1361To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, 19 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When we where last togeather you then would wis to know my Determination what I would do and. you exspess a wish to do any thing that was in your power to Serve me, its true its in your power to do a great deal for me, but its out of your power to do any thing that will Restore me to my Happiness again for if you should give me all you possess would not do it. god knowes I love the woman and...
1362To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3rd with a poscript dated the 4th at 7. OClock A.M. by Major Fishbourn came to hand last evening, the manner in which your Excellency has been pleased to Approve of the Conduct of the Officers in General, and ours in particular, Affords a Sensation which words can not express. It would have afforded us Infinate pleasure, had fortune put it into our power to Inform you that...
1363To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing to you some very afflicting letters from M. de la Fayette to his intimate friends in Europe. They are accompanied by a letter from Tollendal, addressed to you, which shews the reason of their being sent. Many of them are in French; and I will have them translated, if you should not think, that those, which are in English, and in the same unhappy strain, would...
1364To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
Confident, that, after Such a long Silence, a few Letters of an old friend, who allways revered you, and will continue to do So till his last breath, Shall not be unacceptable, I once more take up my pen I can not—after approaching my 73th foster the hope, that I Shall be permitted to do it often—But I will not delay it longer—as I hear neither from you or my N. England frends a word—except...
1365November 5th. 1762. (Adams Papers)
The Cause of Jeffries Town Treasurer of Boston and Sewal and Edwards and several others being suits for the Penalties arising by the Law of the Province for building and covering those Building s not with slate nor Tile but with shingles. Mr. Gridley made a Motion that those Actions should be dismissed because the Judges were all Interested in the Event of them. Two of the Judges vizt. Wells...
1366From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 12 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 24. May is before me. To presume defend the Seperation of the Legislative Executive and Judicial Powers, from each other, and the Division of the Legislature into three branches, from the attacks of County Committees, riotous assemblies, and uninformed Philosophers and Statesmen, will be the Burthen of my Song and I am very glad to find that the Attempt, has met with your...
1367Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison, 16 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Howe having proposed that some mode should be fixed for the future exchange of prisoners, their subsistances &c.—and appointed Lt Colo. Walcot of the Army under his command to negotiate respecting the same, you are to repair to the House of Mrs Feild on the Road leading from Brunswic to Bound Brook on Monday the 17th Instt to meet Colo. Walcot—confer with him & receive such...
1368From George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the inclosed from Capt. Von Heer. As I do not know how he has been supplied heretofore with the Articles he now calls for, I cannot determine upon the propriety of the present application. I can only say, if it appears that they are necessary, he ought to be furnished with them—If The Quarter Master supplied him in the first instance with Horses he can I suppose remember...
1369To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 20 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Virginia Berkeley County } Honorable Sir July 20th 1790 As nothing extraordinary happened Since I saw you last I did not think it necessary To trouble you with a Letter. k[n]owing the fatigue You had to go through I thought it Improper to be troublesome. The suit against Robin Scott is not yet determined about the Land on Gooscreek. The Gentlemen who were appointed Could never be got togather....
1370To Thomas Jefferson from the Tennessee General Assembly, 8 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Representatives of the people of Tennessee concieve it to be their duty to express their entire approbation of the Measures pursued by the Federal Government since the commencement of your administration and a full and complete confidence that such measures will be adopted as will maintain the respectability of the United States abroad—and promote the interest and harmony of our fellow...
1371To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Will it not be necessary to send to Gen’l Harrison a commission to treat with the No. Western Indians? The friends of Dr. Eustis do not believe he would accept the appointment of that office. If associates are to be given to the Gen. (& all things considered it may be proper to give them) will not Mr. Monroe of Ohio & Coln. Johnson of Kentucky be a good selection. Something ought to be done...
1372[Diary entry: 22 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
22. Reachd the Mingo Town abt. 29 Miles by my Computation. Mingo Town (now Mingo Junction, Ohio) was an Indian village several miles below Steubenville, Ohio. “This was the only Indian village in 1766 on the banks of the Ohio from that place to Fort Pitt; it contained at that time 60 families” ( cramer Zadok Cramer. The Navigator: Containing Directions for Navigating the Monongahela,...
1373From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe the fact is that no measures have been taken by the states indebted to the US. to discharge the balances due under the act of June 23. 1797. or, at any rate, that we have no notice of any such measures. will you be so good as to state this or any other fact on the subject in a form to be communicated to the H. of R. in compliance with their resoln of yesterday. Dec. 24. 05. NHi :...
1374From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 22, 20 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 20 March 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 337–338). LbC ( Adams Papers ); notation: “No. 22 delivered Mr. Izard.” printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:561. With this letter, read in Congress on 1 Aug., John Adams sent copies of the London...
1375To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Part of my Brigade which were Present & Able to march have cros’d the River according to your Excellency’s Order receiv’d Yesterday. The Number which have march’d I cannot inform with certainty as more Attention has been paid to forwarding them to your Excellency’s Aid, than to a particular Return of Numbers; however I think they will not be far from 1000, about 200 More of the Brigade...
1376From George Washington to Peter Muhlenberg, 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Governor Harrison informs me in a letter of the 23d Ulto that an Officer of the Virginia Line, whose name he says he has pointed out to you, has received a sum of Money for the recruiting service, which he declares he will apply in the first instance to the payment of his own arrearage of Pay, and the Balance, if any, to the purpose for which he drew the sum—The Governor further informs me,...
1377From James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 12 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy kindly sent me, of your “Discourse[”] before the Penn Society. It is to be wished that all the recurring occasions may be equally fruitful of interesting topics & views. Should the other States take the like course of instituting periodical commemorations of their Origin & Founders, and the model you have furnished on this and other occasions receive the attention due...
1378Abigail Adams to Jeremy Belknap, 5 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The President received yesterday your obliging favour of May 29 th: accompanied by two of your Fast Sermons. permit me sir to be the organ of his acknowledgment to you for them; A Friend had Sent him one a week before; which he read with pleasure and Satisfaction. It is indeed, a consolatary reflection amidst the weight of cares which press upon him from every quarter and the dangers which...
1379From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 30 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
You made that Westphalian Couplet yourself, Sleeping or waking, nobody but you could have dreamed or thought of Hogs of Westphalia are a saving brood What one lets drop, the other takes for food. It so perfectly and summarily comprehends the whole Genius and history of Party and Faction from the Ipso dixit of Pythagoras to the disciples of the Scottish Creolian of Nevis. And does “Jonathan”...
1380To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [2 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 24th. ulto., (enclosing a letter from Govr. St. Clair, and sundry papers relating to the subject of the settlements which have been made under purchases from Judge Symmes) I have duly received. The Secretary of State, as well as I recollect, has already written both to Govr. St. Clair & Judge Symmes on this subject; but whether he has or has not, it can make no material...
1381[From Thomas Jefferson to Jacquelin Ambler, 27 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jaquel. Ambler. Mad’s bill—impost—cession—meeting and separation of Congr.” Not found.]
1382From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of Yesterday have been received. The General just going to Wapping Creek, directs me to reply, that it is his Desire that, upon the Arrival of Colo. Badlam, you should immediately order him in Arrest, producing such Charges against him as you find can be properly supported—for which purpose it may be well perhaps to examine the Recruits themselves. The Baron Steuben will be...
1383To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter accompanying this of 22d. a 27th. ult. went off for Gibraltar on the day of its date by an English merchantman which, having sprung a leak at sea, returned into port. That from the department of State of May 10th. I had the honor to receive 30th. It was enjoined on me to forward my account by the return of the squadron: but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship...
1384To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Mr Ruddock, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores, at Fishkill, has handed me an order from the board of war, for discontinuing the post at Fishkill, so far as it relates to the department of the Commissary General of Military Stores, dismissing the said Mr Ruddock and all the Officers under him, and ordering all the military stores in his possession to be delivered to the D.Q. Master of the...
1385To John Adams from David Campbell, 2 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
With this letter you will receive an Address from part of the Citizens of the State of Tennessee, under my signature. I being appointed by a very respectable body of people to draw up, and forward the same, it becomes my Duty to transmit it to your Excellency. I have the honour to be with very / great Respect / Your Excellency’s / Most Obt. Hbl. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
1386Richard Oswald to Thomas Townshend, 2 October 1782 (Jay Papers)
I had the honour of your Letters of the 20 th . & 24 th September, the last accompanying his Majesty’s new Commission, alter’d as desired. Upon receipt, I produced it to the American Commissioners; & they were entirely satisfied therewith. I have also to advise that yesterday I delivered to them a Copy of said Commission after its being compared with the original, and certified by me; and in...
1387To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of yours of the 10th. In my last I mention’d to your Excellency having sent to Portsmouth, to forward 3,000 Arms to Springfield —Major Barber the Commissary of Artillery Stores, whom I sent for the purpose informs me that upon his Arrival there—the Honble Mr Langdon, the Continental Agent informed him that Three Thousand Arms had been just sent on to Connecticut, but...
1388From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor dated at half past four this afternoon, and must refer you to my Letter written about two Hours ago which in effect supersedes the necessity of a particular answer on the points contained in your present one. You will see by that, you are to move to Englishtown, after which it may be in our power to give you countenance & support in case of an Attack, or to cover...
1389To George Washington from Samuel Sterett, 8 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The death of the late Surveyor of this port has occasioned the Office to be vacant. With respect & submission I offer myself a Candidate to fill it—My Character, both public & private, I hope, does not require particular recommendation to support it—And as to my situation in other respects I will candidly state that my support is totally dependant on my Industry, and I am ambitious to be...
1390To Thomas Jefferson from Abijah Hart, 6 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Possessing but little self confidence, it is with great diffidence that I address you, with an offer of my services to the Public.—Some eight or nine years ago, I was solicited to accept a Consulate Office at some important Port among our commercial relations in foreign Countries—my engagements in Commercial pursuits then were such, that self-interest forbade my acceptance—but I have since...
1391From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter being on public business of an urgent nature, I request you to pay attention to hastening its transmission—If it cannot be sent, conveniently and speedily, by the Post, you will much oblige me in forwarding it by an express. With great Esteem Sir (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1392John Adams to Isaac Smith Sr., 13 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favour of 18 August with its Accompaniments. We are all well and very happy. I should have been very glad to have received M rs: Macaulay. if I had been in Braintree and am much surprized to learn that 60 to 25 makes a greater odds in lawful Wedlock than out of it. This celebrated literary Character professes political Principles so nearly like those which we profess that I...
1393From George Washington to Peterson & Taylor, 11 December 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Peterson & Taylor, 11 Dec. 1787. Peterson & Taylor wrote GW on this date : “yours ⅌ the boy came safe to hand.”
1394James Warrell to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The laudable zeal you have invariably manifested for the honour, dignity and improvement of your native country, induces me to hope that the Museum of Virginia , about to be established in this Metropolis , will find in you a patron— I therefore take the liberty to forward to you the subjoined proposals, conceiving that should I neglect to do so, that I would be deficient in respect to...
1395To George Washington from John Beck, 10 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of John Beck of the City of New York Humbly sheweth That your petitioners parents were well affected to the American cause and during the late war were robbed and plundered and greatly distressed by the Enemy at New Haven in the state of Connecticut. The petitioners parents are at present in very indigent circumstances, and advanced in years; And wholly unable to render him any...
1396Tuesday March 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
Coldest weather we have had this year. Reaumur’s thermometer at 8 degrees below the freezing point. Abbé de Chalût told me last evening, that neither he nor his brother, (and they are both turned of seventy,) remember ever to have experienced so cold weather in the beginning of March.
1397From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 28 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. inst. came to hand only last night, having been delayed by the failure of the post two weeks successively, to come, perhaps on account of ice and bad weather. I am sorry a want of form in the power inclosed prevented your drawing Mr. Short’s interest on the 1st. inst. and very thankful for your not suffering my bill to come back. The purpose as to Mr. Short was a very...
1398Notes on Debates, 20 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Nothing of consequence done Ms ( DLC ). Most of this session was spent considering a report on instructions to the superintendent of Indian affairs. The report came from a committee, headed by William Irvine, on which JM served ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXXII, 66–69).
1399From John Adams to James Warren, 26 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 7 June by Captain Barnes fortunately reached me, Yesterday. I was much Surprised, you may well imagine at its Contents. But I Suppose, the Cause of their not electing you to the Council, must have been your Engagements in the Navy Board. I am unhappy to learn by the Newspapers, that our Constitution is likely to occasion much Altercation in the State, but notwithstanding all our...
1400From Thomas Jefferson to William Sampson, 20 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Sampson and his thanks for the volume of his memoirs which he was so kind as to send him and which he shall read with pleasure the first moments of leisure. it adds a monument the more of what a country loses, when it loses it’s self-government. he thanks mr Samson also for the letter from mr Hamilton Rowan, for whose character he entertains a high...
1401To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 3 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I enclose you a letter received Yesterday from Dr. Berkenhout, the Author of those which were communicated to you the Year before last on the same Subject. If you think any use can be made of it for the public Good, I shall be glad to be informed of it. One of those, which I sent you before with the Answer I proposed giving to it, I have searched for and...
1402John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
This Morning I received your favour of the 21 st. of January. I am Sure your People do a great deal of Work, So dont be concern’d— I am very well Satisfied with your Agricultural Diary. The venerable Governor made the best Speech he ever made—but the old Leaven ferments a little in it.— I wonder you had not rec d two Letters from Thomas which I inclosed to you. I now inclose you one from M r...
1403To James Madison from Ezra Davis and Others, 31 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1811, Boston. The memorialists, “Merchants & native citizens of the United states, engaged in a lawfull Commerce, with ports & places in the West Indies,” complain that Henri Christophe, the “present Military & civil chieftain of Cape Henry” in Saint-Domingue, has seized and detained “a large amount” of their property. They enclose a copy of Christophe’s 3 Jan. 1811 general order...
1404[Diary entry: 21 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
21. Lowering Morning with a little Rain—but clear afterwards & windy.
1405To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 1 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 1, 1790. Expresses concern over delays in the approval of the contracts for repairs on the Cape Henlopen lighthouse and for the lighthouse keeper’s salary. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives.
1406Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Eston Randolph, 22 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely regret that we happen to see the same subject in lights so very different, with respect to the mill . but the rent of a real property must, you know, be a fixt thing. as it’s original cost cannot be varied, so the interest or rent on that cannot vary with daily and transient occurrences, and especially on a lease for time. it is easy to reduce a rent, but impossible to raise it...
1407To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 15 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
“Arma, Cestusque”, parmamque “repono,” upon the offensive subject of one of my late letters to you.— I sincerely rejoice in the successful issue of the operation upon Mrs Smith’s breast. I would reciprocate your expressions of pleasure upon the appearances of a recussitation of the Spirit of 177 4 at Washington did I believe they would terminate in any thing but in upon Speeches, Embassies...
1408To James Madison from James Sullivan, 12 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Colonel Harris of Portsmouth in New Hampshire, is passing through this town to Washington. He wishes to procure your attention; and beleives that a letter from me will do some thing towards it. His business he will explain; it grows out of the Embargo. You may rely upon any thing he says on any subject. Could there be any favour in business, of this kind, from personal, political, or party...
1409Allan Pollock Jr. to James Madison, 4 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
I sent you immediately after the rising of the Virginia Convention– a copy Life of Arthur Lee– and did not know untill yesterday that it had never been delivered to Mr. Gray by the person who I sent it by from Richd. Accordingly I send you another copy– you can settle with Mr. Gray (the Post-Master) for the same at $4– I have not a copy like the first sent you, (in Russia) or I would send it...
1410To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 2 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Consulting with Col. Clark we found it impracticable to maintain so many petty posts in the Ilinois with so few men and concluded it better to draw them all to one post. The Land at the Junction of the Ohio and Missisippi was judged best Situated for the Purpose as it would command the Trade of an extensive Country on both sides of each River and might Serve as a Check to any Incroachments...