5101To John Adams from John Jay, 14 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Since the Date of my last to you which was the 6 th: September last, I have been honored with yours of the 10 th: & 26 th: June, and 19 th: & 29 th: July with the Papers mentioned to be enclosed. They are now before Congress, and I am persuaded that the strong Marks they bear of Industry and Attention will give them Pleasure.— I perfectly concur with you in Sentiment respecting what ought to...
5102From George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 31 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received a letter from a Doctr Thomas, of Westmoreland in this State, requesting me to make enquiries respecting Dr Spence and his Lady, who were supposed to be lost at sea, several years ago, and who are now reported to be in slavery among the piratical States of Barbary. As I knew of no person more likely to give information on the subject than yourself, I have taken the liberty of...
5103From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 25 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 22d. from Montreuil sur mer is put into my hands this moment, and having received information of your son, and two American gentlemen being to set out for London tomorrow morning, I seize a moment to inform you that he had arrived well at l’Orient and was well on the 20th. when the packet was still detained by contrary winds. Mr. Barclay, who is arrived, had also seen him....
5104From John Adams to Benjamin Goodhue, 10 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of 20 Dec r. has much obliged me. The accurate States of the Mackarel, Cod and Whale Fisheries are very valuable Pieces of Information, and as long as I shall Stay in Europe I shall be happy to learn from you, from time to time the Progress of these valuable Branches of Commerce, and of all others in which our Country is interested. We have Such Advantages over France &...
5105I. Proposed Convention against the Barbary States, [before 4 July 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Proposals for concerted operation among the powers at war with the Pyratical states of Barbary. 1. It is proposed that the several powers at war with the Pyratical states of Barbary (or any two or more of them who shall be willing) shall enter into a Convention to carry on their operations against those states in concert, beginning with the Algerines. 2. This convention shall remain open to...
51067. (Adams Papers)
C. Ital: Blaise et Babet, a la Clochette. See entry for 25 Aug., note 1 (above). La clochette , Paris, 1766, by Louis Anseaume, with music by Egide Romuald Duni ( Brenner, Bibliographical List Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789 , Berkeley, 1947. ).
5107[Diary entry: 8 September 1784] (Washington Papers)
8th. Set out about 7 oclock with the Doctr. (Craik) his Son William, and my Nephew Bushrod Washington; who were to make the tour with us. About ten I parted with them at 15 Miles Creek, & recrossed the Potomack (having passed it abt. 3 Miles from the Springs before) to a tract of mine on the Virginia side which I find exceedingly rich, & must be very valuable. The lower end of the Land is rich...
5108From Thomas Jefferson to Anthony Vieyra, [28 January 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson has the honour of presenting his compliments to Mr. Vieyra and is sorry to have been out of the way when he did him the honour to call on him yesterday. He returns him the copy of his book which he had been so kind as to leave with him, and which Mr. Jefferson has gone over with much satisfaction, and with a conviction of the great erudition of it’s author. PrC ( MoSHi ); not...
5109New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Regulating Elections, [23 January 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
The house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the election bill, on the paragraph enabling the inspectors to take aside any ignorant person, and to examine him privately touching his ballot. A small debate arose. Mr. Hamilton, thought it was very apparent, if the clause prevailed in the house, that it would tend to increase rather than prevent an improper influence. For...
5110To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 28 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv; copy and transcript: National Archives Sur la proposition des Etats unis d’Amérique que j’ai fait parvenir à ma Cour relativement à des arrangemens de commerce à prendre entre les deux Dominations respectives, je viens, Monsieur, de recevoir l’ordre, d’avoir l’honneur de Vous prévenir que Sa Majté. l’Empereur a agréé...
5111IV. Madison’s Observations on Jefferson’s Draft of a Constitution for Virginia, [October 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Senate . The term of two years is too short. Six years are not more than sufficient. A Senate is to withstand the occasional impetuosities of the more numerous branch. The members ought therefore to derive a firmness from the tenure of their places. It ought to supply the defect of knowledge and experience incident to the other branch. There ought to be time given therefore for attaining the...
5112Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy, was written on the second day of July last to the secretary for foreign affairs. His communication on the subject of Ferrier is dated on the 13th. of June. The Executive entered into a consideration of it immediately upon its receipt and lost no time in preparing and forwarding an Answer. That answer is unquestionably in the office of foreign...
5113De Scarnafis to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Ayant donné connoissance dans son tems à ma Cour de la lettre, que vous m’avez, Messieurs, fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22. 7bre de l’année passée, pour me notifier que Vous étiez autorisés par les Etats Unis d’Amerique de traiter avec Sa Majesté le Roi de Sardaigne relativement à des Etablissements de commerce entre les deux Nations, j’aurai celui de vous dire, que le Roi verra avec grand...
5114To John Jay from John Adams, 8 May 1787 (Jay Papers)
I am honoured with your Letter of April 2 d , and am happy to receive the Resolutions of Congress, inclosed in it, especially those of the twenty first of March 1787. The Convention at Phyladelphia, is to consist of Members, of Such Ability, Weight, and Experience, that their Result must be beneficial to the United States. The Settlement of So many great Controversies Such as those between the...
5115[Diary entry: 15 January 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 15th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Rain last Night with the wind fresh from the So. Wt. which continued so through the day. Very lowering all day & now and then a sprinkling with rain but not enough to drive people from work. The Sun set clear and the Western horison indicated fair weather. Rid to all the Plantations & to the Ditchers. In the Neck set the...
5116To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 9 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : New York Public Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Rucker, who tho’ a native of England, has formerly resided in France; and having spent a few Months in this Country, I have had the pleasure of his acquaintance; and have formed a favorable opinion of him— I wish to recommend him to your notice & Civilities, as a Gentleman very...
5117Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
Any agitation of mind, either painfull or pleasureable always drives slumber from my Eyes. Such was my Situation last Night; when I gave my only daughter, and your Neice to the man of her choice , a Gentleman esteemed by all who know him, and equally beloved by his Friends and acquaintance. A Man of strict honour, unblemish’d reputation and Morals, Brave modest and delicate, and whose study...
5118From Thomas Jefferson to Lambert, 19 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson a l’honneur de presenter ses respects à Monsieur Lambert, et de lui envoyer quelques Observations sur la peche de la baleine. Il les a fait imprimer pour en faciliter la lecture aux Ministres de sa Majeste, auxquels seulement il en fait la communication. Il y entre des details qu’il ne seroit pas à propos de faire connoitre qu’aux ministres. Il remercie Monsieur Lambert de...
5119To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 1 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have Captn Wades recet for the Box I reced of the Consul of france which I hope will come safe to hand. I shall write you on the Subject of the Bank as soon as I am well informd of the business transacted Yesterday at a meeting of the Stockholders. I have not a doubt but that the money can be better employed & with equal security. I am Sir Your most Obdt Servt LC , Historical...
5120From George Washington to Samuel Milford, 29 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you wrote to me from Richmond on the 24th Instt came duly to hand. Was it in my power to give you information with respect to the circumstances attending Major Polson’s Land—or satisfactory answers to the quæries he has propounded on this subject, I would do it with pleasure. But the truth is—I know not a little more of the matter than you are already made acquainted with by...
5121To George Washington from Lafayette, 9 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr du Bouchet formerly a Major in our Service Having Presented me With His Claims to Our Assossiation, I found Myself Obliged to tell Him that His Pretensions Were Groundless—So far was He Convinced of it, that He did not think it Proper to Apply to our Committee, But Has determined Upon Going Himself to America—I Candidly Represented Him that there Was a Good share of Madness in His plan, and...
5122To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 6 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
At length Longchamp is at an end. The company have just left me and I retire from the bustle of the procession to the calmer pleasure of writing to you. My apprehensions as to convenances between some of the ladies were without ground. Mde. de Corny and the Marchioness de Chambaraud were previously acquainted. At least they had a great deal of conversation and talked of having met at some...
5123To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de La Rouërie, 15 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The ponctuality of america in her engagement with us having impressed our hearts with gratitude & respect, we have wished to communicate and fire theses sentiments in every honest Breast in our Country—we have thought that, by publishing the inclosed paper—we would, in some measure, attain our purpose—I send it to your Exellency for your approbation, and as...
5124From Thomas Jefferson to Burrill Carnes, 9 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to thank you for the list of American ships inclosed in your favor of Aug. 23. and to desire your orders for the reimbursement of what it cost you. The affairs of Holland which for some time had threatened a war, were in a promising course of negotiation, when suddenly a war is kindled between the Russians and Turks. The latter have imprisoned the Russian Ambassador resident with them,...
5125To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I thank you my dear Sir for your favor of the 10th of last month which I duly received. The constitution has labored in Massachusetts exceedingly more than was expected. The opposition has not arisen from a consideration of the merits or demerits of the thing itself as a political machine, but from a deadly principle levelled at the existence of all government whatever; The principles of...
5126To James Madison from Hudson Muse, 22 February 1789 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. Urbanna, 22 February 1789 . A follow-up to Muse’s letter of 13 Feb. soliciting JM’s aid in procuring the customs collector’s post at the Rappahannock River port of entry. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM.
5127From George Washington to Thomas Cushing, 26 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
The last Post gave me the honor of your favor of the 7th inst: for which & your care of the Jack and his Keeper, I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. As the Jack is now safely landed, & as I am unwilling to hazard him again at Sea, I have sent a man in whom I can confide, to conduct him & the Spaniard to this place by Land. The person I send has not the smallest knowledge of the Spanish...
5128From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 16 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; copy: Library of Congress I have this Day received your Favour of the 2d Instant. Every Information in my Power respecting the Balloons I sent you just before Christmas, contain’d in Copies of my Letters to Sir Joseph Banks. There is no Secret in the Affair, and I make no doubt that a Person coming from you would easily obtain a Sight of the different Balloons of...
5129[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 15 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “B. Harrison junr. Acknol. receipt of bills 433⅓ and 333⅓—glad to receive remittances thro’ him—state of Congr.” Not found.]
5130From George Washington to Thornton Washington, 22 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Mr Throckmorton delivered me your letter of the 6th inst: I am under no apprehension that the title to the land on which you live can be affected by the decision lately had in favor of Messrs Hites & others. Such papers as I can readily find respecting this tract, I send you. The patent from the proprietors office, granted to Captn George Johnston of whom I bought the land, particularly...
513114th. (Adams Papers)
Ben Beale came from Taunton this morning; he did not stop, but promised to come and see us ere long. When I came in from shooting, which still continues to be my sport and my occupation, I found a Parson West here, an old gentleman, who was three years in college with my father, and at that time very intimate with him. He is very sociable and very sensible. He spent the day here, and passes...
5132From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 20 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson a eté tres affligé de n’avoir pas eté rendre ses devoirs a Monsieur le comte et Madame la Comtesse Diodati: mais ç’a eté causé par une autre affliction qui a manqué d’etre bien grave. Son enfant, qui a eu la fievre depuis deux mois (avec une courte intermission seulement) l’a eu très dangereusement les dernieres semaines. Depuis trois ou quatre jours pourtant un mieux s’est...
5133From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [23 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
We have talked over the Question. Who of the Commissioners are to go to the Southward? And it seems to be decided that you and myself are to be of the number and that a third must be either Mr. R. C. Livingston or Mr Ganseevort, as they may arrange it between themselves. I understand the meeting is to be sometime in September. I remain with sincere esteem Sir Your obed & hum ser ALS ,...
5134To George Washington from Anastasie Lafayette, 18 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I hope that papa whill come back Son here, I am verry sorry for the loss of him, but I am verry glade for you self. I wich you a werry good health and I am whith great respect, dear sir, your most obedient servent, ALS , NIC : Arthur H. and Mary M. Dean Collection.
5135To Thomas Jefferson from Lormerie, 2 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous avés bien voulu me Promettre une Réponse sur le mémoire que j’ai Eu L’honneur de vous remettre il ÿ a plusieurs jours relativement aux moÿens d’opérer la sureté publique dans les états unis . Je vous serai fort obligé, Monsieur, de vouloir bien par la même occasion me faire savoir le nom des deux personnes que vous m’avés dit etre partïes par le dernier paquébot pour acheter des terres en...
5136From Thomas Jefferson to John McQueen, 16 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Mc.Queen and was very sorry he was gone out when Mr. Mc.Queen did him the honour to call on him. He begs the favour of his company to dinner on Thursday next, and shall be happy to see him whenever he can make it convenient. Mr. Jefferson seldom goes out before noon, so that at any earlier hour Mr. Mc.Queen will find him at home. RC ( NjP ); addressed in...
5137To John Adams from James Sullivan, 7 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor on the 2 d Instant of receiving your much Esteemed favour of the 11th of March. you have I hope, already received an Act of Congress which may serve as an answer to your reasoning on the necessity of our having A minister at the Court of London. before this can reach you, the accounts of a sad agitation in the Commercial Circle of your Country, but more Especially in your...
5138From George Washington to Lafayette, 28 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have lately had the pleasure to receive two letters by which you introduced to my acquaintance M. Du Pont and M. Vanderkemp and (altho’ those gentlemen have not as yet been to visit me[)], you may be persuaded that whensoever I shall have the satisfaction of receiving them, it will be with all that attention to which their merits and your recommendations entitle them. Notwithstanding you are...
5139To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Skipwith, 20 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor reached me last evening, preceeding the most tremendous Snow storm this country has ever experienced since my rememberance. It commenced about seven at night, and never ceased until the evening of the present day about four OClock. It is impossible to say what the depth of the snow is, since from the wind it is exceedingly irregular, in some places scarcely any in others dangerously...
5140To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 7 February 1786 (Washington Papers)
I received the Favor of Yr Letter from the Great Falls —and was sorry that I did not hear of your being there till after your departure as I should certainly have done myself the pleasure of waiting on You, especially as I had had thoughts from time to time of taking a Ride there. I was the more concerned to hear of your setting off at Night, and was a little afraid that your delicacy in...
5141From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by James Madison, Sr., “Sep 8 1783.” Cover missing. Mr. Jones & myself being here transacting some private business which brought us from Princeton the end of last week, I here receive[d] your letter of the 22d. ulto. The favorable turn of my Mothers state of health is a source of great satisfaction to me, and will render any delay in my sitting out for...
5142[To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 14 May 1784 . Noted in SJL as received in Boston 19 June 1784, “inclosing on account B. Harrison John Pirkman’s draught on John J. Rogert [Bogert] Phila. for 333 ⅓ D.” Not found, but see TJ to Madison, 1 July 1784 .]
5143From John Adams to William Gordon, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d yours of 28 June & thank you for the information it contains— In all domestick Disputes I wish our countrymen, may moderate their passions, & manifest as much mutual forbearance as possible. I dread the course of our elections if parties prevail. Every publick Man is in a dangerous & perplexed Situation at present, & as few obstacles should be thrown in his way & as much Candour &...
5144From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 6 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
Presuming you are Presidt of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey, I give you the trouble of the enclosed address. If I am mistaken, you will be so good as to hand it to the right person. Months ago, I received a number of blank Diplomas for my Signature, which was affixed & held in readiness for Mr Peck or his order. No call has yet been for them. If a good conveyance...
5145To Thomas Jefferson from Parent, 18 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Jay Recüe votre lettre du 11 mars Dernier, par laquelle vous me dittes de tiré sur vous aux plustot possible. Je vient de donner une traite à Messieurs paschal et fils aux vingt mars pour estre payé le trente du meme mois sur vous de Deux cent Soixante et Douze livres, pour Sold de Compte avec vous que je vous Seré bien oblige de la payé. Et Donc je Suis bien faché de quoy je nay pas pouvüe...
5146[Diary entry: 5 February 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Mercury at 18 in the morning—30 at Noon and 30 at Night. Ground very hard froze. Wind at So. Et.; raw & cold with great appearances of a change in the weather. After breakfast Doctr. La Moyeur went up to Alexandria and Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Jno. Dandridge to Abingdon. I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the Ferry the Overseer had begun to sow...
5147To Alexander Hamilton from John Kelly, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Tinmouth, Vermont, July 14, 1788. On this date Nathaniel Chipman wrote Hamilton that Kelly “writes by the same opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
5148[Diary entry: 24 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 62 in the morning—62 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind at No. & No. Et. all day & tempestuous with allmost a constant rain.
5149[Diary entry: 2 October 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 67 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning & clear afterwards—Wind No. Et. in the forenoon & Southerly afterwards. Rid to all the Plantations. Sent 2 plows from Frenchs to Muddy hole—The other two preparing a piece of ground which had been twice plowed before on the side of the Meadow for Rye & grass Seeds—on which 1½ B. of Rye was sown and...
5150[From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 22 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ London, 22 Apr. 1786 . An entry in SJPL under this date reads: “Gen. Clarke. Sentiments here.” Not found and not recorded in SJL .]