1311117th. (Adams Papers)
I set out for Haverhill between 3 and 4. this afternoon, and arrived at Mr. White’s, a little after 5. Leonard was at my lodgings last Tuesday, and made me promise I would stay with him the next time I should go to that town. I was inform’d of Mr. Thaxter’s marriage. Last tuesday was the day, when he departed the life of a bachelor, and was ushered into a new kind of existence. His friends had...
13112Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 17 November 1787 (Adams Papers)
Friend, after Friend is severed from my Heart—I have lost many near, & dear Relatives, as well as kind Benefactors, since you left America. I know you will be much affected by hearing of the Death of our worthy & much lamented Uncle Smith.— You my Sister knew how bright the humane & christian Virtues shone in his Life, & cannot wonder if the Land mourns when the godly Man ceaseth, & so...
13113The Federalist No. 7, [17 November 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. It is sometimes asked, with an air of seeming triumph, what inducements could the States have, if disunited, to make war upon each other? It would be a full answer to this question to say—precisely the same inducements, which have, at different times, deluged in blood all the nations in the world. But unfortunately for us, the question admits of a more...
13114[Diary entry: 17 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 44 in the morning—56 at Noon And 55 at Night. A very clear and pleasant Morning. Day fine, Wind tho’ not much of it at No. West. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the first ground being too wet to Plow I sent them to Frenchs which was something drier being lay land. At the other, cleaning the Barley, aided by some of the Dogue run people—but...
13115To Thomas Jefferson from R. & A. Garvey, 17 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In reply to your Excellencys letter, our reason for sending the Harpsicord by Land was because that it would have cost more by water, and the river being out, the delay might have prouved too long; we send Musical instruments to Paris every day by Land, as yet we have had no complaint of their meeting with any accident. As it was well packed and in Good order when it left Roüen, we are...
1311618th. (Adams Papers)
In the forenoon I attended at Mr. Smith’s meeting: he preaches without notes, and like all the preachers, who make a practice of this, that I ever heard, often repeats the same sentiments. In the afternoon I went to hear Mr. Shaw. After meeting I went up there and pass’d part of the evening. Mr. Redington and Captain Marsh and Deacon Eames were there.
13117[Diary entry: 18 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 18th. Thermometer at 41 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 51 at Night. Weather clear and pleasant. The Wind in the morning was at No. Et.—at Noon East and at Night Southerly. Geo. Auge. Washington and his wife went up to Abingdon. To Dinner came Mr. Potts his wife and Brother and Mr. Wilson from Alexandria and soon after them Colo. Humphreys. The first company went away after dinner and in...
13118To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 18 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
The last time I did myself the honour to address you, I promised to take your Nephews, if it were agreeable to you, another Year. You will, I fear, suspect me of being whimsical in requesting the favour of you to release me from the obligation of that promise. I have lately engaged with some Gentlemen to dine with me by the year: and I find that the accommodating of these will clash with the...
13119To George Washington from James Madison, 18 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th instant found me in Philada whither I had proceeded, under arrangements for proceeding to Virginia or returning to this place, as I might there decide. I did not acknowledge it in Philada because I had nothing to communicate, which you would not receive more fully and correctly from the Mr Morris’s who were setting out for Virginia. All my informations from Richmond...
13120From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
I returned hither yesterday from Philada. to which place I had proceeded under arrangements for either going on to Virginia, or coming back as I might there decide. Your very affectionate favor of the 23d. Ult: found me in Philada. after travelling to N. York, and I should have answered it before my return, had any matters for communication occurred worth the expence of postage. I did not make...
13121From James Madison to George Washington, 18 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. instant found me in Philada. whither I had proceeded, under arrangements for proceeding to Virginia or returning to this place, as I might there decide. I did not acknowledge it in Philada. because I had nothing to communicate, which you would not receive more fully and correctly from the Mr. Morris’s who were setting out for Virginia. All my informations from Richmond...
13122From James Madison to Lawrence Taliaferro, ca. 18 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 18 November 1787 , New York. Acknowledged in Taliaferro to JM, 16 Dec. 1787 . Reports news of Taliaferro’s nephew, John Taliaferro, whom JM saw at Princeton.
13123To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 18 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yesterday the Letter your Excellency hath honored me with the 13th instant. I am extreamely happy to hear that my four Letters came safely and that your Excellency is well pleased with my proceeding towards the American Sailors. It gives me a great pleasure to learn likewise that your Excellency hath the Strongest hopes that good regulations are to take place in the behalf of...
1312419th. (Adams Papers)
I lodg’d at Mr. White’s again last night; went this morning up to Mr. Shaw’s and past an hour; and between 10 and 11, Set off for Newbury-Port. Got home at about I. Called at the office. Found Amory was gone to Salem for a week. Mr. Parsons says, he will spoil himself in spite of any thing that can be done. Town-send dined with me. We were not much in the office, in the afternoon. Little spent...
13125To John Adams from Patrick Miller, 19 November 1787 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive Your Excellencys letter of the 30 th. April. In the treatise on Naval Architecture which I requested you to transmit to Congress I signifyed my intention to make an Experiment with the Steam Engine as a Power to work my Water Wheel.— When preparing for this experiment, I conceived an Idea that the Capstorn might be employed as a Power better fitted to that purpose...
13126[Diary entry: 19 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—53 at Noon and 51 at Night. Morning clear and calm, with a red sky in the Eastern horizon and some fog on the River. Rid before breakfast to the Plantations at Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole. Had the Barley at the former fanned, cleaned and Measured—quantity 126½ bushls. from about 9 acres of ground. At Dogue run, laid down the Barley to tread...
13127To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 19 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
The Letters Put into my Care to Mr B. Fairfax and Colo. Warner Washington is delivered. at my arrival home I Found a Letter From you dated the 7th Instant Enclosed one From Mr W. Weathers that He Thought Mr Clymount a Tenant of yours was hard & unjustly Dealt by—I Know of no Foundation for Such a Suspicion—unless Mr Weathers Judges me to be Like His Brother E. Weathers who over charged in...
13128To Thomas Jefferson from Lauzier, 19 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai Eû l’honneur il y á deux jours de me présenter chez Vous pour vous prier de Me dire si vous Connoissés M. Joseph harisson qu’on dit Etre Beaufrere de M. Morris de philadelphie. La personne qui m’a chargé de prendre Ces renseignemens auprez de vous dezirerait savoir si M. Joseph harrisson a une maison de Commerce avec Crédit a philadelphie, et S’il Jouit de la reputation d’un honnête...
13129To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 19 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Havre de Grace, 19 Nov. 1787 . Did not have time to read the letter he wrote on 18 Nov. before it was sent; on reading the copy, notices that he or his clerk made some mistakes, including the mention of the year “1763” which should be “1783”; reminds TJ that he did not answer that part of his letter which asked an “opinion if that agreement with the British Court will last 6 or 7 months...
13130To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Sr., 19 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your obliging, and esteemed Favour a few days since, and have communicated to Ammonett, what you mentioned. The poor Fellow makes his grateful acknowledgements to you, and I am now called on to follow him. Your proposed System of education for my Son Tom enlivens every spark of gratitude that my breast possesses. It will (I am sure) never be in my power to make you any returns for...
1313120th. (Adams Papers)
Proceed slowly in the third volume of Blackstone. As this is the most important author of all those that will occur, I make large extracts from him, which takes me up so much time that I cannot read above twenty or thirty pages in a day. Townsend pass’d the evening at my lodgings. Dull weather. This afternoon there was a town-meeting for the purpose of choosing members to represent this Town...
13132The Federalist No. 8, [20 November 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. ASSUMING it therefore as an established truth that the several States, in case of disunion, or such combinations of them as might happen to be formed out of the wreck of the general confederacy, would be subject to those vicissitudes of peace and war, of friendship and enmity with each other, which have fallen to the lot of all neighbouring nations not...
13133[Diary entry: 20 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning—57 at Noon and 55 at Night. Morning pleasant, very lowering afterwards. Wind at So. Et., and moderate in the forenoon—but fresh afterwards—veering more Easterly. Colo. Lyles, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Rumney, Mr. Lowry, Mr. Abernathy, Mr. Monshure, Mr. Nelson, and Doctr. Craik came to Dinner and returned in the evening. Mr. Corbin Washington went away after...
13134To Thomas Jefferson from William Frederick Ast, 20 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The American Captains in this Port labour under some Circumstances which are injurious to their business and of the Trade of America in general. I think it therefore my duty to acquaint Your Excellency of the same. There is only one Broker here for all Foreign Nations who has either too much business or is too neglectfull to attend to his duty. The Dispatch and Business of the American...
13135To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Stephenson, 20 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Cambrai, 20 Nov. 1787. His former letter was written from the hospital at “Durlong” [Doullens] in Picardy; on the 8th. of the next month he “Departted from thence for the Redgment where I Arived in three Days”; has been informed by the major of the regiment that Col. Serrant received a letter from “Derek Levall” demanding Stephenson’s discharge, but the colonel left without mentioning the...
1313621st. (Adams Papers)
I this morning requested of Mr. Parsons his opinion, whether it would be most advantageous for me to pursue, the professional study in those hours, when I should not attend at the office; or whether it would be best to devote those of my evenings, which I shall pass at my own lodgings, to other purposes, and a diversity of studies. He answered by observing, that I could not attend to any...
13137From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Rush, 21 November [1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you herewith a Series of political papers under the denomination of the Federalist published in favor of the new Constitution. They do good here and it is imagined some of the last numbers might have a good effect upon some of your Quaker Members of Convention. They are going on and appear evidently to be written by different hands and to aim at a full examination of the subject....
13138The Federalist No. 9, [21 November 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. A Firm Union will be of the utmost moment to the peace and liberty of the States as a barrier against domestic faction and insurrection. It is impossible to read the history of the petty Republics of Greece and Italy, without feeling sensations of horror and disgust at the distractions with which they were continually agitated, and at the rapid...
13139[Diary entry: 21 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning—51 at Noon And 46 at Night. A great deal of rain fell in the Night. Cloudy morning but clear afterwards. Wind at No. West all day but neither very hard, nor cold. Messrs. Morris’s, & Doctr. Ruston went away after Breakfast. With the first two I rid a few miles and then visited my plantations at Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole on my return. At...
13140To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Sr., 21 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Marseilles, 21 Nov. 1787 . Is glad to learn from TJ’s letter of 13 Nov. that a regulation concerning tobacco has been obtained; is confident that this will be advantageous for the tobacco unsold in France and will “give a kind of Certitude for the future.” A French vessel arrived from Baltimore with 360 hhds. of tobacco; one of his own vessels is expected in fifteen days which will bring 200...
13141From Thomas Jefferson to R. & A. Garvey, 21 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure yesterday to receive my harpsichord in good order, and to withdraw from the Douane your acquit á caution No. 143. which I now inclose you with many thanks for your attentions. I have the honour to be with much esteem and regard Gentlemen Your most obedient & most humble servant, PrC ( MHi ). Enclosure missing.
1314222d. (Adams Papers)
Weather remarkably mild for the Season: I have been rather unwell for a week or 10 days back, which prevents me from applying myself with so much assiduity as I should wish to. I passed this evening with Thompson and Putnam at Little’s. We were very sociable, and cheerful. At 9 we return’d to our respective homes. The weather before this, had cleared up, though in the afternoon it had...
13143[Diary entry: 22 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning—51 at Noon And 45 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind fresh all day at No. West. About Noon it was clear. Lowered again in the Afternoon. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole. At the first, began to Plow (next the Mouth of Carneys gut) field No. 9 as the first preparation for a wheaten Crop, next fall—to receive in the Mean while Buck Wheat, &...
13144From George Washington to Henry Banks, 22 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
For the letter you did me the favor to write to me on the 21st Ult: I offer you my thanks. no application has ever been made to me or to any person on my account that has ever come to my knowledge, for the taxes of my land in Greenbrier and totally ignorant am I of the amount of them—If you can inform me, I would thank you. I have no objection to the settlement of my Lands on the Great...
13145From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 22 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you have been pleased to honor me—dated the 16th Instt, came to my hands the day before yesterday; by the Post of tomorrow, this answer will be forwarded to you. Mr Rumsey has given you an uncandid acct of his explanation to me, of the principle on which his Boat was to be propelled against stream. At the time he exhibited his model, and obtained my certificate, I had no...
13146To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 22 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have your letter of the 26th. of October and have this day obtained from Mr. Thompson the survey of the upper part of James River, and shall Tomorow morning have an answer from Mr. Lambert to whom I was advised as a proper person to copy it whether he will undertake to do it. If he does, the work will perhaps be well executed. Should he decline doing it my endeavours shall not be wanting to...
13147Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 22 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
We do ourselves the honor to communicate to your Excellency the European intelligence which we have received to the 22d. of September by the last French packe[t.] The Affairs of Holland were at that time in a gloomy state as they respected the Patriots, and it is to be apprehended that before this, they must have been brought to a serious issue: it appears hardly possible that the event can be...
13148The Federalist Number 10, [22 November] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Among the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. The friend of popular governments, never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. He will not fail therefore to set a due value on any...
13149To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a favour dated the 8th of August last, mentioning the receipt of my last of June 6th. as well as that of my first memorial which I sent through another Channel. I hold myself under many obligations for the care taken herein and shall beg that a Copy of the Memorial already received from me may be sent the first opportunity to each of the Governments or Learned Societies in Europe,...
13150To Thomas Jefferson from Dubosq, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 22 Nov. 1787 . Has been told TJ needs an accurate copyist; offers his services. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; endorsed; at foot of text: “Chés Duhamel, Epicier au Coin De la Rüe des Bourdonnais au 4e.” Recorded in SJL as received 23 Nov. 1787.
13151To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 Nov. 1787 . Reminds TJ of the suggestion he made in his letter of 23 Oct. that he be sent to Brussels to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with the emperor; has just received information from a reliable source which leaves no doubt of the success of the mission; suggests that he be given a letter to the governor affirming that it is TJ’s wish, “fondé sur la connoissance...
13152From Thomas Jefferson to Lauzier, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne connois pas, Monsieur, le nommé Joseph Harrison dont vous me faites l’honneur de m’ecrire. Mais je crois etre un peu sur qu’il ne peut pas etre le beaufrere de Monsr. Robert Morris. Monsr. Morris n’a point de parens en Amerique; et si Monsr. Harrison fut son beaufrere du coté de Madame Morris il auroit porté le nom de White, et non pas de Harrison. Je vous aurois repondu plutot, mais je...
13153To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble your Excellency with a few lines to acquaint you of our Arrival in Dear Virginia and at the same time to thank you for all the attentions you have been pleased to shew Mr. Paradise myself and family. The Passage we had was long and very disagreeable, as we had the great misfortune to have a Brute of a Captain to Command the Ship Juno, owing to the very unfortunate...
1315423d. (Adams Papers)
The events of the day were quite uninteresting. I had however an opportunity to observe the effects of the Passions. How despotically they rule! how they bend, and master, the greatest and the wisest geniuses! T’is a pity! ’tis great pity! that prudence should desert people when they have the most need of it. Tis pity, that such a mean, little, dirty passion as envy, should be the vice of the...
13155[Diary entry: 23 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 23d. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind at No. Wt., but neither cold nor very fresh. Cloudy in the forenoon but clear afterwards. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and Muddy hole. At the first the plows belonging to the Plantation were at work at frenchs. The other hands were getting Corn in the flat below the hill in No. 1. At Frenchs, the Plows were...
13156To George Washington from Richard Bland Lee, 23 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
I recieved your Excellency’s letter of the 11th Instant to day inclosing one guinea & an half on account of the ram Lamb —As no expence was incurred by me in having him brought to this town permit me to return the half guinea which has been sent on account of charges & beleive me to be with the highest esteem—Your Excellency’s most Ob. & hum. Servant ALS , PHi : Gratz Collection; Sprague...
13157To Thomas Jefferson from J. David Divoux, 23 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 23 Nov. 1787 . Is prompted by “the Encourragment of the Americans” to ask TJ’s assistance in securing the position of broker and interpreter for the foreign nations at that port; the American captains have urged this step for several years; about ten months ago he presented a petition, supported by certificates, “to the Duke of Penthievre Grand Admiral of france,” requesting the...
13158To Thomas Jefferson from Lanchon Frères & Cie., 23 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 23 Nov. 1787. Acknowledge TJ’s letter of 9 July ; are sorry they did not see him when he was in L’Orient; are always glad to supply information on commerce. This port handles most of the American trade with France; nearly forty American vessels have entered L’Orient this year, many of them “on their Ballast from Spain and Ireland, coming chiefly for Salt here for the New England...
13159To Thomas Jefferson from Zachariah Loreilhe, 23 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 23 Nov. 1787 . Has received “Indirect but Certain account” that Thomas Barclay arrived in New York on 2 Oct. Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 28 Oct. ; has communicated the information therein to U.S. citizens interested in commerce. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 28 Nov. 1787.
1316024th. (Adams Papers)
I went in the forenoon, and exhibited my complaints to Dr. Swett, but he told me, they were not worth speaking of; and so I will e’en let them take their chance. This afternoon Townsend, and I, went down to Mr. Tracey’s, upon a disagreeable piece of business, but which we got through quite comfortably. Ben Hooper called on me in the evening. I have again begun upon Gibbon’s roman history, and...