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...
2021Thomas Jefferson: Resolution on primary schools, ca. 3 Feb. 1825, 3 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that the Governor be requested to have prepared and laid before the legislature at their next meeting a statement in detail of the sum of education which, under the law establishing primary schools, has been rendered in the schools of each county respectively and for every year from the passage of the law to the present one inclusive: that it be stated in a Tabular form, in the first...
2022To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As we are making up our Accounts to tranfer to New Ballance Inclosed I take the liberty to transmit you the State of my Account with your Excellency in which is incerted the advances I have made to sundry Americans for which I have taken their receipts others for which I find I have neglected I have left out as all we advanct was to prevent them from...
2023To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Aug: 15. 1781.” In my letter by last Post I mentioned to you the very distressed condition of this State. I cannot help repeating the subject, it hangs so heavy on my Mind I can neither speak nor think on any other. Repeated representations have been made of our condition for the last eighteen Months, and of the fatal consequences...
2024Thomas Jefferson to Louis Adrien Gruchet, 15 May 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of the 4 th inst. and read the two letters of the Marquis d’Orvault with all the commiseration due to the sufferings of worth. we are all born to mixtures of good & evil; but I know of nothing which has produced more human affliction than the French revolution. the expatriation of it’s numerous victims would probably furnish narratives of such varied misfortunes as...
2025Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
On the occasion of your separation from mr Robert Smith , I recollect your mentioning in one of your letters to me that among the circumstances which afflicted you, was the impression it might make on his connections in this quarter , for whom you entertained so much friendship & esteem. it was soon discernable that on one of them whom I had the most frequent opportunities of seeing, no other...
2026From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States a Contract made by the Collector of Portsmouth in New Hampshire with Titus Salter for furnishing the Light house on New Castle Island with oil, wick, fuel & candles, and for the care & lighting of the same from the 15th. day of August 1789. to the 1st. day of July next, including some...
20271774 Tuesday. Octr. 4. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Alexander Wilcox, with all the Delegates from N. York, and several other Gentlemen.—This Evening General Lee came to my Lodgings and shewed me an Address from the C ongress to the People of Canada which he had. It was not, however, until 21 Oct. that Congress resolved to prepare an address to the people of Quebec, which was brought in by a committee (on which JA did not serve)...
2028From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 7 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
Captain Bates arrived here yesterday morning, from Amsterdam, and has lent me a number of American Newspapers, of the month of August, and to the first of September inclusive—They were brought by the Dutch vessel, the Prince of Orange, arrived at the Texel—The same that had touched at Havre de Grace—The Dutch Minister, Mr Changuion had gone in her to America, conveyed by the Ajax, a Dutch...
2029To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 5 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
It is not necessary to nominate district paymasters to the Senate,—nor to nominate Cadets. as you have not returned the list of Cadets I presented to you, with the other list of appointments you may have sent the Cadet list with the others—if so it may not be improper to recall it. I am Sir Your Obedt. Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2030From Thomas Jefferson to James O. Morse, 30 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg to be excused from answering the question proposed to me in your favor of the 11 th inst. on the subject of the Candidates named for the next Presidency. I lay it down as a law to myself to take no part in that election. advice on such an occasion, were I even qualified to give it, would incur a fearful responsibility. I shall be perfectly contented with any choice my fellow...
2031[Diary entry: 11 January 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 11th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon & 44 at Night. Until Noon it was foggy, with but little wind. Afternoon it cleared, & was very pleasant. The wind pretty fresh from the So. West—which bringing the Ice to the Shore again I renewed the Work of filling my dry Well with it by assembly Carts & hands from my Plantations.
2032From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 16 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just the pleasure of receiving yours of Yesterday. I shall give the Deputy Qr Master General Orders to have the Cloathing both New and old brought up to the Army, and have it distributed as it is most wanted. But you may depend, if the old Cloaths which have been so charitably contributed by the Inhabitants of Philadelphia, can answer the present Necessities of the other Regiments, that...
2033From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 24 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 January 1805, Department of State. “Be pleased to issue your warrant on the appropriation for the relief & protection of American Seamen for $985.41—in favor of D. Bethune, as assignee of Dr. Gourly, it being for a bill of exchange for £221.14.42 Sterling dated the 17th. Octr. 1804, and drawn by M: Lamar Esqr. Consul of the U. States at Madeira in favor of the said Dr. Gourlay, the sd....
2034To Thomas Jefferson from John Hankart, 18 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you in consequence of the conversation that passed when I had the pleasure of being last in your Company. when speaking of the advantage of a Snuff Manufactory in this City, you remarked the Superior quality of your Tobacco. since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have my Mill at work, and have no doubt of a living. I can get any quantity I...
2035[Diary entry: 21 August 1762] (Washington Papers)
21. Recd. 70 Bags of Salt—abt. 280 Bushels.
2036To James Madison from James R. Willson, 1 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The manuscripts, & pamphlets, which I had the forwardness to offer you will probably be of no use to you. You have perhaps all possible information relative to the western members of this empire. My object, you will doubtless believe, was an honest intention to promote the welfare of the land which gave me birth, where all my friends live—& friendship to yourself. If you have condescended to...
2037Course of Reading for William G. Munford, [5 December 1798] (Jefferson Papers)
Mathematics, Natl Philosophy Natural history till VIII. aclock in the morning Law from VIII. to XII. the first [2 hours] or 3 ½ […] the [longer works] in the 1st. column and the [residue] reading […] in the 2d column. large works tracts. Pike’s arithmetic Coke’s four institutes Perkins Mussenbroeck, or Martin’s Phil. Brit. or Nicholson. Coke’s repr Doctor & Student Vaughan Lambard’s...
2038To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 February 1823 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ From James Monroe. Letter not found. 3 February 1823 . Described as a three-page autograph letter, signed, listed for sale in the Charles Hamilton Catalogue No. 103 (24 Feb. 1977), item 161, summarized and abstracted as follows: “dealing with a post for Madison’s nephew, a constitutional matter concerning grants of power in which he is in apparent disagreement both with Madison and...
2039To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 3 February 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The President & Directors of the Bank of the United States acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st. Ulto. & feel with peculiar sensibility the notification of your Resignation; With sincerity they offer their best wishes, that you may be as happy in private, as your administration has rendered you useful, in public life. They recollect with extreme satisfaction the liberal and...
2040Enclosure: James Walker’s Timber List for Thomas Jefferson’s Sawmill Wheels, 20 July 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Timber Length in feet & parts— Breadth in Inches Thickness in Inches— 6 10 15 16 4.½ Back Cants for Cogwheels white oak or heart pine Coggwheel, &c. To be season d 6 10 15 3.¼ Face Cants for ditto. 6
2041From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 18 March … (Hamilton Papers)
The Treasurer of the United States has been directed to draw upon you, a Bill, at ten days sight, in favor of the Secretary of State, for ninety nine thousand Guilders, which you will dispose of, according to directions to be given you by, Mr. Jefferson. I am &c. Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Treasury Department, 1792–1793, Vol. III, National Archives. This letter was enclosed in H’s “Report on...
2042From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mitchell or William Lewis, 14 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette at York. Whether a Naval Force is come yet or not, I have not heard. I hope this will find you at Hoods with your little Fleet. Should it not I must request you to fall down there immediately with all the vessels. A vessel with some provisions for the Army and other articles goes from hence this evening. Be pleased...
2043From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys letter of the 10th instant thro’ Mr Clarke. I have transmitted Congress a copy of your proposition relative to an exchange of the troops of Convention and shall do myself the honor to communicate their decision the moment it is made known. Mr Clarke has my permission to proceed by the most convenient route to the troops of Convention. I have the honor to be with all...
204426 Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Fair cold morning. An extream cold Day.
2045From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 20 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am exceeding sorry to hear your State has ordered several Battalions to be raised for the defence of the State only, and this before proper measures are taken to fill the Continental Regiments; You cannot be insensible how unequal any one State is unconnected with the others to defend itself, if the Enemy shou’d make a descent against it with any considerable force; neither have you the...
2046Cabinet Opinion on the Administration of the Presidential Oath, 28 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as He may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
2047From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 5 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of July. 31. came to hand yesterday. I have no hesitation in approving of the purchase recommended by Genl. Sumpter, but I retain the papers a post longer to make myself acquainted with them. indeed the volume of my mail is such that subjects which require any consideration cannot be dispatched during the single evening & morning of the post’s stay. hence I shall generally on...
2048To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 12 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Guestier, le principal Negociant francais en çette Ville, m’a engagè de Vous ecrire, qu’il avoit recû par un batiment arrivè hier, des Vins de Bordeaux et de Champagne de toute Qualitè, qu’il seroit tres flattè, de pouvoir Vous en fournir aux prix en gros, et qu’il y avoit des echantillons a Vos ordres. — de même, qu’il attendoit un batiment de Livorno avec des Vins Italiens. C’est dans la...
2049From John Adams to the President of Congress, 13 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
If any one should ask me what is the System of the present administration? I should answer, “to keep their places”— Every Thing they say or do appears evidently calculated to that End, and no Ideas of public Good no national Object is suffered to interfere with it. In order to drive out Shelburne, they condemned his Peace which all the Whig Part of them, would have been very glad to have made,...
2050Enclosure: Petition of Charles Brown, 10 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The humble Petition of Charles Brown an unfortunate Black-Man most respectfully Sheweth—That He has been in confinement in Washington County Goal ever since last November & that He has sufferd the Law but is totally unable to extricate Him self from prison not having it his Power to pay the fine & Fees— He is upwards of fifty five Years of Age & has a Wife living in George who has been...
2051From George Washington to Richard Harrison, 20 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 10th of July together with the two Toledo Blades sent by Captn Sullivan. I am much obliged to Mr Carmichael for this polite mark of attention to me; but hope I shall have no occasion to use them. I should have been happy Sir, to have received them from you in person; but as your business will not yet permit you to return to your native Country, I must...
2052To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to the intimation you were pleased to honor me with on evening last I have reflected on the etiquette proper to be observed by the President and now submit the ideas which have occurred to me on the subject. The public good requires as a primary object that the dignity of the office should be supported. Whatever is essential to this ought to be pursued though at the risk of...
2053To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 October 1824 (Madison Papers)
I returnd to the city lately to receive our old friend General La Fayette, who after remaining here a few days, set out on Saturday for Yorktown. He has I presume reachd that port by this time. He is in good health & spirits, and less alterd in his form, than I expectd, and not at all in his mind, unless by improvment. He appears to me to have a profound knowledge of mankind, & of the present...
2054Deed of Gift of Orange County Lands, 19 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
This indenture made the nineteenth day of August One Thousand Seven hundred eighty four Between James Madison the Elder of the County of Orange of One Part And James Madison the Younger his Son of the sd. County of the Other Part Witnesseth that the Said James Madison the elder in Consideration of Paternal affection and of five Shillings the Receipt of which is hereby Acknowledged Doth by...
2055To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 12 September 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 September 1811, Madeira. Advises that the wines JM ordered are cased and awaiting a vessel for Alexandria or Baltimore. Both JM’s and Monroe’s wines will be forwarded as soon as a ship is available. “I have taken the liberty to include the Pipe of wine for Mrs. Lucy Washington in the bill I have drawn upon you this day in favor of Matthew Cobb Esqr. of Portland for £378. Stg.” Wishes to be...
2056From John Adams to James Warren, 12 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I see by the Papers, our Assembly is called, and conclude it is now Sitting. The Letters we receive from G. Schuyler, are enough to frighten any Body who does not know him. G eneral W ashington Says that all the Regiments from N.H. and M.B. are at the Northward and yet, Schuyler tells Us he has not above 4000 Men. I hope this Matter will be investigated. I believe Gates will find greater...
2057From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 29 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have delivered the Copy of your Gazetteer of New York, intended for the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences, into the hand of The Hon. Josiah Quincy, their corresponding Secretary; and the Volume for The Emperor of Russia and that for J. Q. Adams to Mr Geyer to be taken to St Petersburg by Mr Ingraham who Sails from New York in a Cartel for England and thence to Russia. My Letters and...
2058To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Jean Martin Smets, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La presente etant uniquement pour avoir l’honneur de vous prevenir de vous avoir Expedié par la diligence ordinaire un pacquet a votre adresse reçu de Monsieur Aychmayer de Rotterdam, esperant que vous l’aurez deja Reçu bien Conditionne, charmez que cette occasion me procure Celle de vous offrir mes Services, vous priant de disposez de moi, et de me Croire...
2059From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 13 November 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th. Tonningen being included in the Consulate of Mr. Forbes who resides at Hamburg, and being now the real commercial port of that Consulate, it would not consist with what is due to him, to comply with the wishes of Col. Russel. Mr. F. has acquitted himself as one of the most intelligent and active of the Consular Corps; and when not at Tonningen himself, is...
2060From Alexander Hamilton to James Lovell, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Various circumstances have prevented an earlier answer to your letter of the 22d of August last. The question referred to having been stated to the Attorney General, you will receive a copy of his opinion herewith enclosed, in which I concur. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives. Although...