26401From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
I am heartily concerned, that the officers have such real cause to complain of the Committee’s resolves; and still more to find my inclinations prone to second their just grievances. I have endeavoured, as far as I was able, to see in the best light I could the trifling advantages that may accrue; yet nothing prevents their throwing down their commissions, (with gratitude and thanks to your...
26402From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 11–14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I think it my indispensible duty to inform you particularly of my proceedings, and to give the most plain and authentic acct from time to time of our situation, I must acquaint your Honour that immediately after giving the necessary Orders at Fredericksburg and dispatching expresses to hurry the Recruits from Alexandria, I rid post to this place passing by Lord Fairfax’s who was not at...
26403From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
This day, within five miles of the Carolina line, as I was proceeding to the southermost Fort in Halifax; I met Major Lewis on his return from the Cherokees, with seven men, and three women only of that nation. The causes of this unhappy disappointment, I have desired him to communicate, that your Honor may take measures accordingly. This account is sent by Express, to give the earliest...
26404From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th by Mr Boyd, I have received. The Draughts from Lunenburg are arrived, to the number of 16; which does not replace the Soldiers that have deserted since my last. So prevalent is this infamous practice yet. The Draughts, when they were divided among the eight companies in July, completed them to 86 rank and file, and there remained over and above 40 workmen, which I...
26405From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
A letter which I received from Capt. Mercer, upon my return to Alexandria, informs me, that 95 Cutawba’s, beside 25 that are gone to Williamsburgh, are now in Winchester, waiting orders how to conduct themselves —That, according to custom they are in want of matchcoats, shirts, leggings, and all other necessaries. I shou’d be glad to receive your Honors particular directions with respect to...
26406From Thomas Jefferson to Le Comte Diodati, 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 29. reached me on the 18th. of Feb it inclosed a duplicate of that written from Brunswick five years before, but which I never recieved, or had notice of, but by this duplicate. be assured, my friend, that I was incapable of such negligence towards you as a failure to answer it would have implied. it would illy have accorded with those sentiments of friendship I entertained...
26407From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 3 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In taking leave, my dear Count, of the country which united our residence, and which procured me the happiness of your society, I cannot omit to express to yourself and Madame la comtesse Diodati my most affectionate Adieux. I had left you with very different expectations, and were it not that I am told I may be more useful here, I would have used the liberty allowed me of returning there...
26408From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 20 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson a eté tres affligé de n’avoir pas eté rendre ses devoirs a Monsieur le comte et Madame la Comtesse Diodati: mais ç’a eté causé par une autre affliction qui a manqué d’etre bien grave. Son enfant, qui a eu la fievre depuis deux mois (avec une courte intermission seulement) l’a eu très dangereusement les dernieres semaines. Depuis trois ou quatre jours pourtant un mieux s’est...
26409From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 3 August 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir, mon chere Monsieur, l’honneur de votre lettre du 24. Juillet. La peine avec laquelle je m’exprime en Francois feroit que ma reponse seroit bien courte s’il ne m’etoit pas permis de repondre que dans cette langue. Mais je sçais qu’avec quelque connoissance de la langue Angloise vous meme, vous aurez une aide tres suffisante dans Madame la comtesse que j’ose prier d’ajouter...
26410From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot, 28 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 22d Instant. inclosing the Packet of Mr. Butlers and Mr. Galwey’s Papers with the receipt for those sent to Mr. Clonard, and am extreamly oblig’d by your Care in sending them. As to the Trunks of Clothes, as they are advertised for sale, it seems to be best that the Person who desires to have them, and to whom I have sent the...
26411From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot and Co., 23 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours (without date) but enclosing three Papers from the Admiralty, relating to a Prize called the Betsey. As none of her Papers have been produced, and the only Person of her Crew that was brought in, was missing when he should have been examined, I find no Grounds to go upon in condemning her. This Vessel is the Third brought in, without...
26412From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot & Co., 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your obliging favour of the 12th. Instant inclosing the journal of the Black Princess, and two paroles. You may depend on my giving prompt Dispatch in judging the Prizes as soon as the Papers come to hand.— The prisoners are by the king’s Regulation of the 27th. sept. 1778. to be kept in his Prisons till exchanged, at the Expence of the United states, to...
26413From Thomas Jefferson to Certain Diplomats of the United States, 3 January 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I have resigned the office of Secretary of state, and that Mr. Randolph late Attorney Genl. of the US. is appointed by the President and approved by the Senate as Secretary of state. He will be so good as to acknolege the receipt of your several letters not yet acknoleged by me, and will answer in detail such parts of them as may require special answer I beg...
26414George Washington to the Director of Clothing at Hartford and Springfield, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 2, 1778 . Orders shoes, stockings, and blankets for Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26415From George Washington to the Director of the Military Hospitals, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to direct the removal of the sick from the hospitals at Sommerset to the huts of the Artillerists at Pluckimin. This is not intended to be executed immediately, as it would draw off from the Army the waggons which may be now employed —but as soon as proper assistance can be procured from the Quarter Master General for this purpose. Such sick of the Army as remain on the...
26416Joseph Breintnall to Directors of Library Company, 8 November 1731 (Franklin Papers)
MS Minute Book: Library Company of Philadelphia The Library Company of Philadelphia was Franklin’s “first Project of a public Nature.” He drafted its plan, rules, and articles of agreement; the latter were signed July 1, 1731, naming ten directors, a secretary, and a treasurer, and announcing that the Company would be organized when fifty subscriptions were obtained. With the help of the...
26417From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Bank of New York, 25 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
You were so obliging as to cause it to be intimated that the payment of the loan of two hundred thousand dollars had of your Institution might be deferred if the service of the United States should require it. It will be a great convenience to this Department to avail itself of the permission, so as to defer the reimbursement of the principal of that sum to a year from its commencement. The...
26418From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [12 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Minute of Matters which appear to require the attention of the Directors of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures. I The appointment of a Superintendant, if an unexceptionable person should present; but if none such should occur it may be still most adviseable to defer till the buildings shall be erected and the works in operation. II An Application to the Legislature to remove...
26419From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, May–June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May–June, 1794. The minutes for the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures for July 1, 1794, read as follows: “Upon reading a letter from Alexr Hamilton Esqr stating that a Suit had been commenced against him by Mr J Mort on account of some Engagement that he had entered into on behalf of the Society, Resolved that the Deputy Governour be authorised to defend the said...
26420From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [16 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Mr. Mort and Mr. Hall who have been engaged on behalf of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, informed me, while the Subscriptions were pending, that they wished to become Subscribers, the One in the sum of Eight, the other of six thousand Dollars; but that it would probably not be convenient to advance the first payment, at the time required: To which I answered,...
26421From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of powers vested in me by the Agents named in the instrument of Subscription towards the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, I have made Contracts on behalf of the Society with William Hall, as Superintendent of the printing Business; with Joseph Mort, as an Assistant in the Manufactory, in such way as his Services may be thought most useful. This Gentleman I...
26422From George Washington to Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 15 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th of January came duly to hand; but being written in French (a language I do not understand) some time elapsed before an opportunity presented to get it translated—This I hope will be received as an apology for the delay of my answer. However much your merits deserve recommendation—& however pleasing it might be to me to offer my testimony to such facts as have come to my...
26423George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 21 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] February 21, 1781 . Discusses question of Diriks’s rank in relation to new arrangement of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Diriks was breveted lieutenant colonel, Continental Army, on November 5, 1778. He was honorably discharged on May 17, 1781.
26424From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Gerrit Diriks, 2 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
As a private individual and citizen of America I can with propriety and truth deliver it to you as my firm belief that the loan office certificate you shewed me, and all others of the same kind will be paid, principal and interest, as soon as the circumstances of the United states will permit: that I do not consider this as a distant epoch, nor suppose there is a publick debt on earth less...
26425From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Gerrit Diriks, 15 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 7th. instant I have the honor to inform you that such foreign officers only are to be paid here as are named in a list sent from the Treasury board and that on examination of that list I do not observe your name on it. There are 33 persons in it, but I am not able to say to what corps they belonged. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt., PrC (...
26426From George Washington to Dismal Swamp Land Company, 16 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Having disposed of my share and all the interest I have in the Dismal Swamp company, to Henry Lee Esq. I request that he may, henceforward be considered as being standing in my place. He is not only to receive the profits, which may hereafter arise from that concern, but if any thing is due thereto, he is entitled to my share thereof—& is in like manner to pay all unsatisfied demands upon me...
26427From John Adams to Rev. John Disney, 9 November 1807 (Adams Papers)
I was agreably surprised, the last week on receiving a very kind and obliging letter from you, dated at the Hide near Inglestone the 24th. of Augst. a seat where I had formerly passed many agreable hours with a Gentleman whom I esteemed as a man of sense and letters and as a Friend of Liberty and Humanity.—It is true that several Letters have passed between me and Mr. Brand Hollis: I have but...
26428From John Adams to Rev. John Disney, 13 July 1810 (Adams Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by The Reverend Thaddeus Mason Harris Minister of Dorchester the next Town to this my very good Neighbor and worthy Friend, and what is of much more importance a Gentleman of Ingenuity and Learning, and what is of more consequence yet, of Spotless Morals and exemplary Piety. He has business of an interesting Nature in England, and has occasion for a Voyage...
26429Enclosure: Instructions to the District Attorneys, 10 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Governors be requested to give to the district attornies information of any arrest made of vessels captured within the limits of the United States, or of their jurisdiction as provisionally declared by the President for the government of the executive officers. That the attornies be instructed, immediately upon the receipt of such information to apply to the principal agent of both...
26430From Thomas Jefferson to Certain District Attorneys, 29 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, complains that the Consuls of his Nation are exposed to insults, and their persons to danger from the numerous French Refugees, chiefly of the Islands, who are in and about the places of their residence, and are understood to be ill-disposed to the government of France, and those in authority under it. The Consuls are liable to the ordinary laws of the...
26431Treasury Department Circular to the District Attorneys, 31 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A confidence in your disposition to promote the public interests, has induced me to trouble you on a subject in which the safety of Government is concerned. The 12th. section of the Act of the Legislature of the 4th instant “making provision for the debt of the United States” subjects the quantum and sufficiency of the Security to be given by the Commissioners of the New Loans to my judgment...
26432From Thomas Jefferson to the District Attorneys, 10 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The war at present prevailing among the European Powers producing sometimes captures of vessels in the neighbourhood of our sea coast, and the law of nations admitting as a common convenience, that every nation inhabiting the sea coast may extend its jurisdiction and protection some distance into the sea, the President has been frequently appealed to by the subjects of the belligerent Powers...
26433Circular Letter to the District Attorneys of Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts (Abstract), 25 May … (Madison Papers)
25 May 1805, Department of State . “For the Government of Michegan, which after the 30th. June next, will be separated from the Indiana Territory, the laws of the State of Pennsylvania are deemed necessary, as a source of adoption for its own code. I have therefore taken the liberty to request you to purchase a copy of the laws of Pennsylvania, and forward them to David Gelston Esqr. Collector...
26434Treasury Department Circular to the District Judges, 17 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has occurred whether upon a Petition being presented in order to the mitigation or remission of any forfeiture, which may have been incurred, the Judge to whom it is presented may release the Vessel or goods forfieted, upon taking some proper surety to abide the event. I deem it not proper to give an opinion respecting the construction of the law in this particular; but I think it...
26435From Thomas Jefferson to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 29 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24th. is duly recieved. I consider the erection of the Representatives chamber, and the making a good gravel road from the New bridge on Rock creek along the Pensylva & Jersey avenues to the Eastern branch as the most important objects for ensuring the destinies of the city which can be undertaken. all others appear to me entirely subordinate and to rest on considerations...
26436From Thomas Jefferson to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 7 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved and duly considered your letter of yesterday on the subject of the frame house erected contrary to rule by mr Rhodes, and approve of your opinion that measures should be taken for it’s removal. I suppose it will be best for you to apply to mr Mason the Attorney for the district. Accept my respect & best wishes. RC ( PWacD : Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP ); clipped...
26437From Thomas Jefferson to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 24 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. came to hand on the 20th. but as it’s contents required greater consideration and time than the stay of the post and pressure of other business permitted I have been obliged to take another post for it’s answer. the questions indeed which it proposes are so much blended with law that I should have been glad to have had the opinion of the Attorney general for my...
26438From Thomas Jefferson to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 9 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the Commissioners and refers to them the inclosed letter from Mr. Carrol for their determination. if they will inform him when they are in session he will call on them in order to have a conference on the subject of the letter from the Governor of Maryland . RC ( ViU ). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Daniel Carroll to TJ, 8 Feb. On the letter from the...
26439From John Adams to François D’Ivernois, 26 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
In hopes of obtaining Information more satisfactory both to you and to myself, I have delayed an Answer to your Several favours to this time. I communicated your Papers, immediately after the Receipt of them to The President, The Secretary of State and Mr Jefferson, and to Several others, and the History was published as you desired. I have not been able to obtain from any Person, the Smallest...
26440From John Adams to François D’Ivernois, 11 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your kind Letter of the 29th. of July, and have presented the two Pamphlets to the President as you desired. Accept of my best Thanks for those you were so good as to inclose for me. I have read nothing for a long time with so much pleasure as the Refexions sur la Guerre. It seemed to me like the returning dawn of Reason among Mankind. While I am flattered with the Compliment you...
26441From Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 26 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
As I propose to purchase a still here for the use of my plantations, and understand there is a good deal in the size, proportion and number of the vessels, I take the liberty of requesting you to inform me what particulars I had better provide. I make this appeal [to] you the rather, as you can judge of the extent and manner in which I am to carry on the business, proposing nothing more than...
26442Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 14 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In the present state of your health, I am very unwilling that any trouble which can be avoided should be thrown on you on my part; and to lessen this as much as possible is the object of the present letter. my bill in Chancery on the subject of the Canal would regularly require your answer in due form, on oath E t c. which would oblige you to call on a lawyer to draw it, a justice of the peace...
26443From Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 14 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I was mistaken in telling you that Wanscher was dead. the misinformation arose from the death of his wife. he called on me the other day, and I told him I thought you would be glad to employ him. in consequence of this he has written the inclosed letter which tho’ directed to me was intended for you as you will percieve. I salute you with affection & respect. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
26444Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 18 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised to stock you with the Alpine Strawberry as soon as soon as my beds would permit. I now send you a basket of plants & can spare you 10. baskets more if you desire it. their value, you know, is the giving strawberries 8. months in the year. but they require a large piece of ground and therefore I am moving them into the truck patch, as I cannot afford them room enough in the garden. I...
26445Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 14 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The advance of the season makes me uneasy about your timothy seed. on the 8 th of Aug. I inclosed a 10.D. bill t o Judge Stewart requesting him to procure the amount of it in timothy seed, fresh, & forward it to mr Leitch’s in Charlottesville . as I have not heard from him I have this day written to him by post. when it arrives at mr Leitch’s , call for it without waiting for communication...
26446From Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 29 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the inclosed grass seed, & letter from a mr Willis of whom, or whose place of residence I know nothing. the character he gives of the grass is such as to make it worthy an experiment: but my vagrant life renders it impracticable with me. knowing nobody more likely to give it a fair trial than yourself I confide it to your care if you think it worthy of it. I set out tomorrow for...
26447Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 16 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I send the bearer for a bushel and a half of timothy seed, which I will replace in your hands as soon as it can be purchased the ensuing hands season . I send you a larger supply of Asparagus beans. PoC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “M r Divers”; endorsed by TJ.
26448Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 27 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you because you are a Director of the Rivanna company , yet not as a Director , but as an individual and friend for consultation. the present condition of the locks is such as to call ere long for an entire new rebuilding. before this is proposed, it is certainly desirable, both for the company and myself, that we should know of a certainty on what ground we stand in point of...
26449From Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 24 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Reflecting on the subject on which you consulted me, I really believe it will be necessary to place the institution proposed and it’s funds substantially under the power of the legislature. it is to come into being only on their furnishing an equal quota, and they will certainly place their own quota under such direction as they think best, & it will be better that the whole should be under...
26450From Thomas Jefferson to George Divers, 22 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
you perhaps noted in the newspapers some 3. or 4. months ago the mention of cucumbers in a particular garden in Ohio which measured 2½f. V 3.f. in length. having a friend in that quarter I wrote and requested him to procure & send me some seed from one of the identical cucumbers. he has sent it, and to multiply chances of securing it, I send you 9. seeds, assured that no body will be more...