2611To George Washington from Thomas Hanson Marshall, 21 June 1760 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 20th Instant I Recd this Day; I have not the Least thought, (nor Ever had) of making Sale of any Part of my Land in Virga, unless I had an oppertunity of Purchasing, Immediately (Lands) Joining to me in Maryland, which there is not the Least Prospect off Just now, as the Lands are in the hands of Gen[tleme]n who have not the Least thought of making Sale thereoff. Captn Posey was...
2612To George Washington from Colonel Jacob Bayley, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Bedel on his March Sent to me to Provide Some Trusty Persons to Pilot Soldiers by way of Massesisque to St Johns who were to make return of that rout to your Excelency they were to wait for Colo. Bedels arivel at St Johns or Montreal but they found the Lake So broken that they must Stay too long for him. two of the five I Sent returned the fifteenth Day, the other three went forward,...
2613Enclosure: Etats des Bleds et farines…, 7 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Etats des Bleds et farines venus des Etats unis d’Amérique en france depuis le 15. février Jusqu’a la fin de may 1789. nombre des Navires venus des êtats unis d’amérique ports de france ou ils ont abordé mois de leur arrivée en france froment qu’ils y ont aporté farines 3. mars 9,627.Qx “ 1,656.Qx. “ 4. Bordeaux
2614To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 15 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just time to acknowledge receipt of your favors of the 8th: and 10th: Currt. and to assure you that every attention shall be paid to the contents. I pray you at same time to write Mr. Short that his Stock with Other matters in my hands is Safe and shall remain so, subject alone to his order, however I will write you and hand a letter for Mr. Short in a day or two, at present my whole...
2615To James Madison from John B. Prevost, 8 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
The success of our friend Mr Munroe in the late popular negociation has determined many of our Citizens to become inhabitants of the new territory and peculiar circumstances induce me also to think of a change of residence provided an appointment could be obtained not less honorable than the one I at present hold. I have therefore taken the liberty to mention the subject to you and if it...
2616From James Madison to Levi Lincoln, [ca. 2 January] 1811 (Madison Papers)
… You will see by the commission which will be forwarded from the Department of State, that I have taken the liberty of nominating you to the Senate as successor to Judge Cushing, notwithstanding your remonstrances against a recall into the national service. I was induced to this step, not only by my personal wishes, but by those of others, between whom and yourself exists all the reciprocal...
2617John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 18 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
I received this afternoon your No. 11 and I never received a letter which caused such a variety of sensations. I will only say, that I received the profile with pleasure, and the person for whom it was taken will for the future be very dear to me. It is very disagreeable to be continually making apologies for having nothing to write; but it is really so, I am more than ever out of a situation...
2618[Diary entry: 9 August 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 74 at Night. Having provided a light & convenient Boat—hired two hands to work her and laid in some Stores, Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin, and myself embarked in it, leaving Mr. Rumsey to engage more hds. & to set those he had to work about 6 Oclock P.M. In this Boat we passed through the Spout, and all the other Falls and rapids, and...
2619From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Ebenezer Skiff, with many recommendations from select men, Minister &c to be keeper of the light house at Gay Head. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
2620Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; variant copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, June 27, 1778: In my last letter I told you that I could take aboard some of the goods which, Captain William Jones informed me, you wish to send. In that case I should be glad to know so that I may load the ship accordingly. Masts are so expensive that I have repaired the lower ones, and believe they will...
2621From John Jay to the New York State Chancellor (Robert R. Livingston), Chief Justice (John Lansing Jr.), and Associate … (Jay Papers)
To secure the Liberties of the People and the legitimate Rights of their Government, against Encroachment and usurpation, it has from Experience been found necessary to divide the powers of Government into three distinct and independent Departments— aggregately considered, they possess all the power of Government; and are always in Capacity to defend their respective authorities against...
2622From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Coolidge, 4 June 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
You have heretofore known that the ability of the University to meet the necessary expences of a bell and clock, depended on the remission by Congress, of the duties on marble bases and capitels used in our buildings, a sum of nearly 3000,D. the remission is granted, and I am now authorised to close with mr Willard for the undertaking of the clock, as proposed in your letter of Aug. 25. I must...
2623From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 1 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 1, 1792 . On May 2, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Washington: “The case was here before the Secretary’s letter of yesterday was sent to the President.” Letter not found. ]
2624From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think that none of the circumstances preceding the passage of the Embargo law stated by M. Lorent, make any part of his case. the misfortunes entering into the preceding history of that property, not flowing from any act of this government, authorize no claims on it. the embargo law excepted from it’s own operation articles then laden on board a foreign ship, without distinguishing between...
2625From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 18 May 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you pretty fully per the Packet, and shall write again by some of our Ships: But Capt. Cruikshanks kindly offering to carry a Letter to you, I write just to let you know I am well, as I hope you any [and] my dear Sally and all our Relations and Friends continue to be. Mrs. Stevenson is getting something to send you, and presents her Compliments....
2626From Alexander Hamilton to Horatio Dayton, 20 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the natural of course for you to take the Directions of your Commanding Officer Major Hoops on the subject of your letter—but if there be in your opinion any circumstance of a nature so peculiar as to require a personal application to me, Major Hoops at your request will give you the permission you desire. In the mean time you will no doubt pursue his direction With consideration I am...
2627George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2628To George Washington from Joseph Stanton and Theodore Foster, 3 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Act establishing the New Revenue System, imposing Duties on Spirits imported, and those distilled within the United States, requires a Supervisor to be appointed in each State, for carrying it into Execution, and considering it a Duty that we owe to the State which we have the Honor to represent in the National Legislature, to recommend to your Excellency such a Character for this Office...
2629From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 29 July 1747 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The Atlantic Monthly , LXI (1888), 26. Your Favours of March 18 and April 1 are come to Hand with all the Books, &c. mentioned in the invoice, in good Order, and am much obliged to you for your ready Compliance with all my Requests. I believe I could have got Subscriptions for 20 Sets of the Universal History, and perhaps more, but unluckily a Ship from Ireland...
2630From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The exigency of our affairs makes it necessary, you should use all the diligence and dispatch in your power to join this army, with the troops under your command. The enemy are making the most vigorous efforts to succeed in their attempt upon Philadel: and it will require our utmost exertions to disappoint them. We shall this day cross the Schulkill at Parkers ford about thirty miles from...
2631To James Madison from John Gavino, 4 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Gavino. 4 October 1806. “The restraint on Tobacco from the United States continues at this port and has overset several voyages, by which our merchants in America will be considerable sufferers.” Printed extract ( National Intelligencer , 19 Dec. 1806).
2632Agreement with John H. Craven, 20 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of agreement made & concluded between Th: Jefferson and John H. Craven, both of the county of Albemarle. It is agreed between these parties that the lease of lands & other property of the sd Thomas at Monticello, originally made by the sd Thomas to the sd John H. for five years, & now existing , shall be renewed and continued from the end of the sd five years for the term of four...
2633From George Washington to La Luzerne, 25 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellys favor of the 18th from Annapolis covering a letter from the Marqs de la Fayette, for the trouble of doing which be pleased to accept my thanks. I regret exceedingly that the weather and roads shou’d have deprived me of the honor of seeing you at my retreat—I shall look however, with pleasure for your return to Annapolis, when I shall expect the fulfilment...
2634From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 10 October 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 5th of August—and the Cheese by Genel Boyd—for both—which I thank you—I have been for four, or five, and thirty years entirely of your opinion—that the United states have not among any Class of Politicians in England, any sincere friends, and those Millions of People who are not politicians, neither know or care, any more about us, than they do about the...
2635From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 23 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received Advice from Boston that a Number of Transports, have sailed on a second Expidition for fresh Provisions: As they meet with such Success before, it is probable they may pursue the same Course only advancing further—We think Montague Point on Long Island a very probable Place of their Landing: I have therefore thought it best to give you the earliest Intelligence; But I do...
2636To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge, 21 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I avail myself of the opportunity by this days mail, to inform you of the great regret I have felt for the last 3 weeks, in being unable to undertake my Journey to washington, on account of a severe indisposition, with which I was this summer attacked, & from which I am not yet entirely relieved. Nothing but my inability to ride would have prevented my arrival at Washington by the first of...
2637To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I now avail myself of your obliging permission, to transmit through you to Mr: Randolph the request for his certificate that the amount of the outfit allowed me on my mission to Holland, in the year 1794. was paid me in the manner I stated to you, when I had last the honour of seeing you at your office. This request is supported by all the documents I have been able to collect, and you will...
263814th. (Adams Papers)
I walk’d with Thompson up to Mrs. Atkins’s. The old Lady is gone to Boston to spend a fortnight. Mr. and Mrs. Searle were there; and Mr. Atkins came home soon after. Atkins is a man of abilities; but of strong passions; and as he was cramped in his youth, by his penurious circumstances, his disposition was soured, and he is now excessively irritable, and his natural frankness has degenerated...
2639To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 20 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
me voila dans votre Patrie; et la premiere chose que j’y trouve est une marque de votre bonté pour moi, entre les mains de mon ami Pusy . Je suis bien sensible à votre souvenir. J’avoue que nos anciennes relations, et le zéle que vous m’avez vu pour l’Amérique lorsque j’étais Conseiller d’Etat du Roi de France et chargé de l’Administration du Commerce de mon Pays, m’avaient fait esperer de...
2640[Diary entry: 10 July 1799] (Washington Papers)
10. Morning perfectly clear with very little wind. Mer. at 66—clear all day. Mer. 74 at Night. Mr. and Mrs. Law and a Mr. Dunn came here to dinner.
2641From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 29 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The president of the U.S. requests the Secretary of State to prepare copies of the remaining papers of our late Envoys to France to be laid before congress at an as early day as possible MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
2642To John Jay from John Adams, 30 November 1787 (Jay Papers)
I do myself the Honour to inclose the Kings speech at the Opening of Parliament as it has been transmitted to me from the Marquis of Carmarthen: and the Morning Chronicle of the 28, which contains, not the debates for there were none, but the Panegyricks upon it. I have long Seen Sir, in Silent astonishment and Grief the negligent and imprudent Conduct of a deceased French Minister of foreign...
2643From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Cold in my professions, warm in ⟨my⟩ friendships, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it m⟨ight⟩ be in my power, by action rather than words, ⟨to⟩ convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind, and how much it is my...
2644From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st. General Greenes letter so strongly points out the increasing danger to the Southern States, and the detachment of the pennsylvania Line to their succour makes such an alteration in our prospects here, that different dispositions, from those originally intended, are become adviseable. On this principle, I beg leave to suggest to...
2645To Thomas Jefferson from William A.G. Dade, 28 July 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
After the most deliberate review of the arguments for and against my acceptance of the Chair in the University, which has been lately offered to me, I still retain the opinion, with which I left Monticello, and must decline the invitation. It is not without great reluctance that I determine on a course in anywise thwarting your views, touching an institution, in which you have taken so warm an...
2646To George Washington from William Price, 15 November 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Price, 15 Nov. 1799. On 20 Nov. GW wrote Price that his “favour of the 15th instant” had come “duly to hand.”
2647To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin B. Carter, 21 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the numerous applicants who trespass upon your time, the writer of this craves leave to draw your attention, for a few moments to an object of some importance. Your Excellency’s profound knowledge of the sciences and your known good will towards the cultivators of them, embolden me to make the advances. The U.S. of America now flourishing under the happy auspices of your Excellency’s...
2648Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 May 1802 (Adams Papers)
I received, at Norristown, while attending a County Court, your favor of the 25 th: ult: with an enclosure for Old-school, which is already delivered to him. He is thankful for it, as well as for the translation of Bulow, which you will perceive he has begun to publish. The concluding sentence of the Editor’s introduction will excite your smile, as being the first instance, wherein he has...
2649Notes on War Department Correspondence, 23 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Letter of June 18th. from Secy. of W. to Genl. Izard referred in that of from latter to former, omitted in the correspondence sent to J. M. ______ Secy. of War informs Izard that it is the determination Navy Dept not to increase McDonaugh’s force. That determination is to increase. ______ Genl. Harrison’s letter of Mar. 20. 1814 promises by next mail a Sketch of each of the Tribes on...
2650From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilkins, Jr., 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth instant ultimo, and am glad happy to find that the appointment of Col. Ogden as Deputy Quarter Master General is agreeable to you. In mentioning Captain Shaumberg as Brigade Quarter Master I did not advert to the provision of the law which disqualifies Officers of a higher grade than first Lieutenant for each post—The appointment, therefore,...
2651Notes on John Adams’s Replies to XYZ Addresses, [before 6 October 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
1. Favor to England. Smith . 1798. Oct. 18. pa. 1. Answer to Grand jury of Ulster county N.Y. ‘if by a coalition—of aiding each other.’ 26. lines. Folsome . pa. 51. to Inhabitants of Concord in Massachus. ‘as I have ever wished—useful to remember it.’ 25. lines Fenno . 1798. July. 6. pa. 2. to Officers & souldiers of Morris county N.J. ‘had not the measures—& perhaps better founded. 30. lines....
2652Fernagus De Gelone to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now in Port au Prince , employed by the Government . Deign to excuse me for the coar se ness of this paper! I am destined to work on the rules of Howard , of Lancaster , and on your own. I Shall be ever happy to hear from your most Venerable mind. I will take the liberty to Write to you, often. I have a great deal to mention to you. fernagus De Gelone . at The Lyceum .
2653To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Moore, 24 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to Inform you the Printing Press I have sent to M. le Chevr Holker should have sent it sooner but could nod get a ship before this, which is the Adventure John Damon Master the Custom Huse expences &c are 7 s. which you are Indepted to your Most Humbl servant Addressed: Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique /...
2654Import and Tonnage Duties, [8 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison . I take the liberty Mr. Chairman, at this early stage of the business to introduce to the committee a subject, which appears to me, to be of the greatest magnitude; a subject, Sir, that requires our first attention, and our united exertions. No gentleman here can be unacquainted with the numerous claims upon our justice; nor with the impotency which prevented the late Congress of...
2655From John Adams to John F. Watson, 21 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
In your favour of the 12th. you Say that you had believed, “that during the War of the Revolution, many Acts of the British had been exaggerated.” This may have happened; but I know not in what instances, on the contrary I know that one half their Cruelties and brutalities had not been told, or if told has not been believed. If you Suppose, that the British were influenced, by “any Motives of...
2656From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 27 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
The Accounts I receive of your Indisposition, excite much Grief. Your Father by Precept and Example will recommend Exercise, and he will be right: but ask him, if he has not been Sometimes intemperate, even in the Use of this Salutary Remedy. Moderation in all Things is indispensable. Riding is excellent; Walking more so; a Mixture of both is better than either. Renouce your Flute. If you must...
2657Board of Admiralty to James Nicholson, 22 May 1780 (Madison Papers)
FC ( NA : PCC , Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 288). The Board are favoured with your letter of the 3d instant acknowledging the receipt of theirs of the 17th ultimo, wherein the[y] expressly directed you to proceed with the Trumbull on A short Cruize so as to return to the Delaware by the latter end of June in Order to join the Confederacy Saratoga & Deane for the execution of a...
2658Thomas Jefferson to William Davenport, 4 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been long waiting in the hope of picking up a 5.D. bill of the US. bank to remit you according to the account transmitted to you me thro’ mr Patterson : but in vain. our inland & uncommercial situation offers nothing but the paper of our state banks: to prevent further delay therefore I inclose you a Richmond 5.D. note and as the banks of every state are at discount in all others, I add...
2659From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 13 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duer my assistant goes to Philadelphia to transact some business with the bank there in which your co-operation will probably be wanted. He will give you the necessary explanations; and I doubt not will have your acquiescence in whatever may be requisite to complete his arrangments. The other principal Officers of the Department not being on the spot some informality may be unavoidable....
2660To John Adams from George Claghorn, 2 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
We the subscribers being the superintendant Constructer and Clerk of the Navy Yard, during the building of the Frigate Constitution feel ourselves Constrained by the Principles of Justice to say That Genl. Henry Jackson the Naval Agent has on all Occasions from the Commencement of building the Frigate manifested unremitting Zeal and exertion by Personal attention to obtain in the most...