1151To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 2 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 6th. of April Ult: I had the honor to answer a Circular dated the 26th. of August 1802, containing your Instructions, respecting the expenditures of public money, for the relief of distressed Seamen abroad; the Sum stipulated by Congress being inadequate to their support in this Country, I begg’d to be advised, how I should act in supporting those in future, who may apply for...
1152To George Washington from John Paterson, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your Excellencys Letter—The Enemy having retired makes the Disposition mentioned in your Letter, with respect to them, at this Time unnecessary—This Moment I have received the inclosed Letters, which agreeable to your Excellencys desire, as they contain the latest Intelligence I have, I have transmitted—Should I hear any thing more, respecting this unhappy affair—I shall...
1153[Diary entry: 28 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
28. Clear & cool forenoon. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & threatning afternoon.
1154To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 23 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The fall of the arch or Vault of the Court room in the North Wing of the Capitol on Monday last, & the death of Mr. Lenthall who was buried in its ruins, must be known to you through the medium of the National Intelligencer & the Monitor in all its circumstances. Among the multitude of vexations, regrets, & business which this unfortunate event has thrown upon me, I feel extremely mortified...
1155To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
If not Inconsistant, I should esteem it as a particular favor if your Excellency would permit Major Moore to join my family during the remainder of the Campaign—or until Mr Archer recovers from his late accident. I also beg leave to mention that Lieut. Colo. Fleury’s absence has made a Vacency in Colo. Febigers Regt a Lieut. Colo. is also wanting in Colo. Meigs’s—& should Major Hull proceed to...
1156From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mendenhall, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 12th. I can say with truth that I do not remember ever to have recieved such a paper as is the subject of your letter. I might ascertain this by a recurrence to my files; but it is unnecessary for another reason. it is so important to the public service that I should be the center of information as to whatever concerns them, that in order to induce it to...
1157To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Although I did not hear from Montezillo—Since your very affectionate Letter of 30 May—except by our friend Tyng, on 27 July—I am confident, that I can not be forgotten—and Supposed, that health and contentment must have remained your familys Share, increased yet by the presence of the Secretary of State, and the distinguished progress of your grandson—yet these pleasing contemplations were...
1158[Diary entry: 30 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
30. Mr. & Mrs. Cockburn went away. My Miller & his wife and Mr. Ball dind here. GW’s miller was William Roberts, a Pennsylvanian who had signed articles of agreement with Lund Washington 13 Oct. 1770 engaging himself to run the new mill at Mount Vernon for £80 a year plus the privilege of feeding a cow and raising domestic fowl at GW’s expense ( DLC:GW ). Roberts was highly skilled in the...
1159From George Washington to William B. Harrison, 10 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 28th of last month has been duly received, and is entitled to my thanks for the details it contains; and for the assurance you have given me ⟨o⟩f a preference in Renting yr Land. But as there is not the smallest probability of my Renting, or buying, while you hold both at the rates which have been mentioned, I by no means desire that you should miss an opportunity of doing...
1160From Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 23 December 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Novemb.—did not come to my hands till Dec. 13. It had awaited my arrival here: and the ordinary affairs of business and ceremony prevented my applying to the patent office till Dec. 21. I then paid at the treasury the 20. Doll. bill you inclosed adding 10. Dollars, the price of the drill, as you had mentioned. The petition and description are lodged in the patent office. But a...
1161To James Madison from C. F. Bagge (Abstract), 12 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 April 1805, Salem, North Carolina . “Although I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with you I take the liberty to adress you on the following subject, by yesterdays Mail I received a letter from a Mrs. Elizabeth Rea living in Columbia Southcarolina whose Husband a certain Mr. Alexander Rea was the bearer of the Votes for President & Vicepresident of the unitedstates from...
1162To Thomas Jefferson from James Bankhead, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This opportunity by Mr. Jos. Monroe, enables me to make a request, so early, that no other can have anticipated me in it; which may secure what I request should there be no other considerations—I have presumed, from report and other circumstances, that Mr. James Monroe will continue in Europe as resident Embassador, and should I be correct in the presumption, it is my ardent wish, to be placed...
1163Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 17 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your letter and package by Capt. White, and have received the account of the last resolution of the house to disband the army. I think the jacobins have now reason to exult, at out-manœuvering the federalists, as it appears they do upon every occasion. The federalists deserve every thing that will happen to them for their apathy. The next thing I expect to hear is that...
1164To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 3 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I request your patience to the talk of a man of three score & thirteen. The failure of the expedition of General Wilkinson affords as much exultation to the Malcontents in our Country as it has produced mortification to our friends. That the want of success has in some measure been oweing to the want of foresight is evident. Measures to prevent the rear of the army from being harrased in...
1165From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 January 1810 (Adams Papers)
I never received a Letter from my dear Mrs. Adams but that an emotion was awakened which is not felt in every epistolary intercourse.—When I saw her signature under date of Decr. 31st: my heart glowed with the same affection which had long been cherished in my bosom, towards one I had loved and placed confidence in, without a suspicion, that the regard was not mutual.— You assure me that there...
1166From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 12 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours by Express—and concur in sentiments with the officers of your council: Save that I would have a Subaltern and twenty or twenty-five men sent to the upper Tract, to assist the Settlers in erecting a Fort[.] In this I presume they will give all imaginable assistance; as it is solely intended to promote their safety. If Captain Field’s militia will remain contented, it is...
1167Indenture for the Sale of Elk Hill, 5 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the 5th day of August one thousand seven hundred & ninety nine, between Thomas Jefferson of Monticello in the county of Albemarle on the one part and Thomas Augustus Taylor of the county of Chesterfield on the other part witnesseth that the sd Thomas Jefferson in consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred pounds current money of Virginia to him paid or secured to be...
1168To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 24 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the Abstracts of the Muster Rolls for the Months of July and August: and to the Report of the Inspection made by Colonel Stewart I have added the Original. The account which he gives of the Army is so minute and just that I have nothing to add except what respects the Progress which the Troops have made in Exercise and Manoeu v res. As your...
1169Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 30 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
At length the mistery is unravelld, and by a mere accident I have come to the knowledge of what you have more than once hinted at. A Letter of Mrs. Shippen addressed to Mrs. A. but without any christian Name or place of abode, was put into my Hands Supposed for me, I opened and read it half through before I discoverd the mistake. Ought Eve to have laid it by then when so honestly come at? But...
1170To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Augustin Thouret, [c. 17 July 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettez que jaye L’honneur de vous adresser un exemplaire de mes recherches Sur Le magnètisme animal. Je desire que vous Le receviez comme une foible marque du respect et de la profonde Venération avec Lesquels je Suis, Monsieur et trés illustre confrere, Votre trés humble et trés obéissant Serviteur Though Thouret is here writing as the author of a work...
1171General Defense of the Constitution, [6 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
On 5 June, Patrick Henry leveled a lengthy attack on the Constitution. This evoked a Federalist rebuttal in general terms by Governor Randolph and JM’s point-by-point refutation. Mr. Madison then arose—(but he spoke so low that his exordium could not be heard distinctly). I shall not attempt to make impressions by any ardent professions of zeal for the public welfare: we know the principles of...
1172To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in Obedience to the command of the President of the United States respectfully submits the following Report. That the facts stated in the petitions of Robert Wanton herewith transmitted, praying for the pardon of an offence committed by him against the Revenue Laws of the United States are verefied by the Letter of the Collector for the District of Boston and...
1173To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 16 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed copy of a Letter which I lately received from the Ct. D’Expilly contains the best information that I have it in my power to Afford your Excellency with respect to the Situation of our Affairs at Algiers. Mr. Lamb arrived at Alicant the 24th Ulto. and undoubtedly will have advised you of his proceedings after Mr. Randalls departure. That Gentleman is now with me and avails himself...
1174Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Account with David Higginbotham, [ca. 3 February 1814] (Jefferson Papers)
Negroes 1107. 80 * groceries 312. 13 ℔ iron 210. 14 to wit { 2200½ iron 74¼ steel salt 122.
1175To Benjamin Franklin from the Board of Admiralty, 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives By the enclosed affidavits and protests you will perceive that James Robinson Esquire late commander of the continental Sloop Fly being dispossed of that sloop by a Majority of the Crew at Sea, was together with his Docter and Pilot put on board a Schooner called the Daphne bound from Providence to New York which schooner they also took possession of and carried her...
1176To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 April 1775 (Madison Papers)
Though the business that at present surrounds me on every side, makes writing inconvenient, yet I cannot let Mr. Hoops return without a few Lines to one I value so much. [Mr Dunlap’s paper &c] I send with this Furguson which I could not get for less than 12/ tho’ you will perceive it is somewhat soil’d. I also send the friendly address &c. & The other side of the Question. I dare not add more...
1177Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
soon after my arrival here I wrote to inform you of my object in visiting this place, with the hope that my scribling might not be a burden on your precious moments, and as I had said that I would give you some account of my Portraits, Since I begin to think I shall paint only one or two more at the present time, I will enumerate them. Viz t The President , M r Calhoun , M r Adams , M r Crawford ,
1178To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Blunt, 18 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Southampton County ] 18 May 1781 . Returned “some time since” a state of the militia in Southampton co.; fears it has miscarried and encloses another return, dated 26 Mch. 1781, at which time there were 56 commissioned officers, 723 privates over 18 years of age and 71 under 18 in the militia of that county. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Enclosure ( Vi ).
1179Theodorus Bailey to Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the honor to inclose to you, a Map of the western Part of the State of New York , on which is delineated the Route of A projected Canal from Lake Erie to Hudson’s River ; which has been completed within the current Week: I some time since transmitted to you, the Report of the Commissioners (appointed by the Legislature of this State) on the subject. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ...
1180From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
As we are making a detachment from this army, it is become expedient to withdraw a part of your brigade towards replacing it. You will therefore march to West Point, as speedily as possible, six companies of Col. Van Schaicks regiment, of which the light company to be one. You will make such a disposition with the rest of your brigade as you judge best calculated for the security of the...
1181To George Washington from Christopher Cowper, 25 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
By direction of Mr John Cowper of Gates County No. Carolina, I beg leave to enclose you four hundred & fifty dollars in Bank Notes ⅌ List at foot, which be pleas’d to pass to the credit of his bond granted to Mr John Lewis of Fredericksburg and assignd you; the receipt thereof please to acknowledge —the balance to make one hundred & forty pounds Virginia Currency shall transmit you the first...
1182From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor to have acknowledged your Excellency’s Letters of the 8th, 12th,17th, 26th of February and 8th Inst., at the time they were severally received; had I not been absent from this place on a Journey to the French Army at New Port, from whence I have but just now returned. The transactions and movements you have made me acquainted with in the course of these...
1183From Thomas Jefferson to John Perry, 12 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Tomorrow I shall remit for you to mr Bacon 100. D. in recovering the passage of the S.E. offices, (which I believe is now covered with shingles on laths) the shingles are to be taken carefully off, leaving the laths, then nail on them a coat of perpendicular sheeting, and shingle on that. I wish this to be done immediately. I present you my salutations. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1184From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 13 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a petition from Robinson who is under sentence of death for your consideration. If you concieve from his present disposition, or past conduct—any hopes of his becoming a useful soldier, you have my permission to suspend his punishment—But if you imagine it indispensibly necessary to make an example you will have his sentence put into execution. Df , in James McHenry’s writing,...
1185To George Washington from William Smith, 12 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
It may be justly expected that I should make some Apology for giving you this Trouble. I am embolden’d to it, from your Character in the World, & from a persuasion that the recollection of an Old Friend, & fellow Soldier, may afford you some Pleasure. The reason of my Application will best be explained to you by the perusal of a Letter I received last March—a Copy of which I shall now...
11861771. Saturday June 1st. (Adams Papers)
Spent the Day at Worcester in Riding about with Mr. Putnam to see his Farm. He does what he pleases with Meadows and Rivers of Water. He carries round the Streams wherever he pleases. Took one Ride up to Baggachoag Hill, one Way, and another up the Lane by Doolittles shop, and I found that great Alterations have been made, and many Improvements, in 13 Years, for it is so long since I was in...
1187From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated February 25th. 1800 last month from Colonel Parker requesting a certificate of my having directed him to lay out the State of Virginia into districts. the certificate I have made out adding to it my knowledge of the orders he has received from General Washington respecting the cantonment at Harpers ferry. in executing the above orders he has incurred considerable...
1188[Diary entry: 11 March 1786] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Weather clear and cool, Wind at No. West, and ground hard froze in the Morning. Rode to all my Plantns. and to the Mill. On my Return found a Mr. James Hains, the Manager of the James River Canal here—sent by the Directors to me—and to proceed with Letters from me to the Potomack and Susquehanna Works which being...
1189[Diary entry: 25 April 1769] (Washington Papers)
25. At home all day alone. The above two Gentlemen went away yesterday afternn.
1190To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, [9 October 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives, London This day I had real pleasure and Satisfaction in recieving your Excellency’s of the 24th of last month, by an Enclosure from a Mr: Graydon in London to his Brother in the County of Kildare in this Kingdom, who informs me, that as unexpected buisiness delayed his Brother in London, he took that (as the most Speedy) mode of...
1191To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 23 August [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The President requests Mr. Jefferson would bring with him the French Minister’s letter , communicating his powers to enter upon a New, and liberal Commercial Treaty. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; addressed: “Mr. Jeffer[son]”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Aug. 1793. Recorded in SJPL . French Minister’s Letter : Edmond Charles Genet to TJ, 23 May 1793 .
1192From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
It being understood that Morales means to settle himself at New Orleans, and that his temper and his treasures, his connections and his views, may render him a mischievous member of the society, his removal to some other part of the United States, where he would be unimportant and harmless, would be agreeable to the President. Perhaps it may be in your power to bring this about, without...
1193To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 13 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter with pleasure, and read it with high satisfaction. You have paid the highest compliment on the President’s Message or rather, Elogium, that I have yet seen, or have ever heard of—Our proud federalists however are displeased & mortified that he did not tell the whole world, how grand, how rich, how powerful, how gifted & how virtuous they in Boston are above all other...
1194To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [5] October 1826 (Madison Papers)
With a caution that my slowness and total inexperience in the duties of which the board of Visitors tender me the discharge, will probably call for a full measure of indulgence; and with the grateful feelings which the mark of confidence is calculated to inspire, I accept the opportunity of trying myself in the office of their Secretary. In relation to the catalogue, as my motive in...
1195To James Madison from William Blackledge, 20 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have this day received a letter from my correspondent in New York (a letter from whom I did myself the honor to send you about two months ago). In the letter of this day he complains of the misfortune of not having been appointed as he is really needy, but declares it as his opinion that every officer appointed (a list of which he had seen) were either federalists or Clintonians except only...
1196Thomas Jefferson to de Bure Frères, 27 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
The books you were so kind as to send me the last year arrived safely and in good time. the letter and invoice which should have accompanied them got separated and did not arrive until a month or two after the books, which occasioned some difficulties and delay at the Custom-house for want of the invoice to settle the duties. it would be best always when you have closed a box of books for me;...
1197From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
As the enemy appear from different Quarters to be in motion it is necessary that the army be in readiness to march, it is therefore ordered that the tents be immediately struck—the baggage and camp equipage loaded—the horses to the Waggons and all the men at their respective incampments paraded and ready to march at a moments warning. ALS , University of California at Berkeley. Lincoln, who...
1198To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 27 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, February 27, 1794. “Mr. Hollingsworth Attorney for this district intimated to me yesterday, that the suits commenced on the Bonds of John Vochez, acting Partner of the House of Zacharie Coopman & Co.; and his securities were about to end in Judgment the ensuing Court; That from the circumstances of the House and some of the Securities … He is apprehensive that to precipitate the...
1199To George Washington from William Heath, 6 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial on Lieut. Sampson, and Amos Bennett a Soldier, they were handed me yesterday. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency Most Obedt Servt MHi : Heath Papers.
1200James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 6 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
A circumstance has occurr’d with which it may be useful for you to be made acquainted , with, merely to put you on your guard. you have doubtless seen a letter publish’d in the gazettes, which is imputed to Gen l Wilkinson & said to be written from this place in 1803. to Mr Power at N. Orleans , requesting him to use the