1771To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 1 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 1 Feb. 1788 . Two ships flying American colors arrived “yesterday” with 749 hhds. of tobacco shipped by Johnson & Muir in accordance with Morris’ contract with the farmers-general; the ships, the Sally and Potomac , left Annapolis 26 Dec.; it would be “surprising” if the farmers received the tobacco in spite of the resolution and convention passed at Berni. Is informed by the masters...
1772Traveling Expenses of Martha Washington, 1 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
An Acct of Mrs Washingtons Expences from Virga to my Winter Quarters & back again to Virginia according to the Memms & Accts wch I have recd from her & those who accompanied her 1775 Lawful Decr To amount of her Expences from Virginia to Cambridge 85. 2. 6 1776 July To Ditto from New York to Virginia after the Enemy Landed on Staten Isld Including her Residence in Phila at Board for sometime
1773Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas H. Lewis, 5 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Lewis and will attend the Rivanna company on Saturday at the Shadwell mills . RC ( CtHi : Hoadley Collection); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “M r Nicholas H. Lewis ”; endorsed by Lewis
1774C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 18 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since my last letters, nothing worthy of writing about has occurred. That is not to say, however, that every day I have not had some occasion of acting for the general welfare of the cause and, therefore, of visiting the French embassy daily in order to receive intelligence and letters, or to provide extracts which sometimes are sent to the Cabinet, but more often, and even with regularity, go...
1775From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now arrived myself on the East side of the Delaware, and the main body of the Army is on the Other from whence it will cross as soon as possible. This would have been effected in part to day, had it not been for the rain and the very doubtful appearance of the morning, which prevented the Troops from moving till it was late. The Afternoon will be employed in passing the Artillery and such...
1776To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 28 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Since you did me the honor the other day to mention the subject of the Canal from the falls of Poto. to the Eastern branch, I have thought much on the subject, & satisfied you will excuse the liberty I am now takeing, have determined to address you a few lines—I see innumerable difficulties attending the plan you propose, one which you mentioned, the want of funds, The ground where you propose...
1777To Thomas Jefferson from William C. Jenckes, 14 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
From being obliged to leave the City of Washington I fear I have delayed the communication which you had the goodness to promise me upon the subject of my dismission, from the service of the U. States, as a Lieutt of the Navy—Permit me to Observe that there can be no circumstance so likely to inflict a lasting wound upon the reputation of any man, as the one to which I have alluded and I am...
1778To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 2 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
I beg Leave to return you my Thanks for the Loan of Peter—and I am happy that I have it in my Power to send him Home unhurt. Tarquin has recover’d the Laurells he lost at Alexandria—His Opponents were, old Cumberland, and Herod, the Property of Doctr Ross; both which he beat with great Ease. I have a fine 2 year-old Doe, perfectly tame, which I beg your Acceptance of. She shall be sent with...
1779To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, October [i.e., 6 November] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Capn. Barney has the honor of assuring his Excelly. Doctr. Franklin of his most respectfull Comps. & wth. pleasure accepts his polite invitation to dinner on Saturday next Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Le Doctr. Franklin / ministre Plenipotentiare / des Etats Units de / L’Amerique en / son hotel / a Passy The day after Barney arrived in Paris with...
1780To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 1st. inst., a few hours only after your departure, Mr. Rapin presented me your very friendly letter of the 31st. ult., and in complyance therewith I have taken up my lodgings in the President’s house, where I feel myself much pleased, and extreamly gratifyed with the attention paid, as well by the Steward, as your other domesticks, to all matters which regard my...
1781John Neilson to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the north front of the Rotunda, by comparing it with the flank veiw, you will perceive a small difference in the North front the lower edge of the Architrave falls in the same line as the centre of the Sphere, the column the column being then taken, leaves 10 ft for the height of the Pedestal, if this be deemed too much, which of the following modes would be agreeable to you to...
1782From James Madison to Fulwar Skipwith, 7 January 1807 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To Fulwar Skipwith. Letter not found. 7 January 1807. Acknowledged as received in Skipwith to JM , 7 Apr. 1807, with “the papers therein referred to” ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Paris, vol. 2).
1783From John Adams to James Warren, 9 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
I shall address this to you as Speaker, but you may be Councillor, or Governor, or Judge, or any other Thing, or nothing but a good Man, for what I know. Such is the Mutability of this World. Upon my Word I think you Use the World very ill, to publish and send abroad a Newspaper, since the 29 May without telling Us one Word about the Election, where it was held, who preached the sermon, or &c....
17841774. Septr. 12. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Attended my Duty on the Committee, untill one O Clock, and then went with my Colleagues and Messrs. Thompson and Mifflin to the Falls of Schuylkill, and viewed the Museum at Fort St. Davids, a great Collection of Curiosities. Returned and dined with Mr. Dickinson at his Seat at Fair Hill, with his Lady, Mrs. Thompson, Miss Norris and Miss Harrison. Mr. Dickinson has a fine Seat, a beautyfull...
1785To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757. On 30 June 1757 GW wrote to Lee: “I have received yours of the 28th instant.”
1786To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 7 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph recieved your letter respecting the bonds 2 days before he set off for Richmond and carried them down with him. He has by Mr. Colquehoun’s not appearing been cast in his suit with Rogers and fined 77 pounds which added to the other expences attending a suit amounts to upwards of a hundred. It is particularly unlucky at this time as he has met with many misfortunes which will...
1787Thomas Jefferson’s Note for Destutt de Tracy’s Treatise on Political Economy, [ca. 6 April 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
A Note communicated to the Editor. Our author’s classification of taxes being taken from those practised in France , will scarcely be intelligible to an American reader, to whom the nature as well as names of some of them must be unknown. the taxes with which we are familiar class themselves readily according to the bases on which they rest. 1. Capital. 2. Income. 3. Consumption. these may be...
1788To James Madison from Stephen Sayre, 6 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have requested it as a favor, to know, whether I may, or may not expect, some appointment from Administration. If you conceive the refusal of an answer ought to be conclusive, you are not perfectly acquainted with my character—for—since I am compel’d to pass the line of delicacy, you must pardon me, if I draw some just & natural conclusions, and presume, that others have been provided for,...
1789To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Previously to the establishment of arrangements for carrying on the work during the ensuing Season, I beg to lay before you a proposition of which I hope to receive your approbation, and which I beg specially to explain on account of the personal interest I appear to have in it. Independently of my Salary, the expenses of the direction of the public works have been, Salary of the Clerk of the...
1790From Thomas Jefferson to David Ramsay, 23 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. John Brown Cutting, proposing to go to Charleston, I take the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance and attentions. His merit and talents will justify me in taking this liberty, as they will fully recommend him to your esteem, while I am equally assured he will find in you what will render it reciprocal. He is authorised to ask from your state some arrangements...
1791[Diary entry: 31 July 1770] (Washington Papers)
31. Again very warm & still—especially in the Evening and Night.
1792[Diary entry: 31 July 1762] (Washington Papers)
31. Guy finished the 3 sides of Garden all to Capp[in]g Pill[a]r. B. Mitchell went away. Burgis Mitchell of Maryland had been employed 1 May 1762 by GW as overseer of the Home House plantation, the farm on which the mansion house was located. He was to work until the end of October, for which GW was to pay him £6 plus his levy and tax and to provide him with laundry services, lodging, and...
1793Estimate of Troops for South Carolina, [ca. 29 March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
for the war till Sep. 30 1780. terms not specifd Total exp. befr. Sep. 30. 80. Detachmt. from the State garrison regimt. under Colo. Porterfeild. 46. 39. 85. 1 Detachmt. from Artillery regiment under Majr. Matthews
1794From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 6 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
I return you Cs Letter, I think she will not be here untill the last of this month. I fear W’s situation an unpleasant one, it cannot be otherways, with a family and without means of supporting them—whether John will obtain the place he wants, I know not, nor am I very solicitious for it. I have written two letters for him. at his request, but knew not, if I was not essentially injuring his...
1795George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 11 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 11, 1780 . Believes time has arrived to “reiterate our instances with the several States.” Reviews situation in South and in New York. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1796From George Washington to James Anderson, 5 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28 ulto has been received; but leaves the matter we have been treatg of, pretty much as it stood before I wrote to you, except that certain stipulations on your part are made while you refer me for a solution of the queries I propounded (important to me) to others for information, when the means of obtaing it is not within my reach. I can only say therefore, that it will not...
1797To George Washington from Elijah Hunter, 11 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Ever Since that Genl Arnold went and Joined the Enemy I have Been obliged to Quit my Liveing in Bedford and have been at Very Great Expence and for Nine month Past have had a Sevear fit of Sickness so that I have Not been able to go about Till Now with the Blessing of God I am Better So that I hope to Git on my farm again this Spring if Times will admit of it but at Presant It Looks Gloomy as...
1798To John Adams from John Williams, 17 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter will be handed to you by Mr. Van Flick, as the Bearer alluded to in the Letter has been taken Sick, but as Mr. Van Flick is an intimate Acquaintance & Friend of mine, & his; you may confide to him any Thing you please for the assistance of the unfortunate Person, who was to be the Bearer of the inclosed Letter, and please to excuse my Freedom in applying to you, for to...
1799Quincy July 12. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Yesterday mow’d all the Grass on Stony field Hill. To day ploughing for Hilling among the Corn over against the House. Brisler laying the foundation of the new Barn which is to be rais’d tomorrow, at the East End of my Fathers barn. Puffer and Sullivan Lathrop ploughing among Potatoes in the lower Garden. This Journal is commenced, to allure me into the habit of Writing again, long lost. This...
1800From George Washington to Joshua Lewis, 24 October 1757 (Washington Papers)
I am strongly importun’d by Capn Swearengen to place a small Command at Strouds Fort if you think it for the Interest of the Service & can possibly spare the Men yr complying Wt. these requests will be agreeable to me I’m still off opinion that Dividg yr Command into small Parties will be better than Keepg any No. of them together—I send you this Inclos’d to Cap⟨n⟩ Swearengen who I have...
1801From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 1 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu votre petite chere Epitre, ma bonne fille, datté a Villeneuve le 27 passée. Vous parlez des bons Amis qui vous soignent bien, des belles Vues que vous avez par vos fenétres, &c. Tout cela me fait du plaisir à entendre; mais je pense continuellement des Fatigues que vous devez souffrir dans une si longue voyage; des mauvaises Auberges, mauvaises...
1802From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 31 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your second letter my dearest, of the 26. continued on the 28. is this moment recd; and flatters my anxious wishes & hopes for your perfect recovery, and your safe return to Washington. I am glad to find you so determined in your adherence to the Drs. prescriptions. Be assured that he will give none that are not indispensable, & that you will not rejoice in having strictly observed. I had not...
1803Certificate for Archibald Blair, 16 May 1780 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Virginia to wit I hereby certify that Archibald Blair is Clerk to the Council of State & that due faith & credence should be given to his signature, Given under my hand & seal of the Commonwealth at Richmond this sixteenth day of May 1780 RC (Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 2013); entirely in TJ’s hand.
1804Inquiries Concerning the Defense of New York, June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inquire minutely into the number of men which compose the present Garrison of New York and its dependencies ascertaining the number at each post and Corps which compose them, distinguishing the British from the Foreigners. If any reinforcement should arrive from Virginia or elsewhere, ascertain the number and Corps—or if any detachments should be made likewise ascertain the number and Corps....
1805From Francis Walker Gilmer to Thomas Hewitt Key, 28 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
This covenant entered into sat London, on this 28th day of September in the year 1824, between Francis W. Gilmer attorney in fact for the university of Virginia of the one part, and Thomas Hewett Key of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said Gilmer attorney in fact for the rector & visitors of the university of Virginia doth hereby appoint the said Key a professor in the said university,...
1806From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Anderson, 3 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Oct. 28. did not get to my hands till Nov. 20. I immediately referred the case to the War office for enquiry. they find that George Purcell, a corporal of Capt Nicoll’s company died Oct. 21. 1808. and that he appears from the accounts of Capt Sterrett late district paymaster to have had pay due him at the time of his death from the 1st. of August preceding, that is to say 2....
1807John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Gen. Warren writes me, that my Farm never looked better, than when he last saw it, and that Mrs. —— was like to outshine all the Farmers. —I wish I could see it.—But I can make Allowances. He knows the Weakness of his Friends Heart and that nothing flatters it more than praises bestowed upon a certain Lady. I am suffering every day for Want of my farm to ramble in.—I have been now for near Ten...
1808To George Washington from Charles Burnham Cochran, 25 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
The notice which you have been pleased to take of me allready through the intercession of my friends particularly Mr Izard by appointing me to the office of Marshall for the District of South Carolina has made me presume to Solicit your attention and Suffrage once more for the office of Naval Officer—Now vacant by Col. Motte’s death —With diffidence I renew an application of this kind, so...
1809To John Adams from David Hosack, 29 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
You are respectfully informed, that at a meeting of the NEW-YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, held on the 31st day of August 1824, you were elected an HONORARY MEMBER. By order of the Society, MHi : Adams Papers.
1810From Abigail Smith Adams to James Monroe, 3 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
upon the 23d of Feb’ry mr Adams addrest a Letter to you, and inclosed a private Letter from my Son at St Petersburgh to me, requesting a return of it by the next Mail. as the Letter has not been received I presume in the multiplicity of buisness, It has been forgotten. You will oblige me by sending it, and at the same time do me the favour to forwarding the packet which accompanies this Letter...
1811To John Adams from Thomas Wren, 22 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
At the request of Sir John Carter, I take the liberty to inform your Excellency, that Rob t. Muir, detained in our goal, having lived upon his own money till about a week ago, is now according to the custom of the goal allowed 3 d. per day which is paid by the parish. But the parish officers object somewhat to the making this allowance, as this man’s offence, they say, does not principally...
1812From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Extracts of two letters from General Sullivan of the 6th and 7th instants. You will perceive by them, the state of his provision Magazine and his apprehensions from a failure of supplies. He seems determined if possible to keep open his communication with the Country below him—which, if he can effect, he will be enabled to draw further supplies should they be lodged at the...
1813To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with great regret that I intrude upon you at a moment when I know you are very much en gaged, I hope you will pardon it. It appears to me, that I have no right to demand the balance that is due upon the enclosed paper unless it is assigned to me. The engagement of Messrs. Pendleton & Lyons, is to you and Mr. Short, which is transferred by you to the U.S. I presume the money will not be...
1814To George Washington from Robert Oliver, 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to Brigade orders of the 2d proceeded with the Battalion under my command and releived the Lines—sending Captain Webbs compy to Pines Bridge-- Captain Fowles compy to the New Bridge-- Captain Bradfords company to Stoney and Verplanks Points—provided with Captains Remick compy and releived Major Forman at Dobbs’s Ferry. On the 6th Received a flagg from the Enemy with a letter Frank’d...
1815From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 25 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed in what manner I am disappointed in receiving the Rent for my house in Alexandria. These things put you, the payer & myself, in an awkward situation; for it must seem strange to demand what has been paid. I must therefore request, in explicit terms, that you will receive no more monies due to me; a⟨nd⟩ I should be glad to have a statement of the a/c as it...
1816To Thomas Jefferson from Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 10 October 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
We have before us your very esteemed favor of 27 May remitting us £ 39.17.10½ Stg. Nathl. Anderson’s Bill on Wm. Anderson of London " 70. 8. 6 " Geo. Meade’s Do. on Geo. Barclay & Co. of Do. £110. 6. 4½ Stg. on account of Mr. Philip Mazzei whom We have advised thereof. These Bills have both been protested for non acceptance. But We have endorsed them to the Consul of the United States in...
1817To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 October 1804, Tangier. No. 85. “I beg leave to enclose duplicate of No. 84 [6 Oct. 1804] and to advise that the Emperour has Condemned the two Prussian Vessels with their Cargoes. He has directed that the Captains & Crews shall be employed on the repairs of the Fortifications of Salle and Rhabat. This is the first instance we have seen of Muley Soliman setting Christians under such...
1818To James Madison from Henry Lee, 19 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
The inclination which I expressed to you several years ago, in 1823 I believe, to devote myself to the cultivation of letters, still besets me, & I have been fortunate enough to select a subject which is capable of receiving and conferring ⟨imperishable?⟩ honour. Whether I shall be able to do it justice is a question which labour, patience, diligence, & the inspiration of the historic muse,...
1819Petition of Peter Veitch, with Jefferson’s Order, 17 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of Peter Veitch of Alexandria County Humbly Sheweth that during the year 1801, he was presented by a Grand Jury for the body of this County for retailing Spirituous Liquors without Licence, on which presentment Judgment and Execution has since been had, in favour of the United States; which including the costs of Prosecution amounts to Ninety eight dollars eighty five cents—which...
1820Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 8 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday Yours of May 28 th I inclose you the account of Money sent you, including what is now in this Letter. if I should not remit you any more untill I come; I will then Settle the remainder. I do not expect to leave here untill the first of July. I shall rejoice if it may be then. I have wanted the P——t to get you to draw for 2000 dollors which I think might be spaird, and to...