26651From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 27th past, enclosing the Resolve of Congress relative to Mr T. Morris’s Papers. The Trunk said to contain them was deposited with me by W Lee Esqr. on Acct of his going to Germany. One of the Seals you mention was broken in bringing it to my House, and I got him to put on his own Seal instead of it. In this State it remains,...
26652Report on Proposed Convention with Spain Concerning Fugitives, 22 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state having had under consideration the expediency and extent of a Convention with Spain to be established for with respect to fugitives from the United states to their adjoining provinces, or from those provinces to the United States, Reports to the President of the United States the inclosed Analytical view of the motives and principles which should govern such a...
26653Dabney Carr to Thomas Jefferson, 29 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d last evening your letter of the 19 th ins t . Accept I pray you, my best thanks, for it’s contents—they are perfectly satisfactory— If I could ascertain with certainty, that Girardin in his continuation, of Burks history, has taken that notice of my father , which you suggested to him; I should doubt, whether it ought to be repeated, in M r Wir t’s book—in conveying to him, the...
26654To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 22 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing to add to the letters just sent you by the way of Baltimore but the enclosed note just recieved —from this you will find that the construction given to the second article of the convention differs materially from ours & will if supported greatly narrow the ground of our claims. You will also see in it rather an evasion of the points I have pressed them upon than an answer to...
26655Franklin’s Account of His Audience with Hillsborough, 16 January 1771 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Almost exactly three years earlier, on January 20, 1768, Lord Hillsborough had become Secretary of State for the American Colonies. Franklin’s initial attitude toward the new office and the man who filled it had been favorable, but disillusionment had soon set in. Hillsborough had ordered troops to Boston, had opposed total repeal of the Townshend Acts, and...
26656From Thomas Jefferson to Anna Jefferson Marks, 12 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letters from Virginia inform me of your marriage with Mr. Hastings Marks. I sincerely wish you joy and happiness in the new state into which you have entered. Tho Mr. Marks was long my neighbor, eternal occupations in business prevented my having a particular acquaintance with him as it prevented me from knowing more of my other neighbors as I would have wished to have done. I saw...
26657Friday April 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
The Marchioness appointed two o’clock for us to be at her Hôtel. We dined at half after twelve, and were in the Rue de Bourbon at two, but it was too early. Mrs. Rucker, Mr. Jefferson, Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, Mr. West, went all with us. At about half past three we went from the Marquis’s hôtel and by the time we got to the Pont Royal, both sides of the quay were so amazingly crowded...
26658From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 3 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress M. Gontier de Biran, who will have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is strongly recommended to me by Persons of Merit and Distinction at this Court, as a Gentleman of Family, and of excellent Character for his Morals, Prudence, and Attention to the Duties of his Profession as a Soldier. He is desirous of improving himself in that Profession, under...
26659From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Flour began to move from hence last night and will be sent on as quick as the Waggons come in. There will be five or six hundred Barrels. You will be pleased to have Boats immediately sent down to Kings ferry to receive it upon its arrival there. The account of the Fleet mentioned in mine of the 1st instant seems to have been premature: The Officer stationed at Elizabeth town has made...
26660[Diary entry: 18 February 1769] (Washington Papers)
18. Went a hunting with Doctr. Rumney. Started a fox or rather 2 or 3 & catchd none. Dogs mostly got after Deer & never joind. On this date GW paid Rumney for his medicines and visits during the past 12 months: £4 18s. on his own account and £19 6s. 6d. for Patsy Custis ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. ,...
26661To George Washington from Lieutenant General James Robertson, 29 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Perswaded that you are inclined rather to promote than prevent the Civilitys and Acts of humanity which the rules of War permit between civilized Nations, I find no difficulty in representing to you that several letters and messages sent from hence have been disregarded, are unanswered, and the flags of truce that carryed them detained—As I ever have treated all flags of truce with Civility &...
26662From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Reed, 3 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your acceptable present came duly to hand. Tho I had not the happiness of a personal acquaintance with your excellency, I never needed evidence of the propriety of your conduct on any occasion. A circumstantial development however of Governor Johnstone’s essay cannot but have good effects in satisfying the world at large, that the same pure spirit of patriotism which produced this revolution,...
26663George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Instructs Maxwell to march to Camp when Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons reaches the Sound. Informs Maxwell that part of the clothing for his men is at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26664From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required. The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We...
26665From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 1 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters, dated the 29th Ulto, have been received. The enclosures for the several Printers, to whom they are directed, are franked; and will go with this, and other letters to the Post Office this afternoon. I do not think it would be amiss to add Hartford, in Connecticut (a paper of extensive circulation altho’ I do not recollect the name of the Editor of it) and some Gazette in North...
26666Benjamin Waterhouse to James Madison, 14 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
Here send for your acceptance a production of early life, being my inaugural oration, when inducted into the office of Profr. of the Theory & Practice of Physic in this University, nearly half a century since. On recollecting the labour & study it cost me, at that time, I have spared it from the flames with a few other papers. I have no hesitation in saying, that if it be not classical, it has...
26667To George Washington from Baron de Frey, 11 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform your Excellency that the Honorable Congress has been pleased, by their Resolve of the 28th November last, to accept of my Resignation, and as I had the Honor to serve in the army of the United States four year and upward, and conducted myself on all occasions as becometh an Officer of honor, as appears by the Several Certificates from the general officers under...
26668General Orders, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs. For duty the 2d Jersey regiment. The New building being so far finished as to admit the troops to attend public worship therein after tomorrow, it is directed that divine Services should be performed there every Sunday by the several Chaplains of the New Windsor Cantonment in rotation and in order that the different brigades may have an opportunity of...
26669General Orders, 12 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A careful subaltern from each brigade is to repair this day to the last encampment of the army, to collect and take care of the sick and conduct them to Reading—These officers are to apply to the regimental Surgeons for information where to find the sick of their brigades—Every motive of duty and humanity requires the most exact attention to this order—Drs Draper and Campbell, at Mr West’s...
26670From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill vacancies which have taken place in the late military appointments—to-wit— Rank . Names . States . Brigadier General Rufus Putnam Territory of the United States North West of the Ohio—vice Marinus Willett, declined. Captains of Cavalry Jedediah Rodgers New York—vice John Craig, declined. Henry Bowyer Virginia—vice Lawrence Manning, declined. Lieutt of...
26671To James Madison from Francis Taylor, 23 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 January 1796. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 21 Feb. 1796 , and in Francis Taylor Diary (Vi). Concerns Taylor’s claim for Revolutionary service and encloses a memorial to Congress.
26672From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
26673To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to the President’s direction, the Secretary of State respectfully offers the following notices of matters appearing to him proper to be communicated to Congress, at the opening of their approaching session. “It appearing probable; from the information I had received, that our commercial intercourse with some ports of the Island of St. Domingo might safely be renewed: Conformably to...
26674From 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...
26675To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I send you letters from General Jackson which give an account of a victory truly glorious. It will be well to send them to Gales, except that which I have marked to be retained—unless indeed so much of the letter of the 9th. as relates to the conduct of the Kentuckey militia should also be retaind, tho I do not see how it can be, as similar statments will soon force themselves on the public RC...
26676To George Washington from Lund Washington, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of 20th Novmbr I have recieve’d. I am uncertain whether the People got by Cleveland to Value his improvements made upon your Land, was appointed by the Court or not, but If I remember right they were swore by a single majestrate, he has a Certificate of the Valuation, (but whether an order of Court appointing them or not I forget) sworn to, I will enquire more particularly into it...
26677[Wednesday, September 25. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday, September 25. 1776. Two Letters from General Lee; one of the 24th. of August to the President, the other of the 27 of the same Month to the board of War, both dated at Savannah, being received, were read. Congress took into Consideration the Report of the Board of War, whereupon Resolved &c. These Resolutions fill two Pages of the Journal. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds.,...
26678[July 1782] (Adams Papers)
This morning I went to the English Library and took out 1. volume of the preceptor, and thrée of Clarissa. Rained all the afternoon. Robert Dodsley, The Preceptor: Containing a General Course of Education. Wherein the First Principles of Polite Learning are Laid Down . . . for . . . the Instruction of Youth . . . , 2 vols., London, 1748; and Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa; Or, The History of a...
26679To Thomas Jefferson from Elnathan Haskell, 23 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
When I was in France I made sale of 30,000. Dollars American Funds bearing interest from the 1st. day of January 1790. to Mr. Robert Pigott. From some arrangements made afterwards in the Treasury department, I have never been enabled to transmit the exact sum. At the time of Contract I deposited with Messrs. Boyd Kerr & Co. Bankers at Paris, for its fulfilment on my part, a certificate for...
26680To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collyer, 31 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have had the Honor already to apply for a Commission of War as explain’d in the obligation here annex’d. My ship being Just ready to be launch’d, I hope you will be pleas’d to transmit it immediately after the Receipt of this; directed to the Care of Mr. Penet. Could my services prove in any line acceptable both to you and the Public, Please to Command,...
26681Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, [29] January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 9 th was 19. days in it’s passage to me, being received yesterday evening only. and now that I have recieved it, I wish that I could answer it more to your satisfaction. I must explain to you my situation. when I retired from office at Washington my intimacy with my successor being well known, I became the center of application from all quarters by those who wished...
26682To James Madison from the Marqués de Someruelos, 7 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From the Marqués de Someruelos. 7 September 1805 . By the schooner Rose , Capt. [ illegible ] Bolton, received on 8 July JM ’s letter of 11 June with a copy of another written to the marqués de Casa Yrujo, both relating to JM ’s complaint about the seizure of the frigate Huntress , which is said to have been by a Spanish privateer, while the Huntress was carrying munitions to the...
26683Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has Determined to appoint immediately two Cadets to each regiment, and he has directed me to request from the several Commandants a special recommendation of two young gentlemen for the purpose. You have nominated different persons, from time to time, as cadets severally: but [it is now wished that you should make a selection of two whom you prefer.] The Secretary of War...
26684To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 15 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Of my recruits that have been Landed to day, at Boston, there are 400. men, in a condition to do duty and 260 attacked by the Scurvy. These 400. men will arrive here on Saturday, they shall be incorporated on Sunday, and Monday 18 I shall set off with the Regiment of Bourbounois. The horses for the artillery and the Waggons are arriving from different places and I hope that the movement of...
26685To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, Baron de l’Aulne, 17 [December?] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Turgot accepte avec grand plaisir la proposition que lui a fait faire Mr. Franklin par Mr. Quesnai de St. Germain de le dedommager Samedi du plaisir dont les engagemens de Mr. Franklin le privent pour Vendredi. Toutes les occasions de voir Mr. Franklin luy sont precieuses, et il est impatient de temoigner aux amis de la liberté sa joye de leurs succès....
26686From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 7 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Peale and sends him a recruit for the fund of his grandson of fifty dollars in an order of the US. bank here on that at Philadelphia. he will take care to do the same monthly, and if at any time it shall be necessary to enlarge it, he will do it on the first intimation recieved from mr Peale. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
26687Thomas Jefferson to Chapman Johnson, 7 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I was unwell during the last session of our district court , or I should have seen you there and delivered to you the inclosed for your kind assistance in the case of Michie’s Certiorari on the proceedings of forcible entry; and I was not without a hope that your business might have given you leisure to take a dinner or an evening with us which will always give me pleasure. I had a...
26688To George Washington from William Pearce, 28 February 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 28 Feb. 1796 . On 9 March, GW wrote Pearce: “I did not receive your letter of the 28th Ulto, until eight o’clock last night.”
26689To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 13 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
By the letter, which i lately received from you, i find myself indebted further for that kind attention to me, to prove which you never suffer an opportunity to pass unheeded. I am endeavouring to satisfy the inquiry of the Tagliaferris, near Florence, about their emigrant kinsman, according to Mr. Fabbroni’s desire. At present i incline to think that this person was he whom Buchanan, rerum...
26690From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 6 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Army having taken its position for the Winter in the Vicinity of this place you will repair hithe[r] as expeditiously as possible to take charge of and issue the Cloathing which has been stopped here—The four Massachusetts Brigades at West point and the New Hampshire Brigade at Danbury, having recd their proportion of the Cloathing at Newberg you are to apply to the Quarter Master for the...
26691From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 21 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind Letter of Decr. 30 and above all for the gift of a precious vol—It is a chain of diamonds set in links of Gold—I have never heard or read a volume of sermons better calculated or adapted to the age and country in which it was written—How different from the sermons I heard and read in the town of Worcester from the year 1755 to 1758 As my destiny in life has been some...
26692From John Adams to John Adams, 2 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have received two pretty Letters from you, and know not how to account for my own delay in answering either of them till this Time. That of the 21st of January is now before me, and is dated. Give my Love to your Brother, and tell him, he forgot to give any date to his. For your Comfort and Georges too, I can tell you, that you write as well as your Father did at your Age. But what a Writer...
26693To James Madison from William Plumer, 24 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
As the important office of collector of the duties on imports for the district of New Hampshire is now held by Joseph Whipple Esq, a man of more than eighty years of age, & as public interest seems to require the appointment of a successor, permit to recommend Lt. col. Timothy Upham to your favourable attention, as a gentleman well qualified, & whose services merit that office. He was bred a...
26694To James Madison from Anthony Merry (Abstract), 28 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
28 May 1805, Washington . “When I had the Honor to reply on the 12th: of April to your Letter of the 9th: of that Month which, among other Things, related to the Impressment, by His Majesty’s Sloop Busy, of Martin George from the American Schooner Henrietta; I mentioned that I should not fail to write immediately respecting that object to the Commander of that Sloop’s Superior officer. “I have...
26695[Diary entry: 1 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Monday first. Rid to the Fishing landing and to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole; perceived the Siberian Wheat at the two first had come up thinly which I attributed partly to bad seed and partly to too thin sowing as the Oats and Barley at all three were also too thin and where the ground had been wet, and hard baked none appeared. Set them to drilling the common Corn...
26696From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter dated the sixth of February last, and was very much delighted to see it so well written; because I know that it was written by yourself.—I have marked it down, number one, and put it upon my file—When your next letter comes, and I hope that will be soon, I shall compare the hand-writing with that of number one, and shall see what progress you make in writing. I...
26697Enclosure: Packing List from John Barnes, 7 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The following packages on Board the Sloop Rebecca for Richmond Jn o Hall Master. One Barrel Muscovado Sugar N t 2 1 4 2—
26698General Orders, 21 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Genl Gates Colonel Swift Major Throop Brigade Major Walker Quarter Master Williams For duty tomorrow the 3d Connecticut & 6th Massachusetts regiments. The hospital & regimental surgeons will immediately make to the Director exact returns of all the Medicines, instruments & Chests, on hand. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
26699To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 26 January 1806, Amsterdam. “In transmitting the within [not found] I avail myself of the occasion to mention that notwithstanding all my efforts to inspire in the minds of the publick Officers a due confidence in the truth & purity of the Bills of Health which our Vessells bring from the UStates they have not been received as evidence & our Navigation has of course...
26700To James Madison from Thomas H. Palmer, 10 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Knowing that you feel an interest in whatever relates to the improvement of the rising generation, I have taken the liberty of sending you a few copies of a plan of education for a small class of young ladies, which I flatter myself will be found an improvement on the prevailing systems. Should you coincide with me in opinion, after a perusal of the “Outlines,” it wd. confer an obligation on...