156781From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last, which I think was by Jonathan, I have receiv’d yours of July 8, and 12. Aug. 5, Sept. 19. and Oct. 3. My not answering sooner was owing to my Absence in Ireland and Scotland on a Tour of between 3 and 4 Months, by which my Health was much benefited: And since my Return this is the first Ship to Boston that I have heard of. In yours of July 8....
156782From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 9 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received your Favour of Dec. 27. with the Cask of Sowns and Tongues, which came very opportunely at the Beginning of Lent, and are very agreable to me. Mr. Stanley and your Brother have the others. Accept my best Thanks. I received also the Bill of Exchange for £27 for which have credited your Account. And shall soon send you a State of the whole...
156783From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 4 June 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have just time to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of April 15. with the £50 Bill, (Ross and Mills) part of the Money you receiv’d for me of Hall. I have purchased the Things for my Sister directed in her Invoice, and they go by this Ship. I shall do you every Service in my Power relating to the Commission Business, &c. Tell Jonathan I received his...
156784From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The New-York Mirror , April 13, 1839 The bearer, Mr. Holker, is a gentleman of great worth and excellent character, and a particular friend of mine, who, if he sees encouraging prospects, may possibly make some commercial prospects in America; in which case you may be assured that his engagements will be executed with good faith, and the exactest punctuality. I recommend him...
156785From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Pierpont Morgan Library; ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress In looking over your Letters I find in that of Nov. 12, mention of a Prize of £20 which you have drawn. It never came into my Hands, and I cannot find that Smith, Wright and Gray know any thing of it. If I knew the No. of the Ticket, I could enquire farther. I am much obliged by your Care in Hall’s Affair and glad you...
156786From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 6 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of Jan. 8 came duly to hand, but I have been so much engag’d during the Sitting of Parliament, that I could not correspond regularly with all my Friends, and have of course trespass’d most with those on whose Good Nature and Indulgence I could most rely. I am however asham’d of being so long silent. It is but the other Day that I enquired after...
156787Tobias Lear to Joseph Williams, 14 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I take the earliest opportunity, after receiving your letter of the 11th instant, to inform you of the President’s sentiments on the subject of it. I think I mentioned to you when I had the pleasure of seeing you in this place, that the President had, when on his tour to the southward, been prevailed upon by the strong sollicitations of Colonel Washington and several other Gentlemen of South...
156788Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Williams, 18 February [1821] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Sir, for the able pamphlet inclosed in your favor of the 10 th and still more for the kind expressions of that letter. the principle espoused of keeping our expences within our income, in public as well as in private affairs, is of a correctness which cannot be questioned. but of details I am not a judge: having withdrawn myself from all such cares in perfect confidence that...
156789From James Madison to Nathan Williams, 3 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Sepr. 5. was received during my recess in Virginia; and having been communicated to the President, & taken a circuit in getting back, could not be conveniently acknowledged, till my return to this place; since which it has been displaced from my attention by a crowd of other objects, and an indisposition from which I am yet not completely recovered. I now beg you to accept my...
156790From John Adams to Nathaniel F. Williams, 29 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of May 21st: You request a copy of President Washington’s letter to me concerning my Son It is not in my power to oblige you, that letter and all others I have long since packed up and stored away in trunks and given away, so that they are no longer my property nor in my possession. Stung by some provocations in the agony of my heart I did, some twelve or fourteen...
156791From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 19 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the inclosed letter from Major Buell by which you will see that he is anxious the pay and Subsistence due to the Officers of his regiment should be delivered to Lieutt. Richmond who will furnish you with their accounts, should you approve of them I wish you to comply as much as is proper with Major Buell’s wish. It is my wish that every proper facility may be given with true...
156792From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 10 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a general abstract of my accounts with those of my suite, for the payment of which I request you to issue your warrants after examination of the items. With true considn— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156793From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will forthwith remit to the Pay Master of the 14th. 15th. & 16 Regts. the following sums respectively on account of Pay—To the Pay Master of the 14th. Eight Thousand Dollars of the 15th. Six thousand of the sixteenth seven thousand: You will instruct them to pay up the troops to the last of September. No money is to be paid to Non Commissioned Officers and privates, who shall not have been...
156794From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There is being, at present, no Clothier General to the Army of the United States, and I write to have to request that you will undertake the perform ance of in this district the duties which are attached to that office. The business will consist in receiving and forwarding returns of the articles that may be wanted in different quarters for the use of the troops. These returns will be sent to...
156795From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 9 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am authorised by the Secy. of War to allow you an Asst. in your office, to be taken from any of the Cavalry Officers, not in actual service, who may be willing to associate with you in that capacity. The extra allowance of an Asst. is not to exceed 24 Dolls. per month, which is to exclude him from any claim for travelling expences— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton...
156796From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 5 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my intention to regulate the allowance to you of Quarters and fuel, as well for the past as the future, by the following scale— 2 Rooms for Quarters for DPM General 1 Do. for the Asst to D.PM Genel 1 Do for Office— 1 Cord of Wood pr. month for Office These rates will therefore govern ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156797From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a copy of a letter which I received some time ago from Major Bewell. The paper which it speaks of as enclosed has been mislaid, but, should you think it proper; you can write to Caleb Mr. Swan Eqr. for such papers and explanations and documents as may be necessary. I request that you will, as soon as possible, comply with the request of Major Bewell do what is proper in the...
156798From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the wish of Mr. Swan the Pay Master General that you should repair to Philadelphia as soon as possible in order to receive your instructions, and money for the pay of the troops. You will therefore procee repair there accordingly— With cons ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156799From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will ascertain the sum due to Major Bewell for pay, subsistence and forage, and take immediate measures for having it paid delivered to him. Lieutenant Richmond acts as Pay and Quarter Master to the Detachment at Benington, and you can will employ him as your agent in the payment of the money— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156800From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will advance to Lt. Richmond on account five hundred Dollars, for which I will give you a warrant, in such form as shall be most conformable to your instructions. It is to enable him to defray contingent expences of the detachment under Major Buell. With consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156801From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Williamson, [17–30 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Some arrangements which I have lately made with Robert Morris Esquire for the benefit of my Brother in Law Mr. Church render it interest⟨ing⟩ to me to know from you the precise extent of the Western line of the tract of land you purchased of that Gentleman—I mean a line which was run from the Pensylvania line to Lake Ontario—by whom it was run, how far the accuracy of it may be depended...
156802From George Washington to Charles Williamson, 19 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
Mr Burwell, who will present this letter to you, having become, or is likely to become, a Proprietor of Lands in the Genessee country, and purposing to make a tour into it; has asked me for a letter of introduction to you, who is so well acquainted therewith, and so able to give him the information he wishes to possess. Although to do this is a liberty I am scarcely warranted to take, yet as...
156803Egbert Benson, Richard Harison, and Alexander Hamilton to Charles Williamson, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 6, 1802. Propose that Williamson go to England to settle his dispute with William Hornby and Patrick Colquhoun. Copy, Rochester Historical Society, Rochester, New York. Benson, Harison, and H were Williamson’s attorneys. See William Hornby to H, September 15, 1801 . Benson, a Federalist, was attorney general of New York from 1777 to 1788, a member of the New York Assembly from...
156804Alexander Hamilton and Richard Harison to Charles Williamson, 1 February 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, February 1, 1802. Urge Williamson to avoid litigation by settling his dispute with William Hornby and Patrick Colquhoun out of court. Copy, Rochester Public Library, Rochester, New York. For background to this letter, See Hornby to H, September 15, 1801 .
156805Thomas Jefferson to George Williamson, 11 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Sir, for the volume on the Principles of health which you have been so kind as to send me , and which I shall certainly read with pleasure. but, besides that I am not a competent judge of the merit of works in that line of science it is proper for me to observe that in no line whatever do I presume to give opinions of this kind for the public. my opinions, given without intention...
156806From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 11 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of the 2d. inst. I [will] with great pleasure sound opinions on the subject you mention, & [see] whether [it] can be brought forward with any degree of strength. I doubt it however, & for [this] reason. you may recollect that a report which I gave in to Congress in […] [93. and] mr Madison’s propositions of Jan. 94 went directly to establish a...
156807From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 13 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On considering the subject of the clause you wished to have introduced in the inclosed bill, I found it more difficult than I had on first view imagined. Will you make the first trial against the patentee conclusive against all others who might be interested to contest his patent? If you do, he will always have a collusive suit brought against himself at once. Or will you give every one a...
156808From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 30 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the information on the subject of the navigation of the Iberville contained in your’s of the 18th. in running the late line between the Choctaws and us, we found the Amit to be about 50. miles from the Missisipi where that line crossed it, which was but a little Northward of our Southern boundary. for the present we have a respite on that subject, Spain having without delay...
156809From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 1 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Dr. Williamson and returns him the draught of the bill of projects, with the alterations he proposes to it. These will certainly put the business into a more steady channel, and one more likely by the establishment of fixed rules, to deal out justice without partiality or favouritism. Above all things he prays to be relieved from it, as being, of every...
156810From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 10 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I should sooner have acknoleged your favor of Dec. 8. but for a growing and pressing correspondence which I can scarcely manage. I was particularly happy to recieve the diary of Quebec, as about the same time I happened to recieve one from the Natchez , so as to be able to make a comparison of them. the result was a wonder that any human being should remain in a cold country who could find...
156811From George Washington to Hugh Williamson, 15 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
It has so happened, that your favor of the 19th Ulto did not come to my hands until the last mail arrived at Alexandria. By the return of which, I have the honor to address this letter to you. Mr McMeikenss explanation of the movements of Rumsey’s newly invented Boat, is consonant to my ideas; and warranted by the principles upon which it acts. The small manual assistance to which I alluded,...
156812From George Washington to Hugh Williamson, 31 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 24th —The sentiments I shall deliver in answer to it, must be considered as coming from an individual only; for I am as unacquainted with the opinions, & know as little of the affairs & present management of the Swamp Company, in Virginia, (tho’ a Member of it) as you do, perhaps less—as I have received nothing from thence, nor have heard any thing of...
156813From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 6 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 11. has been duly received. It was the first notification of your being returned. I had been informed you were gone to Carolina, and I thence conjectured you might not return so soon, or I should have written to you. The scales of war and peace have hitherto appeared to hang nearly in equal poise. The movements of the parties have indicated war: yet there has been a general...
156814From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 7 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 7 Dec. 1776. On 8 Dec. Williamson wrote to GW : “I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s two Letters of the fifth & seventh inst.”
156815From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 30 November 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 30 Nov. 1776. In his letter to William Livingston of 1 Dec. , GW wrote: “I wrote to Genl Williamson last Night.”
156816From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 5 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson, 5 Dec. 1776. On 8 Dec. Williamson wrote GW : “I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s two Letters of the fifth & seventh inst.”
156817From Thomas Jefferson to Peregrine Williamson, 22 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so much engaged lately that it has not been in my power sooner to write this short letter. The 4. calendar pens arrived safely, and I now inclose you a bank draught for 25. D. for those & what was furnished before. I find them answer perfectly and now indeed use no other kind. always willing to render service to any useful advance in the arts, I have no objection to your using the...
156818From Thomas Jefferson to Peregrine Williamson, 24 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The half dozen metallic pens you sent me according to request, came safe to hand, & have answered their purpose well. I have now to ask the favor of you to send me 4. such as the one you were so kind as to send me first, that is to say a pen & pencil combined in a silver stem with a Calendar to it, & each in a separate wooden case. they are intended as presents to friends. the cost of these...
156819From Thomas Jefferson to Peregrine Williamson, 21 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I must trouble you for a new supply of your steel pen points . I find them excellent while they last, and an entire relief from the trouble of mending. but, altho’ I clean them carefully when laid by for the day, yet the constant use for 6. or 7. hours every day, very soon begins to injure them. the points begin to be corroded, & become ragged, & the slit rusts itself open. I have sometimes,...
156820Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Williamson, 25 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Without knowing in what way my having been or not been in England , or my having seen or not seen it’s present king may be interesting to any one I answer the enquiries of your favor of the 19 th inst. by informing you that while I was in Europe , I was three times in England . my stay the first & last time was of not more than a week or ten days each time; but the second journey there was as...
156821From John Adams to William D. Williamson, 25 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
When the House of Representatives, under the Charter of Charles I “broke out” as Huchinson expresses it, I presume they were chosen by the Towns. I never heard of any Elections by districts before the revolution, except of Registers of deeds and County Treasurers, by Counties, nor by General Ticket except of Governors and Lt Governors and perhaps of Secretaries Under the Charter of W. and...
156822From John Adams to William D. Williamson, 25 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 12th. was brought to me this Morning from the Post Office. 1 My Answer to the first Question, is, that When Vacancies were made in the Council, by the Negative of the Governor, they were never filled that Year. Governors rarely used their Negative. The first Instance, within my Recollection, was in 1766. The Honourable James Otis Junr was elected Speaker of The House, but...
156823George Washington to Colonel Otho Williams, 9 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 9, 1779 . Orders Williams to the “Furnace of Dean,” New York. Gives Williams the following instructions: “… you are to send Picquets on the roads leading to Fort Montgomery, Kings Ferry &ca. and to use every precaution which your force will enable, and the utmost vigilance requires, to prevent surprizes, and oppose any Troops which may be moving against this Army...
156824From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Otho Williams, [12 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The Genl sends you four fresh horsemen to enable you to transmit him intelligence. The General will take the road you marched to your quarters. Mind your eye my boy, and if you have an opportunity, fight damned hard! Yr. friend & serv ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Both J. C. Hamilton ( JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I,...
156825From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 12 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the circumstances you state in your Letter of the 6th inst. respecting vessels owned by Citizens of Rhode Island. I am of opinion that those vessels in the case you mention, are Subject to the Same Tonnage to which registered vessels owned by Citizens of the united States without License are liable: because if they were to enjoy all the privileges of coasting vessels, they...
156826From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 28. June 1791 the Collector of New York was instructed to furnish each of the Revenue Cutters with Ten Musquets and Bayonets, Twenty Pistols, one broad axe, one Chissel of the large and one of the smallest size, and two Lanthorns. I am informed by the Collector of Norfolk that those articles were not received by him; though Mr. Lamb of New York states to me, they were shipped in the...
156827From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that You will pay to Messrs Elliot and Williams ten thousand Dollars on the first of January next, on account of their contract with the united States of the 27th September instant, taking duplicate receipts, one of which to be transmitted to the Treasury. You will of course retain money in Your hands for the purpose and in case there should not be a probability of a Sufficient sum...
156828From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 13 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 13, 1792. “The President having signified to me his intention to appoint David Porter, the present first mate in the cutter Active, master of the said Cutter, in the room of Simon Gross, who has resigned; I have to request, that you will notify the intended appointment to Mr Porter.…” LS , Columbia University Libraries. See George Washington to H, August 5, 1792 .
156829From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 17 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
There will not be found any provision for the payment of Mr. Edward Swift, whom Captain Gross has shipt to do the duty of Mr. James Forbes now absent, unless Mr. Forbes from a sense of justice and propriety allows it to be done out of his money. It would be well for you to intimate this to Captain Gross, and the more so as he in a former instance made an appointment of his officers, which can...
156830From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 31 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The device intimated to me in your letter of the 26th. of January, I consider as a mere evasive expedient, which ought not to protect the owner of the vessel from a prosecution for perjury. It is my desire therefore that if any such case should occur you may direct proceedings on that ground against the offender. I am, Sir, Your obedt. Servant LS , Columbia University Libraries.