17671To George Washington from American Philosophical Society, 12 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
The American Philosophical Society, which boasts the name of your Excellency in the list of their Members, are happy in this opportunity of presenting their Congratulations on the establishment of Peace. While they anticipate the influence of this event on the important object of their institution, they contemplate with pleasure, that the Arts and Sciences, those friends to learning and...
17672From the American Philosophical Society to John Adams, 13 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
The American Philosophical Society, desirous of expressing due Regard for Preeminence in Science and Virtue, have directed an Eulogium to be prepared to the Memory of their late President Dr. David Rittenhouse ; which is to be pronounced before the Society, on Saturday next, the 17 th instant, in the Presbyterian Church, in Market Street, at 12 o’clock. With the highest Deference, it is...
17673Election to American Philosophical Society, [14 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
To all Persons to whom These Presents shall come, Greeting. The American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful Knowledge, desirous of advancing the Interest of the Society by associating to themselves Men of distinguished Eminence, and of conferring Marks of their Esteem upon Persons of literary Merit, have Elected The Honourable Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the...
17674To George Washington from the American Philosophical Society, 12 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
The American Philosophical Society, desirous of expressing due Regard for Preeminence in Science and Virtue, have directed an Eulogium to be prepared in the Memory of their late President, Dr David Rittenhouse; which is to be pronounced before the Society, on Saturday next, the 17th inst. at 12 o’clock, in the Presbyterian Church, in High Street. It is particularly requested, that the...
17675American Philosophical Society to Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The American Philosophical Society , after having, at Several periods, withstood your Solicitations to be withdrawn from their presidency, have at length, with great reluctance, felt themselves obliged to yield to the decided resignation exp r essed in your letter of the 23d. of november last , and have, accordingly, elected doctor Caspar Wistar to that office. The important connection which...
17676Peter S. Du Ponceau to Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I am ordered by the Historical Committee to inform you that they have caused to be transmitted to you a Copy of the first Volume of their Transactions, which I understand the Bookseller has already forwarded by Mail. This was rather done irregularly, their order having been anticipated by one of their officers. I have now the honor to request in their name your acceptance of the Book as a...
17677From the American Philosophical Society to John Adams, 22 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
It is with particular satisfaction that, in Obedience to the Orders of the American Philosophical Society established at Philadelphia for promoting usefull Knowledge, We announce your Election into that Body, on the 18 th Inst. Your Certificate of Membership will be presented as soon as it can be compleated, in the mean time We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at their meetings as often...
17678American Prisoners in Dinan to the American Commissioners, 21 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the under Subscribed Persons having Received Your kind favour of the 15 Inst: who are the only [Santuaries?] under God we Rely on, nor do we desire our liberty from other hands than yours; being in Reallity Americans, who are farr from Imposeing upon Your Clemency (or this Goverment) and willing to Stand or fall by our Countrys Cause, as we are well...
17679To Benjamin Franklin from the American Prisoners at Dinan, 15 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Petition of the under Subscribed Americans Confined in Dennant Castle—Humbly Sheweth, That your poor Petitioners, Imboldened by your Destinguished Character for Justice, and well known Zeal for our Countrys cause, Once More, Beg leave to lay our Circumstances before you, Being of Opinion our Former Petitiones Unfortunately Miscarryed—as We never...
17680To James Madison from American Prisoners of War, 24 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1813 , “ Nassau Prison Ship, Chatham (England) .” “We Conceive ourselves in duty bound (at the present crisis) As a Class of Unfortunate Citizens of the United States of America, to Acquaint your Excellency with the following train of circumstances in regard of themselves that has occurred since surrendering themselves up as Prisoners of War to the respective Commanders of British...
17681To James Madison from American Prisoners of War, 20 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1813 , “ On Board H M Prison Ships in Chatham. ” “This comes from prisoner of war that are Subjects of the United States that have been imprest into H B M Service from his country and friends and have been a long time from thear country and have sence the war broke out between amarica and great Briton gave ourselves up as prisoner of war and have had for the same had very bad wage for...
17682To James Madison from American Prisoners of War at Nassau, [ca. August– October 1812] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the undersigned Citizens of the United States of America, in Confinement as Prisoners of War at Nassau in the Island of New Providence, one of the Bahama Islands—Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners comprised the Crew of a certain Private Vessel of War lately fitted out in the Port of Charleston under and by Virtue of a Commission from Your Excellency, and which Vessel sailed...
17683To James Madison from American Prisoners of War in Barbados, 25 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
From a long and tedious Imprisonment patience exausted & health Impaird we have taken the liberty to address your Exelency, Concious that you can no other than listen to the complaints of a distress’d Countrymen some of which have been Imprisoned here eight months. We have long been waiteing with a glow of Ambition peculiar to our Countrymen our release and have untill the presant time born it...
17684Dominick Lynch to Thomas Jefferson, 14 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
“ The American Society for the Encouragement of Domestic manufactures ,” instituted in this city, sensible of the zeal you have uniformly displayed in the promotion of every object, connected with the Welfare and Independence of our country, had the honor to elect you a member, at their last meeting, convened, for the purpose of initiating into the Society James Monroe , President of the...
17685To John Adams from American Spectator, 28 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
The American Spectator desires the President of the United States to accept of this little Volume, as a small token of ardent esteem for his pre-eminent talents, patriotism and virtue. The object, at least , which it embraces, must meet the approbation of a gentleman, distinguished for every conjugal & parental excellence, and cultivating, with his amiable sentimental Partner, the fondest...
17686To Thomas Jefferson from American Traders in Guadeloupe, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Proprietors, and masters of different Vessells belonging to the united states of America actually at anchor in this harbour take the liberty of addressing to your Excellency our Petition to the Marechal De Castries Secretary of State to his most Christian Majesty. Your Excellency’s efforts [in] our favour, and representations to the Ministry shall undoubtedly hinder the inevitable ruin...
17687[Americanus], [15 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , October 20, 1792. Although Philip Marsh has stated that “‘Americanus’ … sounds very like Hamilton” (“Hamilton’s Neglected Essays, 1791–1793,” The New-York Historical Society Quarterly , XXXII [October, 1948], 295), there is no conclusive evidence that H was the author of this essay.
17688To James Madison from “Americanus,” 10 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Prompted by an unfeigned desire to promote the welfare of our common country, I presume respectfully to present for your consideration the outlines of a plan of finance, calculated— To relieve the pressure of taxation; To reduce or pay off the public debt; and, To create a navy, sufficient to protect and sustain our maritime rights. A wise administration will not fail to profit by the...
17689To James Madison from Americanus, 26 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
17690To James Madison from Americanus, 16 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
17691Americanus No. II, [7 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Let us now turn to the other side of the medal. To be struck with it, it is not necessary to exaggerate. All who are not wilfully blind must see and acknowlege that this Country at present enjoys an unexampled state of prosperity. That war would interrupt it need not be affirmed. We should then by war lose the advantage of that astonishing progress in strength wealth and improvement, which we...
17692To James Madison from Americanus, 30 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the white be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
17693To James Madison from Americanus, 10 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
Sir —When you were first elected president of the union, the republican party had great hopes that under your administration, with the examples of your predecessors before you, as practical beacons to point out the courses to be avoided or pursued, little reason would have been found for republican reprehension. In good truth we have not much to complain of. You have enabled us to answer with...
17694To James Madison from Americanus, 13 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
17695To James Madison from the American Whig Society, 12 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The American Whig Society , in the college of N. Jersey, having, by the late unfortunate conflagration which consumed the College edifice, lost almost the whole of their valuable library, together with all their furniture, have resolved to apply to their ancient members who are now established in different quarters of the United States, to solicit their generous, and brotherly aid in...
17696The Warning No. VI, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been seen that the Governt of France has an indisputable title to the culpable preeminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights; and that the first instance on the part of the British Government is nearly a month posterior to the commencement of the evil by France. But it was not only posterior—it was also less comprehensive. That of France extended to all...
17697The Warning No. II, [7 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Independent of the commands of honor, the coolest calculations of interest forbid our becoming the instruments of the Ambition of France, by associating with her in the War. The question is no longer the establishment of liberty on the basis of Republican Government. This point, the enemies of France have ceased to dispute. The question now is whether she shall be aggrandized by new...
17698The Warning No. III, [21 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The Paris Accounts inform us that France has lately exercised towards Genoa an act of atrocious oppression, which is an additional and a striking indication of the domineering and predatory Spirit by which she is governed. This little Republic, whose territory scarcely extends beyond the walls of her metropolis, has been compelled, it seems, to ransom herself from the talons of France by a...
17699The Answer, [8 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
For The Minerva. The French republic have, at various times, during the present war, complained of certain principles, and decisions of the American government, as being violations of its neutrality, or infractions of the treaty made with France in the year 1778. These complaints were principally made in the year 1793, and explanations, which, till now, were deemed satisfactory, were made by...
17700The Warning No. V, [13 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have asserted, that the conduct of Great-Britain towards us and other neutral powers has been at no period so exceptionable, as that of France at the present juncture. A more distinct view of this truth may be useful, which will be assisted by a retrospect of the principal acts of violation on both sides. Tho the circumstance was cotemporarily disclosed in all of our newspapers, yet so blind...
17701The Warning No. I, [27 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
There are appearances too strong not to excite apprehension that the affairs of this Country are drawing fast to an eventful crisis. Various circumstances dayly unfolding themselves authorise a conclusion that France has adopted a system of conduct towards the neutral maritime nations generally which amount to little less than actual hostility. I mean the total interruption of their Trade with...
17702The Warning No. IV, [27 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The emissaries of France when driven from every other expedient for extenuating her depredations have a last refuge in the example of Great Britain. The Treatment which we receive from France (say they) is not worse than that which was received from Great Britain. If this apology were founded in fact it would still be a miserable subterfuge. For what excuse is it to France, or what consolation...
17703To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 13–14 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 13–14, 1796. On April 15, 1796, Hamilton wrote to Rufus King and referred to “A letter by yesterday’s Post from our Friend Ames. Letter not found. ] Ames was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from Massachusetts.
17704To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 31 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I gave your letter addressed to Mrs Warren into the hands of her husband, and tho, you inform me, something pretty was in it, I cannot believe it was a love letter. I told him that I was desired to subscribe for you to her poetical work. I shall take half a dozen Books, which, I presume, will be as much poetry as you will consume, and will carry the compliment as far as it will bear with any...
17705To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 26 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated your letter, by Mr Coolidge, to Mr Cabot and two or three friends I have desired him and he has promised to write to you on the subject. Since it’s reception I have had a long profoundly sensible and interesting letter from Mr Wolcot. The same friends have also considered that, and we all agree in the result. We understand that at the close of the late session the Feds....
17706To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, [December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation we are in, though not unexpected by a few, has filled the public with equal surprise and terror. The votes, Rhode Island excepted, have been given in a manner to take away that sort of reproach from the Hamiltonians that momentary interests and the petulance of disappointment wd. otherwise have naturally thrown upon us. I discern symptoms of general wish to pass an act of...
17707To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 15 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heard that the Bank of N York propose to reserve a number of their shares for the acceptance of the U. S. Bank, so as to create a kind of partnership. Tho’ little seems to be known of the particulars, yet it is insinuated that the idea is suggested under your patronage. When I wrote you last, I was ignorant of all this. Tho’ the Bank is to govern itself, yet your opinion of the proper...
17708To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 26 January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
My last was written hastily & under some impressions of the moment which I had not time to unfold. The close respecting your taking a seat in the next house (to be elected) would pass for an awkward compliment if you did not know me (and yourself) too well for such an interpretation. You desire an inside view of our stage. I begin with the outside . Our relations with France are serious. All...
17709To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 31 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am happy to see the good effect of the exertions which have been made to keep our country from meddling with the war. Our fears have in a degree subsided. They have been strong enough to give their full impression to the services of the officers of govt. The public mind seems to be open to receive the truth. Such periods occur rarely & ought not to pass away in vain. There are many topics...
17710From Fisher Ames to John Adams, 23 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
Mr Ames would be honor’d & no less aided by the grounds & principles (tho’ even so breifly Stated) of the V. President’s opinion in the case of Hannah Beale vs Beale As the lineal descendent of the V. Presid t’s office, Mr A. has the honor of his law ancestry to support. Even this is scarcely enough to satisfy him that his request is not too bold. If it should be thought so, he will...
17711To John Jay from Fisher Ames, 10 November 1789 (Jay Papers)
I presume the office of clerk of the Supreme Court of the United States will be sollicited by many candidates of merit and capacity for the trust. For, I think, pretenders of a different description will not delude themselves with any hopes of success. With this impression on my mind, I should not venture to recommend even common merit to your favour and patronage. John Tucker Esq, Clerk of...
17712To Thomas Jefferson from Fisher Ames, 4 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to lay before you the Letters from Captn. Stevens a prisoner in Algiers, with Letters from Mr. Bond of Boston. I will do myself the honor to wait upon you speedily on the subject. The petition alluded to in Mr. Bond’s Letter is not before Congress, nor does Mr. Gerry know anything respecting it. The Letter from Mr. Cooper Town Clerk of Boston is also inclosed.—I am, Sir, with great...
17713To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 10 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Those who percieve the arduous nature of your duties, ought to wish to aid you in executing them. Whether the auther of the Path to Riches , had it in view to afford you such aid, or not, I think it fit to send you the work, as our political economy lies much within your department. You have found the path for our Country, and it is advancing in it, tho’ you have not sought it for yourself. To...
17714To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The immoderately long letter which I took the liberty to write you some time ago, will, probably, have surprised you. You will wonder why I should take pains to establish opinions which you have never held in dispute. I will confess to you that the rumour of the intended connection between the U.S and NY. Banks gave me some uneasiness. My friend Mr Gore will leave this town next week, and you...
17715To Benjamin Franklin from Amezaga, 25 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. D’amezaga est dépuis Six semaines à la Campagne. Il meurent d’envie de voir son cher Monsieur de Franklin. Il â trouvé à la Campagne un Noble Genois qui S’apelle Mr. de sélezia qui a porter chés Monsieur de Franklin, un Paquet dont on L’avoit changé [chargé]. Il n’a point trouvé Monsieur de Franklin chés luy et à Laissés Son Paquet. Mr. de Sélezia qui...
17716To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, [28 November? 1779] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Mr. Le Ms. Damezaga fait dire à Monsieur de franklin, et à Monsieur son Petit fils, que Mr. Amelot dinne chès Luy demain Lundy 29 9bre. One of a series of dinner invitations beginning in April, 1779, from the marquis and his stepson Antoine-Jean Amelot de Chaillou, a high government official and president of the Académie royale des sciences: XXIX , 275,...
17717To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 20 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Je Vous fais de tout mon Coeur, Monsieur, sur votre bonne fortune en Amerique, Mon Compliment. La santé de Mr de Maurepas, m’affecte si vivement que la prise de Cornwallis, ne ma Pas procuré les transports que J’aurois eû, sans la Situation dun homme a qui Jai été extremement toujours attachée. Je vous prie de ne pas douter de la Sincerité des Sentiments...
17718To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, 1 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay toujour Monsieur, étté a chantilly ce qui ma empeché, d’aller vous rendre mes çivilité, monsieur amelot ma baucoup demondé de vos nouvelles ainsy que sa femme, sil dine Lundy prochain, ches eux, vous devries y venir, en me faisant avertir davançe. Sy vous dines ches vous dimanche Jaurois bien envie daller vous en demonder; faite moÿ faire, un petit mot...
17719To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, 29 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. D’amezaga fait ses très humble compliment a Monsieur de franklin, et luy fait demander sil dinne chés luy aujourd’huy dimanche, et au cas qu’il n’y dinne Pas S’il vouloit venir dinner demain lundi chés Mr. amelot á Paris.
17720To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, 20 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. D’amezaga, fait ses Plus Tendres Complimens à Monsieur de franklin, Il luy fait demander Sil dinne demain chés luy, dimanche et Sil veut bien que Mr. Damezaga aille L’embrasser. The only year during BF ’s stay in France that July 20 fell on a Saturday.