2561Sunday June 20 1784. (Adams Papers)
Embarked on Board the ship Active Capt. Lyde commander, with my daughter and 2 servants for London. To go back to the painfull Scenes I endured in taking leave of my Friends and Neighbours will but excite them over again. Suffice it to say that I left my own House the 18 of June. Truly a house of mourning; full of my Neighbours. Not of unmeaning complimenters, but the Honest yeomanary, their...
2562Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Ellery Dana, 20 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Little my Dear Mrs. Dana did I think I should leave America without seeing you, but a slow fever, your absence and now a thousand thousand cares are like to deprive me of that pleasure. I must therefore submit to biding you adieu in this way. I am going to embark very soon upon the mighty waters. Never did I think I could have been persuaded to such an undertakeing unaccompanied with Husband...
2563To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [on or before 20 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Major Depontiere I wrote you a short Letter the other day, it was at the very instant of my moveing, I had neither pen or wafer, I hope you will excuse the appearance it made, I thought you would be happy to hear I was well even if it were wrote in Greek Characters. My little Richard is most amaizingly recovered since we came out here and the whole...
2564To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 20 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un Projet de repartition des Prises faites par l’Escadre aux ordres du Commodore Paul Jones dont les liquidations ont été arrettées à la somme de 386,682 l.t. -8–2 d. sauf la déduction de quelques depenses générales de peu de conséquence, et dont mr. le Rey de Chaumont doit justifier. Le Roi a decidé que la répartition de la...
2565From George Washington to François Barbé de Marbois, 20 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was with very great pleasure I received from your own pen, an acct of the agreeable, & happy connection you were about to form with Miss Moore. Though you have given many proofs of your predeliction & attachment to this Country, yet this last may be considered not only as a great & tender one, but as the most pleasing & lasting tie of affection. The accomplishments of the lady, with her...
2566From George Washington to Francis Lightfoot Lee and Ralph Wormeley, Jr., 20 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12th of March with its enclosures were long getting to hand; and arrived on the eve of a journey I was about to make to Philadelphia. My stay at that place, a round of Company since, and unavoidable business, must apologize for my silence ’till this time. For the satisfaction of Mr Montagu, I sincerely wish I could give a more pleasing detail of the proceedings under the...
2567From George Washington to I. Sailly, 20 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have been favor’d with a letter from you dated at Philaa the 4th inst:—I cannot better answer the queries therein, than by sending one of my advertisements; which is not only descriptive of my Lands in the back parts of this Country, but fully explanatory of the terms upon which they are to be obtained. If any of these lands should suit you & such families as you might incline to bring from...
2568From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 20 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of your favor of the 1st instant. It gives me pain that you should think it necessary to apologize for the delay of the marble chimney piece. it gives me much more I confess, that you ever should have thought of depriving another house of it. If it is not too late, I wou’d yet pray you to countermand the order; if it is, I must view the act as a most striking instance of...
2569John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of the 15th. on the 18th. and that of the 18th. this moment, and am happy to find that you Spend So much Time and take so much Pleasure in Chancery and Parliament. Present to Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Whiteford, my Thanks for their Politeness to you. I want to know if the Books are on their Way. You Should tell me Something of them in every Letter untill they are gone off, by...
2570To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Three Letters, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ it is long since we heard from you, we have now and then the pleasure of hearing of you— Mr. Charles Thompson told me the other day, that he had received a Letter from you dated in March, and that you then were well; this is the last account we have of you— I confess I have been pleasing myself with the expectation of seeing you at...
2571To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Brand Hollis, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The loss of a young person of fine dispositions and excellent principles, & in whose education I greatly interested my self, as intending him to be my son & heir, has prevented me attending to matters which at another time would have engaged my thoughts; was it not for this, I should justly incur the imputation of negligence, as it is some time since I...
2572To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Rati, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The subscriber a Subject of the Thirteen United American States Inhabitant of Salem in New-England, having sailed from thence since the 20th: of July 1782 & been trading in the W-Indies & on the Spanish Main, upon a report that the Moors of barbary did not choose to prey upon any American Flagg having attempted to Come from Martinicca to this Port with...
2573To George Washington from Daniel Parker, 21 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 28th Ulto respecting the Plate wrote for by my brother Dr Parker, since his Arrival in England he wrote me that he should go to Birmingham on purpose to have that Order executed to his mind, & that he expected to Ship them in the Minerva for New York, since which the Minerva has arrived, but he had not return’d from Birmingham before that Ship...
2574To James Madison from John Blair Smith, 21 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to interrupt your attention to important business, by introducing a matter in this letter, which you are already tired of. However as it is of some importance, I presume upon your usual patience & candor. Since my arrival at home, I have seen a part of your Journals, & by them have learned the objects of the Petition from the Episcopal Clergy, which in one or two instances, appear...
2575Bill Authorizing an Amendment in the Articles of Confederation, [21 June] 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whether JM introduced the resolution on 19 May calling for compliance with the act of Congress (17 Feb. 1783) that sought to apportion taxes amongst the states according “to the value of all land … & improvements thereon” is highly conjectural. JM thought a land tax scheme unreasonable and on 21 June he seized the opportunity to strike at the weakness, as he viewed it, of Article VIII of the...
2576From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 21 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I find on my arrival here that there is no vessel going for France from any Eastern port. There is a new brig of Mr. Tracy’s which sails for London in about ten days; but besides the objection to the place of her destination, another arises to that crowd of passengers to which we should be exposed in merchant ships without corresponding accomodations. I here learn that the French packet sails...
2577To Thomas Jefferson from Ezra Stiles, 21 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your Letter of the 10th. Inst. which I received by Col. Humphrys three days ago; in which you are pleased to ask some Communications, which may be wrought into an Illustration of your Theory in opposition to the Opinion of M. Buffon. Narratives of the marvellous in natural History, and Reasonings upon them, are apt to subject the Virtuosi to the Imputation of Credulity and...
2578To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 21 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have presumed to desire my Friend, Col. Humphrys to present to your Excellency a copy of Mc.Fingal. Poets in all ages have aspired to the patronage and esteem of the most illustrious Characters of their times. But while I wish for the honour of being approved by a Gentleman, who joins to his public virtues, so great a share of literary merit, I must own that I depend more on the partiality...
2579Resolutions on Private Debts Owed to British Merchants, Resolution B, [ca. 22–23 June 1784] (Madison Papers)
⟨J. M.’s propositions to the Gen. Assembly see Journal⟩ Whereas by the 4th. article of the Definitive Treaty of Peace ratified and proclaimed by the United States in Congress assembled on the 14th. day of Jany. last “it is agreed that Creditors on either side shall meet with no lawful impediment to the recovery of the full value in sterling money, of all bona fide debts heretofore contracted:”...
2580[John Adams’ Diary resumes.] (Adams Papers)
Last night at Court one of the Ladies of Honour, told me, that the Supper was given, in a great Measure, for Mrs. Bingham. Cette Super a été donne, en grande Partie, pour elle. There was great Enquiry after her, and much Admiration expressed by all who had seen her, of her Beauty. As the Princess of Orange was enquiring of me concerning her, and her Journey to Spa, Paris, Italy, the Spanish...
2581The Hague June 22. 1784. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Last night at Court one of the Ladies of Honour, told me, that the Supper was given, in a great Measure, for Mrs. Bingham. Cette Super a été donne, en grande Partie, pour elle. There was great Enquiry after her, and much Admiration expressed by all who had seen her, of her Beauty. As the Princess of Orange was enquiring of me concerning her, and her Journey to Spa, Paris, Italy, the Spanish...
2582II. Marie Dumas’ Inventory of Household Furnishings, 22 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inventaires, de tout ce qui appartient a son Excellence Monsieur Adams Ecuÿer &c &c. tant, ce que j’ai recu D’amsterdam, que ce que j’ai achetté par ordre de son Excellence monsieur adams, come aussi ce que j’ai achetté, qui ettoit absolument necessaire dans son Hotel, plusieurs articles qui ne se trouveront point sur les inventaires de Monsieur Thaxter, come, chaises, tables, tapis de toute...
Inventories of everything belonging to his Excellency Mr. Adams, esquire, as well as what I received from Amsterdam that I purchased per order of his Excellency Mr. Adams, and also items that I purchased that were absolutely necessary for his home. Several articles will not be found on Mr. Thaxter’s inventory, such as chairs, tables, carpets of all sorts, mirrors, beds, and several articles of...
2584John Adams to the president of Congress, 22 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
If my Memory does not deceive me, I have heretofore transmitted to Congress, the Advice of some of the foreign Ministers here, that the United States in Congress assembled, Should write a Letter to each of the Sovereigns of Europe, informing them of the compleat Establishment of their Independance. Lately in seperate Conversations, with the Ministers of the two Empires, and the King of...
Account of Bills of Exchange drawn by the Comm rs. of Loans in America on Henry Laurence & John Adams Esq rs. at Amsterdam.— 1780 Feb y. 25 In whose favor Charles Harady N o. 5 . . . . 1100 . . . . . . . . 1.100 July 6 th. Joseph Carlton from T Smith 137 Bills of 550 Guilders N o. 32 @ 41— 44 @ 61— 65 @ 75 77 @ 79— 82 & 83— 86 @ 103 105 @ 139— 144 @ 152— 167 @ 190 192 & 193 . . . . . say...
2586To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 22 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our Mutual Friend Mr Hollis has just left this with me to send to your Excellency which I inclose in a packett to Monsr: Genet and dare say that you will receive it safe. I did myself the honour to send you through the hands of Mr Hartley Mr Champions observations on Lord Sheffields book, which I hope you received safe & in a few days I shall convey by the...
2587To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 22 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Colo. Humphrys needs not as some others Letters of Recommendation, being himself his own Epistle to every one who would take Knowledge of real Worth & singular Merit. He was educated in this College, of which he was formerly elected a Tutor or Professor. He has distinguished himself in our Army through the War, and Gen. Washington has taken him into his...
2588I: Resolution of the Virginia Legislature, 22 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Resolved that the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a Statue of General Washington to be of the finest Marble and best Workmanship with the following Inscription on its Pedestal; vizt The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have caused this Statue to be erected as a monument of affection and gratitude to George Washington—who uniting to the endowment of the...
2589Resolution for Procuring a Statue of General Washington, 22 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Resolved that the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a Statue of General Washington to be of the finest marble and best Workmanship with the following inscription on its pedestal Viz: The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia have caused this Statue to be erected as a monument of affection and Gratitude to George Washington who uniting to the endowments of the...
2590To Thomas Jefferson from John Sullivan, with Memoranda on the Moose, 22 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I was some time since honored with your favor of the 27th of April and postponed my answer in order to obtain Mr. Dores answer to your Queries respecting the Moose. I now inclose you Mr. Hasseys answer to my Letter with answers to your Queries taken by him from Mr. Dore and the other Hunters in that Quarter. I also send you answers from Gilbert Warren a famous hunter in the province of Main....
2591Wedensday [23 June]. (Adams Papers)
Our ship dirty, ourselves sick. Went upon deck and sent the servants down to clean her up: very little attention is paid on Board this Ship to that first of virtues cleanliness. I wonder this necessary virtue was not ranked amongst those which are called Cardinel and Deified. I have often reflected upon the observation of my best Friend, that of all Beings a Lady at Sea was the most...
2592Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 23 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
There are several Arrivals from America one of which has, I am told, brought a Packet addressed to your Excellency & to D r Franklin. I have received some Letters which contain Nothing worth your Excellencys Knowledge—but the inclosed Paper, which I take the Liberty of sending, least it should be omitted by your Correspondants. you will Know, by the writing, from whom it came, it was sent me...
2593Resolutions on Private Debts Owed to British Merchants, Resolution C, [23 June 1784] (Madison Papers)
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee , That the delegates representing this State in Congress, be instructed to lay before that body, the subject matter of the preceding report and resolution, and to request from them a remonstrance to the British court complaining of the aforesaid infraction of the treaty of peace, and desiring a proper reparation for the injuries consequent...
2594Thursday [24 June]. (Adams Papers)
A fine wind and clear air but the Ship going before the wind rolls sadly. Dr. Clark has been well through the whole, and kindly attentive to us. If he had been our Brother he could not have been more so. I know not what we should have done without him. No airs, but a pleasent, Benevolent, friendly kindness, as tho he was rewarded by the disposition alone of doing good. Our Captain an exelent...
2595III. Marie Dumas’ Inventory of Household Furnishings, 24 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inventaires de la Batterie de cuisine, selon que je l’ai recue de Monsieur John Thaxter, et come Son Excellence Monsieur Adams, pourra toujours voir Sur le compte du ferblantier, qui a tout Etainne la dite Batterie de cuisine Selon L’accord que l’on avoit fait avec lui, Les comptes ont Eté Livrés à Son Excellence Monsieur Adams dans L’année 1782. all this articles found in good order. (Was...
2596III. Marie Dumas’ Inventory of Household Furnishings: A Translation, 24 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inventory of the kitchen, according to the one I received from Mr. John Thaxter. Mr. Adams is always able to see the account at the tinsmith, who made all the pots, pans, and utensils for the kitchen according to their agreement. The accounts were delivered to his Excellency Mr. Adams in 1782. all this articles found in good order. (Was signed) F: Lotter I Marie Dumas certify that what Mr....
2597To Alexander Hamilton from Clement Richard, 24 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 24, 1784. Discusses a legal controversy between Richard and Gommes. Agrees to give half of any damages received from Gommes to the New York City poorhouse. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. Richard was a merchant of Santo Domingo. This could be either Isaac Gomez or Moses Gomez, both of whom were New York City merchants.
2598To Benjamin Franklin from Wadsworth & Church, 24 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messrs Wadsworth & Church present their respectfull Compliments to Doctr Franklin—they much regret that it is not in their power to wait on the Doctr as they leave Paris early tomorrow Morning. If the Doctr has any commands for London they will be happy to obey them Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctr Franklin / Passy Notation: Wathworth & Church 24 June...
2599II: Address of the Virginia Legislature, 24 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Representatives of this Commonwealth would be unfaithful to the sentiments of their Constituents as well as do violence to their own, did they omit this occasion of congratulating you on the final establishment of Peace which has taken place since their last Meeting, and in the opportunity which this event has given for you to return to the felicities of private life. We shall ever...
2600From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your letter by Capt: Cowherd with that of my brother’s have been just put into my hand. I shall leave to him the sale of the Tobo. belonging to Capt: Conway & Ambrose, not being at leisure myself to do it before he proposes to set out. I think it will be well to accept of Mr. Lawson’s offer of the Madeira. I shall do the best I can towards satisfying the Treasury on acct. of Mr. Winslow. Majr...
2601John Adams to Samuel Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your Favours of the 16 & 17 of April, and am fully with you in Sentiment, that “the Sooner a commercial Treaty is settled with the English, the better,” but you must be Sensible that no Treaty can be made untill Somebody or other, one or more, are authorized by Congress. While every British Minister is dancing on a slack Rope and afraid of every popular Wind, least...
2602Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter by the Post and Express almost at the same time. Your things went away last Night at Eleven o’Clock, and Inclosed I send you an Account of them. It shou’d have gone by the Express but it was Very late before the affair was finish’d, and he will shew you a Duplicate of it— I Packed your Two Trunks Myself, and if they do not meet with any Interuption at the Barriers they...
2603Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 25 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
At the Very instant of Sailing for America, I stop to Send You the New Modelled Regulations of the Cincinnati— My principles Ever Have Been Against Heredity, and While I was in Europe disputing about it with a few friends, My letters to the Assembly, and still more Particularly to the president, Made them Sensible of My Opinion Upon that Matter— Untill Heredity Was Given Up, I forbeared...
2604Loose Thoughts on a Universal Fluid, [25 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society (two); copies of French translation: Library of Congress (two), Bibliothèque de l’Institut de France In this series of speculations, Franklin tried to combine into one theory his long-held beliefs about light, heat, and fire. The concept he used to link these phenomena—the subtle...
2605From George Washington to Edward Snickers, 25 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return from Philada, I found your favor of the 17th of May at this place. For your kind intention to make me a visit, I thank you, & shall always be glad to see you when it is convenient. With respect to the other matters mentioned in your letter, all that business is now in the hands of the Honorable Mr John Mercer, by a decree of the high Court of Chancery of this State. I have...
2606Franklin’s Journal, [26 June 1784–27 July 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AD supplemented by WTF ’s edited transcript: Library of Congress. Mr. Waltersdorff called on me, and acquainted me with a Duel that had been fought yesterday Morg between a French Officer, and a Swedish Gentleman of that Kings Suite, in which the latter was killed on the Spot, and the other dangerously wounded:— That the King does not resent it, as he thinks his Subject was in the...
2607William Bingham to John Adams, 26–27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
When I had last the pleasure of Seeing you, I was not altogether determined what Route I Should take— I rather inclined to the Idea of returning by the Hague— From a Desire of introducing more Variety & Novelty in my Excursion thro this Country, I have now resolved on passing thro’ Utrecht, for which place I Shall take my Departure in a few Days— If you Should have no further occasion for the...
2608Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dodge has just informed me of his design to go to Boston tomorrow, and has kindly offered to convey a Letter. I thank you for Yours, and more for the Care of our little Daughter, and for the affection you discover in writing to me so much about her. I find that almost every thing is of importance, that relates to our dear Children. She never lodged out of the House a night in her life...
2609Opinion in Controversy between Joseph Jones and William Lee, 26 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
A dispute between Mr. Joseph Jones of King George and Mr. William Lee being mutually referred to us: We are of opinion that Mr. Jones never was an enemy to the payment of British or other debts: We are also of opinion that Mr. Lee’s inference respecting the opposition of Mr. Jones to the payment of debts, was founded on Mr. Jones’ support to the prohibitory laws revived last session of...
2610Sunday June 27. (Adams Papers)
I have been so sick that I could not be regular in my journal. We have had two days calm since we came to Sea. The rest of the time good winds which have brought us on our Way rejoiceing, for we have not had any bad weather except rain, thunder and lightning one evening which was not severe. I have been surprized at myself to find that I can sleep notwithstanding the lasshing of the waves; and...