4451To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [19 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I omitted writing to you last Evening in Expectation of Communicating more agreable Intelligence, than this Post will Convey you, for you will undoubtedly hear from Mr. Renslaer, that Mr. Burr was this day Elected by both houses, to succeed General Schuyler, by a large Majority in the Senate, and of five in the House of Representatives. This is the fruit of the Chancllor’s Coalition with the...
4452To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 21 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of the 14th has been a Balm to my Soul, in the Midst of my affliction. The Advice you give, I had laid down as the previous Rule of my Conduct—and with Rigidity adhere it. Whatever may happen, you shall never blush to Call me your Friend. Of this no more! This Letter will be presented to you by my Friend Mr. Vandenbenden, the Principal Support of the Flourishing Colony of...
4453To Alexander Hamilton from James Duff, 8 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Cadiz, July 8, 1793. Has “brought to a conclusion the depending concerns of the Ship Tartar” and sends Hamilton “as attorney to John Church Esqr. for ⅛ proportion thereof … a note of an a/c for that object on which you are credited for the whole of your said proportion of the proceeds.” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Duff was British consul at Cadiz. DS , Hamilton Papers, Library...
4454To Alexander Hamilton from James Duff, 20 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Cadiz, July 20, 1793. Encloses duplicate of a letter sent to Hamilton on July 8, 1793. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
4455Enclosure A: Nicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson, 3 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 3 Mch. 1791 . As Johnson is acquainted with the three months’ detention of Rachel , he will not restate the particulars. One of the officers of the Customs had brought suit against him and he was obliged to give bail of £500 sterling before Rachel , not being given entry in any British port, could proceed to Ostend where her cargo was landed by order of the consignees. There he took on...
4456Enclosure N: Affidavit of Nicholas Duff and Adam Masterman, 26 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Gosport, 26 May 1791 . Duff as master and Masterman as chief mate of Rachel swear that Thomas Ure swore in their presence and before John Wilkes, notary, in New York on 8 Sep. 1790 that he was a bona fide American of New York and agreed to ship as boatswain on Rachel to London and elsewhere and return at the rate of $9 per month, part of which was to be paid to his wife, monthly, during the...
4457Enclosure K: Nicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson, 19 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Portsmouth, 19 May 1791 . He delivered the letter enclosed in Johnson’s of the 18th. The collector answered that it did not solely rest with him and that he would consult the comptroller and give their answer.—“I arrived at Spithead on the night of the 21st of Feby. had the Revenue Cutter on board on the morning of the 22d. and rec’d two Officers from her. I reported on the 23d. and had my...
4458To George Washington from Thomas Duff, 13 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
With the greatest deference & submission I take the liberty to Address you though I am afraid in the midst of business of the greatest magnitude and importance. On your passage Sir, through the Delaware State, knowing that a number of Solicitations were made to you for Offices by sundry persons, I desisted my application at that time, but I hope your Excellency will excuse the liberty I take...
4459To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Dufouer, 28 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I intend going into the Merchantile line of Business and have a good prospect before me of doing well had I any Begining. When I was at Philadelphia you was so generous as to make me an Offer of some Cash if I had any Inclination of going into Business, an Oppertunity now Offers and if you will be so kind and send the Cash to my Friend Mr. Robert Lenox I will give him my Obligation for the...
4460To George Washington from Henry Dufouer, 7 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed that a supervisor for the District of New York is not at present fixed on I take the liberty of addressing you for that appointment. The Secretary of the Treasury is acquainted with my conduct character & abilities in that line, to whom I beg leave to refer you. I have the honor to be sir Your most Obedt Servant ALS , DLC:GW . “N. York March 7” is stamped on the cover....
4461To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Dufouer, 23 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am Again under the necessity of troubling you, and Appealing to your goodness of Heart to Excuse the Intrusion I make on your time while you Read this. It is long since I spent my last shilling relying on that Government for Bread by my Attachment to which I lost the place I held in the Customs & Obliged to behold Men in Office who would have waded thro’ blood to Oppose it. I have the most...
4462To George Washington from Jean-Jacques Dufour, 19 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
Dans la Gazette de Philadelphie du 1r Fevrier 1796. qui m’est tombée par hazard dernierement dans les mains,j’ai vu que vous offriez quantite de terre a Vendre sur les rivieres de l’Ohio et du Kenhawa. Dans le cas que vous ne les ayez pas encore toutes vendues et que vous soyez encore intentionnez de les vendre; je prends respectueusement la liberte de vous prier par celle ci de vouloir bien...
4463To John Adams from Chérot Dumaine, 3 February 1793 (Adams Papers)
Vous trouverez sans doute surprenant que sans V ous connaitre & sans avoir l’honneur d’être connu de V ous, je me hazarde à mettre Votre complaisance à l’épreuve, en Vous priant de Vouloir bien me rendre un service. Ce service sans doute très faible relativement au peu qu’il en coutera à Vos talens, pourrait, je le Crains, vous causer quelqu’embarras, puis qu’il Vous dérobera quelques momens...
4464To John Adams from Chérot Dumaine, February 1793 (Adams Papers)
je n’eusse pas attendu jusqu’à ce moment pour Vous remercier du service que Vous avez eu la bonté de me rendre, si je n’en eusse été empêché par les peines & les embarras que m’a occasionné une fluxion de poitrine dont ma femme est attaquée depuis quelques jours. je saisis le premier instant de tranquillité pour m’acquitter d’un devoir aussi pressant. recevez donc mes remercimens. je Vous les...
4465To George Washington from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 13 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
It is impossible for the oldest Diplomatic Servant of the United States to suppress the joy which he feels at the happy news of the eminent dignity which has been conferred on Your Excellency by the unanimous voice of the Sages appointed for that purpose by the freest People on Earth, without highly participating in it with this noble People, and with them paying to your Excellency the justest...
4466To John Adams from Charles William Frederic Dumas, 11 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
Grace au Roi des Siecles (le seul que je revere & que j’aime, parce qu’il est le seul sage & le seul bon), ce qui a constamment fait ma consolation au milieu des persécutions, fait maintenant mon triomphe: les hauts & puissants ψευδόμενοι qui ont voulu me honir & flétrir par leur résolution du 23e. 7br. 1788, sont flétris, par une autre du 14e. Août 1795; & je suis déclaré le μακάριος de...
4467To John Adams from Charles William Frederic Dumas, 30 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
L’arrivée de Messieurs vos fils, & de l’honorée vôtre du 11e. 7br. qu’ils m’ont remise, a été une apparition bien agréable pour moi, qui suis presque moisi d’âge & de solitude.—Mon amitié leur est acquise & par leurs chers parens, & par leur propre mérite: je voudrois pouvoir leur en donner les preuves les plus fréquentes; mais vous savez combien je suis noir à certains yeux, auxquels je ne...
4468To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 Apr. 1791 . The conferences at Reichenbach, The Hague, and Svishtov have placed the English and Prussians in a dilemma. He does not see how England can avoid bankruptcy or sustain Pitt, who is dominated by Grenville. He has just learned that the proposals by Denmark have been rejected. The Amsterdam regency is in bad humor. Some support it; others, their numbers growing, hope that...
4469To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 June 1791 . He sends this by the Harmony, Captain Folger, for Baltimore, with duplicate by Amsterdam. Parliament adjourned without being able to learn the designs of the British court, their fleet ready to depart, the press of sailors continuing, the armistice between the Turks and Hungary expired—all indicate continuation and extension of war. [P.S.] 26 June . His dispatch by...
4470To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis ma derniere du dernier Xbre, m’étant adressé au meilleur Banquier d’ici, il me donna les prix courants suivant des Obligations Amsterdamoises de notre Dette liquide, tels qu’il les procuroit, disoit-il, aux rentiers qui lui en demandoient, savoir de la négociation de Stadnitsky, valant 9 % d’intérêt annuel 128 p.%. plus recente de Staphorst, de même —118
4471To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 July 1789 . Yesterday, after departure of post, he received from Amsterdam from an unknown source and without notice two packets addressed to TJ “to the Care of Charles W. F. Dumas, Esquire, at the Hague.” From handwriting and seals he judged that the packets came from secretary for foreign affairs in Congress and that it was brought to Amsterdam by a vessel recently arrived from...
4472To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 25 Apr. 1792 . Since his last of 21 Feb. his health and Europe’s have been poor.—He learned more than a month ago of Short’s appointment as minister but has heard nothing from Short himself.—His enemies and those of the U.S. have struck a deadly blow by offering one of his sons-in-law a court appointment on condition that he cease to communicate with Dumas. The young man’s...
4473To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 25 May 1793 . We receive neither letters nor papers from France and hear from there and elsewhere only what they wish us to know or delude us about. In Germany, as in Poland, the big despots are overwhelming the little ones and seizing peoples like flocks of sheep. All around him, commerce overthrown, treasury exhausted, imminent vexations to refill it, hypocrisy on the throne and...
4474To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 July 1789 . After writing the enclosed letter of 22 July, he learned that TJ was still in Paris. Fearing reproach for delaying TJ’s dispatches, he forwards them at once, today. They probably are of consequence to TJ and awaited eagerly. Asks that TJ inform him of their arrival. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in French. FC (Rijksarchief, The Hague, Dumas Letter Book; photostat in DLC )....
4475To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 21 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 21 Feb. 1792 . Illness compels him to be brief. The enclosed papers and those sent by way of England will inform TJ of the chaotic state of Europe, especially in France.—A new tax on butchers will go into effect on 1 May.—The high cost of maintaining the U.S. embassy here makes it imperative that it be sold as soon as possible in concert with your bankers in Amsterdam. Thus far he...
4476To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je commence cette Dépeche par la chûte, aujourd’hui avérée, des plats tyrans Van der Noot, Van Eupen, &c. Si leur regne ephémere ne s’est pas étendu jusqu’ici, ce n’est ni leur faute, ni celle de certains personnages qui n’osent plus les patroniser trop ouvertement, sans laisser néanmoins de nourrir encore quelque apparence de leur inclination pour eux. On cache mal le dépit qu’on a, de ce que...
4477To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Amsterdam ], 17 Sep. 1791 . Has just received the happy and important news that on the 13th the king accepted the Constitution, without protest, as it was presented to him, and that he would go the next day before the Assembly to solemnly confirm his acceptance. Dumas has been at Amsterdam for a few days with friends and will remain here until the end of the month. He has delayed sending...
4478To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 18 Sep. 1789 . He had just finished enclosed when TJ’s letter of 12th came, and he hastens to send it in hope TJ will receive it in Paris or that Short will forward it before he embarks. He thanks him for the agreeable news and embraces with confidence the hope that TJ will protect him “de ce côté et de l’autre de l’Océan. Ma famille et moi sommes très-reconnoissans du bon souvenir...
4479To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 May 1790 . He is dispatching this day to the bankers of the United States in Amsterdam “les Acts de Rymer in folio 10 vol. Lahaie 1745” for the use of administration as promised in his dispatch of 4 Mch.: “ Puisse mon humble Offrande, acceptée gracieusement, en étant utile quelque jour à ceux qui auront occasion de consulter cette collection, leur rappeller le souvenir de leur...
4480To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je commence la présente aujourd’hui pendant l’illumination ordonnée à l’occasion du mariage de la jeune Princesse d’Orange avec le Prince héréditaire de Brunswick. C’est la cloture des réjouissances bruyantes qui durent depuis 8 jours, pendant lesquels la populace s’est donnée carrière. Dans la nuit du 12 au 13, la valetaille mâle et femelle du Logement attenant des 3 villes de Gorcum,...
4481To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 3 Feb. 1793 . Since his last of 29 Jan. each day becomes more critical for France on one side and the dominant parties here and in London on the other. He is unable to give an account of some propositions with which Maulde, the former French minister plenipotentiary who had been recalled to Paris, is said to have returned here, and to which it is said the Grand Pensionary has...
4482To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 26 Oct. 1791 . The Provincial States have passed a resolution opposing the Stadtholder’s decision to return the 5,000 German troops who had been used to help suppress the revolution. The Stadtholder has tried unsuccessfully to induce the Regents to overturn this resolution.—The States General is still considering East Indian affairs. The governor general of Batavia has resigned, and...
4483To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 20 Sep. 1792. Since the receipt of TJ’s letter of 3 June on 26 July, he has tried to write to him hundreds of times, but ill health and the horrible state of affairs in Europe prevented him. He cannot foresee the results and needs all his steadfastness to bear up against the anxiety he feels for the cause of humanity and for himself in the face of so many evils. He values the...
4484To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 19 Aug. 1791 . While waiting for the National Assembly to act on all of the articles of the French constitution, he encloses documents concerning the pacification in the North. He will see in them the arguments of Britain and Prussia answered by the Empress of Russia, who has more spirit than the cabinets of those two powers combined. Her request for the bust of Fox, to be placed...
4485To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 11 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 11 Mch. 1791 . Nothing decisive has taken place since his last. The return of spring will tell whether there will be war between Russia and Prussia. The enemies of the latter desire it out of resentment; and the enemies of despotism in general desire it also, in the hope of seeing the two powers weaken themselves. He speaks of the public voice, not that of diplomacy which,...
4486To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 13 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 13 Nov. 1792. For several months we have seen that a king without a people is nothing. We shall see what a people without a king can be. Having driven the enemy from France and invaded Germany, the French are welcomed as liberators in the Low Countries. 15–20 Nov. All around him precautions are being taken, especially against those within the country, who are dreaded as much as...
4487To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 12 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 12 July 1791 . He acknowledges TJ’s of 13 May and has made good use of his account of the prosperity of the United States. If the volume of European quarrels allows space for this felicitous example set by the New World, it will be seen in the newspapers. He has written Luzac to continue sending the gazette by the English packet boats. As for the question of American packets, this...
4488To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 5 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 5 Apr. 1793 . The lifting of the embargo in the Dutch ports enables him to resume his dispatches. He encloses a statement of his disbursements for the last half of 1792, two copies of which he furnished to the bankers at Amsterdam when he drew on them for the sums of ƒ301.16 and ƒ204.15 mentioned in it. The poorly conceived French campaign strategy of maintaining separate corps...
4489To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir les deux respectables vôtres, des 23 Juin et 13 Juillet derniers, comme aussi une dont notre illustre Président m’a honoré en date du 30 Juin, sur un sujet qui regarde personnellement Son Excellence. Quoique abbattu et toujours martyr d’une croix domestique, qui fait coup sur coup le malheur de ma vieillesse, elles m’ont ranimé, consolé, et rendu des forces, pour...
4490To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 August 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 18 Aug. 1789 . TJ’s letters of 27 and 30 July have delivered him “ d’une grande perplexité. ” Postponement of TJ’s departure is fortunate because it will enable him to give an account of affairs in Europe which cannot fail to be interesting to the United States, “ surtout de la part d’un Observateur tel que Votre Excellence. ” He hopes TJ will promote his solicitation to be...
4491To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 Mch. 1790 . After ten days in the bosom of friendship with Luzac at Leiden, he has again met here with “ les mêmes Chevaux, Carosses, Laquais, qui, avec grand étalage, se font la cour réciproquement; les mêmes yvrognes, polissons, et gueux de tout age et sexe, courants et faisants du bruit la nuit dans les rues et gargottes.—Les braves gens, qui pourtant ne manquent pas ici, y...
4492To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 9 Jan. 1793 . The lessons offered by the quarrelsome Europeans can make the good American people thankful for the wisest and most virtuous government in the world and the constitutions which assure it. Behold the king of England, who seems determined to add to the disorder by joining with his hereditary Continental cousins and risks drowning with them like Pharoah, thus atoning for...
4493To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Dans la juste supposition, que V. E. verra mes Dépeches à l’honorable Département des Affaires Etrangeres, cette Lettre-ci n’est qu’un pur Epanchement des Sentimens de mon coeur, à la nouvelle que je viens d’apprendre de mes Amis à Amsterdam, de la nomination de Votre Excellence au Poste éminent de Secretaire d’Etat de la Confédération Américaine. Je ne vous verrai donc plus, Monsieur. Mais...
4494To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ The Hague ], 1 Oct. 1791 . The King’s acceptance of “la Constitution des françois” has strengthened the monarchy and ensured the future happiness of France. The replacement of the Legislative by the Constituent Assembly also bodes well for the progress of the revolution in France.—The news from the Netherlands is of quite a different nature. The money for the forced loan of 25th last no...
4495To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 14 July 1790 . Since his last of 6 May—5 June European affairs have continued “en violente crise entre la paix ou la guerre générale.—Aujourd’hui est le grand jour d’où dépend le salut interne de la France et son influence externe.” He will hold the dispatch until next week to learn the happy success of the celebration in Paris. “En attendant, je passe les intermédiaires avec tous...
4496To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Quelque attentif que je sois dans ma solitude aux affaires générales de l’Europe, elles sont encore un Chaos pour moi, et pour les plus clairvoyants, et elles le seront jusqu’à-ce que tout soit arrangé en France.—Delà, ou d’une funeste Contrerévolution (laquelle pourtant me paroît aussi absurde, aussi impossible aujourd’hui, qu’une bombe qui feroit sauter la France entiere comme un Magasin à...
4497To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 May 1791 . Cabinets of London and Berlin greatly embarrassed by the peace overtures of Empress of Russia and by the astonishing Polish revolution. Pitt is great in matters of internal finance and commerce, but below mediocrity in foreign affairs, having for more than three years been influenced by his kinsman, “le très-intriguant Grenville.” He long ago predicted what events have...
4498To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 June 1792. Having deferred sending these packets until now, he forwards them without being able to add his opinions on the affairs of Europe. The French, who ought to do everything, do nothing; the Prussians march and do not arrive; the English and Dutch fortunately remain observers. Providence seems to control events that disturb courts and their diplomacy, such as the war Russia...
4499To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 1 Aug. 1791 . A letter from Paris reports that the Constitution, reduced to essentials, will be presented this week to the King, not to be sanctioned but accepted. After that the King will no longer be uneasy. They will lose no time in finishing the elections already begun for a new Assembly, to which the present one will gloriously give way. If the news of this solemn event takes...
4500To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Après avoir eu soin, de la maniere la plus prompte possible, selon ma dernière du 7e. Court., de faire parvenir un Exemplaire de la Gazette françoise de Leide, par Mr. Luzac, même, et par son Correspondant Mr. Cooper, Commis des Postes de S.M. Britannique à Londres , sous l’adresse simple de Ths. Jefferson Esqr. N.York ; j’ai pris tout de suite mes mesures pour en faire parvenir régulierement,...