1From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 June 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 June. Stoddert on 21 June wrote GW : “I am honored with your favor of yesterday.”
2From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 24 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you several proclamations expressing the lines which are to bound the District of ten miles square for the permanent Seat of the general government, which I wish you to have made public with all expedition. And in the most general and extensive manner that you can to prevent any kind of speculation. Let them be published in the News Papers—put up in public places and otherwise so...
3From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
In asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy. The federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to George town. In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages. In favour of the latter is it’s...
4I. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy. The federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to Georgetown.—In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages.—In favour of the latter is it’s...
5From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have recieved your favors of the 9th & 11th ⟨instant,⟩ & shall be glad if the purchase from ⟨Burns⟩ should be concluded before you receive this at £15 or £⟨17⟩ as you ⟨illegible.⟩ but as you mention that should he ask as far as £20 or £25 you will await further instructions before you accept such an offer: I have thought it better, in order to prevent delays, to inform you, that I could wish...
6From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 28 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
If you have concluded nothing yet with Mr Burn’s; nor made him any offer for his land that is obligatory; I pray you to suspend your negotiations with him, until you hear further from me. With much Esteem I am, Gentlemen, Your &c. LB , DLC:GW ; ADfS , DLC:GW . David Burnes (1739–1799) owned a tract of some two hundred and twenty-five acres in the federal district, centered around the mouth of...
7From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 2 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Majr L’enfant comes on to make such a survey of the grounds in your vicinity as may aid in fixing the site of the federal town and buildings: his present instructions express those alone which are within the Eastern branch, the Potowmac, the Tyber, and the road leading from George-town to the Ferry on the eastern branch. He is directed to begin at the lower end, and work upwards, and nothing...
8From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
In order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which, if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary...
9V. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th. to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary...
10Enclosure: George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On passing thro George town I propose to examine the ground between that town and the Eastern branch, and on that examination to fix on a site for the public buildings. Should there be any circumstances in favour of the ground next adjoining to George town, I foresee that the old town of Hamburg will be a considerable obstacle, as the streets of that will probably not coincide with those which...
11From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 1 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Being accustomed to write to you respecting the grounds for the fedl City, I continue the practice. It may be tuesday or Wednesday next before I shall leave this place, by which (say by mondays Post) I should be glad to hear what progress has been made, and what still remains to be done, in the business which so happily commenced on tuesday last under the accommodating spirit which then...
12From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 14 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 24 Ulto came duly to hand, but the variety of important matters which pressed between the receipt of it, and the meeting of Congress, allowed me no time to give it an earlier acknowledgment: and now, I pray you to consider what I am about to say, as coming from me in my private capacity. It has always been my opinion, & still is so, that the Administration of the Affairs of...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [8 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Robert Hamilton , a first cousin of mine, is desirous of entering into our naval service. He is regularly bred to the sea which he has followed since he was fourteen years old. His opportunities have been of the best, among others that of voyages to the East Indies. I feel myself warranted in recommending him as an able well informed seaman—who adds to this qualification the sentiments...
14From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:—given at Philadelphia, the tenth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the Twenty third Year of our Independence In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the twenty eighth day of May, the twenty eighth day of June, and the ninth day of July. You are hereby,...
15From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your letter of the third of this month.—The Commissions inclosed I return signed, and approve of the List of officers.—The Heat of the weather from the day I left Philadelphia, has been excessive, and continues so to this moment.— I am Sir / yr. mo. obt & hume. Servt, MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr. William Gray of Salem, a capital Merchant of that place called on me to request a Convoy, for an hundred sail of American vessels now at the Havanna, watched by twenty or thirty French Privateers. I desired him to write to you and to pray you to afford them a Convoy, if possible. Mr. Simmons of Charleston SC on a visit to me Yesterday informed me, that Dispatches & Petitions to Government...
17From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Mr Rutledge at Newport and recommendations from a great Number of respectable Inhabitants of Charleston in favour of George Cross to be a Captain in the Navy. To this Letter and these recommendations I pray you to pay a particular Attention. DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
18From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I, about a fortnight since, wrote to you on the subject of a relation of mine desirous of entering into our Navy and recommending him as a first Lieutenant; to which letter not having received an answer, I am apprehensive it may have miscarried. You will oblige me by your opinion as speedily as convenient how far there is a prospect for him. I anticipate that there may be scruples from his...
19From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from John Jones, Samuel Rankin, Thomas Laing & recommendations of the last which I transmit to you that they may appear on your records & files & receive your consideration. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
20From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Recommendations of John Cruft to be a Lieutenant in the Navy. He was mate of the ship, in which I returned from Europe in 1788 and he has Spent part of a Day with me here this month. From my own Knowledge of him I request your Attention to him in the first List of nominations. I am Sir with great regard / yours DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
21From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your obliging letter of the 24 instant duly came to hand. The very polite ground on which you give me to expect your cooperation in procuring an appointment for Capt Hamilton has a very strong claim to my acknowlegement. In consequence of the information in your letter, I have seen Capt Talbot. He seems to expect an official notification from your department to ascertain and fix his own...
22From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters From Judge Law of Connecticut & Capt Hinman recommending Capt Richard Law jun. to be a Capt in the navy & commander of the armed ship now building at Middleton or any other that shall be thought proper. You will of course put these letters on file & the name of the candidate on the list. I have / the honor to be Sir your most humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
23From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night the letter you did me the honor to write on the 25th. I had before received those of 30. 31 of July & 3d August & notwithstanding the heat of the weather my own ill health and the dangerous sickness of Mrs. Adams, I should not have failed to answer them, if I had perceived any thing in them to disapprove, or thought of any thing to improve your plans. I am equally well...
24From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27th of Aug. & return the commission for Captain George Cross signed, and I pray you to make out a commission for Capt. Patrick Fletcher, one day earlier. I am happy a convoy has been ordered for the trade of the Havanna. & am Sir / your most obedient &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
25From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Considering the great length of time before the Frigate here will be ready for sea—I have concluded that it may be expedient, if it can be effected, to have Capt. Hamilton appointed & assigned to some Southern Vessel which will sooner be ready. I imagine Cap Talbot will be glad hereafter to have him as an associate. If this can be conveniently managed in the proper time, it will give me...
26From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter to me of 4 of Septr and another to you of the same date from cap Daniel McNeill of the Navy, which I recommend to your consideration.— Have the Honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
27From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 1st of this month and thank you for the paper No. 1 which exhibits a view of the ships in service those which are building and their commanders. I return you the blank commissions signed and approved of the appointment of Capt. Tingey and Capt. Chapman, as you propose, and leave it to your discretion to appoint the other officers in the list, if nothing should...
28From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Captain Patrick Fletcher recommending Captain John Cruft to be a Lieutenant in the Navy.—I have so good an opinion of this Captain Cruft from a personal Knowledge, that I desire you would place him on the List for Promotion among the first Lieutenants that Shall be appointed. Mr Breck of Philadelphia can probably give you Satisfactory Information concerning him. I...
29From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
It will afford me pleasure to give you any information in my power, and any opinion, so far as I am able to form one, on the subject of your letter of the 16th instant; which did not come to my hands till the 24th. I cannot entertain a doubt, but it will be the policy of this Country to create such a navy as will protect our commerce from the insults and depredations to which it has been...
30From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Elijah Brewer petitioning for a first lieutenancy in the navy and recommendation from Col Wadsworth and two other respectable gentlemen. It is His experience in service appears to demand deserve attention. I am Sir your most obedient / Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.