26301To George Washington from George Morgan White Eyes, 8 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The treatment I met with at Princeton & the Character I bear (which I know I am innocent of) here, are great Grievances to me, especially as I have undergone a great many Difficulties, I shall stear my Course towards my native [country] let the Consequence be what it will. For it is better for me to live in Contentment & Quietude, than a life Contempt & Ignominy. I have not had any thing this...
26302From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 26 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I think it proper to inclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gallatin, not merely for your information, but that I may be favored, with any additions or alterations that may occur to you. You will perceive the difficulty of accomodating the resort to Mr. Gallatin to the shortness of time, the uncertainty of his success, and the proper reserve for the chance of success here. In alluding to the...
26303From James Madison to Congress, 1 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress certain Documents, being a continuation of those heretofore laid before them, on the subject of our Affairs with Great Britain. Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803, of the war in which Great Britain is eng[a]ged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior magnitude; the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts, hostile to the United States, as an...
26304From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 12 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:96–97 . Replying to Vernon’s letter of 10 April (above), Adams commended Vernon for his decision to reside at Bordeaux, a rich commercial center. JA referred him to John Bondfield for advice about which commercial house he should choose...
26305Rowland Reynolds to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have understood from Judge Cooper that applications are to be made to you respecting situations in the Central College . He has informed me that it is necessary to state where I have received my education and what have been my pursuits since I left College &c. This Sir, I hope will plead my excuse with you, if in this letter I am compelled to speak frequently of myself. The situation which I...
26306Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
our two Tenants are come, and I have occupation enough. I have set them to clear the manure out of the Barn and to digg the Garden put all the wall up and look to the fences. when that is done, I shall send them to clear up the Bushes in Curtis’s pasture. I hope you will not be detaind longer than the Month of April. you will be weary of hearing of my wants, and of supplying them, but I find...
26307From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 25 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave by way of explanation to submit the grounds of my opinion, that the President may vary his instructions of the 8th of August last in reference to the application of the last loan obtained in Holland. A summary of the preceding transactions will serve to throw light upon the subject. The President by his Commission of the 28 of August 1790, gave full power to the Secretary of the...
26308[Diary entry: 8 July 1769] (Washington Papers)
8. Calm but not hot. Afternoon Cloudy with much apps. of Rain—wind being Ea⟨st.⟩
26309From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 5 June 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Maine Historical Society Inclos’d is an Invoice of the Books shipp’d for the Library Company by Mr. Strahan. I happen’d to be in the Country when they were pack’d up, so had not an Opportunity of seeing them. But if you find any Mistake he will rectify it. I wish them safe to hand. Upon Enquiry, I find that to purchase all the Transactions of the several Philosophical Societies in Europe...
26310From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 26 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, April 26, 1790. “I have directed the Treasurer to draw on You for 3075 Dollars.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Alexandria, Letters Received from the Secretary, National Archives.
26311From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 26 October 1810 (Adams Papers)
I had prepared a memorial to the states general according to my instructions, but as the French ambassador procrastinated and the prospect of a negociation for peace with England opened, I grew daily more and more indifferent about the triple or quadruple alliance, and said no more upon the subject. The project which was written but never presented, was in these words: High and mighty lords,...
26312[Diary entry: 12 October 1762] (Washington Papers)
12. Sowed Rye at Muddy hole.
26313Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 9 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
It is an age since I have had the honor of a letter from you, and an age and a half since I presumed to address one to you. I think my last was dated in the reign of king Amri, but under which of his successors you wrote, I cannot recollect. Ochosias, Joachaz, Manahem or some such hard name. At length it is resumed: I am honoured with your favor of July 23. and I am at this moment writing an...
26314To Benjamin Franklin from Anne Farrow, 8 January 1759 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I hope you will not think it bold though I Present you with a few Lines being So near a Relation. Hearing you was not gone out of England I thought I could do no less When I was informed in Summer you was come over into England to see all your Relations I fanced my Self with great Pleasures of seeing you and your offspring. Which Pleasure would have...
26315To Thomas Jefferson from John Hunter, 29 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
If your Excellency will please to recolect on the 9th. of November 1803. I waited on you for your Councel respecting a balance of a years rent due me from the Estate of John Fitzgerald, late Navel Officer Alexandria So. Potomac. When I shew’d you my claim, you advised me to apply to the Member of our District , which I did, & enjoyn’d Mr. John Randolph with him in my application, and have lost...
26316To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was the last evening honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 31st Ulto. Your feelings and wishes which have been called up by the distresses of my family are such as fully evince your concern for our happiness and welfare are additional proofs of your affection and demand our most grateful acknowledgments. A Gentleman of this town who attended the New Hampshire convention the last week...
26317To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is an account of their present force in New York and its dependencies, handed to me by a person who I believe is well informed. Unluckily for me, on sunday night a party of militia from second river, crossed over to Bergen and went into a house near the fort where they made prisoners a Capt. Harding and McMichael—the former was paroled, but the latter being known and demanded by one...
26318From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received the favor of your Letter of the 9th with Its several Inclosures and am extremely happy that your Honbe Body had anticipated my recommendation by resolving on an Augmentation of Six hundred men to the Garrisons in the Highlands—the Importance of those posts demands the utmost attention, and every exertion to maintain them. The Vessels for the removal of the Sick are not yet...
26319To Thomas Jefferson from Jarnac, 30 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
M. Jefferson’s Commands have been regularly executed, and the Bishop of Adran who is gone Last thursday with the young prince of Cochinchina will Send at Least one pound of Dry rice. Le Comte de Jarnac for more attention has given the Same Commission for to be register’d in the Navy’s office, he begs M. Jefferson to be So good as to be convinc’d that Le Comte de Jarnac will be allways ready...
26320To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson, with his respects to the President, incloses him a letter from mister Rittenhouse on the subject of procuring a house for the mint. mister Rittenhouse thinks the house in 7th street can be bought for 1600.£. it is probable that none can be rented under £150. and this sum would pay the interest and sink the principal of 1600£ in 15 years. the outhouses will save the necessity of...
26321To Thomas Jefferson from James Dinsmore, 23 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I Had the Honour of writing to you on the 1st Inst Since which nothing material has occurred here. the old Woman Junea is dead the rest of the family all well. Mr Oldham is putting up the Cornice round the South Piazza; & I am still enagaged in the Dineing room. the Composition ornaments; sash weights; Sash Cord & a box of glass Came to hand yesterday. the weights are not of the Size ordered....
26322Charles Adams to John Adams, 10 May 1793 (Adams Papers)
It is sometime since I have written to you but still longer since I have had a line from my dear father. I do not repine for while you are happy in your feilds I will willingly give up that share of pleasure and instruction which I constantly received from your kind communications. It appears as if this City was fated to be the scene of constant disquietude and jarring cabal no sooner have the...
26323To James Madison from Joseph Habersham, 6 April 1796 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to offer a few observations to the Committee of which you are Chairman on the resolution of the House of Representatives for surveying and establishing a Main Post Road through the United States. This route in my opinion should not be too particularly described for the following reasons. The principal Towns in the respective States through which the Post must be conveyed may be...
26324From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President some letters received from Mr. T. Digges which contain some interesting information on the subject of our coins. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The Preside[…]”; endorsed by Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr. Tr ( Lb in same, SDC ). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) Thomas Digges to TJ, 10 Mch. 1793. (2) Digges to Thomas Pinckney, 21...
26325To James Madison from Robert J. Evans, 31 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of forwarding you the first number of a monthly publication entitled the “Rural Magazine” which will be published tomorrow. The Editors are sons of Mr. Benjamin Johnson one of the oldest and most respectable booksellers of this city under whose immediate superintendance the work will be conducted. In this part of the Union we are not ignorant of the interest you take in...
26326Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 22 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In hand of Theodorick Bland, except for JM’s signature. Cover franked by Bland and addressed to “His Excelly. Benjn. Harrison Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Docketed by Thomas Meriwether, “Lr. from the Delegs. in Congress. April 22d. 1783.” Your two Favors of April 5th & 12th came both to hand by yesterdays Post. little Interesting has happend Since our last, except...
2632720th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
This evening, I went with Mr. Artaud and Mr. D. to the Comedy, where they presented in French le Deserteur a Drama, and Crispin rival de son maitre with a ballet. Rainy, stormy weather all day. Michel Jean Sedaine, Le Deserteur, Paris, 1769; Alain René Le Sage, Crispin rival de son maître, Paris, 1707 ( Brenner, Bibliographical List Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in...
26328[Diary entry: 5 May 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 5th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—75 at Noon And 73 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. in the Morning but at No. Wt. afterwards & fresh, but not cold. Flying clouds, but upon the whole clear. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—except the plow that was laying off, the rest were cross plowing the rough parts of No. 9 for Buck Wheat 5 in number—2 teams in the Waggon, drawing Rails to...
26329Enclosure: Jefferson’s Opinion of American Conduct in an Anglo-Spanish War, 12 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Heads of consideration on the conduct we are to observe in the war between Spain & Gr. Britain and particularly should the latter attempt the conquest of Louisiana & the Floridas. The dangers to us, should Great Britain possess herself of those countries. she will possess a territory equal to half ours, beyond the Missisipi she will seduce that half of ours which is on this side the Missisipi...
26330[Diary entry: 19 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
19. Dined at Colo. Rieds. Spent the Evening at Mr. Lynch’s. Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1727–1776), a South Carolina planter, was a member of the Continental Congress 1774–76. He had served for many years in the South Carolina legislature and was a member of the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. Silas Deane, a Massachusetts delegate for Congress, wrote that Lynch was “plain, sensible, above ceremony, and...
26331To Thomas Jefferson from Ralph Pomeroy, 10 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States Loan Office in this City becoming vacant by the late death of that esteamed and valuable Officr Mr. William Imlay, I hope it may not be deemed improper or indecent for me thus early to apply for that appointment for myself. I have in times past sustained several public Offices of Importance and have discharged them with fidelity and public Approbation, am now destitute of...
26332Charles Eaton Haynes to James Madison, 12 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
Such various interpretations have been given to the Constitutional doctrines avowed in your Report to the General Assembly of Virginia, & believing a proper understanding of those doctrines to be of vital importance in the present alarming agitations of a neighboring State, agitations which, I fear, may soon exist as generally in this, will, I hope, justify the trouble my enquiries may give...
26333March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Monday 21st. Left Philadelphia about 11 O’clock to make a tour through the Southern States. Reached Chester about 3 oclock—dined & lodged at Mr. Wythes—Roads exceedingly deep, heavy & cut in places by the Carriages which used them. In this tour I was accompanied by Majr. Jackson. My equipage & attendance consisted of a Chariet & four horses drove in hand—a light baggage Waggon & two...
26334From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen J. Schuyler, 5 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] August 5, 1785 . “… some time since … Hannah Brewer or rather her assignee John J. Skidmore … paid the £200 part of the purchase money of the farm in the possession of Doctor Perry. The deed is now wanting. If you will send that to me I will have the mortgage to you executed here.” ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey.
26335Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson with a Memorandum of Purchases, 11 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Col. Humphries talks of leaving us on monday. It is with regret I assure you Sir that we part with him. His visit here has given us an opportunity of becomeing more acquainted with his real worth and merit, and our friendship for him has risen in proportion to our intimacy. The two American Secretaries of Legation would do honour to their Country placed in more distinguishd stations. Yet these...
26336From George Washington to Samuel McDowell, Sr., 20 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th of April, inclosing a copy of the Constitution formed for the State of Kentucky, did not get to my hands ‘till I was about leaving this place to go to Mount Vernon, and I embrace the earliest opportunity, after my return to the seat of Government, to acknowledge the receipt of it, and to thank you for the transmission. I am Sir, with esteem Your most Obedt Servt. Df , in...
26337To Thomas Jefferson from DeWitt Clinton, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Stevens a Citizen of the State of New York intending to make an application to you on business in which he is interested and which he informs me will come before you officially, I take the liberty at his request of informing you that his standing in New York is respectable, and his character fair: Any justice to which he is entitled will I am certain be dispensed—More he ought not to...
26338To James Madison from Montesquieu, 12 September 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 September 1797. Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2); however, no correspondence has been located between JM and Charles Louis, baron de Montesquieu (1749–1824), grandson of the famous French philosopher.
26339To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Dayton, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting the enclosed two letters lately received from N. Orleans upon the subject of the office, vacated, or about to be vacated, of Surgeon & Physician of the troops & hospital at New Orleans. The approach of the sickly season, rendering it important that such a vacancy should be immediately filled, the desire & expectation of Doctr. Spencer & his friends that I...
26340From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 28 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am happy to find by your favor of the 23 d. that You are safely arrived after a good Journey. It is best I believe that nothing should be said between You two about the Affair in which both have been perfectly innocent. If You go I wish You a good Journey, but cannot warrant You against fresh troubles—for neither the Innocence nor Virtue of Angels would be a Security against them in a World,...
26341To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 4 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to receive a few days ago Your Excellency’s letter of the 20 August, inclosing others for the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr Humphreys & the Baron de Secondat the two first I forwarded immediately—the other I directed & delivered. I have not yet had the pleasure to see the Baron de Montesquieu. As he passed thro’ this place not many days ago, on his way to a Seat in the...
26342[September 1768] (Washington Papers)
Septr. 1. Set out from Nomony in my return to Chotanck. Lodgd on board the Vessel between Swan Point & Cedr. P. Here GW must mean Lower Cedar Point, in Charles County, Md., only a few miles up the Potomac River from Swan Point and just across the river from the lower side of Chotank (now Mathias) Neck. 2. Came up as high as Hoes ferry & Walk to my Brother Sams. 3. Went to Mr. John Stiths &...
26343From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 1 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th of August, and the papers therewith transmitted, did not reach me till very lately. If the fear of deceiving me, by not being able immediately, to procure tenants for my Lands, was the only cause that prevented your accepting the agency which I requested you take upon yourself, I am very sorry that you declined it, for the same reason would operate, with equal force,...
26344Domenico Caracciolo to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 8 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je Suis persuadé, qu’il est dèja a Votre Connoissance, que le Roi de Deux Siciles mon Maitre à Ordonnée de tenir Ouverts les Ports dans tous ses domaines au Pavillion des Etats Unis de L’Amerique au moyen de quoi pour eviter tous espece d’equivoque dans ces tems, que la mer est couverte des armateurs de differente Nations, et aussi des Pirates, je vous prie de me faire Savoir les Couleurs du...
26345To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès Pahin de Champlain de La Blancherie, 7 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. De la Blancherie arrivant d’hollande accablé d’occupations, n’a que le tems de faire présenter son respect á Monsieur Le Docteur franklin, et de le supplier de vouloir bien lui faire procurer l’Extrait mortuaire de M. De Troye, Lieutenant dans la Légion de Palaski mort à Charles-Town (dans la lettre de sa famille on écrit Chartouin ) à l’hôpital de la d....
26346To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Jefferson’s hand. Docketed by JM, “From Ths. J. to J.M. May 7, 1783.” On the docket page someone unknown wrote, “Ths. Jefferson May 7. 1783.” Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, Jefferson enciphered the words which are here italicized. Interlineated on the manuscript is JM’s decoding of these ciphers. Filed with the manuscript are two pages entitled by...
26347To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It would have been difficult, some weeks ago, to persuade myself that any motives, however imperious, could urge a modest Man—such as I feel myself to be—to tax your liberality in the manner that I have done. On sight of my signature, you will have reason to complain that a temporary retreat from the cares of Government has failed to shelter you from the persecution of my Addresses. The...
26348To James Madison from Joe Butler, [June 1816] (Madison Papers)
The petition of Joe Butler, humbly represents; That your petitioner, was, during the last Session of the Circuit Court for the County of Washington in the District of Columbia, convicted of Theft, Was ordered by the Court to receive 39 Stripes, to pay a fine of 10. dollars, and to remain in Jail until the fine and costs were paid. The Corporal punishment was immediately inflicted—and he is now...
26349From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with all convenient dispatch to the Camp of the Marqs de la Fayette in Virginia, and receive further orders from Genl Duportail or the Marquis. You will let your rout be by Christiana bridge—the head of Elk—the lower ferry on Susquehanna—Baltimore—Elk ridge landing—Bladensburg—& George Town—From George Town you will go by the best waggon Road to Fredericksburg by Falmouth...
26350To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Attwood Digges, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My nephew Jno Fitzgerald about to depart for his military station at Norfolk, & meaning to pay his farewell respects to You, gives me an appertunity of handing You this. I never left Washington with more regret, worse health and depressd spirits (after a confinement of sickness for three days in a dirty Tavern) than on sunday last, or I would have made my departing congee to You. I got so...