26591From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to Genl Howe of the 16th Instant, proposing an Exchange between Genls Lee and Prescot. I dispatched it early the next morning and presume it got to hand on the 18th. As yet, I have not received his Answer. The amazing advantage the Enemy derive from their Ships and the command of the Water, keeps us in a State of constant perplexity and...
26592From George Washington to Lieutenant General William Howe, 17 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I would beg leave to recall your Attention to the proposition for the Exchange of prisoners, to the several Letters I have lately written on that subject, and to inform you that I have not recd such officers in Exchange as were requested by me. I am persuaded Sir, that this Mistake has arisen from Mr Commy Loring’s Zeal to facilitate the Business, but I would at the same time desire, that you...
26593To George Washington from James Madison, 18 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Recollecting to have heard you mention a plan formed by the Empress of Russia for a comparative view of the aborigines of the New Continent, and of the N.E. parts of the old, through the medium of their respective tongues, and that her wishes had been conveyed to you for your aid in obtaining the American vocabularies, I have availed myself of an opportunity offered by the Kindness of Mr...
26594From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 16 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives It was intended by the Commissioners to write a joint Letter to Congress, but I am afraid the Opportunity may be missed. This may serve to inform that Propositions of treating have been made by us to all the Powers of Europe, according to our Instructions, and we are waiting for their Answers. There are Apprehensions here of a War between the Emperor and Holland:...
26595To James Madison from Josiah Weston, 5 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
Capt David Leslie informed me about fifteen days since that Mr. Eli Haskell had sollicited him to join his party consisting of himself and James Washburn Joseph Howland & his Son Frances Howland & Stephen Merrihew for the purpose of procureing the depositions of them selves & others to effect my removal from the Collectorship of this place & obtain the appointment of John Hawes & the office of...
26596To James Madison from John Cotton Smith, 23 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 February 1804 , “ Committee-room .” “I am directed by the committee of claims to transmit to you the petition of William Eaton, late Consul at Tunis, and the documents accompanying it. The committee are strongly impressed with a belief that the case comes fairly within executive cognizance, and of course that no legislative interference can be necessary. If you entertain the same view of...
26597From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
In a former letter I hazarded an opinion that the true history of the American revolution could not be recovered, I had many reasons for that apprehension, one of which I will attempt to explain. Of the determination of the British Cabinet to assert and maintain the sovereign Authority of Parliament over the Colonies, in all cases of Taxation and internal policy. the first demonstration which...
26598Mary Jefferson Randolph’s Visit to Montpelier, 30 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
“My visit to Montpellier last week my dear sister prevented me from writing. […] I accompanied [Martha Jefferson Randolph] as far as Mr Madisons. […] I was much pleased with Montpellier and think both the house and situation delightful, I found too, much amusement in looking at the endless variety of pictures, statues, and engravings, with which every room is crowded and in walking over the...
26599James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 15 August 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July was duly recd. The recollections it so kindly expresses are very gratifying coming from one whose friendship I have always valued, & to whom I have been often indebted for attentions useful to me. I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility & harmony in our public affairs: which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party...
26600To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 29 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived at Rochfort Two Days since after Forty Three Days passage from York in Virginia, and came here last Evening to Visit a Friend. The length of Our passage, has prevented my being the Bearer of any News from America, later than what you are already acquainted with, for which Reason I shall take Nantes in my way and pass a few Days there with Mr....
26601Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Depositions in Jefferson v. Rivanna Company, [ca. 31 May–1 June 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
Colclaser . 9. bason 100.f long. dble width at lower end single width at upper. the spring valley would hold 4. times as much water as their bason. from from the corner of the mill house to this spring branch is about 40 f 13. the floor of Upper chamber 20.I. lower than the floor of the forebay. 14. the shoal occasions the want of double water to get through. the gates have steadily leaked...
26602To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 9 February … (Hamilton Papers)
Amsterdam, February 9, 1795. Concerns the foreign debt of the United States. LS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. This letter is incorrectly addressed to H as Secretary of the Treasury. He resigned from that position on January 31, 1795, and was succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, Jr. See H to George Washington, January 31, 1795 ; Washington to H, February 2, 1795, note 1 .
26603To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the Peculiarity of my Situation requires an immediate Explanation with Congress, I have it in Consideration to proceed to Philadelphia, taking the York and Jersey Lines in my Rout. It is unnecessary to inform your Excellency of the Circumstances which render this Measure indispensibly necessary; your own Observations will prevent me the Pain of recapitulating them. A Delicacy due to my own...
26604William P. Newby to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
you found on my return that I had not Stated the number of Hogs kill’d we ware not done killing at the time the return was filed. I now present to you the number with the total w t N o 1. 40 Hogs w t 4.967 N o 2. 22 do w t 1.838
26605From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 21 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 21, 1791. On April 4, 1791, Carrington wrote to Hamilton : “The private letter which you was so good as to accompany your Official communication with.…” Private letter not found. ] H to Carrington, March 21, 1791 .
26606To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 18 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mercerau arrived late last night with the inclosed. He says the Fleet lay yesterday morning within the point of the Hook, he beleives taking in both Wood and Water. It is most certainly Rodney. The passports for the Flag came out last Evening, that from the Navy is signed in the following particular manner: Geo: Gayton senior Officer in the absence of Sir Geo: Rodney who is at sandy Hook. A...
26607To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 30 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22. de ce mois concernant la resolution du Congrès du 18. mars dernier. Je vous ai déja prévenu que mon intention n’étoit aucunement d’analiser cette resolution en tant qu’elle est relative aux Citoïens des Etats unis, ni d’examiner si les circonstances en légitiment ou non les dispositions. En vous écrivant avec la...
26608To James Madison from William Shippen, 23 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving a line of the 2nd. Current from the Secretary of the Treasury stating the measure of caution that he had adopted in consequence of a report of the Paris Police which had reached your department to the prejudice of Mr. George Howell. Respecting our Institutions for the preservation of every right I can not but wish that a fair opportunity may be given to Mr. Howell...
26609To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sim Lee, 15 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Arrival of our Express with your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th. this Moment received gives us an Opportunity of informing you that all the Transports with the Troops from Elk got safe into Harbour on Tuesday Evening. The next Morning at day Light two Ships apparently British of the rate of eighteen and twenty eight Guns came to an Anchor opposite to the Mouth of our River Severn, at 12...
26610To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Colo. Biddles Letter to me upon the distressed state of the Forage Department. Our Cattle for this ten days past have not had one half the necessary allowance of Forage. The Resolution of Congress prohibiting the use of Wheat and the Restrictive Laws in the several States, in the Neighbourhood of Camp, renders it impossible to subsist the Cattle, unless some further aid can be...
26611From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 20 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Am favour’d with yours of the 16h and am to thank you for the promise you make of assisting the Commissary in procuring flour for the use of the Army. I Am glad to find the Indians are coming in to court our Friendship, and I dare say the proper steps will be taken to secure their Interest. It will be dangerous for them to come near the Army, as it is much infected with the small Pox. I...
26612To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 1 October 1770 (Washington Papers)
I much wish’d to have accompany’d Jack, but cannot: & what is worse, We part on an Uncertainty, which may be disagreeable. I have some Thoughts of setting off for St Mary’s this Week; & if I do get away, I can hardly expect to return again till I remove finally, which cannot well be sooner than the latter End of next Month. So that, if I do not come by Mount Vernon, Jack needs not come hither,...
26613To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I did not receive the letter, with which you honored me this morning, until my return from the Statehouse at 4 O’clock this afternoon. I determined last night, not to communicate with Mr H——s; because I suspected his own opinion to have a wrong tendency; and I have not been always satisfied, that his conduct has not savoured of management or perhaps cunning. Mr Madison, who knows the other...
26614To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The art of secret writing, or, as it is usually termed, writing in cypher , has occasionally engaged the attention both of the states-man & philosopher for many ages; and yet I believe it will be acknowledged, by all who are acquainted with the present state of this art, that it is still far short of perfection. A perfect cypher, as it appears to me, should possess the following properties.—...
26615John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have a Letter from you which has called forth the few remaining sparks of my attenion to politics— Were my own mind at ease, I should at the present time enter more than ever into the spirit of speculation upon public affairs. The prospect is really glorious; but it is perhaps impossible, at least for a man whose patriotism is not tinctured with more heroism than mine, to consider the...
26616[Diary entry: 3 June 1796] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear & warm with but little wind and that Southerly.
26617From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 15 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
I purposed, so soon as I understood you intended to become the Publisher of a News Paper in Philadelphia to request that a copy of your weekly production might be sent to me. I was the more pleased with this determination, when, by a letter from my friend the Marquis de la Fayette, I found he had interested himself in your behalf. It has so happened, that my Gazettes from Philadelphia, whether...
26618From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Letter was brought to me by the young gentleman in whose behalf it was written. He had other respectable recommendations addressed to you, which he has doubtless forwarded: His personal appearance does not make against him. He therefore stands in fair comparison with the other candidates to be taken into view, and who are better known to you than to me. The accounts by the Jno....
26619To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, [22] May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Ministre des affaires Etres. de la République françoise vient de m’informer par sa dépêche du 10. mars dernier que les officers municipaux de la ville de Dunkerque ont fait retirer les bouées qui indiquoient les passages dans la rade du port de cette ville. Vous Jugerés sans doute M., qu’il est très instant de prévenir les navigateurs americains de ce changement. Dft ( DLC : Genet Papers);...
26620To James Madison from Jacob Brown, [31 December] 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your friendly letter of Novm: 7th. for which I beg you to accept my thanks. The pursuits of agriculture, in which I was brought up, have ever been my favorite employment; and I look forward with great satisfaction to the time when they will engage my sole attention. The institution of the agricultural society of this county was an object which I had much at heart; and I feel...
26621Decr. 28th. 1762. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Cranch last fryday night discovered some Instances of his skill at a Bargain. He agreed to give Greenleaf £120 old Ten or for his Chaise. The Chaise is old, the Leather damnifyed thro careless Usage, the Wheels almost ruined, the spokes being loose &c., but G. asked that Price and he could not beat him down, he could not ask him to take less, because G. was poor, and it would look like...
26622From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
The Apostle Paul in the 11th. Chapter and 5th. Verse, of his Epistle to the Hebrews, Says “ Πίστεί ἐνωχ μετετέθη τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον· καὶ οὐχ εὑρίσκετο, διότι μετέθηκεν αὐτον ὁ θεός. πρὸ γὰρ τῆς μεταθέσεως αὐτου μεμαρτύρηται εὐηρεστηκέναι τω θεῶ .” The Apostle Jude, in the 6th. Verse of his Epistle, Says, Αγγέλους τε τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν εαυτῶν αρχὴν, ἀλλὰ ἀπολιπόντας τὸν ἴδιον οἰκητήριον,...
26623Thomas Jefferson to Peyton Randolph (d. 1828), 26 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Before the reciept of your letter of the 16 th I had recieved one from mr Delaplaine requesting answers to the same enquiries made in yours, and I had accordingly prepared and was about forwarding them to him. the difference of age between your uncle & myself admitting admitted my knowing little of his early life, except what was accidentally caught from occasional conversations. I was a...
26624To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 19 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The first time I wrote you Since you have been in France was in the greatest hurry with my Bunnet on Just going a Journey. Which is the only one I Can ever hear you have Received which incorages me to imbrace a nother moment in allmost as great a hurry Just to tell you we are well Spoues and Family and Friends. Except our Dear mrs Mecom Who for a fortnight...
26625From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Randolph Lewis, 10 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your kind offer of the bed; and would avail myself of it as freely if I had occasion, but the goodness of my neighbors with some little provision of our own has placed us at our ease as to that article. I accept with due sensibility your friendly congratulations on my return, and it would be the wish of my heart that it were to remain here, where all my affections...
26626The American Commissioners: Receipt for an Installment of a French Loan, 3 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons reçu de Monsieur d’harveley Garde du Trésor Royal sept cent cinquante mille Livres The third quarterly installment of a 3,000,000 l.t. loan extended by the French government the preceding November ( XXV , 207–8). The previous payments were made on February 28 and May 19: account XII (described in XXV , 3). Joseph Micault d’Harvelay, keeper of the...
26627To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 28 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am Honoured with your Excellencys letter of the 21st Current Inclosing the Copy of a Petition from Sundry Canadian Prisoners at Hartford —Some parts of the Petition is True, others are Doubtfull, Whether those Canadians ware actually in Armes, or in the Batteau Service when Taken Prisoners at Discretion by Col: Brown I can not Say; nor is it of Any Consequence, as they them Selves own that...
26628To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 30 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, November 30, 1793. On January 22, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letter of the 30th of November last.” Letter not found. ]
26629[Diary entry: 24 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
24. Clear & pleasant Morning but cloudy & cold afterwards.
26630Thomas W. Griffith to James Madison, 16 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
As the subject of the remarks contained in the inclosed may not be unacceptible to you, I respectfully submit them; and hope they may give occasion to a further exposition of your views on the powers granted the Federal Government, in relation to Commerce and Manufactures. I claim no other right to give the public my opinion, than that which may be derived from years, and it cannot, I trust,...
26631To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Donnally, 29 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s Instructions I have held a Court Martial to enquire into the Delinquencies which have happened by Persons of the Militia neglecting to perform their Tour of Duty, the Number of Delinquents here are few; and am at a loss how to have them Marched to the place directed to, in your Instructions, as no person here will undertake to perform the Duty upon the Terms...
26632William Fleming to Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you by mail the rattle of a snake which cap t Mann , who presented it to me, said was six feet and a half long; and, from the length of the rattle, I have no doubt but his information was correct: tho’ I do not recollect ever to have seen one more than four feet.— Inclosed you have a lil l y of the Allegheny mountain ; but it is so much withered as to have lost its fragrance: and I much...
26633To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 15 November 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): British Museum I wrote you the 6. Inst. acknowledging the Receit. of your very obliging Packet of June 8th. and mentioning the Use I have made of your Letter &c among some of the leading Men in our H. of Represent. in whom I could confide. They agreed with me that your Principles were incontestible, your reasoning clear and conclusive, and supported by History and Fact. The King...
26634From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 23 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored by your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th instant—and thank you for the Communication of Genl Green’s of the 10th ulto—I think he need not be much alarmed on Account of the movement of the Legion—from the present Situation of the Enemy, I am persuaded no Reinforcement will be sent from N. York to Carolina. I am equally impatient with your Excellency, for Intelligence from...
26635Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having received any acknowledgement of my Letter of the 26th Septr, transmitting the Copies of two resolutions of the house of Representatives of the 21st of the Same month; and conceiving the information which relates to the debts of the Several States, and the public securities of the union in their Treasuries, to be an object of a very important nature, I have the honor to inclose...
26636To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am now sick with a fever and almost blind with sore Eyes. I only write this Leter to apoligize for not writing. Mrs Greene who will have the pleasure of delivering this letter embarks to day for Philadelphia. Her health is so much improved I am anxious to get her to the Northward notwithstanding my own situation. Mrs Greene will deliver your Excellency a Green silk embroidered pattern for a...
26637William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your very friendly Letter , & I really feel ashamed at putting you to the necessity of writing for the Paintings you were so kind as to lend me to copy;—but still more so to offer any apology for not immediately sending them: however I must do it, for they are yet here. The Head by Stewart I really think one of the finest I ever saw, & having commenced it, I was in hopes of...
26638General Orders, 29 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Cortlandt[,] Lieutenant Colonel Mentges[,] Brigade Major Hand’s Brigade At the General Court martial whereof Brigadier General Hand was president Captain Alexander Mitchel of the first New Jersey Regiment was tried for “Ungentlemanlike behavior in stabbing Lieutenant Burroughs of the same regiment with a hanger and for repeating the Blow in a cowardly...
26639To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 6 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society My last to you was by the Mercury, Capt. Robinson, in which I promised to remit you by the next Vessel; and accordingly, you have inclosed the first Copy of a Bill of Exchange for One Hundred pounds Sterling, (the second Copy of which I have sent by Capt. Troy Via Dublin) the Exchange as you will see by the Bill 64, The Receipt of which you will...
26640General Orders, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Chambers was President June 2nd 1778—Captn Stake of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for propagating a report that Coll George Nagle was seen on the 15th of May drinking either Tea or Coffee in Serjeant Howcraft’s tent with his Whore, her Mother, the said Howcraft and his Family to the Prejudice of good Order & military discipline. The Court having...