174501From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee, 13 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not till yesterday that I was honored with the receipt of yours of July 23. or it should have been sooner answered.—I am of opinion that all communications between nations should pass through the channels of their Executives. However in the instance of condolance on the death of Doctr. Franklin , the letter from our General government was addressed to the President of the National...
174502To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 29 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have desired my Son James Catesby, who is passing on to Phila., to attend the medical Lectures there, to pay his Respects to you, if Circumstances should permit him to spend a Day in Washington. His excessive Diffidence gives him a very awkward Demeanor; but he does not want an usual Portion of Understanding. A Paragraph in Davis’s Paper of the 27h. Inst has just been shewn to me, in which...
174503Sunday, 8th. (Adams Papers)
Spent the Evening and Night at the Coll’s. in ill natured, invidious, Remarks upon Eb. Thayer, and Morals and General Court &c.
174504From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Franklin, 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of Nov. 8. and rejoice to hear of the continued Welfare of you and your good Wife and four Daughters: I hope they will all get good Husbands. I dare say they will be educated so as to deserve them. I knew a wise old Man, who us’d to advise his young Friends to chuse Wives out of a Bunch; for where there were...
174505From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 22 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 8th December, since which I have received your favors of Nov. 29. and Dec. 23. I have not received a single article of news from America since my last, except a letter from Dr. Franklin which makes known to me his health. I presume he is now retired from all public business as his term of 3. years for the presidency is expired. The affairs of this kingdom go on well....
174506To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Bouvier, 18 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, January 18, 1778, in French: Messrs. de Gouault & Cie., merchants in Troyes, have learned that you have to supply shirts for America, and through me offer their services. After many years’ experience in supplying shippers in Le Havre, Bordeaux, and Marseilles they are confident of satisfying you in quality and price. If you wish to deal with them,...
174507From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon examining the Return of Military Stores at West Point for the Month of June I find there were only 662 Muskets in the Commissary’s hands —This appears to me most extraordinary as the number of Rank and File of the Massachusetts line amounted on the last of Novemr 1779 to 4569 and on the last of June past to only 1623 which makes a difference of 2946 Men, who must have been...
174508From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter to Dayton I think perfectly right, unless perhaps the expression of personal sympathy in the 1st. page might be misconstrued, & coupled with the circumstance that we had not yet instituted a prosecution against him, altho’ possessed of evidence. poor Yznardi seems to have been worked up into distraction by the persecutions of Meade. I inclose you a letter I have recieved from him....
174509To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 10 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here Yesterday in full Expectation of sending off Colo. Greens Detachment of 400 Men this Day and it is with great pain I have to inform Your Excellency that so far from being ready to March I am even fearfull they will not be able to March at all. Amongst the 400 Men selected for this Detachment about 60 only had Blankets. The Militia I discharged left about 20 and of 200 which I...
174510Report of a Committee of the New York State Society of the Society of the Cincinnati, [6 July 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati, at their last General Meeting, beg leave to report: that they have attentively considered the alterations proposed at that meeting to be made in the original Constitution of the Society; and though they highly approve the motives which dictated those alterations, they are of opinion it would be inexpedient to...
174511General Orders, 27 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Major Reed will join the detachment under General Irvine in place of Major C. Stewart, absent on furlough. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes additional general orders: “Lord Stirlings Division gives the Main Guard Tomorrow. “General St Clairs Division will furnish a Corporal & six Men to drive Horses into the Country—They will...
174512[Diary entry: 11 April 1775] (Washington Papers)
11. At home. Captn. Saunders came and lodged here. captn. saunders : probably either Joseph Saunders (died c.1792), a merchant of Philadelphia, or his son John Saunders, who was settling in Alexandria in this year (Fairfax County Wills, Book F–1, 251–55, Vi Microfilm; Fairfax County Deeds, Book M, 41–46, Vi Microfilm).
174513From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Leonard, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 27 of last month in forms me of your intended progress movements. If perchance this letter shall — you at Albany, and if no arrangements, which — incurred expence, shall have been made for transporting y our company to this City, you will continue with — at Albany till further order— With great consideration I am Sir Your Obed Servant ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
174514From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 19 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. At the opening of the present Session of Congress I mentioned that some circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation to France; that our trade had suffered and was suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies from the Cruisers and Agents of the French Republic; and that communications had been received from...
174515To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There are eight gun boats now building for the maintenance of which no appropriation has as yet been required—If they should be put in commission with the number of officers & men necessary in time of war, we shall require for their maintenance during the year, 1805, the following appropriations, doll’s cts. 45,324 5665 For pay & subsistence of the officers & pay of the seamen 51528. For...
174516From John Adams to Charles Paine, 27 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have recd and read with great pleasure your oration on the 4th. of July. While I thank you for this instance of your obliging attention to me I take the liberty to say that I observe with sincere pleasure the many proofs of genius and accomplishment in the Family of one of the most ancient of my friends, Judge Paine, both among the Males and Females. With much respect & esteem / I am Sir...
174517To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 22 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
We meet with good success in collecting cattle, very few horses are got; this proceeds from the scarcity of that article in this country, fit for the use of an army. We experience every assistance from our friends, and altho the opposite party, which is by far the most numerous in this state, are very sullen on the occasion, yet the wisdom of the measure is so apparent & the behavior of the...
174518To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 14 November 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 14 Nov. 1792. GW wrote Whitting on 18 Nov. that Whitting’s letter of the “14th instt came duly to hand.”
174519From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 29 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry to say that your last Letter was so badly written that I could scarcely read it and I again implore you to write a larger hand and you will soon get rid of the cramped style which you have acquired I suppose you have been passing an agreeable Vacation at Quincy and found your Grandfather quite well—and as usual occupied in all perusing all the new publications—Your father has...
174520To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Meredith, 29 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The precarious state of Mrs. Meredith ’s health, which has been injured by change of situation, the anxious desire she and the family have to be with their Friends & relations, as well as the necessary attention to my private affairs, which are suffering by my absence from Philada.; have induced me to offer you my resignation, to take place if you think proper about the last of October, or...
174521To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the 12th. Ultimo Messrs. Poidrass Morgan and Watkins have been attending in the City with a view of meeting in Council in conformity to my Proclamation . Messrs. Kenner and Wikoff (who from fear of the Fever had avoided the City) appeared a few days since. These five Gentlemen are all who of the original Thirteen named as Councillors thought proper to accept. The situation of things here...
174522From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 21 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
The next morning after the Rect of your Letter, I went to Mr De Neufville and paid him the Eight Ducats as you desired, for which I inclose his Receipt. I want to know whether Mr Laurens is exchanged for General Burgoine whether he knows that he is in the Commission—of the Peace, or not, whether and when he intends to come over to the Continent. Pray invite him for me, I dare not do it myself...
174523To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 27 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Information of The conveyance by which this goes for Philadelphia being communicated to me so short a time previous to the departure of it that I have time only to acquaint You of my arrival, which was not untill the 23d Inst. —we had a tedious passage of 26 days from the Capes and I may truely say so fatigueing that I was scarcely able to support it—I arrived much exhausted and reduced and am...
174524To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Pinckney, 31 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho I write fully by the William Penn which will sail in a day or two for Philadelphia yet as I am informed that there is a Vessel in the Downs bound to New York I send this to Mr. Auldjo at Cowes to endeavor to get it on board in order to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 30th. of Decr. 1792 and 1st. Janry. 1793—to say that the contents of the first should receive due attention;...
174525Franklin’s Journal, 1–3 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AD : Library of Congress Went to Court; which was full, as usual on New-Years day. Visit with the other Foreign Ministers, the King, the Queen, and all the rest of the Royal Family separately, even the little Dauphin. Spoke with the Minister of War, M de Segur, who assur’d me of his Readiness to forward every Operation that might be [ torn: in?] the Service of the United States. Did not meet...
174526To Thomas Jefferson from Gibson & Jefferson, 27 May 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are accounts of 16 barrels Herring & 6 loaves Sugar forwarded by A: Rowe as pr Receipt above —Mr: Darmsdatt assures us that the herrings are good—We cannot get any Center at present in town, but understand, that some is expected in a few days—when we shall forward you a dozen bottles— We are respectfully Sir Your obt Servts. RC ( MHi ); in Patrick Gibson’s hand; with receipt (see note...
174527John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 15 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Uncertain where a letter might find you I have delayed until the present time returning an answer to yours of the 16. of September by Francis . I have directed him on his return to Columbia to pursue the course marked out for him by you and to become an irregular instead of a regular student at the University — Your opinion as to the value of a Deploma corresponds with my own—My only reason...
174528To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have seen Mr. Fox and Mr. Grey to day & had long conversations with each on our affairs & have the pleasure to inform you that the sentiments which they expressed were of the most conciliating character. I cannot say that our affairs will be arranged to our satisfaction but I have the utmost confidence that it will be the case. I asked Mr. Fox if he had read my notes &ce? He had. Cannot we...
174529From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 18, 1800. “I send you the enclosed papers, and you will do with them what shall appear proper.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
174530From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is to be feared from the Scarsity of the Craft which appears on the Bay—that you will not be able to embark the whole of the Troops on two Trips—of this however you will be the best Judge, upon a Calculation of the Vessels that carry the first Division—& the Number which may be collected at Baltimore by the Time of the second Embarkation—If you should find that the whole cannot be...
174531To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
174532To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 4 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some few days past I took the liberty to mention my anticipations respecting an Election then pending for Members to Compose our State Legislature: this is now determined, and the issue Known, it exceeds all that my most sanguine expectations could have imagined—Nyork again takes its rank among the most federal States— To account for this revolution of sentiment it must be observed, that for...
174533To Benjamin Franklin from James Jay with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Implicit faith on any point, in opposition to every attending circumstance and appearance, is so great a difficulty to a person accustomed to require conviction before he yields assent, that I cannot, notwithstanding the high opinion I entertain of your judgment, acquiesce in either the impropriety or impracticability of indulging me with a passage in the...
174534John Minor to Thomas Jefferson, 8 September [1814] (Jefferson Papers)
Accept, Dear Sir, my thanks for your kind Letter , I shall give it to my Son as the most valuable Present I can make him; You, no doubt, have heard of the disgraceful disasters that have overwhelmed our Country, I need not, therefore, wring your Heart by the Painful repetition of the sad Tale—The Enemy have gone down the River with their—(I was about to call it their plunder)—but think it more...
174535To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 20 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
To day I had the honour to receive your letter of the eighteenth of March, by which I am informed that it is the President’s pleasure that I set off for Paris to exchange the Ratifications of the Convention between the United States and France, and to settle the ulterior points connected with that subject. I shall obey the commands with which The President has honoured me; and shall set out...
174536To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbé Morellet, [3 July 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
Le detail dans lequel vous aves l’extrême complaisance d’entrer me demontre avec la derniere evidence que vous aves poussé la patience et la bonté jusqu’où elles pouvoient aller, et que Barrois est coupable non seulement d’une negligence et d’une paresse impardonnable mais d’une injustice dont je suis fort blessé en se plaignant lorsqu’il n’a que des excuses à faire lui même et des torts les...
174537From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 12th and 14th instants. I had recd the Resolve of Congress, of which you inclosed me a Copy, immediately from the president, and in consequence of it; instantly gave the necessary directions for the proper Returns to be brought in to enable me to furnish the States with an account of the deficiency of their Quotas of Troops —This, from the dispersed State of...
174538To Thomas Jefferson from Matthew Lawler, 10 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The vacant office of a collector for this port has occasioned great solicitude in the minds of the members of the democratic party, and as much anxiety that it should be filled by a man of competent and acknowledged talents and stedfast and uniform fidelity to your administration and to the democratic cause. We have unfortunately suffered much from the want of zeal and energy on the part of...
174539To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 30 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Votre Lettre du 12, timbré du 19, ne m’est Parvenue que Le 29, alors Je penssaie inutille de vous Ecrire, vous attendant Le 28; maie désapointée de ne vous Voir point arriver, Je vais vous Prier de me mander En reponse, Sy nous pouvons nous flater du Plaisir de Vous Voir en Peu. Mme. Le Guen Et Moy nous flatonts que vous nous favoriserée de Votre Visite, Et Bien fachée que Madame Et Mlle....
174540To Thomas Jefferson from Frank Nash, 4 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
what delight did you see daylight at midnght yong at my sight but however others has thought that it might be daylight before night as well as at midnight but dear Sir it must be that what is wright is wright whether it be midnig or at daylight but if you please you will keep your pleasures allike untto the day as well as the night or shall I be with a flight Dear friend if it is to se the...
174541To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1792 (Madison Papers)
I was engaged during the whole of the last week in the supreme court of the U. S. Our business was rather preparatory to some great discussions at the succeeding term, than decisive of any question. The amenability of a state is fixed for debate on the first monday in february. The state of Georgia applied for an injunction to stop in the marshal’s hands a sum of money, which had been...
174542To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Lewis, Sr., 14 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Was I not well convinced of the goodness of your heart, and the commisseration you feel for the distressed, in every Situation of life; but more especially when importuned from such dreary mansions, I would not have presumed to intrude upon your time, to read the Story of misfortune, or dwell upon my unfortunate lot; not mine alone; but with it is involved the miseries (constantly poured out,...
174543Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 29 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Bias , who carries this, has been living in my Counting House for a considerable time, & is now on his way to Staunton —he feels a desire to take a view of Monticello on his way, & I have assured him he would be kindly rec d by the family With great respect D r sr RC ( MHi ); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “M r
174544To James Madison from John Dawson, July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. July 1806. “Mr. R. Hackley has made known to me his wish to receive a consular appointment to some of the French ports—altho a countryman of ours you may be unacquainted with Mr. Hackley; I have long & well known him, & feel a pleasure in recommending him to you as a gentleman who woud, with advantage and credit, fill any such appointment to which the President shall think...
174545To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
L’expeditionaire de la Stage n’ayant pas voulu se charger de la 1re. Caisse, que Nous Vous avions annoncè le 5 du Courrant, Nous avons pris le parti, de la Confier avec deux autres à un Paquet de Georgetown: Schooner Polly & Sally, Capne. James Reath, qui partira demain. La Note Sur la premiére a etè jointe a notre Lettre du 5—çelle sur la 2de. et 3me. est incluse a çelle ci. Vous voudrez bien...
174546From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 13 September 1827 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. George Washington, a nephew of Mrs. Madison, who being with his wife & his mother Mrs Todd on a visit to us, indulges his curiosity by one to the University, and will probably mark his respect for the spot where we understand you will now be found, by a ride to it. He is an Eleve of the University of Transylvania, and tho’ a married man but a short time out of...
174547From George Washington to David Bell, 25 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the roads at present are so much infested, I do not think it safe to send the things you wrote for until another opportunity. I must desire that you will be very diligent, and guard against a Surprize from the Enemy, as they will certainly attact you, if they find it possible to surprize you. You are to detach Ensign Crawford with twenty men, to reconnoitre the Country towards Hites, on...
174548From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 2 August 1817 (Adams Papers)
How shall we get on without you? I dont half like it. why cannot you come out with mr Shaw? if you had Said Yes mr Clarke would gladly have come in for you. taking all things into consideration—I made a proposition to them to day that they should be married on Sunday Evening—as they rejected having a dinner, for I could not see how I could avoid a dinner if they were married in the...
174549From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 29 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 6th. instant by the way of Cadiz, sending the newspapers as usual. With the present we forward them to the present day, as also a pamphlet by Mr. Coxe in answer to Ld. Sheffeild, and a printed copy of the Census, now in the press, should it be ready in time. I wish it were possible to get for us the two Census’s taken in Spain by the Count d’Aranda and Count de Florida...
174550Thomas Jefferson to John Watts, 25 March 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that I shall be able with certainty to pay off the two bonds of mine to Griffin in your hands, in the course of the spring, perhaps in April, but more probably in May. in th I mention this thus early that you may be enabled with confidence to make any arrangements which may suit you on that ground. I expect to be in Bedford in two or three weeks. I sincerely...