156821From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 28 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received my dear Friend’s Letter of the 8th past, and should have written sooner, but that I have been in continual Expectation of being able to visit you. A Succession of thwarting Businesses has prevented my giving my self that Pleasure hitherto. And writing by Post is now attended with such Inconvenience, that I am apt to postpone it. I am glad the Conduct of...
156822To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the U. States and encloses herewith the draft of a passport for Capt. Montgomery, to which (if found right) the President’s signature is requested, in order that the vessel may be dispatched. LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed passport for Capt. James Montgomery of the General Greene , the revenue cutter for Pennsylvania, has not...
156823From John Adams to Robert J. Evans, 8 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st. of Febuary I have no scruples of conscience, and no reproaches to make to myself, for my conduct for first introducing Paine into public service—The abandoned viciousness and Proflagacy of his Character, was then totally unknown to me—and in truth—I did not give credit to Dr. Witherspoons accusation of Intemperance—because it was contradicted by...
156824Journal, 1764–1776; Ledger, 1764–1776 (Franklin Papers)
MS account books: American Philosophical Society December 10, 1764 As Franklin had done when he went to England in 1757, he began a new record of his financial transactions when he started his second mission in 1764. Probably the new record consisted at first of a series of rather informal entries such as those in his “Account of Expences,” 1757–1762, described above, VII , 164–5, and cited...
156825From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 16 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was received by me last night, together with a letter to the President of the United States from the President of the Convention, I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of each. LS , DNA : RG 46, First Congress, 1789–91, Records of Legislative...
156826[Diary entry: 23 October 1795] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear.
156827Notes on an Interview with George Logan and Robert Blackwell, 13 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lear, my Secretary, being from our lodgings on business, one of my Servants came into the room where I was writing, and informed me, that a Gentleman in the Parlour below, desired to see me; his name was sent up. In a few minutes I went down, and found the Revd Doctr Blackwell, & Doctr Logan there. I advanced towards, & gave my hand to the former; the latter did the same towards me, I was...
156828From Thomas Jefferson to William Strickland, 12 March 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been longer in acknoleging the reciept of your favor of May 28. 96. than I would have been but for the constant expectation of procuring the seeds you desired (one kind of which was to be sent for to Kentuckey). This, the Buffalo clover, is in a packet which accompanies this letter: as also the wild pea which you wished to recieve, and I promised to send you. I have added some seeds of...
156829To James Madison from Samuel W. Dana (Abstract), 14 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 February 1805, “Committee Room.” “With a view to a subject referred to the Committee of Claims, I have the honor of requesting a copy of the proclamation of the President of the United States permitting a commerce with certain ports in Hispaniola during the general suspension of intercourse with France & its dependencies.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. John Adams’s 6...
156830From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 13 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
I received a few days since your favour of the 28th. ulto: with the very interesting account of Selfridge’s trial—A subject upon which there has been much curiosity here; though we had heard nothing of the trial except the short paragraphs in the newspapers.—It has confirmed me in an opinion which I have long since entertained, that for our real security, in the protection of person, property,...
156831To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph de Mendoza Rios, 23 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your well known love of Science induces me to adress myself to you on a subject, which I hope you will not esteem unworthy of your attention; and which, at any rate, is of such a nature, as I trust will plead my excuse for presuming to give you this trouble. I have lately published a new and complete Collection of Tables for Navigation and Nautical Astronomy, in which I have endeavoured to...
156832To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my last I informed Your Excellency that I had made Proposals to a certain Person (formerly an Officer in one of the Refugee Corps, & who is exceedingly intimate at Head Qrs) that he should assist in Communicating Intelligence from New York. I have just recd the enclosed papers from him, with his request Communicated thro’ Capt. Brewster, to have an Interview with me on the business which I...
156833From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 23 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me this Morning respecting the Settlement of Charges incurred in Holland, &c. Be so good as to send me a Copy of the Letter written by Mr. de Sartine, which you mention. On Sight of that I shall immediately give you an explicit Answer. With great Esteem, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most huml Servt Addressed: A...
156834To James Madison from Robert Wright, 26 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
At the Request of Mr. Samuel T. Anderson who intermarried with my Daughter Caroline, I inclose his Letter to you relative to his Claim created under your Administration, to the just Settlement of which he seems to be estoped by an Entry , as by your especial Order. I have examined the Case and the Compensation allowed, and find that three perCent only is allowed to him for the same services...
156835[Diary entry: 2 July 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A little rain fell in the Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. but calm afterwards. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations. At the Ferry—The Plows were going as usual and the Assembled force, after the business was accomplished at French’s, repaired hither and wed out the Carrots and Cabbages. At...
156836[To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Grand, 1 February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 1 Feb. 1786 . Informs TJ that a 60-day bill drawn by Carmichael on 24 Nov. 1785 for 4,500 livres is due and has been presented for payment. Has received no advice on bill, nor authorization from the commissioners of the treasury for payment. Has made a note of the holders and awaits TJ’s orders in case he wishes the bill paid from funds deposited by Mr. Barclay. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.;...
156837From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Finding on my return from a little ride, that the post was here without my having recd a key to the mail, I thought it best to have a link of the chain taken off, rather than take the alternative. Hence the mail goes open; but I am enabled to send the letters addressed to me for your perusal. There are letters from Erving but old & not worth forwarding. In fact I take all of them to be...
156838To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Neave & Son, 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Convinced that His Excellencys time is too much (Just now) engrossed, than to Attend to the Complaint of Individuals Suffering— We beg the Favour of You to take an Opportunity soon of Briefly hinting to him the present Situation of Richd Neave & Son:— Who have been now near three Years in France, Upon a full assurance of a Passage to America wth. Mr....
156839To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 16 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours by Bob came safe to hand sometime in July last. We are much oblig’d to you for the good things you directed Mr. Jameson to send us from New York. He wrote me a very polite letter and promis’d they should be sent by the first safe opportunity to Richmond from which place I expect to get them soon.—I wish it was in my power to inform you that your children were well. They as well as our...
156840To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Foster, 23 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ July 23, 1791. On September 1, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Foster : “I have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August.” Letter of July 23 not found. ] Foster, a Providence, Rhode Island, lawyer, had served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1776 to 1782, as town clerk of Providence from 1775 to 1787, and was appointed judge of the Court of...
156841James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 3 October [1818] (Jefferson Papers)
J. Monroe has the pleasure to submit to mr Jefferson ’s perusal a letter from Judge Bland , on S o american aff rs , which he mentiond to him sometime since. If the weather & mr Jefferson ’s health permit J. M. will be very much gratified by his company to day, with the gentlemen, now at Monticello , who promisd, with Col Randolph , to dine with him to day. RC
156842To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 19 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
It is with pleasure I acquaint you with my safe arrival in the United States from Liverpool in England after a passage of thirty three days. Being much perplexed with the confusion incident to my arrival, I have only time to enclose you two Letters one for the President of the United States, && the other for you. Please to present my respectful Regards to the President, & acquaint him, that I...
156843To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Warren, 3 April 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (facsimile): Massachusetts Historical Society Altho’ I have not the pleasure either of a personal or epistolary acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty of sending you by Mr. Dana a pamphlet which I wish was more deserving of your notice. The ability and firmness with which you have defended the Rights of Mankind and the Liberties of this Country in particular have rendered you dear...
156844To Thomas Jefferson from John Todd, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24 Decr. as also that of the 19th Jany. last inclosing sundry papers came safe to hand a few days ago. By the best Accounts I can procure from Jefferson and Lincoln the Militia of the whole three Counties at present amount about 1050—Fayette 156, Lincoln 600 and Jefferson 300. I have just made a Draft of 78 from this County for Col. Clark and if the other Counties draft...
156845James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to return you your correspondence with the directors of the Rivanna company which I lately rec d from you. I had submitted it to the perusal of a few friends only, in confidence, and had determin’d for the present, at least, not to publish it, from a fear that the publication might lead to some unpleasant discussion. you will have seen by the news papers that, I have been...
156846General Orders, 19 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide Maj. Caleb Gibbs paid £32 New York currency, equal to $80, on this date to John Mason “in full for my servant Hannahs wages, who was in the service of His Excellency General Washington” (Revolutionary War Accounts, Vouchers, and Receipted Accounts, 1776–1780, DLC:GW , ser. 5, vol. 29).
156847From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
With not less pain than you communicate it, I receive the information contained in your letter of yesterday—This affair, if possible, must be brought to an issue favourable to subordination, or the army is ruined. I shall therefore immediately march a detachment from these posts to quell the mutineers. Col. Freelinghuyssen will impart to you what I have written to him. In addition to that, I...
156848From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have determined upon a plan of operations for the reduction of the City and Garrison of New York; which is to be carried on in conjunction with the french forces dayly expected from France. The number of Troops to be employed upon this occassion may be about forty thousand men. You are hereby directed therefore to make every necessary arrangement & provision in Your Department for carrying...
156849To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 21 May 1782 (Jay Papers)
I write these Lines to acknowlege yours from S t . Ildefonso of the twenty eighth of September. To enclose you a short Resolution of Congress. To tell you that Col o . Livingston and your Brother James met in the Provost at New York. Livingston is with us. James is at large in New York. Your Family except one are alive and well. I am sorry to add that your Father is no more. I know how much...
156850From George Washington to Major Apollos Morris, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with yours of 18th Ulto & upon perusing your Letter to Genl Howe, am sorry to find myself under the Necessity of returning it to you, as forwarding it by a flag from this would have the Appearance of our asking these Questions in an indirect manner, which are already answer’d to the Satisfaction of Congress & indeed of every individual engag’d in this dispute—for your private...
156851[Diary entry: 2 November 1769] (Washington Papers)
2. At Fredericksburg all day.
156852From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 19 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Several letters recieved from you have proven that your mind is placed in a state of considerable anxiety by the maneuvres of some persons whose motives and objects are perfectly understood here. having been misinformed as to the distance of your residence from Cadiz, it became my duty to give you an opportunity of explaining that circumstance, and to let you understand how incompatible it was...
156853Acct. of the Weather in August [1770] (Washington Papers)
Augt. 1. Clear with the Wind very fresh from the So. West but very warm notwithstanding. 2. Again very warm with a brisk westwardly breeze. 3. More moderate—the Wind being Northwardly—cloudy with some thunder but no Rain. 4. Warm again but no appearance of Rain tho the wind was favourable for it. 5. Very warm but clear and little wind—that southwardly. 6. Clear and Warm—with but little . 7....
156854To George Washington from James Gildart, 18 May 1764 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured wth yours of the 26 April Last year Accquainting me that the Six hhds of wc. you ⟨hav⟩e above the Acct Sales Ntt Proceeds £46.8.4¼ are to be braugt to the Credt of Master Custis in New Acct & that the balle due me from the Estate of the Late Coll Custis £17.9.8 you will Remitt me for wc. Shall be Noted Accordingly & as on the other Side you have a State of the Acct have it Stands...
156855To James Madison from John Taylor, 12 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1813, New York. “The Petition of John Taylor of the City of New York Grocer. Respectfully Sheweth “That your Petitioner is a Native of Ireland, but has been long Settled as a resident in New York. “That your Petitioner having determined to become a Citizen of the United States, announced Such his intention & took the Oath declaring the Same as appears by the certificate hereunto...
156856To James Madison from John Church, 31 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1803, Cork. Has received JM’s circular letters and noted their contents. “This serves to hand you inclosed the Current Years Import List of American Produce into this City, & am proud to find it has much increased since my preceeding; & as our Ports are shortly to open for Importing all kinds of Provisions Duty free for one Year I expect it will occasion a great Overflow of...
156857From John Adams to Alexander Townsend, 2 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I regret very much my accidental absence from home, when you did me the honour to call here. It will be found impossible to do justice to the character of Mr Dexter, without a thorough knowledge of the history of this country, especially of that part of it from 1797 to 1808. The parties during the revolution and since, have grown out of those parties which existed before, from the first...
156858American Prisoners in Dinan to the American Commissioners, 21 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the under Subscribed Persons having Received Your kind favour of the 15 Inst: who are the only [Santuaries?] under God we Rely on, nor do we desire our liberty from other hands than yours; being in Reallity Americans, who are farr from Imposeing upon Your Clemency (or this Goverment) and willing to Stand or fall by our Countrys Cause, as we are well...
156859John Rhea to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
with the assurance of my sincere esteem please to accept the inclosed copy of a speech and of a circulor letter from RC ( MHi ); written on a small scrap; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “ Rhea W m ” received 30 Mar. 1819. RC ( MHi ); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Julius B. Dandridge, 3 Nov. 1819 , on verso; addressed: “ Thomas Jefferson Esq r Late President of the
156860[Diary entry: 24 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 44 at Noon and 42 at Night. About two Inches of Snow fell in the Night. Before daylight, it began to rain, and continued to do so until near Sundown when it ceased, & the horizon became clear to the Westward. Prevented by the weather from preparing my grounds or transplanting trees. Wind Eastwardly in the forenoon & westwardly afterwds.
156861To Alexander Hamilton from William North, [27 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to present herewith regulations for conducting military funerals, & executions; For the disposal of the effects of those who die, or are killed in the service; they are with some alterations, & additions which appeared to me proper, extracted from Reid & Symes, & tho’ not of great consequence, are necessary to make a whole. The plan for the service of the guards which is also...
156862To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just now received your favour pr. Mr. Marbois, have not Time to answer in kind, am sorry for your Illness. If your Fever was of the infectious kind you have performed Quarantine. I hope to see you in the Spring. I should not have wrote in such a Hurry, but to inform you that our Philosl. Society is in a promising Way. The Case of Mr. Maddison was this—the Candidates for Election were...
156863From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 27th Ulto by the last Post. The extract from the Marqs La Fayette’s Letter--which you were so obliging to send me--is, in substance, the same as the one he has written to me himself.—On some points he is more particular in his letter to you—on others, mine is more full; A copy of which, if I had a Cypher established with you, I would have sent; but am...
156864To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
last evening I wrote to your Excellency per express, transmitting the information by Captain Farley, of the ill success of the Baron Steubens mission. By which it appears that it will be impracticable, to take possession of the posts at the Westward this fall. I requested your final orders concerning the detachment, and artillery, at this place, which are prepared for that service. I now...
156865George Ticknor to Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing you in April and July , I have not heard from you.— By a letter from Mr. Warden , however, I am extremely glad to hear he was able to purchase your Books in Paris for about the amount of your bill—and by a letter yesterday from Hamburg , that the vessel in which I forwarded you a few last August has safely arrived in Boston . I now write to you, to say...
156866From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 24 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
On the Receipt of your Letter of the 6th. Instant referring to Information that there were on board the Frigate Chesapeake two British Deserters, one from the Triumph, under the Name of George Curtis, the other from the Bellona, under that of John Birk, an Inquiry was ordered into the Facts. From the Report of Captain Decatur, commanding the Chesapeake it appears that the Crew of that Ship...
156867To George Washington from Philip Turner, 3 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Doubtless remembers, not from any particular oppertunity ever with your Excellency, but by hear-say, that I were at the Hospitals Cambridge, Roxbury, New York &c. &c., & have served ever since the War; in the present Establishment of the Genl Hospital, Congress Hon’d me with an appointment as Surgeon Genl to sd Hospital eastn Department, in that Charactor have served to this day weary & almost...
15686861. A Bill to Enable Guardians and Committees to Perform Certain Acts for the Benefit of Those Who Are under Their Care … (Jefferson Papers)
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that where any person under the age of twenty-one years, or of unsound mind, is, or shall be seized or possessed of any land, tenements, or hereditaments, in trust, or by way of mortgage, the guardian of the one, or committee of the other, by order of the High Court of Chancery, made upon the petition of one or more of the parties interested, and after...
156869To George Washington from John Posey, 24 September 1767 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Posey, 24 Sept. 1767. On 24 Sept. GW wrote to Posey : “Having receivd your Letters of Wednesday last and today.”
156870From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, 24 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 11th reminding me of your former request to have an enquiry into your Conduct and that of the Regiment under your command on the 7th Decembr last. When you first mentioned this matter, the Army was in so moving a State that it was impossible to hold a Court, as soon as we were fixed, I recollected your request, and intended to have given an order for the enquiry,...