221[Diary entry: 19 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
19. At home all day. In the Afternoon Majr. Wagener and Mr. John Barnes with Doctr. Craik came here. John Barnes, eldest son of Abraham Barnes (d. 1777) of St. Mary’s County, Md., had recently gone bankrupt as a tobacco merchant in Port Tobacco, Md. After settling his firm’s affairs, he moved to western Maryland, where he eventually developed a prosperous plantation called Montpelier (...
222From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th with the Resolves to which it alludes. The views of Congress in sending General Officers to the Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated. Genl Poor is in New Hampshire for the purpose; General Heath in Massachusets Bay, with Brigadrs Nixon, Glover and Patterson; General Varnum in Rhode Island, and Genl Parsons in...
223To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Before your Letter arrived Dr Priestley was dead: of which I informed you hastily on the same afternoon. The work you mention of Mr Malthus, I have perused with deep interest and melancholy conviction of the general truth of his Theory, but I cannot help thinking he carries it much too far. Granting the tendency of the procreative passion to increase the human species far beyond the ratio of...
224Thomas L. McKenney to William Jones, 25 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have been introduced through the entreaties and tears of the aged and the young, to an acquaintance with a rule of your office, which I beg leave to say, is as honorable to yourself, as it is promotive of the cause of morality, Religion, and the Service of the Country. I refer to the rule lately applied in the case of young Ritche, on account of his having been accessory to a fatal duel...
225To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
226From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 2 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed letter. You will make enquiry into the character and circumstances of the writer, and report verbally. to m ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
227[Saturday June the 3d 1775.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday June the 3d 1775. Congress however ordered the Letter to lie under on the Table for farther Consideration. On Saturday June the 3d 1775. The Letter from the Convention of the Massachusetts Bay dated the 16th. of May, being again read, the Subject was again discussed, and then Resolved That a Committee of five Persons be chosen, to consider the same and report what in their Opinion is...
228[Diary entry: 8 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
8. Dined at Colo. Lewis’s. GW apparently clubbed at Weedon’s again this evening and played cards, winning 5s. ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 320).
229From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 2 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
Before I left Washington I was called upon by Col. Tousard, who had been charged by Fayette with explanations &c. to his friends. These confirm the need he is in of relief both permanent & present, with respect to his pecuniary affairs. The idea has been entertained by him and is strongly pressed by Toussard, that money can be got on loan from the Banks & that his friends here can greatly...
230From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
To answer your Honour’s Letter of the 25th by Mr Birney —I shall begin with assuring you, that nothing was farther from my intention than to recede, thô I then pressd and still desire that my Services may be voluntary rather than on the present Pay—I am much concernd that your Honour should seem to charge me with ingratitude for your generous, and my undeserved favours, for I assure you Honble...
231To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 10 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Sullivan who will have the pleasure to present you this letter, intending to visit the upper part of our State, & particularly the university, having expressd a desire to be made known to you, I give him with pleasure this introduction. He is the son of gov r Sullivan of Massachusetts with whom you were probably acquainted. With great respect & sincere regard I am dear Sir your friend— MHi .
232John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe I told you in my last , that I had given you all in Lindseys Memoirs, than that interested you. But I was mistaken. In Priestleys Letter to Lindsey Dec r 19. 1803 , I find this Paragraph “With the Work I am now composing I go on much faster and better than I expected; so that in two or three months, if my health continue as it now is, I hope to have it ready for the Press; though I...
23317 August., 17 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
17 August. The congress resolved that Gustavus Risberg be appointed an assistant to Clement Biddle, deputy quartermaster general to the Flying Camp ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:665–666; Note: Several other resolutions immediately following concerning the exchange of prisoners, troops raised in...
234[Diary entry: 1 October 1768] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 1. Clear and pleasant. Still forenoon but brisk Southwestwardly Wind afterwds.
235From Thomas Jefferson to William Pinkney, 13 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this is the son of mr Wilson C. Nicholas of Virginia, formerly a Senator in Congress from that state & now of the H. of Representatives in Congress. these circumstances, as well as his high standing in society must have made him known to you, by reputation at least, so far as to have rendered my recommendations unnecessary to secure to him any attentions or civilities which you...
236To Thomas Jefferson from Thevenard, 6 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçû le Portrait du Général Washington par Detems aprés La Lettre dont votre Excéllence m’a honoré pour me l’annoncer. Je ne doute pas qu’il ne Soit aussi ressemblant à ce grand homme, que L’exécution de la Peinture en est parfaitte. Votre Excéllence ayant bien Voulüe prendre des précautions, Soit pour le choix de L’Artiste, qui à fait cette Copie d’aprés Wright, Soit en priant M. Hudon...
237[September 1796] (Adams Papers)
The Summer is ended and the first day of Autumn commenced. The Morning is cold tho the Wind is West. To Work again on the high Ways. Billings out upon his Wall a little after Sunrise. Captn. Hall Surveyor of High Ways finished the Road between my Garden and new Wall. To work again on the high Ways. They have taxed me this Year between forty nine and fifty days Works on the Roads besides the...
238[From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 9 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 9 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Key. Extract from my Cash book—additional instructions.” Not found.]
239Memorandum of Campaign Plans, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Scotts light Infantry 1000—A Detachment of the same Number under Wayne & the whole Commanded by Genl McDougal to Imbark at and land opposite to Morriss House at Hærlem—A Detachment of Men from this body to Land in the Cove under Fort Washington & endeavour to surprize it—some Germans to be with this party to answer if hailed in that language & signify that it is a party from Spiting devil by...
240To George Washington from William Pearce, 19 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I Recevd you Letter with a Coppy of our Agreement —you Inform me that I am to Live this winter at your mansion House which I shall Like Very well as it will be giving me an oppertunity of Giting acquainted with the Business there—But after that If it should be agreeable to you I had Rather Live in the house you intended for me as I have Several small Children and I should Like to keep them at...
241To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvine, 18 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
When at Washington I took the liberty to recommend Robert Porter Esqr. of Philadelphia to your notice as one of the Commissioners of Bankruptcy for the District of Pennsylvania—Circumstances probably were not favorable at that time to his appointment—as there is now a vacancy by the death of John W. Vancleve, I again solicit your attention to the pretensions of Mr. Porter for that office,...
242From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your Excellen[c]y’s polite letter of today—and have the honor to inform you that in consequence of suggestions made by the Gentlemen from Boston and the Depy Adjut. Genl (whom I met at Worcester this morning) that it would make it more convenient for the troops, many of which lived at a distance from the place of parade, if I should pass through Cambridge at an...
243From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 October 1786 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 28 Oct. 1786. On 5 Nov. Biddle wrote GW : “I have your Esteemed favour of 28th ulto.”
244From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment to intimate that Dr. T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or benevolence;...
245From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 1 May 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of Apr. 19. and supposing you would wish information as to the article of it relative to the concern of Carter & Trent , I take the liberty of mentioning that there was a balance due from me to that concern, which had been partly paid off before my return from Europe, and the residue was paid about two years ago as nearly as I can recollect. It was done by Lewis &...
246From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. H. Wheaton who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter wch. I inclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from Mr. Wheaton to be...
247To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Joly de Fleury de La Valette, 15 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 9. de ce mois avec l’état des Lettres de change tirées de l’Inde et de l’Amérique, pour le service de la Marine qui appartiennent aux Américains et dont le paiement est reculé d’une année, en vertu de l’arrêt du Conseil du Roi du 26. fevrier dernier. S’il étoit possible de...
248To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 8 November 1792 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a list of the Votes in the city and county of Philadelphia from which it appears that the antifederal people are not as much animated upon this occasion as their leaders, and that we have more than our real proportion of votes in the city, and much more in the County. The Boroughs are generally enlightened and federal, and vote largely in proportion in all...
249[Diary entry: 2 August 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at N. Much rain had fallen in the Night. The day was variable, but generally cloudy with fine rain about 10 or 11 Oclock which lasted more than an hour—after which the Sun came out but for a short duration. Rid to Muddy hole, but proceeded no further as, at the time I was there the appearances of a wet day were greatest.
250To John Adams from Samuel Freeman, 23 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The General Assembly of this State frequently receives Petitions from Soldiers who have met with losses while in the Army, some who were inlisted Soldiers and some who serv’d as Militia Men—praying that they may be made good to them. Others who were taken sick on the Road and have been at an Expence pray that their Accounts may be allowed. I mention this to you that if you think proper you may...
251To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 29 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Tengo la honra de poner en noticia de V. S. que el Exmo. Senor Dn. Pedro Cevallos me previene de parte del Rey mi Amo, con fha. del 21. de Marzo, que dé parte à èste Gobíerno, como lo executo, que han resuelto, que en el preciso termino de un mes salgan fuera de los Reynos de España, los Vasallos Suecos. Dios guê. á V. S. ms. as. B. L. M de V S. su mas atento servidor DLC : Papers of James...
252Henry Remsen, Jr. to Benjamin Russell and Others, 23 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed by the Secretary of State to request that you will furnish him with an estimate of the expense that will attend the publication of the Laws of the United States in your paper. It should mention the lowest price for which you will perform this work, and on account of the meeting of Congress early in next month, be transmitted to him without delay. I am Sir &c. FC ( DNA : RG 59,...
253From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 27 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 17 inst.—with the List inclosed of your Ships Company. I am concerned to see the Number so small, But it is not in my Power to enlarge it; as you do not chuse to have french Seamen, and Americans are not to be had; and If I shou’d procure a Permission for you to enlist Volunteers from among the British Prisoners in France, there is Danger...
254To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Porter, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In trying to Preform your orders to Benington Vermont about forty four miles from New York nearly opposit West Point my trunck was missing from the stage—and upon a Immediate search by the Inhabitants and myself who treat’d me very Perlitely in deed the trunck was found a small distance from the road but all my property taking out a search was Immediately made by Gentlemen of Varasity and upon...
255To Alexander Hamilton from Alexander Mackenzie, 9 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your request I will give you Some few remarks on my last expedition. Having had no particular directions from the Company of course no promise on my part of undertaking such a jaunt. I left the Grand portage about the usual time for Arabasca, but previously had obtained permission to remain the summer inland with no other view than of employing that time in discovery. The Cause of...
256To Thomas Jefferson from James Buchanan and William Hay, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The active part which you took before your departure from Virginia, as a director of the public buildings, leads us to believe, that it will not be now unacceptable to you, to cooperate with us as far as your engagements will permit. We foresee, that in the execution of our commission, the Commonwealth must sustain a heavy expence, and that we can provide no shield so effectual against the...
257Minutes of the Committee on the Purfleet Magazine, 12–21 August 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: the Royal Society; partial copy: American Philosophical Society <August 12: The Committee agreed to the following: lightning conductors were necessary; they should be placed at each end of each magazine, reaching ten feet above the ridgepole and connecting at the bottom with wells filled with water; the top of the chimney of the Proof House should be connected by lead with the conductor...
258To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 25, 1791. Encloses “quarterly Accounts to the 31st. Ultimo.” Requests information on the implementation of the “53rd Section of Collection Act,” which provides that “the Commission for Collecting … be charged on the amount of all monies received on account of duties .” Asks how weighmasters should be compensated “for weighing including tare of packages.” Asks...
259Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The condescending kindnesses and proofs of your regard, with which I have been honoured by you induces me, to take the liberty of offering to your acceptance, the humble tribute of a female acquaintance , with which I was lately favoured. I paid her a visit at New-york and could not decline, to Send you in her name her last publication—before She returned to her native country— Amsterdam . She...
260To George Washington from the Georgia Delegates in Congress, 2 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
We do ourselves the pleasure to enclose to your Excellency, a letter from Governor Burt, of Antigua, respecting Mr Thomas Morris, an officer of the Continental artillery in the Georgia line, to General Prevost, who was supposed to be Commanding Officer in the Southern Department. (You will perceive that its object is to liberate Mr John Burke, a citizen of that Island, who is your prisoner,...
261To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I much fear that in performing my duty, and endeavoring to give you all the information possible on the State of the public buildings, I claim an unreasonable portion of your time & attention.—My present letter is on a subject on which I see only one mode of proceeding, and that one , involves a mode of finishing the roof of the North wing on which I solicit your opinion and direction:...
262To James Madison from William Savage, 7 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed is a Copy of my last Since which I have requested of Admiral Montigue the general liberation of all American Seamen. By this measure, I flatter myself I have antici p ated the Presidents wish. For his Satisfaction I inclose a Copy of my letter & the admirals answer. I formerly intimated that it was proper to insert in all Certificates of Native Americans the place of their Birth...
263To Thomas Jefferson from David Bailie Warden, 15 May 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I use the opportunity of mr. gallatins return to the United States to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. of the 30th of oct last, and to inform you that he has taken charge of five small parcels for you containing bose and Brocheeses. Baron Humboldt sends you a copy of his last publication and Bishop gregoire a copy of his manuel de Visté . Your Parisian friends are glad to hear of the...
264To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 5 August 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote the Above in much haste, and yet it got To Town too late, but my Brother informs me he forwarded it a few days after by Capt. Marshall in a Schooner bound to Corke, which may Possably reach London Sooner Than if it had been sent by Capt. Budden; There is an Account in Town That the Ship Indian Trader is Taken off our Capes, and a...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Clarke, 8 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of 27th: Decr: in answer to one I had the honor to write you of 22d: Novr: relative to the Provisions due to the Convention Army; I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, Sir, that agreeable to your desire I have ascertain’d the quantity due, to the satisfaction of the Issuing Commissary, and he has certify’d it to Mr. Hawkins the...
266Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Thweatt, 18 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
According to promise I wrote to the clerk of Goochland for a copy of Reuben Skelton’s will. his answer is that there is no such will recorded there, that no administration was granted there, & therefore it is presumed that he was not a resident of that county. I know however that he was a resident of the county at the time of his death. his mansion house was at Elkhill on the Goochland side of...
267General Orders, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Particular Brigade returns to be made to the orderly Office on Monday next agreeable to a form which will be given by the Adjutant General. Regimental Returns to be delivered in the same day by the Brigade Majors containing every Article of Cloathing in Possession of the non commissioned Officers and soldiers discriminating the good and serviceable from the bad and unserviceable; These returns...
268From George Washington to William White, 1 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with two notes from yo⟨u⟩ of this date—the last, in time to prevent the mistake which the first would have led me into. The mode which you have suggested for imparting the small pittance my resources will enable me to contribute towards the comfort of the needy in this City appears to be a very eligable one, and as you have been so obliging as to offer to place it in...
269To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 8 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my letter to you covering the nomination of the Staff Officers of my Regt. and the Bond required of the Pay Master, I have received from the Treasury Department, money for recruiting Service, and an advance of four Mons. pay to the Officers; from the same Office, I received a blank Bond to be executed by the Pay Master, which differs in form with the One I inclosed to you; inasmuch as...
270To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you, a letter from Governor Telfair of the 20th of July, containing enclosures relative to the murder of a Creek Indian. The measures which he has taken to discover the murderer and his abettor and bring them to punishment, seem to be satisfactory and to preclude the necessity of any thing further being done on the part of the general government. As to the...