17801The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 4 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) <Passy, January 4, 1779: We acknowledge your undated letter, and refer you to ours of the second of this month. We cannot furnish Gilbank with more money; perhaps our protest of his bills will convince him. We have applied for the convoy with the greatest possible urgency. We approve your...
17802To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 16 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] June 16, 1794 . “The Ship Fair American Benjamin Lee master bound from China to Newyork arrived here on the 12th of this month without a Manifest. I do not consider the Invoice exhibited a true copy of which goes with this Petition to be a manifest and thereby the master in my opinion has subjected himself to the Penalty in such case imposed by Law. He has petitioned...
17803From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the first perusal of your letter respecting Winter Quarters at Harper’s ferry I supposed it to be your intention that I should take definitive measures on the subject. Under that idea I wrote to Col. Parker the and Genl. Washington the letters which you will find enclosed. But I see observe, upon reading your letter a second time, that you have instructed me to take only preliminary...
17804[Diary entry: 25 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
25. Snowing in the Morning, but clear afterwards and Cool. Snow about an Inch deep.
17805[To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 23 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 23 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 30 Apr. 1784. Letter not found, but its subject was no doubt the possibility that TJ would be appointed as minister. TJ was troubled to learn that that possibility was being rumored in Virginia, and, on the same day that he received Short’s letter, he replied expressing his embarrassment; TJ to Short, 30 Apr. 1784 . Short explained that a...
17806To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 4, 1790 . Encloses commissions for persons appointed to the customs service in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17807Thomas Jefferson to Joshua Stow, 23 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved the copy you have been so kind as to send me of the Address and Constitution of the Connecticut society for the encouragement of American manufactures, and beg leave thro’ you to return thanks to the Society for this mark of their attention. no one more zealously wishes success to their views, from a very thorough conviction of their importance to the Cement, as well as...
17808From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with two of your Excellency’s favors both of the 11th inclosing an extract of a letter from Governor Rutlege. I cannot but feel most sensibly affected by several parts of your Excellency’s letter. The successive misfortunes to the Southward—the progress of the enemy—and the great deficiency in military stores give rise to the most serious reflections, while our situation in...
17809To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
The messenger who carried my letter of yesterday to the Post-office brought me thence, on his return, the two pieces of homespun which had been separated by the way from your letter of Jan. 1. a little more sagacity of conjecture in me, as to their appellation, would have saved you the trouble of reading a long dissertation on the state of real homespun in our quarter. the fact stated however...
17810Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 9 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your favor in answer to mine, has come safe to hand. Such is the character of the attention now given to public affairs, that I think it quite doubtful whether the absurdity in question—glaring as it is—will not escape notice. It is not in the exact line of Scent of either or any of the packs. A production which, to a mind at all familiar with your and Mr Jefferson’s principles, could not be...
17811[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 5 June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 5 June 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p. 35 (5 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing one from Governor Nash of North-Carolina, containing intelligence from Charleston.” Not located, but see the letter from Nash, 30 May , which was...
17812Étienne Lemaire to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
j’ai Reçû l’honneur de la votre En date du 25 avril par la qu’elle vous desirré avoire quelque petitte article, aûsitot Je mensuy aucûpé, j’ai áchêtté deux douzainne de boutteille D’huil exellante, une idem de siróp de vinaigre de mail et une demi livre de vanilla; jespairre que vous sérré satisfai t Des trois article, idé doit ce rapeller de la manier que j’employait la vanilla avec Économis,...
17813General Orders, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General observed on the 26th instant that there were several deficiencies towards a general movement of the Army—He expects every Exertion will be made to supply them without a Moment’s loss of time, that the Troops may in all respects be in a perfect State of readiness for marching at the shortest notice: The several departments of the Army will make their Arrangements accordingly—The...
17814George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 26, 1780 . Transmits plan for conducting the quartermaster’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17815James Madison to Thomas Vaiden, 7 January 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of Dcr. 28 referring to one in 1828. which was anonymous. I recollect havg. recd. the latter, but can not speak particularly of its contents. The circumstance of its being anonymous wd. not necessarily evince bad motives, and I retain no impression that would justify an imputation of them in that particular case. With friendly wishes Draft (DLC) .
17816From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 20 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
By the Seventh Article of the provisional Treaty of Peace, signed on the thirtieth of November, One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two, confirmed by the definitive Treaty of September one thousand, Seven hundred and Eighty three, it was Stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty should, with all convenient Speed withdraw all his Armies and Garrisons from the United States of America and from...
17817Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 25 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
My Letter of the 1st. of May last gave You some Account of the Proceedings of the Convention, the Business of which has been since compleated, the Constitution agreed upon And in September We shall proceed to the Choice of Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators, &c. On the last Wednesday of October the first General Court is to be held. Had a Negtive on the Governor and his Appointment of the...
17818From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Express has just handed me your Letter of the 29th Ulto—as you do not mention the circumstances under which the persons who came in the Flag are confined it is impossible for me to give any directions in the matter—I have written to Colo. Dayton by this conveyance desiring him to take the proper measures for obtaining you an intercourse with the British Commissary. Was it not that the...
17819To George Washington from the Board of War, 12 October 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Board of War, 12 Oct. 1776. On 22 Oct. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to the Board of War: “I am directed by his Excellency, whose business has called him from hence, to acknowledge his receipt of your Favors of the 12th and 15th Instt, and to inform you in Answer to the first, that he will mention the case of the French Gentn to Genl Lee, and obtain his Opinion as to...
17820From Benjamin Walker to Timothy Pickering, 22 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of the day Report a defficency of Camp Kettles—Straw also is much wanting. The Commander in Chief wishes to know—whether the want of kettles arises from their want of Care or whether a proper allowance has not been issued what the allowance is and how long a Kettle is to last & if any on hand . Also if any Measures are taken to procure Straw. I am Dr Sir Your very Obed. Servt DNA...
17821From James Madison to Joseph Jones, ca. 19 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 19 February 1797. Mentioned in Jones to JM, 23 Feb. 1797 . Informs Jones about the publication of the essays “An Examination of a Late Letter from Mr. Pickering to Mr. Pinckney.”
17822To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 25 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The return of Mr White enables me to send you some of the articles you asked of me to procure. You will find the list inclosed, and in my next I will try to send you a bill of my disbursements, both now & formerly.— Mr Franklin’s glasses will be forwarded by Mr Storer, or earlier, if an opportunity offers. They would have gone now by Mr White, had I...
17823May 13. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at M. Chaumonts, with a great deal of Company. After Dinner took a Walk to Chaillot to see Mr. Lee, who had a large Company of Americans to dine with him, among the rest Mr. Fendell of Maryland and Dr. Smith Brother of Mr. Smith of N. York the Historian. James Smith (1738–1812), College of New Jersey 1757; M.D., Leyden 1764; first professor of chemistry and materia medica at King’s...
17824From George Washington to John St. Clair, 18 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
Sir John St Clair. Sir. Ft L[oudou]n the 18th April, 1758. Your letter of the 13th, addressed to Capt. Bullett, came to my hands about an hour ago. I have not words to express the great pleasure I feel, at finding General Forbes and yourself so heartily disposed to please the Indians, who are our steady friends, and valuable allies. Mr Gist will send you a return of the number of Indians who...
17825V. The Declaration of Independence as Adopted by Congress, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect...
17826From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favours of the 6 & 9 inst. & thank you for the Intelligence they Contain. I hope generals Clinton & Thomson will give a good Acct. of the Invaders of Georgia. But if they should remain there till the end of the summer, a general fever at least will do a great Deal towards demolishing them. With much Esteem I am &ca Surely BF wished for a good account...
17827To Thomas Jefferson from William Vans Murray, 18 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed little attempt to make a vocabulary of the language of the Nanticokes, may remind you of a circumstance, and promise of mine, which probably have escaped your memory. You gave me the printed list of words last spring. On the reverse of the printed side which is filled up is added a number of words which occured to me. The tribe has dwindled almost into extinction. It is still...
17828To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1802, Natchez. Encloses “an Original Copy of a Communication (together with a translation thereof)” received “this morning” from the governor general of Louisiana, in answer to Claiborne’s 28 Oct. letter. Letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal); Tr ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 7A-D1); Tr of enclosure ( DLC : Jefferson Papers)....
17829To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 25 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inclose a Copy of a Letter I yesterday recieved from Corunna. I communicate it to your Excellency in Confidence. The Writer is a particular Friend of yours. He has so good an Heart, and is so amiable a Man, that I would not expose him to the Resentment of any of the Gentlemen, and therefore pray your Excellency to keep his Letter secret....
17830From Thomas Jefferson to Augustin Dupré, 23 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson va faire imprimer des explications de toutes les médailles, pour les envoyer avec les médailles aux souverains de l’Europe; il lui manque celle de M. Franklin, faite par M. Dupré; il le prie de lui en prêter une exemplaire, et de lui en communiquer l’explication aussi, s’il y en a été une de faite comme il y en avait sans doute. MS missing; text from Loubat, Medallic History...
17831From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 5 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I am exceedingly obliged by your interesting yourself so warmly in behalf of those unhappy people. I understand you advanc’d money: Your bills on that account will be punctually paid. As yet I have heard of none. Understanding that a certain Person promised to make proposals for healing a certain Breach, I postpon’d and delayed a material Operation till I should...
17832John Woodson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It may be presumption in me to ask your Opinion, on a Subject near my heart; and one which I think the whole human race are interested in. but when you hear my reason for intrudeing upon your useful time; I hope your goodness will pardon the liberty I take. Being in compa n y with a Divine a few weeks past the Centr l college was the topic. it was observd that it was patronizd by M r Jefferson...
17833King’s Petition to the General Court: 4 January 1768 (Adams Papers)
Province of the Massachusetts Bay To His Excellency the Governor The Hon orab le His Majestys Council and the Honle. House of Reprisentitives in General Court Assembled Humbly Shews Richard King of Scarborough in the County of Cumberland in Said Province Gentleman That in the Night of the 19th of March AD 1766. a Number of Persons in Disguise with axes Clubbs &c. Broak the windows of the...
17834From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Smith’s letter of Aug. 29. & the papers it inclosed, and which are now reinclosed, will explain to you the necessity of my confirming his proposition as to the means of apprising our East India commerce of their danger, without waiting for further opinions on the subject. you will see that it throws on you the immediate burthen of giving the necessary instructions with as little delay as...
178352d. (Adams Papers)
Young Mr. Symmes lodged here last Night. This morning before breakfast My Brother Charles left us, for Cambridge, as the fall vacancy ends to day. He went with Leonard White, and Walker, and several other Gentlemen and Ladies who were going to Boston. I have lost in Leonard and Charles two good friends who in my leisure hours were great sources of pleasure to me; but the separation from them...
17836[Diary entry: 5 April 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 5th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning—45 at Noon and 44 at Night. Wind at No. West or more northerly all day and raining and mizzling without intermission—being very disagreeable and the ground very wet. Fanned all the heated Corn to day. The trouble this Corn has occasioned to preserve it from entire destruction is equal to the worth of it. To prevent its receiving some damage &...
17837[Diary entry: 19 April 1769] (Washington Papers)
19. Clear and very cold. Wind at No. West and fresh—more moderate at Noon.
17838To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 31 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I returned to this Post Two Days Ago from Maryland, where I left the British Troops tollerably well Accomodated. I make no Doubt you have Received before this a Requisition from the State of Maryland, for a Supply of Beef and Pork for the Troops, as the Scarcity of those Articles are so great as to Render it impossible to procure more than three weeks allowance from this time. On this Subject...
17839From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 18 February 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Matthias Slough, 18 Feb. 1797 . Slough wrote GW on 22 Feb. : “Your Highly & most Esteemed favour of the 18th Currant Duely reached me” ( Papers, Retirement Series W. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Retirement Series . 4 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1998–99. 1:4 –5).
17840Proclamation on Recent Crimes against the Cherokees, 12 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
WHEREAS I have received authentic information, that certain lawless and wicked persons, of the western frontier, in the state of Georgia, did lately invade, burn and destroy, a town belonging to the Cherokee nation, altho’ in amity with the United States, and put to death several Indians of that nation; and whereas such outrageous conduct, not only violates the rights of humanity, but also...
17841From George Washington to Joseph Hewes, 25 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 14th: I wish it were in my power to fall upon the means of procuring the enlargement of your friend Mr Granberry; but as I have no Citizen under my controul, who would be a fit subject to propose as an exchange, either upon parole or finally, I have not an opportunity of interesting myself in his behalf. It has been a point determined and invariably pe[r]sisted in, not...
17842From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1800 (Madison Papers)
My last informed you of the result of the debates on the justifying Report of the Select Committee. I am now able to add that of Mr. Giles’s resolutions. The question on the whole was decided in the affirmative by a little upwards of a hundred against less than fifty. The vote was rather stronger on some of the particular resolutions, for example the instruction for disbanding the army. The...
17843From James Madison to Richard Rush, 5 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 2d. inst: with the papers inclosed with it, and thank you for having so comprehensively provided for the objects of mine to which it is an answer. I return the Proclamation, which was properly varied from that of 1806, which had more in view than the one now in hand. To avoid questions or feelings of State Prerogative, I have pencilled for erasure the words specifying...
17844To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 22 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
In Consequence of yoúr Excellency’s Esteemed Letter of the 13 th. Inst t. a Credit of £2500—Sterl Will be given in favoúr of M r. Francis Dana at Petersbourg for accóunt of Congress. not doubting of their Approbation on yoúr Excellency’s proceedings. We Should be glad to Know if your Excell s. intentions are to be Shortly here again, than if yoúr Excellencys Occupations Shall make your Stay...
17845James Madison to Charles Caldwell, 13 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
On the receipt of your letter of the 15 Ult: I requested the Bursar of the University to make out a Statement on the main subject of your enquiry, which I inclose. It shews the modes, as well as the amount of the Legislative grants to the Institution. The Professors receive their salaries out of the permanent annuity of $15.000. with fees from the Students of $50 when attending a single...
17846From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Excellency’s three several Letters of the 11th & 12th instant: covering the report of the Judge Advocate of your Army, respecting a farther inquisition which had been proposed to be made into the Murder of Capt. Huddy; a representation of Lieut. Reinking relative to the treatment of the German Prisoners at Reading, and a Passport for a Vessell to proceed from...
17847From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 25 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Boston Public Library; AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Inclosed are two Letters for you which came under my Cover from Boston. I am glad to hear a good Account of you from Mr. de Marignac. A Gentleman of Lyons has repeatedly wrote to my [me], proposing to remove you to a School in his Neighbourhood, and tells me that you desire it. I hope he is mistaken in that. You are plac’d...
17848To James Madison from Jonas Humbert, 22 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
As there is a vacancy in this District in the office of Marshal, I beg the liberty of being considered as an applicant for such situation. The Honorable Secretary of State will lay before the President testimonials in my behalf. Should my recommendations be satisfactory, and the strong interest I have taken to support and defend the administration previous to, and during the late war, I shall...
17849To James Madison from William Clark, 1 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Clark. 1 April 1806, Washington. “My last respects from Embden, under date of October 20th. Ulto. informed you of the little probability of any important future trade between the United States & that place; & that consequently, there no longer existed any inducement for me to remain there. I flatter myself nevertheless that during my residence at Embden, my services have been in...
17850Trowbridge’s and Oliver’s Charges to the Jury: 5 December 1770 (Adams Papers)
Gentlemen of the Jury, William Wemms, James Hartegan, William McCauley, Hugh White, Matthew Killroy, William Warren, John Carrol and Hugh Montgomery, prisoners at the bar, are charged by the Grand Jurors for the body of this county, with having feloniously and of their malice aforethought, shot and thereby killed and murdered Samuel Maverick, Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, Patrick Carr, and...