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...
1976To 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...
1977[Diary entry: 6 March 1775] (Washington Papers)
6. Colo. Harrison & Colo. Lee went away, as did Mrs. Barnes & Miss Ramsay after Breakfast.
1978From 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...
1979[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.
1980From 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...
1981To 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.
1982To 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...
1983To 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...
1984To 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...
1985Enclosure: 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...
1986To 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. ]
1987To 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...
1988From 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.
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
2001To James Madison from [André Limozin?], 13 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 November 1789, Havre de Grace, France. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 21 Jan. 1790 (IaU) and JM to Jefferson, 24 Jan. 1790 ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (19 vols. to date; Princeton, 1950—). , XVI, 126). Reports scarcity of bread and prices of wheat and flour. French government is offering bounty on wheat,...
2002To John Adams from James Warren, 11 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
Since my last I have waited with Impatience to hear from you. I mean Individually. The public Expectation to hear from the Congress is great. They dont Complain but they wonder that the Congress should set a month without their receiveing something decisive with regard to us. I presume we shall have it in due time, at least that nothing will be wanting in your power to relieve the distresses...
200317. (Adams Papers)
Snow storm. Went to Salem. Supp’d at Amory’s.
2004From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
Mr Jefferson has been good enough to Send me the enclosed Pamphlet An history of the restoration of Royalty in France 31, March 1814 by De Pradt. As it has Some pretentions to Authority, and as you may not have Seen it, I Send it to you: and as the owner desires me to return it, I pray you after you Shall have read it to transmit it to Monte Chello, with whose Inhabitants I hope you will have...
2005To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Dayton, 7 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed by the House of Representatives to consider, and report upon, the petition of the Canadian refugees, wish to be possessed of a list of the persons falling under that description. A return was made to the former Congress, and I am informed is at this time on the files in your office. If this be the case Sir, I will thank you to direct a copy of it to be immediately made...
2006From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I left at Washington a great coat of which I shall have great need. should this reach you before your departure I will thank you to bring it; and it will be in time if I recieve it when you come to Monticello yourself, as it will be on my return only that it will be wanting. I have written to mr Lemaire to deliver it to you. the drought in this quarter is excessive. it begins about the...
2007From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 13 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 13, 1793. “I have directed the Treasurer of the United States, to furnish you with a draught on the Office of Discount & Deposit at New-York, for Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty five Dollars; for the purpose of enabling you … to discharge a half years pension which will become due to the Invalids of the United States on the 5th of the ensuing month.” LS ,...
2008From Thomas Jefferson to James Steptoe, 6 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heretofore directed my letters for Poplar forest by the way of Lynchburg but find them extremely slow in getting there. it being material that the inclosed should be quickly recieved and answered, I have made free to put it under cover to you in the hope that it will get quickly to you from New London & that an opportunity may occur of forwarding it to mr Griffin. The information we...
2009To Benjamin Franklin from James Johnson, 4 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society [Brook Street, Feb. 4, (1768?). An invitation to dinner on Monday the 8th. ] The Bishop of Worcester, for whom see above, XII , 124 n. BF ’s acquaintance with the Bishop began in 1765. Feb. 8 was a Monday in 1768 and 1773, and in accordance with our practice we assign the note to the earlier possible year.
2010To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 6 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have now the honor to inclose a copy of Mr. Gerry’s letter of April 20. to M. Talleyrand, which completes communication of every thing new received from him. A copy of his letter of May 13th I sent by last Friday’s mail; and a copy of his letter of May 12th by Saturday’s mail. Several cases of the yellow fever have occurred. I am with great respect, / Sir / your most obt. servt. MHi : Adams...
2011[Diary entry: 31 December 1769] (Washington Papers)
31. At Home all day.
2012To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 3 July 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Received June the 30. 1753. On Board the London for Philadelphia One long Case Mark’d L 4 M C No. 1 which I promise to Deliver (Dangers of the sea Excepted) . paid Freight and primage 6 s. besides one Brown paper bundle of Books of which I cannot give the particulars for I am Just come to Town and To Morrow the Letters are taken away and I go out of Town by...
2013[Diary entry: 3 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear and tolerably pleasant.
2014To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding from the Secretary at War to Dr. Hunter of this expedition is fitting out for the purpose of exp of the rivers &c of Louisiana, I hope it will not be as officious in me to recommend to your notice a ge ntleman, who I am persuaded would do no dishonour to any appointment which you might think proper to give him, either in this or in any other similar undertaking. The gentleman I...
2015To James Madison from William Taber and Others, 30 March 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Taber and Others. 30 March 1815, Albany. “Mr. Ferguson having been appointed Mayor of the city of NewYork, it is supposed he will resign the office of Naval officer which he now holds in that city. In that event we the undersigned members of the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of this State earnestly solicit that Samuel Hawkins Esquire be appointed his successor.” RC ( DNA...
2016From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 18 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
I am thankful to our common friend as well as to you for your favour of the 4 th. which I received last night.— My fears are in Unison with yours, that Hay, Wood and Stubble will be the materials of the new political Buildings in Europe, till Men shall be more enlightened and friendly to each other. You agree, that there are undoubtedly Principles of Political Architecture: but instead of...
2017To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Stoddert, [11 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The Ship Ganges Captain Mullowny, of 24 Guns, sailed the 26th Jany. 1801 for Batavia , to cruise a few months in the Straits of Sunda for the protection of our East India trade the principal danger being from Privateers from the Isle of France, and to return with as many vessels under Convoy as could be collected. It was always intended to send after her, the Ship Connecticut , of the same...
2018From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 3 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 May 1790. Offered for sale in the Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 468, May 1943.
2019To John Adams from James Lovell, 14 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
In my Letter of the 9th. I mentioned the Receipt of yours to the President of June 26. I inclose a Resolve passed in Consequence of the Report of a Committee: Lovell, Houston and a judicious amiable Col. Motte of Sth. Carolina. On the morning of the date of the Resolve a Duplicate of that Letter had been received covering two Papers more than had been inclosed in the Original; one of which was...
2020From Thomas Jefferson to Jones & Howell, 5 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I now remit you the sum of 273. D. in an order from the bank of the US. at this place on that at Philadelphia, for nailrod furnished heretofore. I take this occasion of praying you to send to Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson for me, a further supply of two tons of nailrod, assorted as usual. I will thank you if at the same time you can procure and forward for me one of the large steel hand–mills for...