2601John Adams to Samuel Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your Favours of the 16 & 17 of April, and am fully with you in Sentiment, that “the Sooner a commercial Treaty is settled with the English, the better,” but you must be Sensible that no Treaty can be made untill Somebody or other, one or more, are authorized by Congress. While every British Minister is dancing on a slack Rope and afraid of every popular Wind, least...
2602Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter by the Post and Express almost at the same time. Your things went away last Night at Eleven o’Clock, and Inclosed I send you an Account of them. It shou’d have gone by the Express but it was Very late before the affair was finish’d, and he will shew you a Duplicate of it— I Packed your Two Trunks Myself, and if they do not meet with any Interuption at the Barriers they...
2603Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
At the Very instant of Sailing for America, I stop to Send You the New Modelled Regulations of the Cincinnati— My principles Ever Have Been Against Heredity, and While I was in Europe disputing about it with a few friends, My letters to the Assembly, and still more Particularly to the president, Made them Sensible of My Opinion Upon that Matter— Untill Heredity Was Given Up, I forbeared...
2604Loose Thoughts on a Universal Fluid, [25 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society (two); copies of French translation: Library of Congress (two), Bibliothèque de l’Institut de France In this series of speculations, Franklin tried to combine into one theory his long-held beliefs about light, heat, and fire. The concept he used to link these phenomena—the subtle...
2605From George Washington to Edward Snickers, 25 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return from Philada, I found your favor of the 17th of May at this place. For your kind intention to make me a visit, I thank you, & shall always be glad to see you when it is convenient. With respect to the other matters mentioned in your letter, all that business is now in the hands of the Honorable Mr John Mercer, by a decree of the high Court of Chancery of this State. I have...
2606Franklin’s Journal, [26 June 1784–27 July 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AD supplemented by WTF ’s edited transcript: Library of Congress. Mr. Waltersdorff called on me, and acquainted me with a Duel that had been fought yesterday Morg between a French Officer, and a Swedish Gentleman of that Kings Suite, in which the latter was killed on the Spot, and the other dangerously wounded:— That the King does not resent it, as he thinks his Subject was in the...
2607William Bingham to John Adams, 26–27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
When I had last the pleasure of Seeing you, I was not altogether determined what Route I Should take— I rather inclined to the Idea of returning by the Hague— From a Desire of introducing more Variety & Novelty in my Excursion thro this Country, I have now resolved on passing thro’ Utrecht, for which place I Shall take my Departure in a few Days— If you Should have no further occasion for the...
2608Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dodge has just informed me of his design to go to Boston tomorrow, and has kindly offered to convey a Letter. I thank you for Yours, and more for the Care of our little Daughter, and for the affection you discover in writing to me so much about her. I find that almost every thing is of importance, that relates to our dear Children. She never lodged out of the House a night in her life...
2609Opinion in Controversy between Joseph Jones and William Lee, 26 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
A dispute between Mr. Joseph Jones of King George and Mr. William Lee being mutually referred to us: We are of opinion that Mr. Jones never was an enemy to the payment of British or other debts: We are also of opinion that Mr. Lee’s inference respecting the opposition of Mr. Jones to the payment of debts, was founded on Mr. Jones’ support to the prohibitory laws revived last session of...
2610Sunday June 27. (Adams Papers)
I have been so sick that I could not be regular in my journal. We have had two days calm since we came to Sea. The rest of the time good winds which have brought us on our Way rejoiceing, for we have not had any bad weather except rain, thunder and lightning one evening which was not severe. I have been surprized at myself to find that I can sleep notwithstanding the lasshing of the waves; and...
2611John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favours by M r Reed and by Coll Herman, and am much obliged to you for your friendly Sentiments and instructive Communications. Your Plan of a Commission to treat with the maritime Powers, has not it Seems been adopted, and the departure of M r Jay for New York, has now rendered it, impracticable. Congress We are told is adjourned. M r Jay, and Mr Laurens as well as M r Dana...
2612Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free-Ports recommended to us, has been someTime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.— I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the President is the only one I have...
2613From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 27 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free Ports recommended to us, has been sometime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.— I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the...
2614To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Barclay desired me to deposit in the Consuls Office my last public Accounts as settled with you. I shall be much obliged if you will please to transmit the Originals to him where they may be always open to public Inspection. I am most dutifully & Affectionately Yours. I return you Doctor Priestlys Paper which I have read with much pleasure. Addressed:...
2615To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
The deed, of which I inclosed you the rough draught, has been duly executed and recorded. The register of the land-ofice has undertaken to have other patents made out in your name by the next week. I shall not however send them by the stage, which will be the first opportunity; but I shall defer it until the post. I am dear sir with the sincerest respect & esteem yr obliged & affte humble...
2616To George Washington from Thomas Richardson, 27 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
This day week I forwarded you a letter from Colo. Biddle covering Invoice of sundrys Shipd by him for your Accot by Colo. Hooes Brigg, this covers a Bill of 4 Mattrasses which he informs will be shipd by a Sloop belonging to Capt. De Gallatheau that would sail soon. I am with great Regard Your very hble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Thomas Richardson was a merchant in Georgetown, Md., with whom GW had...
2617To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 27 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Information of The conveyance by which this goes for Philadelphia being communicated to me so short a time previous to the departure of it that I have time only to acquaint You of my arrival, which was not untill the 23d Inst. —we had a tedious passage of 26 days from the Capes and I may truely say so fatigueing that I was scarcely able to support it—I arrived much exhausted and reduced and am...
2618From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 27 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I mentioned in my letter to you that there was one circumstance which might induce me to take my passage from hence in a ship of Mr. Tracy’s. This was the obtaining a tolerable probability of being set ashore on the coast of France. Since my return from Portsmouth (which was the night before last) I have seen Mr. Tracy, and I think the probability of being landed at Brest, tho’ his ship goes...
2619From George Washington to Thomas Richardson, 28–29 June 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Richardson, 28–29 June 1784. On 5 July GW wrote to him : “This day se’night a letter for you covering Bank Notes for 150 Dollars was lodged in the hands of Mr Watson.” On 10 July Richardson wrote: “Your favos. of 29th June & 5th Instant came to hand.”
2620Monday Mor’g 28 June. (Adams Papers)
A very dissagreeable Night. Wind at the southard near the Banks of Newfoundland. The morning damp. A most voilent Headack. Sick every one of us. Our Ship goes at about nine and 8 knots an hour. No going upon deck. Their is so much confinement on Board a Ship and such a Sameness that one knows not what to do. I have been reading since I came on Board Buchan Domestick Medicine. He appears a...
2621To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 28 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to introduce to Your Notice, Civility and friendship Mr. Moss, Son of the Bishop of Bath & Wells. This Gentleman is very desirous of being honoured with your Acquaintance. I am still detained here but shall certainly sail before the middle of next Month. I shall be happy to render You any Services in America. Mr Champion, requests his...
2622To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, 28 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr De La fayette, monsieur, m’ecrit de Lorient ou Les vents Le retenoient mardy dernier, et ou il [sera?] encore retenu selon toute apparence. Il me mande qu’il a trouvé a Lorient, des arrivans damerique qui Lui ont annoncé des paquets de Lettres, qui devoient etre arrivés a paris, par la poste Dimanche 20. Je n’ai point entendu parler de ces Lettres je ne...
2623To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire de Gimel, [28 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je sens combien je Vous fatigue par mes demandes réitérées, mais comme dans tous les tems Vous avez eu des bontés pour moi, j’espere que Vous Voudrez bien encore m’apostiller ce memoire, l’etourderie du copiste m’ayant rendu inutile celui que Vous eutes la bonté de m’apostiller le 30 Maÿ dernier. Le ministre nattend plus qu’après cela pour prononcer sur ce...
2624Bill to Aid Thomas Paine, 28 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Despite the concern expressed to JM by Jefferson and Washington over the penury afflicting Thomas Paine, all legislative attempts in Virginia to aid the author of Common Sense failed. On 28 June there was appointed a special committee, of which Patrick Henry was chairman and JM a member, to prepare a bill “vesting a certain tract of public land, in Thomas Payne and his heirs” ( JHDV Journal of...
2625Resolutions Appointing Virginia Members of a Potomac River Commission, 28 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whereas great inconveniences are found to result from the want of some concerted regulations, between this State, and the State of Maryland touching the jurisdiction & navigation of the River Potowmack: Resolved that George Mason, Edmund Randolph, James Madison jr & Alexander Henderson Esqrs. be appointed Commissioners & that they or any three of them do meet such Commissioners, as may be...
2626To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 28 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It is now 10 o’Clock at Night and yet I cannot forbear writing a short Letter to go by Express to-morrow Morning. Yesterday Monro arrived here and informed me you would have remained in Boston until the 20th. of this Month. Had I known it before I should have overtaken you there. Finding I could not reach Philadelphia by the 25h. of May, I determined with myself it would be better to do some...
2627John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 29 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
The Baron de Reishack, has several times said to me that his Court expected that Congress would announce formally their Independence, and asked me, if any Step of that Sort had been taken. that I may be able to give him an Answer, I must request of your Excellency to inform me whether you have made the Annunciation directed in the first Article of the Instructions of the 29 of October 1783 and...
2628James Warren to John Adams, 29 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
M rs. Adams. & Miss Nabby left us last Sunday was a week ago. with a very fine Wind. which has Continued here ever since & promises her a fine passage. if good Wishes in great Abundance Contribute any thing to the shortness or pleasure of the Voyage. it must be propitious. M r. Jeffeson will I hope hand you this. & be as agreable a Colleague as his Predecessor. you will from him & M rs. Adams...
2629Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 29 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
We receive this night a letter of the Express with advice of his arrival with 3 truncks in brussel, but to his great Surprise as well as ours the Same are arrested there, and complains much there ab t. of M r. Barclay, whom he had requested several time to enquire if he could take and transport the same with Safety, who assured him not to anxious ab t. it, and in consequence he had reposed on...
2630To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Visscher, 29 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
June 29, 1784. Sends information on judgments entered against Joshua de St. Croix and James Leonard. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
2631To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 29 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society The Baron de Reishack, has several times said to me that his Court expected that Congress would announce formally their Independence, and asked me, if any Step of that Sort had been taken. That I may be able to give him an Answer, I must request of your Excellency to inform me whether you have made the annunciation directed in the first Article of the...
2632To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Frecon, 29 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardonnez la Liberté que je prends de vous écrire; Auteur d’un traitté des changes de toutes le places qui négocient ou peuvent négocier avec la france, il manque á mon ouvrage de faire Connoitre au public la maniere dont la france pourrait changer avec les principales Villes des Etats unis de L’Amérique. Cette république, Monsieur, doit aux éfforts de...
2633To George Washington from Jacob Read, 29 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr Vidler the Architect of whom I had the honour to inform you when at Mount Vernon is the bearer of the present Letter. his Visit to Virginia is to inform himself from his own Observation of the best place in which he Can settle and exercise his trade. I find he has sent to Europe for a Considerable Number of hands and will be soon able to undertake any piece of Work that may offer. Mr Vidler...
2634John Adams to Samuel Osgood, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letters with great Pleasure. They let me into many Misteries before impenetrable. The Journal which caused Such Wonder, was intended to be sent to M r Jackson. But recollecting the frequent Injunctions of your Secretary, to be minute: to Send him even the Looks of Ministers to be Sure, Conversations, and considering that in the Conferences for the Peace, I had been very free,...
2635John Adams to Baron Franz von Reischach, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to inclose in Confidence Copy of the Resolution of Congress of the 29 Day of October last, which I take it for granted has been communicated by M r Franklin and M r Jay. I am just now informed, that an Express which I lately Sent to Paris, on his Return, has been arrested at Brussells, and is detained there. He has with him, three Trunks containing my Manuscript Books and...
2636Baron Franz von Reischach to John Adams, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Cest bien malgré moi, que je n’ay pu repondre tout de Suitte à Votre lettre de ce matin, mais mon peu de Coñoissance de la langue Angloise m’at obligé d’attendre à cet effet la rentré d’un de mes Secretaires pour en Coñoitre la Substance; et Satisfaire à vos intentions. Il apert par la traduction qu’on m’a faite que vous Suposés et vous doutés que c’est à Bruxelles, que l’Exprès qui vous...
2637John Adams to Baron Franz von Reischach, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have this Moment the Honour of your obliging Favour of this Days Date, and I beg of you to accept of my Thanks for your prompt and polite Answer to mine of this Morning. It was the House of Wilhem and Jan Willink of Amsterdam who sent off this Express for me and I am not certain of his Name, but I believe it is Egberts. It is only within a few Days that he was arrested. He may have a...
2638John Adams to James Warren, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your amiable Son, has done me the favour of his Company, here, for a Day or two, and this Morning goes to Amsterdam, intending to return to England at the End of the Week. From London He embarks Soon for Lisbon. My Son returned with him from London where I sent him to meet his Mother and Sister. But He was dissappointed as well as I.— I Still expect M rs Adams every day: but her last Letters,...
2639John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have just now received your Favour of Yesterday and am very Sorry to find by it that my Express is arrested at Brussells. This Express was Sent to Paris Solely upon Affairs of the United States of America and my private Affairs. In the three Trunks he has with him there is nothing but my Manuscript Books and Papers, Cloaths of myself, Son & servants and Ninety Six Spoons and Forks larger and...
2640To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 30 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
This is rather a late Period to acknowlege yours of the seventh of April. I have lived in the constant Intention to answer it & I now execute my Purpose. But why not sooner? Procrastination is the Thief of Time says Doctor Young. I meant to have written fully on the Subject of the Gold. But I waited some Informations from Annapolis on the Probability of a Mint. I afterwards intended a long...
2641To Benjamin Franklin from [François de Fontanges], 30 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Vicomte de fontanges mon frere, Monsieur L’ambassadeur, Vient de m’ecrire touts Ses regrets de n’avoir pas été Compris dans La liste des officiers français auquels Le Congrés a accorde L’ordre de Cincinnatus. Comme il est a St domingue il n’a pas pu Vous exposer Les titres quil avoit pour demender Cette faveur. Permettes moi de Vous Les detailler en peu...
2642From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 30 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 10th Instt covering an Invoice of Goods shipped by the Betsey Captn Broadhurst is come safe to hand—the Vessel is also arrived at Alexandria; and I shall send up this day for the things—I wish the Mattrasses had all been among them as the Season is wasting fast in which they are most useful. I have perused the accts you have delivered in at sundry times and find the debits &...
2643To George Washington from Lee Massey, 30 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I write to apologize for my not having waited on you since your Return from the War, and to assure you that it is not owing, either to want of Respect & Affection for the private Citizen, or Gratitude to the General, but to a Comparison of the Importance of my Visit with that of the Settlement of your Affairs both publick & private, of which you doubtless have a great deal on your hands, and,...
2644From George Washington to Robert Morris, 30 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 15th did not reach my hands ’till the 27th. I will delay no time in communicating the contents of Mr Constable’s letter to my brother; but as he lives at the distance of near an hundred miles from me, & out of the Post road, it may be some time before I can obtain his answer. This being the case, as it may be some disadvantage to Mr Constable to be held in suspence—& as the...
2645From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 30 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
On Sunday last, I received an answer from Mr Morris to the letter I wrote him whilst you were here. Enclosed is an extract of it with a copy of the letter referred to —As there appears to be ⟨mutilated⟩ a diffe ⟨mutilated⟩ Whether the engaging ⟨mutilated⟩ Mr Morris at Second hand, will be attended with all the advantages I contemplated—whether new York would be equally as agreeable to you, and...
2646VI. On the Settlement of Disputes between States by Judicial Means, [after June 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The territory of Wioming which had been in dispute between the states of Connecticut and Pennsylvania having been adjudged to the latter by a court constituted according to the articles of confederation, the individuals claiming the private right of soil under the two states have in pursuance of the same articles asked from Congress and obtained the appointment of a second federal court to...
2647V. Replies to Queries: Massachusetts, July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Massachusets. Mr. Tracy. July. 1784 I. 1. About 30,000£ lawful 4. About 1,500,000£ lawful. 5. The interest is punctually paid. The principal stands on the public faith. There is an impost and excise appropriated to the paimt of the interest, but no tax is yet laid for paiment of the principal, except for a particular 30,000£ of it. 6. About 8/ in the pound. 7. They have been since 1782 about...
2648Philip Mazzei’s Memoranda Regarding Persons and Affairs in Paris, [ca. July 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Th ] e Duke de la Rochefoucauld is very well conversant with the sublime sciences, exceedingly modest, and never so happy as when he is in company with learned, sensible, and wise men, or doing good to his fellow-creatures. His very old and very rich mother, the Dutches of Anville , is one of the greatest and most singular geniouses of the age. Their house is devoted to Philosophy, and their...
2649[July 1784] (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to write a line since Monday when a North east Storm came on and held till Wednesday Mor’g. It was with the utmost difficulty that we could set or lie only by holding by each other with our feet against a table braced with ropes, that we could keep up; and when in bed I was obliged to hold fast by the sides till my hands and wrists aked to keep in: only conceive a great...
2650Thursday July 1 1784. (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to write a line since Monday when a North east Storm came on and held till Wednesday Mor’g. It was with the utmost difficulty that we could set or lie only by holding by each other with our feet against a table braced with ropes, that we could keep up; and when in bed I was obliged to hold fast by the sides till my hands and wrists aked to keep in: only conceive a great...