181901To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 24 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Indisposition has prevented an earlier attention to the claim of Mr. Ab: Ritchie, as administrator acting under the Will of the late Chas. Beatty, to a portion of land said to take in a part of the Presidents house. The letter of Mr Ritchie being the first direct notification of such a claim which has come to my knowledge, I submit to the Executive such information as I possess on the subject....
181902C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 21 October 1784 (Adams Papers)
Mardi 19 au soir Leurs H. P. dépecherent un Exprès à Paris, avec l’acceptation unanime de la part des 7 provinces des points réservés en blanc dans le Traité défensif adopté de part & d’autre; & pouvoir à leurs plénipo: de signer ce Traité &c. J’attends l’adresse demandée à Londres, non seulement pour les Lettres que je pourrai écrire à V. E. par cette route, com̃e la plus sure dorénavant pour...
181903I., 19 July 1754 (Washington Papers)
The third of this Instant July, about 9 o’Clock, we received Intelligence that the French, having been reinforced with 700 Recruits, had left Monongehela, and were in full March with 900 Men to attack us. Upon this, as our Numbers were so unequal, (our whole Force not exceeding 300) we prepared for our Defence in the best Manner we could, by throwing up a small Intrenchment, which we had not...
181904To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 31 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hartley wrote to Mr Adam Rugart and enquired of him if about ten or twelve Mares fifteen hands high—not more than two Years old—bay or black—and of the Country Breed—could be had in Lancaster County—Price from £18 to £24 or £25 Pennsylvania—and if a remar[k]able fine and good Mare perhaps the President might go towards £30. He has got an Answer from Mr Rugart that his Mares may be had. He...
181905From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper will give you a knowledge of the mode and terms on which Tobo. is made a commutable. It also contains some Resolutions of importance relative to the navigation of the Mississippi. The Senate have concurred in them, though not unanimously. Some of the members of that branch objected to the pointedness of the language. Others doubted the propriety of taking up a subject of so...
181906To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 20 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur, M. de vous adresser la copie du memoire qui m’a êté presenté par le Sr. Louis Anty marchand a Nantes, ainsy que de la note dont il l’a accompagné. Vous y verrez l’exposé des pertes que lui ont occasionné Ses liaisons de commerce avec le Sr. Penet Agent general de l’Etat de Virginie. La fortune de...
181907Richard Grinnell to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I would Inform you that on the 28th of August Last I a Rived heare from London I had att that time Just obtained my Discharge, from the Belile Belle Isle man of war of Seventy four Guns. I was Impressed on board of her at Sea and without asking my Leave they made mee a mid Shipman on board. A few days after faling in with I Reland I Tok o the oportunity by a fishing boat to write to London to...
181908To Thomas Jefferson from William McIntosh, 15 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
At the special solicitation of the french Inhabitants of Vincennes I transmit you an attested Copy of an Answer which they made to Governor Harrison on the 20th. September last. and I am authorised and requested by them to acquaint you that his conduct at the Meeting which gave occasion to it, and at a Conference subsequent at which he endeavored to eradicate the impressions which his...
181909The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have been favoured with a Letter signed by many Gentlemen of Nantes and dated the fifteenth of this Month, informing us that most of their Vessels were ready to sail to America, and that others were expected to be ready immediately, so that the Convoy need not wait...
181910From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 14 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1811. Transmits copies of the documents requested in the resolution of 4 Jan. 1811. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1); Tr ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For enclosure, a printed copy of JM’s proclamation of 2 Nov. 1810 and a Treasury Department circular to customs collectors dated 2 Nov. 1810,...
181911George Ticknor to Thomas Jefferson, 23 April 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Four days ago, I received your favor of Feb. 8. from which I am led to hope that I may soon receive from you another letter which you wrote Jan. 31. and which as it comes through France must probably be somewhat longer on the way. My own letters to you as well as to my friends generally have not been fortunate, and as my last con tained some facts, which it may be important for you to know, I...
181912From James Madison to John Morton, 11 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
A petition has been addressed to the President by Charles Drew, representing that he sailed from Norfolk in Virginia in July last, for porto rico, where he purchased a Brig and proceeded to the Havanna; that he sailed thence for Philadelphia, but his vessel being upset, he and his crew were thrown back to the Havanna; That he again shipped himself at that place for Philadelphia, as master of...
181913To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 2 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
We had the pleasure to address you the 13 Ultimo, and are since deprived of your esteemed favors. The Draft of the Bank of the United States upon us No. 463 to the order of Sl. Meredith Esq. Treasurer f. 100000.–.– has reached us, and been placed to the Credit of the United–States, whose Account Current with us up to 31 May last, You have inclosed; The Balance thereon due by us Holld. Cy. f...
181914To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 9 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have sooner thanked you for your favor of the 12th Ulto which I received on the 24th Had I not expected that the Courier who will bring you this would have set out sooner. I have no Official Letters from America, But by a packet from NY This Court has received despatches from Mr. Gardoqui to the 28th of July which announce the acceptation of the Constitution. Mr. Gardoqui writes me on...
181915Thomas Jefferson to Joel Yancey, 6 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
During the unexampled spell of hard weather which we had in Jan. & Feb. and March , I thought it better not to send the waggoners on the road, and especially as Milly and her two young children were to come back with them. but it has been with inexpressible regret that I have been obliged to retain them latterly while these fine ploughing days were passing. but the necessity of bringing corn...
181916To John Adams from Christopher McPherson, 25 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing you herewith a Pamphlet of Nimrod Hughes’s prophecy as well as a pamphlet of my own. I will thank you to forward me by return mail the Message and other papers I delivered you in Jan’ry 1800 addressed to yourself and the Senate of the U.S. not acted upon by them; as I have advertized agreeable to Law, that I mean to lay the same before the next Session of...
181917To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Crowninshield, 30 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you some ill-digested remarks on the anonymous communication which you sent me yesterday.— I acknowledge the practice alluded to is supposed to exist among our merchants, but I assure you it is more a subject of clamour with some interested people than any thing else. If it were really carried on to the extent, and in the manner described by the writer, and had...
181918James Madison to Edward Everett, 17 April 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 11th. was duly recd. I had noticed the stress laid in a late debate, on the proceedings of the Virga. Legislature in. 1798-9. as supporting the nullifying doctrine so called; and the frequent references also to my participation in those proceedings. But altho’ regretting the erroneous views taken of them, and making no secret of my opinions, I was unwilling to obtrude any...
181919To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry I can give you no other account of our public situation than that it continues equally perplexed and alarming as when I lately gave you a sketch of it. Our army has as yet been kept from starving and public measures from a total stagnation by draughts on the States for the unpaid requisitions. The great amount of these you may judge of from the share that has fallen to Virginia. The...
181920Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Law, 13 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved on the 6 th inst. your favor covering the resolutions of the General meeting of the republicans of the state of Connecticut who had been convened at Hartford : and I see with pleasure the spirit they breathe. they express with truth the wrongs we have sustained, the forbearance we have exercised, & the duty of rallying round the constituted authorities, for the protection of our...
181921From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [30 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I received my Dear Laurens a letter from you which came by Mr. Ternant; and I since learn you are arrived at Philadelphia on a parole restricted to the State of Pensylvania. I regret the loss of Charles Town as a public misfortune. I regret it, as it affects my friends and among these I need not tell you how much my heart distinguishes your case. I know what you must suffer ⟨to⟩ have your...
181922To George Washington from John Jay, 19 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
It occurs to me that it may not be perfectly prudent to say that we are never to expect Favors from a nation, for that assertion seems to imply that nations always are , or always ought to be moved only by interested motives. It is true that disinterested Favors are so rare, that on that account they are not to be expected between nations; and if that Sentiment turned on that Reason vizt their...
181923From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 22 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your Letter dated the 4th Inst. The information you had received respecting an alteration in the Establishment of the Army, is without foundation—No door is open therefore to gratify the wishes of those not in actual service, however Meritorious they may be—of the zeal, attachment & ability you have always displayed in the service of your Country, especially in the last...
181924Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
In the bitter verbal battling which rumbled beneath the physical violence of the pre-Revolutionary years, the heavy advantage rested with the radical press. Led by such pseudonymous journalistic swordsmen as Samuel Adams, Joseph Hawley, and Joseph Warren, the patriots skewered the administration and the loyal faction without restraint, and almost without opposition. Only one tory printer...
181925From George Washington to Richard Chichester, 8 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
On my return home I found your note of the 6th & Mr Whiting shewed me the letter you had written to him on the same subject the next day. When the first came to this place I was from home, & when the second was presented to me I was too much engaged to write myself, but desired Mr Whiting to inform you of my objections as I should do as soon [as] I had leisure. I should feel no...
181926From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought me your favor of Jany. 1. inclosing an unsealed one for Mr. A. & submitting to my discretion the eligibility of delivering it. In exercising this delicate trust I have felt no small anxiety, arising by no means however from an apprehension that a free exercise of it could be in collision with your real purpose, but from a want of confidence in myself, & the importance of...
181927[Diary entry: 18 May 1769] (Washington Papers)
18. Very Warm. Wind Southwardly. Fast & flying Clouds.
181928From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival here a very disagree⟨a⟩ble scene unfolded itself. By a lucky accident a conspiracy of the most dangerous kind, the object of which was to sacrifice this post, has been detected. General Arnold, who has sullied his former glory by the blackest treason, has escaped to the enemy. This is an event that occasions me equal regret and mortification; but traitors are the growth of every...
181929To James Madison from Savary, 27 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
You will be surprised of the liberty I take to direct you the present: But I hope that the Subject will carry with it my excuse. Juge John Coburn, man respectable by his character, his republican principles, his knowledge in the law & also as a father of a numerous family, had been appointed formerly a Juge of the Territory of new Orleans; The dread of that Climate entertained by a part of his...
181930From George Washington to Richard Washington, 8 January 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a Letter of the 26th Ultimo; since which I have had an oppertunity of seeing the great damage China is apt to come to in its transportation to this Country (unless much care is used in the Package) which has determind me to desire you if this gets to hand time enough for that purpose, to send me instead of what was directed in a former Invoice 2 dozn Dishes (properly sorted) 2 dozn...
181931From George Washington to John Hancock or Any Member of the Continental Congress, 22 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Hancock or Any Member of the Continental Congress, 22 Sept. 1777. Elbridge Gerry in his letter to GW of 24 Sept. referred to “your Letter of the 22d directed to the President or any Member of Congress.”
181932To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 10 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
France has cut the knot. The difficulties relative to Parma and Placentia that stopped the expedition to Louisiana have ended by their taking possession of the first. As you see by the enclosed paper, orders are given for the immediate embarkation of troops (two demi brigades) for Louisiana they will sail in about twenty days from Holland. The government here will give no answer to my notes on...
181933To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President, the answer which he proposes to give to the Committee of Foreign relations, on the reference of the Petitions respecting the West-India trade, and the Plaister trade. He thinks, that it would be premature to commence a commercial warfare; but, at all events, the facts, respecting the British regulations, are not sufficiently...
181934From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 8 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 8 November 1805, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant for three thousand three hundred & Seventeen dollars & eight cents, on the appropriations for the relief of Seamen, in favor of James Davidson Jnr. the holder of the enclosed bill of exchange drawn upon me on the 26th. Septr. last, for the same sum, by Josiah Blakely, Consul of the...
181935From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your letter of new-years-day, and congratulate you on your arrival in the great City that is to be where you will have an opportunity of seeing the great world & making many observations & reflections upon it: you may there see a variety of sentiments on government: despotism to the depths of sansculotism, & religious opinions; from the sublimities of Catholics to the...
181936To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 28 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Were it likely to suppose that the human mind, however comprehensive, could always be exerted on one Subject, even tho that subject be the fate of Empires, I should never attempt to seduce your attention to any trifle that could possibly drop from either my own Pen, or that of any part of my family; but, when I consider that the profoundest sagacity must...
181937VI. Arrêt Concerning Whale Oil, 7 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Arrêt du Conseil d’Etat du Roi, Qui excepte de la prohibition portée par l’arrêt du 38 Septembre dernier, les Huiles de Baleine & d’autres Poissons, ainsi que les fanons de Baleine, provenant de la pêche des Etats-unis de l’Amérique. Du 7 Décembre 1788 Extrait des Registres du Conseil d’Etat. Le Roi s’étant fait représenter l’arrêt rendu en son Conseil, le 28 septembre dernier, portant...
181938Candidates for Army Appointments from Connecticut, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Connecticut Captains 1 Austin Nichols Fairfield County Writes ill Wm. Edmond good constitution single man & in prime of life education equal to place active enterprising & on the whole qualified } Not very strong
181939From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 13 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Some skirmishing having begun in the Gazette of the U States respecting Mr. Freneau’s receiving a salary from Government —I mentioned in conversation with a Friend all that I knew of the matter, and among other things, but without naming you, the information you had given me concerning Mr. Madison’s negotiation with Freneau. Upon this he founded a very pointed attack upon Mr Freneau & Mr....
181940To George Washington from “A Sympathizer with the Afflicted,” 12 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
To the President of the United States Most respected and most Estimable of Character. One unconected with any Party, or immediate relation to the unhappy men now under Sentence to Suffer on the 17 instant: dares to aproach in their behalf as The Father and Friend of his Country. One who in the most Sacred truth can declare they are an admirer of the Fedral Constitution, and the Gentleman who...
181941From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note by Col Gibson and communicated the contents to His Excellency. Though from the serious nature of the charges you have exhibited against Colonel Morgan, there seems to be almost a necessity for bringing the matter to a thorough investigation; yet at this juncture it would be attended with so many difficulties as to make it utterly inconvenient. The affair involves such...
181942From George Washington to the Continental Congress Committee on the Mustering Department, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your letter of the 5th of last month, which several circumstances have prevented my answering sooner; an attention to other objects of more immediate urgency and the necessity of making inquiries of some delicacy, preparatory to a determination. As the question related to the continuing or abolishing a department which has [been] heretofore looked upon as a very...
181943To George Washington from La Luzerne, 15 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Although for a long time I have not had the honor to recall me to Your Excellency’s goodness, I pray you to be well persuaded that I have not been the less occupied in your glory and successes—and that it is with great pleasure I see the confidence in, and the consideration of, the United States daily rising in every country of Europe. Those Persons who, like me, have had the happiness to know...
181944To James Madison from Jonathan Roberts, 17 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
In the recent reduction of the Military establishment Major Peter Muhlenberg formerly of sixth since of the thirty second Regiment has been left out of the service. I think this a just cause for regret both from his own & his fathers merits. He is the son of Gen P. Muhlenberg & has been many years in the army having entered it a mere youth. I apprehend there is no want of proof of his having...
181945[Diary entry: 29 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
29. Severe Frost. White & Black. Fruit distroyd.
181946From George Washington to Lewis Morris, Jr., 6 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Memorandums for Lt Colo. Morris to be communicated to no person but to Major General Greene. General Greene to be informed fully as he has been shortly by letter that there was no alternative left—Count de Grasse’s destination was fixed to the Chesapeak and therefore as Lord Cornwallis was found there and in a most inviting situation, the operation against him took place of necessity. General...
181947To John Adams from William Lee, 9 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 2d. instant. The Commission you have is certainly very highly important and Honorable, and I doubt not of your executing it properly; taking care that the shafts of envy and malice, which have already began to show themselves, shall not divert your attention from the great object you have in view, which I have no reason to think at present will be speedily...
181948From David Humphreys to Edward Hand, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is pleased to authorize any three of the Board, appointed to decide the despute respecting numbering the Regts of Connecticut, who shall meet at Horton’s tomorrow, to proceed to the decision of that dispute, & to report accordingly—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
181949[Diary entry: 26 January 1771] (Washington Papers)
26. Clear and a little Cool in the Morning. Ground frozen and wind (tho not much of it) Northwardly.
181950General Orders, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The independent Company commanded by Captn Weaver is to be annexed to, and do duty with the 10th Pennsylvania regiment ’till further orders. Some disputes having arisen relative to certain men, inlisted by Mr Nelson, now doing duty in the 7th Pennsylvania regiment—A Court of inquiry is to examine into the matter, and report their opinion, whether those men should remain as they are, or be...