1From George Washington to John Marshall, 15 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th Ulto to Doctr Stuart enclosing a Summons for L. Washington &c. did not come to my hand till lass Night. I am at a loss what step to take in this matter, and should be glad of your advice. Luther Martin is the Attorney Genl of Maryland and lives in Baltimore. Elizabeth and Sarah Cresap I have always understood live with one Jacobs who Married there Mother, and is said to...
2From George Washington to John Marshall, 17 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the liberty to enclose a protested bill of Exchange drawn in 1765 by the Exts. of William Armsted Esqr. in my favor—which I will thank you to take the necessary steps to recover; and as a compensation for your trouble therewith I will allow you ten per Cent upon whatever you may obtain of the debt—The letters &c. whh accompany the bill will serve to shew that the matter has not...
3From George Washington to John Marshall, 27 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have reasons for wishing that the enclosed letter could be conveyed with safety and expedition; but no opportunity offering from these parts, I take the liberty of committing it to your care on a supposition that the intercours⟨e⟩ between Richmond & the Western District will soon furnish one. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt ALS , University of Glasgow,...
4From George Washington to John Marshall, 5 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 26 Ulto and am sorry to inform you that it is not in my power to furnish the proof which you require of Mr Armsteads executors having had regular notice of the protest. The only person (Colo. Fielding Lewis) who could have been adduced to prove that fact, is dead. Upon my going to Congress in 1774 I left that among other debts, with him to collect for...
5From George Washington to John Marshall, 11 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 8 Instt —From a bad memory, I can recollect nothing of the circumstances relating to the payment of the money by Colo. Pendleton more than what is stated in my books. The Acct with the Executors of Mr Armstead was transmitted to you—and I find the entry of the Cash paid by Colo. Pendleton to stand thus on my Cash Acct—1765 May 10th To Cash of Mr Edmd...
6From George Washington to John Marshall, 26 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Office of Attorney genl of the United States has become vacant, by the death of Willm Bradford Esqr. I take the earliest opportunity of asking if you will accept the appointment? The salary annexed thereto, and the prospect of a lucrative practice in this city—the present seat of the generl government, must be as well known to you—better perhaps— than they are to me; and therefore I shall...
7From Alexander Hamilton to John Marshall, 14 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York April 14, 1796. On April 25, 1796, Marshall wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 14th only reached me by the mail of this evening.” Letter not found. ] Marshall was practicing law in Richmond, Virginia, at this time. In February, 1796, he had made his first and only appearance before the Supreme Court of the United States as an advocate for the defendant in the case of Ware v Hylton ,...
8From George Washington to John Marshall, 8 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Private In confidence I inform you, that it has become indispensably necessary to recall our Minister at Paris; and to send one in his place who will explain, faithfully, the views of this government, and ascertain those of France. Nothing would be more pleasing to me, than that you should be this Organ; if it were only for a temporary absence of a few months. But it being feared that even...
9From George Washington to John Marshall, 15 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11th instant, and regret that present circumstances should deprive our Country of the services which I am confident your going to France, at this time, would have rendered it. It is difficult to fill some offices with characters which would fit them in all respects. Another case of this sort is now before me—namely—that of Surveyor General. A gentleman well...
10From Thomas Jefferson to John Marshall, 28 January [1797] (Jefferson Papers)
[In a letter of the 14th. inst. I] recieved [from the governor a resolution of the general assembly appointing a body of which I am named one, to correspond with certain Maryland Commissioners] on the dividing bounda[ries of the] two states. The periodical and long absences from the state which I must [incur, with the habitual state of my health] obliging me to avoid journies as much as...
11From John Adams to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Abilities, Integrity, Prudence, and Patriotism, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint you the said Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry, jointly and severally Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic, authorizing you...
12From John Adams to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Know Ye, That for the purpose of terminating all differences between the United States of America and the French Republic, and of restoring and confirming perfect harmony and good understanding and re–establishing a commercial and friendly intercourse between them; and reposing a special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Prudence and Abilities of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall...
13From George Washington to John Marshall, 4 December 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your very interesting and obliging favour of the 15th of September from the Hague, came duly to hand, and I thank you sincerely for the important details with which it is fraught, & pray for the continuance of them. I congratulate you too on your safe arrival from Ship-board; and, as the Newspapers tell us, at Paris; and I wish, a little while hence, I may have it in my power to do the same on...
14From Thomas Jefferson to John Marshall, 23 June 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to General Marshall. he had the honor of calling at his lodgings twice this morning, but was so un- lucky as to find that he was out on both occasions. he wished to have expressed in person his regret that a preengagement for to-day which could not be dispensed with would prevent him the satisfaction of dining in company with Genl. Marshall, and therefore...
15From George Washington to John Marshall, 30 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
If General Pinckney should have left Richmond, let me request the favor of you to forward the packet herewith sent, in the manner he may have directed; or, as your own judgment shall dictate, to ensure its delivery to him in Hallifax, or on the Road thro’ North Carolina. The Alien & Sedition Laws having employed many Pens—and we hear a number of tongues, in the Assembly of this State; the...
16From George Washington to John Marshall, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
With infinite pleasure I receiv’d the news of your Election. For the honor of the District, I wish the Majority had been greater; but let us be content; and hope, as the tide is turning, the current will soon run strong ⟨in our⟩ favor. I am sorry to find that the publication you allude to, should have given you a moments disquietud⟨e⟩. I can assure you, it made no impression on my mind, of the...
17From George Washington to John Marshall, Edward Carrington, and William Heth, 12 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Although the letter, of which the enclosed is a copy, is of old date, it has but just been received from the Secretary of War. Without aid, it will be impossible for me to carry his views into effect; which, & the confidence I place in you, is the best apology I can make for asking you to assist me, in the business required. I have, with the exception of short intervals, been so many years...
18From George Washington to John Marshall, 6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 16th ultimo has been duly received, and I sincerely hope it will be in the power of yourself and the other Gentlemen, whom I addressed on the subject, to aid me in making a selection of proper Characters to fill the Offices in the Regiments alotted to Virginia; for, from the causes which I mentioned in my former letter, I find I must rely, for information, on others who are...
19From George Washington to John Marshall, 16 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
By the last mail I was favoured with your letter of the 12 instant, and feel much obliged by the attention of Colo. Carrington and yourself to the subject mentioned in my last letters to you. I am very glad that you did not forward my letter to Colo. Cropper. At the time of writing that letter I was aware of the circumstances which you mention, with respect to the relative rank of Officers in...
20From John Adams to John Marshall, 20 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from John Lasher resigning his office of surveyor & inspector of the customs for the port of N York I receiv’d last night. I believe you have blank commissions in your office one of which I pray you to fill up with the name of Wm S Smith of N.Y. or if you have not a blank, you will please to make out a commission for him & send it to me for signature. for it is my judgment...
21From John Adams to John Marshall, 5 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th of June & thank you for transmitting to the Secretary of the Treasury a commission for Mr. Smith. If Mr. Smith for any reason should decline this appointment, my opinion is that Mr. William Morris of N. York, at present Deputy collector is next in the line of merit & you may send a commission to him.—I concurred with you & the gentlemen you consulted in...
22From John Adams to John Marshall, 10 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are a number of petitions for pardons of fines & imprisonments, which cannot be granted. They ought however to be filed in the office of State I am with great regard yours MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
23From John Adams to John Marshall, 11 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received only last night your favor of the 30th of June. There is no part of the administration of our government, which has given me so much discontent, as the negotiation in the Mediteranean—our ill success in which I attribute to the diffidence of the agents and ministers employed in them, in soliciting aid from the French & the English and the Prussians. Mr. D’Engestrom has too much...
24From John Adams to John Marshall, 14 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed German letter I received yesterday but as the language is illegible & unintelligible to me I inclose it to you, that if any of your clerks can read it, they may translate it for your edification & that of your humble servant. I have not opened it—but give you full authority for that purpose. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
25From John Adams to John Marshall, 19 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters proper to be deposited in your office & submitted to your consideration 1. from Mr Jonathan R Wilmer solliciting the office of Marshall of Maryland 2 A letter from Judge Chace 3d. A letter from Mr Luther Martin recommending Thomas Chase Esqr. 4. A letter from Richard Raynall Keene, with a number of papers inclosed, which I pray you to inclose to him after you have read...
26From John Adams to John Marshall, 21 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from General Forrest, recommending his nephew Mr. Joseph Forrest to be marshall, in the place of Mr Grabell deceased & another letter from Mr. Wilmer, soliciting the place for himself. The letter of Mr. Wilmer is so confidential in its nature and so liable to the imputation of indelicacy, if it should be seen by uncandid persons, that I pray you to return it to me, after...
27From John Adams to John Marshall, 23 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning Mr. Wagners letter of the 12th & return the blank commission signed, to be filled up in your office. I have read all the letters and recommendations and continue inclined to fill the blank with the name of Thomas Chase Esqr, according to the recommendation of his father & Mr Martin, but if you are aware of any serious objection or give a decided preference to any other,...
28From John Adams to John Marshall, 25 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received Mr. Wagners letter of the 15th, inclosing a certificate of the Mayor of Baltimore, Mr. Calhoun in favor of Mr. Cornelius Howard Gist to be Marshall & a letter from Mr. Hollingsworth, to the same effect, to Mr Wolcott. These papers I return inclosed. I have since received a letter of Mr. Wagner of the 16, inclosing a letter of Mr Wm. Wilson, requesting to be appointed Marshall,...
29From John Adams to John Marshall, 27 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received Mr. Wagners letter of the 17 & have read Mr. W Mathews’s application for the office of Marshall & Mr. Mc. Henry’s letter to you in favor of Mr. William Wilson. These papers I return inclosed together with the passport for the Ann Maria signed with great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
30From John Adams to John Marshall, 30 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 21st and have read the respectable recommendations inclosed in favor of Mr Lloyd Beal & Mr. Kent Rawlings to be Marshall of Maryland. I return all these letters to you in this. With the advantages of Mr. Thomas Chace in the opportunity to consult his father & Mr. Martin, I still think that his appointment is, as likely to benefit the public, as that of any of...
31From John Adams to John Marshall, 31 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Last night the consul of Spain, Mr. Stoughton, came out to Quincy upon the important errand, of delivering to me in my own hand, according to his own account of his orders, the inclosed letter, demanding of the government, a fulfillment of the fifth article of our treaty with Spain. Although I see no sufficient reason in this case, for deviating from the ordinary course of business, I shall...
32From John Adams to John Marshall, 31 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
In the night of the 29, your favor of the 21st was left at my house. Mr Kings letter shall be soon considered. At present I shall confine myself to the dispatches from our Envoys in France. The impression, made upon me, by these communications, is the same with that, which they appear by your letter, to have made upon you. There is not sufficient grounds, on which to form any decisive opinion...
33From John Adams to John Marshall, 1 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have twice read the dispatch of Mr. King, No. 67. inclosed in your favor of the 21st of July. I am glad to see that Lord Grenville expressed his opinion, that the new board ought to proceed in a different manner from their predecessors, by deciding cases singly one after another, instead of attempting to decide them by general resolves & in classes.—The idea of paying a gross sum to the...
34From John Adams to John Marshall, 2 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Last night I received your favor of the 24th of July. The letter to Mr. Adams dated the 24th of July, I have read & as I see no reason to desire any alteration in it, I shall give it to Gen Lincoln, the collector at Boston, to be by him sent to Hamburg or Amsterdam, by the first good opportunity. The duplicate & triplicate you may send by such opportunities as may be presented to you. Mr....
35From John Adams to John Marshall, 7 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from a worthy Clergyman of Braintree who has invented a very ingenious machine to facilitate that necessary domestic operation called Washing; which, by the concurrent testimony of those who have Used it, Saves, two days labour out of three. A Patent was granted him long ago: but by the inclosed Letter it was sent back for some Amendment. I pray you to send on his Patent...
36From John Adams to John Marshall, 7 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I inclose to you a letter from Governor Trumbull of Connecticutt, a petition for a pardon from Isaac Williams, in prison at Hartford for privateering under French colors. His petition is seconded by a number of very respectable people. I inclose many other papers relative to the subject, put into my hands yesterday, by a young gentleman from Norwich, his nephew. The mans generosity to American...
37From John Adams to John Marshall, 7 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favor of July 29th. The merit of Judge Chase of which I have been a witness at times for six & twenty years are very great in my estimation & if his sons are as well qualified as others, it is quite consistent with my principles to consider the sacrifices & services of a father, on weighing the pretensions of a son. The old gentleman will not last very long, & it can...
38From John Adams to John Marshall, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday I received your favor of the 26th ult. The German letter, proposing to introduce into this country, a company of schoolmasters, painters, poets &c all of them disciples of Mr. Thomas Paine, will require no answer. I had rather countenance the introduction of Ariel & Caliban, with a troop of Spirits the most mischievous from Fairy land—The direction, to deliver the Sandwich to the...
39From John Adams to John Marshall, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Frederick Butler of Weathersfield in Connecticutt requests a Patent for the Invention of a Tin Cook Stove the description of which is inclosed. He incloses the money necessary by Law. I pray your particular Attention to carry this Business through the offices and to send him a Patent. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
40From John Adams to John Marshall, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of Aug 21st. I wrote you, on the 7th of this month, my consent to the appointment of Major David Hopkins, to be Marshall conformably to the advice of Mr Stoddert. The letter from the Prince Regent of Portugal, announcing another birth, with the answer prepared for my signature, I find not among the papers. It has not arrived to me. I embrace with pleasure, the...
41From John Adams to John Marshall, 12 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I return inclosed the duplicate answers to the letter of the prince regent of Portugal signed. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
42From John Adams to John Marshall, 13 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to yours of the 2d I have agreed to the appointment of Major David Hopkins to be Marshall of Maryland, according to the advice of Mr Stoddert, although it was a great disappointment & mortification to me to loose the only opportunity I shall ever have of testifying to the world, the high opinion I have of the merits of a great majistrate, by the appointment of his son to an office...
43From John Adams to John Marshall, 14 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received but last night your favor of the 4th. I have read the papers enclosed. 1. the letter from Mr. Robert Waln 2. the letter from Gid. Hill Wells. 3d The representation of three masters of vessels, Thomas Choate, Robert Forrest & Knowles Adams relative to the consulate of Madeira.—If there is a necessity of removing Mr. John Marsden Pintard, a native American & an old consul, why should...
44From John Adams to John Marshall, 16 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Cotton Tufts Esqr one of the most respectable men in our State I pray you to file with all other applications for consulships that it may be considered in due time. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
45From John Adams to John Marshall, 18 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I believe you will find in the office that either the original or a duplicate of Mr. Kings triplicate dispatch of Sept 11 1799 has been before received & perhaps your predecessor wrote to Mr. King upon the subject. Be this as it may. With you, I presume it was a mistake of the American Captains in thick & hazy weather. But still it is proper, that you should write to Mr. King in the manner you...
46From Alexander Hamilton to John Marshall, 19 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 19, 1800. On August 23, 1800, Marshall wrote to Hamilton : “I receivd to day your letter of the 19th inst.” Letter not found. ] On May 12, 1800, John Adams nominated Marshall, who was a member of the House of Representatives from Virginia, to be Secretary of State. The Senate confirmed the nomination on May 13 ( Executive Journal , I Journal of the Executive Proceedings of...
47From John Adams to John Marshall, 21 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 16th. I am well satisfied with all its contents. The only thing which requires any observation from me, is the proposed instruction to Mr. King. As far as I am able to form a conjecture, five millions of dollars are more than sufficient, provided the British creditors are at liberty to prosecute in our courts, and recover all the debts which are now...
48From John Adams to John Marshall, 22 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 12 & I am very happy to find that a correspondence upon terms of friendship & good humor has at length taken place between the office of State & the Spanish minister. I am entirely of your opinion, & approve of all you have done. The diclaration of Mr. Liston & Lord Grenville are to me satisfactory. If the relation between American debtors & British...
49From John Adams to John Marshall, 23 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Col. Norton of Marthas vineyard & copy of a certificate from Sir Guy Carlton. If Norton should make you a visit it is my desire that you would attend to his story & give him a letter to Mr. King, requesting Mr. King to give him any in his power without committing his government. I wish you to write at the same time a private letter to Mr. King, expressing it to be at...
50From John Adams to John Marshall, 26 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 16. I am well satisfied with all its contents. The only thing, which requires any observation from me is, the proposed instruction to Mr. King. As far as I am able to form a conjecture, five millions of dollars are more than sufficient, provided the British creditors are left at liberty to prosecute in our courts and recover all the debts, which are now...