1561John 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...
1562[Diary entry: 13 September 1795] (Washington Papers)
13. Breakfasted in George Town and reached Mt. Vernon to dinner.
1563From 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...
1564Bartholomew 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...
1565To 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...
1566From 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...
1567To 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...
1568From 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...
1569From 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...
1570[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).
1571To 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 &...
1572[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...
1573From 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...
1574To 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...
1575From 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.
1576From 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...
1577From 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...
1578Thomas 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...
1579From 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...
1580To 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...
1581To 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...
1582To 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...
1583From 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...
1584From 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...
1585Enclosure: 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...
1586Samuel 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...
1587To 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...
1588Thomas 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...
1589An 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....
1590From 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...
1591To 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,...
1592From 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...
1593Thomas 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....
1594From 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,...
1595To 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...
1596To 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...
1597To 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...
1598To Benjamin Franklin from [Henry] Potts, [1765–1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Potts presents his Compliments to Doctor Francklin and desires the favor of his Company at Dinner Thursday next the 19th Instant. An Answer is desired. Addressed: Benjamin Francklin Esq. / Craven Street Analysis of handwriting has led the editors to conclude that this note and the one immediately following were written by Henry Potts, secretary of the...
1599From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 13 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you 260. D. to be paid as follows John Perry 100. Colo. Nicholas Lewis 103. 89 Wurtenbaker for Wm. Stewart 10. taking in my note Terril on acct. of James Walker 47. 98 261. 87 inform mr Peyton that I have paid for him to the Postmaster General 28. D 53 c. the true balance of his account after correcting the error of addition. my best wishes attend you. Privately owned.
1600To George Washington from Colonel Richard Parker, 13 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have inclosed you a Letter from Governor Johnston to Mr Hollings Worth D. Quarter Master General at this place informing him of a Number of the Enemies Vessels being in the Bay. The officers who set out from Camp to Virginia embarked & set sail from this place last night with a fair wind down the Bay I wish they may not fall in with them as the Bay had been clear in the morning and no danger...
1601From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a...
1602[Diary entry: 7 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 7th. Road to my Mill, Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations. Preparing my dry well, and the Well in my New Cellar for the reception of Ice. But little wind, and that Southwardly. Day very pleasant—tho’ it thawed but little. The well in the new cellar was to prove unsatisfactory (see entry for 5 June ). The dry well that GW used as an icehouse was first mentioned in 1773, when it...
1603To George Washington from Colonel David Chambers, 16 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
herewith I send your Excellency 4 prisoners that we took last evening 2 being Regulars—one of the others by name Jno. Vandyke a Malitious Active Tory, and is said to have let some prisoners out of Millstone Goal and assembled and spirited the Negroes against us And as I am Informed was about a week since taken prisoner in Company with some light Horse by our people and confin’d who says he was...
1604To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I must call upon your friendship to excuse me for again mentioning the convention at Philadelphia. Your determination having been fixed on a thorough review of your situation, I feel, like an intruder, when I again hint a wish, that you would join the delegation. But every day brings forth some new crisis, and the confederation is, I fear, the last anchor of our hope. Congress have taken up...
1605To Benjamin Franklin from William Augustus Miles, 11 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is by the express desire of my friend Sir Edward Newenham that I transmit you the inclos’d printed extracts from the irish Papers. It will afford me a real pleasure to hear of them having arriv’d Safe and in the interim I have the honor to remain with the utmost respect Sir Your most obedt: & most Oblig’d Hble Servt Notation: Miles Oct 11. 1784— Who had...
1606To James Madison from Jacob Blocher, 30 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Many of the Citizens of Fayette & Sumerset Counties have requested me to write to your Excellency respecting the extraordinary attempt lately made to Change the Cumberland road from its original location particularly on the youghiogheny river inasmuch as they firmly believe that the worthy Commissioners who were appointed by the general government for the purpose of exploring & Locating the...
1607To James Madison from James Gillespie, 21 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 February 1804, House of Representatives. “Some time past I called at the office, at the request of A Mr. Hall printer of Wilmington N C, he is desirous to publish the Acts of Congress in his weekly newspaper. “I use the freedom to State that the Wilmington Gazette has A more general circulation And is conducted on better principles; than any other paper, in those divisions of our State...
1608From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 25 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
It was not friendly in you to involve me in your domestic & family Controversies Major Pierce Butler told me that he made a voyage to England from S Carolina to ask his fathers consent to marry a Lady, whom he was determined to marry, whether his father consented, or not. And I believe you ask my advice with the same resolution I have seen Fanaticism in all its forms. the fanaticism of honour,...
1609Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 7 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that the proctor be directed to refund to the several professors, the advances by them made for venitian blinds; when, in the opinion of the executive committee, such appropriation shall be justified by the state of the funds. Resolved that the communication of the faculty respecting books, be referred to...
1610James Madison to James Wattles, 19 July 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received Sir, your letter of the 13th. and regret that I cannot find among my papers the letter of Chief Justice Marshall to which you refer. Such a letter was certainly presented to me, and left an impression very favorable to your talent in taking likenesses. As your portrait of Mr. Marshall doubtless exists and his opinion of it can thro’ his family be obtained as well as their own...