130801To James Madison from Robert Walsh Jr., 2 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I ought to have made my acknowledgments sooner for the very interesting and instructive letter which you have been pleased to write me, in relation to what is called the Missouri-Question. But, before I received it, I had Committed to the press part of the pamphlet which I now venture to send you; & thought my best course would be to defer the expression of my thanks, until that was completed....
130802To James Madison from George Washington, 22 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Princeton University Library: Andre deCoppet Collection of American Historical Autographs). Cover missing. In the hand of Washington and addressed by him to “The Honble Mr. Maddison.” Docketed by JM, “G. Washington Newburg. April 22. 1783.” Variations between the draft of this letter ( LC : Washington Papers) and the recipient’s copy are noted in nn. 2 and 3, below. Except for a brief note...
13080323d. Friday. (Adams Papers)
This day Mr. D. and Mr. Artaud went to the play, where was presented Alzire one of Voltaire’s tragedies. Went in the morning to see the Statue of Peter the great. Alzire, ou les Américains, Paris, 1736 ( Brenner, Bibliographical List Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789 , Berkeley, 1947. ).
130804From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recommended Mr. Brooks to the Secretary of War as Lieutenant in the corps of Artillerists and Engineers. If he should receive this appointment it will be agreeable to me that he officiate as Paymaster to the troops at Staunton. You will therefore, after obtaining the sanction of the S of War, take the preparatory measures with him as soon as possible. and send him immediately to that...
130805To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 10 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor to write to you (No. 3) on the first Instant. On the seventeenth of the last Month I mention’d the Plans then in Contemplation and gave a short View of the existent State of things. I did not communicate those Events which have since taken Place, because you will find the most ample Details in the several Gazettes. On Saturday the seventh a Farce was acted in the Assembly in...
130806From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 25 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of information just received from the Commissioners sent to confer with the Insurgents in the Western parts of Pensylvania, who appear resolved to dictate a repeal of the laws, to which they object, and an act of amnesty and oblivion—and concerning whom The Commissioners give an express opinion that nothing but an exertion of the Physical strength of the Union will bring them to...
130807To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 21 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It seems the Comptroller of this State has reimbursed the Corporation of this city with the Sum they borrowd of the Bank for the fortifications in this harbour. but Sir there are a number of acco’ts Still unpaid of such a nature as require immediate Settlement. I wish’d Mr. Firman to assume them all but he refused having no funds in his hands. I believe if you would write the Governor...
130808[Diary entry: 8 May 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—75 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear in the Morning, with the Wind at So. Wt. Cloudy afternoon and rain about 8 Oclock. Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole—also the Brick yard and Mill race. At the Ferry, the Ploughs wd. have finished to day—laying off and listing for Corn in field No. 2 and the People would about...
130809To Thomas Jefferson from André Sasserno, 29 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Nice, 29 Dec. 1788 . His wife joins in sending good wishes for the new year. Encloses a letter addressed to John Smith & Son, Baltimore merchants who are unfortunately interested in the bankruptcy of Vierne & Veillon of Nice, in which case he is acting as administrator for the creditors; has written these gentlemen at different times for the necessary papers relating to their claim but has had...
130810To Thomas Jefferson from William Basquen, 11 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
That we are menaced by three of the most potent Nations that the World now can produce, is that time that seriously demand from us our most fruitfull and formidable efforts of immagination and exertion, to combine our means of defence with that of security; which will stimulate a whole people up to a disdainfull indifference, with regard to their wanton experiments and insinuations upon...
130811To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 26 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I perceived by the News Paper that the resolution has been carried I have not been idle as far a⟨s⟩ my situation would permit but ⟨it⟩ will not be in my power as I had hoped to send you what I am preparing by this day’s Post. The next will carry it It does not however appear necessary that the Executive should be in a hurry. The final result in my mind, for reasons I shal⟨l⟩ submit in my next...
130812To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 18 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosd I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency my latest intelligence from Portsmouth. Part of the Brittish Fleet are now in Hampton road, and from every circumstance I am inclind to believe, they intend to Sea. Upon the Enemys moving from Portsmouth, I requested General Nelson to return to the [North] Side of James River, in order to [prep]are for any event that might happen. I have the...
130813[June 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday June 1st. Having received information that Governor Martin was on his way to meet me; and would be at Salem this evening, I resolved to await his arrival at this place instead of halting a day at Guilford as I had intended. Spent the forenoon in visiting the Shops of the different Trades Men—The houses of accomodation for the single men & Sisters of the Fraternity & their place of...
130814To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some time in the day Yesterday a Country man was Seen on the North river who told that a large Body of the enemy had Crossed the North River into The Jerseys, the day before, about the time he says they Crossed my Patrolls inform me they heard a Smart Firing of Small arms on the other Side of the river, as they thaught. I immediatly on hearing this Sent Colo. Grayham to Dobs’s Ferry with...
130815To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 3 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 3, 1785. “… the House of De Lande and Fynje of Amsterdam have stopt Payment with a Considerable Sum in their hands belonging to the United States. I shall be glad of Your Opinion as Counsel what legal measures I can pursue for securing any Property belonging to that House, which may be in the Hands of Persons in this State.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
130816To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Embarkation in New York was not completed this Morning, by information of a Gentleman who left the City this Morning. The Number designd to be imbarked is said to be 8400; Ld Rawdon’s Corps, and Skinner’s Brigade except Buskirk’s Regiment, and two british Regiments left Staten Island the 14th for New York said to be designd as part of the present Embarkation, the Object is understood, in...
130817To George Washington from the American Philosophical Society, 12 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
The American Philosophical Society, desirous of expressing due Regard for Preeminence in Science and Virtue, have directed an Eulogium to be prepared in the Memory of their late President, Dr David Rittenhouse; which is to be pronounced before the Society, on Saturday next, the 17th inst. at 12 o’clock, in the Presbyterian Church, in High Street. It is particularly requested, that the...
130818From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a resolution of the house of Representatives of the 17 of this month relative to arms foundaries &c which I request you to take immediate measures to execute. With great esteem I am Sir your most obedient servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
130819To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Biddle is here and informs me there is but a poor prospect of geting Waggons I wish all those at Camp that can be spard from the ordinary duties of the Camp, may be forwarded to us as fast as posible—We have a great number of small parties out collecting to day of Cattle, Horses, and carriages—their success has not been reported this evening, but I am afraid there will be nothing...
130820From George Washington to William Davies Shipley, 20 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 20 Oct. 1792. Acknowledged receipt of Shipley’s letter of 23 May 1792, “together with the works of your late Right Reverend father, Lord Bishop of St Asaph,” for whose “character & sentiments . . . I entertained the most perfect esteem; and have a sincere respect for his memory, now he is no more.” ALS , owned (1991) by Mr. Todd Axelrod, Las Vegas, Nev.; ADfS , MiU-C : Schoff...
130821From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners who were appointed to carry into execution the VIth. article of the treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, between the US. and his Britannic majesty, having differed in opinion as to the objects of that article, and discontinued their proceedings, the Executive of the US. took early measures, by instructions to our Minister at the British court, to negociate explanations...
130822To James Madison from William Glassell, 21 September 1797 (Madison Papers)
Altho from our differnt avocations we are not in the habit of corresponding I shall use the freedom of asking you to do me a favor which from its nature, is only just. Mr. Francis Taylor, who was the deputy of Major Wm. Lyndsay “late collector of the Port Norforlk [ sic ] for many years past” offers himself as a candidite for that Office, in rotation . The Government will pay Much Attention to...
130823From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Can mr King’s report in his dispatch No. 57. Dec. 10. 97. be seen? The question is whether it was worth £50. sterl. every person who undertakes to expend money for secret service, must take on themselves the risk of being approved or not by the government, on view of the nature of the service, which can only be judged on a knolege of what it was. this kind of expenditure is susceptible of such...
130824From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 29 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Upon receiving the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 24 th. late last evening, I went immediately to consult with my Colleague, M r: Jay—and we agreed to go this morning to D r: Franklin. Accordingly we went today to Passy & communicated your letter to him & after recollecting the Powers we have received, we all agreed that I should make you the following answer— You will readily...
130825To George Washington from David Pearce, 6 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
have it once mor to hand your oner my Respeckts ass it has So hapend I had a Ship at bilboa onbord Sd Ship Mnsur Gardequa Pleased to Ship a jackass for your oner & Sd anemal Saf has arived & from my Regards have goot him on ther & Nursed him Stroong & by gardequa Dereckton have Sent him on to boston to Letent governr how after he had him was Desears to have me Carey him by warter ass I had a...
130826[October 1768] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 1. Fox huntg. back of Mr. Barry’s with Mr. Robt. Alexander Mr. Manley & Captn. Posey. Started & catchd a bitch Fox. Mr. Stedlar came here in the Afternoon. 2. At home. Mr. Alexander went away before breakfast. Mr. Stedlar remd. all day. 3. Clear & pleasant with very little Wind. Rid to Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Miss Sally Carlyle came here. 4. Went into the Neck—& up the Creek after Blew...
130827To George Washington from James Madison, 2 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
The information conveyed in your favor of the 17th ulto lays me under great obligations. It was by no means my wish to have imposed the task of so full and particular a view of the subject. The general result in your own mind was all that I had in contemplation. One of the papers herewith inclosed will shew you the state of the election for the Senate in Massts. It was understood here, that Mr...
130828Notes on Debates, 9 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . A question on a Report relating to the occupying the Posts when evacuated by the British was postponed by Virginia in right of a State. Mr. Dyer moved a...
130829To James Madison from the Nelson Artillery Cadettes, 4 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1810, Lovingston. Cites resolutions, passed unanimously at 4 July meeting, condemning Great Britain and France for violating American neutral rights and expressing confidence in JM. Ms ( DLC ). 2 pp. Signed by George W. Varnum, commandant, and attested by Thomas E. Fortune, secretary. Docketed by JM. Enclosed in Varnum to Robert Smith, 7 Aug. 1810 ( DLC ).
130830To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you here Inclosed Mr. Williams leter beg youl spake to Mr. Chomont of it & let me have his answer as the affeare is pressing. I am with Respect & Consideration Dr. Sir yours on every occasion Not found.
130831To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 14 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Chase will excuse the late Neglects and Inattention of Mr. John Adams to him, upon the express Condition, that in future he constantly communicate to Mr. Chase every Matter relative to persons or Things. Mr. Chase flatters himself with seeing Mr. Adams on Monday or Tuesday fortnight with the voice of Maryland in favor of Independance and a foreign Alliance, which are, in Mr. Chases...
130832To James Madison from Michael Coxe, [June 1816] (Madison Papers)
The petition of Michael Coxe of the City of Philadelphia Mariner Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner was at the April Sessions of the Circuit Court of the United States in and for the Pennsylvania District Indicted and convicted of Confining the Captain of the Ship on board of which he was a Mariner, and for which offence he was by the Honourable court Sentanced to pay a fine of three hundred...
130833From George Washington to William Heath, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this, one of the Stockbridge Indians, has come from the Chiefs of that Tribe with an offer of their service for part of the Campaign; their application you have inclos’d—In my answer to those Chiefs I have refer’d them to you; and if you think they can be of any advantage you may order them down—but it has ever been my opinion that their services never compensated the expence....
130834From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you stated the plants which had been sent, & I was in hopes, after you had been enabled to distinguish them, you would have informed me of their respective conditions. but no post has arrived for this week from Milton & consequently no letter from you. in about three weeks I hope to be with you, and then we shall properly be devoted to the garden. what has become of mrs...
130835Note on Two Purported Letters from Franklin and Arthur Lee, 29 March–8 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: British Library In the British Library are two ostensible copies, in what appears to be Lee’s hand, of letters from him and Franklin, one of March 29 to Henry Laurens as president of Congress and the other of April 8 to the secret committee. Neither is among the papers of the Continental Congress. The first appears to be an extract of Lee’s letter to Laurens of March 19; it follows the...
130836To James Madison from George W. Erving, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you unofficially & very much at large on the 12t Jany; it will not be necessary, & may not be proper, for me to trouble you at present in the same manner; indeed I am not able to add anything of consequence to whatever information is contained in my official letter to the secretary of State of this date: As I think it however proper to explain particularly the...
130837Augustus B. Woodward to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Woodward has the honor to transmit a small Philadelphia publication, which contains among other singular cases the case and speech of Eugene Aram ; and to present his respects.— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Aug. 1814 and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: The Criminal Recorder: or, An Awful Beacon to the Rising Generation of Both Sexes, Erected by the Arm of Justice to Persuade...
130838To James Madison from Tench Coxe, [1 May] 1801 (Madison Papers)
I write you this letter under as much caution as the Circumstances of the case will admit. It relates to the same business as is mentioned in my private letter of the latter end of the Month preceding that month in which this will reach you. The cover of this will shew you by the post mark both its dates of time & place. The person whom I mentioned in the late letter to which I refer has been...
130839To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 16 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 16, 1793. “This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th Instant.… The instructions contained in your letter relative to this important business shall be attentively observed.” Copy, RG 45, Unbound Records, Area 7 Files, National Archives. “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” May 13–16, 1793 .
130840Enclosure I: John Browne Cutting to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 10 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Right Honble. the Lords Commissioners of the British Admiralty. The Memorial of John Brown Cutting respectfully sheweth. That your memorialist is a native and Citizen of the United States of America, and has been intreated by four of his fellow Citizens to represent that they are truly such, and to ask your orders for their discharge from onbound his Britannic Majesty’s ships the Edgar...
130841From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 30 September 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Museum Your Favour of Aug. 3 has given me great Pleasure. I have only time now to acknowledge the Receipt of it, but purpose to write fully by the next Opportunity. I am just returned from France, where I found our Dispute much attended to, several of our Pamphlets being translated and printed there, among the rest my Examination, and the Farmer’s Letters with two of my Pieces...
130842To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
It has so happened, that the letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 14th. of November last, did not come to my hands till the first of the present month ; and at a time when I was about to set off for the Convention of the States appointed to be holden in this City the 14th. Instt. Consequently, it has not been in my power, at an earlier period, to reply to the important...
130843To Benjamin Franklin from John Harris, 31 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library Company of Philadelphia I inclose you the Deposition of a Person the Contents you please to observe. I have not yet moved my Family, not caring to discourage others. We Expect the Enemy every hour. I have cut holes thro’ my house and kept some Men to defend the same as I had information at Shawmokin that about 40 Indians were out many days from Fort Du Quesne to destroy my House...
130844[Diary entry: 5 January 1789] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear and cool with the wind at No. Wt. Mr. Fairfax, and Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife, and Miss Blackburn went away after breakfast.
130845From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 3 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th:J. incloses to mr Randolph a check on the bank of the US. which however is dated tomorrow & cannot be drawn till then, because it is only on the 4th. that a deposit is made in the bank for him by the Treasury. he prays him not to consider it as a loan at all, being always desirous to do any thing for him which his own circumstances place in his power. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
130846Notes for Consultation with James Madison, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
consult mr M. James Ross’s lre. agent to W. Indies Navoni’s lre Claiborne . lre July 25. Aug. 4. } Span. at Adais & Natchitoches. refusl. to pay private debts, decree to reduce weakn. & ruin adjact. country of US.—the Cados—Panis. ✓ Mason’s lre. inclose to Wagner. July 25. Casa Calvo. ✓ Navoni’s do. 30. Delacey Aug. 1. French privateer.
130847From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 14 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
When you were last in Town I promised to communicate to you the outline of a project by which I think you may enter upon a career of business beneficial to yourself and friends. My almost constant attendance at Court ever since you were here has retarded its communication, which I shall now make. Let a commercial Capital be formed to consist of 100 000 Dollars divided into shares of 1000...
130848From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Adams, 10 October 1796 (Adams Papers)
Washington’s resignation, which crowns that Excellent war with glorÿ, opens the career for my worthy and much respected friend, to bestow new obligations upon his Country-men, if they are wise enough to take hold of this favourable opportunity. can your Excel̃l—without compromitting yourself—procure your old friend a place among the Electors in this State— you know to whom he shall paÿ the...
130849To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasury in obedience to the command of the President of the US requiring the opinion of the Heads of the Executive Departments, on the Memorial of sundry Citizens of Baltimore, praying that a pardon may be granted to Levin Jones late Master of the American Brigantine David Stewart, respectfully submits the following Report. It appears that the said Levin Jones is charged in a...
130850To Thomas Jefferson from Caleb Gibbs, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel persuaded that the President of the United States will not think it too presuming in my addressing him at this time when I inform him it is for the well being of an Individual and the happiness of an Amiable family. The Inclosed certificates which I have taken the Liberty to present to the President is to shew who I am and in what manner I have passed the prime of my Life, with respect...