1001[From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL , see TJ to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes , this date. Not found.]
1002To George Washington from Colonel Henry Knox, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I returnd from Ticonderoga to this place on the 15th instant & brought with me the Cannon &c. It having taken nearly the time I conjecturd it would to transport them here —It is not easy to conceive the difficulties we have had in getting them over the lake owing to the advanced Season of the Year & contrary winds—three days ago it was very uncertain whether we could have gotten them over...
1003[From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Louis Lacretelle, 20 September 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[[ Paris, 20 Sep. 1788 . Recorded in SJL Index. Not found.]]
1004From Alexander Hamilton to Eli Elmer, 29 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 29, 1790 . “Your letter of the 19th ultimo was duly received and I am apprehensive that an answer to it which was written on the 3d of July has been mislaid. I do not perfectly comprehend from whence arises the expectation that no owner will appear for the goods taken into your keeping from the vessel cast on shore in distress.… The expenses of storage must in this...
1005David Michie to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Some recent reports, not correct, as they respect myself, in relation to my pretensions to the mill scite at Milton , have induced me again to address you on that subject. It is not a fact, that I have determined to postpone the prosecution, of what I consider a legal & just claim, untill your death. It is not a fact, that I either dread you, as an opposing litigant, or fear the severest...
1006From George Washington to Jeremiah Powell, 28 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive Your Two Favors of the 5th and 10th Instant. With respect to the subject of the first, there is nothing which I more earnestly wish than to give protection to every part of the States, and to secure them against the incursions and depredations of the Enemy; but unhappily the means in my power are totally inadequate. Our force from the fatal system of short...
1007From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 2 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hartley’s memorial—June 1, 1783. The proposition which has been made for an universal and unlimited reciprocity of intercourse and commerce between Great Britain and the American United States requires a very serious consideration on the part of Great Britain, for the reasons already stated in a memorial dated May 19, 1783, and for many other reasons, which in the future discussions of the...
1008Resolution of the General Assembly Appointing Jefferson Governor, 2 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that Thomas Jefferson Esquire, be appointed Governor or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth, for one Year, he having been elected to that Office by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly. MS ( PHi ); engrossed copy on parchment, signed by the speakers of the two houses and endorsed: “resoln: of Ass: appt. of Govr.” Another MS ( Vi ), headed “Virginia to wit. In the House of...
1009Thomas Jefferson to Isham Lewis, 1 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern that I learn the disagreeable situation in which you are for want of emploiment, & the more so as I do not see any way in which I can propose to you any certain relief. as to offices under the government, they are few, are always full, & twenty applicants for one vacancy when it happens. they are miserable also, giving a bare subsistence without the least chance of...
1010To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to inform your Excellency, the two Brigs, & Sloop, I mention’d in my last, have past this place, came to Anchor nere frogs point, soon after—One Sloop of force, & three Sloops, with forrage, went to the Westward—Just before sunset, 24. Sale, came to Anchor off Auster [Oyster] Bay; three ships appeard to be of force, hope I shall be able to Report, in my next, more peticular —I am...
1011From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty my Dear Sir to request your interest for a friend of mine and a member of the family, Dr McHenry. He wishes to quit a Station which among foreigners is not viewed in a very reputable light and to get into one more military. He will go into the Marquis’s family as an aide. He has been in the army since the commencement of the War—first in the medical line, since the 15th of...
1012From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Bache’s Address is ‘William Bache at Franklin near Charlottesville’ the letter should be put into the Post office before 5. P.M. to-day William White to be Surveyor for the district of East river. approved. Griffin Greene to be collector of the port of Marietta. approved. James Clarke to be Surveyor of customs at Tombstone, district of Edenton N.C. recommended by mr Stone. Selden Jasper...
1013Robley Dunglison to James Madison, 30 December 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have received the inclosed letter from a respectable firm in Boston, and feel disposed to employ them in purchasing the Books which we require at the University. In accordance with a regulation at the last meeting of the Board of Visitors we shall have to order Books to the amount of 500 at home & abroad: and the percentage charged by Messrs. Gray & Bowen is so moderate as I think to deserve...
1014To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 25 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My letters to Mr. Madison are so full on what concerns us, as to leave me little to add to you. I never experienc’d more difficulty in any case, than in deciding whether to hasten the negotiation with this govt. to a conclusion, & set out immediately in pursuit of the other object, or to let it take its natural course and consume a couple of months more, and pursue that object afterwards. The...
1015From George Washington to The States, 31 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting herewith accurate Returns of the number of Men now actually in service from your State, in order that measures may be taken for compleating the Regiments to the full establishment, agreeably to the Resolution of Congress of the 10th of Decr. I cannot omit so favourable an opportunity of expressing my sentiments on that subject, to your Excellency, & of...
1016From George Washington to John Hancock, 11–13 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you, that since my Letter of the 8th and 9th Instt, which I had the honor of addressing you, Nothing of importance has occurred, except that the Ships of War, which I then mentioned, in their passage up the River, took a Sloop that was at Anchor off the Mouth of Spitendevil, and Two of our Row Gallies, which they out sailed. The Crews finding that they could not prevent...
1017General Orders, 21 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Merrill Brigd. Qr Mr 1st Massa. Brigade For duty the 6th Massachusetts regiment. Whenever a Brigade or corps are under arms on a field day. field returns are to be presented to the Commander in chief, or Reviewing officer; exhibiting the actual strength of the corps, the number of men under Arms, and accounting summarily for those who may be absent. The greatest...
1018To George Washington from William Jackson, 20 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
It was not till last evening I discovered that a packet, which I had done myself the honor to address to you by a private conveyance, had been forgotten by the person to whom it was entrusted. To prevent a similar accident, and to avoid any farther delay, I take the liberty to forward the enclosed pamphlets (which are transmitted at the request of our State Society) by post. Unable to decline,...
1019To James Madison from James Swan, 10 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recommend to you personally & to the Delegates from your state in general, the cause of Mrs. De Neufville, widow of the deceased Mr. John De Neufville, Mercht at Amsterdam. He had for a long time before his death been in very, very narrow circumstances, caused by the ruin he brought on himself by a blind zeal for the support of the liberty & independence of this Country. His widow is totally...
1020To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that Tench Frances Eqr Purveyor of public supplies, died last night; This event creates a vacancy in an important office, which the necessities of the service, require, should be filled with as little delay as possible. Permit me respectfully to present to you, the name of Mr. Jonathan Williams as a successor to this office. He is a gentleman of intelligence, activity, experience...
1021To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 22 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I This moment made up my Packet for america Sent by a old faithful Servant of Doct Franklin Sons: from New Jersey of govonr Franklins— This man is Sent off to america from his master who is now Lodging in Suffolk Street no 16 where he Sd. govonor has undertaken to pettition in aid on behalf of all the tories together with the famous of that Partie— His late...
1022To Thomas Jefferson from William Adamson, 29 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg to be permitted the liberty of congratulating thee on the late happy event which placed thee at the head of the federal Goverment, & gave thy Country a chief Majestrate, whose republican virtues, & political wisdom, cannot fail of consolidating her Liberty, & securing her happiness, not only for the present generation, but for ages yet remote!—May the great ruler of the universe who...
1023To John Adams from John Jay, 10 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
I cannot easily tell you how much I am pleased & obliged by your friendly Letter of the 4th. Instant:—were I to pursue my Inclinations, I should without Hesitation accept your kind Invitation—but our Inclinations even in things innocent must not always be gratified. my Visits to Philadelphia have ceased to be occasional, or I should certainly avail myself of those opportunities which your...
1024From John Adams to James Warren, 25 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
This Express carries a new Plan of an Army. I hope the General Court without one Moments delay will Send Commissions to whole Corps of their Officers, either by Expresses or Committees to New York and Ticonderoga, that as many Men may be inlisted without delay as possible. It may be best to send a Committee with full Powers to each Place. There is no Time to be lost. I inclose you a sett of...
1025May 5. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Am to dine at home—a great Rarity and a great Blessing! At Dinner, alone, my Servant brought me a Letter, A Messieurs, Messieurs, Franklin, Lée, et Adams, Deputés des Etats unies de l’Amerique a Passy. De Vergennes.—I opened, and found it in these Words J’ai pris les ordres du Roy, Messieurs, au Sujet de la presentation de M. Adams votre nouveau Collegue, et Sa Majesté le verra vendredi...
1026From George Washington to John Stanwix, 10 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
To Brigadier-General Stanwix Dear Sir, Ft L[oudoun] April 10th 1758. Pe[r]mit me, at the same time I congratulate you (which I most sincerely do) upon the promotion you have met with, and justly merited; to express my Concern at the prospect of parting with you. I can truly say, it is a matter of no small regret to me! and that I shou’d have thought myself happy in serving this campaign under...
1027From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Gridley, 17 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I duely received your Favor of the 25th past. Continued Indisposition with too much Business have occasioned the Delay in answering it, which I hope you will excuse. I think with you that an American Consul at Nantes might be useful in the Cases you mention. What Inconveniences or Expence might attend it, I am unacquainted with. The Congress have by the Treaty a Right...
1028To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter goes Express, to obtain the signature of the Secretary of State to the enclosed Proclamation . The reasons for sending it in this manner, are, to avoid the circuitous rout by Richmond, and the delay it might meet with by the Post, not having reached my hands until this morning, too late for the Mail of this day—nor in time for any other before Tuesday next—and because it is unknown...
1029From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 23 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which a copy is inclosed, from Mr. George G Lee, an Officer in the Navy of the U States, discloses a species of forgery, which may be followed by consequences highly injurious to our Mediterranean trade. Capt. Dulton, the bearer, affording a safe and direct conveyance, I have also inclosed the forged passport and Register, alluded to in the letter, and a copy of the genuine...
1030From Benjamin Franklin to Queen Marie-Antoinette, [after 22 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Je suis heureux, Madame, de cette Occasion de presenter à vôtre Majesté, les Respects & les Affections de toute les Etats de l’Amerique septentrionale. The day the queen gave birth to the dauphin, Louis-Joseph-Xavier-François: Jour. de Paris , Oct. 23, 1781. The birth, after eleven years of marriage, was the occasion for great rejoicing: the...
1031To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Brionne, 20 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Madame la comtesse de brionne fait mille complimens à monsieur de jefferson, il a eté si obligeant pour elle, qu’il voudra bien encore l’aider dans tous les renseignemens dont elle a besoin pour son affaire d’amerique. Monsieur le Comte de bethisy aura l’honeur de l’aller chercher et de lui mener la personne qui se destine a aller suivre nos interets. M. de bethisy espere que Monsieur de...
1032From Benjamin Franklin to “Prince” Mostowski, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society M. Franklin sera chez lui Jeudi prochain vers midi, quand il recevra avec beaucoup de Plaisir l’Honneur du Vis. M. Franklin will be at home on Thursday at Noon, ready to wait on Prince Mostowski, if he should then do him the Honour of calling on him as proposed. Paul Michael (Pawel Michal) Mostowski (1721–81) was a self-styled prince. In Poland he had...
1033To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose two letters from the collectors of Delaware, & Barnstable respectively with the intended answers. Are they correct? Respectfully Your obedt. Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1034John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of aug. the 6 th arrived here when my house was filled with my own and M rs Eppes ’s connections— M r Burton and his family left us on Saturday— my sister and M r Lane on Tuesday—I could not conveniently leave them here and the season is now so far advanced that you will I presume soon return to Monticello — We are begining to experience the inconveniences of the wet and cold & our...
1035From Thomas Jefferson to James Walker, 1 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In an account presented to me by mr Shoemaker are the charges below stated, as to the reasonableness of which I am an entire stranger, and therefore ask the favor of you to inform me what would be the proper charges. I ask this of you the rather because you know exactly the nature of the articles, and because I shall have entire confidence in what you shall think right. Be so good as to lodge...
1036[Diary entry: 25 October 1772] (Washington Papers)
25. Assisting Crawford with his Surveys. William Crawford had returned from the Ohio country with 13 surveys totaling 127,899 acres out of the 200,000 acres of bounty land promised in 1754 by Governor Dinwiddie to soldiers and officers of the Virginia Regiment. Crawford and GW were now preparing to enter the surveys and have patents issued to the various officers and men, or to their survivors...
1037To Thomas Jefferson from Linctot, 30 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de prevenir votre Excelance a mon depart du fort pitt que je me rendoi aux illinois pour tacher d’y appaiser les troubles aucasioné par les nations, j’esperois en passant a la chutte rencontrer le Colonel Clark pour prendre enssemble des mesures Conforme aux instruction qu’il a de Votre excelance et faire pour le mieux, je Croÿois aussi par son moyen avoir quelques...
1038To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 28 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have at length agreed for the Supply of Rations throughout the state of Connecticut—the Contract with E House & Son will embrace any other place of Rendezvous than those already appointed—The one for Brooklyn will follow soon— I am very respectfully sir, your obedt Servant ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). H’s directions on the cover read: "Acknowlege Rect & note the name."
1039From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 15 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives I lay before You an Official Statement of the Expenditure to the end of the Year 1796, from the Sums heretofore granted to defray the Contingent Charges of the Government. LS , DNA : RG 46, entry 47; LB , DLC:GW . The “Act making further appropriations for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six,” 1 June 1796, had appropriated...
1040To John Adams from Captain Ryk, 2 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
Captain Ryk takes his leave and presents the Expression of his Veneration to His Excellency President Adams. Among all the pleasant recollections his stay in Boston never will fail to give him. certainly he allways will remember with the greatest interest that he had the honour to be introduced to the Veteran of the American liberty, ones the first Magistrate now the father of the first...
1041From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
I forgot when I closed my last to answer your question concerning my brothers baggage—He wishes it to be put into some safe place until it can be reshiped to New Orleans; to which place he intends returning as soon as his health is reestablished, unless he could exchange the situation he holds there for something which would be an occupation, one an equivalent in point of pecuniary matters...
1042To James Madison from Thomas Sloo and Others, [ca. 1 September 1815] (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas Sloo and Others. Ca. 1 September 1815. “The undersigned inhabitants of the Circuit composed of the Counties of Gallatin & Edwards in the Illinois Territory: most respectfully beg leave to represent: “That in pursuanc⟨e⟩ of the Act of Congress ‘Regulateing & defineing the duties of the United States Judges for the Territory of Illinois’ approved 3d. March 1815. the Judges in &...
1043James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 8 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Col. Storrow in answer to an inquiry from me, which shews that he has still in his hands the packet put into them by Mr. Sparks. I am sorry that his inattention caused you & Mr Coolidge the trouble indicated in your favour of Feby. 22. The delinquent is so penitent for not even dropping me a line on the subject, that, in the consciousness of our own...
1044To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, [before 23 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You who know so well the public & private obligations we have to the Marquis de Yranda, would never pardon me, If I should suffer one of his family to pass thro’ Paris, without giving you an opportunity of convincing him of the sense you have of the obliging notice, it has taken of us here—But you would be Still more offended with me, After having been...
1045John Hemmings to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to complain to you so near the close of my worck above all things on earth I hate complants but I am bledg I hav bin going to Poplar forest sevrield falls and that is not the seson for raseing eny kind of vegetable and the very moment your back is turnd from thee Place nace takes evry thing out of the garden and carries them to his cabin and buryis them in the grownd and says that...
1046To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 31 March 1806, Amsterdam. “I have lately received from the Department of State two Copies of a Pamphlet entitled, ‘An Examination of the British Doctrine which Subjects to Capture a neutral trade not open in time of peace’ and I have perused with much interest this monument of deep research & critical investigation of the principles of the Laws of nations & their...
1047From George Washington to Alexander Boyd, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are, out of the public money in your hands, to pay off all the Troops of the Virginia Regiment to the first of this instant with what arrears are due both Officers and Soldiers. After doing that, if you do not receive a supply of cash from me; and should not have sufficient in your hands to pay the whole, this present months pay; you are, in order to keep the Soldiers quiet, only to pay...
1048From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Mr Jonathan Allen one of our most federal clergymen & a certificate from the medical society of Vermont in favor of Dr Benjamin Walker as a surgeon. Dr Walkers appearance justifies the recommendation. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1049To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 27 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The interruption of our correspondence is truly mortifying to me. I wrote to you some time in march, and as I have received no answer I think either your letter or mine has been stopt. Why our letters should be detained I cannot see, for I am sure I can give you no political intelligence, and as no purpose would be answered by your giving it to me, I am...
1050To James Madison from John Morton, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Georgetown. Explains reasons for his consent to diversionary trip the U.S. vessel Warren took from Havana to Veracruz. Its replacement ship for Cuban duty, Ganges , was en route to the station. No French vessels had been seen off Cuban coast for several months, nor were they expected. It was common knowledge in Havana that a considerable amount of American property was detained at...