1Abigail Adams to James Bowdoin, 16 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure of acquainting you that I last Evening recieved Letters from Mr. Adams, wherein he informs me that the Congress are determined to support the Massachusetts—that there is a good Spirit among them, and that they have an amazing Field of Business before them—that it is extensive, complicated and hazardous, but their Unanimnity is as great as before—that they have a Number of...
2From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 16 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is difficult to ascertain with Precision the Designs of the Enemy: But by the best Intelligence We can obtain their Malice and Revenge against New England, is implacable. Their Intentions, most probably, are, to come over the Lakes and enter N. England by that Way, to attack it by the Way of Rhode Island, and also by the Way of the North or the East River. An Armament, may possibly be...
3From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 29 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
There is a Letter from Dr. Lee, dated Bourdeaux Feb. 20th. which Says that he has a Letter from a confidential Friend which assures him that Ten Thousand Men, were obtained in Germany, and Vessell sent for them. That these with three Thousand British were to come out under Burgoigne. That Boston would certainly be attacked. That Howe would probably move towards Philadelphia. That Ministry...
4From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 24 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honour of inclosing a few Extracts of Letters written in 1783 to M r Livingstone, which it is to be presumed were laid before Congress: but I have not heard that the Plan Suggested in them of purchasing raw Sugars in France, Spain and Portugal, to be refined in Boston, New York and Philadelphia for Exportation to Russia, Germany & Italy, has been ever attempted, untill this...
5From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 9 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellencies Letter of the 12. of January I have had the Honour to receive, and am much obliged to you for the Information in it Your Opinion of the Policy of this Country, will be found in the Result of Things to be just, and your Reasoning in Support of it is so conclusive and at the Sametime, so obvious, that it is astonishing it has not its Effect upon the Cabinet. Every Consideration...
6From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 2 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
D r. Gordon, Yesterday called upon me, with the Letter which your Excellency did me, the Honour to write me, on the 10 th. of April— I have long since transmitted to Congress, the Answer of the Board of Admiralty to the Representations relative to the Conduct of Cap t. Stanhope, in which the Letters of that officers are disapproved, The Representations of the Encroachments on the territory of...
7From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 1 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have lately written to Congress, An Account of the Sentiments and Conduct of the Lords of the Admiralty, upon Captain Stanhopes Letters, which will no doubt be transmitted to you from N. York. It consists in Substance in the Signification to Capt. Stanhope of the “Sensible Displeasure” of their Lordships, and in his Recall from the American Station. In a late Visit to the Hide a Country Seat...
8From John Adams to James Bowdoin, 11 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved the Letter you did me, the honour to write me, on the 30. of May: but have not yet had an opportunity to See M r Boid. Whenever that Gentleman shall appear, it will be a pleasure to me to give him all the Attention and Assistance, in my Power, which may be due to public Justice, and to your Recommendation. We proceed Slowly: but in digesting Plans so new, so extensive and so...
9George Washington to James Bowdoin, [26 April] 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey, April 26 ] 1780 . Thanks Bowdoin for a copy of “the plan proposed for the constitution of [his] state.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Believes an operation against New York no longer possible. Regrets that at present the Army cannot repay its loan of arms. Approves of resolutions of the convention of the four eastern states. Reviews European situation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Thanks Bowdoin for loan of arms. Reports that Rhode Island Militia except for those at West Point have been dismissed. Mentions need for supplies. Urges completion of Continental battalions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 25 October 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Enclos’d with this I send you all my Electrical Papers fairly transcrib’d, and I have as you desir’d examin’d the Copy and find it correct. I shall be glad to have your Observations on them; and if in any Part I have not made my self well understood, I will on Notice endeavour to explain the obscure Passages by Letter. My Compliments to Mr. Cooper and the...
13From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 5 September 1751 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society As you are curious in Electricity, I take the Freedom of introducing to you, my Friend Mr. Kinnersley, who visits Boston with a compleat Apparatus for experimental Lectures on that Subject. He has given great Satisfaction to all that have heard him here, and I believe you will be pleased with his Performance. He is quite a Stranger in Boston, and as you...
14From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 24 January 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I am glad to learn by your Favour of the 21st past, that Mr. Kinnersley’s Lectures have been acceptable to the Gentlemen of Boston, and are like to prove serviceable to himself. I thank you for the Countenance and Encouragement you have so kindly afforded my Fellow-Citizen. I send you enclos’d an Extract of a Letter containing the Substance of what I...
15From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 14 May 1752 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society I deferred answering yours of March 16th in hopes of finding one of the first Edition of Dr. Coldens Pieces, which you seem’d desirous to see. I have not been able to get a compleat one, but enclose you some Sheets which the Dr. sent me when it was in the Press. I endeavoured to understand it, and to that End made a few Remarks...
16From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 28 February 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society The enclos’d is a Copy of a Letter and some Papers I received lately from a Friend, of which I have struck off Fifty Copies by the Press, to distribute among my ingenious Acquaintance in No. America, hoping some of them will make the Observations proposed. The Improvement of Geography and Astronomy is the common Concern of all polite Nations, and I trust...
17From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 12 April 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have shipt 18 Glass Jarrs in Casks well pack’d, on board Capt. Branscombe for Boston. 6 of them are for you, the rest I understand are for the College. Leaf Tin, such as they use in silvering Looking Glasses, is best to coat them with; they should be coated to within about 4 or 5 Inches of the Brim. Cut the Tin into Pieces of the Form in the Margin, and...
18From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 18 October 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : J. William Middendorf, Jr., Ruxton, Md. (1955) I recollect that I promis’d to send you Dr. Brownrigg’s Treatise on Common Salt. You will receive it herewith. I hope it may be of use in the Affair of your Fishery. Please to communicate it to Capt. Erwin, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Boutineau, or any other of your Friends who may be desirous of seeing it. Since my Return from Boston, I have been to our...
19From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 December 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I receiv’d your Favour of the 12th ult. with the Law of your Province for Regulating the Indian Trade, for which I thank you, and for the Remarks that accompany it, which clearly evince the Usefulness of the Law, and I hope will be sufficient to induce our Assembly to follow your Example. I have yet received no Particulars of the unhappy Gentleman’s Death...
20From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 30 December 1754 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Rochester Library; also transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society The enclos’d I intended to send to London but have not yet sent any Part of it. Some of the Letters being yours, I ought first to have your Permission. When you have perus’d the whole, please to send it after me per Post to Rhodeisland, where I expect to be at least 10 Days. My Compliments to Mrs. Bowdoin,...
21From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 2 December 1758 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Benjamin Franklin, Experiments and Observations on Electricity (London, 1769), pp. 369–74. The problem of “augmenting the Benefit of Fire” and cutting expenditures for fuel compelled Franklin’s attention throughout his life. The Pennsylvania fireplace represents his earliest and most famous attempt to solve it. A less familiar contrivance, conceived for the same...
22From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 15 December 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Royal Archives, Windsor Castle; transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society I have read with great Pleasure the College Poems you were so kind as to send me: I think, and I hope it is not merely my American Vanity that makes me think, some of them exceed in Beauty and Elegance those produced by the Mother Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, on the same Occasion. In return, please...
23From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 11 October 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society We found we could not get quite ready to set out to-day, so have adjourn’d our Departure till to-morrow. As Company, (I know not how many) talk of going part of the Way with us, I think it will be inconvenient to breakfast with you as proposed. We shall therefore only stop at your Door to take Leave. Herewith you have the Receipt you desired. When you...
24From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 July 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I am honoured with yours of May 10. and agree with you perfectly in your Sentiments of publick Affairs. Government here seems now to be growing more moderate with regard to America, and I am persuaded that by a steady prudent Conduct, we shall finally obtain all our important Points, and establish American Liberty on a clearer and firmer Foundation. The...
25From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 5 February 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I am very sensible of the Honour done me by your House of Representatives, in appointing me their Agent here. It will make me extreamly happy if I can render them any valuable Service. I have had several Conferences with Mr. Bollan on their Affairs: There is a good Understanding between us, which I shall endeavour to cultivate. At present the Cloud that...
26From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; draft: American Philosophical Society In this letter, as in others later in the month, Franklin touched on a subject of crucial importance in the developing Anglo-American quarrel, the validity of the crown’s instructions to colonial governors. The issue had underlain the wrangling the year before between Governor Hutchinson and the House of...
27[John Temple] to James Bowdoin, 20 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society I had pleasure in receiving your favor of the 13th. December (with the inclosure) which has had a good effect on the minds of Considerable people here. You will by this opportunity hear that Dr. Franklin is dismissed from his office of Post-Master in America; but it is impossible the Province will let him be a loser by it, they must fall upon some Means of...
28From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 25 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I received your kind Letter of Sept. 6 by Mr. Quincy. I thought it might be of use to publish a Part of it, which was done accordingly. But the Measures it so justly censures are still persisted in, and will I trust continue to produce Effects directly contrary to those intended; will unite instead of dividing us, strengthen and make us more resolute...
29From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 24 March 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Inclos’d is an Answer to the Request from the Inhabitants of Dartmouth. I have comply’d with it upon your Recommendation, and ordered a Post accordingly. I have put into Mr. Adams’s Hands directed for you, the new Edition of Vattel. When you have perus’d it, please to place it in your College Library. I am just setting out for Canada, and have only time...
30From Benjamin Franklin to James Bowdoin, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Facsimile: Reproduced in Charles Hamilton Auction No. 57 (New York; April 20, 1972), p. 28; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I take the Liberty of introducing to your Acquaintance, two of my particular Friends, members of the Royal Society of London, Mr. Jones & Mr. Paradise. You will find them men of Learning & Ingenuity, and have great Pleasure in conversing with them. I recomend them...
31From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 10 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Congress having requested my attendance in Philadelphia, I was in that City when your Letter of the 11th Ulto came to this place—this days Post therefore affords me the first oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of it. I am hopeful that you applied to General Ward, and have received all the Assistance that Mr Machin could give in determining upon the practacability of cutting a Canal,...
32From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 14 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ultimo in behalf of the Honorable Council of the Massachusetts State is duly Received, thro you I beg their Acceptance of most hearty Thanks for their readiness in undertakeing the late Treaty. I likewise congratulate them on the Success with which it was attended, and wish an early arrival of such of their Tribes as intend Joining Us in the present Controversy, The four...
33From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 18 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received the Honor of your favor of the 8th Instt and beg leave to return your Honble Body my warmest acknowledgements for their early attention to my requisition, and assurances of such Support as shall be in their power. Circumstances having varied much since I addressed them upon this Subject, & being far removed myself from the rendezvous intended for this reinforcement when...
34From George Washington to James Bowdoin and the New Hampshire General Court, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The accounts received from New York respecting the distresses of our Prisoners, induce me to recommend to your Honble body, that measures should be taken to effect an Exchange as soon as possible & as far as circumstances will admit of. Ever since the Cartel has been settled between Genl Howe & myself, I have been endeavouring to accomplish it; but my attempts have not been attended with but...
35From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd a letter from Lieut. Colo. Campbell of the 71st Regt dated Concord Goal 4th of this Month. The Colo., in this letter, gives me such an account of the severity of his Confinement, as is scarce ever inflicted upon the most atrocious Criminals. The following Extract of his letter shews the Reasons that were given to him upon his Confinement. “The first of this Month, I was...
36From George Washington to James Bowdoin, Nicholas Cooke, and the New Hampshire Convention, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I make no doubt but before this, you will have heard, that the Enemy have evacuated Jersey. This information, I should have done myself the pleasure of transmitting you by the first Opportunity after the Event, had not my attention been employed in making a New disposition of the Army, and had I apprehended it materially interesting, that it should come immediately from myself. When Genl Howe...
37From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
It gives me inexpressible concern to have repeated information from the best authority, that the Committees of the different Towns and Districts in your State, hire deserters from General Burgoynes Army and employ them as Substitutes, to excuse the personal Service of the Inhabitants. I need not enlarge upon the danger of substituting, as Soldiers, men who have given a glaring proof of a...
38From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 31 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
The evil which I apprehended from the enlistm⟨ent⟩ of Deserters, as pointed out in my letter of the 17th instant, has already made its appearance. One of the Colonels informs me that every British Deserter sent to his Regt, except one, has already gone off. One of these people, a few Nights ago, took off a light Horse with his accoutrements from an advanced picket. I hope upon this proof of...
39From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 15 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit to your care a Letter for Major General Heath under a flying Seal. From an apprehension that he might have left Boston before it arrived and the importance of the objects to which it extends I am induced to use this freedom. If the General has not returned to the Army, I would request the favor of You to have the Letter sealed after perusing it, and delivered to...
40From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 14 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Two favors of the 29th & 31st of last Month, with the plan referred to, and have to return You my warmest thanks for the same & for your very kind & polite attention to my request. The plan & table of reference are very intelligible and satisfactory—and convey a clear idea of many points, about which I was uninformed before. These may be of great use—and from the manner...
41From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had not the honor of receiving your favr of the 12th ulto untill the 28th upon my march from Jersey to this place, at which I am collecting our force to move down towards New York in hopes of taking an advantage of the absence of Sir Henry Clinton with the greater part his force. I am much obliged by the information you give me of the quantity of Powder which may be obtained in the State of...
42From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 8 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 31st ulto. The measure of ordering the three months militia to repair to Rhode Island upon the expectation of the British Army was certainly right, but as the force which was embarked on the Sound has returned again to new York—I imagine the Count De Rochambeau will not think them longer necessary and that they will be ordered to proceed to the north River. The...
43From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged to you My dear Sir for your letter of the 17th and for the interesting intelligence you do me the favor to communicate. The Blockade of the Port of Brest by delaying the Sailing of the second division makes a material change in our prospects. I fear it will put it out of our power to operate against New York. but if we are not unfortunate in Europe and if vigorous measures...
44From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since my arrival in this place I have been honored with your letters of the 18th of Feby and 24th of April. To meet the congratulations and assurances of support from those Characters whose opinions I revere, will be of no small service in enabling me to overcome the diffidence which I have in my own abilities, to execute properly the important and untried task which my Country has assigned...
I have the Honor of transmitting to your Ex y herewith enclosed an Extract of a Letter of the 15 ^ of 15 July last ^ I have just rec d from the Honorable John Adams Esq r .; from which your Excellency will percieve that the Conduct ^ Behaviour ^ of Cap
46From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 10 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States being desirous of availing the public of your services as Minister Plenipotentiary to His Catholic Majesty, I have the honor to enclose your commission . As in many respects it would be desireable, that we should have the pleasure of your presence at the seat of government, before your departure for Spain, if it can be reconciled with your private...
47From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 1 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 19th. inst: has been duly recd. It gives me pleasure to find that you have reconciled yourself to the Mission to which you have been called, & to a visit to this place before you undertake it. I regret only the indisposition which confines you for the present; but which I hope may soon yield to the means used for reestablishing your health. The precise objects within your...
48From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 15 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. & laid before the President your letter of the 4th. inst. He acquiesces in the postponement of your departure for Madrid, in preference to the loss of your services by a resignation, and thinks the advantage that will result from a previous visit to this place, will overbalance the delay which it will add to the time at which you might otherwise be able to embark. As you suppose...
49From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 14 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 28th. of Feby. has been duly received. The continuance of your infirm health is sincerely regretted on personal as well as on public considerations; the latter of which give some importance to a visit from you here previous to your departure for Spain. The President nevertheless readily acquiesces in dispensing with such a visit in case the obstacles to it should not be...
50From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 16 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
On receiving your letter of Mar. 26 I thought proper to forward it to the President at his Seat in Virginia, whence it did not return till last evening. The President himself will be here about wednesday or thursday next. No time will be lost in drawing his attention to the measures preparatory to your departure for Madrid, which may however be deemed the more or less urgent according to the...