150031To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose a note from Mr Waln received this moment, by which it appears that Mr Wheling declines the accommodation you were pleased to direct me to propose. I respectfully mention that I cannot forbear suggesting, that Mr. William’s pretensions are in my opinion very great, and that the peculiar situation in which he has been placed by his provisional appointment under your...
150032To George Washington from John B. Ashe, 5 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having been this evening informd you wish to have the opinion of the No. Carolina Representatives, of Persons, proper to fill the offices of the Government South of the Ohio, also those of the Federal Judiciary in No. Carolina, I beg leave to give mine Sir, and will do so, with candor and disinterest’dness, Colo. William Blount, who I may presume, you are acquainted with, has long and on...
150033From James Madison to Henry Lee, 22 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 July 1792. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 10 Sept. 1792 . A private letter in which JM suggests a meeting with Lee. Requests information on navigation in Virginia, probably in response to Jedidiah Morse’s inquiries (see JM to Morse, 15 Aug. 1792 ).
150034To James Madison from John Chandler, 18 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 20th. ultimo by Mr Graham has been recd. Stateing that every thing that this government could do to facilitate the recovery of my Slaves Should be done. It certainly is my wish to go to Burmuda or Hallifax in pursuit of them if there is the smallest prosspect of obtaining them, and I am led to believe ⟨t⟩hat if I could see them, and they were permited to return, that I should find...
150035IV. Gabriel Henno to Thomas Jefferson, [before 2 August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
L’auteur de ce mémoire désire en recevoir un reçu dans peu de tems dans lequel il sera bien aise d’apprendre s’il doit continuer ses recherches. Son adresse est chez monsieur louis maniere new london. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); the following appears on a separate leaf: “tho’ the author understand english, he has thought proper to writ the following observations in french language with which he...
150036From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It has been determind here in a Council of War, that it would be most advisable for you to evacuate your Fort at Enocks’s; destroy it, and join Captain Harrison at Edwards’s, with your party, stores, and the inhabitants. As we are not acquainted with their situation at Cox’s, it was thought best that you should send the Sergeant there, a conditional order to join you at Enocks’s, or keep...
150037To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 8 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Guard Boats to rendezvous at Dobbs Ferry. They should not go down from thence untill about half Ebb and they may proceed as low as they judge safe. They may remain there on the look out untill three quarters of the Flood is spent unless they have made observations which ought to be immediately communicated—Their Report is to be received by the Commanding officer at Dobbs Ferry, who is...
150038From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Willis Daingerfield, 13 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am later this year than usual in expressing to you my willingness to retain for the next year the negroes I have heretofore hired of yourself & miss Sarah Dangerfield, because the letter of mr Hooe of Nov. 18. of the last year assured me it would be your desire to continue them with me as long as I might have occasion for them. I have counted therefore on retaining them, with the exception...
150039To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 19 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last of 7th. December last and indeed for some Time before that, Congress has been composed of so few States actually represented, as not to have it in their Power to pay that Attention to their foreign Affairs which they would doubtless have otherwise done. Hence it has happened that no Resolutions have been entered into on any of the important Subjects submitted to their...
150040To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 7, 1791 . “By the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Capt. Cochran of Charleston (S. C.) respecting the building of a cutter at that place.…” LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Robert Cochran had been appointed master of the revenue cutter for South Carolina.
150041To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilkinson continues to heap charges upon Wayne; is condensing them into a consistent form, and I perceive will urge them in such a manner as may oblige the Executive, to determine whether a commander of the army can be tried by a court martial, or the affair examined by a court of inquiry, or if neither can be done by what authority the case is cognizable. Will you take the question into your...
150042From George Washington to John Beatty, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Sir Henry Clinton having called for the return of our Officers on parole; You will take the earliest occasion after receipt of this to call for the immediate return of the Convention and other Officers, if any other there be, who have been permitted to go to the Enemy on parole; or for the purpose of being exchanged, if it has not been accomplished by his releasing an equal number required by...
150043To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 26 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the honor of recieving since my return to this place on the 15th. inst. your letter of Nov 1. I have previously acknowleged your others as they have been recieved. Mine to you have been exceedingly multiplied for the reasons which I have repeatedly mentioned. You acknowlege their reciept as low done as the 27th. of July, but do not mention those of the 8th. & 19th. of the same...
150044To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of Yesterday, I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency, that by an Express just received from Col. Hay, I understand, that he has directed one hundred Barrels of Flower to be sent up for the Use of Fort Schuyler which togather with ninety Barrels, collected with difficulty on the Mowhawk River, will supply the Garrison untill the first of May. The Governor informs me that...
150045To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 4 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 28th May I received (via Wilmington) a letter from Mr Samuel Hodgdon enclosing an invoice and bill of lading of sundry ordnance and military stores shipped by him on board the brig Noah’s Ark Captain Skinner and to be delivered at Wilmington to me or my order. As soon as I received Mr Hodgdons letter I wrote to Coll Read the Collector of Wilmington and requested that he would be so...
150046From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 24 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Walker has, I doubt not, informed you of the situation in which I have placed him, in Order that he may obtain the best information; and, at the same time, have his real design hid from the World; thereby avoiding the evils which might otherwise result from such Appointments, if adopted by other States. It will naturally occur to you, Sir, that there are some Secrets, on the keeping of...
150047Adams’ Minutes of the Trial: Essex Superior Court, Salem, November 1769 (Adams Papers)
Receipt for the Money, “and Costs of C our t.” 1762. Aug. 9. Sailing orders. To proceed to Martineco or any other Island—“and sell, at said Island, or any other Island in the West Indies.” 1762. Novr. 4. Grand terre. Nick Gordon, the Masters Protest, that they saild 4. Septr. from Marblehead bound to Martineco. 17th. Octr. taken. 1769. July 10. Gordons Testimony. “By particular verbal...
150048To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I waited upon the Minister of France this morning; and find he sets out for Camp on Tuesday next. He has recoverd a tolerable share of health, and seems in perfect good humour. It is said he has been detaind by Congress for some days past; but on what account is a matter of speculation. There is a report secretly whisperd about Town that there has some overtures of Peace been made by Great...
150049From George Washington to the Masons of King David’s Lodge, Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I receive the welcome which you give me to Rhode-Island with pleasure—and I acknowledge my obligations for the flattering expressions of regard contained in your address with grateful sincerity. Being persuaded that a just application of the principles, on which the masonic fraternity is founded, must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the...
150050To Thomas Jefferson from John L. Thomas, 1 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a letter a few days since from M rs Martha B. Eppes, the Widow & Executrix of the late John W Eppes, enclosing a dft on you at Sight for One hundred Dollars, to go in discharge of the said balance due by the said J W E. on his subscription to the Central College, and requests a reciept for the same. Be Pleased to let me hear from you as soon as convenient in relation to it. MHi .
150051From James Madison to John Armstrong, [21 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
The taking of Soldiers for the Navy, is a disagreeable circumstance in several respects: but an efficient State of the Navy is so essential even to land operations on the Canada frontier that it seems unavoidable occasionally until a sufficiency of Seamen can be obtained, for which every exertion is doubtless made. The expedient of volunteers adopted by Genl. Izard, as a diminution of the...
150052To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, Jr., 6 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I intended to have prefixed to the Memoirs of my father’s life, which will shortly be published, an Engraving of a likeness of him taken by Mr Stewart the painter for the American Philosophical Society. I have repeatedly applied for a copy of that portrait, or for permission to have an engraving taken from it; but Mr Vaughan & Dr Wistar inform me that in consequence of the Society having paid...
150053[Diary entry: 2 October 1784] (Washington Papers)
2d. I set off very early from Mr. Lewis’s who accompanied me to the foot of the blew ridge at Swift run gap, 10 Miles, where I bated and proceeded over the Mountain. Dined at a pitiful house 14 Miles further where the roads to Fredericksburgh (by Orange C[our]t House) & that to Culpeper Court House fork. Took the latter, tho in my judgment Culpeper Court House was too much upon my right for a...
150054To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
since my last nothing material has hapned here—I have sent forward 3 officers & 15 men of Col. Hazens Battn—as all the others were in the Jerseys I tho’t it improper to Detain so small a Detachment. Genl Glover with several officers have gone to White plains to Look some Conveniant place to encamp—his Brigd. Marches there tomorrow morning. I am Sir Your Obt Hume sert LS , DLC:GW .
150055From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 5 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
The trials of the officer & Soldiers, who were indited for the slaughter in King Street were pending, for the greatest part of the year 1770, & when they came on, consumed six, or seven days each; the discussions & Decisions, in those cases, convinced the people that they could depend on no protection, against the Sovereignty of Parliament but Providence, & their own Arms. Accordingly they...
150056To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 31 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I now forward abstra[c]t of Old Emission Money Certificates & Indents received agreeable to act of Congress from the 17th day of Sept. to the 30th sept Inclusive. The Old Emission Money Certificates & Indents are this day forwarded to the Auditors office. Numbers of People have presented Certificates of the United states & state Debt for the purpose of funding since the 1st of Octr. I am &c LC...
150057Nathaniel Macon to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Hall a friend of mine, one of the Representatives of North Carolina , brought with him to this place, a few bottles of Scuppernong wine, the best american American , that I have tasted: I asked for two to send you, which he willingly gave & regretted, that application had not been sooner made, that more might have been sent; Our friend Governor Barbour has kindly offerred to contrive...
150058To George Washington from Abner Nash, 14 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just had the honour to receive your Excellencys favour of the 6th ult. —your favours by Majr General Green I did myself the honour to answer some time ago & expressed how much the Southern States were indebted to you for your attention Shewn to their interests in the appointmt of that Genl to the Command here & have no doubt he will effect every advantage for us that we may enable him...
150059John Adams to Richard Cranch, 23 September 1767 (Adams Papers)
I have but a few Moments, to congratulate you on the fresh Blessing to your Family.—Another fine Child and Sister comfortable! Oh fine! I know the Feeling as well as you and in Spight of your earlier Marriage, I knew it sooner than you.—Here you must own I have the Advantage of you.—But what shall we do with this young Fry?—In a little while Johnny must go to Colledge, and Nabby must have fine...
150060James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 10 June 1833 (Madison Papers)
It is so long since the date of your letter informing me that you should in a few days make sale of my Tobo. and would immediately give me an account of it, without my hearing from you, that I suspect a letter must have miscarried. In that case, be so obliging as to forward a duplicate. Taking for granted that the Tobo. would have been sold I draw on you for ninety dollars in favor of Mr....
150061Virginia Delegates in Congress to Benjamin Harrison, 23 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers from Oliver Pollock came to our hands a few days ago. Ignorance of the organization of our government probably led him to make this improper address, on a business so foreign to the line of our duty. We take the liberty, on his behalf, of inclosing them to your Excellency with a copy of our answer to him. We have the honour to be with the most profound respect & esteem Your...
150062To George Washington from Joseph Walker, 1 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I H ave taken the liberty to write, & enclose the Examination of Daniel Evis, who will be sent to Head Quarters with the Bearer of this; for further Examination, should your Excellency think proper. On further enquiry may be better able to determine the truth of his Story by seeing how it agrees: though I have no particular reason to doubt his honesty. Should Vann come this way on his return,...
150063From George Washington to Colonel Zebulon Butler, Major Barnet Eichelberger and the Commanding Officer at Fort Wallis … (Washington Papers)
Persons presenting themselves at your post with passports signed by Colonel William Patterson—are to be suffered to pass and repass without interruption and without search of their Canoes or baggage—they are farther to be supplied with five days provision on their applying for it—and you will afford them any other assistance their circumstances may require. I am Sir Your most obedt servt P.S....
150064To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received a letter from John Q. Adams Esqr. dated at London the 19th. acknowledging the receipt of my letters informing of his appointment to the Court of Berlin, and that he should remain in London until his instructions should arrive. He regrets the publication of extracts from some of his letters, such as that of Novr. 4. relative to the conduct of the Dutch Republic, as it would...
150065David Hartley’s Propositions for the Definitive Treaty, 19 June 1783 (Jay Papers)
C , undated, DNA: PCC , item 85, 322–23. Endorsed: “M r Hartley’s / C Propositions / & our Ans rs ”. Additional texts listed in PJA Robert J. Taylor, Gregg L. Lint, et al., eds., Papers of John Adams (16 vols. to date; Cambridge, Mass., 1977–) , 15: 43–44. Enclosed in American Peace Commissioners to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, 27 July , below. JA ( Diary
150066To George Washington from John Warren, 30 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that your Excellency in a Letter to Dr Foster mentioned, your having been informed by a Letter from Gen. McDougal that I had advised Dr Foster that the Innoculation of the Forces at Fish Kill was countermanded—and your Excellency desired Information whence the Report originated —I was exceedingly at a Loss to determine what Kind of Information General McDougal must have had,...
150067To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President a communication from the Commissioner of the revenue relating to contracts for the stakage of the shoals and channels of No. Carolina. He agrees in opinion with the Commissioner that it will be expedient to refuse No. 1 and ratify the others. It may even be better in the end, if a more eligible contract cannot be effected,...
150068From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 31st Ulto enclosing draughts on the Collector of the Port of Alexandria for Three thousand four hundred and sixty nine dollars & 20 cents, came to hand by the Post of Monday; and for so convenient and agreeable an accomodation, for the money received by you from Mr Ross on my account, I pray you to accept my best thanks. Enclosed is a receipt for the above Sum, with a...
150069Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 17 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
The enclosd relation was directed by Congress to be transmitted to the Executives of Virginia & Pensylvania, that they might make enquiry into the facts, & take such measures in it as they deemed proper. Your Excellency’s Letter, touching the capture in north Carolina, remains yet unreported on. We thought it necessary to have a decision from Congress, relative to the cession of our western...
150070From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Department of State. “I have the honor to inform you, that on the 23d. February last, by direction of the Board of Commissioners under the 7th. Art. of the British Treaty, who were then about to terminate their functions, the sum of £526.4.9, being the balance due the U:States for monies advanced on account of that board, was paid over to Mr. Monroe our Minister at London.”...
150071To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I feel hurt at the thought of troubling you so immediately— my forgetfulness of yesterday & Engagements today, must be my Appology for the Occasion & Mode. I am bound for North Carolina; in my Passage, I shall take the Circuit of New-Providence from Expectations of procuring by Purchase, or Address a Clearance of a Cargo of Tobacco from that Island to...
150072To Thomas Jefferson from James Auld, 5 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of James Auld Respectfully represents That your Petitioner is desirous of entering into the Service of the United States in a Military capacity in the Land Forces—He therefore prays that he may be appointed a lieutenant in the said service— DNA : RG 94--Letters Received by the Office of the Adjutant General.
150073From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand with much pain that you are dissatisfied with the articles of agreement which, on behalf of your son, I entered into with you for the purchase of Edgehill. I do not write the present with a view to insist on those articles being enforced. Far from it. If you wish to rescind them, it is sufficient ground for me to wish the same: and I know that in this your son has but one mind...
150074The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 26 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have received your Letter of the twenty first of this Month, and in Answer to it, We assure you that We cannot indorse your Bills, as you propose. We are your humble servants In JA ’s hand.
150075[Diary entry: 20 April 1771] (Washington Papers)
20. Cold, & boisterous Wind from the North West.
150076William Temple Franklin to Vergennes, 28 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from John Bigelow, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin (12 vols., New York and London, 1904), X , 120. By direction of my grandfather, I have the honor to send your Excellency a copy of the proposition Mr. Hartley lately made to the American ministers, and which he has wrote to his court for permission to sign, provided the same is agreed to on our part. With great respect, I am sir,...
150077From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton will thank Mr. Coxe for the loan of Eighty Dollars for a day or two. AL , Tench Coxe Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. At the bottom of this note is written: “Recd. the above Eighty Drs. July 1. 1794.” Below that Coxe wrote: “The above is this day repaid to me. July 5th 1794.”
150078From James Madison to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 June 1817. Acknowledged in Stewart to JM, 6 July 1817 .
150079To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 9 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely flatterd by the confidence which your letter by Mr. Colbert proved you have in my disposition to follow your wishes. A letter from you is no affair of ceremony—it is an obligation on any man who flatters himself with the hope of your personal esteem. Mr. C. gave it to me yesterday. I immediately in particular addressed a letter to Bonaparte, & made use of your name, wh. I was...
150080To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Martin, 15 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour herewith to send you a letter from Mr. Fairfax the contents of which I beg leave to offer as my apology for the liberty I take in addressing you. I am just informed by Mr. Short of your embassy to Europe and considering it more than probable that you will visit London before you return again to America I flatter myself that I shall then have the pleasure of paying my...