51[Diary entry: 23 April 1789] (Washington Papers)
[23 April 1789] The display of boats which attended and joined us on this occasion, some with vocal and some with instrumental music on board; the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the skies, as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations as painful (considering the reverse of this scene, which may be the case after...
52To George Washington from James Booth, 23 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed, that all applications for Offices under the Federal Government, must be made immediately to your Excellency, I beg leave to address you on that Subject. I hold under the Authority of the State, the Naval-Office of this County, to which I was appointed early in the Year 1777, and which has been regularly continued to me by several Re-Appointments. But as I conceive, that...
53To George Washington from George Clinton, 23 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of the 25th of last Month—I begg leave to assure your Excellency that had you found it convenient to have given us your Company at my House, instead of being Burdensome, it would have afforded my Familly the highest Pleasure and Sattisfaction. We must however acquiese in your Determination, and I do it with the less Reluctance as I observe the Arrangments...
54To George Washington from John Conway, 23 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Conway Begs leave to Congratulate his Excellency General Washington on his appointment to the Presidency of the United States, and respectfully offers himself a Candidate for employment by the Honorable Congress, either as Collector of the Customs for New-Jersey, or any appointment to which he may be thought competent. Enclosed are Recommendations and Vouchers for the inspection of the...
55To George Washington from William Heth, 23 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I leave this, to be presented to you at a proper season. Unaccustomed to solicit employment, and wishing, always to be governed by the strictest propriety and delicacy, so, I shall now, avoid becoming a Supplicant for Office, under the common acceptation of the word, Yet, that duty, which I owe to myself and a growing family, impells me to signify to you, Sir, my willingness, & my wish, to...
56To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing to you in last Month by Colo. Wm Heth. This you will receive by Mr William Vannerson, who hath for some time been engaged by Mr Ross, and myself in the settlement of our affairs; and now visits New-York upon business with Mr William Hunter jr of Alexandria, Who hath been for some time past in that City: it is of importance to us, and as Mr Hunter is well known,...
57To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was this morning favored with yours of the 12th. instant, as I had been many weeks before with your other from Alexa. I did not recollect, that I had omitted to acknowledge the receipt of the latter until you expressed a doubt of its miscarriage. I confess, it strikes me, as expedient, that a temporary arrangement of impost should be made. The merchants, (I am told and I believe with truth)...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Grand & Cie., 23 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter wherein you mention that the arrears of interest due from the United states to M. de Fleury have been attached in your hands on my behalf. I beg leave to observe to you that it is only five hundred and seven livres, part thereof, which I paid on his order to M. de la Vallette, and which it is necessary for you to stop. All over that sum, you will be pleased to pay...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Ruellan & Cie., 23 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20th. instant is just received, with the letter it inclosed; for your care of which be pleased to accept my thanks. The young Mr. Talbots as well as their father, family, and circumstances are equally unknown to me. A letter from the father came to me about the time I was honoured with yours of the 13th. [of] March. In that letter he informed me that he had [two] sons in the...
60From George Washington to the President and Faculty of Princeton College and the Inhabitants of Princeton, 21–22 April … (Washington Papers)
As your truly affectionate and solemn address to me on my late appointment merits, so it receives, the genuine acknowledgements of a grateful heart. Upon perceiving the unanimous voice of my countrymen had called me to occupy the first office in confederated America, I could not hesitate to determine that it was my duty to obey that call: notwithstanding I had at the close of the war, most...
61Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I received mr Bourn’s Letter to day, dated this day week, and I was very happy to Learn by it that you had made so Rapid a progress. I hope you stoped at my old acquaintance Avery’s, and that you met with as good entertainment as I had led you to expect. all your Friends rejoiced in the fine weather which attended you, and conceive it, a propitious omen. I enjoyed, the Triumph tho I did not...
62Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I this evening received your letter of April 12 th. tho’ you love a labyrinth you always give a clue. M r & M rs L may be assured that an old friend so well qualified for the office he holds will not be forgotten, and that it would be of little consequence whether P: is at Braintree or N York. M r L is surely sufficiently acquainted with my friend to know that he may be sure of his interest. I...
63John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
This is the first Moment I have been able to Seize, in order to acquaint you of my Arrival and Situation. Governor Clinton The Mayor of New York, all the old officers of the Continental Government, and the Clergy, Magistrates and People, have Seemed to emulate the two houses of Congress, in shewing every respect to me and to my office.— For Particulars I must refer you to the public Papers....
64To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
At my last interview I mentioned to your Excellency my apprehensions that there were some influential characters in the United States, who, if a change of the constitution could not be effected in the first instance would endeavour to destroy the influence of the new government and make it subservient to the views of the different States I see no reason since to change my opinion but am rather...
65To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my sincere Congratulations upon your arrival in new york, and upon your advancement to the second honor in the United States.— Your influence in the Senate over which you have been called to preside, will give you great weight (without a vote) in determining upon the most suitable Characters to fill the first offices in goverment. Pennsylvania looks up with anxious Solicitude for the...
66To John Adams from William Tudor, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I had not the Pleasure of bidding You a personal Adieu on the Monday of your leaving this Town, because I could not have done it without being at a House, which I never will enter. And to the same Cause was it, as I have been requested to tell you, that you did not Meet so many of your Friends & the Friends to dignified Government as would otherwise have crowded about you to have paid that...
67To George Washington from the Citizens of Elizabeth, New Jersey, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The citizens of Elizabeth desirous of evincing by every possible means the very great respect and affection which they entertain for your Excellency’s person and character, have directed that a cold collation be prepared for the refreshment of your Excellency & suite on your arrival here, of which we as a Committee of arrangement are requested to give the information. If your Excellency will...
68To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of informing your Excellency that the Committees of both Houses arrived here this afternoon and will be ready to receive your Excellency at my House as soon as you can arrive here tomorrow morning. If you, Sir, will honor us with your company at Breakfast, it will give us great pleasure—We shall wait your Excellency’s arrival in hopes of that gratification. You can have a room...
69To George Washington from John Lyle, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Under an assurance that You will deign to read this address, and thereby be led to consider wether I am of sufficient amount in Your estimation to Make enquiry about. I presume to Make an offer of My service to Your Excellency and solicit such employ as You May after hearing My Character think proper to intrust Me with. I refer You to Colonel John Neilson, William Paterson Esqr., Colo. John...
70To George Washington from Samuel Seely, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It gives me no small pleasure to see your Excellanacy once more place’d in the first office in this country, well knowing it is the just reward of a virtious life mainly spent in its service and defence. At the same time your excellancey will permit an Old Soldier, (although a young man) to look up to you as his pattron As he is sensible, that it will ever be pleaseing to a heart of...
71To James Madison from Griffin Stith, 22 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
However improper it may be to interrupt the attention which may be devoted to more important concerns; you will not, I am pursuaded, be less disposed to indulge a solicitation which can only proceed from my wishes to serve the interests of a friend, so far as they are found not incompatible with those of the community. Mrs. Grace Bowdoin, the present proprietor of the ferry from this shore to...
72To James Madison from John Swanwick, 22 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
This Letter will I expect be presented to you by my Brother in Law Mr. James B. Nickolls of Portsmouth in Virginia who goes to New york with a view of solliciting the appointment of Collector of Customs at Norfolk in the State of Virginia. He is a very worthy Amiable Young man perfectly well qualified for the office in every respect, and as such I can freely recommend him, appealing also in...
73John Adams’ Address to the Senate, 21 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
Invited to this respectable situation by the suffrages of our fellow citizens, according to the Constitution, I have thought it my duty cheerfully and readily to accept it. Unaccustomed to refuse any public service, however dangerous to my reputation, or disproportioned to my talents, it would have been inconsistent to have adopted an other maxim of conduct, at this time, when the prosperity...
74To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 21 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I hope this will find you in Health and that Harmony and Unanimity prevails in the Councels of the United States, altho we cannot yet joyn, them. By the Choice of the Representatives that has taken place in this State we have some prospect of the Lower house Voting a State Convention, hope our Friends in Congress will be mindfull of the Mercantile Intrest in this State. and if a Letter could...
75To George Washington from Richard Bache, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to submit to Your Excellency’s consideration & patronage, the inclosed Memorial. As I propose shortly (if permitted) to pay my personal respects to Your Excellency at Newyork, I have only to add, that I have the honor to be, with the greatest Defference & respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Humbe Servant The Petition of Richard Bache respectfully sheweth That in the...
76To George Washington from John Bayard, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the general joy that is diffused through the United states on your Excellency’s unanimous election as President General, permit me to present you my most sincere & respectful compliments of congratulation. At the same time, from my peculiar situation & by the advice of my friends both in Philada & New York I take the liberty to offer myself to your Excellency for your nomination to the...
77To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Committee have just receiv’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday Morning. I must beg your Excellency will alight at my House where the Committee will attend and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the utmost pleasure to receive you. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Sir, Your most obedient & very humble Servant LB ,...
78To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the prosecution of the American Museum—a work which your excellency has honoured with the most flattering approbation —I have begun & mean to continue a series of documents & public papers, respecting the most interesting circumstances, skirmishes, and battles of the revolution. For want of better resources, I am obliged at present frequently to recur to that corrupted publication, the...
79To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Understanding your election to the office of President of the united States has been announced to you by the proper authority and that you had set out for New York, I take the liberty of expressing to you the great satisfaction I feel in your being called to and accepting the important trust—The establishment of order and good government is so much the wish and desire of every good citizin...
80To George Washington from Francis Mentges, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
May I without blame or without cause of Offence entreat your Excellencys Attention in a moment of Leisure to the situation of One of your Old Officers, who has a strong Disposition to serve his Country, but who has hitherto from Various causes failed in his endeavours to Obtain a permanent Appointment, with the highest Esteem I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Ob. humble Servt ALS ,...
81From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
General Washington presents his compliments to the President of the State, and requests his Excellency to communicate the General’s best thanks to the Officers and Gentlemen of the several Corps who did him the honor to form his escort to Philadelphia —General Washington having made his arrangements to be at the place of embarkation for New York, at a particular hour, will find himself under...
82To George Washington from William Munson, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
As the Important, and by thousands Long wishd for Day has now arived when your Excellency is placed at the head of the Great Council of the United States of America: and the Constitution thereof is now begining to operate, and I hope it will be blessd with the Smiles of heaven and have its Desired Effect; if So it is to America one of the most happy Events that Ever took place. As the...
83From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Legislature, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction the affectionate congratulations of the President and Supreme Executive council of Pennsylvania on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. If under favor of the divine Providence, and with the assistance of my fellow-citizens it was my fortune to have been in any degree instrumental in vindicating the liberty and confirming the independence of...
84To George Washington from Joseph Poole, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Permit me Sir to Join in the congratulations of my fellow Citizens on seeing your Excellency appointed to the first station in the Government of the United States by the sufrages of a large majority of their virtuous Inhabitants who all ardently wish to see a permanent Government carried into execution under your mild administration when faith and confidence shall once more be restord to this...
85From George Washington to the Ladies of Trenton, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
General Washington cannot leave this place without expressing his acknowledgments, to the Matrons and Young Ladies who received him in so novel & grateful a manner at the Triumphal Arch in Trenton, for the exquisite sensation he experienced in that affecting moment. The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at the same spot—The elegant taste with which it was adorned for...
86To George Washington from Pieter Johan van Berckel, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to adress these few Lines to your Excellency in order to request that you will do me the honour of disposing of my house in New: Ark on your way to New York—The acceptance of this invitation will be the more agreable as it will furnish me with an opportunity to congratulate and assure your Excellency, that nobody more Sincerely rejoices in the prospect of american...
87To George Washington from James Wilson, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
A Delicasy arising from your Situation and Character as well as my own has hitherto prevented me from mentioning to your Excellency a Subject of much Importance to me. Perhaps I should not even now have broke Silence but for one Consideration. A Regard to the Dignity of the Government, over which you preside, will naturally lead you to take Care that its Honours be in no Event, exposed to...
88To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Having for some time felt a great deal of anxiety about the consequences to the United States, which appear likely to rise out of the Affairs of the Western Country I have turned my attention a good deal to considering that Subject, and as I know you also have had a very great solicitude about it I shall trouble you with such thoughts or facts relating to it as I think may possibly be of use....
89Tonnage Duties, [21 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The tonnage duty on vessels belonging to subjects of countries having a commercial treaty with the United States, or belonging partly to such subjects and partly to United States citizens, was under debate. Goodhue moved for a sixty-cent rate. Mr. Madison . Some gentlemen have seemed to call in question the policy of discriminating between nations in commercial alliance with the United States,...
90To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Gomez, 21 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having receivd the month of febry. last, a Cargo of wheat, from New-york, to my Consignment, by the brigg, Liberty, Capn. Wam. Williamson, the first one Exported, from the Continent dispatch’d, by my friends, Messrs. Gouverneur Kemble & Ce. of that place, I have been pay’d in due time here, by Mr. Duclerc Collector, master General, the amount, of the Kings premium, according the arret, datted...
91From George Washington to the Officials of Wilmington, Delaware, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the respectful address of the Burgesses and common council of the Borough of Wilmington, I recognise the friendly dispositions towards myself, and the patriotic sentiments for the Community at large which have always distinguished the Citizens of Delaware. When on a former occasion you intimated to me your expectation, that, if any event should again render my services necessary, I would...
92From George Washington to the Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your congratulations and good wishes on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. Convinced that the happy effects which may be derived from our government, must depend, in a considerable degree, on the determinations of the people to support the person entrusted with the administration; I shall rejoice to find that my acceptance has met with...
93To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 20 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
After my most sincere congratulations upon your arrival at the present Seat of the Federal Goverment, I do myself the honor to enclose you a Copy of the Rules adopted by the Senate, A list of the members, present, a list of the members of the House, present, And a Copy of an order passed the Senate this day, which will be executed whenever your Honor shall appoint, as I presume the Committee...
94From George Washington to the Committee of Congress, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Upon my alighting in this City I received your communication of the 17th with the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it and in answer thereto beg leave to inform you that knowing how anxious both houses must be to proceed to business I shall continue my journey with as much dispatch as possible. Tomorrow evening I propose to be at Trenton—the night following at Brunswick and hope...
95From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Congratulations of my fellow Soldiers & faithful followers in the Military line of this State, on my Election to the Chief Magistracy of the Union, cannot but be exceedingly flattering and pleasing to me; For my mind has been so deeply affected with a grateful sense of the attachment and aid which I have experienced from them, during the Course of our arduous Struggle for Liberty, that the...
96To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive Addresses from the Trustees and Faculty of the University of the State of Pennsylvania, The Judges of the Supreme court, and the standing Committee of the State Society of Cincinnati. These several Bodies request that you will be pleased to inform me when and where they may have the honor of waiting upon your Excellency with their respective Addresses aforesaid. I am,...
97From George Washington to the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of Philadelphia, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself particularly obliged to you, Gentlemen, for your congratulatory address on my appointment to the Station of President of the United States. Accustomed as I have been to pay a respectful regard to the Opinion of my Countrymen, I did not think myself at liberty to decline the Acceptance of the high Office, to which I had been called by their United suffrage—When I contemplate...
98From George Washington to the Judges of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It affords me the most sensible pleasure to be informed that my accession to the chief Magistracy of the United States has met the approbation of my fellow-citizens in general, and particularly that of the Judges of the supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Your recapitulation of the deliverance in which almighty God hath been pleased, in some sort, to make use of me as his instrument, ought only to...
99From George Washington to the President and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I accept with peculiar pleasure the address of the university of the State of Pennsylvania upon my appointment to the first office in the union. Notwithstanding I had most seriously determined never more to take any part in transactions of a public nature; yet a conviction of duty would not suffer me, on the present occasion, to refuse a compliance with the unanimous call of my country—nor...
100To George Washington from Sharp Delany, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
To obtain the Collectorship of the Port of Philadelphia from Your Excellency is the object of my present application. By the advice of many of my friends I am induced to trouble you with a detail of my pretensions, and chearfully submit them to Your Excellency, being firmly persuaded, that no person will be nominated by You to any Office, unless he has such claims and abilities as are just and...