1941To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cushing, 25 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Nathll. Barrett, A Gentleman of a very respectable Family and of good Character will deliver Your Excellency this Letter. He goes to France upon Bussiness, which the Merchants here, confiding in his wisdom and Integrity, have committed to his Care: His Excellency Governor Bowdoin having wrote you particularly upon this Subject renders it needless for me to Enlarge. Permit me, Sir, to...
1942From Thomas Jefferson to Seth Jenkins, 21 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
According to my promise when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Hudson, I have examined my notes made when I was at Bordeaux and find that the lowest priced white wines of that canton cost 75 livres the ton, which contains 1000 French pints, their pint almost exactly our quart: that they yeild from a fifth to a sixth of spirit on distillation, and that the smallest wines make the best brandy....
1943To Benjamin Franklin from Th.M. Laënnec, 10 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le corsaire des états unis le prince noir a conduit au port d’audierne sous le département de l’amirauté de quimper un Brigantin anglais dont il S’etait emparé. M. Diot Dèpositaire du corsaire a du prevenir Votre excellence de cet èvenement. Mais les officiers de nôtre Siege qui ont Scellé la prise et interrogé les prisoniers aïant omis de vous adresser une...
1944To Thomas Jefferson from Jones & Howell, 1 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed we Send You bill of Lading or rather Invoice (bill of Lading to Gibson & Jefferson) for 101 Sheets of Iron at 91.0.26 at $15 pbt $138.47 Boxes & porterage 2.00 $140:47
1945To James Madison from François de Navoni, 5 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Deux de mes Lettres du 30. 7mbre. et 4. Xmbre. passé, je me Suis fait un devoir par la voye de Marseille de vous humilier, vous informant de tout ce que j’ai cru convenable pour le Service et pour le Commerçe comme mieux vous en aurés etè instruit, du detail de ce très Excellant Sel que j’ai remis a Monsr. le Premier Presidant, et au Commerce même. Je vous le renouvelle donc derechef, et je me...
1946To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 23 Feb. 1781. Encloses two accounts for the expenses of Capt. Sansum in collecting and bringing over eighteen-month men from the Eastern Shore. As Sansum’s authority was derived from Col. Webb, Muter does not know how to act in his case, especially since other officers have been and are now employed in collecting those men and deserters in that region, “in consequence...
1947To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Ducoigne, 24 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Jean-Baptiste Ducoigne, 24 April 1794. On 16 July, GW sent Henry Knox “a letter from Baptiste Ducoigne, Kaskasias, 24 April ’94” ( JPP Dorothy Twohig, ed. The Journal of the Proceedings of the President, 1793–1797 . Charlottesville, Va., 1981. , 314).
1948From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the third inst. I have given direct directed Col. Stevens to provide such a number of Common and Horsemen’s Tents for the twelfth and thirteenth regiments as shall be sufficient with — what has been already furnished to make up their complement according to the peace establishment—From the situation of things in Philadela. I think it would be prudent to give the...
1949To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge and Others, 10 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The States of Kentucky, Georgia, & Tennissee, having been for some time impressed with a belief, that it would redound greatly to their mutual interests, if an easy land communication could be opened between Danville in Kentucky, & Augusta in Georgia, have made some attempts to ascertain its practicability. These attempts altho’ not very considerable, have produced full conviction that a good...
1950To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter for Mr. B. came to my hands last week; but not till the opportunity by the then mail was lost. I hear nothing of Monroe but thro’ the Newspapers containing his correspondence with Pickering . As that appears to have been closed on the 31st. of last month, I am in hourly expectation of seeing him . I am also without any late information with respect to the progress of the...
1951From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
It is sometimes said that suspense is worse than the certainty of evil—But it is a hard relief from suspense to be informed of evils worse than were apprehended. From the length of time which had pass’d without bringing me a letter from you, I felt great anxiety; but it was principally for the dear child, whom I had left so unwell—Your letter when it came, announced to me not only the child...
1952To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 9 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations on foreign gold Congress omitted last year to renew the temporary laws by which, so much of the general act respecting foreign coins, as declares that no foreign gold or silver coin (spanish dollars excepted) shall be current after the mint shall have been in operation a certain time, had from time to time been suspended. It followed that foreign gold ceased on 1 May last to be a...
1953To George Washington from Ann Hawkes Hay, 17 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just heard from New Ark, that the Enimy are medetating a Blow against the Town of Boston, and the Fleet there, they are now busily imployed in embarking Seven thousand Troops for the purpose, and will in a few Days sail—Mr Johnson who is my Informer is now here, and will wait on your Excellency, if you will send him a Permit to cross the Ferry immediately, he then can give your...
1954To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 20 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have this Evening had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 16th. ulto. I have hitherto been fearful that the details and information in my power to convey from this Country would rather prove tiresome than acceptable and on that account have only risked troubling you with what I thought indispensable, I am happy to learn that these Communications will not be taken amiss and it will...
1955From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 26. came duly to hand. The information I wish to be obtained from Genl. Jackson is 1st. What was the form & dates of the appointments of Brigadier, and of Brevet Major General, accepted by him in his letter of June 8th. 1814. to the Secy. of war; and what the date of the Secretary’s letter inclosing the appointments. The term “form” refers to the distinction between...
1956To James Madison from Samuel Overton, 18 May 1811 (Madison Papers)
Shall I be permited to correspond with you as a man fair removed from my one native Country. What was the reson that the Minister from the Spanish Dominions in South America could not be duly received and accredited at the City of Washington. I do not now wright to you for an Office not being authorised to do so—th⟨o:⟩ as a ⟨former?⟩ Nieghbour you will not think me presuming & suffice it to...
1957From John Adams to Mathew Carey, 28 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 21, inclosing my Letter to Dr James Rush of April 30th. If you or Mr Clark could want any proof of the Utility, importance or necessity of The History of the Navy which you have published and propose to enlarge and improve it would be worth while to revise our American Historians for 1775. 1776. &c. Since I received your Book I have had the Curiosity to consult...
1958To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 8 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I left Washington the 5th. and arrived here last evening. The letter which you did me the honor to write the 22d Ult. reached me on the 4th when I was occupied in arrangements for leaving the Seat of government. I remained in Washington on the 4th. thro’ necessity tho not without some curiosity to see the inauguration & to hear the speech. The scene was the same as exhibited upon former...
1959Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ritchie, 7 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I have ceased to read any newspaper but yours , and I shall continue to read no other. withdrawing therefore from all others I pray you to have me discontinued as a subscriber to the Compiler. should the legislature have the report of the University Commissioners printed in a pamphlet be so good as to send me half a dozen copies. mr Gibson as usual will pay you for these as...
1960To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas FitzSimons, 13 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
August 13, 1793. “I am informed (by a letter Just now received) of the death of Mr Ballard Surveyor of Baltimore, and am strongly Urged by some Respectable people there to apply for your Interest for a Mr Robert Walsh of that Place as his Successor …” ALS , RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives. FitzSimons was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from...
1961George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
1962From Thomas Jefferson to Heinrich Gerlach, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry for the delay which has happened in sending the passport. I received it the 20th. of Apr. and sent it the [same] day to Majr. Genl. Baron Steuben to be forwarded. He immediately delivered my letter covering it to an officer with orders to proceed. The papers being directed to Genl. Phillips the officer was uncertain whether he was at Portsm. or with the British army then coming...
1963To George Washington from William Heath, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented by colonel Putnam of the 5th Massachusetts regiment, who will solicit your permission to be absent from the army for a short time. He was some time since appointed one of the arbitrators to ascertain the quantity of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county the last campaign, which has detained him, and will again require his attention on the 20th of May...
1964From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
You will probably have learned ere this reaches you, my appointment to the Office of Secretary of the Treasury. To the acceptance of this arduous trust, I have been not a little encouraged by the hope that my inviolable attachment to the principles which form the basis of public credit is so well and so generally understood as to insure me the confidence of those who have it most in their...
1965To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having just seen by the Amn. Gazettes that it has pleased the Supreme Executive of the U.S. to locate the Diplomatic Mission at the Hague, I shall regard this event as one imposing an additional obligation on me to attend to that current of political information which may any ways interesting to the U. States & convey the same to you in course. I have no doubt that this Batavian Govt. will in...
1966From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency for the observation of Congress a Copy of a Letter which I have written to Sir Guy Carleton in consequence of their Resolutions of the 15th instant—Also a Copy of Sir Guy’s Reply agreable to which I expect to meet him at Tappan, on the 5th of May. the Proceedings & Result of this Interview so far as shall be necessary I shall have the honor to...
1967To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
An Intelligent Person, who left New York last Wednesday, say’s, that he saw many hundred Houses in that City, cleaning out, for the reception, of the Troops from Philadelphia, which were expected there, in a very short time—and that the general talk of the Town, was their evacuating Philadelphia. A Militia Officer, who this moment returned from Gloucester County, informs me, that the...
1968[Diary entry: 16 June 1799] (Washington Papers)
16. Morning clear & calm. Mer. at 62—calm all day. Mer. 74 at Night. Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart & their 3 daughters came here to dinner.
1969To George Washington from Martha Washington, 30 March 1767 (Washington Papers)
It was with very great pleasure I see in your letter th⟨at⟩ you got safely down we are all very well at this time but it still ⟨is⟩ rainney and wett I am sorry you will not be at home soon as I expe⟨ct⟩ed you I had reather my sister woud not come up so soon, as May woud be much plasenter time than april we wrote to you las⟨t⟩ post as I have nothing new to tell you I must conclude my self your...
1970From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 4 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for asking my commands to Fredericksburg. It is not my wish to be your competitor in the purchase of any of Mr Hunters tradesmen: especially as I am in a great degree principled against increasing my number of Slaves by purchase and suppose moreover that Negros sold on creadit will go high. yet if you are not disposed to buy the Bricklayer which is advertized for Sale, for your own...
1971From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 4 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of Yesterday & this morng, & approve much of the Steps you have taken for securing the Ferries as well as quieting the Apprehensions of the Inhabitants of New Ark by stationing some Troops there. Upon full consideration of all circumstances I have concluded to send the Militia Home except 500 to guard Bergen neck, which I deem an Important post &...
1972From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 11 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 31. came to hand yesterday. I wish this may get to you in time to ask the favor of you to instruct Tom Shackleford or Jupiter, or whoever brings the horse to Georgetown to ride a mule and lead the horse. He will by that means come the fresher, and the sooner recover for the journey back. Besides, there is a person here who I think will purchase Tarquin; in which case the...
1973From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 5 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 29. came to hand on the 3d. but no commission for Chisman is come to hand from mr Wagner. it shall be signed as soon as recieved, as my information relative to him is favorable. I return you all the papers recieved in your last except the list of warrants. with respect to Sproat you will do what you find best. the Circular letter has my entire approbation. I have written by...
1974Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 21–23 September 1788 (Adams Papers)
Mr Lincoln has been here for several Days past— Tomorrow he intends to return to Hingham, & has offered to carry a Letter to either of my Sisters— I would not let so good an Opportunity pass, since I have often experienced how good, & how pleasant it was to receive a few Lines from a dear Friend, informing me of particular Circumstances which are interesting to them, whether it be of Joy, or...
1975From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 23 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 23 November 1793. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 25 Nov. 1793 : “I wrote from Fredg. by Col: Monroe’s servant & informed you that I had left with Mr. Jones £18–12–5 which would be del[i]vered to your order.”
1976From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 14 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice with you, in the Testimony of approbation given to a very meritorious Character. If they burn in one City to acknowledge American Independence, it is to be hoped, that the virtuous flame will Soon extend itself to all others. I am vastly obliged to the Duke de la Vauguion for the Service he did our Cause and for the many noble Compliments which, I learn from Sure Sources, he was...
Regularity and method are so essential to the acquisition of real knowledge that the little annoyance of the Bell is a trifle to the good consequences which its sound produces when it reminds you that certain duties are to be performed at certain times—The human mind requires an incessant spur or stimulus to invigorate its action or more properly speaking to force it into certain channels...
1978To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 3 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Js Revd. Oct. 3. 1782.” Cover missing. I recd. your last, wherein you tell me of the Remembrance of some of my French Acquaintances. I really thought many of them Men of distinguished Merit, tho’ my Acquaintance with them, from our Trip to the Mountains was but short. Does Peace really retire, or are we too sanguine in our Hopes. Is it not...
1979[Diary entry: 6 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
6. Colo. Harrison & Colo. Lee went away, as did Mrs. Barnes & Miss Ramsay after Breakfast.
1980From George Washington to Samuel Hodgdon, 6 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington, accompanied by Doctr Craik, are on their way to Virginia—Business of mine will require their stay in Philadelpa— perhaps a week—during this time they will rely upon you for the care & expence of keeping their Horses while they are in the City ; and I shall thank you for such other assistance as Mrs Washington may require & shall call upon you for. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt...
1981[Diary entry: 3 January 1771] (Washington Papers)
3. The above Gentlemen stayed all day and Night. My Brother John and Mr. Lawe. Washington came here to Dinner.
1982From John Adams to Oliver Whipple, 3 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your favour of February 23rd and thank you for the friendly as well as the complimentary sentiments expressed in it It has been now and then my fortune in the course of a long life, though not frequently to receive a compliment. yours is a pleasant one; and as an instance of adversity seldom comes alone, so I have observed that an instance of prosperity is seldom quite...
1983To Alexander Hamilton from William Polk, [6 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ October 6, 1792. On November 3, 1792, Tench Coxe wrote to Polk: “The Secretary of the Treasury has just sent to this office your letter to him of the 6th of October.” Letter not found. ] Polk was supervisor of the revenue for the District of North Carolina. LC , RG 58, Letters of Commissioner of Revenue, 1792–1793, National Archives.
1984To James Madison from George Theodore Ladico, 3 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit inclosed a copy of the letter I have received this day, from Tobias Lear Esqr. dated Algiers 16th. & 17th. December 1807, concerning the arrangement with the Dey of Algiers, which I also transmit to the Consuls of the United States in the principle ports of Spain, France and Italy. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir, Your most obedient and Very humble...
1985To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Brodhead, 22 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of enclosing you copies of sundry letters relative to the designs of the Enemy, in and about Detroit. A great number of men must be discharged in the course of a few weeks, which will leave us weak on this frontier, and as no reinforcement of regulars can reasonably be expected for this district and the calling out some of the Militia from the States of Virginia and...
1986To Benjamin Franklin from [Charles] Jackson, 4 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jackson presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin, with many Thanks for his obliging Note; and the Order for Ten Guineas, for which he has the pleasure to send him the under written Receipt. Charles Jackson held the post of comptroller of the Foreign Office in the General Post Office, London. His son of the same name also served later in the Secret...
1987Enclosure: Alexander Hamilton and Nicholas Low to Daniel Ludlow, 17 June 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now a considerable length of time since we became with you Trustees for the Creditors of Isaac Moses & Co and Samuel and Moses Meyers; and we feel anxious that the affairs of this trust should be finally closed. We therefore request that you will be good enough to communicate to us the present situation of this business and especially a statement of the funds, if any, which may remain in...
1988To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 27, 1779. On July 29, 1779, Henry Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “In addition to the lines with which I troubled you with the day before yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
1989To George Washington from Duncan McLaren, 18 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
Doubting not but it will appear Strange and great presumtion in me who are a mean Mechanic to trouble Such a great man with my writing from a Foreign Country and having no title to any favour from you: yet I hope in hearing my Claim you will in Some measure excuse me; I was bred a Mason and taught in the differant branches of that trade Such as Stone Cuting and building Stones and bricks; I...
1990From Thomas Jefferson to John Hawkins of Kentucky, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Hawkins & his thanks for the trouble he has taken in proposing to him the purchase of the pair of elks: but having no inclosure for confining such animals, nor expecting to have one for several years, he is obliged to decline it. PoC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ. proposing to him : Hawkins to TJ, 1 Mch.