130751To Benjamin Franklin from William Sturgeon, 1 September 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I tacke the Freedom to trouble you with a few Lines hoping you may have Leasure to give them a persual: I would acquaint you that my Health has been So much on the Decline as obliged me to retire into the Country, and as the Mission of Burlington is vacant by the Death of Mr. Campbell, I would request the Favour of you to interpose with the Society in my...
130752George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 14 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Towamencin, Pennsylvania ] October 14, 1777 . Hopes that Smith will be more successful in the future in gaining control of enemy’s batteries. Has ordered Colonel Christopher Greene to assist Smith. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
130753From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 10 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 1082 (April 11–12, 1913), p. 38. As to the Battery, it goes on very well, a great Number of Hands being employ’d upon it, who work with the utmost Diligence. I suppose that in a few Days the Platform will be ready to receive the cannon and the carriages are all made, a particular committee is employ’d in providing...
130754[Diary entry: 28 October 1772] (Washington Papers)
28. Not much unlike yesterday. Wind in the same Quarter & now & then Raining.
130755To James Madison from Frederick Bates (Abstract), 28 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
28 May 1805 . “I had yesterday the honor of receiving your letter of day of covering a commission as Judge of Michigan territory, and am greatly flattered by the high confidence which the President, with consent of senate has been pleased to repose in me. Permit me thank you personally for the obliging terms, in which you have chosen to make this communication. “I fear that my abilities have...
130756To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The sickness of my Children continues and appearances are at this moment very afflicting. Mrs. Smiths extreme anxiety has for several days made her consider it necessary to watch over them day & night. It was my intention to have been at Washn. last Sunday. The painful fear of never again seeing my youngest Daughter has prevented me. I have brought my family to the House of Mrs. Smiths good...
130757To James Madison from George Blake, 16 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Considering the peculiar and, to me, most unexpected circumstances under which I have now the honor to address you, you will, as I humbly hope, have the goodness to pardon the liberty I am taking, in transmitting to you the enclosed extract of a letter from a friend now in Washington, which came to me by the mail of this morning. To a man like yourself endow’d with a high and exalted sense of...
130758From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 13 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I received a few days since, your kind letter of 11. January, containing the distressful intelligence of the heavy misfortune which had them just befallen you, in the loss of your nearest and dearest friend. Sympathizing with you sincerely in this severe dispensation of Providence, my concern is much aggravated, by the account you give me of your own state of health, and the anticipations...
130759Instructions to Reuben Colburn, 3 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are to go with all Expedition to Gardnerstone upon the River Kenebeck, and without Delay proceed to The Constructing of Two Hundred Batteaus, to row with Four Oars each; Two Paddles and Two setting Poles to be also provided for each Batteau. You are to Engage a Company of Twenty Men consisting of Artificers, Carpenters, and Guides to go under your Command to Assist in such Services as you,...
130760To Thomas Jefferson from William Duane, 4 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The rumours in circulation here, concerning disturbances in Kentucky have excited a very strong sensation—it will be of some importance, by some means to settle the public feeling on the subject: the whole country will be with you if there is any actual exigency, if there is not the administration may derive great advantage from a seasonable counteraction of the alarm Judging it not impossible...
130761To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 20 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Parce que je ne suis pas arrivé a Philadelphie et que je ne vous ai pas recrit depuis le pareil jour du mois passé, ne croyez pas Monsieur, que je n’aie pas songé avec tendresse à votre amitié, et que je n’aie pas désiré vivement de la cultiver. Mais une maison a prendre, a disposer, à meubler à la ville et une autre à la Campagne ont consumé mon tems. J’esperais d’un jour à l’autre finir tous...
130762Thomas Jefferson to Francis C. Whiston, 24 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th is just now come to hand. my written correspondence with Gen l Washington , D r Franklin , mr Adams while associated in public service, was very inconsiderable; because, acting mostly together, our communications were verbal and rarely written. independant of this, I am sure you will excuse me for candidly expressing a scruple which I should feel in a compliance with...
130763To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 17 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 6th Instant and am happy to find my opinion corroborated by your authority. I flattered myself that we should have been able notwithstanding the party spirit prevalent in our councils to have placed you in the Senate from this state; but faction has prevailed over gratitude and propriety; and without a reason you have been left out of the appointment....
130764From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 November 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I received on the second instant your two letters of the 29th. of October with the inclosures. An answer has been delayed to ascertain the disposition of Mr. King, who through the summer has resided in the country and is only occasionally in Town. I am now able to inform you— he would not accept . Circumstances of the moment conspire with the disgust which a virtuous and independent mind feels...
130765From John Adams to United States Congress, 31 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received a report from the director of the mint on the state of the business committed to his superintendance, and a statement of the coinage of the mint of the United States, for the year 1798 which it is proper to lay before congress. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
130766From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 17 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 12th and 16th. The Subscription Book for the manufacturing Society did not remain with me nor with either of the two Gentlemen who came on with me. Is it with neither of those who accompanied you? If it is not, it must have been left at Brunswick & you will do well to write to some trusty person there to look it up & send it to you. I am impatient for...
130767To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 5th a few hours, since that of the 31st Ultimo, not ’til this moment where the latter has been I cannot tell. it’s delay has been the Cause of my troubling you more than once on one subject. I shall take immediate measures for the Security of Colo. Kosciuszko’s Chest; it Shall be lodged at my own quarters. Preparations are making for taking up the chain. at...
130768To John Adams from Francis Dana, 8 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is not through want of attention that I have omitted to this time, to acquaint you of our arrival in this City. We reached it, after some perils, on the 27th. of Augt. N.S. sufficiently fatigued I assure you. For from Leipsic I began to travel day and night, and continued this practise all along the remaining distance. At Berlin we rested, or were rather stopped, nine days by the...
130769Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Schedule of Installments to be Paid to James Lyle (1798–1850), [ca. 19 April 1821] (Jefferson Papers)
Principal sterl. Int. sterl. £ £ bonds N o 5. & 6. 1806. Nov. 23. 410 – 17 – 8 + 179 – 13 – 6 d
130770From John Jay to the President of Congress (Cyrus Griffin), 4 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
The City and County of New York have elected me one of their Deputies to the State Convention, which is to meet on the 17 th . instant at Poughkeepsie to consider and decide on the proposed fœderal Constitution. If it be agreeable to Congress I will attend, if not I will decline the Appointment. Permit me therefore to request their Directions on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with great...
130771From George Washington to Ralph Pomeroy, 4 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the representation made by you of this date —I am clearly of opinion that it will be of the greatest public advantage to have as much of the salt provision of your State as possible brought immediately forward to the North River, without touching at the places of deposit pointed out by me, and I think further—that—as it will tend to lessen the public expence very considerably in the end,...
130772To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to address you by Captain Bedlow. I have not been favored with any of your’s, since that from Paramus of the 16th Ultimo. Your being absent from the Army, occasioned the Caution on the Address of my late Letters, “not to be opened [but] by the Commander in chief.” I take the Liberty to inclose correct Copies, of my Orders for Permits of Provision below, and the Regulation of...
130773From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major Talmadge an Officer of great merit who will have the honor of delivering this letter, will inform your Excellencys minutely of the State of the Enemys Refugee Post on Loyds Neck (Long Island) and will suggest the practicability of cutting off this Corps, and destroying the Enemys Shipping in the Sound, while the British fleet is absent. This would be a very desireable event on every...
130774From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Germain Etienne de La Ville-sur-Illon, Comte de Lacépède, 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If my recollection does not decieve me, the collection of the remains of the Animal incognitum of the Ohio (sometimes called Mammoth) possessed by the Cabinet of Natural history at Paris, is not very copious. under this impression, and presuming that this cabinet is allied to the National Institute, to which I am desirous of rendering some service, I have lately availed myself of an...
130775From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favd with yours of the 26th last Month and a few days ago with that of the 11th. It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness. I confess I was surprized when I did not see your Name in the list of Major Generals, and was so fully of opinion that there was some mistake in the matter, that I (as you may recollect)...
130776To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 23 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
We inclose to you a letter from Majr Ellicott respecting a change of part of the southern Branch of the Canal, and his reasons for a change or totally striking out the Eastern Branch of it in the course of our divisions of the Carrollsburgh property, and the knowledge of situation and circumstances collected from the plats laid before us—the change of the southern branch occurred to ourselves...
130777From James Madison to John Armstrong, [13 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
If not more than 200 warriors have gone to Detroit with Govr. Cass, the residue with the militia called for will suffice for the expedition recommended by him & Genl. Harrison. The pledges given by them to the Indians employed must be fulfilled of course, & the case with similar ones, submitted to Congs. Govr. Cass may receive the superintending & discretionary power as to Indians &c. wch....
130778From Alexander Hamilton to William Brickell, 23 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventh instant, but the seventh section of the act to which you allude expressly provides that “no officer shall be appointed as Inspector of a Brigade who when appointed shall be of a rank higher than that of Captain” It is of course impossible to confer on you the appointment you request ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library...
130779To George Washington from Constant Freeman, 9 July 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Constant Freeman, 9 July 1789. On 24 Sept. GW wrote to Freeman : “Your letter of the 9th of July has been received.”
130780To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 1 June] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit an American born Citizen of Philada. to suggest his own, as well as the Ideas of many others, of a sudden war and also of a contrary course. A Declaration of war against England at the present time, would expose to the danger of capture 5 or 600 vessels of all descriptions, together with their sailors and cargoes, would involve in ruin and difficulty a majority of Your Merchants and at...
130781[Diary entry: 30 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
30. Snowd all Night, with a brisk Wind from the Northward. The day cloudy and Misty—now & then Raining till the Afternoon when it grew clear, wind Westerly.
130782From Thomas Jefferson to Jared Sparks, 4 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your favor of the 13 th and, with it, the last N o of the N. A. Review. this has anticipated the one I should recieve in course, but have not yet recieved under my subscription to the new series. the article on the African colonisation of the people of colour, to which you invite my attention, I have read with great consideration. it is indeed a fine one, and will do much good....
130783Granville S. Crockett to Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours encloseing a letter to the Transylvania University , reached here yesterday and is forwar d agreeable to request, any future communication will reach the young Gentlemen in Lexington Ky. as that institution is in that Place— Gran. S. Crockett A.P.m. Frank t Ky RC ( MHi ); adjacent to closing and signature: “Hon.
130784From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 25 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 25, 1794 . “The Secretary of the Treasury … has the honor to transmit a Memorial from Colo. Weissenfelt, which came enclosed to him.” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Frederick Weissenfels of New York had been a colonel during the American Revolution. In an earlier memorial and letter to Washington, Weissenfels had requested an appointment in the...
130785From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, 10 June 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office During Franklin’s correspondence with leading Bostonians over the past year, the gap between his views and theirs had been gradually narrowing; but this letter shows that it had not yet closed. He deplored the exercise of the King’s prerogative through instructions to governors, he denied that Parliament might bind the colonies without their consent, he believed that...
130786To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 29 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, April 29, 1790. “I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated april 21st Informing me of my appointment as Superintendant of the Light House and other establishments in the Bay and River Deleware, and containing Instructions for my Government therein, but find that no official Information had reached you, of the Legislature of Pennsylvania having made Cession...
130787To George Washington from George Clinton, 13 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th Instant addressed to Lieut. Governor Cortlandt was delivered to me Yesterday Evening and I immediately, forwarded by Express, your Letter to Brigr Genl James Clinton and urged him to the utmost Expedition in his march to West Point. I enclose your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from my Brother of the 10th Instant giving the particular Disposition of the...
130788From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 8 November 1810 (Adams Papers)
Another original letter of the Count de Vergennes to Dr. Franklin or sending him Mr. Adam’s correspondence. A Versailles Le 31 Juillet, 1780. Le caractére dont vous étes révétu, Monsieur, votre sagesse et la confiance que je mêts dans vos principes et dans vos sentimens, m’engagent à vos communiquer la correspondance, que je viens je avoir avec Mr Adams. Vous trouverez, Je pense, dans les...
130789[Diary entry: 23 October 1762] (Washington Papers)
23. At Night set fire to brick Kiln.
130790To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 18 January 1759 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Yours by Duncan I received with the Account of what Bills you have received for me since you left Philadelphia, wherein you told me you was afraid that some Bill had miscarried, as the whole Sum received by you was £100 less than that mentioned by me in mine of 22d July 1758. Upon which I looked over my Book and found the Amount of the Bills sent...
130791From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, last Evening, favd with yours of the 1st instant, which releived me from the greatest anxiety, as so much longer than the usual time of passage had elapsed, since the Count D’Estaing left the Hook. I am very happy to hear your presages of a good understanding between the Count and yourself in respect to command. I wish you had mentioned how many of the Enemy’s ships of War were in the...
130792William R. Griffith to James Madison, 16 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
On reaching Richmond after my departure from your house, I repaired to the land office to add to my stock of Information On the Subject of the Various grants for land which emenated from the Commonwealth of Virginia for lands in the Kentucky district, previous to 1792 and bearing in mind the Conversation on the Subject of the 40.000 acres taken up in The Names of Madison Moore & Barbours. My...
130793To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
After a long Confinment to a sick bed, I have just recovered Strength to be brought Home; and am able to attend to a little Business though I have not strength to go abroad. The Board of War in a Letter to me of the 23d of October, directed that the disabled Officers of the Connecticutt Line might, if they consented, go out of Aervice as retireing Officers, a Copy of which Letter is enclosed....
130794To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being so unhappy as to Differ in Sentiment from a Majority of the Honble Board of General Officers of the Army of the United States of america, in the Important Question whether, a Former Determination of the Board Should be reconsidered, and the City of new York no⟨w⟩ be Evacuated, and Some of the General officers Desiring that the reasons of the Gentlemen Differing in Sentiment from the...
130795From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 16 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Madame de Corney proposes, my Dear to carry you to the Opera tomorrow evening. I will therefore call for you precisely at five oclock. Be ready without fail before that hour. Know exactly at what hour they will shut your doors in the evening, and as you come down to the carriage see exactly what oclock it is by the Convent clock that we may not be deceived as to the time. Adieu. Yours’...
130796From George Washington to Lafayette, 10 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
In the revolution of a great Nation we must not be surprized at the Vicissitudes to which individuals are liable; and the changes which they experience will always be in proportion to the weight of their public character; I was therefore not surprised, my dear Sir, at receiving your letter dated at Metz which you had the goodness to write me on the 22d of January. That personal ease & private...
130797From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your favor of the 2d. inclosing the letter from Mr. Meigs. The place he wishes, has been long allotted to Mr. Mansfield, who preferred it to that of the Surveyorship held by him; and who has just obtained the exchange; and a Commission for the place vacated, has just been sent to Mr. Meigs, who was long ago recommended for it; and who it was understood wished it. It is the more...
130798John Adams to Charles Adams, 5 June 1793 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your, agreable Letter of the 29. Ult. Your Brother is destined to be celebrated and consequently envyed and abused. He has great Talents, and equal Industry. Publicola has passed through Several Editions in Ireland and Scotland as well as England, and I am well informed that the Speaker of the House of Commons, M r Pitt and Several other Characters high in office besides the...
130799Naval Armament, [7 April] 1796 (Madison Papers)
By the law of 27 March 1794 Congress had authorized the president to construct six frigates during difficulties with the Algerine pirates, with the proviso that peace would terminate any proceedings under the law. On 15 March 1796 Washington informed both houses of Congress that although a peace had been concluded with Algiers, he wished the legislature to reconsider the suspension of all...
130800To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Woodward has the honor to present his respects to the President of the United States of America, and to submit to his perusal a discussion on the organization of the executive departments of the government of the United States. The papers are the property of the honorable Judge Duvall, of the Supreme Court of the United States; to whom Mr. Woodward solicits of the President the favor that...