157951To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 5 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia Decemr: 5th: 1809 I picked up some time ago a magazine in which I met with a revival of the Old controversy concerning the divine Origin of Episcopal and Presbyterian Ordination carried on by Dr Hobart and Dr Mason of New York. After reading a few pages of it, I threw down the magazine with disgust, and committed the enclosed thoughts upon that Subject to paper. The partiality you...
157952From George Washington to John Beatty, 24 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 18th by Capt. Forman, who delivered most of the exchanged men committed to his care. Those who stragled have, I beleive, generally come in and joined their Regiments. Inclosed you will find a Copy of a resolution of Congress directing you to take charge of the prisoners that may be taken by Admiral Count D’Estaing. You will be pleased to transmit it to your Deputies and...
157953“The Ghost of Franklin” to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jefferson —will be happy to learn that great progress is making here in gett g suitable (not Tracts and Bibles ) books for each Ship & Vessel.— we are patronized by the wise and patriotic,— we are gett g up an extensive Library for the Forecastle of the Franklin (74) which Ship is getting ready for a 4 Years cruise—how delighted we should be to have a
157954James Madison to Walter Jones, 30 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favor of the 26th. and by the same mail, the prepared Answer to Mr. Edmondson’s Bills forwarded thro’ Mr Cutts. I am much obliged Sir by the considerate & acceptable view which the answer takes of the circumstances which connected me with the subject in controversy. I should have been content, if desired by Mr. Cutts with one less minute, leaving further explanations, if...
157955From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 6 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am induced to mention a subject which has already occasioned many discussions. The situation of those Men ought to be attended to, who, by the chance of War, are subjected to the authority of your Sovereign or mine. It is much to be wished that all difficulties in Exchanges be obviated—the expences of maintaining prisoners liquidated—and solid arrangements made to provide for them in future....
157956To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 31 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Ever Since my arrival at New york I have considered this Post to be the Key of the Island, and Consequently of great Importance[.] Its Importance at this Time is apparently Enhanced, And much more is necessary to be Done than we Can Possibly Do with our few Scattered Troops, General Clintons five Regiments Consist of near 1400 Rank and file fit for Duty Two Hundred of that number are on...
157957To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Lee, 28 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate my Country on the choice of your Excellency to preside over its welfare. I always saw with very great pleasure that one of whose integrity, talents, and prudence, I had so high an opinion, stood among the foremost in support of our cause. Your Excellency will see by the Papers I have had the honor of transmitting to Governor Henry what I have advanced, and how I...
157958From George Washington to Betty Washington Lewis and Sarah Carlyle Herbert, 26 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Mr James Robardet, who has taught my two Grand children dancing, proposes going into your part of the Country to establish a School, if he should meet with sufficient encouragement, and has requested that I would give him a line of recommendation to some of my friends. Mr Robardet’s attention to my grand children, and the progress which they have made under his instruction, induce me to...
157959From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last evening your favor of the 4th: with a subsequent note covering a letter from Mr. Graham. That from Duane, referred to as inclosed, was omitted. All the accts., printed & manuscript, coincide with the view given by Mr. Graham, of the Western feeling produced by Hull’s disaster. The great point is to seize it and give it proper direction. This requires one mind of the right sort,...
157960Articles of Agreement with Theodorus Bailey, 5 January 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1796. JM has sold to Theodorus Bailey and John B. Van Wyck his land known as lot number two of the Sedachqueda Patent in the Mohawk Valley of New York, amounting to approximately nine hundred acres, at $5.83⅓ per acre, for a total of $5,250. Bailey and Van Wyck have paid JM $4,000 and have given him a note for $1,250 payable on or before 1 Jan. 1797. The parties agree to have the...
157961To James Madison from William Cranch, 16 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having understood that Mr. Thos. H. Blake, now a resident of Indiana, is an applicant for the office of District Attorney, I beg leave to state that he was for some time a practitioner at the bar of the Circuit Court for the district of Columbia, and as far as his general deportment and character came under my notice, they were correct, and his talents respectable. I have no doubt that he...
157962To James Madison from James Sullivan, 30 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I incline to beleive that it is my duty to inform the government of the united States, that reports are very prevalent here that an immense Trade in provisions &c. is carried on in passamaquody river the boundary between the united States & the dominions of great britain. A great number of square rigged vessels are lying there, which have brought cargoes of rice flour and other provisions from...
157963To James Madison from David Lenox, 27 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 September 1802, New York. Informs JM that he has “caused to be Shipped on board the Sloop Olive Branch … bound for George Town, a Trunk containing all the Applications which were made to me during my Agency, together with the Answers returned from the Admiralty, which are all Alphabetically arranged in the Books N 1 & 2 which accompany them.” Believes these books and papers should be...
157964From Alexander Hamilton to James Miller, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Staats Morris informs me that he has applied to the Contractor for a supply of fuel for his garrison, and but that the Contractor, from the want of money, has been unable to furnish it. I request that you will take immediate measures for supplying this deficiency— With Cons ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
157965From Thomas Jefferson to Joel Barlow, 20 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ I am in hopes you are now on the Ocean, home-bound, yet I cannot omit the chance of my thanks reaching you for your Conspiracy of kings and advice to the privileged orders, the second part of which I am in hopes is out by this time. Be assured that your endeavors to bring the Transatlantic world into the road of reason, are not without their effect here. Some here are disposed to move...
157966From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with your requisition I have the honor to submit my Opinion as to the course which it will be adviseable for the President to pursue in regard to the armed Opposition recently given in the four Western Counties of Pennsylvania to the execution of the laws of the U. States laying duties upon Spirits distilled within the United States and upon Stills. The case upon which an Opinion...
157967To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 12[–16] September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] September 12 [ –16 ] 1799 . Encloses “a New Ark paper containing an anonymous paragraph against me—also my letter on the Subject to the Magistrates of New Ark together with their answer.” Has employed Dr. James Muirhead to attend the sick at the fort during Dr. John G. Coffin’s absence and at Coffin’s expense. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. On September 7,...
157968To Thomas Jefferson from Silas Talbot, 20 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Johnstown, New York, 20 Nov. 1788. Asks TJ to inquire about his two sons, Cyrus and George Washington Talbot, who are volunteers in the French navy. Mr. Jay informed him that he had written TJ on this subject some time ago. Talbot missed seeing the boys when the fleet was in Boston last September; has forwarded $200 through La Forest to “the Governor” of Normandy for money advanced to them at...
157969To George Washington from Colonel Francis Johnston, 7 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lieutt McKinney who carries this to Your Excelly, has in charge another Detachment of the new Levies consisting of Ninety five men—The Route he will shew to Your Excelly, wh. probably will answer the several Detachments that are to be sent in future—Two hundred and thirty men including Captn Hubley’s Party have already been sent on, the present Detachment, together with those I shall be...
157970To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse Jordan, 27 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed the president is in Want of a head Miller. I take the Liberty of offering as Such and flatter My Self that few men can come Better recommended as an Experienced Miller and Mill Wright to trade—aged About 32 years with a Small family In good Credit & will be will recommend By Mr. John Strode, as well as a number of other gentlemen. of Culpeper County, If a caracter of this Kind is...
157971George Washington’s Notes on the Treaty with Spain, 22–26 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
art. II. Boundary—Northermost part of the 31st degree—thence by an East line to the Middle of the River Apalachecola—Down the middle of d[itt]o to its junction with the flint River—thence by a straight line to the head of St Mary’s—And down the middle thereof to the Atlantic. All Troops to be drawn from the Territory of the other party within 6 months after ratifications are exchanged. III....
157972To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured with your letter relative to a deputy quarter master for the State of Virginia, and from the information it contained expected Colo. Finnies arrival in Philadelphia before I left it; but I have not seen or heard from him, And as I was so soon going to the Army I suspended my answer till I should have an opportunity of enquiring of the Gentlemen from your State if they could...
157973To George Washington from Lieutenant Caleb Brewster, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
this Morning Returnd from Long Island where I find that the Garrison on Lloyds Consists of 250 Men Including Wood Cutters, they Have a Small fort Situated upon a Clift Joyning the Sound, with a Small Entrenchment about three feet in Height, Nearly four Square Abatied on three Sides in about fifteen feet of the Lines & nothing but Musquetry to Defend it, the Garrison Consists Entirely of New...
157974To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Visscher, 27 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
May 27, 1784. Lists persons against whom judgments have been entered under the Confiscation Law. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Visscher was an Albany lawyer who was clerk of the city and county of Albany.
157975General Orders, 3 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
All regimental officers to hut with their respective regiments—The regimental and briga[d]e staff are also to be with their respective Corps; and the brigadiers if they do not hut with their brigades are to be as convenient to them as possible. The Auditors of Accounts and Deputy Pay-Master General are to take quarters in houses contiguous to each other and as convenient to Head Quarters as...
157976From George Washington to James Mercer, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, to shew you that I have not been inattentive to the contents of it. But I must delay giving a definitive answer to your request for using my name in the Suit which you propose to institute, until the return of your Brother, Colo. John Mercer, to this City, shall enable me to learn from him whether...
157977To Alexander Hamilton from Horatio Dayton, 4 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On the morning of the 2: Inst. was discovered, on this Island, two Barrels one containing Rum and the other Gin, concealed in the weeds, upon examination I found it was not chance that cast it on shore, but that a Boat, containing these Barrels was cut from the dock in New York the preceeding night and brought to this Island by two of the Soldiers, who after taking out the liquor shoved off...
157978From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter came under cover to me from the Sister of General Pinckney. Not knowing whether he had Sailed or not, she took this method of forwarding of it to him—and I request you to do this by the first good Conveyance. I am Yours Affectly P.S. I shall commence my Journey for Philadelphia this afternoon—but business will detain me one day at least in the Federal City. ALS , PHi :...
157979Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de recevoir votre lettre du 21 du Courant ainsi que la traitte de Messrs Gibson & Jefferson sur la Banque de Pennsylvania pour sa Somme de Quarante piastres. D’après le compte ci-Inclus, il vous revient une balance de dix dollars & trente-deux cents , que je tiendrai à votre disposition. Je profite de cette occasion pour vous remercier & vous prier d’agreer les assurances du...
157980To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 2 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having this moment received a Commission by which I am appointed Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, I have the honor to inform you that I accept the Office, & shall immediately proceed to execute its duties. I have the honor to be / with profound respect, Sir, / Your obedt. & faithful servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
157981General Orders, 3 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A report having circulated that Mr Jones, Deputy Commissary General of Issues had granted a pass to a woman to carry thirty pounds of butter into Philadelphia; The matter was fully inquired into and appears to be without foundation. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Thomas Jones, who submitted regular returns to GW of stores in the middle department (see DNA:PCC , item 192), served as deputy...
157982From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sep. 3d 1792. Since my last to you dated the 26th of Augt—I have been favoured with your letter bearing the same date, covering Mr Bordley’s “Sketches on rotations of Crops[.]” Permit me, through you to offer him my sincere thank for this instance (among many others) of his politeness. The subject is interesting and important, and as soon as I have leizure, for...
157983From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 14 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have Stronger reasons Since I Last wrote to you, to Confirm me in my oppinion that the Army under General Howe, is on its departure, all their movements pronounce it, but Lest it may be but a feint, I must Continue on my guard, & not weaken my Lines too much, untill I have a Certainty of their departure, it is given out, that they are bound to Halifax, but I am of opinion that Newyork is the...
157984From George Washington to William Bird, 2 October 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Bird, 2 Oct. 1788. As president and director of the Potowmack Company, GW signs a notice that the company is seeking a judgment against Bird for the indebtedness on Bird’s subscription to the company. LS , sold in 1973, American Book Prices Current, 79 (1973), 114.
157985From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 1 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 May 1810. Transmits a report from the secretary of state in compliance with the House resolution of 30 Apr. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC 1 p. Enclosures (13 pp.) are Robert Smith’s 1 May report on relations with Great Britain and France and six appendixes containing extracts from diplomatic correspondence. Received, read, and tabled on 1 May. Printed in Annals...
157986To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 26 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
I came to Town late last night and was this morning favored with yours of the 26th. & Ult. and 12th. Inst. Having last week forwarded to the post Office a letter to be put into the Mail for you I hope you have by this time recd. it. In that letter I made some observations upon both the excise and the Bank. I find that each has passed. I never reflected on the latter upon the ground you took...
157987To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Dubuysson, 21 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Avant mon départ de phidelphie Mr. Lauvel [Lovell] m’avoit chargé de trés gros paquet pour votre Exellence. Mr. Pethers [Peters] et Mr. Jenifer et plusieurs autres dans toutes ils avoient La bonté de vous Rendre Compte de la maniere dont j’ay Servi dans la merique depuis Cinq ans, Le Congré a bien voulu aussy me recommander directement aux Ministres de...
157988To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mde de fleury widow to our Gallant friend Having Imparted to me Her Intention to Adress the Governement of the United States, is pleased to think that Letters from me, and one particularly to you, Might Serve Her purpose. I am Sure the American Citizens, and Above all our Brother Soldiers, Need Not Being Reminded of the Brilliant and Useful Service Which the Late General fleury Had the...
157989To George Washington from Louis-Antoine-Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de Cambray-Digny, 23 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having heard of a Resolution of the Honble the Congress for exchanging the Officers of the Convention; I take that Opportunity to reccomd myself to Your Excellency, being extremely anxious to go into the Field and to Show my good will in being useful. I Served ever Since the Invasion of General Provost in the Southern Departement, the different Events of War in that part of the Continent gave...
157990Enclosure: Memorial, 12 August 1787 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of Pierre Roussilles sheweth—That he is the son of a merchant of Bordeaux; and that he entered as a volunteer on board the Boston Frigate commanded by Captn Tucker on the 22d of may 1778—on the 19th June they took a prize on board of which the memorialist embarked to sail for Boston; but on their way thither they were retaken by a British frigate & carried to Portsmouth in Engld...
157991From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard McMahon, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been daily expecting some of the large hiccory nuts from Roanoke which would possess you of what I believe is the same species from Gloucester, Kentucky & Roanoke. but they are not yet arrived. I must now ask the favor of you to furnish me with the articles below mentioned for the garden, which will occupy much of my attention when at home. I would wish the roots &c to be so packed up...
157992From Benjamin Franklin to Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am sorry I could not be at home to receive you yesterday. To-morrow morning at 9 O Clock, you may certainly find me. I name that Hour as a Time when I am least likely to be interrupted, and hoping to have the Pleasure of your Company at Breakfast. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur...
157993Thomas Jefferson to Daniel D. Tompkins, 18 May 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ I have not had the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet our respective public duties have heretofore produced an intercourse of letters which rendering us not entire strangers furnish the grounds of addressing this letter to you. it will be handed by mr Rives , a young gentleman of this state, an eleve of mine in the law, of great abilities, learning and worth, and one who...
157994To James Madison from Edward Livingston, April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret very much that I had not the pleasure of seeing you before I left the Seat of Government. On taking a final leave of that body in which I began my political noviciate with the advantage of your friendship & advice it would have been interesting to review the changes it has undergone since that period with one Whose liesure & observation have enabled him to mark their causes and...
157995To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [15 April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1793. On April 18, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox : “The requests contained in your letter of the 15 of April have been complied with.” Letter not found. ]
157996To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, 14 February 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragmentary copy): American Philosophical Society [A few lines at the end of a letter, which convey Priestley’s best wishes “for the success of your laudable endeavours in the cause of science, truth, justice, peace , and, which comprehends them all, and everything valuable in human life, LIBERTY .”]
15799723 Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Went with Mr. Thayer and Mrs. Willard, to Mr. Richardsons of Sutton.
157998To Thomas Jefferson from A. E. Van Braam Houckgeest, 10 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Charleston, S. C., 10 Apr. 1787 . In March of 1786, he sent from Charleston, on his brig, Amitié , Capt. Peray, among other things, three leather bundles and a small cask of snuff from Brazil which he bought in Charleston, not knowing that it was contraband in France; on arriving at Bordeaux the captain had all of the cargo unloaded, thereby proving that he had no intention of smuggling. The...
157999From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favrd with yours of the 8th and 16th instants. You will be pleased to send Adams with the necessary Witnesses down to the Highlands there to be tried by a Court Martial, which I have directed Genl Heath to have held upon him. I return the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry which may be necessary to ground the charges agt him. You were right in not complying with the request for...
158000[Diary entry: 23 February 1774] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear calm and exceeding pleasant. Ground little or nothing froze.