5051[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 16 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 16 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 20 Apr. 1784, “inclosing spectacles.” Not found.]
5052From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 12 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Clerks notes in the Suits ordered by you on the Bonds taken at Colo. Geo: Mercer’s sale, are (many of them) brought against me; some of wch without adverting thereto, I have paid, supposing them to have arisen on distresses made by Mr Muse for my rents. A few days ago a Bill from the Clerk, I believe, of Berkley, was handed to me amounting to near six hundred pounds of Tobacco, which not...
5053To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [before 19 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed to you by Major Du Pontier, Aid of your Friend Baron Stuben’s, who I shall thank you for your attention to, we have found him a very amiable young Gentleman, he will tell you how the Children all look, and what a delightful retreat I have brought them to, till a few days ago I flattered myself you would have been with us on Schuilkill...
5054From George Washington to Thomas Stone, 16 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ulto came duly to hand. To give an opinion in a caus of so much importance as that which has warmly agitated two branches of your legislature, and which, from the appeal that is made, is likely to create great, and perhaps dangerous divisions, is rather a delicate matter; but as this diversity of opinion is on a subject which has, I beleive, occupied the minds of most...
5055William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 6 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
M r: Bourne has this moment waited upon me and informs, that he has been honoured by the senate with the appointment of being the Bearer of their Dispatches to you, relative to your election as Vice President of the Western Empire, upon which please to accept of my affectionate congratulations and of my sincere prayers that Heaven may guide and protect you in this great Career— The Virtuous...
5056To George Washington from John Mauritius Goetschius, 10 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of the Battalion of Militia of the County of Bergen beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the conclusion of an arduous and important War, and the reestablishment of the Blessings of Peace. Actuated by the principles of Virtue and of Patriotism your Excellency undertook the difficult Task of conducting the operations of the Field against a Powerful and enraged Enemy, and the...
50572d. (Adams Papers)
In the beginning of the evening, Putnam called at our office, and invited me to go with him and pass a couple of hours at Mr. Frazier’s; after debating with myself some time upon the subject, I determined finally to go. We found there a number of young gentlemen and Ladies. After we had sat a little while the infallible request to sing made its appearance. One could not sing, and another could...
5058To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 February 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Patrick Henry, 5 Feb. 1785. On 27 Feb. GW wrote to Henry : “I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 5th.”
5059From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 14 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of Oct. 23. and 26. With respect to the mission you suggest in the former, no powers are lodged in the hands of Mr. Adams and myself. Congress commissioned Mr. Adams, Doctr. Franklin and myself to treat with the emperor on the subjects of amity and commerce, at the same time they gave us the commission to Prussia with which you are acquainted. We proposed...
5060[Diary entry: 5 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 5th. Dined at Mr. Morris’s. Drank Tea and spent the Evening there.
5061To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 14 July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am hopefull this will find you safe in France after a pleasant Passage. We got to this place Tuesday the 6th. Bob sett of the Saturday following with your 3 Horses. He was in good spirits, behaved exseding well, and I am persuaded there is not any danger in his doing as he was orderd. I supplyed him with money in the Manner you was pleased to direct. I wrote Mr. Eppes by him letting him know...
5062From George Washington to Fielding Lewis, Jr., 4 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 11 th of Octor never came to my hands ’till yesterday. Altho’ your disrespectful conduct towards me, in coming into this country & spending weeks therein without ever coming near me, entitles you to very little notice or favor from me; yet I consent that you may get timber from off my Land in Fauquier County to build a house on your Lott in Recter town. Having granted this,...
5063To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 26 November 1784 (Madison Papers)
The Gentlemen from the Eastward have at length made their appearance & I expect in a day or two a Congress will be once more form’d. This commencement however has discovered so great a relaxation in the Confœderal springs that I doubt the machine will not be long kept in motion, unless great & effectual repairs are made. For my part I have no hopes but in a convocation of the States. In this...
5064To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Learmonth, 23 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 23 May 1785 . Since he is not acquainted with TJ, though had once long ago in Norfolk, Va. been in his company, introduces himself as a gentleman from Charleston, S.C.; appeals to TJ, because “from the amiable Character You bear in life, by that You are well knowing to be a Gentleman, of Noble principalls, and whoes goodness of heart leads You to Simpithise, I feell, for a misfortunate...
5065Benjamin Franklin and John Jay to John Adams, 28 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
We had the honor of receiving your Favour of the 20 th: Inst, and are persuaded that the Communication of the Friendly Disposition of his Prussian Majesty made to you by the Baron de Thuilemeyer will give great Pleasure to Congress. The Respect with which the Reputation of that great Prince has impress’d the United States, early induced them to consider his Friendship as a desirable Object;...
5066To George Washington from Alexander Donald, 20 June 1787 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of receiveing your letter of the 2d Current—By which, I saw that the former remittance which I made you, at Docr Stewart’s desire, had got safe to hand, I now beg leave to trouble you with a further remittance of 306 65/90 th of a dollar, at the request of same Gentleman, which I hope will also reach you. I am with undissembled respect—Sir your mo: obt Sert ALS , DLC:GW . See...
5067To George Washington from United States Congress, 23 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
The United states in Congress assembled receive with emotions too affecting for utterance this solemn resignation of the authorities, under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and a doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights you accepted the sacred charge before it had found alliances and whilst it was without funds or a government to...
5068From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
I stand indebted to you for your several favors of the 7th of March, and 12th & 19th of April. Believe me, Sir, the first was not productive of more surprize than real concern. The acct of your failure was as much regretted, as it was unexpected by me; and I feel for the causes of it—and for your present situation. You are sensible that my Commissions have been more troublesome than profitable...
5069From Thomas Jefferson to André Limozin, 13 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Carrosse which goes from hence to Havre I have forwarded a package of rough rice addressed to you. I am in hopes it may arrive in time to go with the inclosed letter by the Juno, capt. Jenkins. I will beg the favour of you to put on it this address ‘For Mr. William Drayton, Charleston: to the care of the Delegates of S. Carolina in Congress,’ and to pay the freight for me. Should Capt....
5070[Diary entry: 11 March 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 11th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning, 34 at Noon and 41 at Night. Left Colo. Masons about 12 oclock. Dined with Mr. Martin Cockburn, & came home in the afternoon. Planted the Hemlock Scions which were brought home yesterday, 28 in Number in the Shrubbs—2 poplar trees wch. had been omitted (by an oversight) in my Serpentine Walks before; and 13 Weeping and 13 Yellow Willow trees...
5071To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 16 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
I inclose you the copy of a letter received from mr̃ Barclay dated Cadiz May 23. by which you will perceive he was still on this side the Mediterranean. has mr̃ Lamb written to you? I hear nothing from him nor of him, since mr̃ Carmichael’s information of his arrival in Spain. mr̃ Randall gave reason to expect that himself would come on. yet neither himself nor any letters from him arrive....
5072[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Shore, 29 January 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 29 Jan. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Thos. Shore. Information that powers are given to treat with pyratical states but not ultimate orders.” Not found.]
5073From John Adams to Benjamin Vaughan, [ante 2 April 1787] (Adams Papers)
I am very much mortified to loose the Pleasure and Advantage of an Excursion to Windsor, to see M r Herschell in Such Company: but the State of my Family is such that I cannot justify leaving it.— M rs Smith is in Travel and the Anxiety occasioned by this Event has made M rs Adams so much worse, that I should be very bad Company at Windsor, and what is more decisive, it becomes my Duty to stay...
5074To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François-Hyacinthe Esmangart, 6 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Ce n’est que depuis peu de jours que la lettre que vous m’avés fait lhonneur de m’écrire le 8. 8bre. m’est parvenue. Dès Sa réception j’ai pris, Monsieur, Sur le compte du nommé John Hammon, les éclaircissements que vous desiriés. L’Amérique n’est point la patrie de ce Matelot. Il est né en Irlande; mais en 1773 il S’est rendu à Philadelphie et a passé...
5075From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
5076[September 1784] (Adams Papers)
Dined at Dr. Franklin’s. Thursday morning went into Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Mather, and Mrs. Hay dined with us. Went to the French Comedy and saw le mariage de Figaro. Samuel Mather and his wife, Margarette (Gerrish) Mather; he was the son of the Rev. Samuel Mather. Young Samuel had been chief clerk of the Boston customs office until he fled to England with the loyalists, but he returned to...
5077John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 2 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
I am proud to learn by your Letter of 13. April that I am so rich at the University. If Thomas gets in, I shall be still happier. The Expence will be considerable, and your Draughts shall be honoured for the necessary. A Year will soon be about, and what are We to do then with John? What Lawyer shall We desire to take him, in Town or Country? and what Sum must be given with him? and what will...
5078[Diary entry: 29 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind Southerly, with Showers in the Morning, and Clouds all day, with appearances of Rain but none fell after noon. Doctr. Craik after visiting John Alton before breakfast, went after it to see Lund Washingtons child who had been siezed with fits & the family alarmed by it. Lund and Elizabeth Foote Washington had at least...
5079To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d is this moment put into my hands, and as the post does not usually stay here above an hour, it leaves me time to scribble a few lines only, scarcely admitting them to be prefaced with an acknowlegement of the pleasure it will give me to be permitted to communicate with you occasionnally. we received dispatches from Europe yesterday, by Capt. Barney. there is no news but in...
5080From Thomas Jefferson to Capellen, 8 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not in my power to write the letter for Mr. Van der Kemp the evening before I left Paris; and it is not till I arrive here that I have found one moment of leisure. Not knowing in what state of our Union he may chuse to settle I am not able to know to what persons he may be usefully and directly addressed. I give him therefore a letter to Mr. Madison, my most particular friend, now a...
5081To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Chabert, 14 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Mis. de chabert chef d’Escadre a l’honneur de prévenir Monsieur Franklin qu’avant de donner à l’impression pour le volume de l’histoire de l’académie des sciences de 1783 un mémoire dans lequel un objet qui l’interesse se trouve traité, il a à coeur de le ui lire; il prie pour cela Monsieur Franklin de vouloir bien lui mander si, sans le derranger, il...
5082To James Madison from Nathaniel Gorham, 20 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I must beg you to excuse my freedoms: it is with a good intention that I am led to mention that the idea of 6 Cents pr Gallon on Mollasses excites a considerable degree of uneasiness here—not that any objcect [ sic ] to that duty on what is consumed in the Country—but only as it will injure the distillery & consequently the Fishery. The answer that a suitable draw back upon Rum will be...
5083To Thomas Jefferson from the Massachusetts Delegates in Congress, 29 February [1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Sunday, 29 Feb. [ 1784 ]. They present their compliments to TJ and invite him to dinner on Tuesday next at 4 p.m. RC ( ViU : Mary Kirk Moyer deposit); 1 p.; in the hand of George Partridge; partially dated; addressed: “Honle Mr Jefferson”; with notations added later by TJ to record various household expenses and accounts with James Monroe while they were Virginia delegates to Congress in...
5084To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 15 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday nine States being for the first time since October last represented, Congress immediately took up and ratified the definitive treaty with the unanimous consent not only of all the states represented but of every individual Member in Congress. And that it might reach you with the greatest dispatch they immediately sent off col J Harmar with the...
5085To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 14 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wilson called on me on his way to James river, and informed me that you had consented to the 20th Inst. for the settlement of the Accounts concerning your administration, to which at the time I could have no objection—but since that, a Sale of 2000 Hhds of public Tobo has been advertised at Richmond on the 25th Inst., which may necessarily oblige me to attend there—in every event the...
5086Power to Regulate the State Militia, [18 August] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison thought the regulation of the Militia naturally appertaining to the authority charged with the public defence. It did not seem in its nature to be divisible between two distinct authorities. If the States would trust the Genl Govt. with a power over the public treasure, they would from the same consideration of necessity grant it the direction of the public force. Those who had a...
5087To George Washington from André Michaux, 20 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
You will find herewith, the Seeds, that I Spoke of, to Your Excelly Yesterday. I will accept of the Offer, that you made me, in Sending to your Care, the Collections that I Shall make in the Distant Countries for the use of the King of France. I Shall Esteem it a Happiness, If I Can Discover any thing, that can be of any use to Your Excellency. I am very Respectfully Sir Your Very Obedt & Very...
5088From Alexander Hamilton to the Electors of the City and County of New York, [3 March 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Having been appointed by two different, and very numerous meetings of the inhabitants of this city, among other purposes, for that of forwarding the election of John Lawrence, Esq. as the representative of this district in Congress, we think it our duty to state to such of you as may not have been present at those meetings, what we understand to have been the motives to his nomination, and the...
5089To George Washington from Duportail, 16 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the kind letter you have honored me with by Count de laval —I wish I Could Carry you the answer my self and accompany the marquis, but I am detained here—however I do not renounce to the pleasure of seeing your Exellency again and my american friends, even if we are not happy enough to receive you here—in two or three years I intend to pay a visit to america. I am Really sorry...
5090From John Adams to James Grubb, 7 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me, on the 23 of May, relative to the seizure of the Brigantine Nancy, Cap t. John Limeburner, by the Pilot Cutter Commanded by Leiu t. Seymor Lynn. You desire me, Sir, to demand from the Court of Great Britain, that the Ship and Cargo be given up, with Damages for the detention, but this is not in my power. The Laws of every Country...
5091[Diary entry: 1 April 1785] (Washington Papers)
[1.] Mercury at 50 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 58 at Night. Wind variable—from So. West to No. Wt.—pretty fresh, and towards Evening more cool; then being at No. West. Mr. Hanson went away after breakfast. Grafted 12 Duke, 12 May Duke and 12 black May heart Cherries & 12 Burgamy Pears. The Cherries were chiefly on Stocks wch. had been taken up a considerable time, & the roots covered with...
5092From George Washington to David Stuart, 5 February 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Vessel which brought the inclosed, has delivered the 800 Bushels of Oats for which you contracted with Mr Savage—Besides these, I have taken 100 more; for which I am to pay Flour. L. Washington has taken anothr & the remaining 200 hundred are taken to Alexandria for you. I have engaged this Man to bring the Corn from York River—He expects to stay no longer than Monday (to morrow) at...
5093From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my acknowledgment of and thanks for your obliging favors of the 12th 16th & 19th of last month, and particularly for the trouble you have had in procuring and forwarding for me a suit of the Hartford Manufacture. It is come safe, and exceeds my expectation. I will take an early opportunity of paying the cost of it. The result of the late Elections will not only soon be...
5094From John Adams to the President of Congress, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
As I am to remain in Europe for sometime longer, I beg Leave to take a cursory view of what appears necessary or expedient to be further done in Europe, for I conceive it to be not only the Right but the Duty of a foreign Minister to advise his Sovereign according to his Lights and Judgment, although the more [extensive Information], and Superior Wisdom of the Sovereign may frequently [see]...
5095To George Washington from Samuel Seely, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It gives me no small pleasure to see your Excellanacy once more place’d in the first office in this country, well knowing it is the just reward of a virtious life mainly spent in its service and defence. At the same time your excellancey will permit an Old Soldier, (although a young man) to look up to you as his pattron As he is sensible, that it will ever be pleaseing to a heart of...
5096To James Madison from Eliza House Trist, ca. 13 April 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 13 April 1784. Mrs. Trist was at Fort Pitt awaiting transportation down the Ohio for a reunion with her husband. She wrote Jefferson regarding a misunderstood report that Virginia had “reward[ed] merit by making our friend Madison Governor.… I have wrote to him, but before I got your letter, which I beg you to forward” ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al.,...
5097[Diary entry: 19 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear, calm, and serene all day. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Took my French Hounds with me for the purpose of Airing them & giving them a knowledge of the grounds round about this place. Upon my return, found a Mr. John Defray here—a Dane from Copenhagen, who had been cast away on the...
5098To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 20 July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Short I have the pleasure to forward you a more complete cypher in which we will correspond in future. He will find you I hope safely arriv’d in Paris and recoverd from the fatigues of your voyage, and situated with Miss Patsy agreeably to your wish. In my letters from Annapolis I informd you of the latter proceedings of Congress and as I addressd them to Boston hope you received them....
On Friday last M r . DeMarbois called upon me to enquire whether Congress had as yet directed any Answers to be given to his Memorials under their Consideration. In the course of Conversation he mentioned the Affair of Longchamps and informed me that his Court would not persist in their Demand of him. He proposed that the Paper containing that Demand together with those that accompanied it...
510024th. (Adams Papers)
This day we got so far in order as to make a home of the house. I dined at my uncle Cranch’s. The remainder of the packages are expected to-morrow; but those that are already here, are not all unpack’d. Much damage was done on the voyage. JQA writes, in his line-a-day entry, “Folks got down to the house. I lodg’ dined out” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 16).