22701Samuel Blair to Tobias Lear, 27 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
Allow me, Sir, the liberty, which I now assume, of addressing the President of the United States through you in consequence of the unavoidable delay of an answer to his and Mrs Washington’s invitation to Mrs Blair and myself to dine with them on Thursdy next. The delay was owing to my not being able to procure an earlier information from Mrs Blair on the subject. She is very sorry that it is...
22702To George Washington from Susan Blair, 8 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
As I have the honour to succeed the late Amiable Mrs President Reed as Treasuress of the Ladies Donations in this State, I presume it is necessary to inform your Excellency, what has been done agreeable to the directions she had received. We have disposed of all the Money in our hands, a few small Sums excepted, which we have within a few days received from the Country, for materials for...
22703To James Madison from William L. Blair, 27 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you, upon your elevation to the supreme Magistracy of the nation, permit me, from the kindness, and politeness, I have experienced from you, and your family, to take the freedom to solicit a favour from you. That is, if any change should be made in the office of District Attorney for the Pennsylvania District, permit me to offer myself a Candidate for said office, And...
22704Daniel Blake and John Lloyd to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives Being informd that some malicious person, or persons, have been, and are still endeavoring, by the most infamous means, to deprive Mr. J. D. Schweighauser of his good name, and being apprehensive that the intention is to prejudice him in the estimation of the Honorable Commissioners, we think it an act of Justice due to injurd Merit, to acquaint you, that we have...
22705To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Blake, 30 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Charleston, South Carolina, May 30, 1792. On June 18, 1792, Tench Coxe wrote to Blake: “Your accounts for the lighthouse … were delivered to me by the Secretary of the Treasury with your letter of the 30th May.” Letter not found. ] Blake was superintendent of the lighthouse at Charleston. LC , RG 58, Letters of Commissioner of Revenue, 1792–1793, National Archives.
22706To John Adams from George Blake, 1 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned, a Committee acting under the authority, and in pursuance of the request of a large number of their fellow-citizens of Boston and the vicinity, beg leave to express to you the high gratification which is felt by them at the result of the recent election of a President of the United States;—to advise you of their intention to celebrate that event, by a Public dinner at Faneuil...
22707To Thomas Jefferson from George Blake, 26 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive, in course, your communication of 24 Ulto, relative to the Petition of John Partridge; who is now in imprisonment in this District, pursuant to the sentences on two convictions for uttering counterfeit Bills of the Bank of U State—The papers were submitted, immediately after their reception, to the District Judge, who has been awaiting an Opportunity of confering...
22708To Thomas Jefferson from George Blake, 19 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of 12th march, with the petition of John Southack inclosed, I had the honor duely to receive; The Judge who presided in the trial of this convict, having, since his return from the Southward never been in town, until the late session of the Circuit court, I have had no opportunity of confering with him more seasonably on the subject concerning which his opinion was required. I am...
22709To Thomas Jefferson from George Blake, 23 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the late appointment of Genl Skinner to the Office of Treasurer of this Commonwealth which he has Accepted, it is presumed that his Commission as Marshall of this District will very soon be surrendered; This Officer being One whose duties must necessarily lead him to an intimate Connexion with the Department in which I have the honor to be placed, it will not, I hope, be...
22710To James Madison from George Blake, 3 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your communication relative to the affair of a person by the name of Norberg a supposed Swedish Subject, having been recd. at a time when I was engaged in preparation for an excursion to the country, from whence I am but recently returned, it has been impracticable for me, without much inconvenience, to obtain & transmit, more seasonably the required information. I have now the honor, to state...
22711To James Madison from George Blake, 16 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Considering the peculiar and, to me, most unexpected circumstances under which I have now the honor to address you, you will, as I humbly hope, have the goodness to pardon the liberty I am taking, in transmitting to you the enclosed extract of a letter from a friend now in Washington, which came to me by the mail of this morning. To a man like yourself endow’d with a high and exalted sense of...
22712To James Madison from George Blake, 16 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I am informed by my friend Jonathan Russell Esquire that his Brother in Law, Mr. Phillip Ammidon of this place being desirous of obtaining the appointment of Consul for the UStates at the Island of Macao, is about proceeding to the Southward in the expectation of having the honor to confer with you personally on that subject. My friend has also requested me to unite with him in recommending...
22713To John Adams from George Blake, 29 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Two Young Gentlemen, fellow Students at Princeton University, the One, Mr S. Clay of Kentucky, a near relative of Mr. Speaker Clay; and the other, Mr. Lee a member of a highly respectable family of Virginia, being here on their first visit to the Eastern States, & having expressed to me their desire of paying their respects to you before their return, I have taken the liberty to offer them...
22714To James Madison from George Blake, 3 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 December 1804, Boston. “At the request of the Marshall for this District, I have the honor to transmit the inclosed letter, the purpose of which has been made known to me; In performing this Office of friendship towards Colonel Bradford it wou’d be remiss in me, were I to refrain from the expression of the sincere belief which I entertain, that his Official duties have been uniformly...
22715To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 8 December 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform you that I have this morning put Cortes’s letters into Mr. Crosby’s hands to be forwarded to you as soon as possible. Mrs. Carmichael brought them with her here from Maryland—but forgot the manuscript. She assured me, however, she would not fail to send it by the first opportunity. With great respect I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant RC...
22716To James Madison from James Blake, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I again take the liberty of enclosing to you other testimonials in my favour, in addition to those I have already had the honour of sending you. The Certificates and Letters (including one from myself) which I forwarded to Mr. Jefferson some days ago; I presume, at the expiration of his term, will be transfered to you, and to which I beg leave also to draw your attention. Should you deem me...
22717To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 10 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Painful necessity having compelled me to adopt the advice of many of my friends, and submit the enclosed papers for your Consideration:—I trust to that advice for my apology in troubling you with my Personal concerns,—As well as to the disposition you have ever manifested to patronize Republicans.— But before I proceed with the subject of this Letter, I will apologise to you for omiting to...
22718To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 21 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just been advised that a vacancy will occur on the 31st. of July next, by the resignation of the present Paymaster Genl.—For which appointment, with all due deference,—I beg leave to make known to you, that I am an applicant, and to solicit your Countenance.— I feel confident I shall be able to produce to you, (as soon as time will permit) such recommendations, as to shew that I am not...
22719To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 6 June 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter I received from Mr. Short the 6th. of January last—and a copy of an introduction Mr. Carmichael gave me to Richard Harrison Esquire of this city. Tho’ I am no longer accountable to you for the discharge of the commission you were pleased to give me, still I should be happy my conduct would meet with your approbation. Cortes’s letters , (which you...
22720To James Madison from James Blake, 17 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1802, Baltimore. “As it is probable, it will not be in my power to go to France, as soon as I expected, on account of the unsettled state of my affairs in this country—I beg leave to recommend my brother, D. T. Blake, Attorney at law, as a fit person to execute the duties of Vice-Commercial Agent in my department at Antwerp. He is a man of a fair reputation, and respectable talents, but...
22721To James Madison from James Blake, 28 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1802, Baltimore. In answer to JM’s letter of 21 Mar. [not found], received 27 Mar., reports his inability to “proceed to my department in France” because of claims “amounting to eleven or twelve thousand dollars” against his wife’s estate that remain to be settled; “it will not, probably, be in my power to leave the United States until about the middle of next summer.” Has been unable...
22722To James Madison from James Blake, 17 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
As it is probable, it will not be in my power to go to France, as soon as I expected, on account of the unsettled state of my affairs in this country—I beg leave to recommend my brother, D. T. Blake, Attorney at law, as a fit person to execute the duties of Vice-Commercial Agent in my department at Antwerp. He is a man of a fair reputation, and respectable talents, but of a sickly habit of...
22723To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 20 October 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
The widow of Mr. Carmichael is arrived in the United States—and resides near Chester-Town in Maryland. I made her acquainted with the disappointment I had respecting a copy of Cortes’s letters, which her husband intended for you—and she informed me, she would send it to Baltimore, to any acquaintance of yours you would please to mention. Pray, Sir, will you be so good as to write her a line on...
22724To James Madison from James Blake, 28 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 21st. instant, which I had the honor to receive only last evening, I beg leave to assure you, I wish to proceed to my department in France, as soon as possible: but that, in consequence of claims, amounting to eleven or twelve thousand dollars, being brought against the estate of my wife, on account of debts contracted by her father in the beginning of the...
22725To James Madison from James H. Blake, 14 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of soliciting for my Son Thos. H. Blake, now a resident of the State of Indiana, the appointment of District Attorney for that State; The letters herewith sent and others that I shall send in a Day or two, I trust will be satisfactory as to his competency for the Appointment. I will therefore only observe that my Son, who was a resident of this District during the war, and...
22726To James Madison from James H. Blake, [27 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
I wrote you the inclosed last Even.g—but neither Horse or rider could then be procured to take it to you. I have been up all night patroleing the Streets & guarding public and private property—collecting arms & ammunition remaining dispersed about this City. And am happy to inform you all is perfectly still and quiet this morning. I observe this moment a few of our citizens returning. In haste...
22727James H. Blake to James Monroe, 31 December 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ James H. Blake to James Monroe. 31 December 1813, Washington. “In consequence of the Death of Col. George Gilpin, the office of Judge of the Orphans Court in the County of Alexandria—has become vacant. “I have been requested to communicate to you, for the information of the President, that Col. Francis Peyton of that place would accept the appointment. “Col. Peytons high & respectable...
22728To James Madison from James H. Blake, 18 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of transmiting you a Resolution of the board of Aldermen and board of Common Council of this City, to which they respectfully solicit your approbation. The object of this resolution, if carried into effect, will be a small alteration of the plan of the Canal, so as to form a Basin on a small part of the unappropriated public Ground, on the North of the Tiber, which at this...
22729To James Madison from James H. Blake, 6 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1810, Washington. Believes his character has been “much traduced and vilely slandered” to JM and therefore begs him to refer to his testimonials on file in the Department of State. Denies he is a “violent Man,” though he admits he had the “misfortune” to be involved in a controversy at Richmond with “one of Jno. Randolphs party.” Refers to the sacrifices he has made to support “the...
22730To James Madison from James H. Blake, 4 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
We come, Sir, on behalf of the Citizens of Washington, to mingle our congratulations with our regrets at your political retirement; congratulations that spring from our participation as Americans in the untarnished glory that accompanies you—regrets that flow from feelings alive to the loss we are so soon to experience. At this event, as Citizens of a great community, we feel a pride only...
22731To James Madison from James H. Blake, 29 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1811, Washington. “It is rumoured that a new Appointment of Register for the County of Washington, is about to take place; should that be a fact, I beg leave to solicit of you that Appointment.” The demands of his “numerous family” are as great as “those of any other individual can well be.” Does not want this request to be understood as a wish for the present occupant to be removed....
22732To James Madison from James H. Blake, 21 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Lt. John Beckett of the 14th. Regt. of Infantry, entered the military service of his Country at the commencement of the late War; He has been constantly in service since, and has given satisfaction to his superior officers; He served under Brigr. Genl. Pike at the taking of York in Upper Canada—was at the Capture of Fort George on the Niagara, served as a volunteer on Board the Squadron of...
22733To James Madison from John Blake, 12 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1802, Charleston. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 22 June [not found] enclosing a commission as commissioner of bankruptcy for the district of South Carolina, “which I am very sorry it is out of my power to accept.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Blake”). 1 p.; docketed by Jefferson. JM received another letter of this date from Simeon Theus of Charleston, also declining...
22734To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, Santiago de Cuba. “On the 9th. April last died in this city, Alexander Frazier, who called himself of Baltr. But, I believe ’tis certain he was not a native american, if a citizen. I had several times seen Sd. Frazier, but Knew very little of him. Some say he was born in germany, others in Holland, by his Speech I took him for a scotch man. But, as I understood he called himself...
22735To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 1 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1801, Santiago de Cuba. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter and is grateful for its directions, as many prizes brought into Santiago are purchased by Americans. Reports favorable judgment in the case of Capt. Jeremiah Tatam, whose ship was taken into Baracoa by privateers. Over a month ago, by order of the intendant at Havana, Blakeley was arrested and imprisoned....
22736To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 9 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 9 August 1804. Mentioned in Blakeley to JM, 7 Nov. 1804 (DNA: RG 76, Preliminary Inventory 177, entry 143, France, Unbound Records Relating to Spoliation Claims, ca. 1885, box 6, folder “Claimant: Josiah Blakeley”), as acccompanying his account with the U.S. “ & an order for the same”—probably a bill of exchange drawn on JM for the relief of distressed seamen (see JM to...
22737To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 1 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
A few days ago I received your Circular of first of Augt. 1801, to the Consuls & Commercial Agents of the U. States It contained directions respecting Prise Vessels purchased in foreign Ports. Many Prizes being been brought into this Port & Purchased by the Americans, I was very glad of these directions. Capt. Jeremiah Tatam who had his Vessel taken into Barracoa, by a Spanish Privateer,...
22738To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 1 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Josiah Blakeley. 1 July 1805, Santiago de Cuba. “My last to you was dated 7th. June last, which I hope has reached you. Since my last to you, I have received a letter from Mr. Henry Hill at Havana, informing me of his arrival there with the Commission of Consul. But, that the Capt General refused to receive him. He requested me to Continue Charge of the Consulate office here. Also, to...
22739To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 26 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1801, Santiago de Cuba. Informed JM in a letter of 1 Nov. of his arrest and incarceration by Spanish authorities. Recounts the proceedings against him, at which the “whole city stood silent in wonder,” and his subsequent suffering. Finds it necessary to ask the president to support his demand that Spain compensate him for injuries and losses. Local governor allowed his release on...
22740To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 10 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1801, Santiago de Cuba. Sent his 14 May letter by way of Lieutenant Rush of the Adams . Believes that many of his official letters have been lost. Reports that several American ships recaptured from enemies of Spain have been brought into port and condemned. On arrival he had sought release of U.S. seamen taken on British vessels and imprisoned. Gov. Sebastián Kindelán said he...
22741To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 14 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tis now more than Two Years Since I arrived in this port, with a commission of Consul of the United States. Tho permitted to reside, to give certificates, protests &c to the citizen of my Nation I have not been by the Spanish Governement recognised as consul of the U S. The Governement here inform me they Have not yet received orders from the Court of Spain to observe the treaty, lately...
22742To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley (Abstract), 7 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
7 June 1805, Santiago de Cuba . “The Brig Trio of New York, from Liverpool for New Orleans, cargo dry goods, has been wholly unloaded and is now offered for sale. After taking all the dry goods out of the ship Govr Strong of Alexandria, Clark Master, her captors have returned her to the Captain. “Since the last evacuation of Hispaniola, more than one thousand American Seamen have been landed...
22743To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 7 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 November 1804, Santiago de Cuba. “My last to you was written 9th. Augt. , with this I forward, for the information of governmt., a continuation of the catalogue of american vessels captured by french privateers & sent for, & tis probable into, Spanish ports [not found]. But, as the Spanish govt. here pretend to forbid such prizes being brought into this port, & very often every american...
22744To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 10 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
By Lieut. Rush of the Adams, I did myself the honour of writting you the 14th. of May. Same day Mr. Rush, and Mr. Mardock a midshipman, Sailed in the Ship Grey Hound, Pratt, for Charleston. Many of the Letters I have written for the information of Governement, I am certain have been Lost. I Have before informed Governt. of a decree of The Court of Spain, ordering, That all Neutral Vessels once...
22745To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 26 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the first Novr. last, I wrote you on the unpleasant subject of the Cruel treatment I had experienced in this place, by an order from the Intendent at Havannah. In that letter I informed you, that on the 18 Sepr. last, my person was arrested & conducted to the common prison in this city. My account books & the keys of my cabinets, trunks, &c all taken from me. Stores all locked up, guards...
22746To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 7 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 November 1803. Transmits (1) his letter to General Lavalette, (2) Lavalette’s answer, and (3) General Noailles’s letter to him. “To the last I returned no written answer but, told the bearer … ‘ My power & nation being in a state of strict neutra⟨li⟩ty I neither could or should afford him the least assistance .’” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Santiago de Cuba, vol. 1). RC 1 p.;...
22747To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 20 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1804, Santiago de Cuba. “The french privateers Cru[i]sing in these seas, continue capturing & bringing into this, & the naghbouring ports, such american vessels as they find nigh the Island of Hispagniola. Lately they have taken one bound for this port, & two for Jamaica, the one bound directly for this port, has obtained, from the govr. a hearing on the subject, but has not yet...
22748To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley (Abstract), 3 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 April 1805, Santiago de Cuba . “My last to you was under date 7th. Novr. 1804. Since that period very few americans have visited this port. For two months past this City has been in the greatest possible distress for bread. For a month past, untill within a few days, we have been releived by an arrival from Philadelphia, very few of the inhabitants eat bread, for many days none was to be...
22749To James Madison from Blake & Magwood, 2 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 October 1801, Charleston. Addresses JM on the subject of enclosed letter from Capt. Oliver Fuller of the brig Washington , which is owned by the firm and was seized on a voyage from Port Républicain to Charleston. According to the letter, the ship was captured 4 Sept. just outside Charleston by the British frigate Circe and carried into Jamaica. Fuller seems to have written in haste and...
22750To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Blake, 15 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Captn. William Kennedy of Baltimore in Maryland Who left that place with me in February last for London by the way of St. Eustatius in order to remove some property of his & mine from this place to some of the Middle States, under the Sanction of your Excellencys protection, Which we now humbly sue for, The Hon’ble Congress, I am informed has...