15251Petition of John Lamb, [1–9 February 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
To The Honorable The Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled. The Memorial and Petition of John Lamb of the State of Connecticut humbly sheweth That Your Memorialist believing it to be the interest of the United States to form some treaty of amity and Commerce with the States of Barbary; and inferring from the general sense of persons with whom Your Memorialist has...
15252The Federalist No. 52, [8 February 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. FROM the more general enquiries pursued in the four last papers, I pass on to a more particular examination of the several parts of the government. I shall begin with the House of Representatives. The first view to be taken of this part of the government, relates to the qualifications of the electors and the elected. Those of the former are to be the...
15253[Diary entry: 5 March 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 38 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. West, but neither fresh nor cold. Cloudy all day with appears. of rain or Snow. Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Fitzhugh went away after breakfast. I rid to the Ferry, French’s Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations. Began at French’s to Sow Oats, & to harrow them in and at Dogue run to Cut & Maul...
15254[Diary entry: 2 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 2d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Last Night being very cold the grd. this morning was hard frozen. The Weather however through the day was very pleasant. After breakfast I returned home by way of Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry. At the first 3 plows were breaking up the remains of field No. 4. The other hands were taking up the Jerusalem...
1525517th. (Adams Papers)
I have continued reading in Sullivan’s lectures. The book is entertaining, and the author so far as he goes appears to be master of his subject. In general he is perspicuous and intelligible, but the Treatise is rather historical than professional: it was a posthumous work, and therefore probably much more imperfect, than it would have been, had the author himself given it to the public. The...
15256Thursday September 4th. (Adams Papers)
Left Newbury-Port this morning with Bridge: we dined at Putnam’s in Dan vers. Very indifferent entertainment. After mistaking our road, and going to Winisimet ferry, we finally got to Cambridge a little before 9 o’clock. Lodg’d at Bradish’s.
15257Deposition of Richard Riddy, 17 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Richard Riddy esq. merchant of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but now resident at Nantes in the kingdom of France aforesaid made oath before me Thomas Jefferson minister plenipotentiary for the U.S. of America at the court of Versailles, that in the month of January in the year 1783 he was taken prisoner on the high seas by the English, and carried to New York; that while he was there,...
15258Bill Providing for Delegates to the Convention of 1787, [6 November] (Madison Papers)
Whereas the Commissrs. who assembled at Annapolis on the 14th. day of Sepr. last for the purpose of devising and reporting the means of enabling Congress to provide effectually for the commercial interests of the U. States, have represented the necessity of extending the revision of the federal System to all its defects, and have recommended that deputies for that purpose be appointed by the...
1525924th. (Adams Papers)
Weather was so cloudy all day, that we had no philosophical lecture. Tuesday evening we had a meeting of the ΦBK. Admitted Abbot, Bancroft, and Lincoln, and yesterday morning, we met again at Packard’s chamber, and voted to admit Barron, Gardner and Grosvenor. Our Class having no college exercices to attend to, and many of them having now finished their parts for Commencement, are generally...
15260[Diary entry: 27 August 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 27th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris’s and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
1526121st. (Adams Papers)
I read through Wright’s short treatise upon the feudal tenures. I found nothing in it, but what I had before read upon the subject in other writers. In the beginning of the next week, I shall take up Coke upon Littleton, Which seems to be the great magazine for law knowledge but it is one of those unlucky folio’s, which appear so formidable to many students in the profession. I set myself...
15262If Life’s Compared to a Feast, 22 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AD : New York Public Library; transcript: Library of Congress William Temple Franklin found this poem among his grandfather’s papers and claimed that it was entitled “B. F.’s Adieu!” The sole extant autograph, written on a small sheet of paper, has no title. Beautifully penned, as though intended for presentation, it fills the sheet, with the dateline placed in the bottom left corner. Whether...
1526327th. (Adams Papers)
Recite in Ferguson this week. Mr. Williams, this forenoon concluded his course of astronomical lectures, by explaining the or rery, and the cometarium. I have not received from these lectures either the entertainment or the instruction, which I expected from them. Except having acquired a clearer notion of the figures of the different planets by viewing them through the telescope, I believe I...
1526414th. (Adams Papers)
Return’d a copy of my theses to the president, who informed me, that they would all be ready to send to Boston in a day or two. Cranch and Amory, and Beale, went over to Mystic with Learned, who took his final leave of College. The weather was very warm all day; but in the evening, a beautiful thunder shower refreshed the air very greatly. Pass’d the evening at Foster’s chamber.
15265[Diary entry: 17 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 17th. Met in Convention when the Constitution received the Unanimous assent of 11 States and Colo. Hamilton’s from New York (the only delegate from thence in Convention) and was subscribed to by every Member present except Govr. Randolph and Colo. Mason from Virginia & Mr. Gerry from Massachusetts. The business being thus closed, the Members adjourned to the City Tavern, dined together...
15266[Diary entry: 5 July 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 5th. I set out about sun rising, & taking my harvest fields at Muddy hole & the ferry in my way, got home to breakfast. Found that my harvest had commenced as I directed, at Muddy hole & in the Neck on Monday last—with 6 Cradlers at the first—to wit, Isaac, Cowper Tom, Ben overseer Will, Adam, & Dogue run Jack who tho’ newly entered, made a very good hand; and gave hopes of being an...
15267Report on the Definitive Treaty of Peace and the Letter from the American Commissioners, [16 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The committee to whom were referred the Definitive treaty of peace between the United states of America and his Britannic majesty, and the joint letter from Mr. Adams, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jay, have agreed to the following report. Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the said Definitive treaty ought to be ratified by the United states in Congress assembled. That a...
15268[Diary entry: 31 August 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 31st. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris’s and with a Party went to Lansdale & drank Tea with Mr. & Mrs. Penn. lansdale : Lansdowne. John Penn’s wife, Ann Allen Penn, was the daughter of William Allen, the former chief justice of Pennsylvania.
1526917th. (Adams Papers)
Chandler 1st. went off this morning; there are about 20 of the scholars, who have not yet been able to get home. They are however going off, one by one. Attended meeting all day. Mr. Hilliard preached in the morning, a sermon, which I have heard him deliver before. Thanksgiving sermon I suppose took up all his Time this week. Mr. Burr preach’d in the afternoon, and saved the Parson, the...
152704th. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted with Forbes, and at ten o’clock set off for Boston in company with Clark: as soon as I got into town I went to the chapel, where Mr. Dawes was delivering the anniversary Oration; but he had almost finished, when I got there. He closed very prettily: after which his ode to independence, set to music by Mr. Selby was perform’d: from thence I went immediately to the old brick meeting...
1527117th. (Adams Papers)
At 5 o’clock we were going, and reach’d Fairfield by 9. I there delivered my letters to Mr. Burr and Major Davenport: We were obliged to stay there to dinner; through the extreme heat of the weather. At four in the afternoon, we again set out, and rode 10 miles to Stratford. We waited there about half an hour, and set out again. 3 miles from Stratford we cross’d Connecticut River, and rode...
15272[Diary entry: 28 January 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 28th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 38 at Night. Wind Southerly, but not fresh. Fore part of the day clear & pleasant—latter part mild & lowering.
15273[Diary entry: 21 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 21st. Breakfasted in Baltimore—dined at the Widow Balls (formerly Spurriers) and lodged at Major Snowdens who was not at home. spurriers : site of the town of Waterloo in Howard County, Md., twice chosen during the Revolution as an encampment for Rochambeau’s army ( RICE Howard C. Rice, Jr., and Anne S. K. Brown, eds. The American Campaigns of Rochambeau’s Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783 ....
15274Sarah Livingston Jay’s Invitation Lists, 2–12 September 1788 (Jay Papers)
invited for 2 d . Sep br . M r . & M rs . Pintard—, M r . & M rs . King—, M r . & M rs . Mont[gomery].— x, M rs . Montgomery—x, M
1527524th. (Adams Papers)
It is feared that some bad consequences, will ensue, from the high-go, of the Syllogists last evening. Borland, it seems, was the most active of them all; he collar’d Mr. Reed, and threw an handful of gravel, in his Face, and was rather disrespectful to Mr. James; He went this morning to the former, to make an apology for his Conduct, but was told, it could not be received, as the matter was...
15276Ratification of the Second Dutch Loan, 1 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Be it remembered that the within Contract or engagement entered into by the Honourable John Adams Esquire Minister Plenipotentiary of the United states of America to their High Mightinesses the Lords—the States General of the United Netherlands, in behalf of the said states with Messieurs Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob Van Staphorst and de la Lande & Fynje and their Successors and...
15277[Diary entry: 27 December 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning—49 at Noon and 42 at Night. Quite calm and pleasant, with little or no wind, and that from the Southward—clear. After Breakfast Colo. Lee set out for Richmond. Mr. Lear returned from his journey into the Western Country about 4 Oclock to day having been absent 28 days. Miss Allan returned to Abingdon to day and Doctr. La Moyeur came back from...
1527821st. (Adams Papers)
Miss Jones returned from Judge Dana’s. I spent the evening with Bridge, and Freeman, at the Professor’s. Miss Bromfield, Miss L. Kneeland, Miss Cutts, and Miss Ellery were there. Of all these ladies, the last are rather unsociable. We had however, upon the whole, a good time. Miss Cutts unluckily got a fall on the ice, as she was going out to the slay. Had her limbs, been rather more pliant,...
152797th. (Adams Papers)
We breakfasted early and were on our way by 8 o’clock. We stopp’d at Captain Brookes’s house in Mystic, four miles from Cambridge, and about a quarter of a mile. We then rode 10 miles further; after which we stopp’d an hour to rest our horse. So far we found the roads very good: but the next 6 miles, to Mr. French, (the minister at Andover)’s house are very sandy and heavy. We dined there: Mr....
15280Enclosure: Advertisement: Ohio Lands, 10 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Subscriber Would Lease about 30,000 acres of land on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa, for which he has had Patents ten or twelve years. Ten thousand of these, in three Tracts, lie upon the Ohio, between the mouth’s of the two Kanhawa’s; having a front upon the river of 15 miles, & beautifully border’d by it. The remaining 20,000 acres, in four other Surveys, lie upon the great Kanhawa, from the...
15281[Diary entry: 18 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 18th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning—32 at Noon, & 29 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at No. Wt. but towards evening shifted to the So. Wt. keeping clear; Navigation again stopped. Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole and Frenchs. The Ploughs were stopped every where. The Women of Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry were all at Work in the New ground at the Mansn. House. At Muddy...
15282[Diary entry: 15 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning clear and calm. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—the Mowers having cut down all the Pease (in broad Cast) in field No. 8 were employed in cuttg. down the grass and Weeds where the flax grew in order that it might be spread and rot. The Hoe People were digging Potatoes, chopping in Rye and wd. go to...
15283[July 1786] (Adams Papers)
Last night, Coll. Smith and his Lady, took their Leave of Us, and went to their House in Wimpole Street. Yesterday visited Desenfans’s Collection of Pictures. A Port in Italy by Claude Lorraine, is the best Piece that remains. A Sampson sleeping in the Lap of Dalilah, while the Philistines cutt of his Locks, is said to be by Rubens, but Mr. Copely who was present doubts it. Supposes it to be...
1528421st. (Adams Papers)
At six in the morning, we all left Middleton: and rode on to Hartford, where we arrived at about 9. The distance is 14 miles. For several miles on this side of Middleton, we rode along by the side of the river: and after we left it, we had from the top of an hill a most elegant prospect. Indeed there are a number in this Country, which looks as prosperous, and as fertile, as any I remember...
15285[Diary entry: 24 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 34 at Night. Morning clear & pleasant: Lowering afterwards; with appearances of Snow—little or no Wind all day. Began my work of Ice-getting again to day but it was not in a proper State being rather a mixture of Snow & Ice and not hard enough.
1528614th. (Adams Papers)
The Freshmen, by their high Spirit of Liberty, have again involved themselves in difficulties. The Sophimores, consider themselves as insulted, by them, and in a Class meeting, last evening determined, to oblige all the Freshmen, to take off their hats in the yard, and to send them on errands? . There has been a great deal of business between them to day; Mr. Hale, has had several of them...
15287[Diary entry: 8 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—42 at Noon And 36 at Night. Morning pleasant, with the Wind at So. Wt. & appearances of mildness but shifting. Before 8 Oclock it blew fresh clouded & turned cold, and remained so all day. Rid to the Plantations in the Neck at Muddy hole and Dogue run. Work at each pr. Report Book. Majr. G. A. Washington set of this afternoon for Colo....
15288[Diary entry: 5 November 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Very clear, calm, warm & pleast. all day. The Minister & Madame de Brehan expressing a desire to Walk to the New Barn—we accordingly did so and from thence through Frenchs Plantation to my Mill and from thence home compleating a tour of at least Seven Miles. Previous to this, in the Morning before breakfast I rid to...
15289Report on Relations with Portugal, 12 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred a Letter from Col l . Smith of the 12 th Septem r last with the Papers that accompanied it, Reports.— That they contain a Detail of Occurrences and Observations in the Journey he made to Lisbon, to deliver the Letter of Congress to the Queen of Portugal. It appears from them that he was well received...
15290[Diary entry: 31 December 1786] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 31st. Mercury at 31 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 55 at Night. Clear and remarkably pleasant—Wind Southerly all day but not fresh. At home all day.
1529127th. (Adams Papers)
Company to dine Mr. d’Asp, and another Swedish gentleman. Mr. Setaro a Portuguese gentleman in the Evening. Mr. Williams spent the evening with us. Coll. Humphreys presented to Mr. A: a copy of his Poem address’d to the Armies of the United States. It appears very well written. The versification is in general noble, and easy. It is a recapitulation of some of the principal events that happened...
1529211th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mr. Shaws meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. Took a walk down by the side of the river; with Mr. Thaxter. The Situation of the town is very agreeable.
15293[Diary entry: 14 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—36 at [noon] and 38 at Night. In the course of last night there fell 8 Inches Snow and it continued snowing slightly till 10 or 11 Oclock when it cleared & became a fine afternoon and evening—Not much wind and that variable sometimes at So. Et. then at No. West and then calm. Employed all the women and Weak hands (who on acct. of the Snow) could...
15294[Diary entry: 22 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Friday 22d. Thermometer at 24 in the Morning—28 at Noon and 26 at Night. Wind at No. Et. and North; and fresh & cold. About 10 Oclock last Night it began to Snow & continued to do so all Night and till afternoon this day—but as it drifted much the depth cd. not be ascertained. Colo. Wm. Heth, who came here to dinner yesterday was sent by me to Alexandria to pursue his journey to New York in...
152956th. (Adams Papers)
Enter Miss A. in the evening, and cries out, “Callahan is arrived, and a bushel of Letters. One for you Sir from C. Storer:” and away she flew. Miss had a dozen at least: there were very few for any body else. Presumably Capt. John Callahan, Boston shipmaster; it was probably his vessel that JQA referred to in his previous entry ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John...
15296Saturday October 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember. But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I...
15297[Diary entry: 4 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 4th. Thermometer at in the Morng.— at Noon—30 and at Night. The Wind blew hard all last Night at No. West, and it was as cold this Morning as at any time this winter; but not havg. the thermometer to apply to, I could only judge from appearances, & my own feelings. After breakfast Colo. Fitzgerald and myself set off on our return home, & parted at 4 Mile Run. About half after four I...
15298[Diary entry: 12 March 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 12th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—55 at Noon and 55 at Night. The morning calm & very pleasant which continued through the day. Rid to the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry. At the River Plantation, the Plows were unable to work on acct. of the frost. The Women were fencing between fields No. 1 & 2 except those who were grubbing; having finished...
15299Memorandum Books, 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 4. Pd. Marc Dec. 27.—Jan. 2. ₶ postage 2 washing 22 – 8
15300[Diary entry: 2 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday Second. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning—56 at Noon And 54 at Night. In the forenoon the Wind was at No. Wt. and cold. In the Evening it was Southerly & warm. The ground had got dry, and somewhat (in places) baked. Moderate & warm rain wanting. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the two first, and last, the Work was going on precisely as...