16051Peter Jay to David Peloquin, 15 May 1764 (Jay Papers)
I have receiv’d your favour of the 2 d . feb: together with the Magazines per the Minerva.—My last was the 24 December, and since which our Lawyers have dissolved their Contract, and engaged in another, und r . such Restrictions as will greatly impede the lower Class of the People from Creep g : in the Profession, w ch : they say, was their intention by the first.—this has enabled me to place...
16052VI. “U” to the Boston Gazette, 29 August 1763 (Adams Papers)
My worthy and ingenious friend, Mr. J , having strutted and foamed his hour upon the stage and acquired as well as deserved a good reputation as a man of sense and learning, some time since made his exit, and now is heard no more. Soon after Mr. Js departure, your present correspondent made his appearance; but has not yet executed his intended plan.—Mr. J inlisted himself under the banners of...
16053[Diary entry: 10 July 1774] (Washington Papers)
10. Rather Cool all day altho there was but little Wind. That however was Northerly.
16054From George Washington to John St. Clair, 4 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
I have now had an oppertunity of Examining Ucahula, an Indian Warrior that brought in the Scalps mentiond in my last. His acct is nearly the following. That about the first of last Month Lieutt Gist with 6 Soldiers and 30 Indians left the South Branch of Potomack River, and after a tedious March (occasiond by deep Snows on the Mountains) they got upon the Waters of Monongahela, where Mr Gist...
16055To George Washington from Landon Carter, 26 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr John Lawson having heard of nothing to discourage his Military inclination now comes to put himself in the Situation of a Cadet he is of a Family in Lancaster descended from the Steptoes by the mother side and I have told him that there are many waiting before him but as I learn there are three vacancys in the Company of Ensigns the number standing before him will be fewer[.] I...
16056To Benjamin Franklin from William Brownrigg, 27 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: the Royal Society By the enclosed from an old friend, a worthy clergyman at Carlisle, whose great learning and extensive knowledge in most sciences would have more distinguished him had he been placed in a more conspicuous point of view, You will find that he had heard of your experiment on Derwent Lake, and has thrown together what he could collect on that subject; to which I have...
16057From Benjamin Franklin to Sargent Aufrere & Co., 8 January 1762 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The very obliging manner in which you have undertaken to support the Credit of the Province Drafts, demands my thankful Acknowledgments in Behalf of the Province, which I beg you to accept. Your doing it so readily and chearfully at my Instance I esteem a particular Obligation on myself. I shall not fail explaining your Motives in this...
16058[Diary entry: 28 October 1774] (Washington Papers)
28. Breakfasted at the Buck Tavern. Dined at Downs’s & lodged at New town upon Chester.
16059[Diary entry: 14 December 1768] (Washington Papers)
14. Snowd the best part of last Night and till 2 Oclock this day.
16060To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 3 February 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The 20th Ulti I returnd you my thanks for your kind respect in the service of your Electrical Apparatus and which I hope before this is got well to your hands. I am again thankfull for your Respect in yours of 25th: January. Mr. Samuel Smith of Burlington tells me the first time he goes to Philadelphia he will pay you what I am in your debt to...
16061[Diary entry: 8 July 1767] (Washington Papers)
8. Do. Do. Do.
16062[Diary entry: 2 January 1760] (Washington Papers)
Jany. 2d. Wednesy. Mrs. Barnes who came to visit Mrs. Washington yesterday returnd home in my Chariot the Weather being too bad to Travel in an open Carriage—which together with Mrs. Washington’s Indisposition confind me to the House and gave me an oppertunity of Posting my Books and putting them in good Order. Fearing a disappointment elsewhere in Pork I was fein to take Mr. French upon his...
16063From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 25 May 1766 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your last by T. Nelson whom I luckily met on my road hither. Surely never did small hero experience greater misadventures than I did on the first two or three days of my travelling. Twice did my horse run away with me and greatly endanger the breaking my neck on the first day. On the second I drove two hours through as copious a rain as ever I have seen, without meeting with a...
16064To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 20 September 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Public Record Office; also printed in The Pennsylvania Journal , September 4, 1766, Supplement, and September 11, 1766. The Publick Papers will inform you of the present distracted State of the Colonies, and the many Outrages and Riots that have been occasioned by a Dislike to the Stamp-Act; all which have been incited by the principal Men of the Colonies where they have been...
16065[Diary entry: 19 January 1773] (Washington Papers)
19. More moderate; the Wind getting Southerly but thawd little—lowering in the Evening.
16066“A Journal of the Times”: 24 October 1768 (Adams Papers)
This day the brig Tryton, owned by Mr. D——s, a merchant of this town, was seized by order of the Board of Customs, on supposition it is said, that she had some time ago been employed in an illicit trade; and that they may oblige the owner to prove where and how she has been employed.— This seizure exhibits another instance of the generosity of the Commissioners, and their friendly disposition...
16067[Diary entry: 16 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
16. Little or no Wind, & that being Southerly it grew warm again.
16068From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 21 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; draft: American Philosophical Society Inclos’d I send a Boston Newspaper in which the Sermon is advertis’d. The Speaker of the Assembly of the Massachusets, in his Letter to me says, “The Bishop’s Sermon is much liked, as it discovers a catholick Spirit, and Sentiments very favourable with regard to America.” Dr. Chauncey, an ancient Dissenting Minister of...
16069From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 6 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of Jan. 8 came duly to hand, but I have been so much engag’d during the Sitting of Parliament, that I could not correspond regularly with all my Friends, and have of course trespass’d most with those on whose Good Nature and Indulgence I could most rely. I am however asham’d of being so long silent. It is but the other Day that I enquired after...
16070[Diary entry: 27 March 1748] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 27th. Travell’d over to the South Branch (attended with the Esqr.) to Henry Vanmetriss in order to go about Intended Work of Lots. The Van Meter family was among the earliest settlers in the Shenandoah Valley. John Van Meter, a New York state Indian trader who carried on an extensive trade among the Delaware Indians, visited Virginia about 1725. With his encouragement his sons Isaac and...
16071An Act for the Limitation of Personal Actions, 20 November 1770 (Adams Papers)
20 November 1770. MS , engrossed copy, signed by Hutchinson ( M-Ar ). Printed: Mass., Province Laws The Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay , Boston, 1869–1922; 21 vols. , 5:109–111. Prepared by a committee appointed 16 October composed of JA , John Worthington, and Joseph Hawley ( Mass., House Jour. Journals of the House of Representatives of...
16072On Sinecures, 28 September 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser , September 28, 1768 To the Printer of the Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser . Great complaints are every day made, that notwithstanding Great Britain has involved herself in a very heavy debt, for the defence of the American colonies in the late war, that now they refuse to pay any part of this debt. On this subject there has been a very...
16073From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 14 July 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society I am very sorry that our unexpected long Stay at Albany prevents my having the Pleasure of seeing you at this time. Mr. Peters, Mr. Norris and my self, with my Son, came ashore here about 3 aClock with Intent to get a Waggon or Horses to carry us to your House, and the Sloop was to wait for us till tomorrow Noon; but after many fruitless Attempts, Night coming...
16074[Diary entry: 3 April 1774] (Washington Papers)
3. At home all day. Mr. Hooe & Mr. Robt. Harrison dined and lodged here.
16075From George Washington to Hugh Mercer, 11 April 1774 (Washington Papers)
The Land may be conveyed to you at any time, & for this purpose I will bring down my title papers & leave them with you, as I go to the Assembly. When, possession can be given, I am not altogether clear in, as I believe Mr Fitzhugh & Mr Hunter look upon the tillable & Pasture Land as engaged to them till the Fall; but Colo. Lewis can give you the best information on that head, as it was with...
16076[Diary entry: 4 November 1751] (Washington Papers)
November 4 th , 1751.—This morning received a card from Major Clarke, welcoming us to Barbadoes, with an invitation to breakfast and dine with him. We went,—myself with some reluctance, as the smallpox was in his family. We were received in the most kind and friendly manner by him. Mrs. Clarke was much indisposed, insomuch that we had not the pleasure of her company, but in her place...
16077To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bond, 6 July 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to You by Mr. Daniel Kheun, the Brother of Doct. Kheun, Professor of Materia Medica and Botany in our Colledge. He is going to Sweeden to study Divinity and proposes returning here with the pastoral Charge of some of the Swedish Congregations. His Brother thinks Doct. Franklin’s Patronage will be of particular Service to him in his...
16078[Diary entry: 7 October 1768] (Washington Papers)
7. Came home in the Morning & remaind. Mr. Townd. Dade (of Chotk.) came here. This was probably Townshend (Townsend) Dade (d. 1781), originally of the Chotank area of Stafford County. He had by his first wife, Elizabeth Alexander Dade, five children who lived to adulthood, including Elizabeth Dade (b. 1734), who in 1751 married GW’s Chotank cousin Lawrence Washington (1728–c.1813). Dade next...
16079[Diary entry: 30 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
30. Dined with Genl. Gage & spent the Evening in my own Room writing. GW wrote to Rev. Myles Cooper, president of King’s College, concerning financial arrangements for Jacky’s stay at the college. He sent Cooper bills of exchange for £100 for Jacky’s use and asked him to establish credit for him with recommended merchants. However, GW added, if Jacky was too extravagant he hoped Cooper would...
16080From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 27 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to send out Parties to gather the Corn at the Plantations of those people, who are supposed to be killed or taken prisoners by the Indians, and have it secured for the Publick; taking a particular account of what is gathered from each Plantation. You are also to send out small Parties to protect the Country People, while they gather their Corn that is near the Fort. When...
16081To George Washington from Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 29 July 1762 (Washington Papers)
It is now near 12 Months since the date of thy last favr to us whh we remark wth concern. The loss ⟨ mutilated ⟩ the deliver⟨ance⟩ remains in the same state as when we wrote ⅌ the Fleet ⟨th⟩e want of our good Friend the Speaker’s Bill of Ladeing to prove to the Insurers that his Tobacco was on board that Ship. It is also unlucky that the want of Bills of Ladeing for some Tobacco and Indigo...
16082[Diary entry: 9 February 1773] (Washington Papers)
9th. Doctr. Rumney continued all day, & Night. After an early Dinner I set of to Mr. Robt. Alexanders upon Fox hunting Party & in the Afternoon, Young Mr. Danl. Dulany Revd. Mr. Montgomerie, Mr. Tilghman & Jno. Custis came here & stayd all [night]. This Daniel Dulany (1750–1824) was called Daniel Jr. or Daniel III and was the son of Daniel Dulany the younger (1722–1797) and Rebecca Tasker...
16083VIII. Governor Winthrop to Governor Bradford, Some Fragments, January 1767 (Adams Papers)
I am Sorry to find Phylanthrop, attempting to vindicate the high flying, Maxims, the arbitrary Precedents, and the Tyrannical Practices of that self sufficient Innovator that arrogant, pedantical Tyrant King James the first. This Exception in the Dedimus, is laying the Ax to the Root of the Tree of Liberty. It is Hewing it down, or tearing it up, as Nero swore he would Virtue by the Roots....
16084[Diary entry: 6 June 1773] (Washington Papers)
6. Breakfasted at Slades 10 Miles from Suttons & dind and lodgd at Baltimore Town. Slade’s tavern was probably located on My Lady’s Manor in Baltimore County, Md., a few miles east of the present town of Cockeysville.
16085To George Washington from Warner Lewis, 5 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Charles Tomkies an officer in Colo. Byrds Regiment will deliver you this, and shall be obliged to you for any thing wherein you can be serviceable to him, not dobting your readiness to oblige me in a thing of this sort, I have taken upon me to recommend him to you as a Gentleman of worth & particular friend of mine. I heartily wish you success, & may all happiness attend you. I...
16086Decr. 31st. 1766. (Adams Papers)
“Whatever tends to create in the Minds of the People, a Contempt of the Persons of those who hold the highest Offices in the State, tends to a Belief that Subordination is not necessary, and is no essential Part of Government.”—Now I dont See the Truth of this. Should any one say that the Steeple of Dr. Sewals Meeting was old, and decay’d and rotten, and in danger of falling on the Heads of...
16087[Diary entry: 24 July 1768] (Washington Papers)
24. Went to Pohick Church.
16088From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 25 March 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 25 Mar. 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I am sorry that I did not receive yours from Quantico dated March 25th.”
16089[Diary entry: 7 April 1748] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 7th. Rain’d Successively all Last Night. This Morning one of our men Killed a Wild Turky that weight 20 Pounds. We went & Surveyd 15 Hundred Acres of Land & Returnd to Vanmetris’s about 1 oClock. About two I heard that Mr. Fairfax was come up & at 1 Peter Casseys about 2 Miles of in the same Old Field. I then took my Horse & went up to see him. We eat our Dinners & Walked down to...
16090[Diary entry: 3 October 1773] (Washington Papers)
3. At home all day. Alone.
16091To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Edwards, 27 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The person who applied yesterday on the Subject of Establishing a Paper-hanging Manufactory in America, begs he may not be esteem’d impertinent in requesting you will please to favor him with the time when he may wait for the line of recommendation (to the proper Gentlemen) You was pleas’d to offer to Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
16092Joseph Davenport to Lund Washington, 22 November 1765 (Washington Papers)
according to Colo. Washingtons Derections I went to Frederick Town in order to inquire into the price of hemp and as I immagined a Sample would be necessary (and I wanted Some Trifles from there) I took 100 lb. for wch I got but 40/ and was informed that the Markett was not till Towards Spring & as Mr Cary has wrote to the Colo. I need Say no more only they liked the hem[p] Very well. I...
16093[Diary entry: 14 March 1767] (Washington Papers)
14. Ground exceeding hard froze & cold in the Morning but pleasant afterwards, clear. Wind Westward.
16094To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 10 September 1768 (Washington Papers)
I now rite to you to let you no the affars of our Crops and how they are at this time it is almo⟨st⟩ five weaks sence we have had any Rain at all and then we had sutch a heavy Rain that it drownded our tobaco and two mutch at that time for the Corn and sence sutch a great drouth has Causd the tobaco to be very sorrey and hardley good for any thing[,] that ass was forrod fired all away and...
16095To Benjamin Franklin from John Perkins, 17 February 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Bill by the last Post and thank you for it as I do likewise for the Pamphlets last Summer. It was a sincere pleasure to me to see good Dr. Thompson so well defended by his generous Friend Dr. Hamilton. I am much pleas’d with both these Gentlemen’s Performances. I beg’d your Plain Truth of Mrs. Mecom a few Weeks since which I had never seen...
16096To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 8 August 1758 (Washington Papers)
Early this morning I had the very great pleasure of recg your very acceptable Letter of yesterday, Covering Major Halkett’s of the 2d Inst., and with infinite satisfaction observe that fresh mark of your sincere Friendship, and would be quite happy by Fortune’s presenting me with opportunities of testifying the high sense which my grateful heart will ever retain of it. I need not say how happy...
16097[Diary entry: 12 July 1767] (Washington Papers)
12. Southwardly Wind & clear.
16098[Diary entry: 23 January 1773] (Washington Papers)
23. Ground very hard froze again and day variable—sometimes threatning snow—then promising to be fair and warm. Wind for the Most part Easterly but not much of it.
16099[Diary entry: 20 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
20. Still clear & midling Cool wind fresh from the west.
16100From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 8 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from [Jared Sparks, ed.,] A Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Boston, 1833), pp. 132–3. I received your kind letter of the 23d of March. I was happy to find that neither you, nor any of your family, were in the way of those murderers. I hope that before this time the town is quite freed from such dangerous and mischievous inmates. I...