20151From George Washington to Lawrence Augustine Washington, 3 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 23d of the last, was received on the first day of the present month. In the interesting event which you have announced, I sincerely wish you and the lady who is to be the partner of your future fortunes, all imaginable happiness. To attain which, depends very much upon the parties themselves: and from the character you have drawn of Miss Wood, and from what I have heard of...
20152To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Morris, 25 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
On the evening of the 16th. instant I was honoured with yours of the 13th. enclosing the petition of Benjamin Freeman in behalf of his son Clarkson Freeman , and signifying the Presidents instructions thereon. In complyance therewith I beg leave to inform That Doctor Clarkson Freeman was apprehended (with difficulty and danger to the officer, as I understood,) in the beginning of March 1791 on...
20153To James Madison from François de Navoni, 12 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1804, Cagliari. Respectful thanks are due for the latest news that Anna Porcile and her mother have been ransomed from slavery at Tunis by William Eaton for five thousand piastres. They had been held for several years by the barbarians and are now embarked for Cagliari in a state frigate. Believes the Sardinian people will always esteem the U.S. for such a great and beneficial gesture....
20154To George Washington from Robert Morris, 1 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Gentlemen who will have the honor to deliver you this Letter are from the West Indias they were Recommended to me by an old acquaintance and I find them very Genteel agreable Men. The Brilliancy of your Character attracts the attention of the World, they cannot pass to the Southward without gratifying their Wishes by an interview with the first Man of the Age and I am sure they will meet a...
20155To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise and Jean-Baptiste-Jacques Elie de Beaumont, 26 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Mad. Elië de Beaumont ont l’honneur de presenter leurs hommages a Monsieur franklin. Mr. Elië de Beaumont n’a pu aller les luy rendre chez luy, parceque ses affaires ne luy en ont pas laissé le moment, il le supplië de l’excuser, et le prië de luy faire l’honneur ainsi que Monsieur son petit fils, de venir diner chez luy mardi prochain 2. mars. Mad....
20156Poem on Presenting Franklin with a Walking Stick from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, [before 20 July 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Printed by Didot l’aîné (1783): Yale University Library, University of Pennsylvania Library, Library of Congress This undated poem and Kéralio’s letter of July 20 written on behalf of the duchesse de Deux-Ponts (below), concern the gift reproduced on the facing page: a walking stick topped with a gold pommel in the shape of a liberty cap. The duchesse sent it to replace the walking stick she...
20157To James Madison from Aaron Burr, 2 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Col. Weissenfels I transmit the enclosed Certificate. Having served with the Colonel during the revolutionary War & knowing him to be a brave & Valuable officer, a Man of integrity & honor, I could not refuse to him this Civility. I have no personal acquaintance with Mr Baker, but from my knowledge of two of the persons attesting in his favor, I cannot doubt of the truth of...
20158To James Madison from James Monroe, 28 April 1818 (Madison Papers)
The late session, considering the flourishing & happy condition of the country, has been unusually oppressive on every branch of the Executive dept. There have been more calls for information, than I recollect to have been made at any former session, and in some instances, with a portion of the H. of R. a very querulous spirit has been manifested. The questions, involving the right in...
20159From James Madison to Ferdinand L. Claiborne, 22 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the inclosed letter, which you will be pleased to communicate to the House of Representitives of the Mississippi Territory, I feel pleasure in adding my acknowledgments for the friendly sentiments expressed in your transmission of the address of that Body; praying you at the same time, to accept in return, assurances of my esteem and of my best wishes. To the Representatives of the...
20160To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A g reeably to your’s of the 20th of Septr. I have used the best means in my Power to be informed of the Character & Qualifications of the Officers of this Regt. without discovering the Reasons why it was done. On the Result of which, joined to my own Observation, I now with Fredom submit to you the following Capt. Lloyd Beall, is much respected in George Town, his Place of Residence. He...
20161John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
with referance to M r L. Leschuts 7 watches say 5 Single Capt a $40 is 200 } is 320 { say $2 Each for — 2 double d 60 120 of 14 regulating $306 n t in order then to try their real merit, and worth—I placed one of the five said to be N o
20162From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 20 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 20, 1792. On January 19, 1793, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th December.” Letter not found. ]
20163Philip P. Barbour to James Madison, 1 April 1831 (Madison Papers)
Philip. P. Barbour, with his respects, returns to Mr. Madison the books and pamphlets recently lent him, and also Rastell’s entries, & Wythe’s reports. He has read with great pleasure the investigation of the principle of neutral trade—He considers those maintained by our government, triumphantly vindicated upon reason & authority. RC ( ViU ).
20164From Thomas Jefferson to —— Patton, 13 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Finnie being about to send some provision vessels to the head of Elk, I have desired him to order one into Baltimore, to the master of which I shall be obliged to you to have delivered what ever cartouch boxes you have in readiness for us as we are in immediate want of them. I am sir, Your very humble servant, FC ( Vi , from photostat of Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 38,650). At head of text:...
20165Thomas Jefferson to William C. C. Claiborne, 10 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 17. came to hand the last day of June. it covered a Tragedy in Manuscript from Col o Siblong commemorative of a scene which had past on the Missisipi within the memory of persons still living. I am too old to catch the enthusiasm of poetry, and therefore unqualified to judge of it’s merits other than that of the sentiment. in this respect the piece in question merits much...
20166Continental Congress Remarks on Appropriating the Impost Exclusively to the Army, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton opposed the motion strenuously, declared that as a friend to the army as well as to the other Creditors & to the public at large he could never assent to such a partial dispensation of Justice; that the different States being differently attached to different branches of the public debt would never concur in establishg. a fund wch. was not extended to every branch; that it was...
20167To John Adams from John Marshall, 27 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you some dispatches lately receivd from the Judge of the Kentucky district. I hope the resistance he mentions to the execution of the judgements of the court of the United States exists no longer. I inclose you also two letters from Mr. Yznardi & a copy of one to him from Don Urquijo. I can scarcely believe that our envoys have embarkd for the Hague. Mountflorence I shoud think must...
20168To James Madison from Samuel Snow, 3 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I have the honour to forward to you a letter under date of the 26th. November last with sundry Papers & a Return of American Vessels entered & cleared at the Port of Canton between the Months of January & July 1806. These enclosures came to hand from Mr. Carrington some little time since, but owing to my absence from home have lain by till now. I have not taken copies of them...
20169To Thomas Jefferson from Jones & Howell, 13 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On Board Schooner Edward & Edmund. have Say 80 Bundles Nail 0.0.0 at 124$ $248 porterage 1.33 $249.33 the Schooner is to sail in three days from this and we hope will be at Richmond early we are Very Respectfully Your Friends RC ( DNA : RG 59 , Appointment Papers); mutilated; at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq
20170From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 28 August 1758 (Washington Papers)
Your favour by Mr Hoops has in some measure revivd a hope that was almost extinguishd—of doing something this Campaign —We must doubtless expect to encounter many difficulties in opening a new Road thrô bad Grounds in a Woody Country of which the Enemy are possest but since you hope our point may be carried I woud feign expect the Surmounting these obstacles—’tis a melancholy reflection thô to...
20171To George Washington from William Grayson, 27 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Ordinance for the disposal of the Western territory was pass’d three days ago, & I take the earliest oppertunity of inclosing you a copy. I have the honor to be with the highest respect yr Affect. fd & Most Obd. Sert ALS , DLC:GW . The Land Ordinance of 1785 for dividing the Northwest Territory into townships to be divided into lots of 640 acres for sale was passed on 20 May ( JCC,...
20172To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 28 Jan. 1776. On 10 Feb. GW wrote to Reed : “Your obliging favours of the 28th Ulto & 1st Instt are now before me.”
20173To Thomas Jefferson from John Garland Jefferson, 18 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Nov. 4. in Richmond. I had not then time to answer it, but now return you my most hearty thanks. The money for which you gave the order, was paid upon application, and all my wants on this score were soon satisfyed. If it was possible for me to believe that benevolent or malicious spirits presided over men, and conducted them to good or bad Fortune, I shoud certainly...
20174To James Madison from John Gavino, 17 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1803, Gibraltar. No. 114. “Since my last N: 113 under the 11: Int: [13 Feb. 1803] , orders is come to the Emperours Agent here to get the Ship in question ready for Sea and he further tells me Expects the Commander every moment from Tetuan with a Crew, and that She is at all events to go to Sea.” Adds in a postscript, “Three french Ships the Line are aback of the Rock with Troops...
20175To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The terms of approbation with which you mention my Lecture and Museum , afford me much gratification; since I have scarcely a thought not devoted to the perfection of my scheme. From my knowledge of the Interest which you have always felt in whatever concerned the comfort of Man or the Benefits of Society, I am induced to think that even in the important Station to which our Nation has called...
20176William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 6 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
The three Letters which Mrs. Adams honoured me with were received at Paris, and should have been answered, had an oppertunity offered. Permit me to pass an encomium on that prudence which dictates silence on painful Subjects, and to assure her while honour guides my actions and is my ruling star thro’ Life—I shall alway’s endeavour to appear as if I had taken the deepest draught from the...
20177From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I regret being obliged to inform Your Excellency, that I find myself, at this late period, very little stronger than I was when the Army first moved out of their Quarters. Of the Militia which were required of the State of New Jersey, and which were to have joined me by the 15th of July, none have come in. I am informed that the first party which rendezvoused at Morris Town returned home for...
20178Description of a Public Dinner held for Thomas Jefferson in Richmond, [21 October 1809] [document added in digital … (Jefferson Papers)
On Saturday, a Public Dinner was given at the Eagle , in honor of Mr. Jefferson . A large and brilliant company attended. The guests invited, were Mr. Jefferson , the three Judges of the Court of Appeals , Col. Monroe , Judge Cabell , Messrs. Jerman Baker , &
20179From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Chisholm, 16 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your request I lodged 150. D. for you in the hands of messrs. Gibson & Jefferson the first week of this month & forgot to give you notice of it by the last post. should you not have applied for it, on sending them this letter with your order they will pay it. I offer you my best wishes. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
20180To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so much indisposed since my last of the 8th. inst. as to have been absolutely incapable of writing. I resume my pen at present merely to inform you by the English packet that the answer from the Emperor arrived here two days ago. The King’s council have had it under long and mature consideration and have communicated it to the diplomatic committee. The Minister goes to morrow to...
20181Leonard Cooper to Virginia Delegates, [22 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 163, fol. 227). To The Honble. the deligates for the State of Virginia in Congress The memorial of Leonard Cooper Captain in the Invalid Regiment formerly of the 4th Virginia Regiment Sheweth, That your memorialist having Receiv’d a wound in the month of October 1779 which has renderd him uncapable of doing duty with his Regiment ever since—and being much Embarrass’d by not...
20182[Diary entry: 30 December 1774] (Washington Papers)
30. Calm and exceeding pleasant—being clear in the forenoon. Somewhat lowering afterwards.
20183From John Jay to Samuel Bayard, 25 March 1796 (Jay Papers)
I had this afternoon the pleasure of recieving your obliging Letter of the 6 th . Jan y last, and am happy to learn from it that the Decrees in the Capture Cases will probably be satisfactory— This Information appeared to me to be interesting, and therefore I have communicated it to the President : altho I presume you have written fully to the Secretary of State about it, either by the packet...
20184To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Pittsburg mail is arrived, but no letter from General Wayne. I suspect he has sent dispatches by an officer who is taking the route thro’ the Wilderness. Mr Hodgden this moment mentions the intelligence he had from his neighbour Mr Vanuxem, a mercantile agent for the French, who told him last evening, that the Secretary of the French Legation here said that a national vessel had arrived at...
20185From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you on the 26 of August, and sent my Letter to N york to go in a dispatch vessel. I did not at the time know of the Humiliating and disgracefull Catastrophy which had befallen the city of Washington!! nor have I language to describe my feelings at the Torpor which blinded the Government to a sense of their danger, and their defenceless situation The Capitol is destroyed, but America...
20186Proposal for a National Coffee House, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Subscriber observing with surprise the want of a House of entertainment on Capitol Hill, for the reception and deliberation of the friends of administration, at a period when the only House is supported by the Minority with energy and Spirit, he proposes opening the National Coffee House & Hotel on Capitol Hill, to be in readiness on the day Congress Shall convene, and being inadequate to...
20187Joseph Galloway to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 29 November 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Merchants of this City, greatly destrest with the present Circumstances of their Commerce, have transmitted to the Merchants and Manufacturers of Great Brittain, a Memorial Pointing out their Difficulties and hinting at the Remedies &c. which they Conceive will afford them the Desired Relief. They have been induced to take this Step from an Expectation,...
20188From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 27th —Supposing the Continental Cloathing delivered to the Virginia line last Fall to be of equal quality with that delivered to the other part of the Army, they ought now to be in better condition than any other troops, as they had at the same time contrary to my judgment and express desire, a very considerable quantity of State Cloathing in addition to the...
20189From Thomas Jefferson to William C. C. Claiborne, 7 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter of the 17th. of April which I wrote you from Monticello, I observed to you that as the legislative council for the territory of Orleans was to be appointed by me, and our distance was great an early communication on the subject was necessary: that it ought to be composed of men of integrity, of understanding, of clear property & influence among the people, well acquainted with the...
20190From George Washington to Robert Morris, 29 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
As I never saw, nor never heard of the resolve of Congress spoken of by the Secretary at war (as mentioned in your letter of the 21st Instt) I conceive it to be a right inherent with Command to limit (as circumstances & the nature of Service may require) the proportion of Women to the Men of an Army I confess I felt myself hurt by the interference of other departments without any previous...
20191To Thomas Jefferson from John Monroe, 3 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 30th. Ulto. I have recieved your friendly and obliging letter of the 25th. Apl. covering a commission for me as Atty. for the Western District of Virginia. The Office being in the line of my profession, renders it more agreeable to me; I shall not therefore hesitate in my acceptance of it. I will not trouble you with thanks, or professions; But by a Strict attention to...
20192From John Adams to Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 21 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to find an opportunity to acknowledge the receit of the esteemed favour with which you honoured me on the 24 of December, untill now. I think it is very probable that the Several Causes you have enumerated cooperate to lessen the Credit of the United States, but I think at the Same time that it is because the Facts are misrepresented and exagerated, by the Friends of...
20193To James Madison from Bartholomew Dandridge, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to inform you that I arrived at this place the 8 June, after touching at Cape françois; but lest my Letter should miscarry it may not be amiss to repeat here, that I was received in a very friendly manner by the Genl. in Chief Toussaint, introduced by Dr. Stevens, to whose friendly attention & information I am much indebted. Genl. Toussaint gave me letters to Genl....
20194To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel Tardy, 19 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Inclosed you have two Letters I received yesterday, addressed to your Excellency— By a letter from Captain John Manley I find that Captain Cunningham has escaped from Mill-Prison, with some other Gentlemen— he says also that Twenty four Americans have intered in the British service the 4 Inst.— I have the Honour to be very respectfully; Sir! Your most...
20195From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 18 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have occasion to pay to Genl. Stephen Thompson Mason a sum not exceeding 50. dollars, which lying across the country cannot be done from hence for want of mercantile connections. presuming you have recieved mr Hooper’s first paiment which furnished a surplus after mr Wyckham’s order would be satisfied, I have taken the liberty of desiring Genl. Mason to draw on you in his own name for the...
20196Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Robertson, 7 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe it is your practice to settle the annual accounts of your customers about the month of Septemb er. I will thank you for the copy of mine for the last year, a s soon as convenient. it will be convenient for me to have it under view as soon as may be in preparing arrangement s for the paiment of monies the ensuing spring. I have it much at heart hencefo r ward to pay my merchant’s...
20197From John Adams to Robert Treat Paine, 6 December 1759 (Adams Papers)
I was too much gratified with the Proposal you made me of writing to you, to neglect it long. For as Nature and Fortune have conspired to strip me of all other means of Pleasure I cannot think it either Vanity or Virtue to acknowledge, that the Acquisition and Communication of Knowledge, are the sole Entertainment of my Life. I should therefore be inattentive to my object, and stupidly forget...
20198Enclosure: [Statement of the Balance Which Remains], [24 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
By the act passed 12th August, 1790, making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt, section 2d, it is enacted, that all such surplus of the product of the duties arising from impost and tonnage to 31st December, 1790, after satisfying the several appropriations therein specified, shall be applied to the purchase of the public debt: Dollars. The product of said duties were, 3,026,070...
20199To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe’s answer to Sheffeild and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday’s mail. Should...
20200To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 22 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
It is with extreme reluctance that I find myself so often Constrained to address you on the Subject of my own personal advancement. The object of the Present is merely to say that if, by any event, the Consulate of the United States at Bordeaux should be vacated, I should be much obliged by an offer of that appointment. This is the more important to me, in the present state of Hamburg, whose...