157951To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 25 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Tho I know that your time is occupied by more important concerns, yet the interest you take in the introduction of merino sheep induces me to hope that you will find leasure (at least when you return to your farm) to run over the little treatize which accompanies this letter. It was written with a view to remove the prejudices of common farmers, who are suspicious of every thing new, & to...
157952To Thomas Jefferson from François Soulés, 21 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In the parliamentary pocket-book I published, I find a note to that purport: a member of the Commons is a Knight, a citizen or burgess. He must be resident within the same county the day of the writ of summons and ought to have 40 shillings of free hold within the said county, beyond all charges &c . A person who has just published a book intitled, les Comices de Rome &c. maintains that to be...
157953To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Yours of Feb 12 received. I have called at Mr. Hutton’s door, but he was not at home, I shall deliver the letters to morrow. We are to have a very long day in the house today, so that I cannot enter into any matter at present. Suspend for a few hours, or days. Times seem to be mending. Let us take all possible chance of reconciliation. While there is life there...
157954To Thomas Jefferson from John Shaw, 23 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The President is respectfully in formed that an express mail has a short time ago arrived from the eastward with the letters we send by the bearer for him— With great respect & esteem DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
157955[Diary entry: 8 February 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 8th. Mercury at 27 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 30 at Night. The Wind which had been at No. Et. all day yesterday still continued there. In the Night and early this Morning it Rained after which it hailed and then Snowed. At home all day.
157956[Diary entry: 30 June 1774] (Washington Papers)
30. At home all day alone except Mr. Peake coming here in the Afternoon.
157957From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It may seem odd considering the important events which have taken place in this State within the course of ten days past, that I should not have transmitted an account of them to your Excellency, but such has been their extraordinary rapidity and such the unremitted exertions they have required from all concerned in Government that I do not recollect the portion of time which I could have...
157958To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 14 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The honorable the secretary of war, advised me in a letter dated the 21 March 1799. to remove from Cincinnati to this place, and informed me that it was intended I should repair to the seat of government as soon as I should receive orders from you to that effect. In pursuance of this advice I reached Pittsburgh on the 10th instant, and on my arrival received your favor of the 3d. April last,...
157959[Diary entry: 15 July 1771] (Washington Papers)
15. Something Cooler in the forenoon with Rain. Afternoon Warm.
157960From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Waugh, 6 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter of Dec. 18. I have to inform you that no land office being as yet opened in upper Louisiana, no one is permitted to settle on the public lands there, and that the military is specially charged with preventing it. but the country of Kaskaskian on the opposite side of the river is open to acquisition, yields to the other side in no single circumstance, and is far...
157961From Joseph Hopkinson to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
A few days ago there arrived at this port of Philadelphia, in a packet from Alexandria, a certain box, directed to me; which, when opened, was found to contain a very fine head , in excellent order —As no letter accompanied the box, or was received by any other Conveyance, the head was left to speak for itself; and inform from whence it came, and to what it was destined. The recollection of a...
157962From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 3 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr Tubeuffe, is the son of a gentleman of that name from France who settled in Virginia some years ago, and was unhappily murdered by some ruffians who made their escape. I was not acquainted personally with him or any of his family, but heard much of them from time to time, and always favorably. the inclosed letter from mr Giles however, as personally acquainted with their...
157963To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 14 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
This is brought to Raystown Camp, by a detachmt of Invalids from the Troops on this side the mountains. In primaval times, you remember our state of provisions at Gists house, from that you can judge of present Circumstances. To testify our Inclination to post the service we have sent down our Own horses to Raystown for a supply. You can judge how much that will Avail. Majr Grant marchd the...
157964To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux, 16 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me fait L’honneur de vous ecrire cellecy pour asseurer de mon respect et en meme temp pour vous prié de ne pas Ignorez que jette abord de Lexenton [Lexington] capitaine henry Jonshon pour Capt. de prize et que je me Suis fait Lhonneur de vous ecrire etant a Dunkerque vous mavez fait Lhonneur dune reponse par laquelle vous me marquiez que cela Nettoit pas...
157965To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 25 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Albert Gallatin. 25 April 1806, Treasury Department. “The Secretary of the Treasury, presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of State, and transmits for his consideration thereon, a letter from Ambrose Nelson of Philadelphia, dated the 23 instant, accompanied with a sett of bills for two hundred dollars, and other documents in relation to his claim on the French Government,...
157966From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letters of 17 & 18th. Lieutenant Beale it is true is a young man of 26 or 27, but he has been fourteen years at sea. His conduct, since the ship arrived here, has been very attentive & faithful to his duty. If Talman and Dobell are appointed what are you to do with Hull & Hamilton. Do you give Talman & Dobell rank before them? Neither Hull nor Hamilton are older than Beale...
157967To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Paris. No. 3. Reports that on 13 June French powers to negotiate were formally presented; encloses copy. Relates French doubts about his powers beyond authority to exchange ratifications. Has sent French commissioners copy of convention as ratified and of his letter of credence. “I found that the Objection to the Suppression of the Second Article would be in this Idea, that they...
157968From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The President has received a petition from the keeper of the light house at Portland (Joseph Greenleaf) setting forth that his compensation is fixed below the rate at which he can afford to perform the service. It is understood that it was not a matter of contract, but that it was fixed at that rate after his appointment to the duty. Your opinion on the sufficiency of the allowance and on the...
157969New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—They were ready to go as far as they thought safe, in recommendatory & explanatory Amend[ment]s —& secure the Constitu[tio]n—& that Many of the Amend[ment]s we have proposed—they suppose wrong—yet they will bring forward Amend[ment]s & will be pledged for to obtain those which they bring forward—as far as they can—Reads a form of adoption —Reads a list of amend[ment]s which they...
157970From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon DeWitt, 28 June 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 28, 1797. “I am applied to, to examine the Title to a tract of land described in the extract A, which is inclosed. It appears from the papers put into my hands, that a Map of the intire tract patented to John W Watkins the 25 of June 1794 as surveyed is on file in your office. By the extract from the patent, which is also herewith, it is found that a number of tracts...
157971To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, February 23, 1792. “… I have deposited in the Providence Bank, agreeable to your directions of the 7th Instant, 4,097 Dollars & 18½ Cents,… having retained 40 Dollars for my present private Expences, not doubting it would meet with your approbation, as the Emoluments of my Office afford me little or no Support.” ADfS , Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
157972To George Washington from David Redick, 22 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since my arrival from Carlisle I have been waited on for news, by great numbers of people of various opinions and Spirits; and am Constrained from a Sense of duty to inform you Sir that I have not discovered that Contrition for past crimes which the inormity of them and the danger approaching ought to have produced—fear however, has opporated on many—Some have departed the country others...
157973[Diary entry: 27 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 27th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morng. 59 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds, and Cold. Doctr. Craik who came here last Night, returned this Morning to Maryland.
157974From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 30th of April and 4th of this month. The first was delivered to me by Colo. Menonville, to whom I refer you for what has passed between us on the subject of his mission. I have received no particular intelligence from New York since that of the 29th ulto, which has been communicated to your Excellency. I very sincerely wish success to...
157975From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Chisholm, 8 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I had intended to have been at Poplar forest before this time, but a hurt which I recieved in riding confined me to the house a considerable time and leaves me not yet strong enough to undertake a journey: and as I am to set out for Washington about the 27th. I think it extremely doubtful whether I shall be able to go to Bedford at all, however anxious I am to do so. should I not, I must pray...
157976From Thomas Jefferson to William G. Wall, 2 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 8. was recieved on the 13 as the subject would require explanations beyond the compas of a letter, and D r Emmet one of our Professors was then to set out within a few days for New York I asked the favor of him to call on you, and after informing you of all particulars which it might be interesting to you to know, to assure you that your services would be highly acceptable....
157977To George Washington from Col. David Forman, 11 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. David Forman, 11 May 1777. GW wrote Forman on 15 May : “I am favd with yours of the 11th.”
157978Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with Alexander Hamilton, [16 May 1772] (Hamilton Papers)
1059. Ann Ventons quittance ved Hammilton for 45 rdr. contant og et oxehoved sucker of 16de maij 1772. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot: 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324, receipt no. 1059, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “1059. Ann Venton’s quittance of the 16th of May 1772 with Hamilton for 45 rigs-dollars cash and a hogshead of sugar.” Ann Lytton Venton, the...
157979To George Washington from Brigadier General John Neilson, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last Evening I was honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the third Inst. I have not yet been able to ascertain a more exact disposition of the Enemy on Staten Island, every means in my Power shall be made use of for the purpose, I have given directions to have the Boats wanting repairs to be put in order I have found a number of Oars belonging to them—By a person who appears very...
157980From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 17 December 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 17 Dec. 1790. In a letter to GW, dated 28 Dec. 1790 , George Augustine Washington refers to letters of “the 15th & 17th Inst.”
157981To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 7 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The within extra-account of E. Burroughs for building the light houses seems proper, being clearly work which was not contemplated by the contract. But as this is not an item of repairs, but in fact an addition to the contract for building which was approved by the President, no alteration can legally be made without his approbation. The propriety of allowing the account is respectfully...
157982[Diary entry: 5 October 1787] (Washington Papers)
Friday 5th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 67 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at South. Rid to all the Plantations. Having finished sowing Rye at Dogue run, 22½ Bushels, sent one of the Plows to Muddy hole. The rest of the horses, & hands, were employed in treading out wheat—the Fodder there being also secured. Finding it in vain to attempt following the whole of No. 4...
157983To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Arrival of the British Fleet upon this Coast having made it necessary to call together a considerable Body of the Militia, in Number four thousand, the Governor & Council have honoured me with the Command of them with the Rank of Brigadier General; an Appointment that was unsolicited, unexpected, &, I wish I could say, it was not unmerited. I confess my Want of military Knowledge; but by...
157984From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I scribbled you a line on the 24th. Ult. It missed of the post and so went by a private hand. I perceive from yours by Mr. Bringhurst that you had not recieved it. In fact it was only an earnest exhortation to come here with Munroe, which I still hope you will do. In the mean time I inclose you a letter from him, and wish your opinion on it’s principal subject. The variety of other topics, the...
157985To James Madison from David R. Williams, 22 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed extract from the proceedings of the Legislature of this State, explain fully the cause of my now addressing you. The veneration I feel for the source from whence they proceed, qualifies the discharge of the duty enjoined on me, & to which I am eaqually quickened by a sense of the correctness of the course taken & the vital importance of the object in view. The adversity which has...
157986To James Madison from Gulian C. Verplanck, 5 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
The interest which your connection with the University of Virginia shews that you feel in the subject of education induces me to send you a copy of the last report of the N. Y. High School Society. The schools of this institution afford the most compleat and successful example of the application of the Monitorial system of instruction to the higher branches of education. They were originally...
157987Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 11 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received this week Your Letters of Nov br. 24 th and 28 th , and this morning Yours of dec br 3d, the contents of which gave me much pleasure. it will be a real subject of rejoicing to me, if we obtain mr Whitney for our pastor; it will greatly add to the pleasure I anticipate upon my return to Quincy to find that we are in possession of a Gentleman of mr Whitneys known and acknowledged...
157988From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 25 June 1756 (Washington Papers)
I was in hope that by Garrisoning the Forts with part of the Militia, we should have been able to have mustered a greater number of Soldiers to work upon the Forts that are to be built: But I am under the greatest apprehensions, that all who are now up will desert: They go off in twenties—and all threaten to return, if they are not relieved in a very short time, or discharged. Many...
157989[Diary entry: 12 October 1771] (Washington Papers)
12. At home on the same business. Doctr. Craik came in the Afternoon.
157990To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 1 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to advise your Excellency that the Connecticut Troops, that arrived in this Colony under the Command of Brigadier Wooster are encamped within two Miles of this Town. I have not yet had a Return of their Numbers[.] as soon as my Order for that Purpose is complied with I shall transmit it. Inclose You Sir a Copy of the Resolutions of the Hono: the Continental Congress of...
157991To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 31 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Dearborn & myself intend seting out for Monticello on tuesday, I had anxiously hoped that dispatches would have arrived from Paris before I left the City, and that something more explicit would have been communicated from London, but nothing of the kind has arrived,—the Kickapoos are uneasy and threaten hostilities, but the measures taken by Govr. Harrison will I presume have the desired...
157992John Thaxter to John Adams, 22 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of your favour of the 20th this Morning. I am happy to hear that your Eyes are better. Altho’ I have not as yet been able to obtain a Master for the Children, yet they are pursuing their Studies. The Master that is recommended is said to be the best in the place, and has a happy Faculty in teaching the Languages. The Vacancy begins to day and lasts for three Weeks. The...
157993To John Adams from Jonathan DeWitt, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Address of the Grand Jury of the County Dutchess , in the State of New-York .— On any common occasion we should not think it proper to intrude upon you our opinions relative to affairs which are entrusted to the executive and to our more immediate representatives; But when ambitious enemies affect to treat the government of our choice as a usurpation;—when under the mask of friendly...
157994[Diary entry: 19 June 1798] (Washington Papers)
19. Morning Wind still at East & Mer. at 70. Slow rain on & off all the forenoon—then clear—afterwds. cloudy & misting—Mer. .
157995To John Jay from Thomas Jefferson (private), 23 August 1785 (Jay Papers)
I shall sometimes ask your permission to write you letters, not official but private. the present is of this kind, and is occasioned by the question proposed in yours of June 14 ‘Whether it would be useful to us to carry all our own productions, or none?’ were we perfectly free to decide this question, I should reason as follows. we have now lands enough to employ an infinite number of people...
157996From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Coombe, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I receiv’d a few welcome Lines from you acquainting me with your safe Arrival at Philada. and promising me a long Letter, which I suppose has miscarried. So I know nothing of your Reception and Engagements, your Views, Pursuits or Studies, or what would please you best from hence, new Poetry or new Sermons; for the better Chance therefore of hitting...
157997From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I think Colo. Humphrey’s in one of his letters to you, refers to his to me, for some article of News. I see nothing therein that we have not had before; but send it nevertheless, for your perusal. Can any thing be said, or done, respecting the Marquis de la Fayette? I send the letter that you may give it another perusal. I send a letter also from a French Gentleman in New York offering his...
157998From John Adams to John Jay, 21 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, at Eleven O Clock, I went by Appointment to Lord Carmarthens Office, and was admitted to his Lordship as soon as he arrived from his House. as this was an hour earlier, than the usual Appearance of the foreign Ministers at the Secretary of States Levee, I had time for a long Conversation with his Lordship. At first I presented him a Memorial, containing a Requisition, of immediate...
157999From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 4 August 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library I did not receive my Dear Friend’s Letter of yesterday till I came home late in the Evening. I have this Morning wrote the Directions you desired, and sent them to your Friend. If you should hear that they are not quite clear in any particular, let me know that I may explain what is doubtful. My Son presents his Respects. We intend our selves the Pleasure of...
158000From George Washington to William Barton, 7 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
At the same time I announce to you the receipt of your obliging letter of the 28th of last month, which covered an ingenious essay on Heraldry, I have to acknowledge my obligations for the sentiments your partiality has been indulgent enough to form of me, and my thanks for the terms in which your urbanity has been pleased to express them. Imperfectly acquainted with the subject, as I profess...