201To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 15 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert R. Livingston, 15 May 1789. On 31 May GW wrote to Livingston : “I . . . apologize for this late acknowledgment of your letter of the 15th instant.”
202To George Washington from William Livingston, Jr., 15 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having never studied the federal system with an Eye to preferment, I was ignorant until informed by Mr Patterson, of the mode of application on the subject in question. The numbers, as well as the Characters, of the Gentlemen who compete for the Collectorship of this State, would have deterred me from handing up my name to your Excellency on this occasion: had not my friends (who may in their...
203Import Duties, [15 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
JM moved to add a clause to the impost bill limiting its duration. Mr. Madison . When he offered this amendment to the bill, he thought its propriety was so obvious and striking, that it would meet no opposition. To pass a bill, not limited in duration, which was to draw revenue from the pockets of the people, appeared to be dangerous in the administration of any government; he hoped therefore...
204To James Madison from Eliza House Trist, 15 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 May 1789. Acknowledged in JM to Eliza House Trist, 21 May 1789 . Reports illness of her son, Hore Browse Trist.
205To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 15 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy favour of the 8th. of August 1787 came safe to hand, in which I am informed that the Royal Academy of Sciences had received my memorial concerning the magnetic variation, and that they had made an entry on their Journals to preserve my claim to the original idea; I shall take it as a particular favour if I could obtain by the first opportunity a Copy of the minute on this Business properly...
206To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 15 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since, I had the honour of writing to your Excellency, I have heard a piece of News which is that Paul Jones has been disgraced by the Empress of Russia for a Crime he Committed upon a Young Girl of Nine years of age. It is true, As a very particular Friend of Mine received a Letter from Russia acquainting him of it. The next is that Baretti died on Tuesday last after only two days Illness. I...
207Abigail Adams to John Adams, 16 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received yours of May the 3 d by Captain Beal’s in which you request that I would come on imediatly Yours of May the first mentions several articles which you suppose it will be necessary for me to send forward, but add all is as yet uncertain, so that I am in doubt what to do, particularly as I have laid before you Since, a state of my difficulties to which I could have wish’t...
208Address from the Senate to George Washington, 16 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
We the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both Houses of Congress; congratulate you on the compleat organization of the federal Government, and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation to the Office of President: an Office highly important by the Powers constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable...
209To George Washington from Philip Burr Bradley, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The day is not far distant when a ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Connecticutt will be appointed by your Excellency; I hope therefore that my present application will at least escape the censure of being premature. Having conversed with the Senators and Representatives of this State on the Subject of procuring that office; and being assured of their support, I venture to request that your Excellency would be...
210To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the death of Mr Hutchins, the Office of Geographer to the United States has become vacant. In consequence of this event, I have by the advice of my Friends, thought proper to offer myself a Candidate to supply his place. As the proper execution of this business, will involve with it, an extensive astronomical knowledge, in both Theory, and Practice, it is with the greatest diffidence that I...
211To George Washington from William Hull, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the general Joy and Congratulations of my fellow-Citizens on your Excellencys Appointment to the Presidency of the United States, permit me to express the mingled Emotions, which I feel, on the interesting occasion. While on the one hand, I am animated with Joy, that my Country has been blessed with so happy an Event, on the other I cant but feel a degree of anxiety that after so many...
212From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
A letter of the 4th instant from Lt Governor Wood has been received with its inclosures, containing the information of some murders committed by the Indians on the 23d of last month at Dunkard creek which runs into the Monongahala River. It is with concern that I learn this circumstance, as a treaty has been lately concluded by the Governor of the western territory with the Wiandot, Delawar,...
213To George Washington from the United States Senate, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
We, the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere Thanks for your excellent Speech delivered to both Houses of Congress; congratulate you on the complete Organization of the federal Government, and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-Citizens on your Elevation to the Office of President: an Office highly important by the Powers constitutionally annexed to it, and extremely honorable...
214To James Madison from Gustavus Scott, 16 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 May 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). The three-page letter was offered for sale in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), which listed items from the McGuire collection of JM’s papers.
215John Adams’ Reply to George Washington’s Queries Regarding Presidential Conduct, [17 May 1789] (Adams Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble Opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an Association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
216From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 17 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 19 of March deserves a particular consideration and answer, which I have not, till now, been able, from a multitude of avocations some frivolous yet indispensable, others of more consequence, to give it. The Influence which you Suppose I may have as President of the Senate, will be found to be very little, if any at all. you Say the Eastern States must not be Suspected: but...
217To George Washington from John Adams, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
218From George Washington to James Madison, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison having been so obliging as to draw the answer to the address of the House of Representatives—G.W. would thank him for doing the same to that of the Senate. If he receives it any time this day or tomorrow morning it will be sufficient. AL , DLC : Madison Papers. The date of this document is conjectural. Madison docketed the letter—apparently some years after the fact—“G. Washington...
219From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 17 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 3d. instant was not recd. till two days ago. It is not certain however that the post office is chargeable with the delay, the date of its receipt stamped at Fredg. being the 16th. of the month. The progress of our revenue system continues to be slow. The bill rating the duties is still with the Senate. It is said that many alterations will be proposed, consisting of...
220To James Madison from George Washington, [17 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison having been so obliging as to draw the answer to the Address of the House of Representatives—GW. would thank him for doing the same to that of the Senate. If he receives it any time this day or tomorrow morning it will be sufficient. RC ( DLC ); Tr ( MH ). Late in life JM docketed the RC : “G. Washington without date—(perhaps 1789,) 90 or 91.” Fitzpatrick ( Writings of Washington ,...
221From Thomas Jefferson to William Jones, 17 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now to acknolege the receipt of your favors of Octob. 20. and Dec. 20 . My proposition (referred to in your letter of Octob. 20) was to fix times of paiment for my part of Mr. Wayles’s debt on his private account, and that these paiments of my third should discharge me and my property of all responsibility for the remaining two thirds. Without having acceded to my propositions you...
222From Thomas Jefferson to Louis de Pontière, 17 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your letter of the 6th. instant and sincerely sorry that you should experience inconveniencies for the want of the arrearages due to you from the United States. I have never ceased to take every measure which could promise to procure to the foreign officers the paiment of these arrears. At present the matter stands thus. Congress have agreed to borrow a sum of money in...
223From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan, 17 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknolege, all together, the receipt of your favors of Mar. 17. 26. and May 7. and to return you abundant thanks for your attention to the article of Dry rice, and the parcel of seeds you sent me. This is interesting, because even should it not take place of the wet rice in S. Carolina, it will enable us to cultivate this grain in Virginia, where we have not lands disposed for the wet...
224John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am in such a situation that I cannot see the way clear for you to come on, till some resolution is passed in the House.— You will be as ready as you can, and I will write you the Moment to come on . any Thing is done.— I will resign my office rather than bring you here to be miserable. Yours eternally RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed: “M rs Adams / Braintree.”
225From John Adams to Jabez Bowen, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received your two letters of April 21 and 28 th and am obliged to you for introducing your Brother Oliver Bowen Esq r , to whom I wish success in his pursuits— But the Senators & Representatives from Georgia and other States in its neighbourhood will be most naturally consulted upon his application your Observations upon the high duty upon Molasses, are all very just and have been...
226To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have just been honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 8 th. instant— I have not time, as I must soon leave town, to observe now on that part of it which is in answer to a sentiment of mine on which we seem to differ— There is no proposition, to which I can more fully accede than to the one which affirms how important it is to People that the President, the vice President, the Senate...
227To John Adams from William Tudor, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your very obliging & confidential Letters of the 3 d. and 9 th. of May I received on the 15. I mention their coming to my Hands together only to mark the Difference between the Dispatch of the Post & the Punctuality of Individuals. I am rejoiced to find You, Sir, pronouncing the upper House of Congress a wise, mild and noble Body of Men. From such a Body we must find dignified, firm & national...
228From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, 18 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The interview between us yesterday was altogether unexpected. I thought it proper to be candid. But I trust you will consider what I said as confidential. I mean to consult mutual friends; and to act agreeably to the most scrupulous delicacy. My final determination shall be communicated. If Whatever may be the issue it shall not be my fault, if it causes any interruption of that friendly...
229From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington proposing to leave Mount Vernon as this day, will, I expect, be in Philadelphia on Thursday; and as she proposes to lodge at Mr Morris’s I would be obliged to you for having the enclosed letter for her lodged there against her arrival as she may find it necessary to write to me by Fridays Post. I am Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servt ALS , PWacD . Letter not found. Mrs. Washington...
230To George Washington from John Campbell, 18 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Campbell, 18 May 1789. On 31 May GW wrote to Campbell : “I have received your very polite letter of the 18th.”
231To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
About twelve months ago, I took the liberty to request of your excellency a little temporary assistance in the prosecution of a work which I am induced to believe of no small public benefit. Circumstances at that time precluded a compliance with my request. I have since carried on the publication with considerable success, improved the plan, and, at a great expense, by sending an agent through...
232To George Washington from Hannah Cockle, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial & Petition of Hannah Cockle of the City of New York, Widow respectfully Sheweth That in the month of October one Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy five her your Memoralist Husband departed this Life & left her with five Small children the Eldest of which not S⟨mutilated⟩ years—That in that disagreeable Situation She your Memoralist was left destitute & at the Commencement of the...
233To George Washington from John G. Gebhard, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency must needs be weary of the incessant Acclamations from the public as well, as from private Characters, expressing their Joy and Heart-felt Satisfaction in a period, when he, who next god procured once Freedom for them, steps forth for the second time, to rescue them from Anarchy, to stand between them and their utter Destruction, and to crown his former labour with prosperity...
234To George Washington from Christian Theodor Sigismund von Molitor and Georg Hermann Vulteius, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
We humbly hope your Excellency will pardon the Boldness of this Application to which our extreme Necessity’s alone has driven us. We are two unfortunate German Officers who were in His Brittannick Majestys’ Service in America during the late unhappy War, and having married American Lady’s Sisters to each other, resigned our Commissions, and pich’d upon Nova Scotia for the Place of our...
235From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your Address, in which the most affectionate sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence of circumstances which led to this auspicious Crisis, the confidence reposed in me by my Fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy, seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my...
236Reply of the President to the Senate, [18 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your Address, in which the most affectionate sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence of circumstances which led to this auspicious Crisis, the confidence reposed in me by my Fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy, seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my...
237To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 18 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 18 May 1789 . They send the “notte de l’Equivalent” requested by TJ: “237.6s. florins courant font à l’agio de 3% 230.7.6. florins de Banque, et ceux ci, au change de 54¼, £509.10.7. argent de France.” DC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ: “1789. May 17. 509.₶10.7 = 237ƒ.6 draught Willinks V. Staphorst & Hubard.” Not recorded in SJL . TJ’s request may have been in writing; it has not been found...
238To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 18 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire le dernier courier et de vous prévenir que le Navire Américain L’Abigaïl , Capne. Bela Bacchus , attendu du Havre en ce port où il vient prendre un chargement de Sel pour Boston, étoit d’une grandeur et d’une construction qui le rendent très propres à vous transporter commodément en Amérique. J’ai le praisir d’annoncer à Votre Excellence que ce bâtiment est...
239John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
inclosed is a Letter from Capt n. Brown who commands the best Packet between Providence and this Place.— He called very politely and respectfully to offer his service in bringing you to New York.— if you can let him know the time when you can come, he will be ready. I have taken an House: but have nothing to put in it, [no]r to live on.— nothing is yet determined, I never felt so [ir]resolute...
240To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 19 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
On the 6 th. of this Month was held our General Election for Officers for the Ensuing Year; they are nearly the same as the last, saving a few more Federal Charecters in the Lower-house. Their was Instructions from the Towns of Newport & Providence to their Deputies to use their Influence for a State Convention the Business was taken up, but we soon found Their was no probability of succeding,...
241To John Adams from William Smith, 19 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
As the Revenue Act has past the House & it is probable may now be before the Senate, I will take the freedom to hint to you the uneasiness that prevails here respecting the duty of 5 Cents fixed on Molasses, without permitting a drawback on the Rum exported to foreign Markets. 6 to 7000 Hh ds of Rum are exported from this State annually to foreign ports, & the quantity is encreasing, as New...
242To George Washington from the Cherokee Chiefs, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
At a Great Talk held by the Warriors and Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation Assembled in Council at the Great and beloved town of Chota, the 19th day of May 1789 addressed to his Excellency the President of the United States. Great Brother: The Great Being above has directed our hearts to listen to the talks of peace, and sorry that ever any misunderstanding arose between us and our white brothers...
243To George Washington from the Cherokee Nation, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
We the Warriors, Chiefs and Representatives of the Cherokee nation resident and living in the following towns of Chota, Toquoh, Cettico, Little Telliquo Tumotly, Nioh or the Tassels’ town, Coettee, Chilhowah Tallassee, Great Telliquoh, Big Highwassa, Cheestowa, Eastanora Chatanugah, Chickamaugah, Stickoe, Ottilletaraconahah, Catatogah, Nicojackee, Tuskeegah, and Cheescheehah, our said towns...
244To George Washington from Nathaniel F. Fosdick, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been Naval Officer for this Port (being the Port of Falmouth) for this some time past, I take the Liberty to address your Excellency, requesting a continuation in the office under the New Government, & beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble Genl Knox & the Honble George Thatcher Esqrs. for proof of Character. I am Sir with the greatest respect your Excellency most Obedient &...
245To George Washington from Moustier, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Peculiar circumstances require peculiar measures. It was on this principle that I conceived there was no impropriety in soliciting an audience which seem’d to me, not only convenient but necessary to pave the way to the future management of business between the two nations. As by the transformation of the Federal Government of the United states the establish’d forms have ceased, the first...
246To George Washington from Benjamin Pitfield, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of Benjamin Pitfield, of the City of Philadelphia, humbly Sheweth. That your Excellencies Petitioner hath been very unfortunate in Trade for some Years past, and by a series of unavoidable Losses, is now reduced to a State of Indigence, and not Able to Support his Family; unless he can Obtain some Assistance, he therefore is Emboldened to Apply to your Excellencies well known...
247To George Washington from Robert Purviance, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Compel’d from Necessity & encouraged by the Friendly interposition of my worthy Friend and Neighbour Dr James McHenry, with the Unanimous voice of my fellow Citizens, I am come forward with the Crowd to offer my self & Nephew, John H. Purviance for two of the New Appointments that will, I presume take place under the Federal Government, in our Naval department for the Port of Baltimore, Or My...
248To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have done myself the honor of waiting on you this evening but the dampness of the weather prevents my going abroad I therefore take the liberty of enclosing my opinion on the paragraph in the constitution which you were pleased to mention; the result of my conference with Mr Jay on the subject of sea letters; and the lights I have received by examining the laws of Pensylvania and...
249To George Washington from Arthur Young, 19 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I should long since have acknowledged the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter but I waited from time to time in expectation of some curious seeds which I hoped to be able to send, but being disappointed repeatedly I postpone no longer the pleasure of thanking you with great sincerity for the confidence you honour me with in relation to publishing extracts from your letters. I dare not presume...
250To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
While I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th. instant, I must assign as my apology for forgetting to answer the legal question, that a variety of family sickness has taken away a cool attention to business. The deed, to which the inclosed memorandum relates was executed in France. The following extract from a law of the revised code, intituled an act for regulating conveyances,...