151To George Washington from Samuel Blachley Webb, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Painfull as the task is I am under the necessity of soliciting the attention of the President of the United States. my long service in the Army dureing the late War, has deprived me of a property, which with common Industry would e’re this have placed me in a very Independant situation. Since the peace I have been employed in settling an Estate of which I am Administrator, constantly watching...
152To George Washington from Joseph Woodward, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The system of Revenue now under the consideration of Congress requiring certain Officers to carry it into execution, and their appointment being to be vested in your Excellency with advice of the honorable Senate, I beg permission humbly to solicit an appointment to one of the Offices in the Boston Department. Conscious that your Excellency will only nominate such as are fully competent to the...
153To George Washington from William Young, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Encouraged by the good Wishes and Persuasions of my fellow Citizens, I presume to address your Excellency, and to offer myself as a Candidate for the Collectorship of this State; my Conduct and Character as a Citizen is well known; and I trust will bear the most strict Investigation, for which, and with respect to the Abilities necessary for the Office, I humbly beg leave to refer your...
154To John Jay from George Washington, 11 May 1789 (Jay Papers)
A few days ago I was conversing with you on the points contained in the enclosed queries, when a Gentleman coming in put an end to the conversation As it is my earnest wish to adopt such a line of conduct as shall be judged most likely to secure essentials without being exposed more than is unavoidable to the charge of too much reserve on the one hand, or too much familiarity on the other, I...
155To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was of the 15th. of March. I am now in hourly expectation of recieving my leave of absence. The delay of it a little longer will endanger the throwing my return into the winter, the very idea of which is horror itself to me. I am in hopes this is the last letter I shall have the pleasure of writing you before my departure. The madness of the king of England has gone off, but...
156To James Madison from George Washington, 11 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed were communicated to me (as you will perceive) to make a Confidential use of. Upon receipt of the first letter I expressed a desire to be informed (if there was nothing improper in it) through what channel the report came, and what reliance could be placed in the authenticity of it. This produced the sec’d letter. As you are upon business which requires every information of the...
157Title for the President, [11 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The debate concerned a title for the executive office. Should the House appoint a committee to confer with a Senate counterpart on the proper title for the president? The House had already indicated its disapproval of majestic titles to the Senate, but the senators refused to accept this decision. A Senate committee had recommended on 9 May that the president be addressed as “ His Highness the...
158To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Hubbard, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 May 1789 . Is honored by TJ’s “highly respected favor of 3rd. Instant” which merits his “most sincere warm Acknowledgments.” He hopes his new establishment will furnish “frequent Opportunities to render … usefull or agreeable Offices” to TJ. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; MS slightly mutilated. Recorded in SJL as received 17 May 1789.
159To Thomas Jefferson from Jan Ingenhousz, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to recommend to your care this three Copies of the II volume of my work on vegetables , one for Dr. Franklin, one for the Philosophical society and one for M. Sam. Vaughan junior. I begg the favour of you to accept the fourth as a remembrance of mine. An other volume will soon appear, it being allmost out of press. I should have pay’d you my respects a long while ago, but I...
160From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 15th. of March. I am now in hourly expectation of recieving my leave of absence. The delay of it a little longer will endanger the throwing my return into the winter, the very idea of which is horror itself to me. I am in hopes this is the last letter I shall have the pleasure of writing you before my departure. The madness of the king of England has gone off, but...
161To Thomas Jefferson from Souche, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Deux Messieurs de votre Connoissance etant arrivés dans Cette ville sont venus me trouver de votre part pour me Charger de vous faire faire un modele de la Caffetiere de Celle du Cabinet de l’accademie. Je n’ai pas manqué de suite de le faire faire. J’espere que vous Serés Content puisqu’elle est mieux faite que l’autre. Je l’ai mise hier à la messagerie à votre addresse, et Si je ne vous l’ai...
162From Thomas Jefferson to the Commissioners of the Treasury, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknolege the receipt of your letter of Feb. 20. which came very opportunely to set us to rights as to the order of application of the money to be raised on the last loan. Our bankers insisted that some resolution of Congress authorised them to furnish no money for any other purposes till they should first have received all the interest which should become due on the Dutch...
163To Thomas Jefferson from Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 May 1789 . Acknowledge TJ’s letter of advice of 3 May concerning his draft in favor of Van Damme, “which shall be discharged on presentation,” and also TJ’s “Remittance ƒ237.6 on Messrs. Willinks and ourselves,” which they declared to be “exactly the Balance of your private account now closed.” RC ( DLC ); entirely in Hubbard’s hand; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 17 May...
164To George Washington from David Salisbury Franks, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Early in the Year 1774, I settled in Montreal with a small Capital and a considerable Credit as a Merchant & was successful in Business. In the Spring of 1775 I suffered a short tho rigorous imprisonment on Account of my attachment to the Cause of America. As soon as the Troops under General Montgomery took Possession of Montreal I did everything in my Power to promote their Success, & at one...
165From George Washington to James Madison, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station—This should be the...
166To George Washington from William Walton Morris, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Department of Geographer General to the United States, having become Vacant by the death of Thomas Hutchins Esquire—I take the liberty of offering myself a Candidate for that office, under full impressions of the delicacy that necessarily attends a personal application. Your Excellency therefore will excuse my mentioning that I was an assistant to the late Geographer, and employed during...
167To George Washington from Lucy Paradise, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Give me leave as a Fellow Citizen to congratulate you on the Honour you have done Us, in accepting to be our President for this, our New Federal Constitution—Long may your Excellency be Blessed with every happiness that this World can give, and that you may live, to see our Country flourish from your Wise and Good Councils. Is the Sincere Prayer of Sir Your Excellencies Most Obedient and Most...
168To George Washington from Nathaniel Pendleton, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the arduous, and important affairs in which your Excellency must be deeply Engaged at this time, I beg leave to intrude on a moment of your time while I add my feeble voice to the millions who celebrate their own good Fortune, in seeing Your Excellency at the head of our public Counsels; under a form of Government perfected and established by the influence of your wisdom &...
169To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I flatter myself you will put a proper Construction upon my silence hitherto, and rather attribute it to a real diffidence which my mind is impressed with relative to the subject upon which I am now about to address you, than to any want of respect or the least disposition to attempt the attainment of an appointment under the present Government, thro any other medium than your influence &...
170To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 12 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 8th. Ult. inclosing the application of William Mason. I did transmit to Colo. Merewether certain papers of this Man and long ago informed him that they were insufficient to establish his claim which recd. no aid from the Muster Rolls of the Army. I do not now recollect signing the Rect. of which he sends a Copy, but it is highly probable I did,...
171To James Madison from George Washington, 12 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station. This should be the...
172Import Duties, [12 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The committee had resumed consideration of the impost bill. The question was whether to strike out the six-cent duty on molasses. Ames suggested that an excise on country rum was preferable to a duty on molasses. Mr. Madison Said his mind was incapable of discovering any plan that would answer the purpose the committee have in view, and not produce greater evils than the one under...
173From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 12 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment returned from Versailles, and it is the last moment allowed me to write by this occasion. The Tiers etat remain unshaken in their resolution to do no business with the other orders but voting by persons. The Nobles are equally determined and by a majority of ⅘ or ⅚ to vote only by orders. Committees of accomodation indeed are appointed, but with little prospect of effect....
174To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Claude de La Métherie, 12 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’aurai bien desiré pouvoir soumettre à vos lumieres le projet de constitution que je presente aux etats generaux. Mais, craignant que vos occupations ne vous le permissent pas, je n’ai point osé vous le demander. Cependant si vous avies quelques moments libres que vous puissies m’accorder, je serai bien flatté de converser avec vous de ces objets. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres...
175John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have taken an House, and now wish you to come on, as soon as possible.— It will be necessary to send by Water all the Carpets that are not in Use, and several Beds, Bedsteads, Bedding Bed and Table Linnen,—Plate, China &c if you can convey it to Providence would come better that Way. The House is on the North River about a mile out of the City, in a fine situation, a good Stable, Coach...
176To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 13 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have just received a letter from D r Price, enclosing one to your Excellency, which he desires me to convey to you, and I now transmit it. Your Excellency may remember the application to you, respecting D r Minto.— So many and weighty are the national affairs, in which you are engaged, that the Corporation can hardly expect that you should have opportunity to attend to the matter yourself;...
177To George Washington from William Denning, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been always engaged in the Service of my Country during the Late war, particularly in the Confidential and important offices of Commissioner of Accounts and a Commissioner of the Board of Treasury and having the fullest evidence of the Approbation of the Honble The Congress by being again Unanimously Elected to the important trust of Commissioner of the Treasury in 1784 (But Congress...
178To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The secretary for the department of war humbly submits to the President of the United States the following report and statement of the troops in public service. That the enclosed resolve of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787 is the authority by which all the troops in the service of the United States were enlisted excepting two incomplete companies of artillery, which were returned in service...
179To George Washington from James McCubbin Lingan, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Being informed that your Excellency Receives none but written applications from candidates for office. I have only to Say that I was appointed to the naval office at this Port from its first Establishment. in the Execution of this duty I trust general Satisfaction has been given and I know it has been discharged with fidelity to the State. Should the office be continued under the present...
180To George Washington from John Sharp, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The petition of John Sharp of the City of Philadelphia humbly Sheweth That your petitioner in the course of the late Revolution had the honor to serve as a Captain in the service of the United States, as the Certificate herewith produced will testify—That he has a Wife and family to maintain, and at this present time is in want of Employment for the Support of himself and family, and humbly...
181From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of April . The newspapers will have given you some idea of our proceedings, though in a state always mutilated, and often perverted. The Impost is still the subject of deliberation. The general quantum of duties has at some periods been a source of discussion. At others, the ratio of particular duties, have produced still more of it. The proper one between rum &...
182Import Duty on Slaves, [13 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Parker moved to fix a duty of ten dollars on each slave imported into the United States. Some congressmen who were sympathetic with Parker’s object preferred a separate bill on slave imports. Mr. Madison . I cannot concur with gentlemen who think the present an improper time or place to enter into a discussion of the proposed motion; if it is taken up in a seperate view, we shall do the same...
183To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 13 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I received Just now the Inclosed Letter for your Excellency from England. It has been unsealed I don’t know where. I inclose you the Cover , which was also unsealed, Just as I received it. I have only taken out the paper unnecessary . This Letter has been unsealed Just as all those comming from Levant or Turkey are by the Mails via of austria. I hope you will have received in time my last...
184To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 13 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis la lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire, Il n’est point arrivé de nouveau bâtiment d’Amerique. Mais je viens d’apprendre que L’Abigaïl, Capne Bela Bacchus , lequel se trouve actuellement au Havre, doit ou en repartir directement pour Boston ou venir à Lorient prendre un chargement de Sel. Je sais que c’est un grand bâtiment, très solide, très commode, sur lequel vôtre Excellence...
185John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 5 th. — If you think it best, leave Thomas at Colledge: but I pray you to come on with Charles, as soon as possible.— as to the Place let my Brother plough and plant if he will, as much as he will. He may Send me, my half of the Butter Cheese &c here.— As to Money to bear your Expences you must if you can borrow of some Friend enough to bring you here. if you cannot...
186William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 14 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have the happiness of informing you that M rs: Smith and the Boys are in high health and that your presence here as soon as you can possibly make it convenient will be very agreable and is in a great degree necessary— M r. A has taken a House about one mile from the City as he has informed you, and in his Letters has said something about the removal of furniture— on this subject permit me to...
187From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 14 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter of Thanks to our fellow Citizens of New Haven and to M r Edwards, for the most endearing Compliment I ever received. I suppose myself chiefly indebted to your Friendship for the favourable Representation of my Character among your Neighbours which has produced this obliging Result. I hope it will not be long before We shall have an opportunity to renew our former...
188To George Washington from Alexander Anderson, 14 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Anderson, 14 May 1789. On 18 Nov. 1789 GW wrote to Anderson: “I have been favored with the receipt of your letter of the 14th of may last.”
189From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 26th of April was handed to me but a few days ago. Your congratulations and the good wishes of yourself, Mrs Fitzhugh & your family deserve, & receive my warmest acknowledgments. Amidst the numerous applications which are made for offices I shall leave no means in my power untried to gain such information & knowledge of Character & pretensions as will enable me to nominate...
190To George Washington from Stephen Hall, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Portland, Massachusetts [District of Maine], Sir, 14 May 1789. Can you permit me to take up one moment of your precious time in asking a favor! I wish for the Collectorship of duties at the Port of Portland, the Metropolis of the eastern part of the State of Massachusetts. But this Request, I am sensible, must appear both indelicate & improper without some knowledge of me. But how shall I make...
191From George Washington to William Heth, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 3 inst. dated at Mount Vernon. I am much pleased with the arrangement you have made for Mrs Washington’s coming on here with stage horses—and must beg you to accept of my best thanks for your attention and trouble in this business. The previous settlement of the price with the proprietors of the horses was a very prudent and a very necessary step—and I...
192To George Washington from John Jay, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting, herewith enclosed, the copy of Mr V. Berckel’s credentials which I received from him together with a translation of them. Be pleased to name the hour at which you may think proper to receive him, and I will give him notice of it and accompany him—if to-morrow permit me to observe that some hour previous to the levee will be most proper. With perfect respect...
193From George Washington to Joseph Jones, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st Ulto came duly to hand, and should have received an earlier acknowledgement had not the new and busy scenes in which I have been engaged since my arrival in this place, rendered it impossible for me to pay that early attention to the favors of my friends which I should be pleased to do. The numerous and friendly congratulations which I have received from respectable...
194From George Washington to George Plater, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th of April, and must beg you to accept of my best thanks for your kind gratulations and good wishes. I foresaw the numerous applications which would be made for nominations to offices—and readily conceived that amidst the variety of candidates, it would be one of the most delicate and difficult duties of the President, to discriminate those characters...
195To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 14 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been upwards of twelve years employed in the laborious business of a Comr of the Continental Loan Office for the State of Pennsylvania which I have endeavoured to discharge with the greatest care, industry & integrity—& I must now entreat of your Excellency some appointment under the new Constitution which is become necessary to me for the support of a large family—as my attention to...
196Memorandum from Richard Henry Lee, 14 May 1789 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1789. “The Committee of the Senate appointed to confer with a Committee of the House of representatives upon the Subject of Title have agreed to give it as their opinion to the Senate—That for preserving harmony with the H. of Representatives it will be proper for the present to follow the practise of that House in presenting their Address to the President of the United States without...
197To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fitz-Gerald, 14 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 14 May 1789 . Had called to announce his audience last Tuesday with their majesties and the royal family as minister plenipotentiary of his Britannic majesty. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in French. Not recorded in SJL .
198From John Adams to James Searle, 15 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I received your friendly Letter last Evening, and thank you for your kind Remembrance, of your Old Friend. To hear of your Success and Prosperity in Business; the Independence of your Circumstances, and the Contentment of your heart, gives me a Pleasure, the more exquisite, as it is so rare.— It is almost the Single Instance, that I have received Since my Return to America. My Correspondence...
199To John Adams from John Bondfield, 15 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Permit me join in the United Voice of America. Accept my sincere Congratulation on the Nomination to the High Office Confer’d on you by the Choice of a free People An Honor superior to any in the Gift of Europe I hope in a few days to receive the Journals of the Opening and proceedings of Congress much more interesting than the Mock scheens of present Assembled States General of many of the...
200To George Washington from Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., 15 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have made several attempts to address you, and as often drop’d my pen almost in Dispair, my Situation almost distracts and destroys me, I was my Dear General born to fair prospects, and under those prospects enterd the Service of my Country where I served untill my health became the Sacrifice. I was obligated to leave the Service tho happily to my feelings, it was on the day that the...