51To George Washington from George Taylor, Jr., 4 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President being invested by the Constitution with the Appointment of Officers for the new Government, I hope it will not be deemed importunate in me to mention to your Excellency, my former Services, lest, by the numerous great and important Objects which must necessarily occupy your Attention, they may escape you. I will not presume to ask for any Office in particular, because, conscious...
52From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 4 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I feel myself much indebted to you for the congratulatory letter you forwarded to me by Genl Jackson, and for the favour you did me in bringing me acquainted with that Gentleman. Your reflections on the arduous nature of the Station in which I am placed correspond exactly with my own. If the Crisis has demanded my services, I hope the countenance of my fellow Citizens will assist me in...
53Tonnage Duties, [4 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Before this day’s debate began, JM gave notice that on 25 May he would introduce the subject of amendments. “He thought it necessary thus early to mention the business, as it was weighty and important” ( Gazette of the U.S. , 6 May 1789). The postponed tonnage clauses were then taken up. Laurance moved to strike out the discrimination between countries having a commercial treaty with the...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Gaetano Drago, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Genes, 4 May 1789 . It is due to repeated urging of Richard Codman, merchant of Boston, during his stay here that he has decided to submit to “L’Illustre Congrès des treize Provinces unies” the humble petition of which he encloses a copy. A glance will reveal his object. He has tried to accompany it with recommendations that will be useful. Yet, even though unknown to TJ, he dares to appeal to...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that you intended in the last month to sail for America, I am doubtful whether these lines will ever find you. Supposing it however possible that you may not yet have left Paris, I cannot help taking the opportunity now offer’d me to acknowledge the reception of the letter with which you honoured me February last and in which you have been so good as to give me an account...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 4 [May] 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Rochefort, 4 Apr. [i.e. May] 1789 . Wrote Saturday from Bordeaux, and learned after posting letter that “the great opening of the States general would be on Monday the 11th, that it would be public &c. &c.” Will make “a push in hopes of arriving in time,” but this will mean giving little time to places en route and possible arrival late Sunday night. If he has been mistaken as to the opening...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 4 May 1789 . Having received no reply to theirs of the 16th ulto. enclosing remittance of £15,500 to enable TJ to fulfill contract for dies, and expecting one by return of post, they are “apprehensive for its safety, which induces us to transmit a duplicate,” an acknowledgment of which they request by return post. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, but signed by the members of the firm....
58Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5–6 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Hay call’d, and left me your Letter. tho I have not written to you before I have had you constantly upon my mind, and have been anxious for your Health. I have heard of you several times. I think you would mind an advantage in drinking valerian & camomile Tea, for those spasm’s you complain of. I am not able to say to you as yet, when I shall go to Newyork. I have received only one Letter...
59Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Mr Dawes sent me word that he was going to Newyork this week. I would not omit any opportunity of writing to you, tho I know I must sometimes perplex you with domestick matters I would not do it, but that I wish your advise and direction. I wrote you in my last that the wall was compleated between mr Bass & you, and Barley has been sown. the Hill before the window, your Brother has had cleard...
60From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
In conformity to the intimation you were pleased to honor me with on evening last I have reflected on the etiquette proper to be observed by the President and now submit the ideas which have occurred to me on the subject. The public good requires as a primary object that the dignity of the office should be supported. Whatever is essential to this ought to be pursued though at the risk of...