31From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 28 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress that they would do well to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress...
32From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 1 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself the more indebted to your obliging care in transmitting the letter of the Marquis de la Fayette, as by that means you have given me the double advantage of hearing from two of my distant, military friends at once. It is so long since I have had the satisfaction of holding any immediate intercourse with you, that I may be allowed to touch on a subject rather obsotute indeed,...
33From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured, a few days ago, with your letter, dated the first day of this Month, in which you obligingly acknowledge the receipt of mine of a former date. In the dearth of News and Politics at this moment—and especially in my distance from the sources of intelligence, and retirement from the scenes of public life; I should have scarcely any topic of importance enough to trouble you with a...
34From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your several Letters of the 20 September and 3 & 6 of this Month. The Glass was safely delivered me by Captain Pinkney. I am obliged to you for your information respecting the oppression of some of the Inhabitants of Long Island by the British but as the offence is against the subjects of the State it belongs more properly to the Executive Authority to take cognizance of it,...