1951To 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...
1952To 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...
1953From 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...
1954To 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...
1955From 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...
1956To 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...
1957Thomas 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...
1958To 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...
1959George 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.
1960From 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...
1961To 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...
1962From 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...
1963To 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...
1964From 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...
1965To 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...
1966[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.
1967To 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...
1968From 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...
1969From 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 &...
1970From 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...
1971From 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...
1972Elizabeth 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...
1973From 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.”
1974From 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...
1976From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 13 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to the revd mr Miller for the pamphlet he has been so kind as to send him, which he has perused, as he does whatever comes from his pen, with great pleasure. he salutes mr Miller with esteem and respect. NjP : Samuel Miller Papers.
1977To 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...
1978[Diary entry: 6 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
6. Colo. Harrison & Colo. Lee went away, as did Mrs. Barnes & Miss Ramsay after Breakfast.
1979From 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...
1980[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.
1981From 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...
1982To 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.
1983To 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...
1984To 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...
1985To 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...
1986Enclosure: 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...
1987To 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. ]
1988To 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...
1989To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 21 March 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the Conveyance of our friend Mr. Watson whose Letter I inclose this will informe you the Abbe sent three books. I only send One by this Ship and another by the Next for fear of Accidents and if you give Mee Leave I will keep the third for my Self. You’l see the purport of Mr. Watsons Letter, the Booke is sent to Messr. Neat & Neave to Come in their...
1990From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the particular recommendations of General Du Portail—and from my own particular observation—I feel the highest pleasure in rendering justice to the distinguished military Talents of Lt Colonel Gouvion, and his indefatigable perseverance in the most valuable services—his Decisive judgement and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions—particularly in the late siege of...
1991From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sewall, 16 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Th Jefferson returns his thanks to D r Sewall for the information he has been so kind as to furnish him of the institution of a Medical school in the College of Columbia. he sincerely wishes it success and that it may have it’s share in the merit of lessening the afflictions of mankind. he is particularly obliged to him for his interesting account of the medical institutions of our country. we...
1992From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 3 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Nov. 6. was recieved in due time. a press of business has prevented my answering sooner. I am willing to recieve William Davenport as the assignee of your lease of Shadwell. on considering the parts of the lands of the Hendersons which fall to me, I observe that it would be desireable for me to have all their shares in the three parcels on the river, but most especially in the...
1993From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 11 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have always proposed to re-appoint Genl. Gibson to his present office, wherein I hear of no complaint against him. neither his age nor understanding entitle him to any thing beyond that , & equal to his antient military rank. I personally know those who recommend Dr. Baldwin . Kinney is a good man, but as a federalist feels no great interest in our making good appointments. judge Stuart is...
1994To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 23 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
As Messrs. Staphorst had to send the Prospectus of the Loan, with assurance of our respect to your Excellency, we beg Leave to refer to it. We received this mail the following note from Cadiz—Letters from London give notice his Excellency Mr. John. Adams, authorises the privateers of his Nation, to take portugeese Ships, and shall likewise do it to take danish Ships. As we know nothing of...
1995To James Madison from Stanley Griswold, 12 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
As the extraordinary letter enclosed has been made public by the legislative board, I have been requested by several gentlemen to transmit it to your department, in order that the writer and his proceedings may receive a fair consideration at the seat of government. I add no more, but that most of the things stated in the letter are without even a semblance of foundation, and the writer is by...
1996From George Washington to Thomas Clarke, 25 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
In your name & behalf Mr Laurens, as he passed thro’ this State last Month on his way from the seat of Congress to Charleston —presented me a very handsome gold headed cane: & accompanied it with such favorable sentiments of your good wishes towards the American revolution—& the flattering opinion you entertained of me, as to induce me, contrary to my usual custom, to accept of it. With this...
1997General Orders, 14 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
This moment a confirmation is arrived, of the glorious Success of the Continental Arms, in the Reduction, and Surrender, of the Fortress of St Johns; the Garrisons of that place and Chamblee being made Prisoners of war —The Commander in Chief is confident, the Army under his immediate direction, will shew their Gratitude to providence, for thus favouring the Cause of Freedom and America; and...
1998To Thomas Jefferson from John Hoomes, 29 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteemed favor of the 24th. Inst. came duly to hand, & on Saturday morning next, one of my servants shall set out with your horse , for the City of Washington. It is with great pain that I hear, congress seem determined to irretate the public mind as much as possible, if they had sumed up there whole powers of recollection, they could not have found three Subjects more irratable than...
1999Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 25 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve here your fav r of the 16 th and am equally mortified at my own inattention to furnish you renewals of my notes before I left home as at Jefferson ’s repeated failures to do what was regular and necessary to enable you to rec e ive the money expected. by this date however all is surely brought to rights, and the inconveniencies relieved
2000Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s List of Proposed Commissioners in Jefferson v. Rivanna Company, [ca. 22 January 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Charles Scott . Fluvanna . Col o John Clarke . Powhatan . George Fleming Louisa . } of great experience in mills both scientifically & practically. mr Scott has built two large mill establishments, Col o