17251From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Bonnycastle, 30 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Ideas on the subject of a Meridian for the University. The small mountain a little to the West of the South from the University was purchased for the purpose of an Observatory, whenever the establishment of one may become desirable. it is proposed that wherever the meridian from that may cross the South West ridge of mountains, to cut a vista through the woods across the ridge in the direction...
17252From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Bonnycastle, 8 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
With my sincere congratulations on your transition to that condition of society which nature has wisely made indispensable to the happiness of man, and my request that you will communicate the same on my part to your chosen companion, I inclose you a letter, recieved in your absence in one from mr Barlow, and one also to myself from mr King, containing an assurance from mr Canning, on the...
17253From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Bonnycastle, 21 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted, in conversn with you yesterday to observe on the arrangement of the Elliptical Lecturing room that one third of the whole Area may be saved by the use of lap boards for writing on instead of tables, the room will hold half as many again, and, the expence & lumber of tables be spared. a bit of thin board 12. I. square covered or not with cloth to every person is really a more...
17254James Madison to Charles Bonnycastle, 22 July 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr Bonnycastle & encloses the requested introduction to Genl. McComb. Not being personally acquainted with Genl. Gratiot he has left the opportunity of communicating with him to the interposition of Genl. McComb. FC (DLC) .
17255From George Washington to William Booker, 6 May 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Booker, 6 May 1799. On 15 May Booker wrote GW : “Your letter of the 6 Inst. I duly receivd.”
17256From George Washington to William Booker, 26 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
From the good report I have had of your improved threshing machine, I am desirous of getting one or two of them erected; and as expeditiously as possible. The Scantling for two, upon the Plan of Mr Jefferson & others, of the Scotch machine, had been got before I received the account of yours; and may, I presume, be appropriated to the latter. The purpose therefore of this letter, is to know if...
17257From George Washington to William Booker, 22 June 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Booker, 22 June 1798. On 6 July Booker wrote GW : “I receivd your Letter of the 22 Ulto.”
17258From George Washington to William Booker, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 31st Ulto has been duly received. The first of June will answer my purposes very well, for you to be here; and I shall expect you at that time, or by the 10th accordingly. It will not, I presume, require much time to erect the Mill, and if done before the Water of my Grist Mill fails, it is all I require. In the meanwhile the Scantling shall be prepared agreeably to your...
17259From George Washington to William Booker, 7 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 3d instant from Richmond was recd by the last Post, and I embrace tomorrow’s Mail, the first since its arrival, to thank you for your attention to my request; to inform you that I shall be much pleased to see you here between the 20th & 27th according to promise; and that the Scantling got for the old, shall either be accomodated to the new Thrashing Machine, or other...
17260From George Washington to William Booker, 3 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
Mr Anderson has shewn me your letter of the 23d Ultimo, to him, with an estimate of the expence of building horse Mills, differently constructed. For the trouble you have taken in this business, I feel myself very much obliged. A Mill grinding from 15 to 20 bushls a day, with two horses, would nearly, if not entirely, answer all my purposes; with the occasional aid of the Water Mill, which in...
17261From George Washington to William Booker, 15 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform you that, the Machine you erected for me at the Union farm has by no means answered your expectation, or mine. You will recollect, that in its first performance, under your own direction, the execution in the course of the day fell short of 50 bushls—it has been growing worse, until I was obliged to disuse it, not being able to get out 25 bushls in the day; and before 500...
17262From Thomas Jefferson to William Booker, 4 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this summer had a threshing machine made on the Scotch model, and have already got out a good part of my crop with it with great success. Hearing however that you had improved it by substituting whirls and bands for cogwheels and wallowers, I desired Colo. Coles to enquire whether your plan could be communicated. He did not see you, but Mr. Graham was kind enough to say I should have a...
17263From Alexander Hamilton to William R. Boote, 16 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 16, 1799. “In consequence of orders from the Secretary of War, I am to desire, that you proceed with the party under your command to New Town in Bucks County—for which purpose you will join and accompany a detachment which will leave this quarter on Monday the 18th. instant, taking the orders of the commanding Officer of this detachment.… Let no time be lost.” LS , The Sol...
17264From George Washington to William Aylett Booth, 18 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
The attachment, expressed by the resolutions of Shenandoah County, to the Constitution of the U. States; the importance of cultivating peace & harmony with all the world, by just & honorable means; and the grateful acknowledgment of the services rendered by the French nation, meet my full assent. For the favorable sentiments towards myself, I must entreat you, Sir, to communicate my thanks to...
17265From James Madison to Joseph Borden, 25 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1804, Department of State. “Your letter of the 7th. inst. [not found] and the papers annexed to it have come to hand, and according to your request will be forwarded to Paris to Mr. Skipwith, Agent of claims there, to be by him laid before the Commissioners.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
17266From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Marie de Bordes, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1st. inst. has been recieved. the three copies of the Oeconomy of human life had before come to hand. this elegant little morsel of morality has always been a great favorite of mine, and without pretending to be a critic in French style, I have no doubt you have done justice to the original in your translation. I am in your debt for the three copies, which I shall be glad to...
17267From George Washington to John Beale Bordley, 13 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
A double sett of Youngs Annals was sent to me sometime ago, by that Gentleman, without his mentioning for whom the dupli[c]ates were intended. taking it for granted however that they were meant to be presented to the Agricultural Society of this City, and understanding that you are Vice-President thereof —I take the liberty of committing them to your care for the use of the said Society. I...
17268From Alexander Hamilton to John Beale Bordley, 23 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, March 23, 1791. “The President having been pleased to appoint you one of the Commissioners to receive subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, you will find in this in-closure his commission.…” LS , Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore. Bordley, a lawyer and landholder on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, moved to Philadelphia in 1791. See H to Tobias Lear, March 23,...
17269From George Washington to John Beale Bordley, 17 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you honord me, dated the 31st Ult.; together with the Wheat, Barley and Madder came safe to hand. For your kindness in presenting them, I pray you to accept my best acknowlegments and thanks. Agriculture being my favourite amusement I am always pleased with communications that relate to it. To these the great improvemts in Husbandry, of late years, in England, may be...
17270From John Adams to John Beale Bordley, 25 April 1803 (Adams Papers)
At the request of our mutual Friend Mr van der Kemp, I have inclosed to you his learned Memoir, on the Use of Copper among the Greeks. I hope you have got the better of that painfull disorder which once afflicted you, and that your Friends are all prosperous and happy. With great Esteem and regard / your most obedient PHi : Adams Papers.
17271From Thomas Jefferson to John Beale Bordley, 30 August 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Randolph, your friend in England, & I believe your relation is entitled to large arrearages of an annuity settled on her by marriage contract, for the paiment of which Peter Randolph, Peyton Randolph & Philip Grymes were jointly & severally bound. Peter R’s estate is no longer solvent, & . Peyton R’s part devolves on Edmund Randolph, so that he and mr Grymes the son, are liable for the...
17272From Thomas Jefferson to John Beale Bordley, 21 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Boardeley and thanks him for the volume he was so kind as to send him. mr Boardely having lost the model of a mould board formerly sent him Th:J. asks his acceptance of another, and offers many wishes for his better health. RC (Henry C. Davis, Columbia, South Carolina, 1947). Not recorded in SJL . John Beale Bordley (1727–1804), a native of...
17273From Benjamin Franklin to François Bordot, 11 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d your favours of the 27th past containing an Acct. of the taking of a strong English Privateer by the Courageuse. I am much oblig’d to you for the Information & have the honor to be &c. A former admiralty clerk at St. Pierre and Miquelon now interested in an American consulship: XXVIII , 44–5. XXVIII , 625.
17274From John Jay to Joel Bordwell, 9 October 1787 (Jay Papers)
Accept my thanks for y r . friendly Letter by Cap t . Pratt, and be assured that it will always give me Pleasure to hear of your Welfare and that of your Family. I remember with Satisfaction & with Gratitude the hospitable Retreat ^ Reception ^ you afforded us ^ you gave us ^ [ upon the operations of our last Enemies adversary ?] in the late war, and regret that you did not by accompanying Cap
17275From Benjamin Franklin to [Antoine Borel], 24 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society On reading again the Prospectus and Explanation of your Intended Print, I find the whole Merit of giving Freedom to America, continues to be ascrib’d to me, which, as I told you in our first Conversation, I could by no means approve of, as it would be unjust to the Numbers of wise and brave Men who by their Arms and Counsels have shared in the...
17276From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 12 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barclay the American Consul general for France being at present out of the kingdom, I have given orders to Mr. Grand, banker at Paris, to pay your draught for one hundred and eighty six livres advanced by you for the relief of the shipwrecked Americans. I thank you for your attention to these unfortunate people. It will rest with Mr. Barclay to give such future directions as he shall think...
17277From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 5 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have endeavored to obtain a final order for the American prisoners at Roscoff. I was promised one for the discharge of their persons … . Having waited two days without receiving it, I am obliged to set out on my journey tomorrow morning. … I therefore leave instructions with Mr. Short, my Secretary here, as soon as the order for the discharge comes here, to forward it to the prisoners under...
17278From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 12 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
There are in the prison of St. Pol de leon six or seven citizens of the United states of America, charged with having attempted a contraband of tobacco, but, as they say themselves, forced into that port by stress of weather. I beleive that they are innocent. Their situation is described to me as deplorable as should be that of men proved guilty of the worst of crimes. They are in close jail,...
17279From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 8 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur, Messieurs, de reçevoir vos deux lettres du 26me. Xbre. et 2me. Janvier. Je ne cesse point de solliciter du ministre la grace de ces malheureux prisonniers. Vous sentirez bien que la sentence des juges qui les trouvent coupables auroit dû faire une impression defavorable sur le ministre. En consequence, j’ai été obligé de borner mes sollicitations à leur liberté personelle....
17280From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 17 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 12th. instant, the last night, and immediately wrote to inform Mr. Grand that a bill for 2620₶2 in which you were interested, would be presented and desired him to pay it; which you may rest assured will be done. I am now to return you thanks for your attentions to these unfortunate men. I did not suspect they would have been necessary so long, when I took the...
17281From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 22 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Being but lately returned from England I could not sooner acknowlege the receipt of your favors of Jan. 13. Mar. 13. 17. and 29., Apr. 24. and May 11. It appears by these that nothing is now necessary for the liberation of Asquith and the other prisoners but to pay the charges of the prosecution and sustenance, which you suppose will be about 900₶. Probably it will be something more on account...
17282From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 24 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de recevoir, Messieurs, la lettre du 4me. Novembre que vous avez bien voulu m’adresser, et j’ai tardé de vous faire mes remerciments des soins dont vous avez la bonté de vous charger des prisonniers Americains, en esperant toujours de recevoir une ordre pour leur elargissement et de me profiter de votre adresse pour le faire passer avec certitude à leurs mains. Mais n’en...
17283From Thomas Jefferson to the Borough of Wilmington, 14 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you my thanks, & through you to the corporation of the borough of Wilmington, for your congratulations on my appointment to the first magistracy of the United States. as far as a disinterested and well intentioned conduct on my part may tend to produce a prosperous administration of our affairs, my fellow citizens may count on me with confidence. for all beyond this I shall have great...
17284From George Washington to Abraham Bosomworth, 8 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am informed you have enlisted one Patrick Murphy a Deserter from my Regiment who was confined in the Goal at York, tho’ you had previous knowledge of his being so. You must be sensible such proceedings are repugnant to the public interest, and contrary to established articles of war; to say nothing of the ill effects that follow precedents of this nature. The suspicion of a Soldiers...
17285From George Washington to Abraham Bosomworth, 6 July 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Abraham Bosomworth, 6 July 1758. On 11 July Bosomworth wrote to GW : “I recd your favor of the 6th.”
17286From James Madison to Bossange & Masson, 7 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 January 1811. Acknowledged in Bossange & Masson to JM, 5 July 1811 . Accepts the offer of a translation of the Iliad (see PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential Series (3 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1984—). , 2:474 ).
17287From John Adams to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, September 1774 (Adams Papers)
As I am of the Opinion, that the Subjects of the Massachusetts Bay are without a King, Governor, civil or military Officers; so the People are again left in a State of Nature. For if it be Fact that the King has broke his Coronation Oath, by clipping our Charter &c.; it must be Fact, that we are at Liberty to choose what way of Government we like best. So have sent the worthy Committee, an...
17288I. Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Evening-Post, 3 March 1763 (Adams Papers)
Thes fue Lins cums to let you no, that I am very wel at prisent, thank God for it, hoping that you and the family are so too. I haf bin here this fortnite and it is fiftene yeres you no sins I was here laste, and ther is grate alterashons both in the plase and peple, the grate men dus nothin but quaril with one anuther and put peces in the nues paper aginst one anuther, and sum sayes one is...
17289III. Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Evening-Post, 20 June 1763 (Adams Papers)
I Arnt book larnt enuff, to rite so polytly, as the great gentlefolks, that rite in the News-Papers, about Pollyticks. I think it is pitty, they should know how to rite so well, saving they made a better use ont. And that they might do, if they would rite about something else. They do say we are a matter a million of muney in det. If so be the matter be so, I dont see but the Cunstibles must...
17290IX. Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Evening-Post, 5 September 1763 (Adams Papers)
It is a pleasant Thing to see ones Works in print.—When I see the news, with my letter int about Hemp, I do say it made me feel as glad, as a glass full of West India rum, sweetned with loaf shugar, would.—But yet, even then I want so presumptious, as to hope hardly, that such a fine ellokent gentleman, as Mr. U. would stoop to take so much notice of me.—He is a noble, high flown riter, like...
17291Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Gazette, 14 October 1765 (Adams Papers)
I Han’t rit nothing to be printed a great while: but I can’t sleep a nights, one wink hardly, of late. I hear so much talk about the stamp act and the governor’s speech, that it seems as if ’twould make me crazy. The governor has painted a dreadful picture of the times after the first of November—I hate the thoughts of the first of November. I hope twill be a great storm, and black and gloomy...
17292VIII. “U” to the Boston Gazette, 5 September 1763 (Adams Papers)
It seems to be necessary for me, (notwithstanding the declaration in my last) once more to digress from the road of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts; and to enter the list of disputation with a Brace of writers in the Evening Post, one of whom has subscribed himself, X , and the other, W. —I shall agree with the first of these Gentlemen, that “to preach up non resistance , with the zeal of a...
17293Sui Juris to the Boston Gazette, 23 May 1768 (Adams Papers)
Not many Years ago, were transmitted to the Public, thro’ the Channel of the Boston-Gazette, a few desultory Essays, on the Spirit of the Canon and Feudal Law: in some of which were expressed Apprehensions of the future Mischiefs, that might be caused in America by the Efforts and Exertions of those expiring and detested systems. That those apprehensions were too well founded, Time has,...
17294II. To the Boston Gazette, 18 January 1773 (Adams Papers)
It has been said already, that the common law of England has not determined the judges to have an estate for life in their offices provided they behaved well. The authorities of Lord Coke and Lord Holt have been produced, relative to the judges of the King’s bench. And indeed authorities, still more ancient than Coke might have been adduced. For example, the learned Chancellor Fortescue, in...
17295IV. To the Boston Gazette, 25 January 1773 (Adams Papers)
Another observation which occurred to me upon reading General Brattle’s first publication, was upon these words, “That by the charter and common law of England, there is no necessity of having any commission at all; a nomination and appointment are the words of the charter, a commission for them not so much as mentioned in it. Their commission is only declarative of their nomination and...
17296VI. To the Boston Gazette, 8 February 1773 (Adams Papers)
Two or three anecdotes, were omitted in my last, for want of room, which may be here inserted, in order to shew that General Brattle’s “rule of the common law of England” originated in the reign of King Charles the first. I say originated, because the example of Hubert de Burgo, is so ancient and so uncertain, that it is even doubted by Baron Gilbert, whether he was ever chief justiciary or...
17297IV. “A Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law,” No. 2, 19 August 1765 (Adams Papers)
THUS accomplished were many of the first Planters of these Colonies. It may be thought polite and fashionable, by many modern fine Gentlemen perhaps, to deride the Characters of these Persons, as enthusiastical, superstitious and republican: But such ridicule is founded in nothing but foppery and affectation, and is grosly injurious and false. Religious to some degree of enthusiasm it may be...
17298VIII. To the Boston Gazette, 22 February 1773 (Adams Papers)
In all General Brattle’s researches hitherto, aided and assisted as he has been by mine, we have not been able to discover, either that the judges at common law had their commissions quam diu se bene gesserint, or for life, or that the crown had authority to grant them in that manner. Let us now examine and see, whether estates for life, determinable only on misbehaviour or the demise of the...
17299VI. “A Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law,” No. 4, 21 October 1765 (Adams Papers)
WE have been afraid to think. We have felt a reluctance to examining into the grounds of our privileges, and the extent in which we have an indisputable right to demand them against all the power and authority, on earth. And many who have not scrupled to examine for themselves, have yet for certain prudent reasons been cautious, and diffident of declaring the result of their enquiries. The...
17300V. “U” to the Boston Gazette, 1 August 1763 (Adams Papers)
Man , is distinguished from other Animals, his Fellow-Inhabitants of this Planet, by a Capacity of acquiring Knowledge and Civility, more than by any Excellency, corporeal, or mental, with which, mere Nature, has furnished his Species.—His erect Figure, and sublime Countenance, would give him but little Elevation above the Bear, or the Tyger: nay, notwithstanding those Advantages, he would...