51From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 23 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 15th is alarming. Remember the fate of Cassandra. The prophet of ill ’tho’ as true as a goose’s bow is always detested. I also have been now and then reckoned among the minor prophets. Not a bone of any Goose ever picked by Jo Green, Nick Boylston, & Master Lovel on a Christmas eve, tho’ they had Nat Gardner for a guest, and exhausted all their wit, Gibes, & Jokes upon it, ever...
52From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 12 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
We were happy to find by your Letter 22d of May that you had arrived safe at Baltimore on your way to the great city of Washington—We have not pursued the jocular hints or menaces on promisses of advice to you in your legislative Capacity as yet—for reasons too many to enumerate. We do not however give up the right of Instructing you—when we please—We claim this priviledge—not as Friends—Not...
53From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Stephens Smith, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commandr in Chief has recied A Letter from a Mr Richd Corbin of Laneville in Virginia— desiring him to cause Enquiry to be made for his Son Dicky , who left his Father in the Year 1775—and went to England to secure family Claim to an Estate in England & in Jamaica—The Father is informed that his Son is now in N. York, & wishes to get a Certainty of the Fact—His Excellency desires you to...
54From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Having found an opportunity of furnishing myself with a horse here, I notify it to you according to what we had agreed on, to prevent you the trouble of getting me one in England. No news to give you but of the decision of the celebrated cause. La Villette banished. Madame la Motte condemned to be branded and whipped and to remain in a hospital all her life. But it is said the branding and...
55Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Last evening col Forrest sent a servant with a Letter addrest to me, but upon opening it, I found I was honourd only with the cover. The inclosed I deliverd the Lady who sat next me but as I could not prevail with her to communicate a word more than “that the cake was good” I threatned her with opening the next unless I should find something in the cover to appease me. But I did not keep my...
56From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 26 March 1806 (Adams Papers)
I received last Evening your favour of the 23d:—The appointment of Mr. Schenck had been two or three days before confirmed by the Senate—I most sincerely lament your removal from the Office of Surveyor; but this act is exclusively within the power of the President, and the only notice he usually gives to the Senate of a removal is by a new Nomination to the Office—Such was the case in the...
57John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
Before you receive this you will probably receive a letter from the Secy at war informing you that the general officers have proposed either you or Mr Hammond to be a Lt Col commandant. This event has embarassed me. I know not what to do. I know not whether the senate will not negative the nomination if I make it; nor whether you will accept the appointment if they should advise and consent to...
58From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 19 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of Jan. 29. and Dr. Burney’s which was inclosed in it. If the harpsichord be not sent off, perhaps it may as well await the last of March or beginning of April when it may be less exposed to rains. But it is not material. I shall be absent till the 1st. of May. Franks was unlucky with the instrument made by Jones. It was stolen out of his carriage in the...
59From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 16 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the receipt of your favor of May 21. I have been in daily expectation of receiving from you a particular state of the cost of my press &c. Mr. Paradise wrote me that it was about five guineas, but I knew there would still be some additions. The moment you will be so good as to favor me with this information I will remit you a bill for that and the eight guineas I formerly took the...
60John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 11 November 1788 (Adams Papers)
I was much obliged to you for a letter by Mr. Nesbit of Philadelphia, and am very sorry I could not have more of his company. He was much esteemed, I find, in Boston. I wished for you, when he was here, because you could never have a better opportunity of seeing your old military friends. We had a review of the militia, upon my farm; and a battle that threw down all my fences. I wish, however,...
61From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in your Recovery from Sickness and wish a perfect restoration of your health—I think I may Congratulate you on the Glorious termination of the War. The Rejoicings here are enthusiastic, If Such Rejoicings here are at my Peace with France in 1800, had been Exhibited, would the Condition of our Country at this hour however have been better? Tallard when he had been beaten and taken...
62From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 18 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The return of Doctr La Moyuer (who has been sick since he came to this place) affords me an oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of your several letters of the 20th and 30th of May, and of the 1st and 7th Instt—and to thank you for your attention to the different matters I gave you the trouble of. If the Books which I required in one of my former letters, & were not then to be had are now...
63From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I returned to this place yesterday afternoon from a tour of Nineteen days through the Northern & Westwern parts of this State. Upon my arrival I found the enclosed from Mr Rivington accompanied by the Books therein alluded to. Be pleased to thank Mr Rivington for sending them to me, and get Money from Mr Parker & pay for them as (if any thing more was meant) it is upon these terms only I shall...
64From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have within these few days successively received your two letters, one of them containing the relation of the circumstances respecting General Miranda’s projects, and your relations with him while he was in this Country; and the other containing the request that I would write an Oration for your Son John—On the first of these subjects, I trust that in the trial of the Cause, on the Bill...
65From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The morning after John left me at Dover, that is to say, on Friday, the wind became so favourable as to place me at Calais in three hours. At the moment therefore of your writing your friendly letter, to wit at a quarter before four of that day, I was on the road between Calais and St. Omer and I reached Paris in 48 hours from Calais. Whenever you come again to Paris come by the way of St....
66From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 4 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
Washington used to say Sometimes “They work me hard” Sam. Allen Otis said a day or two before his Death “They work me two hard” And I who have not the Honor to be “ Father of my Country” nor Secretary of the Senate, might now say in my Octoginary year, that John Taylor and a dozen others, some of them greater and some of them less Men, now work me confoundedly hard: but I will not say it. I...
67From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
While I am writing the loud Roar of the cannon announce the landing of comodore Bainbriddge from the fortunate frigate constitution. the account of the Capture of the Frigate Java I presume you will get, sooner than this Letter will reach you. She contended bravely an hour and 50 minuts untill masts spars and rigging were all gone and the ship a wreck. accordingly she was blown up by Commodore...
68From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 20 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Doctr La Moyaer, by whom I expect you will have received my letter of the 18th had scarcely left this when your favor of the 17th accompanied by Vertots Romish Histy & Watsons History of Philip the III were put into my hands. For sending me the latter unasked, please to receive my thanks—I shall be obliged to you for sending me by the first good conveyence the following Books which are...
69From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 6th. inst. but that of the 4th . therein mentioned to come by Mr. Littlepage, has never come to hand. He remembers nothing of it. It was the more material as you mention it to have contained my account of which I must therefore trouble you to send me another copy. I must remind you also of Mr. Adams’s picture, as I should be much mortified should I not get it...
70John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 16 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you wrote me on the 7th of this month, and I shall give all the attention to the Subject of it which may be necessary. It is not new to me— You are too precipitate in my opinion in pronouncing an opinion that the General has been guilty of high Crimes &C a: There have not been wanting Critics upon your conduct, as severe as you have been upon his It is reported not...
71From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 12 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant is duly received. M. Mersereau being out of military office, and retired to the Class of Citizens, his application to me for Liberty to go into New York, is not properly made, but should be addressed to the civil power of the State within which he resides—Independant of this principle, I should have no Objection to granting his request. You may communicate my...
72From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured, a few days ago, with your letter, dated the first day of this Month, in which you obligingly acknowledge the receipt of mine of a former date. In the dearth of News and Politics at this moment—and especially in my distance from the sources of intelligence, and retirement from the scenes of public life; I should have scarcely any topic of importance enough to trouble you with a...
73From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 15 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Sometime in the Winter, or early this Spring, a Frenchman in New York applied (after representing the manner of his getting to that place) for leave to come out—Being a Stranger of whom I had no knowledge and only his own word to support his narrative, I informed him that his application would go with more propriety to the Minister of France at Phila., than it came to me, & referred him there...
74From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 26th and am much obliged by your attention in procuring the Articles I had requested—I am also glad to find there is at length a prospect that the British will in reality soon take their departure from the United States. Whatever my private sentiments as an Individual may be, respecting the violent Policy which seems in some instances to be adopted; it is not...
75John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I shall not entertain you with public affairs, because you will learn the state of them from the public papers more in detail. I shall only say, that the National Government has succeeded beyond the expectations, even of the sanguine, and is more popular, and has given more general satisfaction than I expected ever to live to see. The addition of Vermont and Kentucky, the augmentation of our...
76From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 3 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your several Letters of the 23d 24th 25th and 27th of Febry. It gives me great satisfaction to inform you, that I fully approve of your conduct in the late attempt to negociate the business of your Department with the Enemy. I am of opinion that giving a Letter of Service to Lts Sutherland & Campbell would be merely eluding the intention of Congress, who by prohibiting...
77John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16 th & the bundle of papers inclosed with a great deal of pain. The thing has not a good appearance. Mr. Shieflin had better have addressed his letter & papers to me than to you who are not the Secretary of War. You are suspected & have been accused of improper speculations in the neighborhood of Detroit & in connection with characters whose friendship does...
78From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 21st was delivered to me last Evening. You will please to give Capt. Douglass permission to pass within the Enemy Lines, agreeable to his recommendation from Major Turner. But at the same Time, you will, as from me, declare positively to Capt. Douglass, that the proposed Communication for the Exchange of Marine prisoners, mentioned by him, to be opened by Way of Elizabeth...
79From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your several Letters of the 20 September and 3 & 6 of this Month. The Glass was safely delivered me by Captain Pinkney. I am obliged to you for your information respecting the oppression of some of the Inhabitants of Long Island by the British but as the offence is against the subjects of the State it belongs more properly to the Executive Authority to take cognizance of it,...
80From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago for some Books, &ca—Since then, I have seen the following Books advertised for Sale by Miles & Hicks at their Printing Office, which I beg the favor of you to procure, and send to me. Charles the 12th of Sweeden Lewis the 15th. 2 Vols History of the Life & Reign of the Czar Peter, the Great Robertsons Histy of America 2 Vols Voltaires Letters. If they are in...
81From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 5 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterday, you will give me leave to say, that your assistance and advice, has been at all times so usefull and agreable to me, that I should loose the advantage of it with reluctance if it were only for a few Weeks, or even day’s— nevertheless the month of august is so dull and so disgusting & unwholesome in London the Place is so deserted by Men of Business as...
82From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 27 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours this Evening by Lieut. Patterson inclosing a letter from the Board of War directing you to seize the Persons, Carriages &ca that have lately arrived at Lancaster with Cloathing for the British Prisoners and secure the same untill you receive further directions from me or from the Board. As this order was founded upon a misapprehension of facts, I desire that they may be released...
83From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 22 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 20th & laid the subject of it before the General, who is clearly of opinion, as Congress have left no latitude for partial exchanges in their Act of the 16 of Octr that it is not in his power to give any discretionary Orders & it would I am persuaded be disagreeable to urge the matter—previous however to that Act, it is recollected application had been made by Genl...
84From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 8 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of Yesterday. From the ill success which I have lately experienced in Attemptg to obtain Alterations in Arrangements made by Congress—I have very little Encouragement to hazardg another—The best Advice I can give you therefore; is to wait the Arrival of the Secretary at War, who is expected here in a short Time; & make your Application to him—As he is in fact, I...
85From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 22 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with yours of the 20th. The Money you have recd for Governor Harrison agreably to his desire you will be pleased to remit to Mr Saml Inglis of Philadelphia, or inform him it is in your hand, subject to his Orders. I have also to request you will inform Messrs John Channing, Peter Taylor and Aaron Loocock, whose Petition you inclosed to me, that Congress having recommended that no...
86John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 2 January 1804 (Adams Papers)
I find by the newspapers that a Commission of bankruptcy has issued against Robert Bird, and as it is impossible for me to attend personally before the Commissioners to make proof of my debt, and demand my claim, I take the liberty of inclosing them to you, with an earnest request that you would present them for me, at the next meeting of the Commissioners which I think is to be on the 10 th:...
87From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 7 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
As I find the duties of your office can be executed by a deputy during your absence, and the business which calls you to Europe appearing to be important to your private interest; I feel a pleasure in complying with the request for leave of absence made in your letter of the 1st Inst., and sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage—a prosperous completion of your business & a happy return to your...
88John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 June 1791 (Adams Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate you and my daughter, as well as your venerable Mother, and her and your amiable families on your arrival in America. The situation of that respectable office to which you have been promoted, and the unhappy sickness of the good Lady your Mother, made us all uncommonly anxious for your arrival, I hope you found your own family in health and your mother recovering....
89From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Leutenant Colonel William S. Smith entered the service of the United States at the Commencement of the present War In August 1776 he was appointed Aid de Camp to Major General Sullivan with the rank of Major in the Army on the 1st of January 1777 he was promoted to be a Leutenant Colonel in one of the Additional Battalions raised by the CommonWealth of Massasuchets, after which he had the...
90From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The subject on which you spoke to me yesterday did not strike me in a proper point of view, which prevented my immediately acquiescing in it; but on revolving the matter, I perceive there can be no inconvenience, and wish exceedingly it could take place. If more of the Lt Colonels of either of the lines you mentioned are willing to retire than the establishment will permit provided they could...
91From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 28 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two Letters of the 23rd & 27th instant. It seems strange that such a number of naval Prisoners should be sent on without any provision being made for their subsistence on the way I will mention the circumstance to Mr Morris and will immediately give directions to the Contractors to provide against such Exigencies so far as regards your Post. The Letters for New York are...
92From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 22 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
How the right hand became disabled would be a long story for the left to tell. It was by one of those follies from which good cannot come, but ill may. As yet I have no use of that hand, and as the other is an awkward scribe, I must be sententious and not waste words. Yours of Sep. 18 and 22. and Oct. 1. and 4. have been duly received, as have been also the books from Lackington and Stockdale,...
93From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 28 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress that they would do well to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress...
94From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 14 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
It gave me great pleasure to be informed of your punctual arrival at the head quarters of good Principles and of good dispositions as I hope; of too little experience as I fear; and of too much eloquence as I certainly know. I need not quote to you “Dum Roma deliberat periat Seguntum.” My memory furnishes enough of examples of more modern date and nearer home. Canada was lost 35 or 36 years...
95From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 5th. contains Such an Abundance of Matter which appears to me as of so great importance, that I really was under a temptation to Commit a violation of private and family Confidence by inclosing the original directly to the President. But the Appointment of General Armstrong to the War Office, has rendered Such a desperate Step unnecessary. Whether the new Secretary is your...
96From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 28 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
your Letter of August 12th I received in the absence of Mrs Smith, who was upon a visit to mrs Guild, and therefore I could not communicate it to her; she past Several days, in Boston at Dr welch’s, and as I had requested Dr warren was consulted in conjunction with Dr Welch upon her complaint, and their opinion was Similar to Dr Holbrook’s who is a Skilfull physician, and practises in our...
97From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 15 October 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have received, and read with—Sensations of grief and joy and Reflections of, (what shall I say approbation and disapprobation or of pride and humiliation? ) the Letter you wrote me on the 5th with all its enclosed papers. There seems to be, an irreversable decree against me, and every Being who has a drop of my blood in his or her Veins. There is a tide in the Affairs of Men Which taken at...
98Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Col. Franks being detained to day by an accident gives me the opportunity of replieing to your kind Letter last evening received; Col. Forrest had inclosed them to Mr. Adams and we were not a little rejoiced to hear from you after an interval of 4 weeks in which we had spent many conjectures where you was at one time, and where you was were at an other. Mr. Adams received your Letter from...
99From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 20 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received your packet of the 7th. you ask “What is to be the result of the Convention at Hartford?” What a question! Had you asked my opinion of the measure I would have said, it is neither wise, honorable, or virtuous; and I would have requested you to give my compliments to every Virginian you meet, high or low, and tell him, that Massachusetts deserves to be made to repent of it...
100Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 13 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your letter from Harwich, dated August 10, reached us upon the 11th. We were very glad to hear of your arrival there, and continue to follow you with our good wishes. When you tendered me your services, and asked my commands, I did not know you had any thoughts of returning by the way of Paris; otherwise I should have charged you with a few. I now write by Mr. Short, requesting your care of an...