1551From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of 20 & 21st Inst. by this Express I shall write to Majr Genl Greene from whom you will receive your Instructions respecting your Operations on that shore. I am at a loss to determine upon what Principle the Powder was strew’d over the fort at Red bank as I expected that if an Evacuation was found necessary it might be brought off & if that was impracticable I...
1552To George Washington from Brown & Francis, 7 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
We are exceeding sorry to be under the Necessity of a moment of your Attention on a subject which we think there was no Occasion, that the Judge of the Federal Court Living at Newburn in North Carolina should have compell’d us to apply to you upon, but the Fact is that the said Judge is the Cause of withholding from Capt. Low (the Bearer) & as a Considerable Sum of Money & other property which...
1553To James Madison from James Clark, 24 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
The death of Judge Innes has occasioned a vacancy in the Federal Circuit Court for the district of Kentucky. As a fit person to fill that vacancy, I beg leave to mention the name of Mr. Robert Trimble of Paris, Kny. As a lawyer Mr. Trimble has for many years ranked at the head of his profession in this state. For three years ending in the year 1810 he was one of the Judges of our supreme court...
1554To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I must beg leave at the beginning of this letter to apologise for any incorrectness as I write in great haste—Indeed the hurry of business is such here with many of us, that we have little time for the ordinary offices of life. You may be assured that I will do Colo. Read all the service that I can in the way you desire. We have a Ship here in 6 weeks from London, that brought the original...
1555To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [on or after 18 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mille remercimens mon Illustre Docteur de la Complaisance que vous avez euë de m’envoyer vos deux relations. Je vous les renvoye presque Sur Le champ parcequ’il faut que vous Sachiez que Le chemin est Si Sec et Si altérant que mon domestique forcé Sans doute de boire pour etancher Sa Soif nest revenu qu’a trois heures et demie. Vous avez bien raison de dire...
1556[Diary entry: 27 September 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—68 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. Wt. Calm afterwards, or very little wind from So. Et. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations. The same work at all three, as in the days preceeding—with the Muddy hole hands in aid at the latter. Turned the Mares & Colts from the Pasture at the home house into that at the...
1557Thomas Jefferson’s List of Books to be Acquired in London, 21 October 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Grammatica Anglo-Saxonica ex Hickesiano Thesauro excerpta. Institutiones grammaticae Anglo-Saxonicae et Moeso-Gothica Hickesii Vocabularium Anglo-Saxonicum à Benson . The Saxon Heptateuch by Thwaites . Spelman ’s Anglo-Saxon Psalter. Marshal ’s Saxon gospels. 4 to Dordrecht . 1665.
1558To James Madison from John Pearson and James Kimball, 22 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Pearson and James Kimball. 22 July 1805, Newburyport. “We the Subscribers did in March last past Load and fix away the Brig Hannah, from this place, Isaac Bridges Master, with a Cargo of Boards, Staves, Oil & sundry other articles for the Island of Terciera, one of the Western Islands or Azores, the said Brig sailed from this port on the 13th. day of March, and nothing material...
1559To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are certain regulations respecting the delivery of Fuel, Straw and Stationery, and Horses furnished to Officers. I wish you to consider them, and to offer such additional ones to, or alterations in those proposed as in your opinion may be proper. The last has been conceived necessary to check an evil which may grow to magnitude. I request you particularly to determine how many Horses...
1560Tuesday[7th]. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Tracy’s and went in the evening to see la métromanie , and Crispin Rival de son Maitre , at the french Comedy. Alexis Piron, La métromanie, ou, le poète , Paris, 1738 ( Brenner, Bibliographical List Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789 , Berkeley, 1947. ). JQA had seen Le Sage’s Crispin while living in St. Petersburg.
1561The American Commissioners to Thomas Thompson, 13 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We recd. from Messrs. Gourlad &c. an acct. of your arrival and were informed that you had a Private Letter for us which we have not yet recd. Conclude it must Come to hand in the Course of this week. Mean time we desire you would inform us in a Letter under Cover of Messrs. Gourlade &c. what is the situation of your Vessels and what their destination, as...
1562From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Edwards, 14 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 4th. inst. The books you mention had come to hand and been regularly entered. I have assured myself by an examination of my own notes of letters recieved, made in the moment of recieving them, and also of the letters filed in the office, that no letter came with those books. In such cases, where there is no indication whither or how the certificate is to...
1563John Tayloe to Thomas Jefferson, 27 July 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust you will excuse the liberty I take—in having the honor to enclose you the within letter—as it contains money I was fearfull it might miscarry—is the cause why I trouble you— RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r Monticello —near Milton—V a ”; franked; postmarked 28 July ; endorsed by TJ as received 30 July 1813 and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not...
1564[Diary entry: 13 September 1795] (Washington Papers)
13. Breakfasted in George Town and reached Mt. Vernon to dinner.
1565From Alexander Hamilton to Susanna Livingston, 29 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am mortified My Dear Miss Livingston that you should have had to write to me on the subject of your Certificates. Of all delinquencies, those towards the Ladies I think the most inexcusable. And hold myself bound by all the laws of chivalry to make the most ample reparation in any mode you shall prescribe. You will of course recollect that I am a married man! The Certificates have been...
1566Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Timothy Pickering, 23 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
By The President’s direction B. Dandridge respectfully transmits to the Secy of State a Memorial of sundry merchants of New York—The President requests the Secretary to return an answer to the Letter from the Committee, which accompanied the Memorial, informing them that the most pointed & strong remonstrances have been made against the Conduct of which they complain. B.D. also encloses a...
1567To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Hue Girardin, 6 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous faire passer les deux excellentes brochures de Mengotti qui m’ont été confiées par Mr. Reibelt. Je vous remercie mille fois de la manière obligeante dont vous avez bien voulu vous en dessaisir en ma faveur; et, surtout, Je vous prie d’accepter les excuses que Je vous dois pour les avoir gardées si longtemps. J’avois commencé à traduire en Anglois une de ces brochures “Il...
1568From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph-Étienne Bertier, 31 January 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society With cordial Thanks for your many Civilities to me when in Paris, I take this Opportunity of acquainting you, that your Certificate has been received by the Royal Society, and ordered to be hung up the usual Time which is Ten Meetings; but it was observed to be deficient in not mentioning your Christian Name, without which it is not reckon’d regular. I...
1569To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 17 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am lately arrived here and settling in the Virginia Business. In July I left Fredericksburg, not long before when I had been in Albemarle at the Election, where I saw many of your Friends. They made a good Choice, and indeed I am happy to inform you the people have generally chosen more judiciously this year than last. At least I think so, several of Mr. Madison’s most powerful opponents...
1570From George Washington to Major Evan Edwards, 11 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Bush will deliver you 20,000 dollars on Acct of the Gratuity of 100 dollars each allowed by Congress to those Men who were inlisted for the War previous to 23d Jany last inclosed you have the form of the Receipt to be taken. I suppose the general tenor of the inlistments of the Men of the 11th Regt will be Three Years or during the War. This was the case throughout the Penna line, but...
1571From George Washington to William Jackson, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying me of your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit —and, during the ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania—I beg you to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or in any other walk into which your interest or...
1572[Diary entry: 27 December 1769] (Washington Papers)
27. Dined and lodgd at Dumfries with Mr. Boucher & J. P. Custis who overtook us on the Road. Before GW left his mother he gave her £6 in cash ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 299).
1573To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 24 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Several times since my return home, I have thought it wd be proper to write you on the subject of the Conversation that took place at your table as both business, & a certain reluctance to resume the subject, have prevented me from enacting this purpose.—Further reflexion has convinced me that justice to myself and to the cause of truth, imposes a duty on me, to vindicate the Olive Branch &...
1574[March 1774] (Adams Papers)
Last evening at Wheelwrights, with Cushing, Pemberton and Swift. Lt. Govr. Oliver, senseless, and dying, the Governor sent for and Olivers Sons. Fluker Flucker has laid in, to be Lieutenant Governor, and has perswaded Hutchinson to write in his favour. This will make a difficulty. C hief J ustice Oliver, and Fluker will interfere. Much said of the Impeachment vs. the C.J.—and upon the Question...
1575From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 26. and return the projected answer to Adml. Cochrane, with a few pencilled alterations, which you will perceive the Scope of; and adopt, or remodify as you may think best. The last one is intended to obviate the apparent inconsistency occurring to you. The only ground on which the B. Govt. could properly, or prudently call the attention of this to the affair in...
1576To James Madison from William Jarvis (Abstract), 14 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 April 1805, Lisbon . “Understanding the Brig Acorn, Captain Folger did not get out yesterday I shall avail myself of this Vessel to inform you that a British transport which arrived from the Streights last evenning, brings advice that on the 9th. Instant 13 French Sail of the line and 4 Frigates appeared off Cadiz, when the British blockading Squadron, consisting of 6 sail of the line and...
1577From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 9 February 1810 (Adams Papers)
Received Quincy 9th Feby 1810 of T. B Adams Twenty-five Dolls and fifty Cents in full for One quarter’s interest due upon J Q. Adams’s Note due the first instant. $25.50 MHi : Adams Papers.
1578From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I wrote some days ago to my brother Ambrose since which little has taken place worth adding. The inclosed newspapers contain a sketch of what has been done in the House of Reps. I mentioned to my brother that I thought it better to ship or postpone the sale of Tobo. than to sell at the present price in the Country. I am more & more convinced that this will be prudent. The price has risen...
1579From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 16 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 25th. since which I have to acknolege the reciept of yours of July 29. mr Barnes informs me that on the 5th. inst. he shipped for me on board the Schooner Sophia from Philadelphia a box containing 3. pair of glass doors, which be pleased to forward by water , when the condition of the river shall admit the Milton boats to go down. in the mean time be so good as to send...
1580Thomas Jefferson to John Ayers & Company, 17 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved the corn announced in your letter of the 9 th . considering it as a confidence on the part of mr Thayer for the benefit of the public, I shall feel it a duty to distribute it’s proceeds to all who shall be disposed to profit by it: and requesting permission to return my thanks to mr Thayer thro’ the same channel by which I recieved his favor, and to yourselves for your care of...
1581From George Washington to John Moylan, 25 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely pleased with the information contained in your Letter of the 13th respecting the arrival from Holland—Nothing could be more opportune; nor any Article more necessary than such a supply of Linnen to make Shirts for the Army; but I fear in the present state of public Finances & Credit, much time must be lost before the Shirts can be compleated & forwarded to the Troops, unless the...
1582To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre du Calvet, 20 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophial Society Avec le vulgaire des grands, on ne parle guéres de comptes et de dettes, quoi que non personnelles et de pur office pour eux; beaucoup moins en vat’on jusqu’a en Solliciter avec Succés le payement auprés d’eux; leur fierté, leur délicatesse Se formalisent de ces details triviaux, et le peu d’intérest quils prennent aux bésoins étrangers, rend infructueuse...
1583To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, [16 January] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty of writing to you lately on the subject of our affairs, & will now trouble you once more, for my anxiety is extreme. The contemplated plan of raising 20,000 men for one year is a most erroneous one. By the time they are made good soldiers they must be disbanded, another army enlisted. Your troops would always be raw, the expenses enormous—the delays incalculable. Besides the...
1584To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson, D Aug. 10. 1781.” I desired Mr. Jones in my letter to him about the Delegates money, to present my complimts. to you to let you know I had not been favoured with a line from you since May and that I had not had it in my power to write to you; being driven from Post to pillar to secure my person and employing my best...
1585From John Adams to Nc. Militia Guilford County, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Unanimous Address adopted by you has been transmitted to one as you directed by Major John Hamilton to Mr Steele and by Mr Steele to me. Addresses to one like yours, so friendly to me and so animated with public spirit, can never stand in need of any Apology.... It is on the contrary very true, that the affectionate Addresses of my Fellow Citizens have flowed in upon me from various Parts...
1586From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Dessin, 17 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to return you many thanks for your attention to the several cases I left with you to be expedited to this place. They all came safe to hand. The Acquit à caution for the parcel which I brought myself, is herein inclosed. I should sooner have sent this, but that I awaited the arrival of the second parcel, meaning to return to you both acquits à caution together. But on asking for the...
1587Enclosure: Marcus Dyson’s Drawing and Description of a Device for Breathing Underwater, [ca. 6 May 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
EXPLANATION A . The reservoir made of copper in form of an half oval (flat Side next the body) capacity 4 Quarts, with an half inch opening B The stop cock, inserted in the reservoir, which by turning the handle will emit air in any quanty quantity wanted, C A tube half inch diameter leading from the Stop cock into the half Globe D D In form of a half Globe capacity 1 pint which closely covers...
1588Samuel Brown to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return from New Orleans , a few days ago, I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 13 th of November . It had remained in the Post office, at this place, during my absence, which was protracted, far beyond my calculations, by the illness & death of an intimate friend who had solicited me to witness his last moments— The constant expectation of receiving an answer to your...
1589To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Pougens, 8 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoïer un paquet que je suis chargé de vous remettre. Le mauvais état de ma santé et de ma vüe m’empeche de venir vous le porter moi même, n’aïant pas la certitude que vous Soiés visible, voulés vous bien me fixer le moment où je pourrai Sans indiscrétion venir vous offrir mes respects et mon admiration. Je joins ici le plan d’un...
1590Thomas C. Flournoy to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to renew my acquaintance, with one whom I esteem, very highly. Four or five years ago, I wrote you two letters, the last of which contained a fourth of July-speech . You were good enough to answer them both with promptness. Your first answer is dated 1 st October 1812 , your second 8 th of August 1814 . I have them yet, in your own hand writing , and will keep them till I die—indeed...
1591An Acct. of the Weather—in Feby. [1769] (Washington Papers)
Feby. 1st. Ground not froze. Day calm & warm & mostly clear—but sometimes lowering. 2. The Ground slightly froze, Wind fresh from the northwest. Cloudy and cold. 3. Hard frost. Wind sharp & fresh from the No. West. Moderate & very pleast. afternn. 4. Ground froze. Cloudy with great appearances of Rain. Calm & still forenoon. Wind Eastwardly afterwards. 5. A little Snow & Rain in the Night....
1592From John Jay to the Bishop of London (Beilby Porteus), 18 June 1796 (Jay Papers)
On my Return from England I took the earliest opportunity of communi catinge d to M r Randolph the Memorandum ^w h ^ your Lordship had given me relative to your Estate in Virginia— he very readily understood ^promised^ to make the necessary Inquiries and to write to you Lordship respecting the Result of them— Thinking that the Business could not be in better Train, I omitted to take a Copy of...
1593To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Le Pelletier, 1 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser une expédition des procès verbaux des deux séances des 15 et 28 7bre: dernier de la réception et de l’inauguration du buste de M. le Marquis de la fayette, à l’hôtel de ville de Paris, de l’enrégistrement fait de la lettre par laquelle Mr. le Baron de Breteüil a annoncé au Corps de Ville les intentions du Roi sur cet objet, de la lettre que vous avez écrite,...
1594From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 29 March 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office; copy; American Philosophical Society Being here in my Way to Canada and understanding that your Packet sails to-morrow, I take the Opportunity of sending a Line or two to some Friends; among the rest give me leave to salute you with my warmest Wishes for your Health and Prosperity. I shall write Politicks to none of them but to you. How long will the Insanity on...
1595Thomas Jefferson to William Wirt, 3 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rejoiced to see Ritchie declare himself in favor of the President on the late attack against him, and wish he may do the same as to mr Gallatin . I am sure he would if his information was full. I have not an intimacy with him which might justify my writing to him directly, but the inclosed letter to you is put into such a form as might be shewn to him, if you think proper to do so....
1596From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I return you the proceedings of the Division Court Martial held by order of Majr Genl Parsons. I have confirmed the sentence of Taylor and ordered it to be carried into execution, at such time and place as you shall direct —The punishment ordered to be inflicted upon Cahos is not authorised by the Articles of War, but as it may be sometimes necessary to depart somewhat from the line laid down,...
1597To George Washington from Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 26 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Urged by the impression of Duty, And That Irrisistable impulse which, Arises from the Circumstances of past , and recent Events —When Savage Hostilities have become Formidable; And the Supreme Authority Violated with impunity—To be indifferent At such a Crisis, must discover an Apparent Disrespect for the Dignity of the Laws, And that Zealous Support requisite for the Executive Arm. Conscious...
1598To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
1599To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received this last night, your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th instant dated from hartford; The Intelligence your Excellency gives me of the return of the fleet of Transports on the 11th makes me believe that this convoy will wait for Arbuthnot’s fleet to sail afterwards under its protection, I hope that this will occasion a delay long enough to give our Expedition a great advance. I wait...
1600From Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 30 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 11 th with the description it covered of the Otsego Basse. born and bred among mountains, I have had less opportunity of becoming acquainted with the fishy tribe, however interesting, than with any other the objects of natural history. I should expect that the great inland seas of our country, insulated as they are, would furnish many examples of...