1101From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
Meeting with you at a regular Period established by Law, I expected nothing more, than those habitual Expressions of your friendship, which I have, constantly received, as one of your Associates, upon all Such occasions. This elegant Address, therefore, as it was not foreseen, is the more acceptable Coming from Gentlemen whose fame for Science and Literature as well as for every civil and...
1102Enclosure: Report on Edmond Genet’s Debt Proposal, 23 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury upon two Letters from the Minister plenipotentiary of France to the Secy of State severally bearing date the 11. & 14 of November inst. respectfully reports to the President of the United States as follows. 1. The object of these Letters is to procure an engagement that the bills which the Minister may draw upon the sums, which according to the terms of the...
1103From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
1104Cash Accounts, June 1768 (Washington Papers)
Cash June 1— To Ditto [cash] of Henry Taylor £ 0. 2.6 To Weaving of Jno. Elliot 15 yds cotton birdeye 0.18.9 To Cash of Mr Wm Triplet for Weavg 1. 6.0 20— To Ditto of Gilbt Simpson on Acct of Rent 2. 8.0 23— To Ditto for 7 M Shingles 6. 2.6 Contra June 2— By Mr [John] Stedlar for Mastr & Miss Custis 10.16.0
1105From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 23 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th instt has been duly received, and gives us pleasure to hear that you enjoy good health, & are progressing well in your Studies. Far be it from me to discourage your Correspondence with Doctor Stuart, Mr Law, Mr Lear or Mr Lewis; or indeed with any others, as well disposed and capable as I believe they are, to give you specimens of correct writing, proper subjects, and...
1106V. Replies to Queries: Massachusetts, July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Massachusets. Mr. Tracy. July. 1784 I. 1. About 30,000£ lawful 4. About 1,500,000£ lawful. 5. The interest is punctually paid. The principal stands on the public faith. There is an impost and excise appropriated to the paimt of the interest, but no tax is yet laid for paiment of the principal, except for a particular 30,000£ of it. 6. About 8/ in the pound. 7. They have been since 1782 about...
1107To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 14 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Il devient éxtrêmement instant que vous ayés la bonté de me faire savoir promptement Si Je puis tirer par anticipation sur les prochains remboursements de la dette des Etats unis envers la france; Nos agens instruits que les fonds qui avoient été mis à la disposition de la Republique en 1793 se trouvoient épuisés ont suspendu leurs fournitures et leurs entreprises Jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient...
1108To James Madison from Thomas Newton Jr., 26 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1804, Norfolk. “I take the liberty of enclosing to you Mr. Marrast’s Certificate of Cit[iz]enship—his wish is to obtain from you a protection such as is usually granted. Permit me to ask the favor of you to return Mr. Marrast’s Certificate if not contrary to form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Brent, with his notation: “Passport for John Marrast.”
1109Enclosure: Drawing of Charles Redheffer’s Perpetual-Motion Machine, [ca. 30 November 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( MHi ); ink-and-wash drawing in an unidentified hand; undated. A photograph of an extant contemporary model of this machine is reproduced elsewhere in this volume.
1110To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Kellogg, 16 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a great desire, & for many years, of Improving in the Arts, & Sciences.—& Espiscally in those arts, that I was bred up in, which was that of Fulling, Dying, & Dressing Woolen goods.—This desire I have Instill’d into four Sons of mine; one of which, has Invented a Shearing Machine, & Recd. Letters Patent.—Two others, older then Friend the Patentee has purchas’d half of that Patent, &...
1111Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1789 [i.e., 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society M. Peltier duDoyer mon Correspondant de Nantes m’a fait signiffier une assignation à lui donnée en votre nom, aux fins de delivrer à votre Procureur, la foible cargaison de ris et d’indigo venue pour moi de Charlestown, sur le Navire la Thérese que Mr. Peltier a vendue par mon ordre et dont il m’a fait passer les fonds. Surpris de cette attaque, j’ai chargé...
1112[Diary entry: 2 December 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 37 in the morning—47 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear, with the Wind at No. Wt. but not strong. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the People were gathering Beans, corn, and drawing them in. Only 5 plows were at Work—the Waggon being employed in drawing in Corn. That part of the Corn which was intermixed with Carrots, would be gathered (tho’ not measured) to...
1113To Benjamin Franklin from François-Marie-des-Neiges-Emmanuel de Rohan-Poulduc, 21 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; draft: Royal Library of Malta; copy and transcript: National Archives J’ai reçu avec la plus vive sensibilité la médaille que Votre Excellence m’a fait parvenir, et le prix que je mets à cette acquisition ne laisse pas de bornes à ma reconnaissance. Ce monument de la liberté Américaine, d’un événement que Votre Excellence a eu la...
1114To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 18 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1802, “near the Old Bridge,” Washington. “I take the liberty of writing a few lines soliciting your Patronage to procure a Clerkship, as Copyist, in the Office of the Treasurer .… I am told that the duties are extremely easy, and can be performed by a Common Capacity.… I have long depended on Your humanity for being placed in a Situation more permanent than Painting for my Support.” RC...
1115To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 18 July[–5 August] 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the printed paper you sent me, and for your Letter by Monsr. Cadignan. On maturely considering the latter I took an opportunity in an informal conversation with Ld. Grenville to communicate it to him. Still I am unable to say any thing decisive relative to the objects of my mission—appearances continue to be singularly favorable; but appearances merit only a certain degree of...
1116From James Madison to Robert Walsh Jr., 13 December 1817 (Madison Papers)
J. M. has recd. the 2d. Vol. of the Amn. Register wth. which Mr. Walsh has favored him. Regarding the work as a very valuable contribution to the stock of Amn. literature, it has always been his intention to possess it; has taken steps wch. will save the politeness of Mr. W. from being again taxed for the purpose. He is at the same time not the less sensible of the kindness to which he is...
1117To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 2 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of offering, for your acceptance, the life of the Duke of Malborough lately published here by the Emperors’ instructions. He has intimated his intention of engaging certain literary Men to write the lives of other distinguished Generals according to the same plan. I also inclose two brochures relating to Mr Barlows’ Poem, and am, Sir, with the greatest respect Your very obedt...
1118To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 9 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is at the Solicitation of Majr. Wm. Campble that I take ye. liberty of troubling you with this, He informs me he is about to make application to yo. for a deputy Inspectors Place in the Army. I was acquainted with ye. Majr. while he was an Officer in ye. American Army, in the Revolution, and from my General Knowledge of him, I think I can venture to say, should he be fortunate enough to...
1119To Benjamin Franklin from John Diot, 28 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Owners of the Black Prince privateer haveing intrusted me With the managment of all the business and transactions here, Concerning Said Vessell, I have the honnour to forward to your Excellency, a Journal of her proceedings at Sea, by which you’ll See, that Captn. Merchant, Mr. Luke Ryan, one of the owners on board, as well as all the Rest of the Crew,...
1120LeRoy, Bayard & Company to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M. P. Gibson having further remitted us on your account $ 255.6. to meet the $256.79.—mention’d & in respect of the 20 t ult o whereby the first of your Bonds to Mess. N. & J. & R Van Staphorst for $ 1000. with Interest, becomes cancelled we have the honor of Sending you Said bond, here enclosed, with our receipt thereon and acknowledging your favr of 25: ult o we Salute with great respect RC (
1121From John Adams to William D. Williamson, 25 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
When the House of Representatives, under the Charter of Charles I “broke out” as Huchinson expresses it, I presume they were chosen by the Towns. I never heard of any Elections by districts before the revolution, except of Registers of deeds and County Treasurers, by Counties, nor by General Ticket except of Governors and Lt Governors and perhaps of Secretaries Under the Charter of W. and...
1122To Thomas Jefferson from Johann Friedrich Specht, 23 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Irvin’s House [i.e., Colle, Albemarle co., Va.], 23 Aug. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 12 Apr., received 14 May. TJ’s previous kindness in forwarding letters to Generals Phillips and Riedesel emboldens him to ask once more that the enclosed letters be sent. Names of addressees and nature of enclosures not identified. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed “JF Specht Brig: Gener.”...
1123Thomas Jefferson to Alexander McRae, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely wish you success in the object of the visit which yourself & Maj r Clarke propose to make to Europe . to your country it promises advantage, & I hope it will yield it to yourselves also. as you seem sensible of the danger to which it will expose you, under the laws of those countries, I need say nothing on that head but that the secrecy enjoined on me shall be observed. the letters...
1124To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 10 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellency’s orders for the opinion of the Board of M. Gls respecting the next Winterquarters. It appears to me that they should be taken in the State of New-york, on North River either on the left Bank or on both Sides, at the Distance of about 40 Miles from the Enemies Lines at kings Bridge, if they keep their present position. for the following reasons. 1st Because ’tis...
1125George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 4 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Approves Smith’s decision to take the place of a retiring lieutenant colonel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was a lieutenant colonel in Spencer’s Regiment. In January, 1781, he became adjutant and inspector on the Marquis de Lafayette’s staff.
1126Enclosure: [List of Nominations for Senate Approval], [21 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
† Nathaniel White Lt: Colonel New Hampshire. O Bradbury Cilley Major ditto. O Caleb Gibbs Lt. Colonel Massachusetts. O John Hobby Major ditto. O John Chipman ditto Vermont. O James Sawyer Captain ditto. O George Woodward Lieut:
1127From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [28 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honord this week with your letters of the 28 August 6th. 12th and 17th instant with their inclosures. It gives me the most real pleasure to find that my past communications have meet your approbation; and I feel a particular satisfaction in the friendly confidence which your letters manifest. I am persuaded that substanial reasons have determined your choice in a particular...
1128To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 8 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have Occasion for four or five Officers, to settle with the Committee of the State, the Accounts of their Line, for 1780 & 1781. I do not expect to finish them, before some time in May; but I shall in Obedience to your general Order, dismiss those Officers before the 10th of next Month, unless I have your Permission to detain them. the Business is very interesting to the Troops, &, if...
1129To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 30 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the following report upon the petition of Slocum Fowler.— The petitioner states that at the last February term of the District Court for the District of Rhode Island, judgment was recovered against him in favour of the United States, for the sum of four hundred dollars, being a penalty incurred by him in...
1130To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 16 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrote you that I Could not obtain a new addition of the Common prayer Book. I have Since found one. I take this oppertunity to send it by the Bearrer mr. [ blank ]. Your friends Wh. are many have expectations of Seing you here some time in the summer & I belive you will find them as harry & prehaps more so then ever. London is so much like home that I...
1131To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have recovered our Sloop which I wrote concerning the other Day, & no other Damage sustained by the Tories retakg her, than a few Barrells of Flower, & some Pork, our Party havg surprized & drove them of[f] whilst unloading her. The Brig is like to be much more valuable than was at first supposed, there appears to be a great Quantity of Arms, Baggage & some Cloths, Ammunition Rum & Wine,...
1132From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 25 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by Colo. Stephen, since which I have been favourd with your kind and agreable Letter of Yesterday. We have advice that our Second Convoy of Seventy odd Waggons (contents you were informd of in my last) will be at the South Branch to day, where I expect they will be joind by some Waggons with Forage—the number I cant ascertain—and all proceed to this place immediately. On Friday I...
1133To George Washington from William Watson, 15 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favour, of the 3d instant came to hand, annexed to which are the resolves of the grand Contineltal Congress, respecting captures made, by contineltal armed vessels & others —In complyance with which, and in obedience to your Excellencys Command, I have Libeled all the Vessels which have been bro’t into this port, by the Harrison armed ⟨Sco⟩onr & which are now in my care, Viz....
1134From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Hanson, 4 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a power of Attorney for the collection of the bonds enumerated in the list which was inclosed in your letter of Octob. 27. with a special letter to the persons named in each bond notifying your power and desiring them to make the paiment to you at Petersburgh. There is one thing to which I must beg your particular attention, that is, to take measures for having clerks and...
1135To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just now heard of an opportunity from Havre. I am doubtful whether my letter will arrive in time for it. I therefore confine myself to inform you that Genl Bernadotte is named Minister to the United States in the place of Otto who will be employed here. Genl Bernadotte is brother in law to joseph Bonaparte & is a very respectable man & has the character of a decided Republican. I have...
1136[Diary entry: 13 April 1796] (Washington Papers)
13. Just such a day as yesterday & Wind the same.
1137To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Eggleston, 2 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
From the conversation you were pleased to hold with me last evening on the subject of the possible vacancy of the Office of Marsshall for the State of Virginia, I am induced to give you the trouble of reading the following remarks respecting Major Joseph Scott a resident of the County of Amelia. This gentleman served as an Officer in the revolutionary war with a reputation equal to that of any...
1138Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 July – 7 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have been waiting till I am out of all patience to hear that you are returnd to England. One or two vessels have sail’d for London without taking Letters for you. I did not know they were going till it was too late to write. I sent you a hasty line by Mr. Charles Bulfinch which I hope you receiv’d and to tell you the truth I have written you two letters Since, which I thought proper to...
1139To George Washington from Joseph Woodbridge, 24 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since the Misfortune that Befel the Enemys Ship Culloden, in the Sound, I have had the Good fortune to Get up Sixteen of Her upper Tier Guns, 32 Pounders, Wt. About 55 lb. —And Understanding that Your Excellency, has had Occasion, to Direct a Number of Heavy Cannon to be Transported from the Eastward, for the Use of theArmy Westward. I have to Inform, that if any further occasion Should...
1140To John Adams from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 23 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vous Sçavez, notre Cher Monsieur, que l’interest de l’amerique a toujours été le notre; nous n’avons jamais perdu de vue cet heureux pais depuis la glorieuse époque de sa revolution, le premier motif de ce Sentiment est la justice que la nature reclame Contre l’oppression et la tirannèe. Nous ne voyions que des hommes malheureux. Des hommes libres qu’en vouloit soumettre à la honte de...
1141From Thomas Jefferson to Moses Young, 4 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Young and returns him the Vigogna shawl & Map of S. America with his thanks for the opportunity of inspecting them. he had never before seen the cloth of the Vigogna wool or fur in the piece. nothing certainly can be more beautiful. he had, while in Europe seen two or three instances of coats of that manufacture; but he understood it was a royal one...
1142General Orders, 14 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
To command the manœvring battalions tomorr.[:] Colonels Johnson and Livingston[,] Majors Reid and J. Moore [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Clinton[,] Colonel Stewart[,] Brigade Major Clinton’s brigade A Detachment for a fortnight to parade tomorrow morning at Guard mounting with their Arms Packs and three days provisions and forty rounds ⅌ man. Major T. Moore to command....
1143[Diary entry: 8 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
8th. Engaged to advance by, or at the April General Court for the use of Mr. Bryan Fairfax £150, or thereabouts, to discharge the Balle. of his Bond to Doctr. Savage. Also promised, if I could, to take up a Bill of Excha. of about £160 Sterg. with Int[eres]t thereon at the same time; In consideration of which I am to have the liberty of taking any of the Tracts of which he has given me a...
1144From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Oliveira Fernandes, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 30. was recieved on the 12th. of Jan. and I now inclose you a draught of the bank of the US. of this place on that at Norfolk for D 69.50 c the amount of the cask of Lisbon Malmesey forwarded for me by you to Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond. Accept my salutations & assurances of respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1145James Madison to William Buell Sprague, 11 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received your letter of July 5. when absent from my papers; and since I had opportunities of looking into them, other circumstances have thus long delayed an answer. I now enclose a few autograph specimens, which are within the scope of your request; not doubting that you will be able to obtain most of the others I could furnish, from other & perhaps more convenient sources. It may be not...
1146Orderly Book, 10 November 1758 (Washington Papers)
Loyall Hannon Friday Novr 10th 1758 Parole King George Field Officer for to morrow Majr Peachy. Adjutant for to morrow 1st V. Regiment. A General Court Martiall to sit Consisting of 1 Lt Colo. 2 Majors & 10 Captains to sit to morrow morning at 9 OClock at the Presidents Tents. All the Evidences to Attend. Capt. McKenzie of the H. B. Judge advocate. Lt Colo. Lloyd President. It is General...
1147[Shavers and Trimmers; and To the Publick, 23 and 30 June 1743] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , June 23 and 30, 1743. The first of these pieces, to which Smyth gave the title “Shavers and Trimmers” when he reprinted both ( Writings , ii , 232–6), appeared in the Gazette , June 23, 1743. It was inspired by a barber’s advertising the week before that he intended to give up shaving and trimming to confine himself to wigmaking. The essay is a...
1148From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 11 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress This is to desire you would as soon as may be possible furnish Messrs. Fizeaux & Grand at Amsterdam with the Sum of Forty Thousand, nine hundred and fifty eight Bank Florins in order to discharge the Bills drawn in Favour of Mr. Ross, and which will be due the 19th. of this Month. Place the same to the public Account of Sir, Your &c L’Air de Lamotte wrote “may be”...
1149From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 23 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th inst. The claim of W. Knaggs involves an important question; what is the effect produced on the salaries of persons made prisoners by an Enemy, by and during their captivity? Civil officers are of two classes. 1st. Those holding during good behaviour 2dly. Those holding during pleasure. Whilst the offices of the 1st class continue and the officers are not removed...
1150To James Madison from Hugh Lennox, 15 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Lennox. 15 May 1806, Kingston. “I have to inform you of my safe arrival here on the evening of the 10th. Inst. I took an early opportunity on the 13th to pay my respects to Admiral Dacres Commanding on this Station, and was received with marked attention, next day the 14th I opened my office of Agency in this City as you will sea advertized in the daily courant herewith. “As yet I...