24451To 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...
24452From 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...
24453From 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,...
244546 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...
24455From 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...
24456To 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...
24457To 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...
24458From 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,...
24459To 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...
24460From 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...
24461To 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.
24462From 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).
24463From 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....
24464[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...
24465[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.
24466To 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...
24467To 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...
24468Nicholas 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.
24469From 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...
24470To 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...
24471To 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...
24472To 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.
24473To 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...
24474[Diary entry: 5 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
5. Very bad the Doctr. staying with me.
24475From 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...
24476From 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.”
24477From 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....
24478To George Washington from the Orange County Committee of Safety, 16 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Excellys Desire to receive timely Information of every Mœnuver which the Enemy on Hudsons River may make, to distress the Inhabitants at this extreme Busy Season, we can inform your Excelly that this Morng between the Hours of 10 & 11, the whole Fleet consisting of 2 Men of War and 3 Tenders made Sail from Niac, and about 12 came into Haverstraw Bay 40 Miles up the River...
24479January 1785 (Washington Papers)
First Monday. Colo. Bassett, who brought his daughter Fanny to this place to remain on the 24th. of last Month set off on his return to the Assembly now sitting at Richmond. I took a ride to my Plantations in the Neck, & called to see my neighbour Humphrey Peake who has been long afflicted with ill health and appears to be in the last stage of life & very near his end. Wind Southwardly. The...
24480From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Shelby, 29 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of Spain residing here have complained to the President of the United States that certain persons at this place are taking measures to excite the Inhabitants of Kentucky to join in an enterprise against the Spanish Dominions on the Missisippi; and in evidence of it have produced the printed address now enclosed. I have it, therefore in charge from the President to desire you...
24481To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, New Orleans. “The northern mail arrived on last evening, but brought me no official letters from the Seat of Government. “Perfect tranquility continues to prevail here; but really the burdens of the temporary Government are at present peculiarly hard upon me; and are becoming more so every day. “I am compelled to exercise more authority than I had contemplated. I fear my Decrees...
24482From George Washington to François Barbé de Marbois, 21 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me the honor of your favor of the 12th—I am made happy by occasions which induce you to write to me—and shall take pleasure in rendering Mr De Corney any service in my power. I will immediately inform myself of the name, & residence of the Treasurer of the Society of the Cincinnati of this State, and transmit Mr De Corney’s Bill on Colo. Wadsworth, to him. I am greatly...
24483To James Madison from Elias Earle, 6 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Agreable to Your request this morning I called on Genl. Dearborn to make a further Statement of my business. He gave me for answer that he thought it unnessasary to say more as the Case was before You & at Your discression—that the prices of the Iron & Iron tools could readily be got from the accountants office when Such articles had been settled for. That with respect to the Quantity of Land...
24484Enclosure II: Memorial of James Piggot and others to Arthur St. Clair, 23 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We your Petitioners, beg leave to represent to your Excellency the state and circumstances of a number of distressed but faithful subjects of the united States of America, wherein we wish to continue, and that under your immediate Government; But unless our principal agrievance can be removed by your Excellency’s encouragement, we shall despair of holding a residence in the State we love. The...
24485Thomas Jefferson to George Fleming, 29 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of your favor of Oct. 30. I had just left home on a journey to a distant possession of mine , from which I am but recently returned: and I wish that the matter of my answer could compensate for it’s delay. but, Sir, it happens that of all the machines which have been employed to aid human labor, I have made my self the least acquainted with (that which is certainly the most...
24486Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 15 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has it in charge from the President of the United States, to request the attendance of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General, at his Room on Monday next 11. o’Clock. The following, among other subjects, will be submitted. 1. Whether it be expedient to send, to England with the complaints of spoliation, some agent to manage them,...
24487From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 22d. May and will take care of your indemnification for the 100 guineas furnished Admiral Paul Jones, should he not otherwise reimburse you which I would beg you to press on him, as may be convenient and decent. I note the disbursement of f18 on account of the stoves from Cologne. As there are already several small advances for which. I have troubled you,...
24488From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
As it has become my duty to prepare a plan for the consideration of Congress, respecting the encouragement of Manufactures it is of course my wish to ⟨secure in⟩formation, which can be had on the Subject. I shall therefore be obliged to you, for such ⟨– – particular⟩s, as may assist me in forming a right judgement of the means, which may be proper to be pursued. The several kinds of...
24489To George Washington from Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning a letter without Signature was found in the Rear of this Brigade with complaints of want of provisions, and intimations that if matter was not redress’d immediately, the troops would march into the Country —Roll Call was attended as usual without any appearance of disturbance, at which time I mention’d the letter and caution’d the Officers to exert themselves in case any...
24490From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 31 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
If I had not been blind to my own Interest I should have Sooner acknowledged your favor of 23d of June, as that might have been a mean of procuring another before this day. Your Observations are very gratefull to me because they lead me to hope for Some good from a Course of Publications, which few Persons appear to be Satisfied with, for indeed very few have read them in Boston. You Say you...
24491Board of Trade to Penet, D’Acosta Frères, 6 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 6 Nov. 1779 . The governor has written the Board to authorize Oliver Pollock of New Orleans to draw on Penet, D’Acosta Frères to the amount of 65,814 ⅝ Spanish milled dollars. This engagement was entered into by Peter Penet, and the order has been transmitted to Pollock. Signed (in clerk’s hand) by “J. Answer” [error for Ambler] and Dun[can] Rose, and countersigned (in clerk’s...
24492To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency a public Letter by James Martin & also of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favor of the 14th which the House received with satisfaction. permit me Sir, to recommend to Your Excellency’s protection two packets from the Sieur Gerard to Count d’Estaing, which will accompany this. I have assured Monsr Gerard that it is altogether...
24493To Alexander Hamilton from David Henley, 22 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I delivered your letter to Doctor ******, and hope you will receive such satisfaction as is due to you, either in wounding him in his honour, or by treating the man with contempt that has endeavoured to injure your reputation. You have, enclosed, a little anecdote of the Doctor’s conduct, in an affair that happened not long since, handed me by a gentleman. The bearer of this is Mr....
24494From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your two favors of the 24th and 25th Ultimo. The proceedings of the Court Martial on Milligan are herewith returned. I do not conceive it necessary for me to take any order in a case which you are fully authorised to determine; and to which, from your situation and knowlege of circumstances you must be more competent. In my letter of the 29th, you will find an answer to...
24495To George Washington from Jeremiah Claypole, 3 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I Propose to pay the President of the United States Eight Dollars pr accre for what is Call’d Round Bottem—on the Ohio river—Provided it will be accepted by the President—or his agant from Your Obedt Humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Jeremiah Claypole (Claypoole, Claypool), the stepson of a plantation owner in Hampshire County, Va. (now W.Va.), sold a “negro woman named Rachel and her children, with...
24496James Madison to William B. Sprague, 12 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 5th. You have been misinformed with respect to the relation of blood between Bishop Madison & myself. It was rather a distant one; his father & mine, being but cousins. In friendship & affection we were closely allied and I feel a pleasure in furnishing the autograph you request, as of one whose memory ought ever to be associated with that of the wise &...
24497[A Letter to William Crawford, Describing a Visit to Boston, October–November 1758.] (Adams Papers)
Am returned from Boston, and according to my Promise sett down begining to write you a Discription or a History of what I saw, and heard, &c. I distrust my Capacity, without an Invocation, but am afraid to make one, for I know the Muses are not fond of such Work. Take it then in the plain Language of common sense. My Eyes were entertained with Objects, in every figure and Colour of Deformity,...
24498To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 25 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
After acknowledging the Honour of your very friendly and polite Letter dated "before york 5 Octr," give me leave most sincerely to congratulate you on our late signal Success over the British Arms under Lord Cornwallis which has afforded me unspeakable Satisfaction not only on account of the additional Laurels it has gain’d to your Excellency in particular and the Army in general, but because...
24499From George Washington to William Jackson, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Lre of the 27th of January is received. In answer to that part of your lre of the 15 January, which respects the appointment of a Brigadier for the State of Connecticut I am to observe that when the Secretary at War was at Verplanks point last fall it was agreed to be the best plan for future Promotions to divide the Continent into districts and when a Vacancy happened for a General...
24500From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the North River in the present contest and the necessity of defending it, are subjects which have been so frequently and so fully discussed and are so well understood, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon them. These facts at once appear, when it is considered that it runs thro’ a whole State—That it is the only passage by which the Enemy from New York or any part of our...