150041From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [May 1786–April 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Three or four days since I wrote to My angel by the Post, since which I have received a letter from her. I am very unhappy to hear that my beloved is out of health. Heaven grant it may soon be restored. I entreat her to take care of herself & keep up her spirits. I cannot yet determine what will be our stay here and consequently I can make no determinations about my love; but I feel that it...
150042To George Washington from Hannah Fairfax Washington, 17 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to you by my Son Fairfax Washington, who I have sent to Phliadela with a view of reading the Law under Mr Charles Lee, and of improving himself, by being introduced into good company. Depending on the friendship you, & your good Lady, have allways express’d for his Father & myself, I make free to beg your countenancing him, & the favor will be gratefully acknowledg’d by...
150043Samuel Johnson to Peter Jay, 24 September 1762 (Jay Papers)
In a Letter I had lately from the Archbishop of Canterbury, he expressed some Wonderment that the Ch[urc]h at Rye had never applied to the Society for another Minister since the Death of M r . Wetmore. This is indeed to be wondered at if they have not done it; at least to thank them for their past favour, & desire the Continuance of it, & l[e]ave to nominate one themselves, & to be looking out...
150044To John Adams from Aaron Bancroft, 1 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Bancroft begs leave to intrude upon the retirement of Dr. Adams to present him an Election Sermon, in evidence of the respect he feels for his character, and as a tribute of gratitude for his public services. MHi : Adams Papers.
150045From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
It gives me pain that a Dispute of so delicate a nature as that which makes the subject of your favor of the 19th inst. should be left undetermined and continue the source of uneasinesses in Officers who deserve well of their Country—This matter will not as you seem to apprehend be returned for the consideration of Congress, they have already refered it to their Committee in this Camp, the...
150046From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am glad the detention of the Ship gives you an opportunity of forwarding the enclosed. Yours ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed the letter: “Washington Presidt recd Nov. 13. 92.” Jefferson added a notation below the text in which he identified the enclosure: “it was my letter of Nov. 13. to mister Pinckney. London.” In that letter Jefferson wrote that the “ship New Pigou still...
150047To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
On thursday last I had the honor to receive your letter of the 12th Instant with its enclosures. As no vessel has sailed for So. Carolina or Georgia, from this place, since the date of my last letter (the 17th) (altho’ several are up for Charleston, and according to their advertisements shou’d have sailed before this time), I intend this letter to go by the mail to Charleston, with a request...
150048To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 September 1798 (Madison Papers)
If you can conveniently I will thank you to furnish to Mr. Jones for me abt. £45. wh. I am to pay at Fredbg. under an engagment wh. cannot be delayed. I have adjusted my affr. with Pickett by the payment of ⅔ ds. the amt. and otherwise securing him in the balance in three months, so that I am freed from that difficulty. This was done by the sale of my military land. I shall probably be down,...
150049To Thomas Jefferson from James Parker, 30 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The humble respects of a disstresed Ireish Officer wate on You he is reduced to the gratest extremity suffered in his place of Netivity on account of the revolution; has a family a stranger & no Imployment for a Support; therfore take the Liberty of Intrudeing on Your Benevolence for sume assistance as he is in want; has seen Better days; but know in adversity— I am Your. Excys: Disstresed...
150050To James Madison from Richard Cutts, 31 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
A vessel has just arrived in a short passage from Liverpool bringing London papers to the twenty-fourth of June containing the official accounts of a most bloody battle fought on the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth of June between Bonaparte and the allied armys under Wellington—the two first days Bonaparte was successful, on the third was defeated and obliged to retreat leaving between...
150051To John Adams from Benjamin Vaughan, 11 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have to apologize to you for having omitted to recollect to put up your two Volumes of Maps, which I beg permission to have the honor to present to you. If possible, they shall go by this opportunity. I do not learn that we have yet fixed our ministry, which does not at all concern me, provided we could fix our principles. I am happy however to find, notwithstanding the factions in...
150052To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 12 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received your Excellency’s letter of the 6th with it’s inclosure, and have not lost a moments time in procuring the passport, which I inclose. It is with pleasure Sir, that I accept any occasion which my duty will allow of manifesting my attention towards your Excellency and the respect with which I am your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant. DLC : Papers of...
150053To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Spy from Philadelphia came to me he is an exceeding intelligent Fellow, I counterfeited the Quaker for once, & wrote a few lines to Sr Wm informing him the Rebels had plundered me, & that I was determined to risque my all in procuring him intelligence, that the bearer wou’d give him my name; a noted Quaker, who I knew had assisted him. The Letter was concealed curiously & the...
150054To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 23 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It is only by candid representations of the disinterested, or the applications of the concerned, that you can add to that stock of information, which your own and your ministers knowledge afford. I trust therefore that in doing myself the honor to communicate these remarks, I shall contribute to your accommodation. The question of alterations in the list of officers, civil, and all others, may...
150055To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Marshal of this District becoming vacant by the Death of General Smith, I beg leave to recommend Roger Strong Esquire for that office. Mr Strong has held several unprofitable offices in this State which he excuted with reputation. His circumstances having been considerably injured by the late situation of our Country requiers him to use every exertion in his power for the support of his...
150056To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 9 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I wrote to you on the 7th. & 27th. of dec. & on the 17th. Ultimo, & still continue without your favours: I am now more particularly to acquaint you, that my worthy & highly esteemed friend, George Erving Esq. of London, father of George W. Erving Esqr. chargé d’affaires of the U.S. near the Court of his catholic majesty, died on the 18th. of Jan. last, and that Mr. Erving recd. the melancholy...
150057From George Washington to James Hendricks, 10 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Baggage Waggons & Cavalry & Cattle of the French & American Armies are to cross at George Town, where I am told the landing Places are bad. I have desired Colonel Wagener (instead of marching the Militia to Williamsburg) to employ them in repairing the Roads from George Town to the Ford of Occoquan; and entreat you in earnest terms, to see that the landings on both sides are made good, and...
150058[Diary entry: 29 October 1789] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 29th. Left Boston about 8 Oclock. Passed over the Bridge at Charles Town and went to see that at Malden, but proceeded to the college at Cambridge, attended by the Vice President, Mr. Bowdoin, and a great number of Gentlemen: at this place I was shewn by Mr. Willard the President the Philosophical Aparatus and amongst others Popes Orary (a curious piece of Mechanism for shewing the...
150059To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Hamlit", 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is an applauded saying that a virtuous man rising above his misfortunes is a scene which the Gods themselves look upon with pleasure. but it seems unfortunate for human nature that its sympathy is only reserved for success and that a young man struggling for his soscial existance and almost for his life has no claim to it. Your Excellencies erudition will inform you that the Delphic pithia...
150060The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., with Franklin’s Proposed Substitute, 13 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two); (II) AL (incomplete draft): Library of Congress We are sorry to inform you, that the state of our funds admits of no farther expenditure without danger of bringing us into great difficulties. It is therefore our desire that you will abstain from any farther purchases, and close...
150061To James Madison from William Short, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P. Ap. 12. [1809, Paris]—Wrote him 29h. ulto. (private)—first occasion—Armstrong’s [ illegible ] did not know—anxious he shd. know cause of delay as soon as the fact—disagreeable personally (on acct. of uncertainty) & particul[arl]y since mild weather & departure of Romf—Fortunate to find Romff. here & why —first interview—wishes me to see him often—acquaintance to ripen into friendp &...
150062To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Though Captain Pellew of the English Frigate Cleopatra was recalled, as I sometime ago informed you, Admiral Parker, who commands on the Halifax Station, and whose conduct has in other instances been exceptionable in not restraining the plundering spirit of the Officers under his Command, permitted him to proceed to the West Indies instead of returning to England. For this disobedience, joined...
1500638th. (Adams Papers)
Amory went to Ipswich this afternoon. He cannot yet get entirely over his old habits. He intends however to come back this evening. I went with Townsend to see Mr. Atkins, but did not find him at home. His Mother and Sister have both been ill of the putrid throat distemper, and are not yet wholly recovered. Townsend came home, and sat an hour with me. We conversed upon several topics, but...
150064From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
The vessels which I have already written by have been detaind: by contrary winds, and give me an opportunity of adding a few more lines. Your Father has also written to you, and as according to Deans Swifts practise, he usually Submits his Letters to the inspection of the Old Lady, for her approbation, or dissent, altho he will not always alter. In a Letter written this morning, more from...
150065[Diary entry: 19 February 1767] (Washington Papers)
19. Soft Morng. Somewhat Cloudy & still.
150066To Thomas Jefferson from Philip B. Bradley, 1 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Directors of the Company incorporated by the State of Ohio by the name of “The Proprietors of the half Million Acres of Land lying South of Lake Erie, called Sufferers’ land ” by their vote have requested me to make application of the President, reqesting that a Commissioner be appointed to hold a Treaty with the Indians for the purpose of enabling the Directors to extinguish the Indian...
150067Receipt from Louis Le Guen, [5 September 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai Ce Jour 5. Sepbre. 1803 recu du General Hamilton, trois Cents Cinquante d’ollars, Pour Linterest d’un ân, Sur la Somme de Cinq milles d’ollars mentionnée au dit Bond. Morris Ville 5. Septembre 1803. ADS , Yale University Library. For an explanation of the contents of this document, see “Indenture between Alexander Hamilton of the First Part and Richard Harison and Aaron Ogden of the...
150068To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 19 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
With undissembled pleasure, I embrace the first leisure moment, to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting letter of the 12th. instant. The anecdote of Paine is characteristick, and the moral inference to be drawn from it, striking and important. It will doubtless, generally turn out to be true, that the man whatever may be his professions, who cites the authority of the Bible, to sustain...
150069To 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...
150070To 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...
150071From 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 ).
150072To 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...
150073IV. 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...
150074From 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...
150075To 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...
150076From 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...
150077To 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...
150078To 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.
150079To 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...
150080From 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...
150081To 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...
150082To 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...
150083To 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...
150084From 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...
150085Adams’ 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...
150086To 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...
150087From 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...
150088To 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 .
150089From 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...
150090To 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...