2101To Thomas Jefferson from William Gordon, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
From William Gordon From the generous encouragement you gave me in your answer to my first letter , I informed your Excellency about April, that I should be greatly obliged to you, could you assist me in a similar way to that by which Dr. Ramsay was benefited. I left it with your judgment to settle the terms, and proposed sending over the printed volumes that the translation might be entered...
2102To Thomas Jefferson from John Ledyard, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
As I go to Cairo in a few days from whence it will be difficult to write to you I must do it from here tho unprepared: I must also leave my Letter in the hands of the Capt. (who engages to deliver it to Mr. Cathalan at Marseilles) 4 or 5 weeks.—I am in good health and spirits, and the prospects before me respecting my enterprize flattering. This with wishes for your happiness and an eternal...
2103To Thomas Jefferson from Schweighauser & Dobrée, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We recieved in course Your Excellency’s kind letter of the 20th. Ulto. We knew nothing of the resolve of Congress of the 16th. October 1786. Whatever has been done in America respecting the Alliance since our first application has been witheld from us , and we have never had any answer to our repeated representations. We have shown the resolve and Your Excellency’s letter to Mr. Minyer and...
2104To Thomas Jefferson from John Stockdale, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Instant received your two Letters by the hands of my good friend Mr. Trumbold and the ballance of your Account up to the present time, as ⅌ Account annexed Viz £13.13.6. for which I return you my sincere thanks as well as for your kind remittance of the French Books. From Letters which I have received from different Gentlemen in America I am convinced that the whole of the...
2105To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you excuse my having so long omitted to write you—the mortification arising from efforts not so successfull as I wishd in my pursuits, have prevented me from attending to anything but the surmounting the difficulties I found. That is in a degree accomplishd and I devote my first moments to you.—Yours of the 17th. 24th. and 28th ulto. are in my hands. The letters enclos’d the 24th. for...
210614th. (Adams Papers)
This was a day of humiliation and prayer at Mr. Carey’s: on account of his sickness; and to implore the assistance of providence in choosing a colleague to supply his place. Mr. Webster of Salisbury preached in the forenoon; and performed very well. But Dr. Tucker in the afternoon was very interesting and pathetic; in showing how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together...
2107[Diary entry: 14 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—73 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind Southerly all day with appearances of rain after noon. Went into the Neck, and to Muddy hole. At the first—8 Plows were turning in Buck Wheat & one in the Corn. Two Carts and Ten hands were getting in and stacking Oats. All the rest were Weeding and hilling of Corn. At Muddy hole—The three plows were employed as...
2108From George Washington to Joseph Caverly, 14 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have not yet been able to examine the drifted wood on my shores—but as I am informed you have been a considerable sufferer by the Storm —you shall be welcome to all that now lays from the Gut which formerly divided Simpsons plantation and Johnsons, to the point of Pocoson opposite to the mouth of Piscataway Creek—excepting Walnut logs. or such pieces as will do for the framing of a...
2109Report of the Oversight Committee on the Department of Foreign Affairs, 14 August 1788 (Jay Papers)
The Committee appointed to enquire fully into the Proceedings of the Department of Foreign Affairs Report.— That two Rooms are occupied by this Department, one of which the Secretary reserves for himself and the Reception of such Persons as may have Business with him, and the other for his Deputy and Clerks. That the Records and Papers belonging to the Department are kept in a proper Manner,...
2110To James Madison from James Mchenry, 14 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your last letter. Will you be kind enough to favor me with your opinion on the following question. May a State lay a Tax upon transfers of book debts notes &c by their own citizens to citizens of another State or to foreigners? The States have a concurrent jurisdiction over subjects of internal taxation with Congress; but Congress have the power to regulate commerce between the...
2111To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Madrid, 14 Aug. 1788. After examining his accounts with Congress, he has taken liberty of drawing on Willink & Van Staphorst at Amsterdam for 4614ƒ. 3s. 6d. in accordance with TJ’s advice of 3 June. “I transmit you the first setts of Exchange in favor of Messrs. Etienne Drouilhet & Cy. who have constantly supplied me with Money for my necessary expences while they have refused credit to others...
2112To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th had so tardy a passage to me that I supposed it must have been interscepted, especially as a subsequent one of the 28th came punctually and with speed. To the latter I have already replied. For the political statements and weighty intelligence of the former I am greatly indebted. It is impracticable to learn aught here untinctur’d with english prejudices which are...
2113To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 14 Aug. 1788. Hoping that TJ receives Gazette de Leide as ordered, he only encloses a letter to Congress and transmits following from friends in Amsterdam, who have it from Daniel Parker, dated the 8th: “This moment I have received advice, that the State of Virginia adopted the new Constitution on the 25th June. This comes by a Ship arrived this Day, and may be depended on.”—“Ce...
2114To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Boston, 14 Aug. 1788. His “amiable young friend Mr. Hays leaves this town in a few days for France where he means to compleat his knowledge in the french language and acquaint himself with the mode of doing business in that nation.” He will pay his respects, and TJ’s “countenance will essentially serve a youth of real merit.” RC ( MHi ); endorsed. Recorded in SJL as delivered “(by Mr. Hays)”...
2115To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander McCaul, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your agreable favour of the 12th Ulto only yesterday, and I am very sorry that your expectations from your Estate in Virginia should have so far dissappointed your good intentions of discharging your debt agreable to stipulation. Suffice it to say at present that what remittance you can make this year will be very acceptable and this you will be pleased to do in the manner most...
2116To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lee Shippen, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not expect to have had the honor of writing to you before I reached Geneva, and it is principally to implore your protection for a parcel of letters which I have finished for America that I have determined to take that liberty. It is a parcel for which I am very anxious to ensure a speedy passage and you will oblige me Sir infinitely by procuring it. If the British Packet should sail...
211713th. (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Emery who has been very ill these four or five weeks, died last night, leaving to the wide world two orphan children, who three years ago had the fairest prospects of sharing a fortune of ten thousand pounds sterling; but who in consequence of Mr. Tracy’s misfortunes, are now almost destitute of support. I walk’d in the evening with Stacey and Little. Stacey left us. We met Putnam walking...
2118Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 13 August 1788 (Adams Papers)
We came to town last evening to dine (by invitation) this day, with the President of Congress, and this morning I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 6th. * * * * I am very sorry to hear that you have had so much sickness and so many other perplexities to encounter, since your return; it increases my desire to be with you, to assist you all in my power. I hope you will escape...
2119To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
2120From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of _____ _____). In compliance with his request I have written the letter herewith (to_____ _____) which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to...
2121[Diary entry: 13 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 13th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind still Northerly and Morning clear. In the afternoon it shifted to the Southward and became warmer. Visited the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the first—Three Plows and all the hands were at Work in the Corn ground except Cupid—who was stacking at Frenchs. Examined the Stock at this place;...
2122To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 13 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Ellwood who sails this day I have shipped the single & double refined Sugar, a Jug with two gallons of Spermaceti Lamp oil, two barrels containing six dozen of Porter, as Mr Hare advised leaving the remaining 18 dozen to be shipped next trip as it is now rather too brisk to ship and I shall send 1 Cwt of the plate Iron only for plow moulds as I have asked Mr Morris if he knew the kind...
2123To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of —— ——). In compliance with this request I have written the letter herewith to —— —— which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to gratify...
2124To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the first two numbers of the Republican, according to your request. Govr. Clinton’s letter to me for the calling of a convention is this day published by my order. It will give contentment to many, who are now dissatisfied. The problem of a new convention has many difficulties in its solution, But upon the whole, I believe the assembly of Virginia perhaps ought, and probably will...
2125From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, Sr., 13 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your two favors of June and July 11. and to thank you for the political intelligence they contained which is always interesting to me. I will ask a continuance of this, and especially that you inform me from time to time of the movements in the ports of Marseilles and Toulon which may seem to indicate peace or war. These are the most certain presages...
2126From Thomas Jefferson to Giuseppe Chiappe, 13 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous accuser la reception de plusieurs de vos lettres, c’est à dire, du 27me. Decembre, 26me. Fevrier, 6me. Mars, et 24me Mai, et de vous remercier des details que vous avez eu la bonté de m’y donner. L’amitié dont sa majesté l’Empereur (que dieu conserve) daigne d’honorer les etats unis d’Amerique leur est infiniment chere et flatteuse, et j’espere que la commerce...
212712th. (Adams Papers)
I called in the afternoon for about half an hour, at the office. Attended Miss Coombs’s funeral. It was very long. I walk’d with Putnam. As we were returning we accosted Miss Jones and Miss Fletcher; and waited on them home. After which we went to see Townsend Who came in town this forenoon; we past an hour or two there and afterwards walk’d till between nine and ten. Townsends cough, still...
2128From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, [12 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
We have a question of very great importance depending in Congress, in which the vote of your state would be decisive. It relates to the place of meeting of the future Congress—Six states and a half prefer New York five and a half Philadelphia. When your delegates were here they voted with us on the intermediate questions; but when the final question came to be put Mr. Hazard’s scruples...
2129[Diary entry: 12 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 12th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning— at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind Northerly all day but not much of it. The whole family, accompanied by Colo. Humphreys and Mr. Calvert crossed the River—dined with Mr. Geo. Digges—& returned in the Evening.
2130To George Washington from Charles Love, Jr., 12 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer has my instructions to deliver you 50–Barrels of Corn on a/c of Wm Hunter Junr Esqr. which I hope will get to hand in time to answer your purpose although much later than I wished or expected when I last had the pleasure of seeing you—However Sir should you be supplyed be pleased [to] order the Skipper to proceed on to Alexandria, as it will be no Inconvenience to Mr Hunter or...
2131To George Washington from Neil McCoull, 12 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have your Bond ⅌ £450 dated 12th Decemr 1774 & payable 10th Novemr 1775 to Mr Alexr Blair & myself—Mr Blair being since deceased I am to request you will write me how soon it will be convenient to you to take up this Bond and am very respectfully—Sir Your mo: Obt hu: Servt ALS , DLC:GW . GW wrote to James Mercer from Mount Vernon on 17 Aug.: “Dear Sir, By the last Post I received the...
2132To George Washington from Thomas Thomson, 12 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
The distress’d Situation of a Family in who’s welfare & happiness I am much interested, must plead my apology for thus addressing a person to whom I am unknown But the people of America both collectively and as individuals have long been taught to look up to your excellency for Assistance & protection against the worst of all evils, that of Slavery. The circumstance that has induced me to...
2133From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Bernard, 12 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Je vous rends mille graces, Monsieur, pour les observations meteorologiques que vous avez eu la bonté de me faire copier et de m’envoyer, et j’accepte avec empressement l’honneur que vous me proposez de me donner une place dans la liste des souscripteurs pour votre ouvrage sur l’histoire naturelle de votre païs. Il me paroit que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de me dire, quand j’avois celui de...
2134From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 12 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last to you, I have been honoured with your’s of the 18th. and 29th. of May and 5th. of June. My latest American intelligence is of the 24th. of June when 9. certainly and probably 10. states had accepted the new constitution, and there was no doubt of the 11th. (North Carolina) because there was no opposition there. In New-York ⅔ of the state was against it, and certainly if they had...
2135To Thomas Jefferson from Moustier, 12 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
La lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 17. de Mai est la premiere et la seule que j’aie reçu en reponse aux miennes depuis mon arrivée ici. La depredation qui se commettoit dans l’administration des paquebots meritoit sans doute d’etre reprimée, mais il etoit facile de les assujettir à un meilleur regime aulieu de prendre le parti de les suprimer. J’espere qu’on sera revenu de...
2136From Thomas Jefferson to John Rutledge, Jr., 12 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Obliged to make one letter serve for yourself and Mr. Shippen I have the honour to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Aug. 1. and his of July 12. and 31. By news from Virginia of the 12th. of June when their convention had been 11. days in session there was no doubt but that she, soon after that date, would give the 9th. vote in favor of the new constitution. N. Hampshire acceded to it on...
2137From Thomas Jefferson to De Vernon, 12 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
La derniere lettre que j’ai reçu de Monsieur Bannister le pere est du 23me. Decembre. Il m’y annonces ses craintes qu’il y aura peu de chose recouvré de Monsieur Marck. Il dit que M. Marck avoit retiré les interets des “Continental loans,” et une somme de principal beaucoup plus considerable qui lui avoit eté payé des fonds destinés au remboursement des creanciers etrangers par l’etat de...
213811th. (Adams Papers)
Thompson watch’d last evening; in consequence of which he felt not much disposed to study closely this day, and was but little at the office. Walk’d in the evening with Putnam. For protection against fires and other disorders, the town of Newburyport required the services of two night watchmen, chosen by the constables from a list of all able-bodied townsmen ( Currier, Newburyport John J....
2139[Diary entry: 11 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 11th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—76 at Noon and 66 at Night. Clear all day with the wind at North. Visited all the Plantatns. At the Ferry—3 plows were at wk. in the Corn, and all the Hoes (except Cupid, who was stacking Barley at French’s) were weeding and Hilling of Corn. At French’s—The Waggon and two Carts began to draw in Barley for Stacking—the hands engaged in loading,...
2140To George Washington from James Madison, 11 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York...
2141From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the arrangements for introducing the New Government. The times necessary to be fixt by Congress have been many days agreed on. The place of meeting has undergone many vicisitudes and is still as uncertain as ever. Philada. was first named by a member from Connecticut, and was negatived...
2142From James Madison to George Washington, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d. instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada. was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York...
2143Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
It has been the practice of the executive to grant pensions, to take effect only from Jany 1786. From the resolution of Congress of July 11. 1788, we are induced to think, that arrearages of pensions, as far back as Jany. 1782 at least, and perhaps earlier, may now be granted. This seems to be very just; but we do not choose to go immediately into the allowance of those arrearages, until we...
2144To James Madison from John Witherspoon, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Diploma for the Degree of Dr of Laws which the Trustees & Faculty of this College did themselves the Honour of conferring upon you last Commencement ought to have been sent long ago but as there are no printed forms for the honorary Degrees we often find it difficult to get them properly executed. This occasioned a little Delay at first which has been protracted to a very blameable Length....
2145From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of the last night, written in the moment of Mrs. Barclay’s departure, I had the honour of mentioning to you that it was now pretty certain that the States general would be assembled in the next year, and probably in the month of May. This morning an Arret is published, announcing that their meeting is fixed at the first day of May next, of which I enclose you a copy by post, in...
214610th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Kimball supplied the place of Mr. Andrews this day. I observed none of Captn. Coombs’s family were at meeting, and heard in the afternoon that his Daughter Polly, had left this world; and I trust for a better, this morning; after an illness of four or five months. In the afternoon I went to Mr. Spring’s, meeting and heard a Mr. Story preach there hammering away in the true stile upon...
2147William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 10 August 1788 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured by the receipt of your friendly Letter of July the 16 th . I supposed, that on your arrival, various matters would necessarily engage your attention; we sensibly feel for the indisposition of our good Mama, and wish she was near us, that we might each take care of a finger,— previous to our being informed of these reasons of silence, we concluded, that there was some...
2148To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 10 August 1788 (Adams Papers)
I receivd your favor, my dear Sir, by which I perceive you are once more a farmer at Braintree—a real Cincinnatus without being of that noble Body which resembles him in name alone. I am inclind to beleive that you also will be calld from your plough to fill the place of Vice President under the new Constitution. Virginia, I think, will return Gen l. Washington & yourself. If the four new...
2149[Diary entry: 10 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 67 at Night. The Wind was a little to the Eastward of No.—and as much to the Westward of it at Noon. The Morning lowered, but the weather brightned afterwards and looked more settled.
2150From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Should this letter get to your hands in time for the Sailing of Captn Ellwood—and you can readily procure 25 bushls of the best kind of Winter Barley I beg you to send it by him that I may try the success of it—The continual rains destroyed my Crop of spring Barley this year—but, if it had been otherwise, the Barley which you sent me the year before was so mixed with Oats (a circumstance I did...