51From Alexander Hamilton to Elbridge Gerry, [6 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am a member of a Committee, to whom the Baron De Steuben’s application to Congress founded upon a certain statement supported among other testimonials by a certificate from you, has been referred. Among the papers committed to us is the copy of a written report made by the Committee appointed to confer with the Baron at York Town. As this report is of a nature to create difficulties in the...
52From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 23 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
On my Return from Portsmouth, to which Place I made an Excursion upon a certain maritime Cause, I Yesterday met your kind Letter of Decr. 3. from the Camp at White Marsh. I thank you Sir for the assurances you give me of your Attention to Mr. Smiths Concern, with which I acquainted him, upon my first Reading of your Letter. Am much pleased with your Account of the Strength of the Army, and I...
53From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 22 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours covering a letter for Mr Skipwith, which I have put in company with some despatches just forwarded to Mr. Livingston. I had long before recd. your favor of the 9th. Ult: on the subject of Mr. N. Fellows jr. whose name & pretensions I have laid before the President. The Consulate of the Havanna is not yet vacant, and it is uncertain what the policy of Spain may be with...
54From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 31 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th came to my hands last Week, but not in time to answer it by the last Post. I have examined my Letter and orderly Books but find no such order as Mr Gridley alludes to, in his letter of the 21st of Feby, to you. If his Father, or himself ever received such orders they are no doubt to be produced, and will speak for themselves. Mr Gridley never reported himself to the...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night the letter signed by yourself and the other gentlemen delegates of Massachusets and Virginia, recommending Mr. Sayre for the Barbary negotiations. As that was the first moment of it’s suggestion to me, you will perceive by my letter of this day to Mr. Jay that the business was already established in other hands, as your letter came at the same time with the papers...
56From John Quincy Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 30 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
“The Massachusetts election appears to agitate the Americans in Europe almost exclusively; of all the elections going on at the same time in many parts of the union, I see paragraphs in the newspapers, but hear not a syllable from any other quarter. But American federalists in this city, have received letters from their friends in London and in Gothenburg, in high exultation announcing the...
57From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 3 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have been so intensely occupied since I was favored with your two letters of the 19th. & 20th. May, that I could not snatch an earlier moment to acknowledge them. It gives me much pleasure to learn that you retain so much confidence in the soundness & firmness of the great body of the friends to republican principles, with respect to an assertion of the national rights, in the only mode now...
58From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
As to the Trade with the West Indies, I do not think we can hope to revive it upon more favorable Terms than those before the War. If we can be admitted to carry Cargoes to G. Britain & Ireland, or G. Britain alone from the Islands, giving Bonds with Sureties to land them in some Port of those Kingdoms, it will be all we can expect. If Congress, are of the same Mind, they had better empower Us...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 26 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just now favored with your note of to-day. The wine you enquire after is called Sauterne, and costs about 1/ sterling the bottle, (included) at 3. years old, earlier than which it should not be tasted, and still much better not to drink it till 4. years old, one year then makes great odds in the flavor. The best crop is that of the Countess de Luz-Saluce. But you had better address...
60From John Jay to Elbridge Gerry, 18 November 1780 (Jay Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of recieving your Favor of the 10 th . July, and am much obliged to you for informing us of the Situation of our Friends in Jersey when you passed thro’ it. Should M r Warren visit Madrid you may rely on his recieving from me every Mark of Attention due to an American, and to the Son of a General whose Posterity & memory have strong Claims to the Attachment and Regard...
61From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 5 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am in your debt for 3 letters of the 10. 11. & 25 June. General Boyd goes to N.Y. instead of N. Orleans. Weston was never even seen by me. The command of the Revenue Cutter is to be given to Trewitt who is strongly & extensively recommended. The last intelligence from Europe was as you will have inferred, no wise decisive with respect to our affairs with G.B: nor can it well be so, untill...
62From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, [25 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… I am not acquainted with either the person, or the character of Mr. Corran. My respect for his Lady is nevertheless sufficient to give me all the interest in her wishes, which public considerations will permit. I shall consequently not fail to keep the President in mind of Mr. Corran as a candidate for the posts you mention. I must observe at the same time that there are so many applications...
63From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 11 November 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of August 24. The affairs of Europe have been during the summer in an awful crisis; they have at length taken their ultimate direction, which is for war. The emperour had declared he would send a vessel along the Scheld, and would consider a cannon fired at her by the Dutch as a declaration of war. They fired at her and forced her to return. His ambassador at the Hague...
64From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 27 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose as you have requested a letter to Genl. Armstrong presenting Mrs. Blake to his polite attention. I have thought it proper also to inclose a passport in the form usually given to Citizens of known respectability. You will please to substatute the pen for the pencil in filling the blanks, and to add to the name of Mrs. B. not only her daughter but any attendants she may take with her....
65From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 19 November 1777 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter, I this Moment received and can think of no other Way, to answer the Expectations of Mr. Smith, than to request you to take the Trouble of doing what, by the inclosed Letter I am requested to do. I am Sorry to take off your Attention from things of more Importance or Amusements of greater Pleasure. But having often experienced your obliging Disposition, I presume upon it...
66From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 27 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have not received a Line, nor heard a Syllable from you Since my Arrival, but I know your incessant Application to things of the first Moment, and therefore presume you have good Reasons. Our Ennemies are Still in a Delirium: and are pleasing themselves with Hopes that Clinton will be more bloody than How. Nothing is so charming to their Imaginations as Blood and Fire. What an Heart must...
67From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 11 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by your favour of the 9th. just received. Though I called the Subject of my former letter, a Bagatelle, it is perhaps of Some Importance; for as a Navy is now an Object, I think a circumstantial History of Naval Operations in this Country ought to be written, even as far back as the Province Ship under Capt. Hollowell &c and perhaps earlier Still. Looking into the Journal of...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 29 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two letters of Jan. 15. and Feb. 24. came safely to hand and I thank you for the history of a transaction which will ever be interesting in our affairs. it has been very precisely as I had imagined. I thought, on your return, that if you had come forward boldly and appealed to the public by a full statement, it would have had a great effect in your favor personally, & that of the...
69From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
In former Letters, I have made a few hasty Remarks upon Mrs Warren and Mr Marshall: permit me now to add one or two upon Dr Gordon. In the Second Volume of his History, page 144, he Says, “The Massachusetts Assembly resolved, October the ninth, to fit out armed Vessells; ” But how is this? This Resolution is four days later, than the Resolution of Congress, Octr. 5. which asserts that...
70From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 2 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
The Imputation of a weak Passion has made So much Impression upon me, that it may not be improper to Say a little more about it, even although I Should convert you, more and more to the Opinion of those who think the public Interest in danger from it. The Truth Should come out, and if the danger is real the Remedy is easily applied. According to all that I have read of Morals or Seen of...
71From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
I am infinitely obliged to you for your Favour of 29 of september and for the Journals. These are so much wanted in Europe, that if I should go there, there is nothing of so small Expence that I so much wish as 20 or 30 setts of them. They are an handsome Present. Cant Congress or some Committee order them to me. The Appointment of Mr. Dana is as unexpected as my own. No Man could be found...
72From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 3 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
The third of September, will be more remarkable for the Signature of the definitive Treaties than for the Battle of Naseby or Worcester or the Death of Oliver Cromwell.— We could obtain no Alteration from the Provisional Articles. We could Obtain no explanation of the Articles respecting the Tories nor any Limitation respecting Interest or Execution for Debts. I am however less anxious about...
73John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 4 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
We are going on, with as much dispatch as the Nature of our Business will admit of, and We proceed with wonderful Harmony, good Humour and Unanimity. The D r , is confined to his House and Garden by the Stone as he thinks. He has not been farther from Home, than my House at Auteuil which is within a mile of his, for these twelve months. He cannot ride in a Carriage, because the motion of that...
74From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 5 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
It is necessary that you should be minutely informed, of the minutest and most secret Springs of Action here, if it is possible. Yet the Danger is so great of our Letters, being taken and getting into English News Papers, that it is very discouraging to a free Correspondence. I will however take all the Precaution in my Power, to have the Letters sunk, but if all these fail and my Letters...
75James Sullivan to John Adams and Elbridge Gerry, 11 October 1776 (Adams Papers)
There is no measures conceivable to me that can save this Country from utter ruin but the raising an Army to serve during the present War which to all appearance will be yet of very considerable duration. I therefore am much pleased that the Congress are taking measures to that purpose and wish their present measure may prove Effectual but am constrained to say that there is not in my mind the...
76Abigail Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
When I looked for your Name among those who form the Representative Body of the people this year I could not find it. I sought for it with the Senate, but was still more dissapointed. I however had the pleasure of finding it amongst the delegates of this Commonwealth to Congress, where I flatter myself you will still do us Honour which posterity will gratefully acknowledge; and the virtuous...
Looking over your Letter again, I find several Things unanswered. I should be Sorry to think that Mr. D. was the only vote against me. I had rather believe it was Some other State, than that this Gentleman voted vs. from a personal Pique founded on so futile an Affair, So innocently intended and so unlukily divulged, as the only semblance of anything personal between me and him. In public...
78From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 26 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Although Governor Gages Prediction to General Jo. Warren has not yet, been fully accomplished in this Country; yet as His Observation was Suggested by History, it will be found too just, Some time or other. Selfishness has dissappointed The Hopes of Patriotism and Philanthropy in all Ages, not only in England at the Period of her Commonwealth. Edes’s Watertown Gazette Shall be carefully...
79From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 29 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received your obliging Letter of the 12th—I am sorry to find that Congress had not at that time made any requisitions of Men from the States, as it appears to me that the army without reinforcements, by the expiration of the inlistments of so many men and of the service of the new levies as they are called, will be much more reduced than will be compatible with our interest & policy. It was...
80John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 9 September 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 15 of June and am happy to inform you, that M r Jefferson and M r Humphrey are Arrived, as well as my Family with whom I am once more Settled. The Appointment of M r Jefferson is a very happy one. He is as active in Business as he is able, and has nothing So much at Heart as the real Service of his Country. I have known him of old. We have acted together...
81From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 13 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
I am, this moment informed, that the Packet is arrived but neither D r F. nor I have any Letters as yet. this is unlucky, because We Shall not be able to answer by this Packet. I Suppose it is a question with you whether you shall Send a Minister to Spain; I really hope you will. it is a question too no doubt, who to send.— There will be some perhaps many, perhaps all for M r Charmichael. I...
82From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since my Arrival in Europe I have had Reason to be very well Satisfied with my Reception, hitherto, in Spain, in France, and especially among the Americans in Europe. I have received Letters, from various Quarters of warm Congratulations and full of Professions, of Respect and offers of service. Such Letters I have had from Mr. Bondfield at Bordeaux, Mr. Williams and Mr. Johnson, and Mr....
83From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 24 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your two Letters of the 5th. of May I have recieved with more pleasure than You can imagine. They are the first Lines I have recieved from Philadelphia. Your Letter prepared my mind for the horrid History We have since recieved in the Court Gazette from London of the Surrender of Charlestown. This is the severest Blow We ever recieved. Yet We shall soon get over it. I hope it will arouse the...
84From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 8 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday morning, D r. Franklin produced a Resolution of Congress, that A. F. & J. should be joined in a Commission to treat of Commerce with Great Britain. This is well, & I hope you will pursue the plan & send another Commission to the same Persons to treat with Joseph, Catharine, Denmark & Portugal. Jay & I do admirably well with the old Man. We go on very smoothly, & make him know what is...
85From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 14 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
Thanks be to God, my dear Gerry, that our Tom Cod are Safe, in Spight of the Malice of Ennemies the Finesse of Allies and the Mistakes of Congress.— The Fisheries were attacked through my Sides, but they have not been wounded. We have obtained an explicit Acknowledgment of our Right to all the Fisheries, and the most unlimited Liberty to catch Fish, and Liberty to dry them on Nova scotia,...
86From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 21 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with infinite joy to me that you were yesterday announced to the Senate as envoy extraordinary jointly with Genl. Pinckney and Mr. Marshel to the French republic. It gave me certain assurance that there would be a preponderance in the mission sincerely disposed to be at peace with the French government and nation. Peace is undoubtedly at present the first object of our nation. Interest...
87From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 26 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
You will have Seen by my Public Dispatches what Prospects We have of any Sudden Arrangement with this Country. I may be more free, in a Letter to you, than I have been, in the Public Letters to M r Jay.— There is a mysterious Reserve among the Ministers which indicates either a Want of Unanimity among them, or a Dissatisfaction towards Us, or a Timidity arising from the Prejudices and Passions...
88Abigail Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 4 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
The very quick reply with wish which you honourd my Letter together with the Friendly contents of your polite favour demand my acknowledgement. If you Sir as a patriot and a Friend feel for the injurys offerd to your Country and the disgrace with which those in power are endeavouring to load our Friend, you may easily judge of the anxiety of one whose happiness is so interwoven and blended...
89From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 19 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
Before the Arrival of your kind Letter by Wingrove I had heard, from various quarters, of your Marriage and had received the most agreable Accounts of the Character of the Lady. give me leave to congratulate you, on this happy Event. Nothing can be more pleasing than the Transition from the Turbulence of War and Politicks to the Tranquility of domestick Life, in the Arms of a Lady of so much...
90From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 11 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
This Letter will be delivered you by my Friend M r Storer by whom I may write more confidentially, than I usually do, even to you. I wish I had as much publick Cause as I have private to Speak respectfully of the present Ministry. They have treated me, and I Suppose advised their Master to treat me, with all the personal Respect, and all the Regard to my public Character, which I can desire. I...
91From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 5 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am under Such Restrictions, Injunctions and Engagements of Secrecy respecting every Thing which passes in Congress, that I cannot communicate my own Thoughts freely to my Friends, So far as is necessary to ask their Advice, and opinions concerning Questions which many of them understand much better than I do. This however is an inconvenience, which must be Submitted to for the sake of...
92John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 27 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favours by M r Reed and by Coll Herman, and am much obliged to you for your friendly Sentiments and instructive Communications. Your Plan of a Commission to treat with the maritime Powers, has not it Seems been adopted, and the departure of M r Jay for New York, has now rendered it, impracticable. Congress We are told is adjourned. M r Jay, and Mr Laurens as well as M r Dana...
93From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of February 25th came to hand on the 26th of April. I am not a little at a loss to devise how it has happened that mine of November 11th, which I sent by colonel Le Mair, and who I know arrived at New-York the 15th of January, should have been so long kept from your hands as till the 25th February. I am much afraid that many letters sent by the same hand have experienced the same...
94John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 31 January 1785 (Adams Papers)
I learn with much Pleasure, that you are again in Congress, at the head of a respectable Delegation, and that the States in general are So well represented. Experience will Show the Necessity of having that Assembly composed of the best Men, by whom I mean Men of the most Experience, the best Talents and greatest Virtues. it is by these alone that fœderal Principles and Feelings, can be made...
95From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Since I have read again your Line “for encouraging the fitting out armed Vessels,” printed in Ecles’s Watertown Gazette of the 13th November 1775. I have had the curiosity to look into several of our historians in order to see what notice they have taken of this transaction which had such important consequences. It was natural to begin with Mrs Warren as she was a native of this province a...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 13 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. inst. came to hand yesterday. That of the 4th. of Apr. with the one for Monroe has never been recieved. The first of the 27th. of March did not reach me till Apr. 21. when I was within a few days of setting out for this place, and I put off acknoleging it till I should come here. I entirely commend your dispositions towards Mr. Adams, knowing his worth as intimately, and...
97From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 3 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. tho’ not till the 1st. instant your favor of the 19 Feby. and beg you to accept my acknowledgments for your kind sympathy on the accident which I lately suffered. It was a very painful one, but did not extend beyond the dislocation of the pan of my knee. This was immediately replaced, and I am beginning to make a hobling use of the limb. I fear however from the slowness of its...
98From John Jay to Elbridge Gerry, 9 January 1782 (Jay Papers)
I cannot concieve ^ should have much wondered ^ what could have detained my Letter mentioned in yours of 20 Sept r last, so Long from you ^ had not ^ My Correspondence has been strangely interrupted ever since my Arrival. Your Constitution gives me much Satisfaction— It appears to me to be ^
99From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 24 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have just now received your Favour of the 12 th. of April. The Arrets I inclosed to King, to be delivered to you, if at New York, and to be Sent to you if gone to N. England, unless he Should have occasion to use them in Congress. I now inclose you some Papers relating to the British Whale Fisheries by which you will see What forced Plants they are, and how easily We may rival them. When you...
100From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 19 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
A very fortunate day to write to you, My dear Sir, and especialy on a Subject, without which my Letters of 1775 would have been no Blessing. In my last Letter I intimated a design of looking into other American Historians, after that of Mrs Warren, on the Subject of a Navy. C.J. Marshal, in the 2nd. Vol. of his Life of Washington p 255 in the month of October September, Says “The importance of...