131751George Mercer’s Orders, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s Orders, that Ensigns Polson and Thompson, Corporals McDonald and Broughton, do immediately go in pursuit of Sergeant Campbell and two men who deserted last night; and use all possible means to apprehend and bring them back. As an encouragement for apprehending them, the Colonel promises a reward of twenty-shillings for each of them, to the two Corporals. N:B. That...
131752To James Madison from William Pope, 8 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I think in my letter to you I promised, to give you astate of the Eections in the County of Powhatan, and the adjacent Countys; Mr. Monroe only Got 29 Votes in Powhatan, 42, in Goochland, 15, in Cumberland; and 5 in Amelia. I verily beleive that you will get 15. Votes to his one, throughout the Commonwealth; their was never before so complete a Victory obtained by the republican patriots, Over...
131753To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
The last mail brought neither letters nor papers from Philada. By the preceding one I recd your favor of Jany. 24. and a bundle of the Gazettes down to the 25th. inclusive, with an omission only of that of the 23d. which it may be proper for you to supply in order to keep your Sett entire. Your account of the probable fortune of the negociation at Paris, is less decisively unfavorable than the...
131754James Deneale to Thomas Jefferson, 2 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
altho there is no persons opinion I would prefer to yours on any Invention of mine as none If favourable Could be more Useful to me, I should not have Ventured to trouble you, If the particular Situation in which I am placed had not render d it Neccessary. A few days past I Enclosed the Instrument (I now Enclose to you) to a M r Goolrick of Fredricksburg , he on returning it writes me amongst...
131755Isaac Smith Sr. to Abigail Adams, 17 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I send Josiah Spear, the bearer, to inform you of the Agreeable news of the Arrival of Mr. Adams in France. A London News paper taken Out of a prize from London which Arrived Yesterday att Salem says that Mr. Adams Arrived in France the 15th. Aprill, and brings Accounts that the Commissioners saild Ten days before this Vessell.—I congratulate you on so Agreeable intelligence and are Yr. Uncle...
131756From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 15 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Henry E. Huntington Library; press copy of LS and transcript: National Archives I am much concern’d to find by your Letter to my Grandson, that you are hurt by my long Silence, and that you ascribe it to a suppos’d Diminution of my Friendship. Believe me, that is by no means the case; but I am too much harassed by a Variety of Correspondence together with Gout and Gravel, which induces me...
131757Herman van Bracht to John Adams: A Translation, 26 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
It is now about a year ago that Mr. Dana was so kind as to satisfy my curiosity by sending me from Paris the French edition of the collected constitutions of the American states: Some friends, as well as myself, all well-wishers and with a high opinion of those people, thought it a good idea that that work be translated, so that all Netherlanders would be able to know on what a beautiful and...
131758To Thomas Jefferson from Chastellux, 3 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous m’avés charmé, monsieur, en me témoignant d’une maniere si aimable que la lecture de mon journal vous avoit interessé. Je vous avouerai que ce n’étoit pas sans une sorte d’inquietude que j’attendois le jugement que vous en auriés porté, car c’est à mon ouvrage qu’il faudroit appliquer ce que vous dittes de votre personne. Permettés moi de vous observer à cette occasion qu’il est à desirer...
131759To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 14 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 14 Apr. 1791 . TJ’s of 5th received on 12th, enclosing bank note for $22.75 and letter for Colo. Lewis which was sent by private hand the same day, there being no post established from Richmond to Charlottesville. Encloses bill of lading for the vis-à-vis. He was mistaken in name of vessel: that on which it was shipped was lost at sea between New York and Philadelphia and all the...
131760John Waldo to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Having, with much care and under peculiar difficulties, written a grammar of the English languag e , my object is now to make the public acquainted with its real merits. But the present rage for publishing works of this kind, has rendered them so numerous as to destroy all curiosity to examine them; and the high repute in which Lindly Murray’s is held, has also removed all expectation of...
131761From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 22 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 9th. Instant. Herewith you have the Order of Mr. de sartine for your Discharge. For your present Relief, and to bear your Expences to Nantes, you may draw a Bill upon me for two Hundred and forty Livres, which shal be paid here upon Sight. Be frugal and make the most of it. Your friend and servant. Sartine must have acted immediately on BF ’s...
131762TJ’s List re Correspondence of James Madison to James Monroe, 17 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Dates of letters written by the Secy. of State to Colo. Monroe. 1803. Mar. 2. [Monroe Apr. 18. Livingston & Monroe do. do. 27. Minister at London. case of Hunter May 16. do. case of Le Coulteux 28. Livingston and Monroe. July 29.
131763From Thomas Jefferson to Gulian Ludlow, 13 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Mess rs N. & J. Vanstaphorst (if I rightly read the initials of their signature) by a lre dated Amstdm Sep.8. inform me that their agency in this country is transferred from Mess rs Leroy & Bayard to yourself, and authorise me to pay to you the balance remaining due them from me . I had assured mess rs Leroy & B. that this balance should be paid in the ensuing months of May and June and I...
131764To John Jay from George Washington, 13 June 1790 (Jay Papers)
Would there be prudence, justice or policy in extending Mercy to the Convict mentioned in the enclosed Papers?— Under this cover I send you for perusal two letters, just rec d ., from M r . Gouv r . Morris.— Yours sincerely and Affectionately ALS , NNC ( EJ : 07246 ). Enclosures: David Sewall to GW , 5 June 1790, DLC
131765To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Champion, 3 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The post before last I had the honor to receive a Letter from your Excellency address’d to Mr. Loreilhe . That Gentleman is now in Bordeaux, and being encharg’d with his and Mr. Barclay’s affairs, I have done the needfull with the half dozen Copies you inclos’d. I have had it translated and each American here shall have one. I also translated the new agreement made the 4th. May and forwarded...
131766From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Ralph Westley, goes to Pennsylvania to look out a proper Tract of good Land, on which to settle some able Norfolk Farmers, who are about to remove thither with their Families. One of whom, Mr. Foulger, is a Relation of mine. As the Farmers of that Country are reckoned the most skilful in England, and the comfortable Settling of these first...
131767William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very glad that the young Fig trees arrived safe, and also that the former ones were still alive. I am much obliged by your kindness in reserving one of the Sheep dogs for me, and if not yet disposed of in consequence of not meeting with a good conveyance hither I must request your further kindness in sending them by the messenger you will despatch for your Merinos to the President’s ,...
131768To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I now do myself the honor to inclose copies of several Letters which have passed between Major General Phillips and me if your Excellency shoud think it worth your while to give them a perusal. The reasons of first restricting him to his House &c. are fully known. The expressions contained in some of his Letters since, in particular that of the first of October, were the reasons for my...
131769To George Washington from William Pearce, 25 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 25 March 1794. GW wrote Pearce on 30 March that “The Reports, and your letter of the 25th instt have been duly recd.”
131770To John Adams from William S. Cardell, 24 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
I shall need no apology for addressing you on a subject which you will not deem unimportant as connected with the best interests of our country. This is the association of the leading Belles Lettres scholars throughout the United States as a national Philological Academy. To settle at once a point on which some differences might arise it is not designed independently of England to form an...
131771To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Jackson, 18 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nothing has given me or can [give] me more concern than the Disturbances, and Disputes in your Province, the Mischiefs and Dangers to Pennsylvania in particular and to all America in general are inconceivable to one who has not been, in England a good part of the past year; the Effects that the foresight of their Mischief and Dangers had upon me and the...
131772To George Washington from John Jay, 13 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
There does not appear to be a single Circumstance in the Case of the murderer in question, to recommend a Pardon—His own Petition contains no averment of Innocence, no Palliative for Guilt, no complaint of Court Jury or witnesses, nor of the want of witnesses. The Silence of the british cabinet on the Subject of Mr Morris’s Letters marks their Indicision —it may arise from Doubts of what might...
131773[Diary entry: 13 October 1795] (Washington Papers)
13. Calm clear & very warm.
131774To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 6 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
On the 11th I was honored with your letter of the 8th ultimo. Agreeably to your wishes therein expressed, I send by the way of Alexandria a farther supply of Stationary, answering to the enclosed invoice, which I hope will safely and speedily get to hand. By direction of the Secretary of War, I am making out for your use, a return of the principal articles on hand, in the Ordnance & Military...
131775Notes on a Paragraph by John Henry, [after 1 March 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
A paragraph written by Mr. Henry a Senator of the US. from Maryland, and inserted in Bache’s paper about the 1st. of March 97. It is in his handwriting. It was given by him to Mr. Hurt to copy and insert in the public papers. Mr. Hurt gave it to me. MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand; undated and unsigned. The paragraph in question from the Aurora has not been identified, nor is it known how...
131776To Thomas Jefferson from William Henry Harrison and Others, 28 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The undersigned beg leave to recommend to the President of the United States John Rice Jones Esquire the present Attorney General as a proper person to fill the appointment of a Judge of the Territory. Mr Jones has been regularly bred to the Bar and has resided as a practising Attorney in the said Territory for many years which has given him an opportunity of being acquainted with the Local...
131777To James Madison from Stephen Moylan (Abstract), 11 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 February 1805, Philadelphia . “I find the roof of this house I live in so bad, by age, that there will be no comfort to me or my family but by new shingling it, if you do not object I will have it done on the best and most reasonable terms in my power.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Moylan was renting the house that Dolley Madison had inherited from her first husband, John Todd Jr. The property was held...
131778From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 1806 (Adams Papers)
we have not washd this week. I hope mr Adams has things enough. if the weather Should be good I can Send him Some on wednesday, if you can send me word whether he wants them—and he will also let me know when to Send the Horse and chaise for you—Sister cranch is better than she was She looks quite paled down. My Love to your Sister / from / your affectionate / Mother thank miss white for the...
131779To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Folwell, 22 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose to you, as being at present the principal Pillar of public Will, a Prospectus for publishing a periodical Paper. I invite and ask you to become a Subscriber. The Terms will be known by the Bill. I invite a Reply; and, if it Should be approbatory to my Plan, it would obviously facilitate Patronage, which my Study on Man, Interest to my Country, in Consequence, will possibly render a...
131780From George Washington to William Van Deursen, Sr., 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowlege your favor of the 23d of May last, which came to my Hand not long since, with the Book you was so good as to take the charge of from John Hanson Esqr in St Croix. I am much obliged by this Attention, and the Care you have taken in the Conveyance of this present to me—also for the Information you are so kind as to give me of Mr. Hansons Health. I am Sir Your...
131781To Benjamin Franklin from Morellet, [after 16 March 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Voilà Monsieur la copie de la traduction que vous aves lüe avec les retranchemens que nous sommes convenus d’y faire. Je crois même que vous féres encore bien d’en retrancher encore les deux endroits que j’ai renfermés entre des lignes. Vous saves avec quelle facilité on saisit icy toutes les occasions de nuire. Pour moi je voudrois avoir tous les jours des...
131782To James Madison from Robert Carter Nicholas, 31 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1803, Lexington, Kentucky . Received JM’s letter with his commission on 27 July. “Suffer me through you to return my warmest thanks to the President of the United States, with the positive assurances of every exertion that I am equal to, shall be made to discharge the duties of the Office confided in me, with Integrity, Diligence & Discretion.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed...
131783To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I communicated to you a former part of a correspondence between Judge Johnson of Charleston and myself, chiefly on the practice of caucusing opinions which is that of the supreme court of the US. but on some other matters also, particularly his history of parties. In a late letter he asks me to give him my idea of the precise principles & views of the Republicans in their oppositions to the...
131784To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 27 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer ci-joint à Votre Excellence les Copies d’un Acte du Congrès, d’une Lettre du Secretaire pour les Affaires Etrangères des Et. Unis, et de celle de Mr. Adams, qui a eu la bonté de m’acheminer le tout. J’y joins une Dépeche en réponse à S. E. Mr. Jay , que Votre Excellence voudra bien prendre la peine de lire, de la cacheter ensuite et de l’acheminer à sa destination....
131785To James Madison from John Leonard, 14 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your much esteem’d favor of the 28. October I had the honor to receive the 4 of this mo nth. The Blank Bond which it contained I have signed with two responble. Gentlemen Mr Hu guet & Mr. Carrol. Mr. H. is one of the fi rst Bankers in this part of the World. Mr. Carrol is a Merchant of Chaston. S. Carolina of very considerable Solidity & who has realized a considerable sum of money within a...
131786To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 3 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft) and transcript: National Archives I had the Honor to write to your Excellency the 21st: & 25th: Ulto.— We have hitherto had no Assistance from the Port and I now hope to get the Alliance ready with out them.— The Arms for the Continent if I am to take them on board the Alliance will be wanted soon as they cannot so well be Stowed after we begin...
131787To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fontaine, procur’d from this Neighbourhood a number of Horses, upon a supposition, that on the arrival of the Marquis L’Fayette, an attack would be made on the Enemy. That prospect having vanish’d, I must intercede, in favor of the Planters, from whom the Horses were taken, to have them return’d. They were chiefly plough Horses and could be but illy spar’d from their labor, besides I am...
131788To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 18 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I wrote you of the 8th I have been to Cape Henry & took a veiw of the place for fixing the Light house. The Sands are much shifted since laying of the two acres. I had some conversation with Mr. McComb on the subject of going deeper; it is not yet certain that it will be necessary. I will attend to the business & do all in my power for the best, but shall be at a loss, how to act without...
131789Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The last load of 50 barrels which I mention’d to you as having been exposed by M r Randolph ’s boatman to a very heavy shower of rain I had sold to Davenport & Allen at 8$ dft on Philad a , but on shipping it one of the heads came out, and I discover’d that it was damaged, some others were then open’d on board and were equally injured, I offer’d the purchasers to make a deduction, but as they...
131790[Diary entry: 11 April 1771] (Washington Papers)
11. Obligd to send a hand to the Mill to Assist in Packing &ca. GW’s flour was being packed into large barrels and small casks for sale to Virginia merchants ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 326, 341; see “Remarks” entry for 6 June 1771 ).
131791To James Madison from George Joy, 18 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosing lest you should not have recd it before the decision of Judge Mackintosh; I am, Dr Sir, Yr: friend & Servt. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
131792From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As so much of the subject of Colo. Davies’s letter as relates to the conduct of the Continental Issuing Commissary General in this State lies within your powers of reformation altogether, I take the Liberty of handing on the letter to you. It is very interesting to us that the provisions issued for Continental use be issued to persons authorized to give proper vouchers for debiting the...
131793Thomas Jefferson to Thomas T. Hewson, 18 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Our last post brought me your favor of the 8 th instant informing me that the American Philosophical society had done me the honor of reelecting me to the Presidential chair of the society. I beg leave through you, Sir, to renew my thanks for these repeated proofs of their good dispositions towards me. no one can feel with more sensibility the object obligations imposed by the suffrage of so...
131794From George Washington to John Jay, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th Instant, with the Inclosures. I very sincerely congratulate you, sir, on the honorable and important station you are chosen to fill. The opinion I entertain of your public character concurs with every personal consideration to make the choice pleasing to me. At the same time, that my warmest acknowledgements are due...
131795General Orders, 13 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Irvine[,] Lieutt Colo. Commandant Hubley[,] Brigade Major Van Läer Major Burrowes is appointed Field officer of the day for this Day vice Major T. L. Moore Indisposed. At a Brigade General Court martial held by order of Brigadier General Wayne the 12th Instant; Colonel Stewart president John Williams Soldier in the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment...
131796From John Jay to Robert Morris, 28 April 1782 (Jay Papers)
My Letter to Congress of the 3 d . October last explained the Reasons which induced Me to detain him ^ Maj r Franks ^ so long at S t Ildefonso. It is also proper that you should have a report of my Inducemen ^ I will now mention ^ the Facts that relate to his Return & detention here—
131797To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The moment I dispatched my express of Yesterday, I set out in my Whale Boat to arrange the extension of my line of daily communication to Cape Henry; by the help of some of the leading Characters of Princess Anne. Capt. Reid, who dined at the same house ( Mr. Christian’s ) Lynhaven, & Mr. Christian, mounted their horses at the same moment; & on my respecting & interogating the object of their...
131798[May 1770] (Washington Papers)
May 1st. Rid in the forenoon to where the Millwrights & Masons were at Work—also the Ditchers & the fish Landing at Poseys. In the afternoon rid to the Mill only. Mrs. W. Washington & her youngest Child & Mrs. Bushrod & Katy Washington came in the Eveng. Mrs. Warner Washington’s youngest child at this time was Catharine Washington (b. 1769). katy washington : Catherine Washington, daughter of...
131799To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 13 February 1764 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 13 Feb. 1764. On 1 May GW wrote to Robert Cary & Co. : “The Copy of your Letter of the 13th of February . . . is come to hand.”
131800To James Madison from Richard Harrison, 28 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 December 1803. Informs JM that the accounts of Joseph Fenwick, former consul at Bordeaux, totaling over $10,000, are at the treasury but that “a want of time prevents their immediate adjustment.” “Mr. Mason, who is empowered to receive whatever balance may be found due, being desirous of a present advance, it is presumed there will be no risk or impropriety in letting [him] have to the...