24451To George Washington from Christopher Ellery, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
We Inhabitants of the antient Town of Newport, warmed with the purest sentiments of Esteem and respect, beg leave thro’ their Committe to Congratulate your Excellency upon your arrival at this Town the Capitol of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Permit us to assure your Excellency, that Words are inadequate to express the Joy, which your presence has infused into the hearts...
24452To Thomas Jefferson from Perkins, Buchanan & Brown, 2 October 1769 (Jefferson Papers)
Having entered into some engagements with our worthy Friend Mr: Thos. Adams for Mr: Jordan by which we are to have a Ship in James River in March next we take the Liberty through his Recommendation to Solicit the favour of your Assistance in the dispatch of the said ship by the Consignment of some part of your Tobacco and be assured you shall not suffer by putt[ing] it into our hands as we...
24453From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 October 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote largely to you to go per Robinson, but Mr. Evans by whom I sent the Packet, was left behind: he will however deliver it to you with this. I sent you several Things in Robinson, of which that Letter will give you an Account. I am well, and as ever, Your affectionate Husband P S. In Mr. Evans’s Care I now send you a very handsome Pair of Tongs, and...
24454From Thomas Jefferson to James Bowdoin, 29 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the favor of your letter written soon after your arrival, a little before I left Washington & during a press of business preparatory to my departure on a short visit to this place. this has prevented my earlier congratulations to you, on your safe return to your own country. there, judging from my own experience, you will enjoy much more of the tranquil happiness of life, than is to...
24455General Orders, 9 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief requires that the most pointed observance be had to all former orders prohibiting the use of the Waggon horses of the Army & forbids in the most positive terms their being rode on any pretence: When horses are wanted by officers for extra services, the Quarter Master General will furnish them on application. The soldiers are not to be suffered to cut down any more trees...
24456To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 29 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
Col: Humphrys did us the honor, of handing your Secretary’s favor of 25th Augt, by which we perceive, that had we advanced to Mr Morris, more than your Excellency’s Balance of £95.16., then the Bill of £60 which Col: Humphrys had, was to be delivered to us; otherways Mr Morris was to receive it. The money requested from us by Mr Morris and which he then thought full sufficient was £91.—we...
24457[Diary entry: 29 January 1773] (Washington Papers)
29. Exceeding cold—ground very hard froze & the Wind blowing very hard from the Northwest till the Evening when it lulld.
24458From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 7th and 10th instants. I am pleased to find from the Copy of the letter from Bordeaux that matters wore so good a face in France, it is more than probable that they will push an advantagious Trade with us before a formal declaration of War, indeed if they were to strike a Blow before the declaration, they would only repay England, for playing a Game of the same kind in...
24459To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Barnes, 4 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the pleasure of addressing Mr Jefferson from Leghorn Decemr. 20th 1802—I expected Long since to have been personally at my Post in Sicily; I flatter myself however, tho’ a succession of unforeseen occurrences in closing my concerns especially in Leghorn have caused my detention, yet, as it has given me the opportunity of proceeding here from Marseilles, and having interviews with...
24460From James Madison to Robert Lewis Madison, 7 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to learn by your letter of the 22d. Apl. that [you] have been so much indisposed since your arrival at Carlisle. Keep in mind my injunctions to be careful of your health. Your studies must be subordinate to that consideration. You do not say what is the course for them recommended by Mr. Cooper, or which you propose to pursue. As soon as it is fixed on let me know; and we shall...
24461To John Adams from James Lovell, 2 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor of Sepr. 20th. reached me at Christmas. I inclose you a Resolve but am not able to give you a Copy of what I officially wrote to cover it by Col. Palfrey and by Way of Boston. You will oblige me by returning a Copy of that Letter which ought to appear in the Books of the Committee for foreign Affairs, those Books being soon I hope to be placed in some regularly established Office....
24462From James Madison to George Mason, 14 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have received, Sir your letter of the 6th. instant, requesting such information, as I may be able to give, as to the origin of the document a copy of which was inclosed in it. The motive & manner of the request would entitle it to respect, if less easily complied with than by the following statement. During the Session of the General Assembly 1784–5. a Bill was introduced into the House of...
24463To James Madison from George Davis, 31 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
The friendly and intimate footing which I have maintained near the person of the Bashaw has enabled me to Keep constantly in his view the Situation of his brother; and, notwithstanding the versatile disposition of Sidi Ahmet, a combination of circumstances has at length placed within his grasp the means of securing all the pretensions to which he aspired but which I ever considered too great...
24464The Federalist Number 47, [30 January] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Having reviewed the general form of the proposed government, and the general mass of power allotted to it; I proceed to examine the particular structure of this government, and the distribution of this mass of power among its constituent parts. One of the principal objections inculcated by the more respectable adversaries to the constitution, is its supposed violation of the political maxim,...
24465James Madison to Edward Coles, 16 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
As the most secure mode of paying the inclosed account I trouble you with a request that you will apply five dollars for the purpose, and return the account with the receipt. A letter of late date from your brother Isaac mentioned that all friends at and about Enniscorthy were in good health. We hope neither yours, or that of Mrs. Coles has suffered from this irregular and hard Winter. Mine...
24466From Benjamin Franklin to Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 10 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dites moi, ma chere Amie, de vos nouvelles. Vôtre Saignée, l’a-t-il reussi de vous soulager? Croyez vous que nous pouvons esperer d’avoir la Felicité de vous voir ici, avec les cheres enfants, Mercredi prochaine, aprés midi, pour prendre le Thé chez nous? Nous aurons les Mesdemoiselles Alexander, qui seront charmées de vous rencontrer. Je prierai aussi vos...
24467Report on the Expediency of Erecting a Lighthouse on Watch Hill in Rhode Island, [23 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the President of the Senate] The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the Order of the Senate of the 18th. of February 1793 Respectfully makes the following report: The Commissioner of the Revenue being particularly charged by the arrangements of the Department with that branch of it which relates to light Houses & other similar establishments for the benefit of Navigation; The...
24468From Benjamin Franklin to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 8[–10] December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives After a short but rough Passage of 30 Days we anchor’d in Quiberon Bay, the Wind not suiting to enter the Loire. Capt. Wicks did every thing in his Power to make the Voyage comfortable to me; and I was much pleas’d with what I saw of his Conduct as an Officer, when on suppos’d Occasions we made Preparation for Engagement, the good Order and Readiness with which...
24469From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 25 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lund Washington having furnished me with copies of the Accts with Mr Custis, I have drawn the whole into one view and sent it herewith, I could not Balle the Acct because of the blank Articles in it; and because there may be, on Mr Custis’s books, some charges against me of which I have no knowledge—with regard to the first, I leave it to you to extend the Sums in any manner you shall think...
24470Charles G. Paleske to Thomas Jefferson, 7 December 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received Your favor of the 30 th of September , for which I return You many thanks.— An active agency of any extent in public undertakings would improperly intrude upon the leisure and retirement, which You have sought after the labours, in which You have for so many Years acted a distinguished and highly useful part.—For Your good wishes for the success of the company I am greatly...
24471To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 12 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respects to you of the 28th. Ju ly & 5th. Ulto, Pr. the Ship Black River, Captn. G i llop, via New York, I have not been honored with any of yo ur Favors. The cheif Object of the present is to enclose you the last State of the Bristol Infirma ry made up to the end of the Year 1802, ’though but published. I also enclose you some of our late News Papers & the last London Price...
24472To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with yours of the 11th Instant covering the Extract of Intelligence received from Colonel Dayton which proves to be premature. Enclosed is the Copy of a Letter this Moment received from a confidential Person giving the latest authentic Intelligence received relative to the Movements of the British Fleet, though a Report prevails that they have since actually sailed, but the Truth...
24473From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Bill supplementary to the Bank bill passed the House of representatives yesterday. General Schuyler informs me that the friends of the Bank proposed that it should pass to a second reading immediately, and that Mr. Carroll opposed it, and moved that it should be printed—that by rule of the House it was of necessity to comply with Mr. Carroll’s objection, a departure requiring unanimous...
24474To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with yours of the 28th ultimo ⅌ post. I immediately acquainted General Count de Rochambeau with your Wishes respecting the militia doing duty here. He wishes to retain them a little longer; partly on account of the intelligence you were pleased to communicate to him in your Letter of the 3d Instant, of the motions of the Enemy at New York, and also in consequence of the...
24475From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday. I had not the least conception that Colo. Gist’s Comm[issio]n was older than Colo. Henley’s and I yet think there must be some mistake. But be it as it may, I never had any intention of giving him the command when you quit it. If Gist will not be satisfied where he is at present, I must recall him. As Colo. Henley will have the command, you may begin immediately...
24476From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 3 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As you talked of coming on here in the month of February I have been expecting you, without writing. I am in hopes however the inclosed letter from mr Lilly will reach you at New York. there is not in the world a lighter or more unprincipled talker than Henderson: and as to any offer from him he is entirely bankrupt. still I have no doubt that eight dollars could be got for your whole tract,...
244776 Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Went to view the Cathedral Church which is magnificent, but not equal to that at Astorga if to that at Lugo. It was the day of the Feast of the King, and We happened to be at the Celebration of high Mass. We saw the Procession, of the Bishop and of all the Canons, in rich Habits of Silk, Velvet, Silver and Gold. The Bishop, as he turned the Corners of the Church, spread out his Hand to the...
24478From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Reed, 12 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the eleventh is Come to hand if the account the prisoners give be true it is a very agreeable & important one. the order you Sent to Colonel Winds has interferd with a plan, Concerted by Generals Sullivan & Maxwell, whenever you have occasion to order a Movement of any part of the Army, it will be best to apply to the Commanding Officer, Lest it may, [(]as it has in the present...
24479To James Madison from Washington Peirce (Abstract), 23 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
23 April 1805, Portsmouth, New Hampshire . “I have for a long time been confined to an arduous & perplexing business, & now am desirous to be engaged in an avocation which will be more congenial with my feelings, & therefore take the liberty to request that if there now is, or should be within three, or four months, a vacancy for a Clerk in Your Office, with a handsome compensation, that you...
24480To James Madison from James Kilbourn, 24 December 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Kilbourn. 24 December 1813, Washington. “Being absent when the other members of the Ohio Representation forwarded their recommendations of a person for the Marshals Office in the District of Ohio, and being willing to take an equal responsibillity on myself in that respect with my Colleagues I have thought it proper in this manner to suggest, that I consider Doctr. John Hamm of...
24481From Ann Frances Harrod Adams to John Adams, 20 June 1810 (Adams Papers)
When I take a retrospective view of the innumerable obligations which I owe you, not only as the revered Parents of my husband but as the kindest and best of friends, my heart expands with filial gratitude yet I know not how to attempt an expression of my feelings. After a residence of five years under your roof which has been endeared to me by some of the most interesting events of my life,...
24482To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Understanding your election to the office of President of the united States has been announced to you by the proper authority and that you had set out for New York, I take the liberty of expressing to you the great satisfaction I feel in your being called to and accepting the important trust—The establishment of order and good government is so much the wish and desire of every good citizin...
24483From James Madison to Rufus King, 22 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
We are at length approaching the close of our deliberations on the several parts of the Constitution. The Judiciary Department has been gone over; though perhaps it may receive some additional disquisitions. The attack has apparently been less formidable than I had apprehended. Independently of some particular interests, the objections against it have not been calculated in my opinion to make...
24484To James Madison from John Jacob Astor, August 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. August 1811. Mentioned in Astor to Jefferson, 14 Mar. 1812 (DLC: Jefferson Papers) as an application to the president for permission to import from St. Joseph’s goods purchased for the Indian trade which were being excluded from the U.S. by the Nonintercourse Act. JM apparently replied that Congress had left no power with the executive to grant permission.
24485From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 July 1818, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1083 (1913), item 397. Described as a four-page autograph letter, signed, as quoted in American Book-Prices Current , 19:816 (1913).
24486From John Adams to Mathew Carey, 18 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 6th. has given me much pleasure; had I lived with Dr Johnson I would have given him a guinea a piece his usual price for two sermons; one upon “Let your light shine before men” the other upon Let not your left hand know what your right hand performs.” They are perfectly reconciliable though it may be somewhat difficult in practice to comply with both precepts in sincerity....
24487[Diary entry: 12 April 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 12th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 74 at N. Clear and Warm, wind fresh all day from the Southward. The Sun set in a bank. Rid to all the Plantatns. The Women from Dogue run had joined those at the Ferry and were working in the New Meadow—preparing it for Oats and Timothy. At French’s, the Roller w[oul]d about got over the Wheat which had been sown with grass Seeds and...
24488[Diary entry: 26 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
26. Misting till about 9 or 10 oclock then clear and warm there being but little Wind and that Southerly.
24489To Alexander Hamilton from Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 16 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I this moment receive a letter from Colt of paterson on the subject of my account with the society. He Inclose to me a late resolve on the same, together with a bill of charges against me both which Evince the already manifested Intent to Wrong and speculate of my own Expences. In the account I am charged with articles I had nothing to do with and the better in order to reduce the Ballance due...
24490To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The mail which was taken a few days ago at Hampton has probably deprived me of the pleasure of a line from you. We are advised by a letter from Mr Carter that General Washington embarked with all except the rear division of the french at the head of Elk on the 8th Instant, hence I hope you are now operating against Cornwallis. It is difficult to judge with precision of your prospects at this...
24491Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 10 June 1831 (Madison Papers)
It has for some years, been a subject of regret with Mr Huygens to have passed near Montpellier without having it in his power to make a pilgrimage to it. He now travels under circumstances more propitious to his wishes, and affords me an opportunity to recall myself in an agreeable manner to your & Mrs Madison’s recollection RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist). Docketed by JM.
24492From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Library of Congress I received yours of July 5. and rejoice with you on the safe Delivery of our dear Daughter, and on our having another Grandson. I like Ben’s Kindness and Generosity to his Brother, with his Silver Spoon; and am glad he has got so well over the Measles. ’Tis a precious little Fellow! How much I long to see him! I am...
24493To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 13–15 June 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. James Manderson Castle, Wilmington, Del. (1955) this afternoon I heard Capt. Friend is to Saile to morrow and I Cold not let him go with oute a line or two to let you know that I am much as I have bin for sume time. I have not heard that Sister is a rived as yit but it gives me much trubel. My King bird is verey well att this time all thow he has bin verey ill with a Sever Cold...
24494To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed letter which came under my cover from the Marquis de Lafayette. This to me contains nothing of consequence but what I presume he has given to you, nor is there much intelligence circulating in this place that merrits your attention. Cornwallis was recd in England with the strongest marks of applause, as he past thro’ Exeter he was presented with...
24495To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 29 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, October 29, 1789. Asks for a ruling on the cases of the British ship Polly and the American ship Sarah . ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
24496To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the honor to inclose your Excellency a piece of intelligence given by Col. Abeel, who seems to be very positive that the facts stated, are well grounded. Great allowances are to be made for the natural credulity of his temper, and his general inclination to deal in the marvellous; yet I think the information ought not be altogether neglected. It is natural to suppose the Enemy...
24497[Diary entry: 5 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
5. Very bad the Doctr. staying with me.
24498From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Bouquet, 14 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I thank you for the Letter you have favour’d me with to Professor Koenig. I shall take care to deliver the other to Monsr. Guinand, if I reach London. I regret much, that thro’ your Business and mine, I could enjoy so little of your Conversation at Philadelphia. How happy are the Folks in Heaven, who, ’tis said, have nothing to do, but to talk with one...
24499From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Israel Shreve, 29 May 1778. John Laurens docketed Shreve’s letter to GW of 24th May , “Answd 29th.”
24500From James Madison to George Hay, 17 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I received by the mail of last evening, your letter of the 13th. instant, and in compliance with its request, inclose an authenticated copy of the Proclamation of the President bearing date the 27th. of Novr: last, the only one issued by him in reference to the object stated in your letter. The other documents requested, will be forwarded by the Secretaries of War and the Navy. I remain &c....