10101From George Washington to Lund Washington, 15 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 15 Oct. 1775. On 5 Nov. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “I have just reciev’d two letters from you Octbr 15th & 23d.”
10102From James Madison to Benjamin Grayson Orr, [28 June] 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have just received yours of this morning inclosing Mr. Jones’ opinion on the subject of Negro Plato. I am sorry on the negro’s account as well as yours for the claim on him which has emerged. I admit also that having counted on his service for a particular purpose, during a given time, some inconveniency would result from a loss of that service. The course most agreeable to me would...
10103To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have heard, Dear Sir, with no small surprize, that charges have been preferred against Doctor Waterhouse, for misconduct as physician of the U. S. marine hospital at Charleston. I have been intimately acquainted with the Doctor for thirty years, so far at least as to have been able to form for myself, a correct opinion, which has ever been a respectful one, of his moral, political, &...
10104Charles Adams to William Cranch, 14 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
NB This is not performing the promise of writing to one another every week. I know you can write if you have a mind to for you have as much enough time to write. I have just done getting my mornings lesson, began at the verbs in ao eo oo at the indicative mood have got the active voice out. Have I not been spry. Had I began Virgil when you went away. Oh yes well I have got the second Georgic...
10105Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 23[–24] April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has assured me that a competent number of drums and fifes for your Regiment shall be forwarded with its Cloathing. And he has authorised me to instruct you to hire temporarily persons in the capacities of drummers and fifers to be employed in the Recruiting service till others can be enlisted, provided that they can be obtained for a compensation not exceeding eight...
10106To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). My friend Mr Griffin left me this Morning by whom I sent you my best Wishes for yr health which he told me was low. I hope the Approaching Cold Season may brace up yr Nerves. I judged from yr Account of the number of the Enemy embarked from New York, that they were in pursuit of something to eat; we now hear they have pick’d up a quantum suffici[en]t to load their...
10107To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 10 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, November 10, 1792. Encloses “for the purpose of submission to the President, two contracts between the Superintendent of the light House at New London and Daniel Harris and Nathl. Richards.” Discusses the cost of the contract. States that he has sent a circular letter to the superintendents of the lighthouses “calculated to draw from them a report...
10108[Diary entry: 17 April 1772] (Washington Papers)
17. Clear, & Cool in the forenoon wind at Northwest—Warmer afterwards.
10109To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Major William Nott of Louisiana a native Citizen of the United States and President of the New Orleans Insurance Company, having understood that the Office of Consul for the United States at the Port of Bordeaux, in France would soon become vacant, has solicited me to name him to you as a Candidate for the honor of that appointment. I feel no hesitation in representing Major Nott as meriting...
10110To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 23 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Trumble will have the honour of delivering this to you. The knowledge you have of him, and his own merit will ensure him a favourable reception. He has requested a Letter from me, and I would not refuse him, as it gives me an opportunity of paying my respects to a Gentleman for whom I entertain the highest esteem, and whose portrait dignifies a part of our room , tho it is but a poor...
10111To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 12 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
However Silent You May please to Be, I will Nevertheless Remind You of a friend who loves You tenderly and who By His Attachment Desires a Great share in Your Affection. This letter, My dear Sir, Will Be delivered or sent By Count de Segur, an intimate friend of Mine, A Man of Wit and of Abilities, and whose Society You will Certainly Be pleased With. I Warmly Recommend Him to You, and Hope He...
10112From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington. I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my...
10113To John Adams from Sc., Citizens of Georgetown, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
An entertainment was given to the President of the United States, by the citizens of George-Town, on Friday last, at Mr. McLaughlin’s Tavern. A numerous company sat down to dinner, after which the following TOASTS were drunk: 1. The United States, 2. Public gratitude—May it ever be the reward of the firm and distinguished Patriot. 3. Congress—May there be no competition among the members...
10114To George Washington from Major Peter Scull, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I trouble your Excellency with extreme reluctance on a Subject so wholly personal as my present application, but indispensable necessity obliges me to do it. It is to inform you that my situation in life is such, that to remain longer in the Army would subject me to great inconvenience and distress, & on that account to request your Excellency’s permission to resign the appointment I now hold...
10115[Diary entry: 10 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
10. Having purchasd two Horses, and recoverd another which had been gone from me near 3 Years, I dispatchd my boy Giles with my two Riding Horses home, & proceeded on my journey; arriving at one Wises (now Turners) Mill about 22 Miles it being Reckond Seven to the place where Cox’s Fort formerly stood; 10 to One Parkers; & five afterwards. The Road from the South Branch to Pattersons C[ree]k...
10116To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 20 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have herewith the honor of presenting a General Return of the Militia of the United States—excepting the States of Delaware , Maryland & Tennessee , from which no returns have been received. Accept, Sir, the assurances of my high respect & consederation— RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the War Department on 20 Mch. and “roll...
10117Enclosure: John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October [1818?], enclosure no. 1 in John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 26 … (Jefferson Papers)
From the statement of my account with the late General Kosciusko , transmitted the 17 th Oc t 1817 the apparent residue unaccounted for of $278. (exclusive of interest on my advance 26 th Nov. 1816 ) I beg leave to call to your recollection the very critical situation in which his finances were then in, when the unexpected unfortunate protested bill of exchange for £200. sterling was returned...
10118To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 6 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
Before this reaches You I hope You will have authentic accounts of the late revolution in France. At such a distance from Paris it is difficult to asscertain the truth of such important transactions as have continually taken place since the 14 th of July, at court and in the capital. By Cap t Bond of the Washington I inclosed you a parcel of pamphlets and newspapers which afforded You I hope...
10119General Orders, 1 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
This day giving commencement to the new-army, which, in every point of View is entirely Continental; The General flatters himself, that a laudable Spirit of emulation, will now take place, and pervade the whole of it; without such a Spirit, few Officers have ever arrived to any degree of Reputation, nor did any Army ever become formidable: His Excellency hopes that the Importance of the great...
10120To James Madison from John Chandler, 13 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
On the 8th. of August last I had Seven Negroes which obtain’d possesson of a Boat belonging to the U. States which had been left by the Commander of the Potomack Squadren of Gun Boats with a M Rowand of Virginia and Succeeded in geting on Board a British Vessel; this loss at once brings poverty and distress on me with two Helpless Children and an ag[e]d Father. I have understood that the...
10121To James Madison from William A. Burwell, 14 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of naming the Lynchburg Star as a fit paper for the publication of the Laws of the UStates. Its character is decidedly Republican, Situation central, & circulation extensive in the western parts of the State; If these circumstances were not Sufficient to recommend the Star, I would add, that the Editor, is a man of Talents, & means to devote himself to the diffusion of...
10122To Thomas Jefferson from John Wright, 20 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately arrived in this City with the view of erecting sundry patent Machines to facilitate the business of agriculture, I take the liberty of addressing you for the purpose of knowing, whether you will be pleased to accept of one, to cut straw upon a principle different from Any now in use—. If this offir should be accepted, I will with pleasure forward the machine to any place you...
10123Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 9 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter by way of Amsterdam had a quick passage and was matter of great pleasure to me. I thank you for all your kind and Friendly communications, by which you carry my imagination back to my Friends and acquaintance; who were never dearer to me than they now are, tho distanced so far from them. I have really commiserated the unhappy Refugees more than ever, and think no severer punishment...
10124To George Washington from John Stark, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I now acknowledge the rect of your Letter of the 25th Ult., which was delivered a few days ago. I shall set out for Saratoga the beginning of next week, and on my passage shall hold a Treaty with the green Mountain boys; but not having seen, or been acquainted with those turbulent sons of Freedom, for several years, I am at a loss to determine my reception, but hope it will be such as shall...
10125From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Willis White, 8 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 3 d proposing for my acceptance a book, on which you wish me to give an opinion, which you should be at liberty to publish. this I invariably decline. I have neither the talents, the taste, nor the time for the office of a Reviewer of books. such an undertaking, if executed with fidelity to the publick, would require me to read the book with critical...
10126From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 25 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, my dear & antient friend, for the two volumes of your translation which you have been so kind as to send me. I have dipped into it at the few moments of leisure which my vocations permit, and I percieve that I shall use it with great satisfaction on my return home. I propose there, among my first emploiments, to give to the Septuagint an attentive perusal, and shall feel the aid...
10127From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 19 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours offering the Govr. Livingston and mary fearon for the service of the United States. Understanding little about shipping, I leave those Matters to Mr. de Chaumont and Mr. Williams. I have spoken to the former, and given him your letter. He is gone to Versailles to Day, where some Points are to be considered relating to The transport of the Goods, and...
10128From John Jay to Grenville, 6 August 1794 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay presents his respectful Compliments to Lord Grenville and encloses some Outlines for a Convention & Treaty of Commerce. Some of them appear to him questionable— more mature Reflection and the Light which usually springs from mutual Discussions may occasion alterations— Many of the common articles are omitted—& will be inserted of course. It is very desireable that it may be concluded...
10129Endorsement of Legal Opinions on Land Titles Obtained From the Indians, 12 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The promoters of the Walpole Company in London had decided not to wait for confirmation of their grant before putting at least part of it on the market. They had obtained two legal opinions that their title to that part, the lands that the Indians had ceded at Fort Stanwix to the “suffering traders” was a valid one. Franklin’s involvement in their...
10130[Diary entry: 17 May 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday. 17th. Mr. Pinkney of So. Carolina coming in from New York and Mr. Rutledge being here before formed a representation from that State. Colo. Mason getting in this Evening from Virginia compleated the whole number of this State in the delegation. Dined at Mr. Powells and drank Tea there.
10131To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 28 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday a Letter from my dear Caroline of the 20th. inst. informing me of the better health of yourself and M rs. Adams, of which, of course I was happy to be informed Heaven grant you both a perfect restoration, and that you may continue a blessing to society and a comfort to your family and friends—The removal of Mr. Granger produces a considerable sensation—and the proposed...
10132From John Adams to Jean Luzac, 2 December 1788 (Adams Papers)
It is with great and sincere Pleasure, that I have to acknowledge the receipt of your friendly and obliging Letter of the 26 th of August. Your kind congratulations on my arrival are very agreeable to me. I assure you it was a very pleasing Event. and the few Months that have passed since I have been at home, have been the happiest portion of my Life. The Agriculture, the Manufactures and the...
10133To Benjamin Franklin from Conte Giovanni Baptista Carburi, 27 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Comte Carburi fait mille compliments à Mr. le Doc[teu]r Franklin, et lui fait savoir que le Duc de Marlborough seroit charmé de l’avoir chez lui à Marlborough house vendredi prochain, environ à midi, et de le voir faire les experiences Electriques. Ainsi le Dr. Franklin est prié de dire s’il pourra y être, et s’il à besoin de voir auparavant la machine...
10134To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 9 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I have not the honour of being made known to you, I am impelled as a member of the convention now in session and as a real friend of your administration of the general governmt. to enclose you a paper containing the Governors speech, by which you will discover the temper and disposition of his mind; as well respecting the policy of the national Legislature towards the United States...
10135From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 77, 2 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 1 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 90–95). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:752–758. This letter, read in Congress on 5 Sept., contains John Adams’ analysis of Lord George Germain’s speech of 5 May opposing Gen. Conway’s bill to end the American war,...
10136[The Waste of Life, 18 November 1736] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , November 18, 1736. First printed by Duane ( Works , IV , 367–70) and later by William Temple Franklin, Sparks, and Bigelow, but not by Smyth, this essay is omitted here for the reasons given above, I, 170.
10137[Diary entry: 14 August 1772] (Washington Papers)
14. Rid to the Ditchers at the Ferry and Mill. Mrs. Cox went away about 12 Oclock.
10138To George Washington from Lafayette, 5 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
I Have Had some time Ago the pleasure to write you a letter the duplicate of which shall Accompany this —The intelligence Has Since Come to Us of your Having Accepted the Command of the Armies—But you will Not be the less pleased to hear of the dispositions to a fair Reconciliation on the part of the French directory which I Hope will be Reciprocated By the American Governement—To what I took...
10139To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 3 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 December 1804, Cádiz. Encloses a copy of his 19 Nov. dispatch. “The result of the Flag of truce sent to the Division unde⟨r⟩ the Command of Sir John Ord, was sending back the Spanis⟨h⟩ Frigate detain’d under parole not to put to Sea again.” “By accounts the English Envoy left Madrid on the 14 ult. Small Vessels with despatches for the Havana, Veracruz &ca. sailed on the 28th. ulto. “I do not...
10140To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of two of your valuable letters , one of them directed to me at Philadelphia, and the other to this place. They give me the more pleasure as I perceive by them that you are not so much occupied by public business, but that you are at leisure for speculation of a different and higher nature, and that you do not think unfavourably of my late tract on the...
10141Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 2 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
That I have hitherto given you no account of my voyage since my arrival, is imputable to the unsettled state in which I have been from the time it took place to the present moment. I have made a visit to Philadelphia to see my father, have passed nearly 10 days at New York and for this last fortnight have been here with my Mother, whose state of health, though far better than it was during the...
10142To James Madison from David Pearce, 1 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your Petitioner extensively engaged in privateering during the last war with England, and had the pleasure of furnishing large and seasonable supplies to his country, but for which, owing to the depreciation of Paper Credit, he never realised a suitable recompence. Your Petitioner within a few years has lost a large fortune and is now without a bussiness, or the means of subsistence. Your...
10143To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidencÿ of the United States: Mÿ wishes in this part are entirely accomplished—May America remain happÿ in peace, and prosper under your administration—So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election—as those of August and Trajan; maÿ its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which...
10144To James Madison from William Pinkney, 24 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have had the Honour to receive, by the British Packet, your Letter of the 9th. & 10th. of last Month. The Assurance, contained in the first of these Letters, of the President’s Approbation of the Manner in which my late Instructions were executed, affords me the most lively Satisfaction; and I beg you to accept my sincere Thanks for the kind and flattering Terms in which you have been so...
10145To Thomas Jefferson from Tadeusz Kosciuszko, [before 5 May 1798] (Jefferson Papers)
Give me leave to present you a Fur for experiment Sake to try whither the hops in this Country will have the same effect as it is in mine. you must spread with it the whole surface of the fur, and once or twice in the summer in Sun shine day bit out accumulated dust and pact up in the same maner again as i related before—when ever you will have a time in the daytime for a quarter of hour I beg...
10146Tobias Watkins to Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The Trustees of Baltimore College have received an application for the place of Principal to that institution, from Mr. L. H. Gerardin of Virginia , who has referred us, among other distinguished personages, to you, as being acquainted with his character and pretensions. As I have been the channel of Mr. Gerardin ’s application to the Board of Trustees , they have requested me to solicit from...
10147Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
I was last Evening at your House and left Mrs. Adams, Miss Nabby and Master Tommy well, as are also all the rest of our Connections. The Communication between this Town and Braintree is at present extremely difficult by means of a greater Quantity of Snow on the Ground than has been known for forty Years past. I bro’t two Pacquets from Mrs. Adams which I deliver’d to Genl. Warren for...
10148From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 26 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 21st. instant, and have disposed of the papers under the same cover according to direction. Col. Hamilton had returned to the City which gave me the opportunity of immediately putting into his hands such of them as were destined for him. I have no doubt that he will make the best use of them. I have recd. no answer yet from my correspondent to whom I forwarded...
10149To Thomas Jefferson from William Wenman Seward, 25 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
By direction of an Associated company of Irish Merchants here, who have honour’d me with the Office of their Secretary, I am to congratulate you in their Names, on your appointment to the honourable Station you now hold under the United-states of America, at the Court of France. It is with much concern the Gentlemen, by whose Authority I write, observe a settled determination in Great-Britain...
10150To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 June 1791 . He sends this by the Harmony, Captain Folger, for Baltimore, with duplicate by Amsterdam. Parliament adjourned without being able to learn the designs of the British court, their fleet ready to depart, the press of sailors continuing, the armistice between the Turks and Hungary expired—all indicate continuation and extension of war. [P.S.] 26 June . His dispatch by...