112201John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Address sheet missing. We are desired by Congress to transmit you the inclosed resolutions. Nothing new has transpired since we last wrote, informing you of the departure of the British fleet from New York, except that in less than forty eight hours after their sailing, there was a most violent storm, which we have the best reason to imagine they had to...
112202To George Washington from John Mathews, 15 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 9th inst. by Dr Craig, two days ago. There is a New arrangement for the Medical department now before Congress, & nearly compleated, by which, there will be a very great reduction of Officers. By the new System there will be fifteen principal Officers to be elected by Congress, which I apprehend will be but too much influenced by that spirit...
112203To George Washington from John Mathews, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As this intelligence received yesterday possibly may not be conveyed to you through any other channel at this time; and being well assured it will aford you much satisfaction to be informed of it: I have therefore taken the liberty of communicating it to you. Tho the information does not come officially from the state, yet it comes in such a manner that it is to be depended on—That Maryland...
112204To George Washington from John Mathews, 16 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned in my last, that by the first good opportunity, I would communicate to yr Excy some thoughts respecting the present political state of affairs—such as they appear to me—perhaps my opinions may differ, from the generallity of your correspondents, as I know many are but too apt to keep their eyes constantly fixed on the pleasing side of the picture, & feel an aversion to take a View...
112205To George Washington from John Mathews, 2 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will no doubt think it some thing singular, that the inclosed should be of so old a date and handed to you with this, but the reason of it is, that it was meant to go by Govr Rutledge, who intended paying a visit at Head Quarters, but being taken ill tho’ expecting daily to be in condition to prosecute his journey finding that not likely to be soon the case, I have requested Mr Duane to be...
112206To George Washington from John Mathews, 24 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the pleasure of writing to you a few days ago by The Minister of France: since which time, the Committee have brought in a partial report on the affairs of the army. It has been acted upon by Congress & thus far agreed to. To call on the States for an army of 32,000 men, to be in the field by the 1st day of January next. To reduce the remaining sixteen battalions, & all the light...
112207John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 30 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). JM had been appointed on 23 October 1780 as a member of the committee ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (2 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , II, 206 ). The inclosed paper will give you the substance of the latest intelligence Congress have received from Europe....
112208To George Washington from John Mathews, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
At the time I wrote to you respecting that part of the system for the army, that has been agreed on by Congress, I had despaired of its being submitted to your opinion. I had moved for it, but my proposition was rejected, on a principle, that the whole should go together—We have received your Excys sentiments on this very important subject, such, as I evidently foresaw would be the result of...
112209To George Washington from John Mathews, 6 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 26th Ulto the 1st inst. In answer thereto, I beg leave to observe—That all the gentlemen now prisoners at St Augustine, were either acting as officers in the militia; or as private soldiers, at the time they were made prisoners. And I cannot conceive they can be looked upon, in any other light, than that in which they acted at the time of their captivity. Indeed by...
112210To George Washington from John Mathews, 30 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I Received your Excellencys favor of the——inst. a few days ago by Genl Greene. And am extremely obliged to you for your kind care & attention respecting my application for Mrs Mathews’s going to Carolina: permit me at the same time to assure you sir of her most gratified acknowledgemt for your benevolent intentions towards her—I was surprized the Board of War had not wrote to you about the...
112211To George Washington from John Mathews, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Although I am well convinced your time must be occupied by very important objects; Yet I presume you will not regret the few moments employed in the perusal of the following interesting advices lately received through the most authentic channel. "After the retreat of Mr Cumberland from the court of Madrid, that court, finding itself relieved from the embarrassments created by that gentleman’s...
112212John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 27 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). On 23 October 1780 Congress added JM and William Sharpe to the standing committee, created 8 July 1779 “to correspond with the commanding officer of the southern department,” and prescribed that the committee should thereafter “keep a journal of their proceedings and correspondence” ( Journals of the Continental Congress , IV, 807;...
112213To George Washington from John Mathews, 15 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
As I observed Genl Greene had given you a full account of the victory obtained by Genl Morgan. I did not trouble Yr Excy with it. Nothing else of any importance has since occured. I should be extreamly obliged to you sir, to inform me of the state of the buisiness respecting the exchange of prisoners (particularly those at St Augustine) by the first convenient opportunity. I hope yr Excy will...
112214To George Washington from John Mathews, 24 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mr Kinloch One of the Delegates of South Carolina arrived here yesterday in Twenty three days, from that place. He says the British troops, were in the same position as on the 25 of February, (as your Excy has already been informed). Genl Hogan had arrived with the No. Carolina Brigade. Genl Woodford on the 11 Inst. was 380 miles distant from Chs Town Genl Scott, had at last proceeded for that...
112215To George Washington from John Mathews, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
A variety of causes render it necessary for Mrs Mathews to return to Carolina: & as a flag will go there in a few days; I take the liberty of thus early sollicting your Excellency to apply to Sr Henry Clinton for a permit for herself, & a Negroe Man & Maid servant to go in the flag. The Board of War, will inform you of the name of the Vessel. If Sr Henry Clinton should make any difficulty...
112216To George Washington from John Mathews, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Circular letter of the Twenty Second day of January, I had, the honor of receiving on the Twenty Ninth Ultimo. The legislature of this State had risen before your Excellency’s letter came to hand, but I am very happy in being able to inform you that the Subject of your letter had been fully considered by them in their last Session in January and February, and your Requisition anticipated....
112217To Thomas Jefferson from Sampson Mathews, 13 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received your favour of the 12th. Inst. and Shall Proced Early tomorrow morning to Fredricksburg with about 250 Militia from augusta which is all that is Come this Length. Those of the 2d. Battallion which are on the way as also the Militia from Rockbridge and Rocking [Rockingham] I Shall send by Express to order their March to Fredricksburg, which Place I hope to Reach by Monday Night. I...
112218To Thomas Jefferson from Sampson Mathews, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Cabin Point, 29 Jan. 1781 . When at Ruffin’s Ferry on 22 Jan., Mathews received orders from Gen. Muhlenberg to march to this point by way of Sandy Point, and “being detained three days there by wett, and Badness of the Boats,” arrived this morning. Has been ordered to march tomorrow morning to Smithfield. Expected on his arrival to be supplied with tents and ammunition, but was disappointed;...
112219To James Madison from Thomas Mathews, 3 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I shall offer no excuse for the liberty I take in introducing my friend Lieut. Saunders, to your notice and attention. I flatter myself you will find Mr. Saunders an agreeable young Man, and I know He will be acceptable to you, for He is a Man of Honor and integrity. As I am fixed at the principle mart in our State, it would give me pleasure to render you any services in this quarter. I pray...
112220To James Madison from Thomas Mathews, 19 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have written to Genl. Dearborn, soliciting a Lieutenancy in the Infantry, for my young friend Mr. William Hamilton of the state of North Carolina. You have been too long acquainted with me Sir, to suppose that I would recommend any Man without being firmly persuaded of his ability to discharge the duties of the Office for which He is recommended: and when I inform you that Mr. Hamilton’s...
112221From Thomas Mathews to James Madison, 23 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
An occurrence took place yesterday off our Capes (between Six & Ten miles) which I hold it my duty to make known to the Government. The Chesapeake Sailed from Hampton Roads yesterday for her destination; at the distance before mentioned, she was boarded by an Officer from the British Ship Leopard rated at fifty guns, and a demand made of certain Seamen. Captain Barron refused to deliver up any...
112222To James Madison from Thomas Mathews, 23 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
An occurrence took place yesterday off our Capes (between six and ten miles) which I hold it my duty to make known to the Government. The Chesapeake sailed from Hampton Roads yesterday for her destination. At the distance before mentioned she was boarded by an officer from the British Ship Leopard rated at fifty Guns, and a demand made of certain Seamen; Capt: Barron refused to deliver up any...
112223To James Madison from John Mathieu, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 July 1801. Mentioned in Mathieu to JM, 2 Sept. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, CD, Naples, vol. 1). Encloses list of U.S. ships in port and at Messina and Palermo from 1 Jan. to 30 June.
112224To James Madison from John Mathieu, 13 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1804, Naples. Wrote on 3 Aug. [not found] via London enclosing an account of American ships arrived at Naples and the information requested in JM’s 9 Apr. 1803 circular. Sends this “by Capt. Josiat. Lovett of the Ship Harriot who is bound to the Port of Beverley as these two month past no occasion offered; for the sending via England, or france large letters is attended with great...
112225To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been this long time deprived of the honor of any instructions or orders from you, therefore I beg you will refer to the letters I had the honor to address you. Inclosed I send a Statement of all the Americans Ships which came to this Port since the 1st. July to the end of December last past; as also of those; that came to Messina, as handed to me by the Consular Agent in that Port. I...
112226To James Madison from John Mathieu, 8 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1802, Naples. Refers JM to his letters of “last Month [not found] in answer to your orders via England of the 31st. May and 4th. August.” Encloses statement of U.S. vessels in port from 1 July to 31 Dec. 1801. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Naples, vol. 1). 1 p. Enclosure not found. Mathieu was probably referring to JM’s circular letters of 21 May ( PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds.,...
112227To James Madison from John Mathieu, 31 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Mathieu. 31 May 1806, Naples. “I embrace this first occasion, to inform your Excellency that on account of my bad state of health, and the discharge of an employ some consequence under the present Government I can no longer assist the American Merchat-man, that may hereafter arrive in this Port; Wherefore I prayed Mr. Fredr. Degen your Naval Agent to assist them in my room until...
112228To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Naples. Encloses statement on U.S. ships in port between 1 July and 31 Dec. 1800 and one for port of Messina [not found] from consular agent there. King of Naples has obtained thirty-day truce through mediation of Russia; objective was to exclude British from the ports of the Two Sicilies. A French commissary is in Naples to see that armistice is fulfilled. The king’s minister...
112229To James Madison from John Mathieu, 9 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The very moment that the American Brig James Steward was ready to sail (no other Ship being to depart) I have received from Malta by the channel of the Consular Agent in Messina a letter from Mr. England dated 27. May with a Copy of a Circular letter send him by Mr. Cathcart our Consul in Tripoli, informing us that said Regency has declared war to the United States the 14th. May; According to...
112230To James Madison from John Mathieu, 9 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1801, Naples. Has received from Malta, via consular agent in Messina, a copy of Cathcart’s circular letter announcing Tripolitan declaration of war. Encloses a copy of Cathcart’s letter; has also forwarded to Appleton two letters received from William England, reportedly from Cathcart. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Naples, vol. 1). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 9 Oct....
112231To James Madison from John Mathieu, 2 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I pray your refference to my last 10th. July; in which conformable to my duty, I had the honor to hand you, the Statement of the ships from the United States which came to this port, to Messina & Palermo, since the 1st. January till the 30th. of June, which I hope you have received, as I have sent duplicates, Via London & Hamborough. The favor of your kind letter 21. May last I have received,...
112232To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 June 1802, Naples. Takes the opportunity by the frigate Boston , Captain McNeill, which is about to sail, to enclose a statement of all American ships that arrived at Naples, Messina, and Palermo between 1 January and 30 June 1802. Has heard from Captain McNeill that Morocco declared war on the U.S. and has informed all U.S. consuls in the Mediterranean. Adds in a postscript that he just...
112233To James Madison from John Mathieu, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Naples. Refers to his 10 July dispatch, which enclosed semiannual shipping statement. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 May. Complains that, contrary to his instructions and U.S. laws, captains Ramsdell and Davis of Philadelphia left sailors on shore. He has had to send them to Leghorn by land to be embarked; encloses account of their expenses totaling $115.59. Has never applied...
112234To James Madison from John Mathieu, 25 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1804, Naples. “I had the honor of receiving your letter from the Department of State dated June 2d. 1804 —I am happy to hear that Congress is come to the resolution of sending a superior force into these seas, to awe the wile [ sic ] Powers of Barbary into a sense of justice, & humanity. “I understand that Comdr. Preble is at Malta I suppose waiting for a reinforcement. I have...
112235To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Frigate Boston of the United States Capn. Mc.Neill being ready to sail this evening, I avail myself of this opportunity to send you a Statement of all the Ships belonging to the U.S. which came to this Port, and those of Messina, & Palermo since the 1st. of January last till the 30th. of June. I am very sorry to hear from said Capn. that Morocco has declared war to the U. S. I have...
112236To James Madison from John Mathieu, 8 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg your reference to the letters which I had the honor to write you last Month in answer to your orders via England of the 31st. May and 4th. August, all which Confirm. Enclosed I Send you a Statement of all the vessels which came from the U: States to this port since the 1st. July, until the 31st. December last. I am with great Respect Sir Your obt. & most Hble Servt. The preceding is the...
112237To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Matlack, 25 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
An opportunity of sending to you, by way of Baltimore, now for the first time this spring, presenting itself, I have forwarded to Mr Burrell D Postmaster there, a small bundle containing the Vine Cuttings which I had the honor of mentioning to you in the fall, the Oldmixon Peach tree and several other kinds of fruit in high esteem here, which I hope will Prove acceptable to you My ground being...
112238To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Matlack, 28 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The knowledge of political characters is at all times of importance to the Chief Magistrate of the Union, and at no time was it more so than at the present moment. In Pennsylvania it is peculiarly so from the extreme Violence of those who have taken a lead among the Federalists; and [in] no part of the state has this violence been so outragious & insulting as in this borough and county. The...
112239To John Jay from Timothy Matlack, 21 April 1780 (Jay Papers)
The American Philosophical Society for promoting useful knowledge &c has the honor to enroll your name in the list of its Members, of which you will receive official information thro’ another channel; but the Situation of the Society will not admit of your having a Diploma until a new one is framed agreable to the late change of circumstances. The Society applied to the late sitting of Gen l ....
112240To Benjamin Franklin from Timothy Matlack, 21 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society To you as President of the American Philosophical society, I beg leave to enclose an oration delivered last month before that respectable society. The revd. Dr Ewing had long ago been appointed to perform this annual duty; but he being chosen Provost of the University, and that seminary having greatly suffered during the war, his whole time and attention...
112241To George Washington from Timothy Matlack, 25–26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning I received a letter from James Young Esquire waggon master general of this state and laid it before Council. I am directed by them to send you the following extract of it, which I suppose will need no comment vizt I beg leave to represent to the honourable Council the difficulties I meet with in assisting the army with waggons as I wish to do in their want. On the eighteenth...
112242Caspar Wistar to Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Some of the friends of M r Timothy Matlack who is an applicant for the place of Loan Officer vacant by the death of the late M r M c Clenachan , have requested me to inform you of his application, in the belief that you were acquainted with him & his history, & that you would therefore feel Sensible of the Justice of his Claim upon his Country for Some provision in the advance of life. He...
112243To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Matthews, 20 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Norfolk, Virginia, January 20, 1795. On February 16, 1795, Edmund Randolph wrote to Oliver Wolcott, Jr.: “Let me beg the favor of you to take some immediate and definitive arrangements respecting the pilot-boat, upon which your Predecessor wrote to General Matthews on the 5th. Ultimo, and General Matthews replied to him on the 20th. of the same month.” Letter not found. ] LC , RG 59,...
112244To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas S. A. Matthews, 20 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I would very gladly have your opinion on a subject which I shall lay before you, though I have been almost afraid that on account of your great age and bodily infirmity you would scarcely take it upon yourself to give me an answer.— The question on which I wish your opinion is whether a Chronometer which will keep time with the sun on every day in the year will be valuable or not. It is so...
112245To George Washington from William Matthews, 9 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I humbly beg leave to present you a Paper signed by a few of my respectable Neighbours. It would not have been the least difficult for me to have Increased the Number but considering that it is well known with how much facility the General Benevolence is mov’d to Acts of this kind, I concluded to spare you Sir the trouble of a lenthy Scrawl and my self the pain of soliciting Suffrages that...
112246To James Madison from William Matthews, 8 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
Not having received a definitive answer to my proposition (though I have seen Genl Cocke to whom you refered my communication) I again address you though with reluctance; for it is by no means my wish to be troublesome. Genl Cocke whom I saw at Monticello on the 15th. of last month inform’d me that he intended visiting you in a day or two and would inform me whether or not I could go on to...
112247To Thomas Jefferson from William Matthews, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a subscription paper which has been presented to a number of the students at the University and a sufficient number has subscribed to enable me to commence the school, at the time specified. A difficulty presented itself to me a few days since, which causes me to address you.—The time which I have to drill and instruct the students, has to be so early in the morning...
112248To James Madison from William Matthews, 24 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
The Visitors of the University not having come to any definitive resolutions on the subject of a Military School at that Institution, I on account of the Facultys permitting me to act in the capacity of Military Instr: make the following proposition to the Rector, soliciting his recommendation of the scheme, in such a manner as to find the probability of its success. The Military School which...
112249To Thomas Jefferson from William Matthews, 14 June 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to inform me what arrangements have been made with respect to furnishing the students with Arms—If they could be procured and lent to the students who attend my school within a week or two I should be pleased, as it is assential in order to enable me to discharge my duty; that they have them soon. I should consider it a great favour done me if exertions were made to...
112250To James Madison from William Matthews, 22 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
The following remarks relative to the Military School proposed at the University are respectfully submitted for your consideration. With respect to the System of Tacticks used in conveying instruction to the students, I am of opinion that the system now generally used in the U. States Army had better be adopted in order to ensure uniformity throughout the union. Of its correctness and order no...