25516 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
A fair Day. Drank Tea at Coll. Chandlers, and fixt a Letter for Cushing, Wentworth, Dalton, Lock Locke , my Father, and Dr. Savel. Fix: to set down in writing ( OED The Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford, 1933; 12 vols. and supplement. , fix, vb., 5b). None of the six letters enumerated here, the first four of which were addressed to Harvard classmates, has been found.
2552To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been honored with your respected favor of the 21st instant—and shall, as soon as possible, obtain information on the several points therein mentioned, which shall be immediately communicated to you. The law for extending the time for opening the navigation of the Potomac has been passed in this State as well as Virginia. I take the liberty to enclose a packet for Mr...
2553[Diary entry: 16 January 1774] (Washington Papers)
16th. Very Cold all day & not very Windy—but Northerly.
2554To John Adams from Antonio C. de Poggi, 27 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
Proofs of the Death Montgomery &ca Rich gilt Frames, Glasses &c 6 = 6 = Packing Case = 8 = 6 CtY : Trumbull Papers.
2555From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 24 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
I this day received your Favour of April 8 th , and Sincerely condole with you under the Loss of your amiable son. These Afflictions are the Lot of Humanity and so little of the System of which We are a Part is Submitted to our View, that as We never can discover the Reasons of them, they are left only to our Reflections and Submission. My Situation, would be eligible, to the Heighth of my...
2556To George Washington from James Lovell, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by a German Officer who expresses much inclination to enter into the army under your command. The trouble which your Excellency receives from Foreigners commissioned by Congress has made the Committee, appointed to examine their pretensions, averse to offering any resolutions for places above the rank of subalterns. The Bearer speaks english very well, and has an...
2557From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors this morning—I have only to request you will take the best measures in your power to ascertain the enemy’s movements and designs, and have your troops in readiness to act as occasion may require but without interrupting the works. You will continue to advise me. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obet, servant P.S. I think it will be adviseable to detach a couple hundred men...
2558To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Jackson, 16 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately been informed that Mr. Anderson at present attorney for the united States in and for the District of West Tennessee, is about to resign that office— Mr Thomas S[tuar]t of this District, has applied to me to make known to the President of the united States, his wish to fill that office, should it be vacated by the resignation of Mr. Anderson— Mr S[tuart] is a man of...
2559John Adams’ Instructions Respecting a Commercial Treaty with Great Britain, 16 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:183–184 . Like those for the peace treaty (calendared above), these instructions had been adopted on 14 August ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington,...
2560To George Washington from Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 16 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Though I have not the honour of being known personally to Your Excellency Yet I flatter myself you will grant me your protection in consideration of a letter of recommendation which Marechal Count of Rochambeau has been kind enough to give me for Your Excellency. I hope that when you’ll be further informed of my circumstances & character Your Excellency will comply with my Protector’s wishes...
2561From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 11 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of Nov. 20. The paper of which you desire a copy not being in my office, I have inclosed you an authentic printed copy: authentic, I say, because by the public printer and by order of the House of Representatives. Of the difficulties of the business in which you were engaged here I have been fully sensible; and I have no doubt that your most zealous and assiduous...
2562To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 27 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 May 1804, Washington. Described as a one-page autograph letter signed of about fifty-five words in the American Art Association Anderson Galleries Catalogue No. 4143 (1935), item 286.
2563Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 29 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter which assured me of your welfare was a cordial to my heart. It came safe to hand, with its contents by Judge Livermore. The affectionate regard it evinced for me, & mine, might have overwhelmed an heart less accustomed to favours; accustomed , not callous I assure you, for esteem, love, & gratitude so often put in motion, fans the finer feelings, & makes them glow with...
2564To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Biddeford, District of Maine, 27 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1812. “The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Biddeford, in the District of Maine, in legal Town Meeting assembled, having seen your Manifesto, the Act of Congress declaring War against the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland, and your Proclamation of the same, feel in Duty bound respectfully to state some of our Ideas respecting this subject; Some of us bore a heavy...
2565From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 6 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of Tarleton Webb. at the next appointment of midshipmen he can probably come in; but mr Smith cannot say when that may take place. Martha informs me that your own affairs are so arranged as to permit you to direct the repairs of my mill dam. this will indeed be rendering me a great service. Bacon is so little acquainted with...
2566April 5th. 1754. (Adams Papers)
The theory of the Ballance, scales, steel-yard &c. and all and the 3 species of lever’s continued to which (viz) the lever he referred allmost all the instruments in life, and universally. To make a aequilibrium, the product of the quantity of matter in the weight multiplyed into its distance from the Center of motion, must be equal to the quantity of matter in the power, multiplyed into it’s...
2567To Thomas Jefferson from William Towler, 2 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
As there is a considerable Agitation on the minds of the people of Virginia Respecting the Imperfections of the State Constitution; and whether it would be prudent to Call a Convention or not;—I have taken the Liberty, to Request you to Darw up a Constitution Calculated to promote the present and future Interest of the Inhabitants of Virginia and forward it to me at Charlotte Court Hourse And...
2568Peter Cardelli to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 24 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Il m’est impossible de m’empecher d’Ecrire encore une foix a M r Randolf ou a M r Jefferson n’eyant pas encore aucun renseignement de ma Caisse; Voicy le Congres qui s’aproche je n’est d’autre Experance que sur mes Traveaux; l’infortune m’en veux! …. et les Enemmis sont content et mourmure,!, …. je Vous prie donc par Grace … je Vous prie! . . coutte qui coutte; de me faire la faveur et la...
2569John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, I took a long Walk with our Secretary Mr. Thompson to a Place called Fells Point, a remarkable Piece of Ground about a mile from the Town of Baltimore. It is a Kind of Peninsula which runs out into the Harbour, and forms a Bason before the Town. This Bason, within thirty Years, was deep enough for large Tobacco ships to ride in, but since that Time has filled up ten Feet, so that...
2570To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 7 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Plaignés notre bonne Douairiere, mon respectable ami; elle part demain et n’a pu vous aller demander votre bénédiction; elle me charge de vous peindre tout le regret qu’elle a de vous quitter; mais comment y parvenir? Il est trop profond; il faudroit sentir comme elle pour le rendre: recevés de sa part les embrassements de L’amitié la plus tendre, et...
2571To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 26 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In the settlement of the account for the pay and emoluments of Mr Howe your Secretary, I find there will be an exception made to that part of the voucher which charges forage for him as a Captain of dragoons, unless it is explained by you in writing, as you explained it verbally to me at the time of Settlement. to wit—That your secretary must be supposed in the nature of the case to require...
2572From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 13 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the 11th. of November. Since that I have received no proposition on the subject of the quill of the harpsichord. The artisans here will not readily beleive that any thing good can be invented but in London or Paris: and to shew them the invention would be to give it up. However I shall still endeavor to find some one who will do justice to it. War and peace hang in doubtful...
2573Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Jones, 17 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day write to Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson to remit you 200.D. on my account, and have to request you to send me the articles below stated, and as quickly as possible, as I apprehend that every day may increase the danger of a safe passage by sea. I have at the same time to request you to make the small paiments for me below stated. they are such as cannot be separately remitted to the...
2574[1779 December 20. Monday.] (Adams Papers)
1779 December 20. Monday. We went to the Audiencia, where We found the four Judges sitting in their Robes, the Advocates in theirs a little below them, and the Attornies lower down still. We heard a Cause discussed. The Advocates argued sitting, used a great deal of Action with their hands and Arms and spoke with Eagerness. The Language was not wanting in Harmony to the Ear, but the Accent,...
2575Thomas Jefferson to John Love, 3 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 16. came to hand yesterday evening only, and I feel much indebted to the President for having thought of me, & to yourself for giving me an opportunity of procuring a supply of the Lawler wheat for seed. I have heard much of it’s superior security from the fly, and indeed known something of it from an example in my own neighborhood. how it may stand in comparison with our...
2576[Diary entry: 25 November 1798] (Washington Papers)
25. Ditto at my Lodgings.
2577From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Brent, 10 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Daniel Brent and informs him that the blanks for commrs. of bankruptcy were signed, & by the return of the same post, were forwarded either to mr Madison or mr Brent, he rather believes the former. that for Storey is signed & returned by this post to mr Madison for his signature. the post of the 20th. inst. is the last one by which any thing should...
2578Wednesday 6th of September 1780. (Adams Papers)
Half Holiday. At about ten o clock Mr. Le Roi came here and invited us to go and dine with him. We told him we would. At about half after twelve I went to Pappa’s lodgings but found he was gone out, and then I went to Mr. Le Roi’s, he was gone out and got home soon after. We dined at his house. After dinner we went with him to take a long walk out of the city and we drank tea there, after tea...
2579From George Washington to John Didsbury, 15 July 1772 (Washington Papers)
Please to send the following Shoes & Boots and apply to Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. for Payment. For Geo: Washington 3 pair of strong but neat Shoes } By the last Meas[ur]e Sent 3 pr of neat & light Do 1 pr of Morrocco Leather Slippers For Mr Custis 2 pair of neat dble Chand Pumps } pr Meas[ur]e now sent 3 pr strong but neat Shoes 4 pr neat & thin Do 2 pr of neat dressd Pumps 1 pr neat red...
2580From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 16 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Five and twenty years, nearly, have passed away since I have considered myself as the permanent resident of this place; or have been in a situation to endulge myself in familiar intercourse with my friends, by letter or otherwise. During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an...
2581From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 10 July 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I expected that Kinsolving’s money would by this time have been brought in to remit to you. He confessed judgment on both bonds with a stay of execution, and in the spring brought me his tobacco notes to sell for him and receive the money. Not liking to do this I left it to himself to sell them and bring the order for the money. I have not heard from him since, tho’ those who know him assure...
2582To James Madison from Nathan Sanford, 28 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 September 1804, New York. “I have this day had the honor to receive your letter of the 19th. instant inclosing an extract of a letter from the British Minister. I have in the course of the day made inquiry relative to the irregularity alleged to have been committed by the French Frigates, but have not been able to obtain any information tending to establish the truth of the allegation....
2583[Diary entry: 13 May 1774] (Washington Papers)
13. Misting all day, with but little Wind and that Easterly.
2584To James Madison from William Pinkney, 11 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I am not able to judge whether my Reply to Mr. Canning’s Letter (enclosed in my public Dispatch) will be approved by the President. I need not say that I hope it will. At any Rate it can do no Harm, as it is simply my act. What will be its Reception here I know not. If ill received, as perhaps it may be although perfectly polite, it can affect only myself. This last Reflection suggests...
2585To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Morel, 17 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prens la liberté de présenter a Votre Excelance; Le Tableau des forces actuelle de la france; Tant par Terre, que par Mer; ouvrage que J’ai deja eu L’honneur de présenter aux Princes; et Seigneurs de La premiere distinction ainsÿ qu’a quelque uns des Ministres Etrangers.; M. Le Marquis de La Faÿette a qui J’ai eu L’avantage den offrir; ma fait L’honneur...
2586From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 29 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been in hopes of being able to answer sooner yours of the 17th. but am at last inform’d that tho’ M. D’Ogny is come to Town, he can enter into no Agreement till he has receiv’d his Instructions, which he cannot have till after the Return of the Court from Fontainbleau to Versailles. So I can only say at present, that the Reasonings in...
2587From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 2 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Dr. Barton and has the pleasure to inform him that the Indian is now in Philadelphia to whom he had formerly proposed to address our South-sea adventurer. He is now under inoculation; but whenever well enough he will ask the favor of Dr. Barton and Mr. Michaux to meet him here and have a conference on the expedition . He thinks the return of these...
2588To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 6 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. John Jordan, one of the most respectable merchants of this town, who has been very much engaged in the exporting trade from this Country, he also expects to make arrangements while at Philadelphia to encrease the business, unless the situation of the trade of the Mississippi frobids [ sic ] it—any information you may receive from him may be strictly relied on, and...
2589To James Madison from Joseph Milligan, [ca. 28 November 1820] (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty to enclose a letter for Mrs Madison also to send through the post office a small book for her subscription it is addressed to you when it comes to hand please be so good as to hand it to her. I have had the misfortune to be under the Necessity of selling of[f] my stock for the benefit of my creditors so that my business has been suspended for 18 months past I am now...
2590To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 8 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1810, Philadelphia. Warns JM to expect “ill treatement” after the return of Francis James Jackson to Great Britain. Offers advice on preparations for war. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , A-22:5). 1 p. Signed “A friend of this country.” Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 12 Feb. 1810.
2591Thomas Jefferson to Jonas Keller, 24 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 15 th I communicated it to mr Leitch for the information of those whom it concerned for as I have before informed you, I have no interest in this business, nor any other concern than that of good will to the young man. the accident of a first application to mr Lee for quite a different object made me the channel of communication between in this business. mr...
2592To Thomas Jefferson from Madame Roquefort de Vaudreuil, 22 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Les Vertus qui Caracterisent Votre nation et Vous Surtout en particulier, Semblent autoriser ma Confiance dans l’interet que Vous Voudrez bien prendre à ma position et Justifient aussi une demarche à laquelle rien n’auroit pu me determiner, Sans la crainte! Me Voyant au bord de ma fosse, de laisser la plus Jeune de mes filles, Sans appui Comme Sans fortune celle de feu mon mari ayant été...
2593To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had too little time with you when in Philadelphia. Your particular engagments forbid my calling on you as often as under different circumstances I should have called. One question in particular was left unsettled the application of Mr. Joseph Blake respecting the quallity of some wines he imported. The Comptroller was in opinion that there could not any consideration be made for its being of...
2594[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 3 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 3 Feb. 1781. Minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “Letter to the Governor inclosing a Scheme presented to me by Dr. Pope (which I think reasonable) for paying the orderly’s at the Hospitals, for consideration.” Letter not located. The enclosure (Vi) is a 1-page memorandum, signed “M[atthew] P[ope]” and endorsed “Hospitals Dr. Pope,” proposing that “The Orderlys...
2595Ebenezer Stedman to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
The young man that Compliments (or rather) Insults you, with this Seditious Discourse, refused to put his Name to it, but after some severe Altercation with him for his Impudence, I informed him I should do it, which I here give you. Henry H. Fuller , Junior Sophester in the University — RC ( MHi ); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 13 May 1810 and so recorded in SJL ....
2596Religious Testimony of E. T. Hadwen, 17 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A Copy of the letter of our Lord Jesus Christ found under a Stone, and carried to the City of Iconium, and published by a person belonging to the Lady Cuba, whereon was written the Commands of Our Lord Jesus Christ the Blessed Son of God. And signed by the Holy Elect Angel called Gabriel, Ninety Eight years after the Birth of our blessed Saviour Christ. The Letter &c. “Whosoever worketh on the...
2597To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Morgan, 24 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to say something in favor of Major James Stephenson—who I have recommended to the commander in Chief. Although his conduct in the Military line speaks louder in his praise than I can, yet at the same time I would wish to say something I think he would command a regiment with as much propriety perhaps as any man who will be in the service of any country, he commanded a Company in...
2598New York Assembly. Remarks on the Quotas to be Assigned the Several Counties of New York, [22 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton did not suppose that any arguments would have much influence on the decision of this question. There is no criterion to go by and we fall into the greatest uncertainty—a gentleman has told us plainly, that he has been intriguing, and making the best bargain he could for his county. He would not say that New-York had made any conditions—he hoped that the intrigues might not have...
2599To George Washington from William Livingston, 13 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to acquaint your Excellency that having the most solid Reasons to believe that it would be imprudent for me to reside at present, at Persippeney, I have fix’d my Quarters (after having visited my Family) at Mr Parsons, at Collo. Wards’ Quarters, about two miles from your Excellency’s. What induces me to inform your Excellency of this particular is, that in case you should...
2600To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown, 20 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer J. F Dufour is one of the Swiss Emigrants who have commenced the culture of the Vine in Kentucky & on the Banks of the Ohio. He requests the honor of presenting to you a testimony of their high respect, a sample of Wines made by them last Autum at their first Vineyard in Kentucky, & will return highly gratified should the first fruits of their infant establishment be found worthy of...