2951From Thomas Jefferson to Matthew Clarkson, 17 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been here but few days and as yet seen but little of the place or people I cannot pretend to decide from my own observations on the hopes which may be justly formed here of success in your mission. From the conversations I have had on the subject they appear to me small indeed. Dr. Franklin is decidedly of opinion they are desperate here, and Mr. Adams that they are so both here and in...
2952Wednesday [18th.] (Adams Papers)
Coll. Humphreys arrived. David Humphreys , a former aide-decamp to Washington, was appointed on 12 May secretary to the Commission (which included JA , Franklin, and Jefferson) to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with foreign powers ( DAB Allen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography , New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements. ; JCC Worthington...
2953John Adams to Matthew Clarkson, 18 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
I wish well enough to the University of New York, to give you every Letter of Recommendation to Gentlemen in Holland which I can give with Decency, if you should determine to go there: But I have already tryed Such an Experiment, in favour of D r Wheelock, the President of Dartmouth Colledge, with so little Success, that I cannot advise you to make an Attempt. It is unnecessary to enter into...
2954From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Howe, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I received lately the very valuable Voyage of the late Captain Cooke, kindly sent to me by your Lordship, in consideration of my Good-will in issuing Orders towards the protection of that illustrious Discoverer from any Interruption in his Return home by American Cruisers. The Reward vastly exceeds the small Merit of the Action, which was no more than a Duty to...
2955From Benjamin Franklin to James Hutton, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Moravian Church House, London This will be delivered to you by my Grandson, a good Lad, whom you may remember to have seen with me here. I beg Leave to recommend him to your Civilities and Counsels. He goes to London chiefly to pay his Duty to his unfortunate Father. By his Return I hope to hear of your Welfare; and I wish also to hear of the Welfare of our Brethren in Labrador, and how...
2956From Benjamin Franklin to Giuseppe Doria Pamphili, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Archives of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide Mr. Franklin assure de son Respect son Excellence le Nonce, et lui envoye Copie de L’Instruction du Congrès qu’il a eu l’honneur de lui communiquer hier—avec une Traduction qu’il a paru desirer. Written by L’Air de Lamotte. BF enclosed a copy, made by BFB , of the second paragraph of the May 11 congressional instructions ( XLII , 222) and a...
2957To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
A direct opportunity for America having offered itself thro’ the medium of Colo. Franks I again indulge myself in writing to my dear General; and take the most heartfelt satisfaction in acknowledging the receipt of the Dispatches which were so obligingly addressed for me to the care of Govr Jefferson—who arrived in this City about ten days before me. Tho I dare not undertake to say in this...
2958To George Washington from James Mercer, 18 August 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Mercer, 18 Aug. 1784. On 25 Aug. GW wrote to Mercer : “My Sister handed me your favor of the 18th.”
2959To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 18 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Excellency’s letters of the 4th and 11th. The first inclosing Bank Bills for 90 dollars which I beleive is more than sufficient—but Mr Peters has been so ill, that I have not been able to procure the Cost of the wheat Fan. My Clerk remembers shipping the Handle from hence. I am glad your Carpenter is like to please you—Having not met with a Bricklayer, I shall desist looking...
2960From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 18 August 1784 (Jay Papers)
Your kind Letter of the 30 Ult. was delivered to me Yesterday by M r Lewis. I thank you very sincerely for your friendly Congratulations on my Return, and assure you that among the Pleasures I have long promised myself from it, that of renewing our former Intercourse & Correspondence is not the least. I lament the unfortunate accident which has happened to your eldest Daughter; and which has...
2961From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 18 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have been so kind as to take with the bearer, but am under a necessity of giving you a little more. I understand the French so imperfectly as to be incertain whether those to whom I speak and myself mean the same thing. I am also ignorant what should be given to such a person as the bearer. I have therefore taken the liberty of referring him to you...
2962[19th.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday went into Paris shopping.
2963From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 19 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: Library of Congress I recieved your kind Letter of Apl. 17. You will have the goodness to place my delay in answering to the Account of Indisposition & Business, & excuse it. I have now that letter before me; and my Grandson whom you may formerly remember a little Scholar of Mr. Elphinson’s, purposing to set out in a day or two on a visit to his Father in London, I set...
2964Deed of Gift of Orange County Lands, 19 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
This indenture made the nineteenth day of August One Thousand Seven hundred eighty four Between James Madison the Elder of the County of Orange of One Part And James Madison the Younger his Son of the sd. County of the Other Part Witnesseth that the Said James Madison the elder in Consideration of Paternal affection and of five Shillings the Receipt of which is hereby Acknowledged Doth by...
2965Bill of Sale for Orange County Lands, 19 August 1784 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1784 . A standard bill of sale conveying 281 acres in Orange County from JM’s parents, James Madison, Sr., and Nelly Madison, to Francis Cowherd, for £400 “current money.” Signed by five witnesses. Ms ( DLC ). Entirely in JM’s hand, except for the signatures of sellers, buyer, and witnesses.
2966To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Beauharnais, 20 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettéz, Monsieur, que je vous envoie ce memoire en faveur d’un infortuné digne a tous egards de votre compassion? Vous y verrés qu’une chute qu’il a faite l’hiver dernier le met hors detat de continuér ses travaux; votre coeur genereux et sensible qui previent les besoins des malheureux qui les devine meme me repond que celui cy vous interessera, oui...
2967To Benjamin Franklin from [François-Louis?] Perregaux, 20 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Perregaux a l’honeur de présenter ses civilités à Monsieur le Docteur Francklin & ainsi qu’il le désire celui de lui envoyer incluse la traitte de Mr. Leveux de Calais de l.t. 1722 5 s. sur lui afin qu’il y aye la complaisance de l’accepter & de la lui renvoyer par la petite poste— Notation: Perregaux 20 Aout 1784 An associate in the Perregaux bank,...
2968From Antonio Francesco Salucci & fils and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 20 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Franklin continued to receive a variety of unsolicited manuscripts and proposals. Many of the schemes involved commercial ventures with America. The first of these, published here as a sample, is from Salucci & fils, a Tuscan firm that had already sent goods to the United States and wished to keep doing so. A memorandum in the hand of Ferdinand Grand notes...
2969From George Washington to Chastellux, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Marqs de la Fayette, who I had been long looking for with the eyes of friendship and impatience, arrived here on Tuesday last and presented me your favor of the 16th of June. I thank you My Dr Sir, for every testimony of your recollection of me, and every fresh assurance you give me of the continuation of your friendship is pleasing: it serves (to borrow an Indian phraze) to brighten the...
2970From George Washington to James Crane, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter which is left open for your perusal, will give you my sentiments respecting the sale of the Widow Bartletts Lease. Please to seal, before you send or deliver it. I shall have no objection to a transfer of the purchaser, if likely to fulfill the objects I had in view—& the conditions of the Lease are complied with. I am Sir &c. LB , DLC:GW . James Crane of Berkeley County,...
2971From George Washington to William Drew, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
My inducements to lease Land were, to encourage emigration & to improve my property by planting industrious settlers on it; who, while they were working the soil would, for their own convenience, add value to the Tenements by buildings &c.—with this view I restrained the sale of my leases without my consent. Having premised this, I wou’d next ask if you mean to build & reside on the Land, you...
2972From George Washington to Duportail, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Marqs de la Fayette who arrived at this place on tuesday last, gave me the pleasure of receiving your letter dated at Paris the 16th of June—& of learning from it, that you had not relinquished the idea of visiting a Country, on whose theatre you have acted a conspicuous part. Be assured Sir, that at whatever time, & under whatever circumstances this may happen, I shall be among the first...
2973From George Washington to La Luzerne, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The letter your Excellency did me the honor to write in the moment of your departure from this Country, conferred the highest honor upon me, & is not more flattering to my vanity, than it is productive of my gratitude. I shall ever reflect with pleasure Sir, on the readiness with which your communications to me have been made; & the dispatch & ability with which you have conducted business in...
2974From George Washington to Rochambeau, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 16th of June by the Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived here three days ago—and for your other letter of the 4th of May which, also came safe, permit me to offer you my sincere congratulations on your appointment to the Government of Picardy. It is an honorable testimony of the approving smiles of your Prince, & a just reward for your Services & merit. Should...
2975To George Washington from Stephen Sayre, 20 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
The importance of clearing the river & the necessity of doing so immediatly induces me to offer Some thoughts on it to your Excellencys Consideration to prevent the Fatall consequ[e]nces of delay. I wish any kind of Navigation or Mode of bringing down productions by Water May be adopted, that no time may be lost in removing prejudices, which are worce than the Rocks in our way, or advantages...
2976From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
The decision to introduce the Mississippi question in the context of JM’s experience is necessarily an arbitrary one because an open western waterway was among his concerns from the early days in Congress until the matter was settled by the Louisiana Purchase. The main point is that JM never looked upon the problem as a Virginia riddle. As a Virginia legislator he hoped to see citizens in the...
2977From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 20 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days after my arrival here Colo. Le Maire writer of the inclosed letter called on me and asked me to forward it to you with such explanations as I could give. As to his commission , having lost the original as he therein mentions, he asks an authenticated copy of it which he thinks will enforce some applications he is making to this government. As to the lands, I remember the gift of...
2978To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1st. July written on the eve of your embarkation from Boston was safely delivered by your Servant Bob about the 20th. of the same month. Along with it I received the pamphlet on the W. India trade, and a copy of Deane’s letters. My last was written from Richmond on the adjournment of the General Assembly and put into the hands of Mr. Short. It contained a cursory view of...
2979Saturday. [21st]. (Adams Papers)
Went to Paris. Gave Gregson a watch to repair. Am to have it again, Wednesday next.
2980From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 21 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library I received your kind Letter of the 13th Instant,—acquainting me that the Royal Society have instructed you to present to me in their Name one of the Gold Medals they have struck in honour of Capt. Cook. I am extreamly sensible of this fresh Mark of their favourable Regard for me. They have always been very good to me, and I beg you would be pleased to offer them my...
2981From Benjamin Franklin to [John Calder], 21 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress Understanding that my Letter intended for you by General Melvill was lost at the Hotel d’Espagne I take this Opportunity by my Grandson to give you the purport of it, as well as I can recollect. I thank’d you for the Pleasure you had procur’d me of the General’s Conversation, whom I found a judicious, sensible, and amiable Man. I was glad to hear that...
2982From Benjamin Franklin to George Whatley, 21 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Monthly Repository of Theology and General Literature, I (1806), 137–8; transcript: Library of Congress I received your kind letter of May 3, 1783. I am ashamed that it has been so long unanswered. The indolence of old age, frequent indisposition, and too much business, are my only excuses. I had great pleasure in reading it, as it informed me of your welfare. Your excellent...
2983Sunday August 22d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Jefferson and his Daughter, Coll: Humphreys, and Genl. dined with us. Martha Jefferson had only recently arrived with her father in Paris from America. She remained in France, attending school and studying French, until the end of Jefferson’s diplomatic mission in 1789 (Edward T. James and others, eds., Notable American Women, 1607–1950: A Biographical Dictionary , 3 vols., Cambridge,...
2984From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 22 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library When I am long without hearing from you, I please my self with re-perusing some of your former Letters. In your last of April 24. 83. you mention the Departure of Anna Maria with her Husband for Bengal. I hope you have since heard often of their Welfare there. When you next favour me with a Line, please to be particular in letting me know how they do. My Grandson,...
2985To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, [before 23 August 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Chaumont prie S. Ex. Monsieur franklin de demander a Son petit fils, tous Les Renseignements qu’il poura prendre Sur les Meilleures Mecaniques employées en angleterre a la filature du Cotton et Sur Le Cas qu’on en fait. Et Le Charger en mesme tems d’apporter avec luy quelques échantillons de filatures et d’etoffes fabriquees avec. The day WTF left Passy; see...
2986To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Chabaud and Other Favor Seekers, 23 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society During the months covered by this volume, Franklin continues to receive unsolicited appeals for favors or help of various kinds. We summarize here the letters to which no responses have been found, publishing the earliest request—from Chabaud—as an example. The descriptions are organized into three categories: letters soliciting positions with the United...
2987To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 23 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Tho I had resolved to avoid being further troublesome to you an occasion has occur’d which obliges me to request that you’l be so good to look into my Deeds and over all my Papers (if they remain in your hands) for the Lord Proprietors discharge, for all arrears of Quitrents which He gave me the last time he was at Belvoir, just before I left Virginia. The importance of this small Scrip of...
2988[24th.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday morning. Went to Paris.
2989Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 24 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, and my Betsy Smith for your kind Care of my dear little sick Girl. She has had 2 in her life, of such sudden and voilent ill turns before this, that frighted you so much. If she was to be sick longer than 12 hours, I should indeed be exceedingly anxious. I need not say I wish you to be so kind as to give her something for her Worms, your goodness has already done it. I hope she...
2990To Benjamin Franklin from James McHenry, 24 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As it may be a satisfaction to the friends of the Marquiss de la Fayette, to learn that his visit to this country has been extremely flattering to its citizens, and that his reception has been marked by every circumstance expressive of gratitude and respect, I thought it would give pleasure to you (of whom I have often heard him express the liveliest...
2991To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 24 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I beg Leave to introduce to your friendly Notice the Bearer of this Letter Mr. John Rucker who is one of the acting Partners in a Commercial House which I have lately established in New York. Your Countenance Protection and Assistance to this Gentleman will very much oblige Dr Sir your most obedient & humble Servant For John Rucker, whom BF had previously...
2992To Thomas Jefferson from Chastellux, 24 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Mis. de Chastellux a l’honneur de souhaitter le bon jour a Monsieur Jefferson et de le prévenir qu’il a vû hier Madame la comtesse de Brionne niece de l’abbesse de Pantemont la quelle a dû ecrire ce matin de bonne heure a sa parente pour lui recommander d’avoir un soin particulier de Miss Jefferson. Madame de Brionne est persuadee qu’elle ne peut etre mieux placée qu’à Pentemont. Comme elle...
2993To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 24 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I returned to this place about a fortnight after You left it, and received from Mrs. Cotton your friendly Letter of the 2d of July, with an elegant travelling Box, which I value highly, as it has the Honor of being a pledge of your Friendship. Agreable to your Injunction I shall communicate what has occurred since You left Annapolis, presuming that You have not received the Journals. On the...
2994[25th.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday dined at the Abbé de Chalut’s.
2995John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 25 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
I had a tedious Passage of two Days from Helvoet and was at last obliged to Land at Leostoff a dozen Leagues from Harwich, and ride from thence twenty four miles in a Cart before I could find a Post Chaise; but on Saturday noon, I had the Satisfaction of meeting my friends in perfect Health at the Adelphi Buildings in London, I never set my Foot in any other House, till next Morning at ten,...
2996John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 25 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
I am at length, Sit down once more to Business, at Auteuil, a Village near Paris, where I have taken a convenient House, with a pleasant Garden in a fine Situation near the Forrest of Boulogne, Sufficiently elevated above the River Seine and the low Grounds as well as far enough distant from the putrid Streets of Paris, to afford me a reasonable Hope of preserving my Health, during the Time...
2997From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 25 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nothing very material has happen’d since you left us. The D. [Duke] of Dorset call’d yesterday, and enquir’d if I had heard from you, supposing you had been gone a Week. Mr Adams & Family, Made D’andelot and other Friends have visited me, & Made Saurin who is return’d from England. We din’d with her yesterday. She says Made. D’hauteville will be glad to see...
2998From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 25 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Reproduced in Christie’s auction catalogue, “Important Autograph Letters from the Historical Archives at Bowood House” (London, Oct. 12, 1994), p. 39. I have had the Pleasure of seeing Lord Fitzmaurice several Times. I congratulate your Lp. sincerely on your having so promising a Son. He will I am persuaded make a valuable Man, and be a Comfort and Honour to you in your Old Age. The...
2999To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 26 [i.e., 25] August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here at Noon this Day,—and Safe! —which is rather extraordinary considering the Situation of my Wheels; they certainly could not have gone a Post farther without a thorough Repair: Before I got to Chantilly one of the Iron Circles broke, & precisely over the joining of the Timber, this occasiond several of the Spokes to get loose; & made me lose a...
3000From George Washington to Reuben Harvey, 25 August 1784 (Washington Papers)
Captain Stickney has presented me with your favor of the 25th of May—together with the mess-beef & ox tongues, for which you will please to accept my best thanks. I do not raise Tobacco on my Estate nor am I possessed of a pound at this time; otherwise I would with pleasure consign a few Hogsheads to your address, under full persuasion, that no person would do me more justice in the sale of...