157151From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pollard, 3 August 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of July 25. wherein you say that Mr. B. Harrison has offered you six shares in the James river canal at the price paid Heron, to wit 18/ in the pound, if I chuse to buy them.—I am disposed still to extend Mr. Short’s purchase of shares, at a price not exceeding that: but if they can be bought cheaper, I of course wish to get them cheaper. I must leave Mr....
157152From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 6 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1804, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant for fifty six thousand dollars on the appropriations for foreign intercourse and to cause the proceeds thereof to be remitted to Messrs. Willinks and Van Staphonts [ sic ], the Bankers of this Department at Amsterdam.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. JM made similar requests for $6,000 on 22...
157153To James Madison from Jacob Engelbrecht, 5 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
With due deference, would I take the liberty of requesting a favor from you, which, tho’ it may appear of little import to you, will be of great satisfaction to me. I wish you, to honor me with a Letter, in your own hand writing, which Letter, I wish to keep and preserve in honor of you, and after your death to have it neatly framed to preserve as a relick. I have now in my possession Letters...
157154From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. Feby. is just handed to me. Having but a moment to answer it I confine myself to the Paragraph relating to Mr. Scotts proposition. I thank you most sincerely for the attention you have given to my request on that matter. My opinion is not changed with regard to the policy of some such speculation, and I shall revolve well your communications. The difficulty however of...
1571551782 December 13. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
I went first to Mr. Jay, and made some Additions to the joint Letter, which I carried first to Mr. Laurens, who made some Corrections and Additions, and then to Passy to Dr. Franklin who proposed a few other Corrections, and shewed me an Article he has drawn up for the definitive Treaty to exempt Fishermen, Husbandmen and Merchants as much as possible from the Evils of future Wars. This is a...
157156To Thomas Jefferson from William Hylton, 5 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Sensible how much it is your Excellencies desire, as president of the United States of America, to maintain Harmony; and a reciprocity of Interests, between Your and the British Nation; upon a just Understanding—I do not hesitate, to take the liberty of communicating directly to your Excellency, an occurrence, which however trivial in itself , has produced a difficulty; which left...
157157[Diary entry: 22 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday—22d. Dined in a family way at Mr. Morris’s and drank Tea at Mr. Francis Hopkinsons.
157158To James Madison from Divie Bethune, 17 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
By last mail I had the pleasure of forwarding four packages to your adress, which had been committed to my care by Mr. Pinckney in London. When I parted with Mr. Pinckney on the 7th. ulto. he said, ’ ’ Should you be detained some days at Falmouth I expect to forward You another very important dispatch care of Mr. Fox." The packet was not detained, & no additional dispatch came to hand before I...
157159To Benjamin Franklin from Baudouin, 25 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis bien honteux d’etre obligé de vous faire connoitre toutte l’etendue de mon etourderie je ne me suis appercu de la meprise, que lorsque la sottise a eté faitte, je prie V. Excellence de me pardonner cette faute, je luy jure, que cela n’arrivera plùs. J’espere qu’elle voudra bien me traitter dans cette occasion cy avec son indulgence ordinaire et...
157160To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last of Nov. 30 I had the honor of informing you I had recieved on the 28th. the letters and papers relative to the Spanish business, and that I should lose no time in setting out for Madrid agreeably to your orders. I mentioned the steps I had taken in order to ascertain whether I could be assured of passing the Spanish frontier (in the case of a general prohibition) by writing to M....
157161To James Madison from J. Aaron Emanuel Vonhalle, 19 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1810, Fort McHenry. Informs JM that in the “greatest Distress” he enlisted five months ago as a soldier in Capt. George Armistead’s company but now seeks a discharge. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , V-7:5). 1 p. A second letter from Vonhalle to JM, 20 Feb. 1810 (ibid.; 1 p.), adding that his family wished him to return to his native Prussia, is docketed by a War Department clerk as...
157162William Rose’s Return of Tents, with Addenda by Jefferson, [5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
A List of Tents delivered the Army & Militia during the last & present Invasion. 1780. Octo. 3d. delivered to Stephen Southall for Genl. Muhlenburg Tents 23 7 To Jno Carpenter QMS for the Garrison Reg. 48 31 To Ben Sharp sejt. for Colo Harrisons ditto 10 Nov. 4 To Richd Philips for Continental use. militia 15 5 To Jno Hord QMS. militia 45 7 To Wm Jones QM for major Magills corps 14
157163To John Jay from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 6 July 1782 (Jay Papers)
Since my Letter of the 23 d . ult o . Congress have passed the enclosed resolution; my Letter had already anticipated it, so that it will only serve to shew that I was warranted in the observations I had made, & am sorry to add that my prediction that the Troops taken by Spain would be sent to serve against us seems to be confirmed by an account received from Charlestown of a number of...
157164From George Washington to John Mitchell, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Mitchell, 26 Oct. 1778. Mitchell wrote GW on 3 Nov. : “I have the honor of your Excellency favor of the 26th past.”
157165JM Estimate for the service of the year, 1 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
Estimate for the service of the year 1808 Foreign Intercourse. Salaries of three Ministers viz, To London, Paris & Madrid, a 9.000 } 27,000 } Ditto for their 3 Secretaries a 1350. 4,050 Contingent expenses of those Missions 2,000 Contingencies of foreign Intercourse 20,000 53,050. Barbary Intercourse.
157166To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a Letter from the Quarter master of the Regt. stating the inconvenience he is exposed to, and the expence arising to the public, for the want of a Waggon and Horses attached to the Regt. the Qr. Master & Clothier’s stores remain at West Chester, and what articles we have already received at this post, is are paid for at the highest rate of transportation—by being furnished with a...
157167Statement of Expenses Incurred by Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson in Attending the Annapolis Convention, [8 May … (Hamilton Papers)
The People of the State of New York To Egbert and Alexander Hamilton Drs. For our expences in attending the Convention at Annapolis in September last £113 . . 1.4 including the journey thither and back New York to Wit. Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton severally make oath and first the said Egbert Benson saith that of the above mentioned sum he did disburse Thirty six pounds three shillings...
157168To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, with Jefferson’s Approval, 23 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit you a Return of the Militia of the United States, from such returns as have been received since the 20th March 1804 date of the last Return With sentiments of esteem and respect I am, Sir Your Obedient Servant PrC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Dearborn; at foot of text: “President of the U States.” FC ( DNA : RG 107, LSP )....
157169The American Commissioners’ Memorandum of a Conversation with Per Olof von Asp, 8 October 1784 (Adams Papers)
The objects of the supplementary Treaty proposed on the part of the United States with His Sweedish Majesty are in substance these: MS in David Humphreys’ hand ( PCC , No. 116, f. 46–47). At the head of the MS , David Humphreys wrote, “in consequence of the preceding letter the subsequent verbal information was remitted to his Excellency the Ambassador by the hand of M r d’Asp Secretary to the...
157170From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Samuel L. Southard, 7 December 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams requests the Honor of Judge Southard’s Company at Tea on Tuesday the 14 th of December and every alternate Tuesday, during the Session of Congress, when agreeable. NjP : Samuel L. Southard Papers.
157171To George Washington from General William Howe, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I cannot refrain expressing my Surprise upon the Receipt of your Letter dated on the 9th Instant, desiring that the Meeting of the Commissioners, appointed by yourself to be on the Day following, should be deferred, and to so remote a Period as the last of the Month, when you must be sensible how essential this Meeting is, to the Relief of the Prisoners on both Sides, and particularly of those...
157172Warrant for Service in House of Delegates, [5 December] 1786 (Madison Papers)
The Commonwealth to James Madison (Orange) Dr To 41 Days attendance to the 5th Decr inclusive } 20.10 Travelling 150 Miles coming & returning } 3 £23.10. Ms ( Vi ). In a clerk’s hand and endorsed by John Beckley. Docketed with the file designation “Exps. Governmt.”
157173To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, [26 November 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
In relation to the within papers, it is proposed to transmit those concerning Latimer to Mr Dallas, with request that he should make a private enquiry into the facts & give this Depart. his opinion as to the Legality or illegality of the Collector’s conduct. From his report we will be able to judge whether the subject deserves consideration. With respect to Jordan , it is proposed to write to...
157174To Thomas Jefferson from John Sibley, 9 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday I received the letter you did me the honour to write me dated the 27h. of May, together with the printed forms of Vocabularies; the whol Packet had been wet and Considerably injured, I shall with great pleasure attend to your request; but as I have already receiv’d visits from Most of the tribes, some time will elapse before it will be in my Power to see them again, or...
157175To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 19 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This day I received a letter from the Paymaster Genl informing me that he cannot without an immediate supply of money pay the drafts that must soon be made upon him. The Commissary & Quartermaster having drawn such large sums, with what has been drawn to pay the men on board the Continental Privateers, &c. that the Treasury is nearly exhausted: And unless there should be an immediate suply, we...
157176From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 20 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letters of the 12th. and 15th. of the last month, which went by Mr. Dupont, I have received one from Mr. Pinckney wherein he informs me that being unable to procure us a Chief Coiner in England he had written to you to desire you to engage Mr. Droz, whom he understood to be employed at Paris, not much to his satisfaction. We shall be glad, very glad, to receive Droz. But this matter...
157177To James Madison from Jeremiah Lawrence, 15 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to state that David Worth and myself were sole owners of the Schooner Mary of Nantucket which we fitted for a Whaling Voyage to the Cape de Verd Islands and elsewhere, David Folger Master, who sailed from this Port in the said Schooner on the 14 of July 1802 and proceeded on his said intended Voyage & after cruising near the said Islands until the 24th of November, and had obtained...
157178From James Madison to Congress, 12 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 January 1811. Transmits a copy of a letter from the U.S. minister in London to the secretary of state and a copy of a letter from the same to the British secretary of state for foreign affairs. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For enclosures, see nn. JM...
157179To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 3 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My stay at Lorient having been prolonged more than I expected, made me defer writing to you. I expected to be able to acquaint you sooner from Bordeaux of the forwarding the packet for Madrid by a sure opportunity; but I have been obliged to keep it according to your Excellency’s orders, till I can put it into sure hands which will carry it to its destination.—I am now going to that port from...
157180James Madison to Edward Everett, 8 April 1830 (Madison Papers)
I consult the wishes of Mr. Sparks in making you a channel of communication with him. Should he not have arrived at Washington, be so good as to retain the inclosed letter till you can deliver it in person, or till otherwise advised by him or by me. I take this occasion, Sir, to thank you for the copies of Mr. Webster’s and Mr. Sprague’s late speeches. They do honor, both of them, to the...
157181To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 18 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est sur votre billet de hier, que j’ose Vous prier, de vouloir bien garder la Notice de la Gallerie des Antiques, et le Catalogue des estampes du Museum—et que j’ai en même tems l’honneur de Vous envoÿer çijoint tout ce, qui me reste des Grains du Quarantino avec les Observations necessaires . Daignez accepter mes bien profonds et bien sincere respects I take the liberty of writing about...
157182To Thomas Jefferson from Randolph Jefferson, 9 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I should of wrote to you on this business before but wished to be certain in seeing whether I could procure the quantity of seed that I agreed with the nigroes for which was a bushel of Green soard and as much of White Clover they are now delivering that quantity at Eight shillings per Gallons I think the price high at that but I asure you that it was not in My power to git it cheaper if...
157183Major General John Sullivan to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ September 20, 1777. On September 21, 1777, Hamilton and Laurens wrote to Sullivan : “We have just received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found .] Laurens, like H, was an aide-de-camp of Washington. A native of South Carolina and the son of Henry Laurens, John Laurens was H’s closest friend in Washington’s official family.
157184[Diary entry: 12 May 1769] (Washington Papers)
12. Morning lowering & cool—with rain abt. one & 2 oclock. Clear again abt. 4 with a pleast. afternoon.
157185Memorandum List of Quitrents, 1762 (Washington Papers)
A List of Lands for which I paid Quit-Rents due Michaelmas—1762 In King George County viz. 1250 Acres Frederick Do taken up 760 Ditto 453 bot of Johnston 552 Do of McCraken 550 2315 Hampshire Do 240 Fairfax Mt Vernon 2126 bot of Darrel 500
157186Scheme of the First Philadelphia Lottery, 5 December 1747 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , December 12, 1747. The most urgent problem for the Association was not armed men, but money. Volunteering for military service, especially when there was no likelihood of being called to duty unless one’s own city was actually threatened, was one thing; it was another to make a free gift of money to buy supplies. Franklin’s solution was a lottery. Managers...
157187From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Wayne on 23 Sept. : “I received Your favor of Yesterday morning, and am apprehensive, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of a Letter, I wrote you the Night before, that It has fallen into the Enemy’s hands.”
157188To James Madison from Francis Mulligan, 14 October 1806 (Madison Papers)
I profit of the present Occasion, as one of the most Interesting moments of of my life, wherein it affords me, this Early opportunity, in Testifying to you, in the most Sincere manner, my congratulations, on the happy Triumph of republicanism, over the Enymies, to the Peace, and happyness of Our Country, which the event of this Election has but this moment proven, wherein Robert Marion,...
157189To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the President of the United States referred the Resolution of the 26th. of March, 1816, requesting that information be laid before the Senate, “in relation to such proceedings as have been had for completing an accurate chart of the coast, within the extent of Twenty leagues from any of the shores of the United States; and in relation to such examinations...
157190From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
Compliments of the Season, and what is better prayers that you may enjoy the present year and as many future years as you can endure in health Peace and Competence—I congratulate you, on your having your Olive plants round about you—though the two Collegians have not been dutiful enough to send me a journal of their journey—nor an account of their arrival at their Paternal Mansion—a Residence...
157191General Orders, 30 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
One Field Officer, six Captains, twelve Subs. twelve serjts twelve Corporals, two Drums, two Fifes and three hundred Soldiers from Heaths Brigade, and the same from the Cambridge Brigade, to parade as soon as the weather is fair, to march to ploughd hill; one Surgeon & one mate from each Brigade to be provided with proper Instruments and Dressings, are to be ready to march with the above...
157192From Thomas Jefferson to Reuben Lewis, 26 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
If capt Lewis be not already with you, I have the pleasure to inform you of his safe arrival at St. Louis, & that you may expect every hour to see him in Albemarle. in this confidence I take the liberty of putting a letter to him under your cover & salute you with esteem & respect. MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
157193From James Madison to David Lenox, 1 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1802, Department of State, Washington. Acknowledges receipt of Lenox’s 12 Oct. letter and enclosures as well as his earlier letters. It is hoped that American seamen will be discharged from British service as ships return to England with the advent of peace. Accordingly, the president consents to Lenox’s return home in the spring. Erving, the consul at London, will handle any...
157194Editorial Note: Documents Concerning the Whale Fishery (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson’s review of the American whale fishery as a political institution is a classic example of his method as a diplomat, as a political strategist, and as a devotee of intellectual inquiry. As was the case with most of his published writings and state papers, Observations on the Whale-Fishery was preceded by a long period of preparation and study, evidences of which may be traced in notes...
157195To Alexander Hamilton from William Cooper, [26 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Cooperstown, New York, November 26, 1798 ]. Discusses his dispute with Benjamin Walker. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See H to Walker, William Inman, and Cooper, September 9, 1798 .
157196To Thomas Jefferson from La Blancherie, 9 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Je suis dépositaire d’un mémoire pour M. Franklin. J’ai l’honneur de prier votre Excellence de me faire savoir si Elle voudrait bien Se charger de l’envoyer; l’auteur et moi vous aurons beaucoup d’obligations. J’espère que le bruit qui s’est répandu de la mort de M. Franklin est dénué de fondement et que ses jours se prolongeront encore pour le bonheur d’une multitude d’hommes et la gloire des...
157197From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [10 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 10, 1792. On October 20, 1792, McHenry wrote to Hamilton: “I have just recd your letter of the 10th Ulto.” Letter not found. ] At this time McHenry was a member of the Maryland Senate.
157198To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor most respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, copies of certain documents in respect to the official conduct of Edward Wigglesworth Collector of the Customs for the District of Newbury-port in the State of Massachusetts; by which it appears— 1st. That the said Collector has omitted to give bond with sureties for the faithful...
157199George Washington to John Jay, [10 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, May 10, 1779 .] Agrees with Jay’s “summary of the causes of the national evils we feel.” Fears results of a strong British campaign during summer. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
157200General Orders, 19 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Pay-Masters of the Maryland and of the 2nd 3rd & 4th 5th & 11th 7th & 8th Virginia regiments and of Armand’s & Von-Heer’s Marechausie, Corps are to apply to the Deputy-Pay-Master General for warrants to draw the hundred dollars gratuity for the men in their respective corps inlisted for the War previous to the 23rd of January last: The Muster-Rolls for those troops being returned. Varick...