2251[July 1788] (Adams Papers)
It was nine o’clock before I could get away from Braintree this morning, and I arrived at the Colleges just before the exhibition began. A Latin Oration was spoken by Kirkland and was very well. The Forensic between Palmer and Waterman was tolerable, but I forget the subject. The english Dialogue between Thacher and Gray was well spoken, but rather stiff. The greek Dialogue between the...
2252[July 1788] (Washington Papers)
July first. Thermometer at 68 in the morning—74 at Night and 78 at Night. Wind at So. West in the forenoon but calm afterwards. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the first, the Plows and harrows were at work, as usual. The other people having gathered up, and put the Rye in shocks, went this morning to assist in Weeding Corn & Planting Potatoes at French’s. At...
2253From Thomas Jefferson to Montmorin, [ca. July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your Excellency’s information a letter I have received from a person in London on the subject of the act lately passed by the British parliament for the encouragement of their whale fishery, as also the act itself. The writer of the letter is in a situation to know tolerably well what passes. He is attentive and worthy of credit. This act has two distinct...
225431st. (Adams Papers)
I amuse myself in reading Junius’s letters; which though the factious productions of a partizan, contain many excellent observations upon men and manners. We met this evening at Putnam’s. Thompson left us to go to Lecture! Below JQA ’s line-a-day entry for 31 July in D/JQA/13, he has written in Byrom’s shorthand method “year August 28th,” the significance of which is unknown to the editors,...
2255[Diary entry: 31 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 31st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind still at No. Et. but not hard at any time of the day—tolerably clear. Rid to all the Plantations. At the Ferry—five Plows were at Work as yesterday. The other hands were hilling or hoeing Corn, though the ground was very heavy and wet. At French’s—The People with those from Dogue Run were pulling flax and cutting...
2256To George Washington from John Beale Bordley, 31 July 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Beale Bordley, 31 July 1788. On 17 Aug. GW wrote Bordley : “The letter with which you honord me, dated the 31st ult. . . . came safe to hand.”
2257To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 31 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I received your very obliging favor of the 29th Ulto and feel grateful for the pleasure it gave me by communicating the joy which was felt in your vicinity upon receiving the doubly pleasing intelligence of the accession of New Hampshire & Virginia to the proposed Constitution. Its adoption by the latter State gave peculiar & inexpressible satisfaction to the good people in these parts; for...
2258From George Washington to James McHenry, 31 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your recent favour, which has been duly received, I can only observe; that, as I never go from home except when I am obliged by necessary avocations, and as I meddle as little as possible with politics that my interference may not give occasion for impertinent imputations, so I am less likely than almost any person to have been informed of the circumstance to which you allude. That...
2259From George Washington to Noah Webster, 31 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 14th instant, and can only answer you briefly, and generally from memory: that a combined operation of the land and naval forces of France in America for the year 1781, was preconcerted the year before: that the point of attack was not absolutely agreed upon, because it would be easy for the Count de Grasse, in good time before his departure from the West...
2260To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
My last letters to you were of the 3d & 25. of May. Yours from Orange, of Apr. 22. came to hand on the 10th. inst. My letter to mr. Jay containing all the public news that is well authenticated, I will not repeat it here, but add some details in the smaller way which you may be glad to know. The disgrace of the Marquis de la Fayette which at any other period of their history would have had the...
2261From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 31 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to you yesterday, and after sending my letter to the post-office, received a notification that the distribution of the gazette of Leyden here was prohibited. The purpose of the present therefore is merely to ask the favor of you to make interest with your friend Luzac to send me the paper by post during the interval of it’s prohibition. If put under a common letter...
2262From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 31 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I was mentioning to-day to my friend the Count Diodati, minister plenipotentiary for the Duke of Mecklenberg-Schwerin, that I had asked the favor of you to have the Leyden gazette sent to me by post, during the suspension of it’s distribution here, and he asked of me to procure at the same time the same benefit for him, being disposed as myself to pay the postage rather than be without the...
2263To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 31 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Esperant que ma Lettre du 24e. Courant, avec une Dépeche pour le Congrès, est bien parvenue à V.E., J’ai l’honneur de lui acheminer ci-joint un Postcrit à la même Dépeche. Je n’ai rien à ajouter à ce que Votre Excellence y lira, sinon, que l’avis de l’accession de l’Etat de N. Hampshire, et de l’Election de Mr. Pendleton pour présider à la Convention de 140 Députés, qui a commencé ses séances...
2264From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letters to you were of the 3d and 25. of May. Yours from Orange of Apr. 22. came to hand on the 10th. inst. My letter to Mr. Jay containing all the public news that is well authenticated, I will not repeat it here, but add some details in the smaller way which you may be glad to know. The disgrace of the Marquis de la fayette which at any other period of their history would have had...
2265To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lee Shippen, 31 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Every stage of my journey has reminded me of you, and the remembrance has always been accompanied with gratitude and regard. And it was but natural that it should be so, since every stage has given me the sense of a new obligation, and how could I regard but with thankfulness and affection the goodness which was the author of it? At Dusseldorff I examined the gallery of paintings which you so...
226630th. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon Mr. Cutler called at our office, and perswaded me to ride with him up to Mr. Brown’s farm; where we found a number of young Ladies. The afternoon was tolerably insipid: we drank tea there; and afterwards escorted the Ladies. I rode with Miss Jones, and left her at Captain Fletcher’s. I afterwards returned there, but she was already gone. There was a very brilliant northern light...
2267Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 30 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
one line by my son inquires after the health of my Friend, at Braintree. do you begin to feel at home. & will you not after becoming a little Domesticateed in your native town think of an excursion to plimouth where you will find the same Friend, the same hospitality & undissembleed affection which in my opinion Gives the truest Zest to human life. you have seen all the Varietiy. & perhaps...
2268[Diary entry: 30 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.—78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A heavy morning with sprinklings of Rain; one of which, about 10 oclock, was a pretty heavy shower about Dogue run. Afternoon less cloudy with the wind brisk from the No. Et. & East. A red light (supposed to be the Aurora Borealis) in the North. Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Muddy hole Plantations. At the Ferry—five...
2269To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 30 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was favourd with yours of 20th and by the same post sent a ps. of velvet Ribbon to pattern 15 yards for 9/6—which I sent because it cost less in a store than 12 yds would do in a retale Shop. Capt. Ellwood is arrived but I have not seen him yet (as I shall do) about the wheel of the Plough and by him I shall ship the Articles orderd & then forward the Account Current—Altho’ we had plentiful...
2270From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 30 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been much obliged by your favor of the 23 instant, which I have delayed to answer, in the daily prospect of being able to include the decision of Congress on the place for the first meeting of the New Government. This point continues however unfixt. Perhaps it may be brought to an issue to day. From the result of the first question taken on it, the pretensions of Philada. bade fair for...
2271From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Barclay, 30 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved a letter from Mr. Barclay and another from Mr. Bondfeild by which I find it probable you will be setting out immediately for America. I am to dine at Chatoux tomorrow, and will do myself the honour of waiting on you either in the forenoon, or after dinner, to know whether there is any thing in which I can be serviceable to you before your departure. Should Mr. Barclay’s...
2272From Thomas Jefferson to Maria Cosway, 30 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Cease to chide me. It is hard to have been chained to a writing table, drudging over business daily from morning to night ever since my return to Paris. It will be a cruel exaggeration, if I am to lose my friends into the bargain. The only letter of private friendship I wrote on my return, and before entering on business, was to you. The first I wrote after getting through my budget was to...
2273From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 30 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24th. has just come to hand, and that of the 20th. of June had never been acknoleged. I congratulate you on the news just received of the accession of New Hampshire to the new Constitution which suffices to establish it. I have the honor to inclose you details on that subject, as also on the reception of Mr. Adams, which you will be so good as to reduce to such a size as may...
2274From Thomas Jefferson to André Limozin, 30 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I know nothing myself of the person who was the subject of your letter of the 27th. except a mere slight personal acquaintance. But I have been told that he has been very unsuccesful in commerce, and that his affairs are very much deranged. I own I wish to see the beef trade with America taken up by solid hands, because it will give new life to our Northern states. In general they do not know...
2275From Thomas Jefferson to Montmorin, 30 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that the new Constitution proposed for the United states is finally established by the vote of nine states. New Hampshire acceded to it certainly on the 24th. of June, and I have great reason to conclude that Virginia had done it some days before, in which case the vote of New-Hampshire would be the tenth. I have the honour to be with sentiments of...
227629th. (Adams Papers)
After spending the day as usual, I walk’d with Stacey and Putnam. After going some way into Newbury we return’d, and walk’d upon a sort of a terrass in high Street. We there saw a number of young Ladies who seemed to expect to be accosted; and some of whom finally sat down on the grass, perhaps to see if that would not call our attention to them; but we were really inexorable: notwithstanding...
2277[Diary entry: 29 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning—81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Little or no wind—Morning though somewhat clear about sun rise soon became very thick foggy and heavy—after which the Wind came out—first at No. Wt. and then shifted to the No. Et. at which it continued. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—Five plows were turning in Buck Wheat two of them from Frenchs. The other...
2278From Thomas Jefferson to M. Amoureux, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Admiral Paul Jones having only desired me to receive his money, without saying how I should dispose of it, there is no occasion for you to remit it to me till the expiration of the 6. months credit you have given on the sale. But in the mean time I shall be glad to be informed what will be the exact sum you will remit that I may ask his orders in the first letter I write him. As you are...
2279From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The first article of the Arret of Dec. 29. permits expressly the importation of Spermaceti on paying the duty of 7₶-10 the Quintal and 10. sols the livre, and the general laws of the kingdom allow the importation of cotton spun for cambric at 20₶ the Quintal. I should think it adviseable to tender these duties: if they demand any others, they should produce the law authorizing it. I suppose...
2280From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Darcel, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not accept the inclosed bills of exchange because I am not the person to whom they are addressed. I am named Minister plenipotentiary of the U.S. for transacting their affairs with the court of France, but with nothing to do in any other matter. These bills are directed to the Commissioners of the U.S. at Paris, that is to say to Doctr. Franklin, Mr. Deane and Mr. Lee who were appointed...
2281From Thomas Jefferson to James Fanning, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honour to inclose you the letter of Mr. Baldwin of Georgia on the subject of your lands. In consequence of what he says I should think it adviseable for you to renew your applications to Messrs. Shoolbred and Moody to induce them to act as your attornies in this business. I shall always be ready to take care of your letters and to give you any other assistance in my power. I...
2282From Thomas Jefferson to Gallimard, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 2d. instant I have the honour to inclose you a pamphlet containing the advice of Doctr. Franklin to persons proposing to emigrate to America. No person is better qualified than him to give advice on this subject. At the same time I would recommend to all those who propose to remove thither, to go there themselves before they carry their family, or even sell off...
2283From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received the inclosed letter from Julien Laurent claiming his wages as Volunteer on board the Bonhomme Richard, I have the honour of forwarding it to you, supposing it will of course be referred to the proper office to take order on. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 87, ii )....
2284From Thomas Jefferson to Julien Laurent, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, votre lettre au sujet des appointements qui vous sont redues en qualité de volontaire sur le corsaire le Bonhomme Richard. Mais comme je ne suis pas chargé de decider sur ces reclamations, ni de les payer, je m’empresserai d’envoyer votre lettre á Monsieur Jay, Secretaire des affaires etrangeres pour le Congrés pour demander la-dessus les ordres du bureau á qui ce...
2285From Thomas Jefferson to Meier & Cie., 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor on the subject of the duties demanded at Bayonne on the oils of Mr. Derby came here during my absence on a journey to Holland which has occasioned a delay of the answer. It appears perfectly reasonable that oils which came from America directly to Lorient and were sent from there to Bayonne should pay the Hanse duties only, as having come from the United States to France directly,...
2286From Thomas Jefferson to John Polson, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Soon after your application to me I wrote to Genl. Stephens, near Winchester, and also to Mr. Joseph Jones in King George county, on the subject of your lands , but have received no answer from either, and therefore can give you no information whether they are confiscated or not. I should think it adviseable for you to write to both those gentlemen for information, referring them to the...
2287To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 29 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am afraid I have been guilty of an omission. In looking over some of your letters I find your request to have the address of the best classical bookseller, to which I beleive I never gave you any answer:—I enquir’d however in time, and am assur’d that Payne at the King’s Mews [Gate] is as good as any if not the best. I have your letters to Stockdale now in my [hands] having been very busy...
228828th. (Adams Papers)
I finished reading Bacon’s pleas and pleading: but the subject is so knotty that I must at some future period, read this over once or twice more. I began a third time upon Blackstone, a book which a lawyer cannot possibly read too much. In the evening I walk’d into Newbury with Stacey. I have been engaged for some days upon a matter which takes all my leisure time: it is in writing a piece for...
2289[Diary entry: 28 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 28. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.—80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Morning very heavy with the Wind Southerly—About 7 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so for half an hour, fast; after which through the day there were light showers and close funky weather. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run & Muddy hole. At the first—three plows were plowing in Buck Wheat—the...
2290From George Washington to Robert Hanson Harrison, 28 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
The bearer hereof—the Honble Judge Harrison of Maryland—is hereby authorized to take possession of Houses and lotts in the Town of Bath in the County of Berkeley, and to have the Free and uninterupted use of them during his stay at that place who ever may have them in care or occupation is requested to surrender them accordingly. Given under my hand this 28th day of July 1788 LB , DLC:GW ....
2291To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 28 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been for some time past endeavoring to state the claims and Collect the Debts due to Mr Bennetts Estate & as I find among others they claim a Sum due from the Estate of Mr Thomas Colville late of this County, I have applied to Mr Thomas West for an Acct of the disposition of the Monies arising from the Sale of the Maryland Tract, also the Legacy left by Mr Colville to Mr Bennett, and...
2292To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is with the most sincere satisfaction that I congratulate you on the unconditiona⟨l⟩ adoption of the constitution by the Convention of this state. The particulars of this important event are contained in this days paper herein enclosed. Messrs Jay Hamilton and the rest of the federalists have derived great honor from their temperate and wise conduct during the tedious debates on this...
2293To Thomas Jefferson from Gaudenzio Clerici, 28 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Châlon-sur-Saône, 28 July 1788 . For more than forty days he has promised himself the pleasure of paying his respects to TJ and announcing his determination to return to America; but the bad state of his health prevents him from realizing this pleasure. Had a pleasant passage from Genoa to Nice; on the way from Nice to Avignon he contracted a fever which he supposed ephemeral and not...
2294From Thomas Jefferson to John Brown Cutting, 28 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honour of writing you on the 24th. inst. the transactions on the Black sea were but vaguely known. I am now able to give them to you on better foundation. The Captain Pacha was proceeding with succours to Oczakoff as is said by some (for this fact does not come on the same authority with the others), the authentic account placing the two fleets in the neighborhood of each other...
2295From Thomas Jefferson to John Trumbull, 28 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter to Mr. Bannister being of importance to me, as covering notice of a protested bill of exchange, I must ask the favor of you to send it by some vessel going into James river, or by the packet under cover to the Delegates of Virginia in Congress if the packet be not sailed. The packets of this country being discontinued I shall be obliged to trouble you sometimes with my...
229627th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Andrews preached for us this day; and was somewhat longer than usual to the great satisfaction of some people who cannot easily be contented. Mr. Spring, and Mr. Murray, both had a third meeting in the evening; it was occasional at Mr. Murray’s, but Mr. Spring is determined henceforth to make a practice of giving a lecture on Sundays; besides, one in the evening, on Thursdays. As Mr....
2297Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 27 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Last Thursday I had the pleasure of receiving my dear papa’s kind letter of July 16th. I was very impatient to hear of your welfare. My mamma’s letter, received a few days before, was the first particular account I had heard of the situation of the health of my dear parents since your arrival. My brothers have been very inattentive to me; I fear they have forgot the duties they owe to an elder...
2298[Diary entry: 27 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 27. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 76 at Night—More or less cloudy with a heavy Shower of Rain about 3 oclock. Wind Southerly. Whilst we were at Dinner Judge Harrison of Maryland came in and stayed all Night.
2299To George Washington from Chartier de Lotbinière, 27 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
At length the State of New York, of which I had always the greatest doubt, as being the seat of British Corruption, has adopted the new Constitution like the others; whereupon I have the honour to make my most particular compliments—And from the extreme attention I have paid in pursuing the persons employed even through their most intricate windings & from the different movements I have made...
2300To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is whispered here that some leading characters among you have by no means dropped their resentment to the new constitution, but have determined on some secret plan to suspend the proper organization of the government or to defeat it altogether. This is so serious and alarming a circumstance that it is necessary to be apprised of its truth, and extent that we may be on our guard against...