133261To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg: Another Morals of Chess, [c. 3 July 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Autre Moralité des Echecs. Le jeu des Echecs est moins un amusement qu’une vaine occupation, une frivolité penible, qui n’exerce point le corps, qui fatigue l’esprit au lieu de le recréer, qui desseche et endurcit l’ame. Ce n’est ni un jeu de societé, ni un lien d’amitié; c’est le simulacre de la guerre, de ce jeu cruel auquel la necessité seule peut...
133262Thomas Jefferson to James Baker, 29 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 23 d , informing me of the deposit of Dum-fish with mr Gibson which I shall direct the first boat from this place to call for; & I shall be glad to recieve by the same conveyance 4. kegs of tongues & sounds, such as the one you sent me some time ago, to be lodged also with mr Gibson who will pay this in addition to the amount of the fish. I thank you for...
133263From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 10 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
I beg you would not consider yourself obliged to answer my Letters. Your Time is prescious, mine of no Value. I thank you for the contrast. Striking it is. General Mifflin behaved nobly. But Muhlenbourgs, Coxes &c &c how did they? In Strong and Goodhue you See the Whiggism or rather the Republicanism, of Strait Hair ; as well as in Pickering. Liberty sometimes wears Strait Hair: but Strait...
133264[Diary entry: 4 October 1769] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 4. Finished getting Fodder in the Neck.
133265James Madison: Memorandum on Nullification, 10 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Another consequence suggests itself as following the nullifying rule–I will illustrate it practically– Suppose S. Carolina to be supported by the requisite number of States in her appeal against the tariff, it is null– but Pennsylvania, with equal right as one of the seventeen, vitally interested in the continuance of the law, and supported by a greater number of sister States, appeals pari...
133266To Thomas Jefferson from John Walker, 11 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor by the new line of Expresses I received, and should have answerd it thro’ the same channel, but the bearer was gone before it came to my hand. I rejoice to hear of the late proceedings of our Assembly with respect to the new Scheme of Finance, the Pennsylva. Line &c; these I think are objects of vast Consequence. I wish the business of our back Lands was setled, that the...
133267"Goodwill" to Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
After a long silence your unknown friend begs leave once more to address you, on a subject of the greatest importance. And can there be any subject, that is diserving of this name, but that one, which equally deserves & demands the attention of each & all the human family, viz. the care of the immortal part , to secure for it an inheritance in that blessed world, “ where the moth nor rust...
133268To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
8 O’Clock A.M. By the observations made at Hull (Nantasket) the last evening at 6 o’Clock, the Enemy’s Fleet, in sight, consisted of Twenty Ships, one Sloop & one Schooner within about Two leagues, veering E.S.E., from Light house Island, 8 or 10 of them Ships of the Line (one wearing a blue Flag at her fore Top mast head) 8 Frigates the others small. Between 1, & 3, O’Clock this morning 6 or...
133269Conference at Hartford: George Washington’s Answers to Queries by the Comte de Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay … (Hamilton Papers)
1st. That there can be no decisive enterprise against the maritime establishments of the English in this country, without a constant naval superiority. 2d. That of all the enterprises which may be undertaken, the most important and decisive is the reduction of New York, which is the center and focus of all the British forces. 3. That under whatever point of view we consider the establishment,...
133270From George Washington to William Heath, 19 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yesterdays Post brought me your two Letters of the 8th & 13th Instant with a note from General Pattersons inclosed. The operation of the resolve for furnishing an extra Ration to certain Officers, ceases under the new System, the inclosed regulation of the Secretary at War will shew what number of Rations an Officer of every Rank is entitled to—with respect to allowing an additional...
133271To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 31 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to write Your Excellency on the 29th inst. on which day I crossed to Long Island as then proposed, from whence I have just returned. From every Enquiry & a variety of Information, it appears to be reduced to a Certainty that a General Peace has been concluded on in Europe, an authenticated account of which great Event, I hope Your Excellency has recd before this Time. I saw...
13327227th. (Adams Papers)
Finished the 5th book of the Iliad; containing, the gallant actions of Diomed es , who drives all before him; wounds two Gods, and pursues a third very closely. This part of the story is very interesting. Went in the evening, down to Mr. White’s. Peggy, and Nancy Hazen, went to Salem this afternoon; to attend the Assembly there to-morrow, and return again on Wednesday. Went in to Mr....
133273[Diary entry: 27 October 1797] (Washington Papers)
27. Clear & pleasant—Wind Southerly—Mer. 56. Mrs. Crk. &ca. went away before dinner.
133274To John Adams from Christopher Gore, 27 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I think it probable that my stay in this Country will not be protracted beyond the 10th June, & finding that you have gone to Washington, I fear I shall not have the honor of again paying my personal respects, before my return to Europe. Should you incline to commit to my charge letters for your son, or any other person, I will endeavour to convey them in safety, & shall esteem myself honourd...
133275To Benjamin Franklin from Luigi Pio, 20 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Pio a L’honneur de renouveller Les assurances de son respect à Monsieur Franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etatsunis de l’amerique Septentrionale, et de lui dire, qu’il tient à sa disposition douze Exemplaires de l’ouvrage de Mr. le chevr. Filangieri de Naples, qui a pour titre “Science de La Legislation” Mr. de Pio attend les ordres de Mr....
133276To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 4 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the month of November last, a person of the name of Browne, (a merchant of Philadelphia) arrived in Paris, and to more than one person, spoke of a great political project of Mr. Burr, in a way perfectly enigmatical to his hearers, and to myself, to whom they had reported it. Nor was it, untill this great project got into the news-papers, that I could understand either the praises lavished...
133277To George Washington from John Kidd, 21 June 1758 (Washington Papers)
I have made Inquiry Concerning the 200 Hatchets Mention’d in your’s but has got no Information Concerning them. I am Sir Yr most obedt hble servt ALS , DLC:GW . Written in GW’s hand below the text is a list of things received from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. See GW to St. Clair, 23 June, n.5 . John Kidd, an ensign in Capt. John Dagworthy’s Maryland forces since October 1757, was in command at...
133278From Thomas Jefferson to Blow & Milhado, 13 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return to this place I found here your letter of Sep. 10. complaining of the outrage committed on your vessel on the coast of Africa by the Commander of an English armed vessel. I have, in a letter to our minister at the court of London, desired proper representations to be made on the subject, as I had before done in some similar cases. But this will only go to prevent a repetition of...
133279To James Madison from Arthur St. Clair, 21 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 22 November, notifying to me that the President had determined that, upon the receipt of that Letter, my Commission of Governor of the north western Territory should cease, was delivered to me by Mr. Secretary Byrd, on the fourteenth day of this Month. I request of you, Sir, to present my humble thanks to the President for that favour, as he has thereby discharged me from an...
133280Adams’ Copy of the Information and Draft of His Argument: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, October 1768–March 1769 (Adams Papers)
Prov. &c. Before the Honorable Robert Auchmuty Esqr. Be it remembered, that on the 29 day of October in the Ninth Year of the Reign of his Majesty George the Third, Jonathan Sewall Esqr. Advocate General for the said Lord the King, in his proper Person comes and as well on behalf of the said Lord the King, as of the Governor of this Province, gives the said Court to understand and be informed,...
133281To John Adams from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 24 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’aurois deja eu le plaisir de repondre de bouche a votre honnorée du 9 de ce mois Si la gelée m’avoit permis de m’embarquer Mardi passé, comme je l’avoir projetté. Je prendrai la liberté d’en Suivre le fil dans celle cÿ. Si Gouverneur Pownall peut avoir eu dessein d’allarmer cette Republique et peut etre d’autres Nations il eût été plus prudent de ne pas publier La brochure en François Sans...
133282To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste de Gouvion, 18 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The last time I had the honor to see your Excellency, you told me that in consequence of the prospect you had of obtaining some money from a loan in Holland, you were to expect that the four years interets due to the foreign officers by the United States should be pay’d in feby. last. Many of these officers have taken me for their correspondent, (although I would have wished for another choice...
133283To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 22 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Au lieu du rendez vous que nous nous etions donné pour mardi 24, a une heure chez M. Le Marquis de Mirabeau rue de Seine, je propose a Monsieur franklin de nous trouver le meme jour et a la meme heure chez M. Lee a Chaillot, pour raison que j’aurai l’honneur de lui dire Addressed: To / Dr. franklin, by favour of / Mr. Courtney Melmoth The year is...
133284To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 23 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It is to be regreted that you had not sent sooner, when we might have sent you some of Coll. Humphreis’s Cloath, I could not find either Cloath or Cordduroy. but I have sent by this days Mail as ⅌. enclosed Bill, and Buttons made at Trenton. If you think the Stuff fine enough for your use, it will be necessary in the present season to use flannel Drawers. I have prefered sending two patterns...
133285[Diary entry: 2 February 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 2d. Mercury at 30 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night. Very cloudy most part or all the day. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and So. Wt. afterwards and cold and raw. Majr. G. Washington & Mr. Jno. Dandridge came here to dinner yesterday. Rid to all the Plantations to day and to the Ditchers. At the River Plantn. began to sow 3 pints of Timothy seed (mixed in a bushel of Ashes) to...
133286From Thomas Jefferson to James Hunter, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The importance of your Works to the operations of War will doubtless point them out as a proper object of destruction to the desolating Enemy now in the Country. They are at this time at Westover and will possibly embark there. Their next expedition we cannot foresee; lest it should be to demolish your Works , I write to Genl. Weedon to take measures for protecting them: In the mean time I...
133287To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
After a very mature consideration, we are unanimously of opinion, that an answer be returned to the papers, inclosed in the letter, which you honored me with from Baltimore on the 18th instant. At first, the sentiments contained in the sketch (No. 1.) seemed to prevail wi⟨th⟩ a majority. But the prospect of more and more popular meetings has converted us all to the idea, that an answer may be...
133288From George Washington to Captain Ezekiel Belden, 5 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have advice of the ministers setting out from Boston for Philadelphia. You will therefore on receipt of this proceed without delay to Ridgefield—from thence to Fairfield—to New-Haven—and to Harford, halting at this last place for his coming should you not meet him at some of the intermediate stages. Immediately upon joining him you are to acquaint me by express, mentioning the stages and...
133289Samuel Harrison Smith to Alexander J. Dallas, 28 September 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Samuel Harrison Smith to Alexander J. Dallas. 28 September 1815, Treasury Department, Revenue Office. “Benjamin Butler, Keeper of the Light House at Clarks Point, having Resigned, David Wilber, appears from the enclosed letter, to be properly qualified as his successor.” RC ( DNA : RG 26, Light House Service Correspondence). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith. Cover sheet bears...
133290James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 20th. inclosing the letter of Mr. Tracie. He had before made a direct application for the Classical Professorship in our University, and will of course be taken into due consideration with the other candidates. Notwithstanding the number of them, we shall not, I fear, find one who will replace as well as succeed Mr. Long now in that Chair, whose eminent...
133291From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 12 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honourd with your short, but very agreable favour of the first Instt. how joyfully I catch at the happy occasion of renewing a Corrispondance which I feard was disrelishd on your part, I leave to time, that never failing Expositor of All things.—and to a Monitor equally as faithful in my own Breast, to Testifie. In silence I now express my Joy.—Silence which in some cases—I...
133292General Orders, 4 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
For duty tomorrow the first Jersey regiment. For the day tomorrow Colo. H. Jackson & Colo. Tupper. A court of inquiry, consisting of Colonel Cortlandt, Majors Gibbs and Grahame to meet at Colonel Cortlands quarters at three o’clock this after noon, to enquire into a complaint exhibited by Catherine Leggett, against Lieutt Ricker of the first Jersey regiment for seizing a Cow belonging to her...
133293From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes: Letter and Memoir, 15[–16] February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of writing to me the 6th. Instant, enclosing an Aperçu of the Situation of the Congress Account for the Year 1781. On considering that Account this Day, there seems to me an Error in stating one of the Sums, viz. that of 2,216,000. l.t. I have therefore drawn a...
133294To James Madison from Lafayette, 18 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your kind favour, May 10h, is an Additional proof of the friendly Concern in My Behalf for Which I Beg Leave to Repeat My Most Affectionate Thanks. The instruction issued from the General Land office ought, it Seems, to Have procured the Certificate Necessary, But Sufficient, to obtain a patent. That Some thing in the Secondary Measures at New orleans Has Been Wanting Appears to Be pretty Well...
133295To James Madison from John Dawson, 23 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 23 April 1806. “I call’d to see you on this morning, but you were engag’d. I am much push’d for some money to clear out and if you can lend me one hundred dollars it Shall be returnd with many thank [ sic ] on the day I arrive at Fredericksburg.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
133296To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to the wish expressed in your letter of the 18h inst. which I have had the honour of receiving this day, I inclose passports for Mr Pinckney and Mr Graham his Secretary. Their destination is therein marked for the continent of Europe; but I hope you will be persuaded that it does not in any manner exclude the Island of Great Britain, if these Gentlemen should chuse that mode of...
133297Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 6 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out for Poplar forest tomorrow to be back on the 24 th and think it safe to send you my note for the Virginia bank lest it should be wanting. the others endorsed by my grandson go to Cap t Peyton his agent. I shall recieve a sum of money, in Bedford
133298Oliver Wendell to Abigail Adams, 29 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Adams gave me real Pleasure when he told me it was in my Power to render any Service to himself or his Family, therefore any Apology from you was needless. The fluctuating or rather the Ebbing State of our paper Medium is such that to exchange More Silver than you may want for a fortnights Use, may be prejudicial—and oftentimes a better bargain may be made with the Silver than any other...
133299To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Natchez [ Mississippi Territory ] May 24, 1799 . “Immediately after I received your Letter of the 12th: Feby: I dispatched an Express over land to Mobile, to gain intelligence of the Detachment, which had marched to take post on that River.… The Night before the last, I had the satisfaction to receive assurances from the Commanding officer, that He had reached the point of his destination …...
133300New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I rise with Reluctance It has been industriously circulated that I am a Man of such Talents as to carry any Cause— Insinuations agt. me out of this Hous[e] to shut the Hearts of the House agt. me— John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Introductory Note,” June 17–July 26, 1788 . McKesson wrote and then crossed out the word...
133301Enclosure: Report of the Diplomatic Committee of the National Assembly of France, 2 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
You have been made acquainted with the sentiments of the Americans, and their expressions of grateful respect and particular good will towards you. The honesty and upright moral character of that people are to us the best pledges of their sincerity and affection. Our interests and theirs must in future be considered the same; and we are reciprocally attached to each other by every tie of duty...
133302Thomas Jefferson to Bernard McMahon, 15 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved some Capsicum of the province of Techas , where it is indigenous as far Eastwardly as the Sabine river . it’s roots are perennial there, and it is believed it will stand our frosts with a little covering. it grows in great abundance there and the inhabitants are in the habit of using it as a seasoning for every thing as freely as salt, and ascribe much of their health to...
133303Report on the Petition of Griffith Jones, [28 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of Griffith Jones, by an Order of the House of Representatives of the 14th. instant, thereupon respectfully reports: That the case is one of those stated in a former Report to the House, dated the 16th of April 1792, as barred by the Acts of limitation. That the present petition is accompanied with a Certificate, recently given...
133304From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
In my communications to Congress at the opening of the ensuing Session, I shall refer to the department of War for information on the following subjects. A statement of our present Military force—terms of its enlistment —and the disposition thereof—generally. A statement of the fortifications, and defences of the several harbours, agreeably to acts of Congress passed for that purpose. The...
133305[Diary entry: 20 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 20th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind Easterly. Morning & whole day lowering. About Sunsetting it began to rain slow and moderately & continued to do so through the Night. About Noon, agreeably to an appointment I set off for the Seneca Falls. Dined at Colo. Gilpins and proceeded afterwards with him to Mr. Bryan Fairfaxs where we lodged.
133306To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 14 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing your Excellency the 11th Instant: this is on a Serious Matter, and I take the Freedom to beg of your Excellency to advise me how I must act on that occasion. One Captn. Robertson master of a Swedish Vessell sailing under American Colors called Le Couteulx, and which brought here a Cargoe of Tobacco from Norfolk, dyed at Sea. He had with him one of his youngest Sons....
133307General Orders, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
133308From George Washington to Alexander Martin, 14 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your Excellency’s private letter of the 27th of September, which accompanied your public communication of the cession of certain pieces of land in North Carolina for the purpose of building light-houses thereon. I request your Excellency will receive my thanks for the kind Congratulations which you express on my return from my southern tour in perfect health;...
133309From George Washington to William Pearce, 20 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th, with the weekly reports, came to hand as usual, yesterday. I was sorry to learn by the first that you had been unwell. It is almost impossible for me to say, with exactness, what I owe the Estate of Mr Anthony Whitting, because his accounts do not appear to have been regularly kept, but rather in detached Memms. More than his wages from the first of Jany until the day...
133310To John Adams from Dorothy Scott, 12 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed you by the Hon’le Francis Gardner, Son of the Revrd. Francis Gardner, late of Leominster—this gentleman wishes to be introduced to your notice, he has been a resident in the State of New-Hampshire for several years, and a representative from that State in Congress. He return’d to his native State some time since, and fixed his residence in this town, where, he pursues his...