183251To James Madison from John P. Van Ness and Richard Bland Lee, 2 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having determined to send Mr. Andrei in the Corvette John Adams to the Mediterranean for the purpose of being landed at Barcelona in Spain, to be thence conveyed to Leghorn & for which the necessary orders, pursuant to your instructions have been given by the Secretary of the Navy, it has occurred to us that it might be found practicable consistent with the public service, to send one of the...
183252To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 21 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Honor of writing to Your Excellency about a Week Ago. I have now only to enclose the last bill introduced into the House of Commons for the purpose of opening an Intercourse with the United States. and what passed thereupon Yesterday in the House, where I was, & where I observed as much embaressement arising from Ignorance or Selfishness, as can be imagined. Your Excellency...
183253From George Washington to John Eager Howard, 2 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your polite favor of the 23d Ulto enclosing you[r] Excellency’s proclamation of the Representatives and Electors returning by the State of Maryland. The whole number of Representatives being federal and the large majority by which they were chosen, is the most decisive proof that could be given of the attachment of the people of your State to the general...
183254Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 24 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of John Francis Mercer, except for JM’s signature. Cover franked by Mercer and addressed to “His Excelly. Benja. Harrison Esqr Governor of Virginia.” Cover docketed, “Virginia Delegates June 24th 1783 Letter in Cypher.” Words italicized were written in the official cipher. Filed with the recipient’s copy is a decipherment of the dispatch, docketed,...
183255Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 17 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
via New York Copy ⅌ Wm Penn Colo Hamilton transmitted to me your letter of the 20 Febry last, wherein you complain that I had done wrong & treated you unfriendly “in having prevailed upon him to cancel the Mortgage I had given him on an Estate in Philadelphia, when the Agreemt was expressly made with my Son that the Mortgage should remain as Security to you untill the deferred stock was...
183256To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wyld, 2 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Inditer hereof, void of Formalities in which he confesseth himself no Adept; with the greatest veneration for your Character, and the highest Esteem for that Government which you represent, being deputed to communicate to your Excellency, the resolves of a few persons who are Manufacturors, in the most lucrative Manufactures of Europe, and which they...
183257To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The minister of France intending himself the honor of paying his respects to you at your residence in Virginia, I have taken the liberty to assure him of the pleasure it would afford you to receive him. He expects to set out this evening, & I avail myself of the opportunity of assuring you of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your very obt servant RC ( DLC : Rives...
183258To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Elbridge Gerry. 13 March 1806, Cambridge. “I thank you for your explicit communication of the 3d. It is probable to me, that simple negotiation will be the final determination of Congress; & in that case, I fear, that the Government & nation at home & abroad will fall into disrepute. Your objections to the measure are in my mind conclusive. But should Congress, with spirit, resolve to...
183259From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 19 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 19, 1800. On May 30, 1800, Pinckney wrote to Hamilton: “The last post brought me your favours of the 14th: 17th: 19th: & 20th: instant.” Letter of May 19 not found. ]
183260To George Washington from William Scudder, 12 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of Simeon Smith Michael Duning & William Scudder, Officers belonging to the Continental Army, Taken from Fort George & Fort Stanwix in July 1779. Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Begs the liberty of laying a line before your Excellency, Praying for your Excellencys Attention; whilst your Petitioners proceeds so far as to plead, that your Excellency will be pleas’d to consider...
183261From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate, Nicholas Harwood Robert D. Thorn and John Brown now Surgeons Mates and Saml. R Trevett Jr. of Massachusetts Stephen C Blyden of Massachusetts Samuel Shaw of Vermont to be Surgeons in the navy of the United States, Gustavus R Brown of Maryland Grafton D. Hanson of Maryland Thomas Lawson Jr. of Virginia Henry Fackler of Pensylvania Jesse Hand of Pensylvania John Reynolds of...
183262From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 6 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
As it becomes more and more possible that the Noblesse will go wrong, I become uneasy for you. Your principles are decidedly with the tiers etat, and your instructions against them. A complaisance to the latter on some occasions and an adherence to the former on others, may give an appearance of trimming between the two parties which may lose you both. You will in the end go over wholly to the...
183263Editorial Note on a Charity Appeal, [before 15 April 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Broadside: American Philosophical Society Among Franklin’s papers in the American Philosophical Society is a one-page printed invitation to the “Assemblées de Charité,” held at the Grand Châtelet on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon of Holy Week, April 15–17, 1778; it was in a packet that Franklin endorsed “Notes and Invitations.” The assembly was a religious service followed by a...
183264Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Cooper, 10 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret much that I was so late in consulting you on the subject of the academy we wish to establish here. the progress of that business has obliged me to prepare and address to the President of the board of trustees , a plan for it’s organisation. I send you a copy of it with a broad margin, that, if your answer to mine of Aug. 25. be not on the way, you may be so good as to write your...
183265From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The threat of hostilities against the trade of the United States by the Bashaw, certified in your communications, and issuing immediately from the Bashaw himself in a translation of his letter of 25th. May last, certified by his interpreter Farfara, has determined the President to send into the Mediterranean a squadron of three frigates and a sloop of war, under Commodore Dale, by whom this is...
183266To Thomas Jefferson from Lanchon Frères & Cie., 4 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 4 July 1787 . Enclose a letter for TJ brought from Charlestown, S.C., by Capt. Jacobs of the Union . They and Richard Harrison of Alexandria were sorry to have missed TJ when he was in L’Orient; offer their services for themselves and their house at Le Havre, “Mangon La Forest & Compy‥‥ in receiving or Conveying packetts or any thing you may think proper from or to America.” RC ( MHi...
183267To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 10 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous avez raison. Portugal est subjugé. Mon Roi a perdu son Royaume, et une Etrangier portera sa Couronne. Les obligations d alliance sont dissolus—et qu’en voulez vous.— translation the 10th. August 1808 You are right—Portugal is conquered—My King has lost his Kingdom & a stranger will take his Crown—the obligations of allegiance are dissolved—and what then?— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
183268To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 21. with the letters returned under the same cover was recd. last night. As you had not then recd. the last letters from Mr. G. & myself on the modified proposal to disuse B. Seamen, I shall wait the arrival of your next before I conclude on the instructions which are to go by the Wash. I find by the accts. from Bermuda, that the mere difficulty which suspends the Treaty is...
183269To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I return to the Dept. of State the enclosed papers (excepting the private letter from Mr. L) thro’ your hands that you may peruse such of them as may deserve that attention. According to my recollection, the explanation of the Act of Congs. so offensive to Spain, was communicated to Yrujo. As it is possible that I may be mistaken, it may be worth while to enquire into the fact; and if the...
183270To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 10 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Dear Park , near Natchez [ Mississippi Territory ], October 10, 1803 . Requests Hamilton’s assistance in securing a clear title to lands in upstate New York which his wife, Charlotte Weissenfels Ellery, had inherited from her father, Charles F. Weissenfels. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Ellery, a native of Newport, Rhode Island, and a lawyer, had been a captain in the Sixteenth...
183271[Diary entry: 6 July 1774] (Washington Papers)
6. Again very hot with Clouds in the Afternoon & a fine Rain in the Night.
183272To James Madison from George Nicholas, 5 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
I wish truth would permit me to say that our expectations from our new government have been realized. The fact is that there seems to be a foundation laid here for a great degree of unhappiness. This is in part owing to the constitution, in part to the uncommon mixture of extraordinary character which we have amongst us. The constitution is I think defective and bad consequences have already...
183273From James Madison to William Willis, 1 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Willis. 1 July 1806, Department of State. “In answer to your letter of the 27th. June, I have to state, that I have no knowledge of any claim, on your behalf, upon the Spanish Government for several hundred thousand dollars, or any other sum.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.; addressed to Willis at New Bedford.
183274To George Washington from William Fairfax, 26–27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d your Favor with the enclosd Estimate of your present Corps and proposd Regulation for 2000 Men to be formd into two Battalions. Those I have talkt with Seem to approve of the Scheme and wish it may be Effected. The Proceedings below Stairs go on slowly notwithstanding on hearing of the many and repeated Invasions of our Enemys, They appear alarmd and are for immediate Dispatch, Yet a...
183275To James Madison from George Davis, 31 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1801, New York. Reminds JM of letters from Edward Livingston, DeWitt Clinton, and Samuel Mitchill recommending him for the post of consul for Algiers, which he forwarded on 23 July. Wrote JM on 6 Aug. [letter not found] requesting to be considered for post at Tunis or Tripoli. Dr. Kemp of Columbia College has also written to Jefferson on his behalf. Reports that the frigate...
183276From John Jay to the Committee of the Corporation of the City of New York (Jacob B. Taylor, John Yates Cebra, Richard … (Jay Papers)
I have rec d : your letter of the 22 nd : Ins t : informing me that “the Corporation of the City of New York had resolved to celebrate with public demonstrations of respect & joy, the ensuing anniversary of American independence” & inviting me on behalf of the Corporation to unite with them in their congratulations on the return of this day. I feel very grateful for the honour done me by this...
183277To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Sainneville, 30 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society N’esce pas trop presumer, Monsieur, que d’imaginer qu’a ma recommendation vous voulussiés bien vous interesser, pour un officier, qui ne demande qu’a mériter aux yeux de votre nation? L’etat de ses services qu’il vous remêttera Luy même, avec cette Lettre, vous prouvera sa capacité, et si vous avés La bonté de l’écouter, il ne vous Laissera pas de doutte...
183278To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 24 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of sending you a Copy of my letter to Mr. Osgood and Mr. Livingston, with my accounts Current which you will please to forward. The Originals go by the Packet from L’Orient. You will, I hope, Excuse my having mentioned your name. My meaning was, if you had occasion to write to them, I hoped you woud freely give your opinion of such of my Transactions as have fallen within...
183279To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last, I cannot do better, than acknowledge my conviction from the reasoning of Mr. Dayton. That reasoning being in your possession, I beg leave to refer to it, as the groundwork of my opinion, that military rights to land ought to be received on account of his that is Judge Symmes’s contract in the manner, contended for by him. I have...
183280From Alexander Hamilton to William Tilghman, 15 July [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 15 [ 1796 ] “I sent you about a fortnight since in a packet … a Deed to be executed by Mr and Mrs. R Morris & to be afterward recorded, requesting your attention to it. Not having heared from you concerning it, I fear it may have miscarried. Do me the favor to advise me by a line how this is, & if received what has been done.” ALS , James Monroe Law Office Museum,...
183281To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
from converseing with my Deputies I am satisfied I can feed any number of Men with Beef where ever they may be situated, but I can not add any to the supplies of Flower, promised in my Letters of the 16th and 17th Ultamo: except to compleat the Quantity now at, and near, Newbury to One thousand Barrels. my expectations of considerable supplies of flower from Virginia are over, my last advices...
183282Circular to the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts, 19 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should not trouble your Excellency, with such reiterated applications on the score of supplies, if any objects less than the safety of the Posts on this River, and indeed the existance of the Army, were at stake. By the enclosed Extracts of a Letter, of Yesterday, from Major Genl Heath, you will see our present situation, and future prospects. If therefore the supply of Beef Cattle demanded...
183283To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send herewith sundry papers which relate to the Petition of William Martin & contain full information on the subject. Upon the whole as Mr Martin is undoubtedly an innocent sufferer, I incline to the opinion that a pardon may be adviseable which would operate to remit one half the penalty incurred. With perfect respect &c. LB , DLC:GW . William Martin (1733-1814)...
183284To George Washington from the Continental Congress Executive Committee, 26 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have this Night received from Congress the dispatches sent herewith, by these you will see the promotions that have taken place and that no deputation of Members of Congress are to meet Genl Lee, who I suppose will be much disapointed but surely he shou’d have pointed out more clearly the design of his request, as the consequences of complyance or even of the refusal may be important. It...
183285From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In one of your former letters; you intimate, that a free communication of Sentiments will not be displeasing to you. If under this sanction, I should step beyond the line you would wish to draw—and suggest ideas or ask questions which are improper to be answered—you have only to pass them by, in silence. I wish you to be convinced, that I do not desire to pry into measures the knowledge of...
183286From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 24 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 4th Inst. with its inclosures, just as I was about to embark on a visit to Rhode Island, which has prevented my answering it ’till my return from thence. Previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter I had nominated and appointed the three Gentlemen who had heretofore acted in that office, Commissioners for settling accounts...
183287From Thomas Jefferson to John Patten Emmet, 6 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, at their meeting of the 4 th instant, proceeding to the appointment of a Professor for the school of Natural history in that institution, unanimously nominated you to that chair. under the generic term of Natural history, they comprehend Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Chemistry and Geology; that of Chemistry however being considered as the...
183288To George Washington from James Swan, 5 June 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Swan, 5 June 1788. On 18 Aug. GW wrote Swan : “I have received your favor of the 5th of June from Havre de Grace.”
183289To James Madison from William Hunter, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce Col. Searle Adjutant General who presents himself to you charged by this State with business peculiarly interesting to its welfare. I understand he is instructed to represent our defenceless and distressed situation, to request of the General Government efficient assistance and to offer the prompt and constitutional co-operation of this State in all necessary measures...
183290The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us on the Seventh of this Month, We duely received. In our Letter of the twenty Sixth of the last Month respecting the Goods of Mr. Izard on board the Nile, we cited the Sixteenth Article of the Treaty of Commerce, in Support of Mr. Izards claim, which your Excellency thinks an Error, and that it is the Fourteenth Article which...
183291Friday Octr. 31st. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Vaughan’s: in the evening we went to the Drury Lane Theatre, where Isabella, or the Fatal marriage and the Irish Widow, were represented. Mrs. Siddons; supposed to be the first Tragick performer in Europe, play’d the part of Isabella. A young Lady, in the next Box to where we were, was so much affected by it as to be near fainting and was carried out. I am told that every Night...
183292From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday Morning General Howe advanced with his Whole Army in several Columns from Amboy, as far as Westfeild. We are certainly informed, that the Troops, sent to Staten Island, returned the preceding Evening, and it is said with an Augumentation of Marines—so that carrying them there was a feint with intention to deceive us. His design in this sudden movement was either to bring on a...
183293To George Washington from Spotsylvania Independent Company, 26 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
By intelligence from Williamsburg it appears that Capt. Collins of his Majestys Navy at the head of 15 Marines carried off the Powder from the Magazine in that City on the night of Thursday last and conveyed it on board his Vessell by Order of the Governor. The Gentlemen of the Independant Company of this Town think this first Publick insult is not to be tamely submitted to and determine with...
183294To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 2 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received several Epistles in prose and verse, written to console me for my heavy loss, but nothing has equalled the three first lines of your last letter.— It is seldom that affliction comes singly & alone. Suppose I should tell you that my professional & political enemies have succeeded in obtaining a decree of banishment against me, and that I am ordered to take my departure tomorrow...
183295Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 6 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The tender solicitude you have shewn for my health, demands the earliest return I can make—& it is greatly to my satisfaction that I can inform you of my recovery, so as to be about the house again— I tried all in my power, not to have my indisposition noticed—but I struggled in vain, for at last I was obliged to go to bed, & lie there for three days— I told William not to tell you how sick I...
183296From Alexander Hamilton to James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, 3 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The measures taken to ascertain the fact, whether the State of North Carolina has ever issued its own certificates in lieu of those of the United States not yet having produced the desired information, as inconveniences would arise from longer delay of a determination of the question which arises on the eighteenth section of the Act making provision for the debt of the United States. I take...
183297Thomas Jefferson to James Breckinridge, 3 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with sincere pleasure your nomination as a Visitor of our University ; and with the more, as it will give us occasions of seeing you here. I hope you will make Monticello your head quarters, on all those occasions, and indeed I wish you could come a day at least before our meeting of the 29 th instant . the papers being all here, their perusal would put you into possession of the train...
183298To George Washington from Samuel Osgood and Oliver Phelps, 15 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
We are constrain’d from the present Situation of our Business, to trouble your Excellency with a Representation of our Prospects with Regard to forwarding future Supplies to the Army; & also the Plan this Commonwealth has laid for filling the Magazines with salt Provisions. The General Assembly upon receiving the Requisitions of Congress for Supplies for 1781 immidiately determined to comply...
183299John Adams to Abigail Adams, May 1772 (Adams Papers)
I take an opportunity by Mr. Kent, to let you know that I am at Plymouth, and pretty well. Shall not go for Barnstable untill Monday. There are now signs of a gathering Storm, so I shall make my self easy here for the Sabbath. I wish myself at Braintree. This wandering, itinerating Life grows more and more disagreable to me. I want to see my Wife and Children every Day, I want to see my Grass...
183300To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 3 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I took my leave of the senate on friday, And as Mr. Abm. V. Vechten has consented to be nominated a candidate for a seat in senate and will probably be Elected, I am more at ease than I should have been, If a less able man than he had been proposed, for Spencer, Gold and Tillotson have already combined to divest Mr. Jones of his seal under pretence that the comptroller ought not to be of the...