26451From Thomas Jefferson to James Duane, 10 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers relate to an event of national importance and they are transmitted to you by the direction of the President of the United States: the district judges being the officers contemplated by law, as best suited to the execution of the 9th. article of the consular convention he thinks it desirable, that all such information, should, if possible be acted upon by the judicial power....
26452From George Washington to James Duane, 13 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 4th & 9th came safe to hand. I thank you very sincerely for the several articles of intelligence contained in them; and shall be happy, at all times, to hear from you when any thing occurs worthy of the moments which must be spent in the communication. My hearty wishes attend your endeavours to accomplish the confederation. It is certainly a most desirable event for us—and a...
26453From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [3 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your request and my promise I sit down to give you my ideas of the defects of our present system, and the changes necessary to save us from ruin. They may perhaps be the reveries of a projector rather than the sober views of a politician. You will judge of them, and make what use you please of them. The fundamental defect is a want of power in Congress. It is hardly worth while to...
26454From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 6 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter accompanying this has lain by two or three days for want of an opportunity. I have heard since of Gates defeat, a very good comment on the necessity of changing our system. His passion for Militia, I fancy will be a little cured, and he will cease to think them the best bulwark of American liberty. What think you of the conduct of this great man? I am his enemy personally, for...
26455From Thomas Jefferson to James Duane, 30 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Osmont, is a young gentleman who was very particularly recommended to me from France, and who very particularly deserved it as he is a young man of extraordinary merit and talents. I take the liberty of asking your advice to him in the following case wherein I am not sufficiently informed to counsel him. A Frenchman of the name of Le tonnelier, who was connected with...
26456From John Jay to James Duane, 6 January 1776 (Jay Papers)
As I intend to leave this City Tomorrow I take the Liberty of sending you the inclosed. I have just rec d a Letter from H.B. Livingston & his Brother John. Harry informs me that his Major has quitted the Service & that his Coll. has also resigned. These Places being vacant I think Harry sh d be made a Lieu t . Coll immediately, for as the Lieut. Coll. continues in the Service he certainly...
26457From George Washington to James Duane, 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had several days ago the Honor to receive the Board’s Letter of the 18th Ulto which I should have acknowledged long since, if I had not been prevented by the hurried and moving state of the Army. I am persuaded Mr Auditor Johnston’s report has but too much foundation and that many Officers have left the service without having previously settled their accounts. This however, has not been with...
26458From George Washington to James Duane, 26 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received with much thankfulness your confidential letter of the 9th Instt, and am greatly obliged by the affectionate expressions of personal regard which are contain’d in it—an unreserved communication of sentiments, accompanying such information as you may be at liberty to give, will ever be pleasing to me, & cannot fail of being useful—In this light I view, & value your last letter; some...
26459Appointment as Delegate to the Continental Congress, 22 July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Poughkeepsie, New York, July 22, 1782. On this date the New York legislature passed the following resolution: “ Resolved , That the Honorable James Duane, William Floyd, John Morin Scott, Ezra L’Hommedieu and Alexander Hamilton, Esquires, be, and are hereby declared duly nominated and appointed Delegates, to represent this State in the United States in Congress assembled, for one Year, from...
26460George Washington to James Duane, [26 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, May 26, 1779. ] Explains why the corps which included Colonel William Malcom’s regiment was not disbanded. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26461From George Washington to James Duane, 14 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The arrival of the Marquis De La Fayette opens a prospect which offers the most important advantages to these states if proper measures are adopted to improve it. He announces an intention of his Court to send a fleet and army to cooperate effectually with us. In the present state of our finances, and in the total emptiness of our magazines, a plan must be concerted to bring out the resources...
26462George Washington to James Duane, 14 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1780 . Proposes that a small committee with all necessary power, rather than Congress, should handle proposed cooperation with French fleet and army. Believes that “we shall probably fix the independence of America if we succeed.” Would like to see Philip Schuyler, Robert R. Livingston, and James Duane on committee. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
26463From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 28 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I with pleasure snatch a moment agreeable to your request to inform you of the events which have taken place since you left us. A York paper of the 24th announces the arrival of the Russell of 74, which parted three days before from Arbuthnot’s fleet, which was of course momently expected. Subsequent intelligence gives us the arrival of the whole fleet. This comes through different channels, &...
26464From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [7 May 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The form of the bill has been changed to day. He is to be paid 7000 Dollars & an annuity for life but the blank is not filled up. Nobody talks of less than 1500 Dollars. The Baron says his contract or nothing; but you & all his friends must join me in telling him that to act upon this would be to act like a boy. This must be done before you leave town. Yr affect & Obling ALS , New-York...
26465From George Washington to James Duane, 19 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The recpt of your letter of the 29th Ulto, and of a former by the Marqs De la Fayette I have the honor to acknowledge and to return you my thanks for them. The contents of that of the 29th are very important. it presents a fair field, capable of yielding an abundant harvest if it is well improved—Skilful labourers are all that are wanting, & much depends upon a judicious choice of them. Men of...
26466From George Washington to James Duane, 15 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely happy to have it in my power to inform you, that Sir Guy Carleton has announced to me his intention, to relinquish the Posts he holds on York Island from Kingsbridge to McGowens pass inclusive, on the 21st instant, Herricks & Hampstead with all to the Eastward on Long Island, on the same day, and if possible to give up the City with Brooklyn on the day following; and Paulus...
26467From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 14 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 10th ins. two days since & with my usual distraction suffered your apple to pass out of my hands and to be lost before it could be seen by the General. But Tilghman and Meade who saw it and pretend to be connoisseurs in matters of this kind laughed at me for my inquiries & insisted that it was nothing more than the common crab-apple and not the least resemblance...
26468Horatio Gates to Alexander Hamilton, James Duane, and William Duer, 5 February 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
I received The packet you Honoured me with by The Bearer Mr. J. Nourse, and immediately forwarded your Letter with The Books to the State Secretary T. Merriwether Esqr. at Richmond, with a Letter from myself, requesting him to Present it to The Committee, that is appointed to attend The General Meeting in Philadelphia. Previous to my receiving your Letter, I had The Honour to receive a packet...
26469From George Washington to James Duane, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you, or some friend in Congress, to inform me what has been, or is like to be done, with respect to my reference of the case of Captn Huddy? I cannot forbear complaining of the cruel situation I now am, & oftentimes have been placed in, by the silence of Congress in matters of high importance—and which the good of Service, & my official duty, has obliged me to call upon...
26470Marinus Willett to James Duane and John Jay, 1 September 1777 (Jay Papers)
In times like these when the most horrid Murders and Affecting carnage are taking place all around us, and when the cruel & inveterate enemies we have to deal with are sticking at nothing to bring about their Diabolical purposses every genuine friend to our injured countrey (among which number I have the most powerfull reason to be convinced you are) will undoubtedly use all their influence to...
26471From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed case of Thos. Norris I first observed in the Aurora, and consider it a duty to have it enquired into,& on obtaining credible testimony, to make it the subject of representations to the British government. as I imagine he must have applied to you with his papers, could you find means to invite him to send me his own affidavit in due form, with as many others as he can procure to...
26472Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 26 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to Col o Duane the two packages which he supposes to be the last. he has found them as correct as the earlier ones, and much more so than the three preceding. should he be mistaken in supposing these the last, some delay may attend any future ones, as he is just setting out to an establishment he has about 90. miles Southward (near Lynchburg ) and probably will be absent...
26473From James Madison to William Duane, 28 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
J. M. prests. his respects to Mr. D. & in answer to his note of yesterday Evening, observes that he is not acquainted with any circumstances denoting that the A⟨r⟩;tillery Lanterns on which the Tinman is employed, may have a hostile reference to the U. States, or justifying an interposition in any form agst. the prosecution of the Job. Should the suspicions entertained by the Tinman have any...
26474From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 8 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By a new arrangement of the post between Washington and Milton, Charlottesville &c it now leaves Washington Monday evening & reaches this neighborhood Thursday morning. consequently […] the Philadelphia papers of Saturday morning arrive here the Thursday morning following, [say] in 4. days exclusive of Sunday. […] they [would] before to be 9. days on the road. I recieved your paper of Saturday...
26475From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 14 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes mr Duane and asks the favor of him to procure & forward to him the following books, which he thinks he mentioned to him in conversation when he had the pleasure of seeing him last, & mr Duane thought he could procure the editions desired Malthus, if an 8vo. edition can be had. Conversations in Chemistry } decent English editions in 8vo. or 12mo. Cumberland’s Memoirs the...
26476Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 4 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17 th ult came duly to hand; and I have to thank you for the military Manuals you were so kind as to send me. this is the sort of book most needed in our country, where even the elements of tactics are unknown. the young have never seen service; & the old are past it: and of those among them who are not superannuated themselves, their science is become so. I see, as you do,...
26477From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 10th. and shall always be thankful for any information you will favor me with, interesting to our affairs, & particularly which may enable me to understand the differences of opinion & interest which seem to be springing up in Pensva., & to be subjects of uneasiness. if that state splits it will let us down into the abyss. I hope so much from the...
26478Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 3 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The intercourse with France being now open, I expect every hour a letter from M. de Tutt Tracy , on the subject of his book. what shall I be able to say to him? is it translated? is it in print? & when may it be expected? on the late change of government, he will probably print the original there, and as it will be instantly translated ours may be anticipated. We are looking to new arrivals...
26479From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 31 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved, a few days ago, a pamphlet on the subject of America, England and the Holy alliance, and read it with unusual interest and concurrence of opinion. it furnished a simple and satisfactory key for the solution of all the riddles of British conduct & policy. while considering and conjecturing who could be it’s author, I happened to cast my eye on the few words of superscription, and...
26480Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 22 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know how the publication of the Review turned out in point of profit, whether gainfully or not: I know it ought to have been a book of great sale. I gave a copy to a student of W m and Mary College and recommended it to Bishop Madison then President of the College who was so pleased with it that he established it as a school book, and as the young gentleman informed me, every copy...
26481Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 24 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sincerely concerned and mortified at the failure of the remittance I had supposed made to you as long ago as March last. I received an account signed ‘ John B. Smyth for W m Duane’ in Feb. consisting of 2 articles to wit the translation 60.D. a year’s subscription for the Aurora to become due May 1 st 16. and on the 18 th of Mar. I desired my correspondents Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond...
26482Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 11 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Such has been the hurry & bustle of the close of a session of Congress & of my departure, which now takes place in an hour that I have not been able to acknolege the re ciept of your letters, but I did what was essential as to the most important one. I consulted with Gen l Dearborne and we concluded that the public service permitted the indulgence and the proceeding which would accomodate your...
26483Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 4 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 14. has been duly recieved, and the MS of the Commentary on Montesquieu is also safe at hand. I now forward to you the work of Tracy , which you will find a valuable supplement and corrective to those we already possess on political economy. it is a little unlucky that it’s outset is of a metaphysical character, which may damp the ardor of perusal in some readers. he has...
26484From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 24 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The address of the Ward committees of Philada on the subject of removals from office was recieved at Washington on the 17th. inst. I cannot answer it, because I have given no answers to the many others I have recieved from other quarters. you are sensible what use an unfriendly party would make of such answers by putting all their expressions to the torture: and altho’ no person wishes more...
26485Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 25 July 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 5 th with the volume of Montesquieu accompanying it, came to hand in due time; the latter indeed in lucky time as, inclosing it by the return of post, I was enabled to get it into mr Warden’s hands before his departure, for a friend abroad to whom it will be a most acceptable offering. of the residue of the copies I asked, I would wish to recieve one well bound for my own...
26486Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 13 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your 3 d packet is recieved before the 2 d had been returned. it is now inclosed , and the other shall go by the next post. I find as before nothing to correct but those errors of the copyist which you would have corrected yourself before committed to the press. if it were practicable to send me the original sheets with the translated, perhaps my equal familiarity with both languages might...
26487From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 16 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you catalogues of the books which are to be imported for Congress and which you desired to have placed under your procurement . I have written to mr Short at Paris and mr Erving at London to superintend the purchase in order that the books & their prices may be such as they approve, and I have inclosed them copies of the catalogues; so that your correspondent will have to obtain...
26488Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 30 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote you my letter of Mar. 28. I had great confidence that as much at least could have been done for you as I therein supposed. the friend to whom I confided the business here, and who was and is zealous, had found such readiness, in those to whom he spoke, as left no other difficulty than to find the bank responsible. but the Auroras which came on while this was in transaction,...
26489Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 19 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his compliments to Gen l Duane incloses him 5 Dollars to be placed to his Aurora account, which he believ es has been heretofore paid up to May 1. 1817 . he salutes him with continued esteem and respect. PoC ( DLC ); on verso of reused address cover of John Vaughan to TJ, 2 June 1817 ; dateline at foot of text; with one word faint and one number rewritten by TJ for clarity;...
26490List of Books for the Library of Congress (London), 19 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
London History Bossuet’s universal history. 2.v. 12mo. Newton’s chronology. 4to. Collier’s historical dictionary. 4.v. fol. Wood’s Athenae Oxonienses The American & British Chronicle of war & Politics, 1773–1783. Lond. 1783. by E.I.S. 8vo. Puffendorf’s introduction to the history of the Universe Salmon’s chronological abridgment of the history of England, in English if to be had. otherwise the...
26491From Pseudonym: "A Democrat" to William Duane, 11 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
we have it in our power to give you, and the president, new information on Burrs expedition, and by handing this letter to him, you will find out the fraud, that has been carried on by the public cash and all is facts, N.B. you may let Mr. Jefferson see this letter if you think proper. but: he ought expel his most violent enemies from public office and appoint his noted friends—as for Gov....
26492From James Madison to William Duane, 21 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 14th: did not come to hand till Saturday, and could not therefore be answered till today. I have caused the files to be searched without success for a communication from Dr. Davis, on the subject of what passed between the Marquis de Yrujo and Mellimelli. It is not probable that any written report to this Department, was made by Dr. Davis, nor is any verbal one sufficiently...
26493Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 20 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a pamphlet on a subject which has, I believe been little understood. I had expected that it’s explanation would have gone to the public thro’ the medium of a trial at bar: but, failing in that, I have thought it a duty to give it through the ordinary medium of the press. I wish it could have appeared in a form less erudite. but the character of the question, and of those for...
26494Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 10 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you on the 24 th of Nov. on the subject of mr Tracy ’s book. a mr Ticknor from Massachusets was lately with me, and being to proceed to Paris within about four weeks offers so safe a conveyance for my letters that I cannot avoid writing to mr Tracy . I have hoped that the delay of your answer was occasioned by some prospect of publishing the work yourself, or of getting it published...
26495Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 9 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long ceased to read newspapers, except a single one of my own state, and that chiefly for the advertisements. perfectly resigned as a passenger to those who are navigating the vessel of state, and with entire confidence in them, I scarcely enquire, or wish to know what is passing. age has relieved me from these cares, and now calls for tranquility & rest. under these circumstances it is...
26496Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 16 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 17. arrived the day after I had left this place on a visit to one I have near Lynchburg , from whence I am but lately returned. the history of England you describe is precisely Baxter’s of which I wrote to you; and if you compare him with Hume you will find the text preserved verbatim, with particular exceptions only. the French work will accompany this letter. since writing...
26497Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 25 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return the translated sheets . you will find in them some pencilled words, chiefly corrections of errors in the copyist. in one part they are something more. having retained a copy of the part I translated & forwarded to you in my first letter , I was enabled to collate that with the corresponding part now inclosed, and I found, in a few instances, changes in the structure of the...
26498From James Madison to William Duane, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. instant having arrived at Washington after I had set out for Virginia, an acknowledgment of it has been retarded to this date. I have long been sensible of the advantage taken of official silence, in propagating false reports for party purposes, and do full justice to your laudable anxiety to see a remedy applied to the evil. There are considerations however which must...
26499From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 4 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of June 5. & 23. came to hand in due time, and according to the request in the last I wrote to the President on the subject of the appointment which was the object of that letter. I apprehend however it may have been premature, as I doubt whether he will proceed to an appointment before the meeting of the Senate. the constitution allows him ‘to fill vacancies which may have...
26500Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 28 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with sincere concern, from yours of the 15 th recieved by our last mail, the difficulties into which you are brought by the retirement of particular friends from the accomodations they had been in the habit of yielding you. that one of those you name should have separated from the Censor of John Randolph , is consonant with the change of disposition which took place in him at...