2951Abigail Adams to Charles Storer, 18 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter this Day when I was in Paris—for the last time! I took my leave of it, but without tears. Yet the thought that I might never visit it again gave me some pain, for it is as we say a dieing leave when we quit a place with that Idea. But now with regard to the appartments, I shall wish to be supplied with dinner. Supper, we eat none. Breakfast and tea in the afternoon we...
2952From Thomas Jefferson to La Blancherie, 28 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Having left Paris the 3d. of March on a journey through the Low countries and Germany, your favors of Mar. 9. and 25. have awaited an answer till my return which was only 4. or 5. days ago. I should with great pleasure have undertaken to forward the memoir to Doctr. Franklin which you mention in that of the 9th. had you not found an occasion before my return, and I shall with chearfulness do...
2953To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 3 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honor of hearing from you last, my health has not permitted me to set out for Denmark. From the information I took at the Hotel of the Baron de Blome, I understood he was to arrive from the waters the 30th ult., so that I thought it better to wait till I could see him than to forward your letter. His servants arrived at the time that he was himself expected, and informed that...
2954To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 2 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Historical Society of Pennsylvania M. Bailly présente ses respects à Monsieur Franklin. Il a l’honneur de lui envoyer la continuation du Regître de MM. les Commissaires du Magnétisme animal. Il le prie de vouloir bien en prendre lecture, le signer et le lui renvoyer le plus tôt qu’il le pourra. Il auroit bien desiré le lui porter lui même, mais il est obligé d’aller si fréquemment à Paris...
2955From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of Jan. 27. Since that I have received yours of Jan. 19. Information from other quarters gives me reason to suspect you have in negotiation a very important change in your situation. You will carry into the execution all my wishes for your happiness. I hope it will not detach you from a settlement in your own country. I had even entertained hopes of your settling in my...
2956[Diary entry: 30 June 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 30th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear and pleasant all day the wind being at No. West and west all day, though not fresh. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, & Ferry; & to the Hay makers at the second. At Dogue, found the Corn had all been succoured, and the hoes had got into the fresh & weedy ground along the wood side—about 3 oclock...
2957To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, Jr., 28 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am grately Obliged to you for the timber you was pleased to give me Neare Recter town —am Sorrey that it never has been in my power to Come to See you Since peace Owing to the Distressd Situation I have been in ever Since—(til now) Your Mentioning my being in Fairfax and never going to Se you is Very Right, but when there, I was Obliged to be evry day indevoring to make up Money to discharge...
295827th. (Adams Papers)
Heard Parson Carey, the whole day. In the forenoon he was intolerably lengthy, as the weather was very cold. I intended to have visited somewhere this evening, but got engaged in writing to Packard, which employ’d me till ten o’clock. Letter not found.
2959To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major L’Enfant will have the honor to wait upon your Excellency to solicit leave of absence and to obtain the certificate, I requested, of his being a member . His zeal to serve the Cincinnati has been conspicuously displayed in the emblems of the bald eagle, designs of the medals, seal, and of that noble effort of genius, the diploma. He proposes to attend the execution of these several...
296020th. (Adams Papers)
My two brothers were gone all the morning on a gunning party. My cousin and I went, in the afternoon, but we were unsuccessful. All kinds of game are scarce here, as there are several persons in the town that persecute the animals so much, that they have driven them all away.
2961[Diary entry: 19 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 52 at Night. Calm and pleasant all day, especially in the Morning. Towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered. Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue run Plantation. Took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox, which the Dogs run very well for an hour—after which, coming to a...
2962From George Washington to James Rumsey, 22 February 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Rumsey, 22 Feb. 1785. On 10 Mar. Rumsey wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 22d Ultimo has Just Came to hand.”
2963To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Barrell, 24 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barrell (in behalf of the Owners of the Adventure to the Pacific ) presents his most respectfull Compliments to His Excellency Mr. Jefferson, and Requests the honor of his acceptance of a medal struck upon the Occasion . RC ( MHi ). This letter was not received until 2 Feb. 1789 when it arrived as an enclosure in Colborn Barrell to TJ, 22 Sep. 1788 . Joseph Barrell was one of the fourteen...
296414th. (Adams Papers)
Yesterday at about 8 o’clock in the morning, we spied a sail, at our windward; her course was nearly the same with ours. We sailed swifter than she, and gained ground so fast that at 6 in the evening she was not more than a league distant from us, to the leward. The night coming on, made us lose sight of her. In the evening we had about the ship at least a dozen of small birds of the size of a...
2965To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 4 July 1788 . Introducing a Mr. Cole, to whom he has mentioned his lands in Virginia and his aim as to sales or settlements, “and as he is a residenter, of large property in Germany, from which Country it was the advice of Your Excellency to me to procure Settlers,” Claiborne would be glad to have TJ give Cole his “general sentiments” on such property—his lands are in “Monongalia,...
2966From Thomas Jefferson to Maria Cosway, 29 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My letters which pass thro’ the post office either of this country or of England being all opened, I send thro’ that channel only such as are very indifferent in their nature. This is not the character, my dear madam of those I write to you. The breathings of a pure affection would be profaned by the eye of a Commis of the poste . I am obliged then to wait for private conveiances. I wrote to...
2967From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 19 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 10th, last night. The letter I addressed to you about fourteen days ago I was in hopes would have reached you before your reply to my former, would have been dispatched, & thereby have saved you the trouble of again touching on the subject of negroes. I can have no idea of giving eighty or ninety pounds a head for slaves when I am well informed that for ready money...
2968Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour of acquainting your Excellency, that an Express from Congress is at last arrived, with their Ratification of the Definitive Treaty. Inclosed I send Copies of the President’s Letter, the Recommendatory Resolution, and the Proclamation, together with three Letters for yourself. We have written to M r Hartley, that we are now ready to make the Exchange. With great Respect, I am,...
2969From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your Communication of the 3d. When I refer you to the State of the Councils which prevailed at the period you left this City—and add, that they are now, if possible, in a worse train than ever; you will find but little ground on which the hope of a good establishment, can be formed. In a word, I almost dispair of seeing a favourable issue to the proceedings of the Convention,...
2970[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...
2971From Thomas Jefferson to Bernstorff, 21 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am instructed by the United States of America in Congress assembled to bring again under the consideration of His Majesty the King of Denmark, and of his Ministers, the case of the three prizes, taken from the English during the late war by an American squadron under the command of Commodore Paul Jones, put into Bergen in distress, there rescued from our possession by orders from the Court...
2972From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 7 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
The Letter from the Board of Treasury of the 4. of April, in which this is inclosed, I received open, on Fryday, together with the Bills for 75,000 Guilders mentioned in it. I went immediately to Mr Ruckers House with them: but no one was at home, but a Servant, who told me, his Master and Mistress were in the Country, and the Clerk not at home. on Saturday, I went again. The Clerk was then at...
2973C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 12 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu avec grand plaisir l’honorée vôtre du 3 Nov. & j’ai fait déjà usage de son contenu & dans une Lettre au Congrès, & auprès de ces Messieurs d’Amsterdam. Vous recevrez, Monsieur, incessam̃ent par le canal indiqué de Mr. C. Storer, the true history of a Madman. Au mois de 7br. dernier je reçus une Lettre de Mr. D. Humphreys, Secr y. to the Commission of the Am n. Min rs. Pl. , qui en...
2974To George Washington from James Jemima Jacobina Douglas, 26 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
I sit down to adres you as father of your Country and as one who his the pour to redres the injur’d one of your subjects Mr Glass Strahcan in virg⟨i⟩nia richmond town James river phychiuns ⟨then owse⟩ to my father andrwe Douglas in 74 6 hundre pound which with the interest upon must near double the sum[.] my fath⟨er⟩ dying sudingly with out neading up his affairs his been hard on ⟨me⟩ I am...
2975Resolution to Reimburse Owners of Damaged Tobacco, 8 January 1787 (Madison Papers)
Resolved that the Executive be authorized to defray all expences incurred in saving the Tobacco from the late fire in this City, by the sale of a sufficient proportion of the damaged Tobacco. Ms ( Vi ). In a clerk’s hand. The resolution was introduced and passed in the House on 8 Jan. 1787, the last day of the session. JM was ordered to carry it to the Senate, where it was passed the same day...
2976To Thomas Jefferson from Brailsford & Morris, 17 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlestown, S.C., 17 Mch. 1788 . Enclose a bill for 726 livres tournois, drawn by the French consul, Petry, on Petry at Paris, subject to the order of the Agricultural Society; it is intended for purchase of “Olive, and other Fruit trees”; have written Bérard asking him to remit £300 to TJ for the use of John Rutledge, Jr. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; at foot of text in TJ’s hand: “bill accepted May 30....
297717th. (Adams Papers)
Parson Carey is very sick; and consequently we had no meeting: so I staid at home; wrote a long Letter to my friend Fiske, and a page or two some ways back in this book. In the evening I went to Mrs. Hooper’s to see Townsend, whom I found very hoarse, and with a bad cough. I pass’d the evening there, as likewise did Mr. S. Cutler. Within these two years Townsend has lost two brothers and a...
2978From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand, 11 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the within order, Commodore Jones is ready to pay the sum of 112,172₶–2s–4d, which be pleased to receive from him for the use of the United states, giving him a receipt for the specific sum on the back of the order. I shall hereafter have the honor of explaining to you the purposes to which the board of treasury have appropriated this sum. I have the honor to be with great...
2979To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 4 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to inclose you some time ago a letter from the hon. Jas. Maddison Jr. Esqr. of Virga. and at the same time mentioned that a little time would necessarily elapse before I could have the pleasure of explaining myself on the business, which induced me to take the liberty of troubling you. The person who presents this to you, Mr. Andw. Mitchell will take the liberty of requesting...
2980To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [March 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardon Mon Illustre Docteur Si je ne vous ai pas envoyé plutôt La note Sur L’auteur de cette espece de Fourneau où on met le feu par dessus et où la flamme descend et remonte ensuite par un Tuyau de façon qu’on ne voit pas Sans étonnement la fumée Se precipiter en bas et passer ensuite dans le tuyau qui Sert à L’emporter. J’ai été Si occupé depuis Jeudy que...
2981Tuesday October 14th. (Adams Papers)
My occupations have been very regular, and similar for a week past. Last Thursday night I again experienced a total want of sleep. By the help however of medecine and of constant exercice I think I am in a way to recover. This evening, my This entry, incomplete at the bottom of the page, is the last in D/JQA/12 until 6 Sept. 1789. In JQA ’s line-a-day entry, he adds: “Charles and Tom. Mr. and...
2982From John Adams to the Massachusetts General Court, 18 June 1788 (Adams Papers)
To the Honourable the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The kind and condescending Congratulations of So illustrious a Body as the Legislature of the Massachusetts, on my arrival with my Family, in this my native Country, does me great honour and demands my most gratefull Acknowledgments If the Dangers and Fatigues which have fallen to my Share in the Course of a memorable...
2983To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 23 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Gentlemen who have arrived from the Convention inform us that you are on the way to join us—least, however, you may, under a supposition that the State of the delegation is such as to admit of your absence, indulge yourself in leisurely movements, after the fatiguing time you have had, I take this precaution to apprise you that the same schism which unfortunately happened in our State in...
2984To John Jay from Robert Morris, 27 November 1783 (Jay Papers)
I Congratulate you on the signing of the Definitive Treaty and on the evacuation of New York which took place on Tuesday our Friend Gouverneur Morris is there he has been gone about 18 Days and I expect him back very soon. he will then give you the Detail and inform you of such things as you may wish to know respecting any of your particular Friends.— I agree with the Sentiments expressed in...
2985To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 9 October 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Augustine Washington, 9 Oct. 1784. On 25 Nov. GW wrote to William Washington : “From a letter dated the 9th of last month from my Nephew Geo: Augte Washington. ...”
2986H. G. to Marinus Willett, [15 April 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
H___ G___. having been informed that Mr. Willet has received a letter from the Attorney General, stating the circumstances of the interview between them, takes occasion to express his expectation that Mr. Willett will communicate it to the public. The [New York] Daily Advertiser , April 15, 1789. For information on the controversy between “H.G.” and Willett, see “H.G. Letters. Introductory...
2987Abigail Adams to John Bowring, [before 30 March 1788] (Adams Papers)
your obliging favour of Feb ry 27 was brought me in the absence of mr Adams, who is gone to Holland upon publick buisness, and who upon his return will be so much hurried & occupied that I fear he will not be able to attend at all to the demands of private Frindship accept from me sir as his Representitive our mutual acknowledgments for the obliging civilities we received at Exeter & every...
2988To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, 29 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
At last I receive a letter from you, am I to be angry or not? I think when we go to question and doubt it is a good syng, tho’ I dont know whether it is in favor of you or the Manner in which you appollogies. Many Contradictions will make me answer article by article your letter; My hand for writing made you Open my letter in preferance to all the others you received on your arrival, I am not...
2989[Diary entry: 4 September 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm morning with a very heavy fog—Wind afterwards at So. Wt. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—French’s and the Ferry. At the first. The Harrison Wheat, 10 Bushels having been sown in drills and covered in—Three harrows were putting in Wheat adjoining thereto, the Seed of which was brot. from the Neck. At...
2990From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, Jr., 7 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of Aug. 27 came duly to hand. Since that I have received the inclosed letters for you. I am glad to hear you think yourself so much better as to open a prospect of your visiting Italy. Such a trip will certainly furnish you pleasing reflections through life. About the first of the next month I shall accompany the court to Fontainebleau and after a short stay there, make a tour to...
2991[Diary entry: 26 April 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 26th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning—71 at Noon and 76 at Night. Quite calm, clear, and very warm all day. The ground on the South side of the Road (between the Ditches) being prepared I sprinkled the same quantity of Powdered stone on it—sowed the same quantity of Seed (orchard Grass) on it and Managed it in all respects as I did that on the North side opposite yesterday—beginng. with...
2992To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 2 March 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edward Newenham, 2 Mar. 1787. On 25 Dec.1787 GW wrote Newenham that he had received his letter of “2d of march 1787.”
2993To George Washington from Nathaniel Gorham, 10 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I sincerly congratulate your Excellency upon the unanimous call which you have received from your Country to preside over its Councill & to execute its Laws—that it may be an event conducive to the wellfare of the People and of happiness and honor to yourself is my most earnest wish. It would have afforded me great pleasure to have taken a part in the Legislature of the new Government had my...
2994From James Madison to George Washington, 20 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 7th. inst: and will attend to your wishes as to the political essays in the press. I have given notice to my friends in Orange that the County may command my services in the Convention if it pleases. I can say with great truth however that in this overture I sacrifice every private inclination to considerations not of a selfish nature. I foresee that the...
2995From George Washington to Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., 17 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
It gives me real uneasiness when I am unable to afford any assistance in a case that seems evidently to bear very hard on an individual who merits well of the public. In this predicament I now find my self with regard to the Situation you have described in your Letter of the 11 Instant for having already declined to interfere in a similar instance I could not comply, with the present...
299631st. (Adams Papers)
The weather somewhat cold. My brothers dined with me and between 3 and 4 o’clock, we all set off for Haverhill. We got there just after five, a little fatigued. The riding was not bad but in some places the cold had not been strong enough to harden the snow; and the road was sloppy.
2997November [1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 1st. A frost this Morning which crusted the ground and formed Ice. The Morning early was calm and not unpleasant but the Wind blew fresh and cold afterwards at No. Wt. Rid, by the way of Muddy hole (where the People were taking up Turnips to transplant for seed) to Alexandria to attend a meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company and the Exhibition of the Boys at the Alexa....
2998[Diary entry: 23 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 23d. Thermometer at in the Morng. 44 at Noon and 42 at Night. Morning cloudy, with the Wind at West; which shifting to the No. Et. produced strong, and encreasing appearances of falling weather before the Evening. Went out with the two Mr. Hansons & Mr. Alexander, when they set out on their return after breakfast, with the Dogs; just to try if we could touch on a Fox as we went along...
2999To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 25 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
After so long an interval, I received with inexpressible pleasure Your two friendly Letters, of the 26th of Novr, and 8th of Decr—the former I acknowledged, but the latter by Mr Laurens (with a bundle) I was prevented as it came to hand at the time of my leaving the City —Your Letters have communicated to me the only information of my friends since my absence, which so fully evinces Your...
3000Resolution for Schedule of Tax Rates on Documents, 2 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
JM was appointed on 18 May to serve on a House of Delegates committee charged with amending “the several acts of Assembly, for ascertaining certain taxes and duties, and for establishing a permanent revenue” ( JHDV Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg. Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon...