Smith this day & if no unforeseen difficulties occur close the business tomorrow. & forward a Certificate of the Transfer by the earliest Mail after the Transfer is made. I have...
338John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
This day you promis’d me to begin your Journey: but if the Weather is as disagreable with you as it is here, I could not exact the fullfillment of the Engagement. I fear you will have bad roads and unpleasant Weather. You talk of your Perplexities and say you must get out of them yourself. Do you think mine less severe, public or private? My dear and venerable Mother— Alass— I feel for her.—...
339Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 24 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your letter of the 13 th , my beloved friend, it is impossible to express the delight I experienced, when I read the welcome tidings it conveyed yes my Dearest friend, should you find it practicable, I will with pleasure attend—you—my whole life shall be devoted to render you happy, and I trust in time, it will be in my power to convince you, that I am far from wishing to...
340Hannah Quincy Lincoln Storer to Abigail Adams, 24 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I feel as if I were My worthy friend, Compel’d to write a few lines to you in this uncommon hour of distressing events that await you. Tho’ what you wished with respect to one of the deceased has happen’d—Yet Not the less affecting I am sure— Your Mind I think Must be freed from a Charge that Seem’d to dewell heavy upon you— when I last had the Satisfaction of Seeing You — at this Moment the...
Nous avons reçu votre note en date du 12 Avril 1797, par la quelle vous nous donnés connaissance de la nomination, qu’a faite votre Gouvernement de Nicolas Rousselet, comme Consul des Etats Unis à Essequebo et demerarÿ. Nous desirerions beaucoup pouvoir provoquer le decrèt de L’Assemblée Nationale, par rapport à l’élection du dit Consul et de concerter d’un commun accord une instruction,...
342To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, [24 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Les Evênements inatandue qui ont Empeschés Mr. Burr de se réndre issy à temps de Vous Seconder dans mon Affaire, ont Parue Vous désobliger, sa présance est peu m’estre favorable. Néamoints, Monsieur, Vos talens, Votre Zélle, et L’integrités de Ceux qui doivent Estre mes Juges, ne me Laisse pas le Moindre doute que Vos Efforts ne me feront Obtenir un Jugement favorable. Enconcequ’ence Sy Vous...
343Petition to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of New York, [24 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 24, 1797 ] “The Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants of the City of New York and the vicinity thereof Respectfully Sheweth That your Memorialists have learnt … that the Corporation of the City of New York have purchased a lot of Ground situate in the Seventh Ward … which they intend to Convert into a Potters Field for the interment of the bodies of such persons as may die of...
344To George Washington from George Ball, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the writing more attentively, which pass’d between us, respecting the land—I think a part of it meterially improper—and I am confident when I state some facts you will think with me—the writing says I shall pay six Pr centum upon the purchase money from 1789 untill the whole is discharged. Your letter to Geo: Fitzhugh states that your terms are eight hundred pounds with...
345To George Washington from Joshua Humphreys, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Before you left this City you mentioned you wanted a pump for raising water about sixty feet, if you have not one provided and will please to give me the height the water must be raised, the quantity to be delivered, and also the use it is to be applied to, I will endeavour to find out and transmitt to you the best plan for having one made, and what the cost will be. The Frigate U. States will...
346From George Washington to Paul Revere et al., 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that the enclosed answer to the Affectionate Address of the Grand lodge of Ancient, Free and accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—transmitted under your Signatures—should appear so much out of season; but from the lapse of time between the date & reception of the Address (from what cause I know not) it was not to be avoided, and is offered as an apology for the...
347To George Washington from St. George Tucker, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
The solicitude which you have expressed in several of your communications to Congress for the establishment of a National University, & the apparent unwillingness of that body to act upon the subject, gave rise to the enclosed short essay, which I beg leave to submit to your perusal. Permit me to wish you many years of health and happiness, and to assure you of the most perfect esteem. I am,...
348To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I should not have mention’d my disappointment in not geting fish had I thought there had been justice done me—be assured I want no more, when I made application for fish, I was told that there was only two before me, Voilett & Cash—when they were supplied my turn should be next, I then waited patiently until word was sent me to send hands to receive my fish, I sent four which stay’d there near...
349Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 25 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your obliging Letter of the 31 st Ultimo I do not know that I should have replied to it before the 5 th. of next Month had not my Daughter receved a late Letter from you & in which you inform her that the Letters you had recived from America had determined you to proceed to Lisbon as soon as possible but that you was diserous of takeing London in your way, I need not tell you...
350To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 6th, which I took from the cover without breaking the seal. The secret shall not escape me; but, from the circumstance mentioned, I shall not be surprized to find, that it has transpired on it’s passage. If the tho’t of sending Mr. Jefferson proceeded from both parties, it wears the appearance of “a natural one”, otherwise, coming from so many of one party,...