26201From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 December 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I take the Opportunity of a Ship from this Place to Leith, once more to pay my Respects to my good Friend from this Side the Water, and to assure him that neither Time nor Distance have in the least weakened the Impression on my Mind, stampt there by his Kindness to me and my Son, while we were in Scotland. When I saw him last, we talk’d over the pleasant Hours we...
26202From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 16 August 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am now here just on the Point of departing for America. I cannot go without taking Leave of one from whom I received so many Civilities, so much real Kindness. Accept my sincerest Thanks, and do me the Justice to believe that wherever I am, I shall, while I live, retain a grateful Sense of your Favours. I cannot hope ever to see you in America; but possibly some...
26203From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 21 January 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; copy (incomplete): Scottish Record Office It gives me Pleasure to learn, by yours of Nov. 12. that my young Friend Mr. Morgan has render’d himself agreable to you, and that your Health and Eyes were much better. I sent some time since to Mr. Dalrymple one of my Machines for your Chimney, who readily paid the Smith’s Bill for the same. But now, on discoursing with...
26204From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 11 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library My last Expedition convinc’d me that I grow too old for Rambling, and that ’twas probable I should never make such another Journey. ’Tis an uncomfortable Thing, the Parting with Friends one hardly expects ever again to see. This, with some occasional Hindrances, prevented my calling at Preston Fields after my Return from Glasgow: But my Heart was with you and your...
26205From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, 17 September 1760 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Western Reserve Historical Society It gave me great Pleasure to learn from Dr. Robertson, that you and Lady Dick and your lovely Bairns, were all well and happy. Now that the long Litigation between our Province and the Proprietaries, which I had the Care of, is finished, I hope to be a better and more punctual Correspondent. My Time will be more my own. I am in debt to my Friends in...
26206From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Alexander Dick, [5 October 1759] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. Ailsa Joan Mary Dick-Cunyngham, Prestonfield, Edinburgh (1955) Dr. Franklin and his Son present their respectful Compliments to Sir Alexander Dick, and shall attend him to Preston-field tomorrow with great Pleasure. They are extreamly oblig’d to Sir Alexander for his kind Invitation to spend some Days at his Seat in the Country, but doubt the short Stay they must make in these Parts...
26207Thomas Jefferson to William Dickson, 20 April 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 20. came safely to hand together with the miniature of Governor Lewis & watch string. I immediately sent them to his mother , not doubting that the person who of all others possessed the greatest portion of his affection was the one for whom his wishes would have destined it. the deplorable accident which has placed her in the deepest affliction, is a great loss to the world...
26208From Thomas Jefferson to William Dickson, 3 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Dickson and observes that his rule has been not to grant a pardon but on the recommendation of the judge before whom the conviction was. judge McNary’s signature is to a very different matter. but in consideration of the distance, & of the time that would require to obtain an answer from the judge & the signers of the petition being unknown to...
26209From 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...
26210From George Washington to John Didsbury, 24 October 1763 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a Letter of the 27th Ulto in which I desired that you woud send for my own wear 2 pair of thin rashd Pumps and 2 pr of Stitched and bound Shoes; but I have now altered my Mind, and instead of these pray send me Six pair of neat, light, and thin Calf, with the flesh side out—let them be (if you please) a small size larger than those you sent me last for upon further tryals of them I...
26211From George Washington to John Didsbury, 10 August 1764 (Washington Papers)
Please to forward the Shoes &ca as required below, and Robert Cary Esqr. & Co. will pay the costs which are to be placed in distinct Bills as there directed. 4 pr bla: Callimanca pumps } for Mrs Washington 1 pr bla: & 1 pr white Satten Do Note, those sent last year were too narrow over the Instep, & rather too short—a small size larger will do. 1 pr dble Campaigners } for G. Washington 1 pr...
26212From George Washington to John Didsbury, 20 July 1767 (Washington Papers)
Please to send the following Shoes &ca and apply to Messrs Cary & Co. for the amount. For Geo. Washington &ca For Mastr Custis & to him chargd 1 pr dble Campaign Boots pr Mea[sur]e 6 pr strong Shoes } For a boy 14 yrs old—the last were too smal 2 pr Neat Pumps 1 pr Do Do Shoes 1 pr Strg Calfskin Slippers 6 pr Womans bla: Callimanca pr Mea[sur]e to be broader in the Soles & not so strait over...
26213From George Washington to John Didsbury, 30 November 1759 (Washington Papers)
The first Shoes which I desird might be made by you for me on Colo. Baylors Last are come in, and fit me tolerably well except that some of them are (if any thing) rather too short —as I imagine you will now be able to suit my foot exactly I beg you will for the future observe the following Directions in making the Shoes. Let the hind Quarters always be high & very short so that they may...
26214From George Washington to John Didsbury, 27 September 1763 (Washington Papers)
The last Cargoe of Shoes you sent me, fit very well, and I hope you will continue to preserve my Last —You will please to send me (with the Goods Mr Cary will forward) the following Shoes and according to the Inclosed measures —to wit— For myself 2 pr Mens neatest Shoes 2 pr neatest stitched and bd Pumps 6 pr Servts Shoes on my Last 1 pr strong Shoe Boots For Master Custis 4 pr Pumps } pr...
26215From George Washington to John Didsbury, 20 June 1768 (Washington Papers)
You will please to send me the following Shoes and charge them respectively—I have also sent my measure for a pair of light thin Boots for Summer wear, which let come with the Shoes—As it will save me the trouble of preparing a fresh measure every time I may have occasion for New Boots I shoud be glad if you woud keep the measure now sent, by you. For Mastr Custis. pr Measure sent Miss Custis....
26216From George Washington to John Didsbury, 10 July 1773 (Washington Papers)
Please to send me the following Shoes and Boots; & make out your Bill as under. Messrs Cary & Co. will pay the whole amount and I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt ALB , DLC:GW . This letter was sent with GW’s letter of the same date to Robert Cary & Company. Written “under” was: “For Geo: Washington 3 pr of strong Shoes, 3 pr dress’d Do Calf, 1 pr Mens Clogs, or Goloshoes to fit the above Shoes—[all]...
26217From George Washington to John Didsbury, 18 July 1771 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have three measures by which you will please to make the following Shoes & Boots I have sent you a fresh measure for myself because the Shoes wch I have had from you latterly were rather too small —make out the above Accts seperately—Messrs Cary & Co. will pay for the whole & it will be necessary that you distinguish the Shoes &ca by writing each person’s name on their own. I am,...
26218From George Washington to John Didsbury, 23 June 1766 (Washington Papers)
Please to send to Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. for my use 4 pair of neat Shoes—1 pair light Toed Clogs—to fit Mrs Washingtons Shoes—1 pr of Strong Toed Do—very large—No. 9s I fancy will scarce be too big. The Shoes you sent me last were made wt. the Grain side out—& very narrow Toed, neither of wch woud I again choose—prefering the flesh side outward & not over narrow in the Toes—I am Sir Yr Very...
26219From George Washington to John Didsbury, 12 October 1761 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have my measure for Boots—please therefore to send me two pair of them; one of which made of stout strong Leather for Winters use, the other pair to be light and thin for Summer—both pair Shoe Boots—likewise send me two pair of neat turnd Pumps and four pair of neat, but at the sametime strong Shoes—Mr Cary will pay the amount and I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt ALB , DLC:GW . These...
26220From Thomas Jefferson to John Diffenderffer, 10 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have seen in a Baltimore paper an advertisement from you of Spring rye for sale. I did not know that this grain was to be had, in America and am anxious to get a little for seed. I inclose you a paper dollar, the only small remittance I can make in a letter and will pray you to do up a parcel in a bit of linen securely, of that value, & addressing it to me. send it by the stage, for which I...
26221From George Washington to Robert Digby, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
By a Parole granted to two Gentlemen, M e ssrs Osborn & Bowen, I perceive that your Excellency has granted them permission to come to me with a Representation of their Sufferings of the American naval Prisoners at N. York. As I have no Agency in naval Matters, this Application to me is made on mistaken Grounds--But Curiosity leading me to enquire into the Nature & Cause of their Sufferings, I...
26222From George Washington to Robert Digby, 11 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Captain Hurlbutt—an Officer of this Army who was dangerously wounded about two Years Since, wishing to Return to his home and being Still unable to bear the fatigue of a conveyance by Land—I have to Request the favor of your Excellencys Passport fir a small Vessell to convey him by Water to New London—Captain Hurlbutt will be accompanied only by another Gentleman & the small number of Persons...
26223From George Washington to Robert Digby, 11 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The moment I received your Excellency’s letter, without date, which reached me a few days ago, I wrote to his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau commanding in Virginia, desiring him to give the Cartel ship New Blessing the proper reception upon her arrival in Chesapeak. I have the honor to be with Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
26224From George Washington to Robert Digby, 26 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that Brigadier General Knox and Gouverneur Morris Esquire are to meet Brigadier General O’Hara and Colo. Abercrombie at Elizabeth Town on the 15th of next Month for the purpose of settling all matters relating to the subsistence exchange and treatment of prisoners of War—As I am authorized to enter into a negociation respecting Naval as well as...
26225From George Washington to Robert Digby, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the honor to transmit to your Excellency a Letter from the Governor and Council of Maryland which came to me inclosed in a Letter from Mr Giles an Extract of which I also have the honor to inclose. It is not in my department, and I should therefore have returned it, to go thro’ the Agent of Marine, but the consequences that might attend a delay—induced me to dispense with the...
26226From Thomas Jefferson to Dudley Digges, Joseph Prentis, and Meriwether Smith, 28 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The disaster which has lately befallen our Army under the command of Major General Gates calls on me for an immediate and great exertion to stop the progress of the enemy, if nothing can be done. The measures most likely to effect this are difficult both in choice and execution. I wish therefore to have the advice of as full a board as can be collected before any thing is finally determined;...
26227From George Washington to George Digges, 28 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Will you permit me, to give you the trouble of enquiring among your friends of the Eastern Shore, now in Annapolis, if I could be furnished with one thousand feet of the best pine plank; precisely 24 feet long (when dressed)—To be without sap, or knots. It is for the floor of my new room. Many years since, I provided for this, & thought myself secure of that which was perfectly seasoned. It...
26228From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 25 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours inclosing a very obliging Letter from Mr. President Banks. The Congress cannot be said to have ordered the Instructions I gave, tho’ they would no doubt have done it, if such a Thing had been mentioned to them. It is therefore not proper to use any farther Endeavours to procure a Medal for them. I do not indeed perceive that one is intended for me as...
26229From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Digges, 19 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My memory is so unfaithful that I am always afraid to affirm any thing on it’s authority. but I believe I am not decieved in saying that a little before I went out of office in 1793, I did recieve from you the specimens of coins you describe, with an account of the falsifications going on in England, and that I published in the news papers what related to the latter in order to guard the...
26230From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 5 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress We have inquired at the Bureau des Diligences de Flandres, and can learn nothing yet of the Picture which chagrines me greatly, A Portrait in of G.W. came to Hand, I now not from whom, executed with admirable art. I shall transmit it by the first good Opportunity, after I receive orders so to do. The Bill you drew on me for Expences on the Prisoners is accepted....
26231From George Washington to Thomas Digges, 5 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
If this letter should be put into your hands, it will be delivered by Mr Powell a Gentleman of character from Philadelphia; who with his Lady are returning from a visit to Mrs Byrd (Sister to Mrs Powell) in this State. As I am sure it will afford pleasure to Mrs Digges and yourself to shew them civility, I will make no apology for the liberty I take in introducing them to your acquaintance but...
26232From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 6 – 7 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 26 ultimo is before me. That of 9th. have received. I have received the Box of Books &c—but nothing since. Pray drop all the Papers, I will get the Courant the Same way, that I have the General Advertiser and Morning post. I wish to have a Poem that is advertised, in which some American Characters are Said to be drawn —good or bad—let it come. I want also that Volume of the...
26233From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 14 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had not till This afternoon, your Favour of the third of this month. I am greatly obliged to you, sir for this and the other of the 7th. I may promise to be as faithfull a Correspondent, as the particular Situation I am in, will permit: But you must be very sensible, that I cannot be very exact in the Payment of Debts of this sort. I really cannot devine the Principle, nor the Passion, nor...
26234From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I thank you for your favours of Oct. 8. and 12. and for the news Papers. I wrote fully to our friend Mr. B. about the Coppers. I hope you will soon be freed from the Trouble you have with the Prisoners by their Exchange, I can now only add that I am, with great Esteem Dear Sir, &c. XXX , 490–4, 490n, 525–7. Edward Bridgen had sent two samples of copper for possible...
26235From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 30 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 29th. past, and of Inst. but that you mention as sent by Barnet never came to Hand, and he has already play’d so many cheating Tricks in France that I do not expect to see him here again. It is an Irishman who having been once employed in one of our Privaters, and taken, has ever since he escaped from England rambled about Europe pretending to...
26236From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 21 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr Adams will Stay, at home, for the Gentleman in No. 10, whom he will receive at ten o Clock, this Day, Sans Ceremonie, provided the Gentleman is content the Conversation Should pass in presence of Mr Thaxter, Mr Adams’s Secretary. But Such is the Situation of Things here and elsewhere, that it is impossible for Mr. A. to have any Conversation with any Gentleman from England, without Witness....
26237From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 28 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 26 and 29 Ultimo I have received and another with the Court Gazette with the Capitulation of Charlestown and also that of 8th. instant. I have also received the Box of Books, and all the Bundles of Newspapers and Pamphlets. I thank you most Sincerely for your Care. I beg you Pardon, sir, for sending you, half of the Report of the Committee. I thought it entire when I sent it. It is...
26238From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 26 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I comply’d readily with your late Recommendations, placing faith in the Declaration of the Parties, that the Transaction was bonafide intended, for the Purpose mentioned, getting home their Property. If this should be extended to cover an illicit Trade, it will when discovered effectually put a Stop to such Operations. I see by some thing in a late paper from that...
26239From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 7 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of Sept. 4. & 6. and am glad to hear that Mr. Peters’s affair is settled to his Mind.— I have received the Letter he wrote me and have forwarded that to his son. I am Sorry to hear that any innocent Men Should suffer on suspicion of holding a criminal Correspondence with me. The Truth is, that I do not know that Capt. Hutchins, and never had a...
26240From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 7 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received several Letters from you lately which I have been unable to answer, a severe Fit of the Gout having confined me to my bed for these three Weeks past. I inclose the Bill accepted by Mr. Goddard: But I do not clearly see how it is to be managed; for I gave a little Note to Jones acknowledging my having received such a Bill of Security for the Sum lent;...
26241From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 27 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am very much obliged to you, for the Trouble you have kindly taken in Sending me Gazettes, Pamplets, and Books, but the alteration of Circumstances, has rendered the Communication So difficult and expensive that I am obliged to desist. Two or three Packets which you mentioned in Letter not long Since have not arrived, nor have I heard any Thing of them. The Gazettes cost me by the Post, at a...
26242From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 15 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress In compliance with your Recommendation, which I very much respect, I have given the Passports desired by Captains Mitchel and Carpenter. All these Businesses give me trouble for which I charge nothing; I hope there fore that the Gentlemen will in return do some thing on my Recommendation, and that is, to let me see their Names in the list of Subscribers for the Relief...
26243From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 9 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have just received yours by Capt. Belt I shall Comply with his request as he is recommended by you. I have written largely to Mr Hartley by Mr. Barber and before to Mr. Hodgson about the American Prisoners and the Cartel.— I am concern’d for Capt. Manley, who is a brave and useful Officer, and desire you to supply him with Necessaries to the amount of 25. Guineas....
26244From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Digges, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of May 12. as well as that of the person who desires information on the state of Cotton manufactures in America, and for his interest and safety, I beg leave to address to you the answer to his queries, without naming him. In general it is impossible that manufactures should succeed in America from the high price of labour. This is occasioned by the great demand...
26245From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 13 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge, one of 14 Ap. and one 2d. May. The Parcells, have not yet seen nor heard of. You may Stop the London Evg. and the London Packet for the future, but send on the courant if you please. Have not yet received, the debate upon C onway s motion. I have seen the paper and read the debate. It is the scene of the Goddess in the Dunciad reading Blackmore to her Children. The...
26246From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 20 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I hear Capt. Cunningham is confined in England a Prisoner. I desire you would take care to supply him with Necessaries that a brave Man may not suffer for want of assistance in his Distress.— I ordered Payment of your Bill but it has not yet appear’d.— I am ever Your affectionate For Gustavus Conyngham’s capture near New York in April see XXIX , 670n. He arrived in...
26247From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 17 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 30th. past: I suspect that several of mine to you and Mr. H. have been stopped in the Post-Office here since the mail ceased going by Calais, for want of Being frank’d here, which I did not till lately know was necessary. I shall inclose you the next Post a Copy of one I wote to Mr. B. which by yours it seem he had not received. I sent Copies...
26248From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 30[–31] May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favours of the 14th. 18th. and 21st. Instant. You mention one of the 12th. which is not come to hand. I never had nor have I now the least Expectation that any Good can come of the Propositions made to certain Persons. Whatever is reasonable and prudent for them to do, Seems to be out of their sphere: for hitherto they have constantly rejected the best...
26249From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 2 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly your favours of Jany. 9. 10. & 11. I gave Orders immediately for the Acceptance and Payment of the Bill you drew on Mr. G, and you may rely on its being done. Mr. Carmichael is not yet arrived, nor is there any News of the ship in which he sail’d. Mr. Adams is not yet arrived in Paris but daily expected. The story of his bringing propositions of Peace...
26250From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 14 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this Moment received yours of 7th—that of the 3d is not come to hand. I had received the Gaz. Ex. and Ad. Digby’s Letter, which falls very short of what was feared, for it was reported the whole Fleet was taken. There is Scarcely an Example of Such a Series of fortunate Contingencies as that which had happened to Rodneys Fleet. But as it has been simply, good Fortune, there may be an...