26551From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd your favs. of the 19th and 20th My Accounts from New York by way of Staten Island agree in the main with yours, and General Wayne just now informs me that he is of opinion that the evacuation of both Verplanks and Stoney points is in agitation. You must exercise your own judgment in pitching upon a position, I have only one general Rule to lay down for you, which is, to...
26552To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 18–19 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Instructions, and other papers relating thereto, I returned to General Knox on Thursday forenoon. And immediately on my return home, after accompanying you out of town, I secured your room in a manner agreeable to your wishes, and took the key into my possession; so that before I had the pleasure of receiving Mr Dandridge’s letter from Chester, the directions contained in it had been...
26553To George Washington from John Keon, 20 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
When Elevated Characters are Solicited to grant the request of their Humble Petitioners the abuse of time and words wasted in Compliments Eulogiums &ca to the great annoyance of the Petitioned in my mind deserves reprehension—From your Excellency’s general character in these Realms without any such frippery or parade I take leave to call on your Excellencys Humanity if possible to direct me. I...
26554Alexander Garrett to James Madison, 19 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
Annexed I send for your approval, my check upon the President & Directors of the Literary Fund, for Five thousand dollars; the last of the present years annuiety. This will be wanting very shortly, to meet the approaching quarter payments to the Professors. Very Respectfully RC (DLC) .
26555From Benjamin Franklin to William Smith, 19 April 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of the 11th Instant, with your new Piece on Education, which I shall carefully peruse; and give you my Sentiments of it as you desire, per next Post. I believe the young Gentlemen, your Pupils, may be entertain’d and instructed here in Mathematics and Philosophy to Satisfaction. Mr. Allison (who was educated at Edinburgh, or...
26556To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
An unexpected demand is made of 40 Waggons & 200 horses, to transport artillery & military stores to the Southward exclusive of what are attached to the troops destined thither. To that number are to be added probably six waggons for quarter masters stores—There is no possibility of furnishing them without taking both horses & waggons from the troops going to the northward. If your Excellency...
26557From George Washington to Joseph Chandler, 21 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By an accidental conveyance I recd some time ago the Representation you was pleased to address to me on the 25 Ulto respecting the apprehension of Lt Stone of the 1st Masstts Regt for the murder of Capt. Hitchcock of the same Regt, having been until then, totally unacquainted with the circumstances of that unhappy affair some time has been unavoidably consumed in investigating & pointing out...
26558To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 23 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The desire which I have of fulfilling my Duty, leads me to make frequent representations to Your Excellency of matters which regard the Service of the Cavalry. What follows is my opinion, and if I am so happy as to find it agreeable to Your Excellencys Views, it will be necessary to carry my Plan into execution as soon as possible. As in all appearance it will be late before we retire to...
26559To George Washington from Thomas William Ballendine, 9 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
Under expectation that appointments are now going on of Officers for the war against the Indians I offer myself for such an one as it may be judged I am capable of doing justice to my active Service as a Soldier is yet to learn, and as an Officer too but as I apprehend the Duty of a Captain to one desirous of being taught is but little more difficult than that of an Ensign, a Captain I would...
26560To James Madison from Richard Taylor Sr., 26 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have for Several years past been in a State of Suspence, respecting Some Claims I have on the General Government. Colo. Rd M. Johnsons friendly attention to me when I was at the Citty, relieved me from much fatigue, I told him my wish to petition Congress for an allowanc to defray the freequent, & expensive Surgical, & medical bills I had to pay, almost every year, on acct. of the old wound...
26561From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 15 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cambridge , 15 November 1775 . “Inclosed you have a Copy of instructions given to Genl Sullivan on his departure for Portsmouth New Hampshire.” LS , in Stephen Moylan’s writing, NjMoHP ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The contents of this letter are nearly identical to the third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of GW’s letter to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., of this date. See Circular Instructions for...
26562To James Madison from Stephen S. Hallet, 9 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to propose to your Excelency what I think an Improvement to the President’s House. It is Montgolfier’s hydraulic ram improved, for which I have lately with a partener, obtained a patent of the United States. Dr. Wm. Thornton examined it Very Carefully, witnessed Some trials and was So kind as to take an active part in the Experiment we have exhibited in the City. As I could not...
26563To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [after 22 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. De Veymerange demeure rüe neuve des maturins— Jai fait Ecrire chez lui monsieur Franklin ainsy que moy, cest Sans doutte par un retour de Politesse qu’il est venu icy. Mr Grand prie monsieur Franklin fils de vouloir bien lui envoyer Les Etats des payements quil a Laissé hier Sur son Bureau. Il à besoin de faire un nouveau travail dessus. See the...
26564From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 26, 1799. “In consequence of the reference to me by the Secy. of War in the letter which you shewed me, respecting Mr. Mangin’s compensation, I give it as my opinion that you pay him the four Dollars per day for the times of his employment which you have heretofore stated to me.… You have informed me that at the time of employing Mr. Mangin you promised him compensation at the...
26565The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Haverford College Library; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have the pleasure of inclosing to you the copy of a letter from General Gates containing the circumstances of a Victory gained over General Burgoyne on the 7th. This event must defeat the main views of General Clinton in proceeding up Hudsons River. He has, it is true, got...
26566To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carter, 17 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Ludlow Farm, 17 July 1791 . He is obliged for the information in TJ’s of the 10th. He will leave it to his son to decide, but his own choice would be for an American education. “The prejudices formerly imbibed, by the Americans…sent to Brittain for an education, I always thought, were too strong, ever to be overcome. But since our Independence, I hope that no such consequences will derive....
26567Ferdinand R. Hassler to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
With the present I have the honor to forward You two Boocks which M r Warden , Consul general of the Un: St: at Paris charged me to deliver to You, & I hoped to have the honor to present to You myself; but an as my mission here is not so near at its end as I expected at that time, the Instruments being not yet near finished as I expected, I take the Liberty to forward them to You to avoid...
26568From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Mercer, December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I called upon you this morning, at your lodgings, to resume and finish the subject of our late conversation; but not having seen you, I have concluded to put what I had to say upon paper. Since our last interview I have perused the papers to which you referred me. They exhibit the affair in a form essentially different from that under which it had come to me; yet they do not entirely free what...
26569To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, c.26–29 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to send you inclosed two letters one from Young La Fayette the other from his Preceptor —They appear reconciled to some further delay. I take the liberty to inclose copy of a letter to the Secy of State respecting Mr Cutting —I do not know upon the whole what sort of a man Mr Cutting is, and I have heared unfavourable whispers—But as to the particular subject of his ⟨claim⟩...
26570To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having this day sent in my Resignation, to Mr. Madison as Commissioner of the Cumberland-Road, I feel that, I owe to you some personal explanation on that head— In the beleif that I could have rendered Services in that business, I undertook the Duty you were pleased to assign me, with great chearfulness, looked forward to its Execution, with much pleasure, and was successfully making my...
26571From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Nationalbibliothek, Vienna I wrote to you per Packet, and also by Mr. Ayres, who goes in Sparks. But I must send you a Line per Capt. Falkener, and another per Capt. Story, if ’tis only to say over again that I am well, and to acknowledge the Receipt of your kind Letters and Presents of Meal, Apples, Nuts, Cranberries &c. I have written to Sally too by Mr. Ayres, My Love to her and all...
26572To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 22 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 18th. inst. in answer to your favor of the 9th. of August, since which I have received yours of the 13th. inst. Mr. A. returned here on the 7th. or 8th. He took up the subject on which you impatiently wait an answer on his arrival, a short letter on which, you must have received before this. However he is still thinking on it, and you will hear more...
26573From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 5th. The operations to the Southward have been of so much longer duration, than was at first apprehended, and no certain accounts being yet received, that have come to my knowlege, induces me to think, that the probability of an attempt against the enemy in this quarter, more especially considering the advanced state of the season, is a...
26574To George Washington from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the Legislature of the United States, appears not to contemplate, either an adequate regulation of the powers of their Consuls, or reward for their services, and the present state of St Dominique, being less favourable to mercantile pursuits, than heretofore, I have reason to think that my return to that Country, would only tend to increase the weight of those Disbursments, which my former...
26575To Benjamin Franklin from Harvard College: Degree of Master of Arts, 25 July 1753 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Franklin’s first academic honor was from Harvard. On July 23, 1753, the President and Fellows recommended him to the Overseers for the degree of master of arts, citing his “great Improvements in Philosophic Learning, and particularly with Respect to Electricity, Whereby his Repute hath been greatly advanc’d in the learned World, not only in Great-Britain,...
26576[Diary entry: 9 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
9. Clear after the Morning and very warm.
26577From John Adams to F. C. Schaeffer, 25 November 1821 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of Nov 19. & for the address inclosed. The Ceremonial for at laying the corner Stone of St Mathews church & the address pronounced on that occasion, were solemn affecting & impressive. You have not in my humble opinion given too much credit to Luther I love & revere the memories of Huss Wickliff Luther Calvin Zwinglius Melancton and all the other reformers;—how...
26578General Orders, 15 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colls Humpton and Gibson, Lt Coll Vose & Majors Furnald and Ball are appointed to repair to the several Hospitals in the middle department; They will receive their orders at the Adjutant Genl’s office tomorrow morning—1st Pennsylvania, Poors, Larned’s, Maxwell’s Huntington’s and McIntosh’s brigades each give a Captain, Woodford’s, Scott’s Weedon’s & Varnum’s each a Subaltern for said...
26579From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for your perusal 2 letters from Mr. Jefferson. I apprehend that his idea of recoining for circulation the Exposè, would be more tardy as well as difficult than he calculates. His letters however are interesting; and may be communicated in such parts as you think proper to Mr. Dallas. I wish them of course to be returned. I see by several papers that a very unfair play is going on,...
26580From James Madison to Henry Hill Jr., 19 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 4th inst, has been duly received and in consequence of its suggestions, I inclose a letter to the Governor of Cuba informing him of your appointment and touching the subject of captures. Your Commission, superseding that of Mr Josiah Blakely at St Jago, you will intimate it to him on your arrival, giving him at the same time to understand, that his removal was the result of...
26581To James Madison from John Hoomes, 10 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am informed that Capt. Twining has a Memorial before Congress. Permit me to inform you that I have reason to beleive that the Setting up a line of Stages from Suffolk to Savannah for the purpose of transporting the Public Mail was the principal Cause of his ruin & I know that his family is now in Great distress. Any Service that you can render him will lay an Obligation on Dr Sir Yr. Mo....
26582To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 27 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having been able to meet with any Havanna sugar I send you a barrel of brown, by Mr. Hendersons boat. Yr. Very humble servt. 246 – 18 – 228 ℔s. @ 88/. £10 – 7. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson esqr.”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Sep. and so recorded in SJL .
26583Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 16th: reached me last evening, with its several enclosures. The three checks on the V a Bank from the Bursar of the University were duely paid, amounting to $1781.57, & I will forthwith proceed to execute your wishes by purchasing a bill on London for the nett sum of $1644, the first of which, together with your letter to M r Williams , shall go by the next ship to London or Liverpool
26584From George Washington to John Hanson, 26 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The following Intelligence I rece’d yesterday from Canada—It being of great importance to the United States and in my Judgement bearing the marks of great Authenticity I think it proper to communicate it to your Excellency and Congress. "Septr 3. 1782—Dispatches are lately received by General Haldiman from the Ministry—the following is what I have collected of the Contents—That a reinforcement...
26585To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 27 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I embrace the opportunity, by Mr: Bingham, to enclose to your Excellency, Copy of a Letter from Mr: Jefferson, by which it appears that we are joined in some affairs which will give me the Occasion to visit Paris once more, and reside there for some little time at least. As Mr: Jefferson will not probably arrive before the latter End of August, and...
26586To George Washington from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794. On 3 Oct., Edmund Randolph wrote to GW: “Mrs Washington’s letter is inclosed in the packet.”
26587From George Washington to Joseph Woodbridge, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 24th of last Month and am obliged by the offer which you have made of the Cannon saved out of the Wreck of the Culladen—such Guns would be valuable to the Continent; but you must know our difficulties in regard to making payment—If you will however let me know your lowest price and longest Credit, I will endeavour to make a Contract with you, on terms which...
26588Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 28 August–4 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 280–82, 295) and excerpts from texts of ordinance printed in JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 961–68, 1153–58. The proper sequence of the PCC folios is 280½, 295, 280, an unnumbered quarter-sheet adjacent to 280½, and 281 and 282. JM’s connection with this ordinance...
26589To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The very obliging manner, in which you was pleased to assure me of the appointment of my nephew Philip Church , and the actual appointment of my relation Captan Hamilton to a Lieutenancy in the Navy, which I just learn from the Marine Department, are circumstances from which I derive much pleasure, which I consider as conferring upon me a personal obligation, and for which I beg you to accept...
26590John Lamb to the American Commissioners, 20 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
After maney little Disapointments, I arrived at Algiers the 25th March and within the term of three or four Days I found that the whole amount of the money in my hands belonging to the publick would not purchas the people who are the unfortunate in consequence of which I Dispatchd Mr. Randall so that your Excellencyes might have the earlyest notice of our matter in that Quarter: in a short...
26591James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
my engagment in preparing instructions, for our ministers at gottenburg , Russia , Sweden , & Paris , for M r Clay & M r Russell to take with them, prevented my answering sooner your favor of the 27 th ult
26592From Benjamin Franklin to the Judges of the Admiralty of Dunkirk, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress By the Declaration and report to me made by the honble. Captain Cottineau de Kerloguen who commanded the Pallas frigatte in the late Cruise of the American Squadron under the Orders of the honble. Commodore John Paul Jones Esqre, Commissioned by the Congress of the United States of America, a Copy of which Declaration, verified by the said commodore, I here with send...
26593Enclosure: William Short to Diego de Gardoqui, 10 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment had the honor of recieving the letter which Y. E. did me that of addressing to me on the 7th. inst. in answer to mine desiring to be furnished with a release from the specified debt due by the U. S. to H. C. M. & in which Y. E. informs me that the debt is much more considerable. I have already had often the honor to mention to Y. E. that my orders were to pay the debt to...
26594Remarks & Occurances in May [1769] (Washington Papers)
22. Returnd home from Williamsburg and found my Wheat much better in general; than ever it was at this Season before—being Ranker, better spread over the ground & broader in the Blade than usual. It was also observable that in general the head was shot out, and in many places in Blossom. 27. Finishd breaking up my Corn Ground at the Mill. 29. Mopsy the Hound Bitch and Truelove another Hound...
26595To John Jay from Benjamin Rush, 2 August 1796 (Jay Papers)
Permit me to request your Acceptance of a Copy of a medical Work which I have just published. It contains some new proofs of the domestic Origin of the yellow fever in our Country, and of Course cannot fail of being interesting to the first Citizen of the state of New York. Until the domestic Origin of the yellow fever in the United States be admitted, we shall always hold, the health,...
26596From Thomas Jefferson to Christian Frederick Michaelis and Others, 4 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The American Philosophical Society having heretofore done themselves the honour of naming you one of their members, the President has been pleased to transmit to me the Diploma made out in the forms used by the society, and authenticated by their seal. I do myself the honour of forwarding it to you and at the same time of assuring you of the sentiments of esteem & respect with which I have the...
26597The Commissioners to Canada to John Hancock, 1 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives After some difficulty and delay in getting thro’ the ice of Lake George, we arrived here on monday last and were very politely received by General Arnold who at present commands in this Post. It is impossible to give you a just idea of the lowness of the Continental credit here from the want of hard money, and the prejudice it is to our affairs. Not the most trifling...
26598Elijah Fletcher’s Account of a Visit to Monticello, [8 May 1811] (Jefferson Papers)
Wednsday 8th I started again for Monticello — Mr Kelly when I g ot t o Char. went with me. When we arrived at the foot of the hill, we wound a side way, circutous course to avoid the steapness in getting the house, which was immediately upon the top of the mountain. We rode up to the front gate of the door yard a servant took our horses— Mr. Jefferson appeared at the door. I was introduced to...
26599To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your’s of this date. The light-companies shall be immediately formed into battalions, and field officers appointed to them conformable to your directions. But a difficulty arrises with respect to Major Reid; the sentence of the court-martial, which is before your Excellency, has not yet been published, & Major Reid is under arrest. If your Excellency should think proper...
26600From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 31 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 19th Instt has been received, & I will answer such parts as require it. The money in your hands, belonging to me, may be lodged in Alexandria, & made subject to Mr William Pearce (my manager) his order. This will answer all the purposes of your coming down, if he is advised thereof—At the sametime write, & transmit me the accts, that I may see who have paid, and who are...