101To George Washington from William Temple Franklin, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ I am from Experience assur’d of your Excellencys Good Will towards me, yet being convinc’d that in discharging the important Trust to which you have been unanimously elected, Merit & not Favor will obtain your Patronage; I take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency a Sketch of my Services to the United States in the Line of public Foreign affairs, and of offering a continuation of...
102To George Washington from Robert Leslie, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but a knowledge of you goodness, Could Create in me a presumption to trouble your Excellency with the folowing nerrative, and as no apology can be Sufficient to excuse me, I need not atempt any, but leave it to your Excellency, to pardon or condemn as it best deserves. I was at the age of Eighteen, by the death of my parents, left without Either money friends or a trade, the Clock and...
103To George Washington from Isaac Sherman, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nearly eleven years of the prime of life I have appropriated to the service of the public; eight years in the armies of the united states, and part of three years in the surveying department. Nearly the whole of the savings of eight years of uninterrupted military services I have expended in order to carry into effect the land ordinance of Congress—This I did from an order to promote the...
104To John Jay from Robert Morris, 20 April 1789 (Jay Papers)
I delivered your letter to Gen l Washington at Chester where I met him, and soon found that very prudential considerations had determined him against the Acceptance of the Invitations of his Friends, He gave much such reasons as indeed My own mind had Suggested before, and I acquiesced, so that He lodged at the City Tavern and I understand that M r Osgoods House is prepared for his Reception...
105To James Madison from Nathaniel Gorham, 20 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I must beg you to excuse my freedoms: it is with a good intention that I am led to mention that the idea of 6 Cents pr Gallon on Mollasses excites a considerable degree of uneasiness here—not that any objcect [ sic ] to that duty on what is consumed in the Country—but only as it will injure the distillery & consequently the Fishery. The answer that a suitable draw back upon Rum will be...
106John Churchman’s Petition, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A committee had recommended a cautious approach in supporting Churchman’s proposed scientific expedition to Baffin Bay (see Samuel Stanhope Smith to JM, 26 Mar. 1789 and n. 2). Mr. Madison . I wish that the committee had stated the expences attending a voyage to Baffin’s Bay, for the purpose of discovering the cause of the magnetic variation as proposed by Mr. Churchman, that the House might...
107Import Duties, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed a drawback of six cents per gallon on exports of rum distilled in the United States. Mr. Madison Was sorry the gentlemen from Massachusetts were absent, because they could give authentic information with respect to the quantity. He had in his hands a state of the exports from Massachusetts, which he believed to be pretty accurate, from January 1, to December 31, 1787. From...
108To Thomas Jefferson from Ruellan & Cie., 20 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 20 Apr. 1789 . Mistral, Intendant of Marine there, asks if they have had a reply from TJ to their letter of 13 Mch. about the two sons of Col. Talbot, now at Brest. They ask for such a reply that they may respond to him.—They enclose a letter just received by the ship Les Trois Frères, Capt. Russel, out of Boston with a cargo of grain, flour, and beef: “ ce navire n’a que trente deux...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Ruÿsch, 20 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 20 Apr. 1789 . Encloses a list requested by TJ. RC ( ViWC ); in French; 1 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 21 Apr. 1789. Enclosure not found, but it was possibly that mentioned in Short to TJ, 28 Apr. 1789 .
110To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 20 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing to you from Marseilles in answer to your friendly letter recieved there. Since that I have been engaged in the journey from that place to this. We passed by Aix, Avignon, Orange, Pont St. Esprit, Nismes Montpelier, Bezieres. Here we embarked in the postboats which we found would be much cheaper and almost as convenient as a boat taken for ourselves. The stoppages...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Thiery fils ainé, 20 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 20 Apr. 1789 . Acting on TJ’s advice, he discussed his plan to set up a soap manufactory at Boston with Mr. Parker, who has been most charming and has written himself for all possible information on the subject. Many people think the establishment would succeed well and would be an advantage to the country. Consequently, Thiery hopes that he may have TJ’s protection and recommendation....
112John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have been so diligent on the Road and so much interrupted by Company at the Taverns that this is the first time I have been able to get an opportunity to write to you. We arrived at this house last night (Saturday) Shall rest here to day and go into N. York tomorrow.— at Hartford, the Manufacturers presented me with a Piece of Broadcloth, for a Suit of Cloaths. at N. Haven the Corporation...
113To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 19 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I had the Pleasure of receiving your letter of the 10 th. ins t. the last evening, and should have done myself the Honour of meeting you at New Rochelle this day were I not kept in check by Mr: Jay’s proposing that if I would wait untill the morning he would accompany me to meet you at Kings-Bridge, where we suppose you will be at 12. o Clock— The arrangements for your accomodation and that of...
114To George Washington from Charles Croxall, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It was my intention to have done myself the honor of waiting on your Excellency in person but finding you so crouded with applications on the same head, that it would be takeing too great a Liberty with your time. your Excellency may recollect the addition of men I made to Colel Thomas Hartleys Redgt of Contanental Troops, and he can testify my activity both in and out of the Feild dureing the...
115To George Washington from William Jackson, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the important cares which engage his attention, will my dear General permit the respectful intrusion of a private request on his goodness? it is the result of an implicit confidence in that goodness, dictated by necessity and declared with candor. Having resolved to refer my wishes entirely to the graciousness of Your Excellency’s disposition towards me, and to the knowledge which...
116To George Washington from William Lyles, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
This will be forwarded to your Excellency by Robert Young Esqr. of Nottingham, in Maryland, who has in view the appointment of the naval officers birth on patuxent river, his Situation and Knowledge of commercial transactions in every point of view, cannot fail to make him competent to such an appointment—Permit me therefore to assure your Excellency, that from a long acquaintance with Mr...
117To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789. On 23 Sept. 1789 GW wrote to Smith: “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the . . . 19th of April last.”
118From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was committed to Majr. Rogers of your County who embarked some days ago from this place for Virginia. I have been since favored with yours of the 7th. instant; and am much & truly gratified with the proof it contains of your good health. We have not yet either the President or Vice President on the ground. The former is expected in a few days. The latter we are told will certainly come...
119From James Madison to the Reverend James Madison, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1789. Acknowledged in the Reverend James Madison to JM, 5 May 1789 . Reports that Congress has begun its work and that there is less disagreement “between the different Parties” than he had expected.
120To Thomas Jefferson from Brissot de Warville, 19 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Une dame de ma Connoissance, L’Epouse de Colonel La Terriere maintenant etabli à philadelphie, desireroit rejoindre son Mari par un Vaisseau qui partiroit en Juin du havre. Je Lui ai parlé de Votre depart prochain. Seroit il possible qu’elle put s’embarquer sur le Navire qui Vous transportera? Ou bien connoissés Vous d’autres Vaisseaux? Je vous serai obligé de me repondre sur ces deux...
121Enclosure: Abstract of Mr. G. Morris’s plan of American finances, 19 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand; endorsed by him: “Finance. G. Morris’s system.” The copy enclosed in the foregoing letter to Madison may have been a PrC of this MS . This is only TJ’s abstract of Morris’ plan, which is printed in full in Jared Sparks, Gouverneur Morris , iii , 469–78. Morris sent a copy to Robert Morris on 8 May 1789, saying that the plan was partly the result of his...
122To George Washington from Peter Jaquett, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
A series of misfortune since the conclusion of the late War oblidges me to trouble your Excellency with this application—After having served to the end of the War, I returned to my farm in expectation of a convenient subsistance at least, but the winds and the waters have conspired to overwhelm my little Plantation, and the unrightious Government of Delaware has deprived me of the only fund,...
123To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure a few days since of receiving your Excellencys very kind favor of the 11 Ulto—My letter to which you refer was of such a nature that I did not expect an answer for I was confident that there had been a great number of applications and that the line of conduct which your Excellency adopted was the one which you would pursue —I expected no more than to be on the roll of those...
124To George Washington from Otho Holland Williams, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The honor of being known to your Excellency will, I trust, excuse my omiting to mention the circumstances which have rendered me, in some degree, dependant upon Government for employment, and for support. Your Excellency has been informed that my public Services have been acknowledged by an appointment, in this state, to the most considerable office in the llection of the Imposts. As that...
125To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 18 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have recived your two favors with their respective Inclosures, which have been forwarded. I am happy to hear you are so near being prepared to proceed to business under the new System & I will be much obliged to you to inform me when you expect any thing will be done with respect to the General Impost, and whether or not, you suppose the Interest on Final Settlement Certificates will be...
126Import Duties, [18 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed duties on teas that discriminated between those imported from India and China in American ships and those imported in foreign vessels or from countries other than India or China. Mr. Madison Felt a reluctance in being obliged to state his reasons why he doubted the policy of the proposed measure. What, said he, is its object? It is not to add to the revenue, for it will in...
127To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 18 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with your favor of the 12th. We have at present in this Port the Ships Le Marquis de la fayette Cap. Cain belonging to Philada. a good Ship a good Captain, bound to Philada. The Duc de Penthievre with Tobacco from Norfolk to return so soon as discharged, a Good Ship. The Philadelphia from Baltimore unloading and will be ready in 10 or 15 Days. The Mercury her departure uncertain....
128From George Washington to the Citizens of Baltimore, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The tokens of regard and affection, which I have often received from the Citizens of this Town, were always acceptable; because, I believed them, always sincere. Be pleased to receive my best acknowledgments for the renewal of them, on the present occasion. If the affectionate partiality of my fellow Citizens has prompted them to ascribe greater effects to my conduct & character, than were...
129To George Washington from the Committee of Congress, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Committee appointed in consequence of the Resolutions of both Houses of Congress, and which accompany this Note most respectfully communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when they shall attend, with a Barge which has been prepared for that purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town or at such other...
130To George Washington from John Jay, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Day after my last Letter to you of the 14 Inst. was written, Mr Benson informed me that measures were taking by Congress for your accommodation, and I since learn that every thing necessary on that Head has been done. This Circumstance cannot fail of being agreable to You, and for that Reason, as well as the Propriety which marks it, I cannot regret it; tho’ it will deprive me of a...
131To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I called at Mr Moncrieff’s with the enclosed bill, and was informed that he went over to the Eastern Shore some time last week, and was not expected home for several days. I could find no person who transacted his business in his absence from whom I might have gained some information respecting the payment of the bill. I have therefore left it that you may do with it as you think best. Perhaps...
132To George Washington from James McHenry, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Baltimore, 17 April 1789. Recommends for office Robert Purviance, Joshua Barney, and Robert Ballard. “Should these persons be found acceptable I can assure you that it will give great joy to the federalists of this town. The cause in this place owes much to them and their friends. I have one other memorandum which I beg to deposit with you. When the inferior federal courts are organised I...
133From John Jay to George Washington, 17 April 1789 (Jay Papers)
The Day after my last Letter to you of the 14 Inst. was written, M r Benson informed me that measures were taking by Congress for your accommodation, and I since learn that every thing necessary on that Head has been done. This Circumstance cannot fail of being agreable to You, and for that Reason, as well as the Propriety which marks it, I cannot regret it; tho’ it will deprive me of a...
134To James Madison from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., 17 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I make no excuse for sending you at present the Work of Mr Le Trosne because from your conversation I think you have not seen it, that I conceive it will interest you, & that when I arrive at New York I shall myself stand in need of it. The whole of the work is worthy your perusal, tho’ my view is only to communicate the Treatise de l’Interest Social which is the most regular & complete work I...
135Import Duties, [17 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The duty on salt was under consideration. Mr. Madison . From the nature of the arguments made use of on this occasion, it is necessary to proceed with some circumspection, though not to depart from that policy which can be justified by reason and experience. I am willing to trust a great deal to the good sense, justice and penetration of our fellow citizens for support; and though I think it...
136To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Bancroft, 17 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I duely received your favours of the 30th. ulto. and 9th. inst. and I have lost no time in using my endeavours to bring Mr. Paradise’s business here to a Conclusion, though this has not yet been effected from various causes, and among them one of the most considerable has been Mr. Youngs other pressing occupations or his dilatoriness.—Before I had time to inform the silk mercers of Mr....
137From Thomas Jefferson to Rayneval, 17 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
As the moment of my departure approaches, I take the liberty of recalling to your mind the order I have sollicited for the delivery of our arms and stores at Nantes, arrested there by Schweighauser & Dobrée. I am very anxious to be enabled to give final orders on that subject before I go, and therefore am obliged to be troublesome to you about it.—I have the honor to be with sentiments of the...
138From Thomas Jefferson to John Rutledge, Jr., 17 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that the mercantile body at Lisbon are very attentive to strangers, and particularly that Mr. Gueldermestre the Dutch consul there would be worth your acquaintance, I applied to Messieurs Boyd & Ker to obtain letters for you to Mr. Gueldermestre and such other merchants as you might like to know. I enclose you their letters of introduction, as also their letter to me.—I...
139[Diary entry: 16 April 1789] (Washington Papers)
[16 April 1789] About ten o’clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson, and colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering...
140From George Washington to the Mayor, Corporation, and Citizens of Alexandria, 16 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Although I ought not to conceal, yet I cannot describe, the painful emotions which I felt in being called upon to determine whether I would accept or refuse the Presidency of the United States. The unanimity in the choice, the opinion of my friends, communicated from different parts of Europe, as well as of America, the apparent wish of those, who were not altogether satisfied with the...
141To George Washington from Joseph Ward, 16 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Boston, April 16th 1789. “At this era, when every moment of your time is precious, I feel reluctance to call one tho’t from public concerns—but the impulse, kindled by the double ardour of affection to my Country, and to her beloved General, is irresistible. When I felt only for my General, I could not consent that his tranquility, and his fame, should again be put to hazard on the boundless...
142To James Madison from Jacob Broom, 16 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you upon the success of that inestimable Constitution which I had the honor to witness your support and approbation of; and it is with pleasure I find you are entitled to a share in the deliberations consequent of it’s adoption. I take the liberty, Sir, to solicit the favor of your interest to the appointment of a Collector of Duties and Imposts; this being the only Commercial...
143To James Madison from Nathaniel Gorham, 16 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your election to a seat in the new Goverment I think you can entertain no doubt was pleasing to me. I sincerly hope your attendance will be as pleasant to yourself as beneficial to your Country. It is suggested here that you intend to pass a short Resolve requesting the several States to collect a Revenue for you intill you can have time to digest & prepare a system. Suffer me to suggest for...
144Import Duties, [16 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
White suggested the duty on hemp be fixed at seventy-five cents per hundredweight. Mr. Madison Feared 75 cents was too high; he was doubtful whether it would not have been as well to have left out cordage; for if a duty on hemp was impolitic because it burthened navigation, so also was that on cordage. He by no means approved of measures injurious to ship-building, which he considered in a...
145To Thomas Jefferson from Bayard, 16 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai L’honneur d’exposer à votre Excellence La triste position du Sr. Maizieres, Negociant francois, qui se trouve dans la plus grande détresse en cette ville avec Trois mille Dollars Papiers des Etats unis, Treasure of Loan produisant interêt à Six pr %. Il la supplie de lui faire payer à Paris ceux de plusieurs années echües. Si cela lui etoit absolument impossible, il Réclame de sa...
146To Thomas Jefferson from William Bingham, 16 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
It will give you pleasure to hear that a very commendable Spirit of Industry and Enterprize, has Succeeded to a Period of Languor and Inattention to our best Interests, and that the Citizens of Philadelphia have at length discovered that their own Efforts, properly directed, will furnish them with a Variety of Manufactures that they have been in the Practice of procuring from Europe. Many...
147To Thomas Jefferson from John Gallwey, 16 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 16 Apr. 1789 . Will be “singularly happy” to serve TJ in any way. “The only vessel now in this port from the united states is the Brig Hibernia, Capn. O’Brien, lately arrived here with a cargo of rice from Georgetown, south Carolina.” The ship is about 4 years old, 130 tons burthen, and seems to be well found, but the captain, finding no return cargo, intends to sail in 4 or 5 days for...
148To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 16 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre , 16 Apr. 1789 . In reply to TJ’s letter of the 12th, the three American ships here at present are the Friendship , Capt. Arles, Philadelphia, 300 tons, 5 years old, returning to Philadelphia 26 Apr.; the Russel , Capt. Hawks, Alexandria, 260 tons, 6 years old, bound for Philadelphia within the next 3 weeks; and the Rachel , Capt. Journeau, sailing under American colors though the...
149To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, [ca. 16 April 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
[ L’Orient, ca. 16 Apr. 1789 .] Acknowledges TJ’s letter of the 12th: “ J’y vois avec peine le dessein que vous formez de vous éloigner d’un paÿs où le commerce de France trouvoit dans ses relations avec l’Amérique un protecteur si éclairé. J’espère que vôtre absence sera courte, et qu’à vôtre retour vous trouverez enfin chez nous une administration moins embarrassée de détails, et les objets...
150To Thomas Jefferson from Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 16 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 16 Apr. 1789 . They acknowledge TJ’s favor of the 9th enclosing a letter from the Board of Treasury “with directions for the disposal of monies on account of the United States, which we Shall punctually fulfill. We feel ourselves happy to have thus terminated a difference of opinion that Subsisted between Your Excellency and us on the Subject. Notwithstanding the orders of the Board...