158601Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Circular to Office Seekers, [ca. 6 March 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
THE friendship which has long subsisted between the President of the United States and myself gave me reason to expect, on my retirement from office, that I might often receive applications to interpose with him on behalf of persons desiring appointments. Such an abuse of his dispositions towards me would necessarily lead to the loss of them, and to the transforming me from the character of a...
15860269. A Bill to Encourage the Apprehending of Horse Stealers, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that whosoever shall apprehend one charged with horse stealing, if the prisoner be convicted of that crime, shall be intitled to a reward of pounds, to be paid by the Treasurer, upon a certificate of the General Court, that the claimant was the apprehender, and either that he was not examined as a witness at the trial, or that the other evidence then...
15860330th. (Adams Papers)
The Society met, this morning at Packard’s Chamber agreeable to their Resolution. Mr. Paine presided. Chandler and Cushman were received. Beale and Harris were at length admitted; and it was resolved that they should be received, the morning of the anniversary, which will be next Tuesday. But all attempts to admit two others that were proposed were found useless. It is a misfortune, that small...
158604Conversations with Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, and Aaron Burr, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of this day the President requested Mr Butler (who had to pass by his house) to give him a call on his way to the Senate Chamber; and in this interview the President informed Mr Butler, that after the best consideration which time and circumstances had allowed him to bestow on the subject of etiquette, which had been submitted to him on the 24 instant, he thought it most...
158605[Diary entry: 15 March 1790] (Washington Papers)
Monday 15th. Received an Address from the Roman Catholics of the United States presented by Mr. Carroll of the Senate, Mr. Carroll & Mr. Fitzimmons of the House of Representatives, and many others, Inhabitants of the City of New York. Received a letter from the Executive of the State of Pensylvania, by the hands of a Mr. Ryerson one of the Representatives of that State in Assembly, respecting...
158606[Diary entry: 29 October 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 29th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning 64 at Noon and 65 at Night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant. About Noon it began to lower a little, and continued to do so all the Afternoon. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run—at the last of which finished Sowing the Clover Seed which I sent there the 26th.; With this I mixed 9 Bushels of the pounded Plaister of Paris; and...
158607General Orders, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Great numbers of prisoners are now in the Provost, suffering extremely from the severity of the season. Brigade General Courts Martial are to be appointed for to morrow, and to sit daily, ’till all the prisoners belonging to the respective brigades are tried. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book adds the following passage to the general orders for this date: “a...
158608[Diary entry: 8 March 1772] (Washington Papers)
8. At Colo. Bassetts all day.
158609[From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens of New-York], [13 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , December 27, 1796. In reprinting this handbill signed by “A True American,” the Argus stated that on December 13, 1796, “three thousand of the following hand-bill were slily pushed under the knockers and doors of the citizens under cover of the darkness of the night.” The Argus suggests, but does not categorically state, that H wrote...
158610Agreement of Georgetown, Md., Property Owners, 13 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
The object of the subscribers to the paper annexed, is to accommodate —they will cheerfully consent to any other arrangement, that may be thought reasonable, should their Lands, or any part of them be selected for the Federal City. They are induced to make the offer of their Lands under the Idea, that if the Federal City should be erected on navigation, no place in the small distance from the...
158611Statement of Editorial Policy, 24 July 1740 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , July 24, 1740. George Whitefield’s doctrine and eloquence had sensational effects throughout the colonies. One of those who resisted him, strongly disapproving his excessive religious emotionalism, was Ebenezer Kinnersley, a Baptist lay preacher in Philadelphia. In a sermon on July 6, 1740, Kinnersley expressed abhorrence of “Enthusiastick Ravings ... that...
15861216th. (Adams Papers)
I went to bed immediately on my arrival; rose at about 10 in the morning, sent a man to find out Mr. Barclay. He return’d and told me he was vis-à-vis la maison de Ville. I went and found him very unwell: he had meant to leave L’Orient four or five days ago; but has been very ill with an humour in his head; but he is now much better, and thinks to set off next Thursday. I found Mr. Champion...
158613[Diary entry: 5 July 1772] (Washington Papers)
5. At home all day alone.
158614Marriage Settlement for Mary Jefferson (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the twelfth day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven between Thomas Jefferson of the one part, Mary Jefferson his daughter of the second part, both of Albemarle, Francis Eppes and Elizabeth his wife of the county of Chesterfeild of the third part and John Wayles Eppes their son of the fourth part of the same county, Witnesseth, that forasmuch as a...
158615[Diary entry: 16 June 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 16th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—82 at Noon and 80 at Night. Clear with little wind in the Morning. About 10 or 11 oclock a breeze sprung up from the Eastward but died soon afterwards—rising again in the afternoon at So. West. Finished my Mill race and Dam this Afternoon. Began about 10 Oclock to put up the Book press in my study.
158616Report on the Reception of Sir John Temple as British Consul General, 28 November 1785 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred his Letter of 24 th . Inst: to his Excellency the President, with M r. Temple’s Commission—Reports That John Temple Esquire has presented to the United States in Congress Assembled, a Commission in due Form bearing Date of the fifth Day of February last, from his britannic Majesty, constituting and...
158617[Diary entry: 2 September 1772] (Washington Papers)
2. Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole Plantation 123½ Bushls. in the whole. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Ferry Plantation also 84 Bushls. on the other side the Swamp next Mrs. French’s making in all 152½ Bushl. Sowed there.
158618General Orders, 9 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
John Evans of Capt: Ledyards Company Col. McDougall’s Regiment—Hopkins Rice of Capt: Pierce’s Company Col. Ritzema’s Regiment having been tried by a General Court Martial whereof Col. Read was President and found guilty of “Desertion,” were sentenced to receive each Thirty-nine Lashes. The General approves the Sentences and orders them to be executed at the usual time & place. Passes to go...
158619[Diary entry: 9 March 1799] (Washington Papers)
9. Morning clear but lowering, and, at times raining through the day. Major Pinckney came in the Evening. Mer. 40 and wind Southerly. Thomas Pinckney was returning home to South Carolina from a session of the United States Congress in Philadelphia. He was interested in experimental farming, and during this visit one of the topics of discussion was GW’s jackasses, two of which were for sale (...
1586206th. (Adams Papers)
A stormy day. Very unwell, especially in the former part of the Day. I have had several Times little contests with Bridge, upon the Subject of our forensic. He is to support the negative side of the Question, and will write very ingeniously. He is the only person in the Class who is fond of discussing questions of this kind in Conversation: we frequently dispute, and it always, increases my...
158621Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
158622[Diary entry: 24 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning—78 at Noon And 67 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and weather clear but about One Oclock a cloud came up and produced rain but neither hard or much of it—afterwhich it turned cool—the Wind being at N. W. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—the ground being too wet to plow in the Corn ground, those & the harrow which were there, were...
158623[Diary entry: 6 November 1799] (Washington Papers)
6. Set out from thence after 8 Oclk. being detained by sprinkling Rain, & much appearance of it until that hour. Reached Wiley’s Tavern near Difficult Bridge to Breakfast and then proceeded to Survey my own Land. The day clearing & the weather becoming pleasant. wiley’s tavern : James Wiley was licensed by Fairfax County to keep a tavern from as early as 1790 until at least the second decade...
158624[Diary entry: 17 April 1770] (Washington Papers)
17. Returnd home in the Afternoon with Mr. Josh. Gallaway, & Colo. R. Lee. In court today Thomas Montgomerie of Dumfries had recorded a letter from Margaret Savage which granted him power of attorney in her affairs (Fairfax County Order Book for 1770–72, 15, Vi Microfilm). Mrs. Savage’s husband had apparently coerced or coaxed her into taking this step, which put her trustees, GW and Bryan...
158625[Diary entry: 25 July 1766] (Washington Papers)
25. Began to Sow Turneps in Drills behind Quarter.
158626I. Questions for the Committee, 18 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Several Clerks, and Issuing Commissaries, are necessarily Imployed undr the Commissary Genl—for which no Provision is made—several Assistant Quarter Masters are also Imployed in order to discharge the Duty—and a Clerk is, and all along has been, found necessary, to assist in the Office of the Adjutt General—What Pay should be allowed them? Six Vessells (Armed) are fitted, & now fitting out as...
158627March [1766] (Washington Papers)
21. Sowed Hemp about the old Tobo. House at Muddy hole. Note, the latter part of Feby., & all Mar. till the 19th. was extreamely wet and disagreeable—scarce two fair days together & sometimes hard Frosts, insomuch that neither Hoe nor Plow coud be stuck into the Ground, which prevented my sowing Hemp till the 21st. as above. 22. Began to sow Hemp (adjoining the Lane going to Mrs. Wades) at the...
158628General Orders, 30 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolves. By the United States in Congress assembled May 4th 1781, Resolved, That Thomas Hutchins be appointed Geographer to the Southern army with the same pay and emoluments as are allowed to the Geographer of the main army. May 8th 1781 Resolved That the Commander in Chief be and he is hereby authorized and directed to...
158629August 26. 1796. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Cloudy. Wind. N.E. but not rainy. The shower last night has refreshed Us. The Corn, the Gardens, the Pastures, The After feed, the Fruit trees all feel it. Sullivan gone for a Load of Seaweed. The other Men upon the Wall. In digging a Trench for the Wall We find Stones enough, in Addition to the old Wall to compleat the New one. Four hands with a Yoke of Oxen have done Six Rods in four days...
158630Executive Pardon, 12 October 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 October 1811, Washington. JM remits the sentence of death imposed 12 Aug. 1811 by a court-martial at Baton Rouge on Sgt. Peter B. Conger of the Consolidated Infantry Regiment for the offense of desertion. Leaves standing that part of the sentence reducing Conger to the ranks. Tr ( DNA : RG 107, LSMA ). 1 p.
158631The Defence No. X, [26 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The object of the third article is connected with that of the second. The surrender of the posts naturally drew with it an arrangement with regard to inland Trade and navigation. Such an arrangement convenient in several respects appears to be in some respects necessary. To restrain the Indians on either side of the line from trading with the one party or the other at discretion, besides the...
158632[Diary entry: 22 February 1772] (Washington Papers)
22. Wind very fresh all the forepart of the day from the Southward Melting all the Snow in the Fields & drying the Ground fast.
158633[Diary entry: 11 September 1770] (Washington Papers)
11. Cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell.
158634London July 20. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
“Every Act of Authority, of one Man over another for which there is not an absolute Necessity, is tyrannical.” “Le Pene che oltre passano la necessita di conservare il deposito della Salute pubblica, sono ingiuste di lor natura.” Beccaria. The Sovereign Power is constituted, to defend Individuals against the Tyranny of others. Crimes are acts of Tyranny of one or more on another or more. A...
158635General Orders, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persons having any passes from Major John Clarke are to pass all guards. The Commander in Chief approves, the following sentences of a General Court Martial, the 22nd November last, whereof Major North was president. Adjutant Ralston of the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, charged with “Making a false return, and signing it; with ungentlemanly behaviour—disobedience of orders, and leaving his...
158636[Diary entry: 5 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gr. appearance of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind comg. to No. Wt. & blowg. fresh dispeld the Clouds toward the afternoon. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill and in the Afternoon went into the Neck.
158637[Diary entry: 30 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at in the Morning— at Noon and at Night. Wind tho’ not much of it, was still at East. Morning Misty and threatning till dinner time after which it cleared. Accompanied by Colo. Mead, I rid to muddy hole and Neck Plantations to shew him my experiments in the drill husbandry—with which he seemed to be pleased. G. A. Washington went up to Alexandria on my business & did...
158638Memorandum, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
From hence I set out on the 7th to Williamsburgh; and from Todds Ordinary wrote the following, in answer to a Letter I received from Major Lewis. LB , DLC:GW . GW traveled from Fredericksburg to Dr. George Todd’s ordinary in Caroline County, on the stage road. Andrew Lewis’s letter has not been found.
158639[Diary entry: 23 February 1799] (Washington Papers)
23. Morning clear & very cold. Mer. at 12 & wind at No. Wt. which afterwards shifted to the Southward but still continued cold. Mr. Davis retd. after dinner.
15864020th. (Adams Papers)
This Evening, immediately after prayers, the President inform’d us that the Government, and Corporation, had chosen Mr. Jonathan Burr, for a Tutor, he had accepted the Office, and was to be attended accordingly. I went with Sever, to Mr. Tracy’s and to Mr. Gerry’s, but neither of them was at home. Attended the musical Society at Mayo’s chamber, till 9 o’clock. Jonathan Amory, was 16. the 7th....
158641[Diary entry: 5 April 1790] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Exercised with Mrs. Washington in the Post Chaize. Sent duplicates of the Acts received (as above) from the Executive of New York to both Houses of Congress for their information; & deposited the originals in the Secretary of States Office.
158642[Diary entry: 19 November 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and at Night. Wind at No. West and cold all day, with Clouds which threatned Snow in the evening. Ground very hard frozen. Finished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a Cellar. Also finished covering the Palmetto royal at the front gate, except a small piece on the south side, nearest the gate, for which brush could not be...
158643Monday. December 18th. 1758 (Adams Papers)
I this Evening delivered to Mr. Field, a Declaration in Trespass for a Rescue. I was obliged to finish it, without sufficient examination. If it should escape an Abatement, it is quite indigested, and unclerk-like. I am ashamed of it, and concerned for it. If my first Writt should be abated, if I should throw a large Bill of Costs on my first Client, my Character and Business will suffer...
158644[Diary entry: 13 January 1775] (Washington Papers)
13. At home all day alone.
158645General Orders, 26 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Colonel Nixon[,] Lieutenant Colonel Peters[,] Major Knapp[,] Brigade Major Oliver. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder Meade wrote Capt. John Pray on this date: “General Washington presents his Compliments & thanks to Capt. Pray—and accepts with much pleasure the Present of Oysters which he has been so good...
158646Agreement with Samuel Biddle, 18 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
It is agreed between Mr. Samuel Biddle and myself that he shall overlook certain parts of my affairs in Virginia as explained in a letter to him of Dec. 12. 1792. for which I am to pay him one hundred and twenty dollars a year. His wages are to begin the 1st. day of September next, and he is to proceed to Virginia about the middle of October. He is to carry his bedding. I promised to provide...
158647[Diary entry: 20 October 1799] (Washington Papers)
20. Morning very heavy. Wind Southerly & Mer. at 54. A Struggle all day between the Sun & the Clouds—but no rain fell. Mer. 62 at Night. Doctr. Stuart wife & three daughters and young Danl. McCarty came to dinner & stayed all Night.
15864815th. (Adams Papers)
Still a fine wind. Yesterday, we ran 50 leagues, and in all probability we shall not do less to day. By yesterday I mean the Solar day from noon to noon, the manner in which all nations compute time, at Sea. At about noon we saw a sail at a considerable distance, but we did not remain long in sight of one another. In the evening our wind fell a little. Mr. Bouchant the surgeon of the Packet is...
158649Richard Oswald’s Notes on Conversations with Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 7[–9] August 1782 (Jay Papers)
Yesterday Evening, at 7’o’Clock, the Courier Roworth arrived; and brought my Commission, for treating with the Commissioners of the Colonies: and the King’s instructions & c . This forenoon I went out to Passy, and carried a Copy of the Commission to D r . Franklin. after perusal, he said he was glad it was come. That he had been at Versailles yesterday. and Mons r . de Vergennes had ask’d...
158650Candidates for Army Appointments from Kentucky, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 3 John Jamison Lt or Ensign Frankfort William Murray Lewis recommends in general terms Inquire Isaac E Gano Thomas Tunstall constitution & firmly attached to Govern Sobriety courage & Gentlemanlike behaviour Thomas Love Thomas Todd, John M Scott, Willis Lee, Daniel Wisiger, Otho Beatty, Robert Alexander 4