128011Bill Restricting Foreign Vessels to Certain Virginia Ports, 8 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Although in Tazewell’s hand, Edmund Randolph told Jefferson this bill (along with the Resolution for Schedule of Tax Rates on Documents, 2 June 1784 ) “originated from Madison” ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (18 vols. to date; Princeton, N. J., 1950——). , VII, 260–61). Tazewell was chairman of the committee appointed 28 May to draft a...
128012To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the Memo. which you gave me, I have now the pleasure of sending you some of the Liqueurs & Sweetmeats of this place.—They are packed in two Boxes with a card of Direction on each “The President of the US.”—ship’d in the Schooner Betsy of Alexandria , Saml. Gilpin Master, and addressed to the care of Colo. Gilpin of that place, to whom you will have the goodness to order the Amount...
128013From John Adams to James Warren, 19 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 5th. instant is before me. It may be very true, that your Regiments are as full, as those of any other State, but none of yours were So early in the Field—and We must, not flatter ourselves with the Reflections that ours are as full as others. When many Daughters do virtuously We must excell them all. We are the most powerfull State. We are so situated as to obtain the best...
128014From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Ward & Brothers, 19 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In acknoleging the receipt of your favor of the 15th. inst. I am sorry it is not in my power to give any kind of answer to it without danger of affecting injuriously our interests with the country therein named. I thought it right however to mention this to you that you might not be kept in suspence. I am Gentlemen Your most obedt. hu[mble servt] PrC ( DLC ); words torn away supplied in...
128015To James Madison from William Duane, 1 November 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1809, Philadelphia. Introduces Christopher Fitzsimmons of Charleston, South Carolina, and Hugh Colhoun of Philadelphia, both of them admirers of JM’s “principles and measures, and those of your predecessor.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp. Docketed by JM.
128016From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 2 October 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I always think it too much to put you to the Expence of Postage for any Letters of mine; and one so seldom meets with private Hands that one can trouble with a Letter, that our Correspondence must suffer long Interruptions. Your last Favour was dated July 4. recommending to me, and to Sir John Pringle, your Friend the Baron Darcy; to whom we should have gladly...
128017To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter of the 10th instant, enclosing an extract of Governor Harrison’s letter of the 23d March, respecting the brass cannon belonging to the State of Virginia. I should instantly have written to General Lincoln, requesting that he would put the matter in a train of execution, but that I every day expected to set out for Philadelphia, where I could explain to him...
128018Draft Conveyance of Henderson Lands by John T. Wood and Lucy Henderson Wood, [ca. May 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the day of one thousand eight hundred and sixteen between John Wood and Lucy his wife of the state of Kentucky on the one part, and Thomas Jefferson of the county of Albemarle in the commonwealth of Virginia on the other part witnesseth, that Whereas Bennet Henderson dec d father of the sd Lucy was at the time of his death seized and possessed in feesimple of a...
128019To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 20 November 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My two last to you by Capt. Budden to London, and Capt. Stewart to Liverpoole, contained the first and second Copies of a Bill of Exchange for £100. Sterling, which I hope are come to hand and paid. Inclosed you have now the first Copy of another Bill of Exchange for One Hundred Pounds more, of which with the others before sent, please to advise...
128020From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed have been referred to me by the Secy. of War—In the cases of Garrison Courts martial the Commanding Officer is to Act upon the Sentences with out reference elsewhere. None but the Proceedings of a General Court Martial are to be transmitted With great consideration &c (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
128021Commission to Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, [30 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General & Commander in chief of the Forces of the United States of America. To Lieut Colonel Rob Hanson Harrison Lieut Colonel Alexander Hamilton His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton having by a letter to me of the 10th Instant, made a proposition to the following effect, Viz, “to exchange the Officers of our Army who are prisoners on parole or...
128022To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Worthington, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the enclosed papers at the last session of Congress but as the bill divideing the Indiana Territory did not then pass I did not lay them before you; That bill now haveing here passed I consider it my duty to put these papers into your possession I mentioned to you last winter as a candadate for the Office of Governor of this new Territory Colo Samuel Huntington of Ohio, permit me...
128023Friday 28th of July 1780. (Adams Papers)
This morning we got up at about 5 o clock. We breakfasted upon tea and the Horses being come at about 6 o clock we sot away from Compiegne. We had very good roads. We dined in the carriage and went as far as Valenciennes. At a small city call’d Cambray we were stopped to be search’d but by the means of a half a crown conducted into their hands we passed along. At Valenciennes we were stopped...
128024To John Adams from William Cranch, 27 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
I hope you do not think that because I do not often write to you, I do not often think of you; much less that I have forgotten the debt of gratitude I owe. for your No other of my old friends is so often in my thoughts,—indeed you are the only one left of that class of my friends to whom I look’d up with reverence; & I delight in calling to my recollection your venerable form. You seem to me...
128025To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that I have remained thus long from my Post; But it really was not in my power sooner to have left Tennessee;—On tomorrow however, I shall certainly take my departure for the Missisippi Territory:—The Western Waters are uncommonly low, and I anticipate a long Voyage, but the season of the year, is favorable, and if the health of myself, and family should be preserved, my passage...
128026Protection of the Frontier, [6 June] 1794 (Madison Papers)
On 5 June the Senate amended “An act for the more effectual protection of the Southwestern frontier settlers,” providing for raising a regular infantry regiment of 1,140 men instead of relying on militia. The amendments revived the debate in the House over the perceived threat of a standing army ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.;...
128027From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends him a letter put into his hands by Govr. St. Clair. He also sends him Govr. Clinton’s answer, this moment received. He does not say how it happened that Th:J’s letter of Feb. 17. did not get to him till Feb. 28. It was certainly put into the Post office here on the morning of Feb. 18. It must be presumed the Govr. has been absent...
128028To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Opportunity by a private Hand to return you Capt Folgers Bond & Oath, in order to save the postage. I will write by the Post. I am in haste yours most dutifully and affectionately Notation: J. Williams 24. Fevr. 1782. See JW to BF , Nov. 10, and BF ’s reply of Nov. 19.
128029[March 1779] (Adams Papers)
Went to Versailles, in order to take Leave of the Ministry. Had a long Conversation, with the Comte De Vergennes, in french, which I found I could talk as fast as I pleased. I asked him what Effect the Peace of Germany would have upon our War. He said he believed none, because neither the Emperor nor King of Prussia were maritime Powers. I asked him, whether he thought that England would be...
128030To John Adams from Daniel Parker, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am now about addressing your Lord-ship on an event the most singular of any in which has occurred since my rememberance, and which requires your Patronage and assistance. I am an only Son of Doct Daniel Parker’s of Norton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts; was edicated at a Publick school for 3 years, and 2 years lacking 3 months at the University at Cambridge, Last March I...
128031To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 13 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a few Lines hastily Yesterday at the Post Office just as the Post was setting out I am this Instant Return’d from your House, Eliza is well she Put into my Hand the Newspaper with James Thomsonn Callender’s Letter to you, but it makes not the least Impression on her, only that she considers the whole Knot of those opposed to you to be ⟨Scoundrels⟩, the Postman brought to your House...
128032From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 5 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In mine of the 14th ultimo, I instructed you to dispose of the draughts, remitted you by the Treasurer towards payment of the present quarters interest, upon either of the Banks of the united States or New York. And as it will be necessary, lest adequate demands for bills upon those banks should not occur in time, to extend that instruction, with regard to the further disposition of the...
128033Testimonial for Jacob Baur, 4 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
I hereby testif.—that Jacob Baur has lived with me in this City, since christmas last past, in the quality of Valet de chambre and Butler. that he has discharged the duties of the above [trusts] with fidelity, promptness and sobriety; and that in all respects he has demeaned himself so as to merit my approbation. DS , DLC:GW . The scribe apparently wrote “wusts.”
128034To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since the Letter which I had the Honor of last addressing to your Excellency, the military movements in this state have scarcely merited Communication except a very late one. The Enemy after leaving Williams burg came directly up James River & landed at City point being the point of Land on the Southern Side of the Confluence of Appamattox & James Rivers; they marched up to Petersburg where...
128035To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L’Escallier, 11 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
With a great satisfaction I take this opportunity, of the Schooner hope Capt. Woodward, to present the expressions of my constant respect for your person, and my wishes for a long continuance of your health and welfare, and for the prosperity of the states and government you so happily and gloriously superintend. I have been very much flattered by hearing that you have been so good as to...
128036To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 10 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret that it will not be in my power to dine with you to day—Judge Nelson is with me & I cannot leave him. I will be with you as soon as in my power, and certainly as much as the urgent state of my affairs will permit. I hope that you were not injurd, by your ride, on yesterday. MHi .
128037The Farmer Refuted, &c., [23 February] 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
I resume my pen, in reply to the curious epistle, you have been pleased to favour me with; and can assure you, that, notwithstanding, I am naturally of a grave and phlegmatic disposition, it has been the source of abundant merriment to me. The spirit that breathes throughout is so rancorous, illiberal and imperious: The argumentative part of it so puerile and fallacious: The misrepresentations...
128038To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
There must be some method fallen upon to examin the baggage and seperate the superfluous from the necessary. The Teams are failing and the Waggons breaking hourly. In this situation it will be impossible to replace them and therefore it is necessary to attempt a seasonable remedy. Each Regement has a greater number of Waggons than ever has been allowed to the Troops for the baggag and yet...
128039To George Washington from M. Lory, 27 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
J’étois encore jeune Etudiant quand j’aimai une personne aimable à bien des égards; et aujourd’hui quoi que je Sois agé de 28 ans, j’ignore le moment où je pourrai sans imprudence me réunir à elle. Car ici quand on n’a pas un certain êtat une certaine fortune, on doit redouter la fecondité comme le plus grand des malheurs, on doit craindre d’aller mourir à l’hôpital, soi, sa femme et Ses...
128040[Diary entry: 28 October 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 54 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning and No. Et. in the Evening. Went to Pohick Church—Mr. Lear & Washington Custis in the carriage with me. Mr. Willm. Stuart came from Church with me & Mr. Geo. Mason Junr. came in soon after.
128041To James Madison from George Hight, 23 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
By direction of the Commanding Genl, it has become my duty to make you acquainted with the Situation of the Troops in this District, which is such as imperiously to demand relief, and must offer as my apology for addressing this communication, immediately to yourself. The troops in this District have not received pay generally for the last Six months; and a considerable portion of them have...
128042[Saturday August 17. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday August 17. 1776. Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Committee, to whom was referred Brigadier General Woosters Letter requesting an Inquiry into his Conduct, while he had the honor of commanding the Continental forces in Canada, which was read as follows: That Brigadier General Wooster produced Copies of a Number of Letters, which passed between him and General...
128043To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 26 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Chase, 26 Aug. 1777. GW wrote Chase on 27 Aug. : “I am favd with yours of Yesterday.”
128044To James Madison from Levett Harris, 10 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Levett Harris. 10 August 1806, St. Petersburg. “Permit this to Serve as an introduction of my friend mr Alexander J. Smith to the acquaintance of the Honorable Secretary of State. Mr. Smith is bearer of my dispatches to Government of this date he is a merchant resident in this City and partner in the first Establishment for transacting the commercial concerns of the United states to...
128045Presidential Proclamation, 1 January 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Presidential Proclamation. 1 January 1816. Revises building terms and conditions for the city of Washington. Suspends the first and third articles of the 17 Oct. 1791 building regulations until 1 Jan. 1817. Adds an exception that “no wooden house covering more than three hundred and twenty square feet, or higher than twelve feet from the sill to the eve [ sic ] shall be erected, nor shall...
128046To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 23 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received yours of the 9. Inst. covering Mr. Egans letter, & the accompanying recommendations of him, for Mr. Longs Chair. As I shall have no opportunity of placing these papers in the hands of our Colleagues but through the post, which I agree with you might be hazardous, I shall take the safer course of placing them in the custody of the Secretary to the Board of Visitors, at my next visit...
128047[Diary entry: 7 June 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 7th. Mercury at 70 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 67 at Night. Wind at East and Cloudy all day, with fine Rain at times. Mr. Dulany, Mr. Saml. Hanson, and Mr. Roberdeau (Son to Genl. Roberdeau) as also Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner. The three first went away after it—the latter stayed all Night. Mr. Lux returned in the evening. Mr. Roberdeau is Isaac Roberdeau (1763–1829), oldest...
128048From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 17 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I could almost wish your Letters were filled with observations on any other books than Novels which I am afraid occupy more of your time than I think strictly good for you—However as you tell me that you find it too warm to read much now and that you intend to walk out in the evenings I will only say that I recommend you most earnestly to study something more worthy of you and more calculated...
128049General Orders, 10 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial of which Col. William Prescott was president, having tried William Pattin of Col. Gridley’s regiment, and found him guilty of “threatening and abusing a number of persons, when prisoner in the Quarter Guard:” The Court sentence the prisoner to ride the wooden Horse, fifteen minutes. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be put in execution at the head of...
128050To Thomas Jefferson from David Gelston, 5 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write to you the 1st instant. I now enclose Capt. Skinners bill of lading for the three boxes wine—the Harmony being bound direct to Alexandria, and lying very near the Jersey, I was unabled to order it directly from one vessel to the other— I have written to the collector at Alexandria to forward the wine immediately to Washington— with great respect, I am, Sir, your...
128051Enclosure: Alexander King to Roger Newberry, 12 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In Compliance with your Request of 29th August last, I have sent as Accurate an Estimate as at present can be obtained of the State and produce of the Manufactures of this Town. Wool The Wollen Manufacture is the Principal and the most Beneficial to the Inhabitants of any that is carried on in this Place. There are in Suffield about 400 Families and about 5 Thousand grown Sheep, which will...
128052From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter to me of 4 of Septr and another to you of the same date from cap Daniel McNeill of the Navy, which I recommend to your consideration.— Have the Honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
128053From Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Russian Court to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 11 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
Le Département des Cérémonies a l’honneur d’annoncer à Madam Adams qu’Elle est invitée, ainsi que Mademoiselle Johnson, sa soeur, au Bal de Sa Majesté l’Impératrice Mère, le 12. de ce mois, à huit heures du soir. MHi : Adams Papers.
128054From John Jay to James Duane, 30 September 1785 (Jay Papers)
Permit me to request the Favor of you to obtain a Decision this Evening respecting the proposed Regulations of New Street and the Broad Way—The Season will now admit of digging Cellars & preparing Foundations for Houses; and nothing prevents my beginning with mine, but the want of Information respecting the Intention of the Corporation to make or not to make the proposed Amendments to those...
128055To George Washington from William Thornton, 29 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been informed that your Secretary, Mr Lear, has taken his departure for England, on private Business, and as I imagine the multiplicity of your Engagements, and the extent of your Correspondence will require a Substitute I take the liberty of tendering my Services; yet with a degree of hesitation mixed with Confidence. I hesitate, lest my Abilities may not be equal to all that...
128056To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
Referring Your Excellency to what we had the Honor to address you the 4 th: Ins t: We have now to acknowledge Receipt of Your Excellency’s esteemed Favor of 4 ditto, advising your further Acceptances of £200.–.– St g: drawn by M r: Barclay– } 140.–.– } ″ . . . ″ ″ John Lamb 160.–.– Which we have directed Mess. C & R: Puller of London, to discharge at Maturity— Similar Honor You may depend,...
128057From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 7 December 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I wrote you some time since to acquaint you with my Arrival, and the kind Reception I met with from my old and many new Friends, notwithstanding Dr. Smith’s false Reports in London of my Interest, as declining here. I could not wish for a more hearty Welcome, and I never experienc’d greater Cordiality. We had a long Passage, near ten Weeks from Portsmouth to this...
128058From George Washington to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, 21 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
After I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 29 t h of July, I lost not a moment in transmitting it to Congress, who had then under deliberation, the proceedings of the British Court Martial upon Capt. Lippencot, for the Murther of Capt. Huddy, and the other documents relating to that inhuman transaction—What would otherwise have been the determination of that Honorable...
128059From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 22 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Septr 22d 1788 Your letter of the 13th instant was of so friendly & confidential a complexion, as to merit my early attention and cordial acknowledgments. I am glad Congress have at last decided upon an Ordinance for carrying the New government into execution. In My Mind, the place for the meeting of the new Congress was not an object of such very important...
128060Clement Biddle to Tobias Lear, 10 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 30th Ulto I have had an Opportunity of further Enquiry Concerning Buckwheat and find that it cannot easily be had before the Close of Winter but can be Certainly procured during the winter about the prices mentioned in my last letter. Capt. Carhart is arrived from Alexandria and tells me he shall return immediately to potowmack if he can procure a Freight and in that Case...