158901[Diary entry: 25 November 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 25th. Exercised on Horse-back between Breakfast & dinner—in which returning I called upon Mr. Jay and Genl. Knox on business and made informal visits to the Govr., Mr. Izard, Genl. Schuyler, and Mrs. Dalton. The following Company dined with me. viz. Doctr. Johnson & Lady and daughter (Mrs. Neely)—Mr. Izard & Lady & Son—Mr. Smith (So. Carolina) & Lady—Mr. Kean & Lady and the Chief...
158902To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
You have inclosed a triplicate of my letter of the January 20h. I would just beg leave to add here that I have lately mentioned that in case absolute necessity should require Mrs. Bournes making a visit to the UStates next fall I should wish permission of Govt. to accompany her but I would by no means have the thing interfere with my Official duties here as the preservation of my place...
158903To Thomas Jefferson from James Rawlings, 19 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your favour of 13 t Ins t with a draft on Col o Bernard Peyton for the amount of your Quotas due to this society—. That draft has been duly honoured, and I have now to acknowledge the receipt, thro’ that medium of $8977/100 in full of all demands of this society on your property at Monticello, and also in full of all claims up to and including the quota of 1823 on the building in...
158904To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 14 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Johann Kalb, 14 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Kalb on 18 Oct. : “I have been favoured with your letter of the 14th Instant.”
158905To George Washington from Daniel Gaines, 20 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The office of Marshal for the district of Georgia, being vacant, by the death of Major Forsyth, I am a candidate for it—But being wholly unknown to you, I have solicited several of my friends, who are now in Philadelphia, to inform you what is my general character, both as to integrity, and abilities to perform the duties of the office. I have wrote on that subject to the Secretary of State,...
158906Enclosure I: Joseph Anthony to Tench Coxe, 27 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 18th Instant to Hewes & Anthony was duly Receaved, the Contents of which; and of the Inclosures fell more Immediately under my Notice, from my being a Native of New England, and in Early life Conversant in the Business to which this Enquiry Relates, the whole of which I have had under Consideration, and here give you the most Correct and Early Information, that I can...
158907From John Adams to Joseph Milligan, 31 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I know not how to express my obligation to you for the repeated presents of beautiful books the proof of Mr Jeffersons Convalescence was more precious to me than all the rest I had indeed before received a most excellent letter from his own hand which convinced me that his health might be restored but the spirit which dictated the resolution to mount the sovereign Doctor Horse convinced me...
158908From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 29 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Captain who commands the Guard that goes down with the Hessian prisoners taken at Trenton on the 26th. The Deputy Adjutant General will make you a proper return of their Numbers. I leave the place, where they are to be quartered, to your better Judgments. But I think the Officers and Men should be separated. I wish the former may be well treated, and that the...
158909C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
As promised, I have the honor to inform you that the expected courier arrived last night from St. Petersburg, with news of the signing of the convention between the Russian ministers and those of the republic on the third of this month. Therefore everything is in order. If you have any news regarding American affairs, please let me know, since it is necessary here to supply intelligence for...
158910To George Washington from Archibald Crary, 2 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
East Greenwich State of Rhodeisland Sir Feby 2 1790 The undoubted Prospect we now [have] that this State will recognize the Federal Government at the meeting of the Convention the first Monday of March next induces me to trouble your Excellency at this time. I have had the honor to be imployed eithe[r] in civil or mililitary service of my Country from the commencement of the lat[e] war with...
158911From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 27 May 1787 (Washington Papers)
In my last I acknowledged the receipt of your first letter; and I have now to do that of the 20th instt. And once for all I will desire that you will not let your anxiety to carry on my business well, or fatigue in the accomplishment of it, go too far. This would not serve me, and may injure yourself. By attempting too much you may get sick, and do nothing effectual for me or yourself. It gave...
158912To Thomas Jefferson from Caesar A. Rodney, 7 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving the letter inclosed to Mr. Bringhurst , in which was contained one addressed to my father. To our confidential friends I have communicated the ground on which our Collector stands. The public sentiment is so fixed on this subject that it is difficult to reconcile our leading active politicians. You may rely on it in this State it is not the interested few but...
158913From James Madison to Samuel Miller, 24 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 20th. The newspaper of this day will inform you that a Proclamation has issued recommending the 2d. thursday of September to be generally observed as a day of religious solemnity. The delay proceeded from that of Congs. who were expected to lay the foundation for the measure as they did last year. No time was lost after their Resolution reached my hands. I...
158914To James Madison from Alexander Garrett, 11 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
Above I send you my check on the P. & Directors of the Literary fund, for whatever sum you may deem proper to approve the payment of, The balance due the University of the annuiety of the current year is $12,000 $3000. of the $15,000 has been drawn (or rather negociated with the Farmers bank of Va.) by order of the board of Visitors at their last October meeting and paid out to the drafts of...
158915James Madison to [Harmar] Denny, 25 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his respects to Mr Denny, and as desired by Mr. V. David commits to his care a Book for Lawrenceville Lyceum. FC (DLC) ; RC (?) owned in November 1970 by Kenneth W. Rendell, Inc., 62 Bristol Road, Somerville, Massachusetts
158916From David Humphreys to Heman Swift, 7 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your favor of yesterday, I have to inform you; I am directed by the Commander in Chief to write to the D.Q.M. that ways & means may be devised by him if possible for payment of the expence of forage furnished your Waggon Horses the last Winter; and in case he is not able to pay the Money, that he should adjust the account & cause the payment to be secured in the most speedy &...
158917To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 1 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Charleston [ South Carolina ] June 1, 1795 . “This will be presented to you by Mr: Daniel Blake, a young Gentleman born & educated in England tho of American Parents. He is the Son of a Mr: Wm: Blake a Gentleman of very extensive fortune in this State. He intends to spend this summer in visiting the Northern & Eastern States….” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Pinckney, who had...
158918From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Gen: Washington’s Complimts to Colo. Biddle—Begs to know if the Vessel for Alexandria will Sail today—and whether Colo. Biddle has procured the Articles required. If more money is wanted Colo. Biddle will please to name the Sum—and the Genl would be glad to receive the Acct. PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence.
158919From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 14 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It may prevent future trouble if the contract with Mr. McComb for the light house be redrawn; rectifying the error in regard to his occupation. He may execute two, and they may be sent to me, when I will duly execute them and transmit one to him. The first payment I find by his own propositions was to be as in the contract three thousand dollars, and it is not well that more is asked. I am...
158920To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 7 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys letter of yesterday and am very glad that you have ordered up the Troops which are to compose the Garrison, as it is very necessary they should be here, that Things may be got into some kind of order before the Winter. at present they are very much deranged. The laying in a proper stock of fire wood is a very heavy, but a very essential Business, and the Militia...
158921To James Madison from William Lee, 10 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you by triplicate a Decree of the King of Holland. Your obt. servant, DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
158922To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Dabney, 23 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it necessary to report to your Excellency Capt. Clopton, Liets. Wilkerson and Frazier, and Ensign Waddey, Militia Officers from New kent County who have deserted from this post. The most of the Militia that has been called into service from that County has deserted, but as I believe the Officers has been principally to blame, I have not reported the Names of the privates. I beg leave...
158923To George Washington from James Clinton, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Clinton, 20 Nov. 1778. On 31 Dec., GW informed Clinton that his letter of 20 Nov. “never came to hand.”
158924From George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, 31 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Season is approachg when We shall have Use for Tents; You will therefore pay particular Attention to this Article—All the old ones should be collected & the necessary repairs be made now, that when called for they may be ready—The Tomhauks or light hatchetts also deserve yr Notice, they should be made light & substantial, so calculated as to be made apart of the Soldier’s Accoutremts &...
158925From George Washington to Robert Morris, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 22d instant. I take the hint in the freindly light in which it was meant, and thank you for your attention to a matter of the utmost importance. I shall write to the Board of War, and, without mentioning names, let them know that there is not that activity and exertion in the Conductors of our Elaboratories, that the advanced season demands. Some allowance must be made,...
158926To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 9 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
With great satisfaction I have the Honor to inform—that last Evening the Convention of this State, by a great Majority, Voted to ratify & adopt the new proposed Constitution for the United States—Yeas 127—Nays 40. With additional pleasure I can inform that the Debates on this subject, have been conducted with a spirit of great Candour, Liberality & fairness—and the Decision received with the...
158927Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President returns to the Secretary of State the letter & enclosures from Colo. Humphreys—and sends him a letter just received from Mr Ellicott. The President wishes the Secretary’s opinion wheth[e]r the direction to the Director of the Mint for collectg & assaying certain foreign Coins agreeably to the law—“Regulating foreign Coins” &c.—should go directly from the President to that...
158928To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. page. 5th. line—Might not the word “ peaceable ” be omitted—To Congress it conveys only what they know—and to Europe it may convey too much—Some of the Nations of Europe have evidently been presuming too much upon our peaceful dispositions— 2nd. page √ 17th. line—harbours blockaded —Blockade is a technical term and has an appropriate meaning—In that sense it is not intended I trust, to...
158929To Thomas Jefferson from Blair McClenachan, 6 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon a former occasion I took the liberty of applying for Some place under the Government—and of explaining the personal circumstances that induced the Solicitation. I trust I do not Seek an improper or an unmerited favour—indeed the purity of your principles, must repel any man, who knows you; from obtruding an improper request. When I was young and rich , my means were devoted to the...
158930To George Washington from Thomas Lewis, 31 March 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Lewis, 31 Mar. 1774. On 5 May GW wrote Lewis that his “letter of the 31st of March” did not arrive until the end of April.
158931To George Washington from John Mitchell, 20 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been highly honor’d by your notice and friendship as our Illustrious Commander in Chief—I earnestly hope you will not be Offended, at my sincerly congratulating you. but more particularly my country in the Honble & most Eminent Rank which you have been call’d on to fill, by the Unanimous Voice of the Citizens of the States, may the Almighty ruller and Governor of the Universe grant you...
158932To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 27 April 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, 27 April. GW wrote Newton on 3 Sept. : “I have suffered your letter of the 27th April . . . to remain . . . unacknowledged.”
158933To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
To call upon Mr. Hammond without further delay for the result of the reference to his Court concerning the surrender of the Western Posts—or to await the decision of the trial at Richmond on the subject of British debts before it be done, is a question on which my mind has been divided for sometime. If your own judgment is not clear in favor of one, or the other, it is my desire, as the heads...
158934To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 11 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Major Ross Having Called Upon me this Morning, and Having said that in the Mean while You Give His Lordship’s Conditional Disharge it was Your Opinion I should Give that of the Aids de Camp at the Bottom of which you will Express Your Approbation of the Measure, I Request You will please to Have the Piece drawn up in the Way that Appears to You the Most properly...
158935From John Adams to John Wilson, 7 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
Nothing but sickness would have delayed an acknowledgement of your favour of June 1814 I have indeed been entertained by your Philogical Entertainments and agree with you that the English language is capable of “immense improvements.” Every Art is founded in Science, and every Science in principle; Where can we look for the principles of Grammar, but in the physical constructions of the...
158936Enclosure: Answers to Queries, 5 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Quere 1st. When was the building commenced? Answer. About the 1st. June 1788. Qr. 2d. Is there any the least appearance of its suffering from the winter or winters it has sustained since it was built and in what parts? A. Not materially. Indeed the brick work not at all but the frames of the windows a little, the Lumber on the beach which was provided for the light house and not yet made use...
158937To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, 18 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour of the 25th of Novr. as soon as I arrived at this town which was last friday and a very kind and generous return I esteem it to the few lines I sent you from Brookfield. I hope the lines will not be Abandoned. I hope an Army will be inlisted for the Next year before the Spring Advances but am clearly of Opinion that the Charge of Marching in the Militia their equipment...
158938To Thomas Jefferson from John Rutledge, Jr., 25 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 25 Mch. 1790 . Introducing “the Count of Andriani … a gentleman of much information” who has just finished the tour of Europe and intends one in America, who is well acquainted with the state of affairs in France, and who will present TJ “with a small pamphlet, said to have been written by the marquis of Condorcet.” Rutledge finds in England “independent of the vulgar prejudice … a...
158939To Benjamin Franklin from Griffith Williams, 24 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By favour of Captn. Channing send you few lines Aquainting you that matters in this Country are likely to take a very diffrent turn to What was expected by the favourers of despotism to the West’ard of London. All men agree (Confesedly) that the Conquest of America is now utterly inpracticable; the most Bloody invoakers of the destruction of that Country...
158940From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 5 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 26 of December is received. The sum you mention per Month appears high for the object. From a calculation made here it is concluded, that Two thousand five hundred Dollars would be a large allowance upon an œconomical arrangement. If the French Minister should express to the Government a desire that this sum per Month should be furnished for such a purpose, I take it for...
158941James Maury to James Madison, 14 February 1832 (Madison Papers)
It is indeed with real concern that we have so frequently heard of your being harrassed with rheumatism; I do nevertheless hope for a more favorable report, which will be highly gratifying to my daughter and myself. This has been a winter of stronger extremes than I have experienced the last forty five years: the Thermometer having, on two occasions, been at and under Zero: and on two others,...
158942To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 9 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was much distressed on the receipt of your late favor by Mrs. Randolph, to find your irrevocable purpose of sequestering yourself from public life. If you can justify this resolution to yourself, I am confident, that you cannot to the world. There remains now no alternative, but either to consign southern interests wholly to the management of our present ministers, or to interdict them from...
158943To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 1st instant. I have laid before Congress the matter of challenges, and your request that the resolution respecting the Adjutant General’s department, may be passed—I will endeavor to get it through as soon as possible. Your Excellency mentions an uneasiness respecting the late regulations for the issue of provisions to Officers—The...
158944General Orders, 16 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Lt Colo. Comdt Reid Adjt of the Hampshire The Hampshire Detachment is for duty tomorrow. At a General courtmartial held in Philadelphia the 22d May by order of the Secretary at War Lt Colo. Robertson President—Lieutenant John Armstrong of the 3d Pennsylvania regt, charged with evading his duty and behaving unbecoming the character of an officer and Gentlemn in his...
158945Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 2 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
M rs Randolph , Ellen & myself intended before this to have had the pleasure of seeing mrs Madison and yourself at Montpelier as we mentioned to mr Coles ; but three days ago mrs Randolph was taken with a fever, w
158946From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 14th. If the Enemy do not march thro’ Jersey they have been making a deal of useless preparation, and indeed I do not see how they can carry off the great number of Horses, & Carriages that they have been collecting with so much industry. I would not have you begin to inlist any of the draughts yet. I will in due time write to Congress, and if, towards the end of the...
158947To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 25 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have just receivd yours of the twenty fifth of March and do very sincerely condole with you on the melancholy Event which it communicates. Make I pray you my dear Sir the proper assurances of my Regret on this Occasion to Colo. Bassett as well as to Mrs Washington. Not having had Time to read the Gazettes which are but just (and but in part) arriv’d I cannot from them derive the Information...
158948To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 31 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
The United States Military Philosophical Society are desirous of making the next annual account of their transactions as extensive and useful as possible: they have therefore instructed me to solicit communications; and they hope to receive a good collection, tending to promote military science, before the end of the year. The Treasurer of the Society being absent on distant command, they have...
158949To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant McMichel, who has been on a Scout to Oswego has just now delivered me a paper, of which the inclosed is a Copy —If the Intelligence it contains should be true a Reinforcement would be necessary in this Quarter—I dare give no Orders about the Removal of the old Sergeant at Oswego, until the Treaty is over—I have ordered Scouts to be continually kept towards Oswego and should try to...
158950Military Establishment, [2 February] 1795 (Madison Papers)
On 20 January FitzSimons moved that the House request the president to submit a plan for the defense of the frontiers. After JM “doubted if it was agreeable to the Constitution,” FitzSimons withdrew his motion. On 21 January the Committee of the Whole took up Nicholas’s report, which recommended that the military establishment be authorized to continue in service until 1 June 1798 ( Annals of...