20011To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 14 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of five weeks, the four first of which were very tempestuous, I arrived in the Channel. In order to save time, and slip into London with the less probability of being noticed, I procured a boat from the shore to land me at Dover. From that place I took my passage in the Mail Coach, and arrived here at 6 O’Clock this morning. Having delivered the Dispatches to Mr. Johnson, and...
20012To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Adamoli, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettez qu’au lieu de me reclamer de quelquun pour vous prier d’une grace, j’aie l’honneur de vous presenter une piece de vers à laquelle les sentimens que vous avez inspirés ont donné sujet. Ce moien de recommandation ne sera gueres puissant aupres de vous, Monsieur, J’en conviens, vous êtes trop accoutumé aux éloges et trop sûr de les obtenir. Cependant...
20013[Diary entry: 3 April 1771] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear and the Wind variable, being Northwardly in the forenoon & Easterly afterwards.
20014To Benjamin Franklin from John Allen, 24 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honnor of writing the 29th. of Last Month to your Excellence, beging, you would be so good as to grant me a Register for the Brign Lovely Aglaé that I Purcheas’d at this Port, being without any Answer, I take the Liberty to request of your Excellence not to forget my just Demand, as my Brig is all Ready, and am only waiting for a favourable...
20015To James Madison from James Maury, 18 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 June 1802, Liverpool. “I had the Honor of presenting you with the State of this market for American produce on the 5th ulto. In this you have the prices of the day for the same, as well as of other articles of import from the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Liverpool, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Maury. Enclosure (1 p.; docketed by Brent) is a printed...
20016From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
What sail Cloth shall we use for the Frigates that of Domestic or that of Foreign Manufacture? National pride & interest plead for the former if the quality be really good. But is it really good? Objections are made; that which is principally insisted upon is that it shrinks exceedingly. Let me know with certainty what Experience has decided. I ask your opinion because I rely on your...
20017To James Madison from Donald Fraser Sr., 8 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding, my not having the honor of a personal acquaintance, yet, I trust, that, the well known, suavity of your disposition will induce you to pardon my freedom in addressing you at present. Knowing, that for many years past, your highly useful life, has been Devoted to the promotion of the best interests of your beloved Country: I [s]hou’d not have intruded upon your retireme[n]t,...
20018To James Madison from John Frazer, 4 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1809, Washington. Frazer, a slave dealer, has lost a considerable sum owing to a peculiar circumstance. A cargo of his slaves consigned to the U.S. was forced into St. Kitts on a vessel “found to be unseaworthy.” While the ship was being repaired a U.S. law was passed prohibiting further slave importations. In St. Kitts, all the slaves were sold except four afflicted with leprosy. Frazer...
20019To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have conferred with General Dayton on the subject of Yours of the 28th. and we agree in opinion, that the most convenient dimensions for hutts, would be a front of eighteen feet, by a depth of eighteen feet; one of these hutts, we conceive would be amply sufficient for fifteen men, which number agreably to the Regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of the United States:...
20020Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 3 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In reply to your respected favor of 26 Ultimo, We acquaint you, that the Order You purpose giving us to pay One Million of Florins unto the Director-General of the Finances of France, shall be punctually complied with, in the Mode that Minister will desire. All the Bonds of the Loan of March last are now delivered; And We do not doubt, We should be able in the present Moment, to procure a New...
20021To Benjamin Franklin from John G. Frazer, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter I recd from Mr. Geo: Anderson a young Gentleman of Virginia who was taken in a Vessell of his own by an English cruizer & carried into Lisbon, where he now is, at the House of Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman the bearer of this, and who will have the Honour of delivering it to you himself. This Gentleman has been a particular Friend to all our...
20022John Laval to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 11 th inst t came to hand, a few hours after M r Dufief’s departure from Philadelphia . I have forwarded it to him, yesterday, by Ship Andrew, bound to Liverpool . According to your previous request, I have, at length, Succeeded in procuring, for you, a copy of Enfield’s History of Philosophy; the work is not to be had in any Bookstore, & it is only by accident that it has...
20023To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 27 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
Dont complain of my Wife. You have not a better friend, nor a great Admirer in the United States. She devours your letters. The reflection you have noticed, was aimed, not at the Subjects, but at the frequency of our letters. It was uttered with an Air of pleasantry, such as you have Often advised in your excellent Mr. Adams. The Anecdote I Alluded to respecting the fast day is as follows....
20024From Thomas Jefferson to William Campbell, 3 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received advice from Colo. Preston of a dangerous insurrection on new river . He thinks the Insurgents will attempt to destroy the works at the lead mines, and has called on the militia of Washington and Botetourt to oppose them. As this is an Object requiring more immediate attention than the one on which you were lately appointed I am to desire you will a second time take in hand...
20025Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Shoemaker, 15 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5 th was recieved on the 11 th & recieved with great joy. I had begun to despair of your coming, & in that case I must have proposed the rescinding the lease, for that it is a concern compleatly bankrupt everybody in the neighborhood seems convinced, and some (I am told, for I do not know the fact) have brought suits for their wheat, & others propose to do it. that there are...
20026To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
that there has been an action fought where I could have been and where I was not, is a thing which will seem as extraordinary to you as it seems so to myself—after a long journey and a longer stay from home (I mean from head quarters) the only satisfactory day I might have finds me in the middle of a town—there I had been sent, push’d, hurri’d by the board of general officers, and principally...
20027George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 13 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey, ] September 13, 1780 . Asserts that British expedition “seems to be on the point of taking place.” States that under these circumstances “we should be with our respective armies.” Asks to defer the proposed meeting to September 20. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20028From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9th of December from the Round O, inclosing the Copy of your letter of the same date to Congress. I regret that your plan for the surprise of the port of Dorchester did not take full effect.The maneuvre was a masterly one, and, at least, answered the purpose of dislodging the enemy, which was a great point gained. The Count de Rochambeau has transmitted me a...
20029From George Washington to Thomas Arnold, 31 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 18th instant. No alteration in the Corps of Invalids has taken place, since your being with them—The Secretary at War, had in Contemplation to make some Reform, but nothing is yet effected—and it is doubtfull, whither any thing will soon be done. In consideration of your peculiar Misfortune, & the Situation of Affairs at the present conjuncture—you will...
2003018th. (Adams Papers)
All day within; the weather uncommonly mild. Mr. Thaxter spent the Evening and supped here. Began the 2d. volume of the Essay upon the human Understanding. There are many things, somewhat abstruse, in this book, and I have not at present time to read them with sufficient attention, but there is one thing, which I never heard of, and which surprized me. He seems to adopt the opinion of the...
20031[Diary entry: 17 October 1797] (Washington Papers)
17. Clear and pleasant. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Law & Cap: Turner came in the Aftern. Mer.—58. cap : turner : probably Thomas Turner (1772-1839) of King George County.
20032To John Adams from John Steele, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor to call at your house this morning to request leave of absence from the seat of Government to enable me to accompany my family on a visit to their Friends in Carolina after the Offices are removed from Philadelphia. The journey will be near six hundred miles out, and about Four hundred returning, which I cannot perform with satisfaction before the 10th. or middle of...
20033From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley, 17 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; copy: Library of Congress I received with great Pleasure my dear & respected Friend’s Letter of the 5th Instt. as it inform’d me of the Welfare of a Family I so much esteem & love. The Clamor against the Peace in your Parliament would alarm me for its Duration, if I were not of Opinion with you, that the Attack is rather against the Minister. I am confident none...
20034To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 17 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mui sor. mio y de todo mi respecto: Suplico á V.E. me permita le moleste por ultima vez con la presente en que le manifiesto serme forzoso dexar el pais pues mi salud padece infinito y me espongo, segun los Medicos, á perderla totalmente si no lo dejo; á cuyo intento me preparo cortando mis asuntos por esta justa causa y por hallarme sin la proteccion que esperaba en los ramos de comercio...
20035From George Washington to David Franks, 18 June 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to David Franks, 18 June 1758. On 27 June Franks wrote to GW : “I had ⅌ Spore the pleas[ur]e of a Letter of 18th inst. . . . Supposed to be from you.”
20036From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 11 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Having determined to try my Bedford tobacco this year at the London market, I could have no hesitation to whom to consign it. I have therefore ordered it to be very carefully handled, and in some degree sorted, to be got down to Richmond as early as possible and there delivered to Mr. Brown to be shipped to you on my account. According to arrangements taken with Mr. Brown as to the sum I might...
20037To James Madison from William Keais, 19 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 December 1802, Washington, North Carolina. Acknowledged in Brent to Keais, 4 Jan. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as an inquiry regarding the shipment of a box of U.S. laws to the governor of North Carolina. Brent replied that JM recommended “the speediest Course” of sending it “on the best terms that you can [get] it carried, at the expense of this Department.”
20038[Diary entry: 28 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
28. Cloudy & sometimes drizling with but little Wind. After Sunsetting clear.
20039To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I expect with great impatience and uneasiness the convoy of Bread that falls due to night to the troops, The Commissary of Provisions tells me that the heavy rains that fell the Day before yesterday have occasioned a delay, because the Bakers as yet are not under cover at Fish kill Landing, however, boats have been seen at Tarrytown coming down the river; Chariots are just gone to fetch it...
20040To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lee Shippen, 16 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your very interesting and welcome letter of the 11th. ult. and take this early opportunity of thanking you for it. I am extremely sorry to find that I have so little chance of going in the same vessel with you to America. It would have given me infinite pleasure upon every account, but as you seem not likely to sail until the Fall, I must give up the expectation of...
20041To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I understand the Abbé Condillac , to whom I have a Letter of recommendation, is just come to Town from his attendance on the Duke of Parma. As I recollect that I put the Letter into your Hands it will very much oblige me Sir, if you will please to return it by the bearer. I am going to engage in a Performance which I hope may serve the Cause I profess to...
20042From Thomas Jefferson to William Henry Harrison, 22 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the treaty of 1803, we obtained from the Kaskaskias the country as far as the ridge dividing the waters of the Kaskaskias, from those of the Illinois river. by the treaty of 1804, with the Sacs & Foxes they ceded to us from the Illinois to the Ouisconsin. between these two cessions is a gore of country, to wit, between the Illinois river & Kaskaskia line, which I understand to have belonged...
20043To James Madison from Peter Stephen Chazotte, 26 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Author of A New System of Banking To establish either, A Merchants Bank of General Deposits, or A Grand National Bank , subjects, intimately connected with wellfare of this nation, the honour and prosperity of which are placed under the paternal care of your excellency, I have thought it my duty to present your excellency with a copy of the same, and to accompany it with a request, that you...
20044James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
Col Preston is desirous of exchanging the office he holds at Richmond for that lately vacated by the death of Doctr. Tu[cker] & it is his wish that I should be in the number of his friends who bear testimony to the public services & personal qualities on which his pretensions are grounded. Tho anxious to avoid such intrusions, I can not in justice to Col. P. withold the observat[ion] that his...
20045Editorial Note (Washington Papers)
General Lincoln did not complete this extended account of Shays’ Rebellion for GW until 4 Mar. 1787, a month after he had defeated and dispersed Daniel Shays’ followers at Petersham on 4 February. Hence Lincoln’s letter, to which GW responded on 23 Mar. 1787, served for GW not as a running report but as a recapitulation of developments in Massachusetts. It was primarily Henry Knox, the...
20046From George Washington to Hugh Mercer, 9 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
To Lieutt Colo. Mercer of Pensylvania or Officer Commanding at Rays Town Sir Camp at Fort Cumberland 9th Septr 1758. I this moment receivd notice from the Commissary, that only three day’s Flour remaind upon hand for the Troops at this Incampment. Mr Hoops is wrote to on the occasion, and I must beg the favour of you to facilitate any measures he shall propose to supply us in time; by...
20047Wednesday [30 July]. (Adams Papers)
At Boston. The Weather cloudy. Going to the Common Pleas to day. Let me take Minutes. Let me remark the Speakers, their Action, their Pronunciation, there Learning, their Reasoning, their Art and skill. Let me remark the Causes, the remarkable Circumstances, &c. and report sentence unfinished?
20048To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 13 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives We have been extreamly alarmed at some communications which the Minister of france made me from his Last Letters— They look extreamly as if the Ct. De Vergennes imagined that neither Spain or Holland were anxious for our success— They discourage the Idea of a loan— from them or even from France. Our Letters from...
20049To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 13 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr Coles your former Secy, arrived here yesterday, to proceed on his message to Russia. The Brig Prometheus, in which he is to go, was ready at Boston, & he probably has sailed this day, as the wind is fair. The enclosed letter from Mr Gardner of nantucket, a former member of Congress, shows that the ship Detained by the Spaniards at Valparaiso, has been set at liberty, does that supersede the...
20050To James Madison from Frederick Degen, 21 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Frederick Degen. 21 April 1806, Naples. “I did myself the honor to address you the 17th. December via Leghorn, of which I take the liberty to annex you a Copy herewith. “I Sincerely regret the want of my Instructions, and Commission for the Consular office, which are not yet arrived, but I flatter myself that Duplicates have been forwarded, and that the Same will soon be in my...
20051Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of Nov r: 13 th: with an enclosure for J Hall, yesterday, by the New York mail. It came by a vessel, which left Hamburg only one day later than myself and was enclosed by M r: Pitcairn in hopes it might reach me before I got out of the River. I will begin by acquainting you and Mrs: A— with the health of all your friends. Our good mother, from whom I have not yet heard...
20052To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I observe a great number of contracts for carrying the mails are advertised to be made within a short time hence, & for 4. years. I suppose the principal reason for making such long contracts is the trouble which would be so often recurring to the post office, if they were shorter. This should have it’s just weight: but it may be doubted whether contracts for so long a time as 4. years do not...
20053Enclosure: David Redick to John Fenno, 29 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
In Porcupines Gazatte of yesterday a letter Addressed to Mr Luther Martin by Frances Corbin, declares that on the Subject of Mr Martins charge against Mr Jefferson, he and the public are Satisfied; and that Mr Jefferson will be bound to render Satisfaction &c. I am of opinion that Mr Corbin has too hastily found himself Satisfied. I am a resident of the Ohio Country and have been Conversant in...
20054David Gelston to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now favored with your letter of the 27 th ult: with the invoice of the books.—the invoice I now return, The amount of duties is $5 55/ I have paid freight $2 20 100 — The first good opportunity to Richmond I shall ship the books, and drop you a line at the time, and give you the name of the Vessel and the Captain.— paid duties 5.55
20055John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
We got all on Board last night, and began to make our Arrangements. Mr. Thaxter and Johnny, slept in a large Cott in the Council Chamber. Charles and I, in my old Apartment. We all rested well. Charles is much pleased, with the Novelty of the Scaene. I stole on Board last night as silently as possible but as the Boat passed the Courier de L’Europe, all Hands came upon Deck and huzza’d in...
20056To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your two letters of the 18. and 21. instant. You will see by the enclosed schedule No. 1. the quantity of Clothing Arms accoutrements &c. which has been ordered for the several regiments. Money for the recruiting service and pay and forage for the Officers has been forwarded as is mentioned in Schedule No. 2. It is to be understood that the whole Clothing for no one...
20057New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—I add to enforce the Ideas of the member who spoke last The Gent from Dutchess says it is less dangerous to grant power to restrain an Act than a power to do Here the Power to restrain is as dangerous as to do an Act—The Power to restrain here is to restrain you from your defence— The Gentleman contends that there may be corruption in a Majority or the whole— We contend that there...
20058From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, 14 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
This is accompanied by the copy of a letter I did myself the pleasure of writing you in March last. I sent it by a gentleman going to London who promised to endeavor to find you out. He brought it back to me with an assurance that he had been unable to learn the place of your residence. I gave it to another who went soon after to London: and as he did not return it to me I flattered myself it...
20059To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 29 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of 15th inst. have received some days past and shall pay attention to the contents, am concern’d to find one of the Hhds. tobacco shipt by Stratton was such, as you had describd in your former letter and exceptionable. This fault lays with the inspectors, as I had requested they would mark out those that had been fir’d. In future I shall attend to that circumstance and request them...
20060From George Washington to Bouvinghausen, 18 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter dated at Stoutgard the 10th of June last, in which you ask my aid in securing to you the payment of certain legacies which you represent to have been destined for yourself, your three sons, & Mr Franc, by the will of the late major general baron de Steuben, my highly valued friend. Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I caused enquiry to be made about...