1011General 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...
1012To 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,...
1013To 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...
1014To 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...
1015To 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...
1016To 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...
1017From 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...
1018May 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...
1019From 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...
1020From 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...
1021To 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...
1022From 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...
1023From 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...
1024To 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...
1025From 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...
1026To 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.
1027John 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...
1028From 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...
1029[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...
1030To 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...
1031To 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."
1032From 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...
1033To 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...
1034From 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...
1035To 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 &...
1036James 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...
1037To 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...
1038John 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...
1039To 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...
1040From 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...
1041From 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.
1042To 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...
1043To 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...
1044Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 9 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams not knowing of this Opportunity by Mr. Sears and Capt. Cheevers, who are going in a Dutch ship, who probably may call on you as the ship is designed to touch at Bourdeaux. I wrote you by a Vessell of my Own a few days since by the way of Cadiz, I then wrote you I had received a Trunk by Capt. Tucker, for Mrs. Adams, in good order. You will doubtless have heard by the packet Count...
1045II. From Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett, 18 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Tapp’s situation being such, as renders it extreamly difficult for him to continue in the service, agreeable to the forgoing representation made by himse⟨lf⟩ he has my Consent to resign his Commission if it is agreeable to your Excellency. And I do Certify, that there are no Accounts in the Regimen⟨t⟩ against him of a public Nature to my knowledge. LS , DNA : RG 93, manuscript file no....
1046From Thomas Jefferson to William Macarty, 21 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your letter of the 8th. instant. I had applied to the Marquis de la Fayette to sollicit the Sauf conduit for you. A desire of avoiding every possible occasion myself of asking what may be refused, or of giving ground to make a reciprocal demand on any occasion, induced me to do this; and the Marquis’s zeal in every business respecting us, his weight and his access to every...
1047[Diary entry: 30 April 1780] (Washington Papers)
30th. Morning pleasant and clear, with the Wind Southerly—afternoon Showery and foggy.
1048To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 16 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 9th Instant is this Moment delivered to me at this place by an Express from Richmond. The Contents of it make a deep Impression on my Mind. To disobey the Call of my Country into Service when her venerable Chief makes a Demand of it, must be a Crime, unless the most substantial Reasons justify declining it. And I must trust to your Candour & Goodness to excuse me for not...
1049From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 24th & 25th have been duly received. Fully impressed with the idea of the Utility of early, regular & accurate communications of the kind in contemplation—I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal contained in Your Private Letter from N. Port of the 25th—But at the same time, I am engaging in behalf of the United States, a liberal reward for the services of...
1050From Thomas Jefferson to Elisha Watkins, 22 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
When you were here to offer me your service for the next year, we separated on the subject of price. I offered you 120. Dollars, & you asked an hundred & fifty for the year’s service. I have concluded to give you your asking of an hundred & fifty dollars, with the allowance of 600. lb of pork, & corn as usual. the emploiment the first year will be as a carpenter with 2 or 3 men under you, for...
1051To George Washington from Brig. Gen. John Nixon, 24 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. John Nixon, 24 Oct. 1779 . GW wrote Nixon on 25 Oct. : “I have received your Letter of Yesterday.”
1052From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the promptitude with which you paid my debt to Mr Gales & Seaton—and discontinued my subscription for the national Intelligencer I beg your Pardon for not answering immediately your letter of the 24th of last Month as I ought—Not being pressed by necessity, I did not draw upon Mr Cruft—Till up he comes with his Lady to make us a very pleasant visit—And tendered me the two...
1053To George Washington from William Russell, 20 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
I returnd Home a few days ago after more than a month’s absence & assure you I was deeply mortified upon finding that your Ram and Straw Machine were still here—I very much regret that different attempts to Send them forwards have been ineffectual & that three several conveyances for their passage engag’d at Hartford have each of them been violated—As I found our River froze up. I fear they...
1054From James Madison to the Right Reverend James Madison, 17 July 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To the Right Reverend James Madison. Letter not found. 17 July 1806. Acknowledged in Madison to JM , 26 July 1806 , where it appears to have been a response to the Reverend’s recommendation of someone named “John” for public office.
1055From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I was informed on my arrival here that Genl. Pinckney’s dispatches had on their first receipt excited in the administration a great deal of passion: that councils were held from day to day, and their ill temper fixed at length in war; that under this impression Congress was called: that the tone of the party in general became high, and so continued till the news of the failure of the bank of...
1056To James Madison from Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 1 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
We had the pleasure to write to you by Mr. Gorham on the 2nd. of Feby. and to transmit a copy of our first note to Mr. Cevallos, and of the Project which we presented him for the adjustment of all differences between the U. States and Spain, as also of his answer to it, which we had then just received. We now forward the sequel of the correspondence, by which it appears that we are as distant...
1057To James Madison from William Beach Lawrence, 29 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gallatin, when he confided to me as Chargé d’Affaires of the United States the fund belonging to the University of Virginia over which he as well as his predecessor Mr. King had ⟨ex⟩ercised a control, likewise put into my hands your letter of the 12th. of August last. Several months since, the late Minister conferred with me as to the selection of a suitable person to fill the vacant...
1058To George Washington from William Fairfax, 13–14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst. by Bryan Fx who I find is so well pleasd with the little military Atchievement He has experienct, that He is desirous of pursuing that Life. I have accordingly encouragd Him and to hope that You have Affection enough to give Him a Lieutenancy as no doubt there are some Vacancys and I heard the Governor tell one Matthew Bowyer (who applied for...
1059To Benjamin Franklin from Uriah Forrest, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed came to my hands this day and as it appears to have met with rough treatment on it’s Passage I have done myself the Honor to put it under Cover. Shou’d there be any thing at this place which your Excellency can Charge me with that will be usefull to yourself or Our Country It will afford me real pleasure Being with all possible Respect Yr....
1060Benjamin Morgan to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I defered answering your letter of the 29 th October last until I could get Lieut Rob t Peyton here hoping his presence was all that was wanted to settle the administration of his brother John’s Estate. He arrived last week and it now appears that he must have a power of Attorney from the Coheirs &ca as stated in the above memorandum— Please to forward these documents and I will do all in my...