26801To John Adams from Thomas Pinckney, 10 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity of acknowledging your Excellency’s favors of the 21 st. of April by M r Miller and the 22 nd of the same month by M r. Heyward which were yesterday handed to me.— The intelligence they contain of attempts to counterfiet our paper Currency in Great Britain will I hope by putting Us on our Guard enable us to repell the threatened mischief. At the same time that...
26802From George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday afternoon the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th with a copy of the Act of the 8th of March and the Report referred to. It might have been better on the score of supplies and some other considerations, if Captain Wilkie’s company had been annexed to the 11th pensilvania Regiment; but as this was not done—and as the arrangement both of Spencer’s and Hubley’s...
26803To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper gives, it is alledged, the sequel of the battle of the 18: of June, between Bonaparte and the Allies. The report, in the extent stated, is doubted here; but I think it probable, that Bonaparte’s repulse will produce something like a test of his popularity at Paris. I have written to Mr. Crawford, but no answer has been recieved. It may be, that he is on his way to visit you....
26804To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 26 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I find upon enquiry that the State of New York did in the year 1800, obtain credit, under the several acts of Congress respecting the fortifications of harbours, for a sum of 222,810 dollars, by that State expended in fortifying the islands in the harbour. The accounts &c. will be transcribed by to morrow and transmitted to you so as to enable you to make an official answer to the House— With...
26805To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 28 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am obligd to You for a letter the 14th Instant. My writing to You is from the motive of making You acquainted from time to time with any material movement or particular news from this quarter, which may be interesting or serving in any way the business you are engagd in; Your particular situation must put it out of your power to write when even you may wish to do so, and I by no means expect...
26806From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 15 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had, last Evening, the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 11th and immediately forwarded the Packets for the Marquis de Vaudreuil and Monsr de L’Etombe. I am happy to hear that your Excellency has recommended a plan for the protection of these Coasts, it will be of infinite advantage to the common interest, should effectual measures be taken to cover them from the depredations...
26807To Benjamin Franklin from J[ohn] C[arroll], 18 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you allow your fellow traveller to and from Canada to take the opportunity of a vessel sailing from his neighbourhood to renew his assurances of esteem and respects, and to congratulate you on the recovery of your health, which I have the pleasure to hear is now in a good state, after all your labours and fatigues? It is a great pleasure to me to...
26808II. Notes on Cost of Shipping Rice, &c., 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Riz vaut dans ce moment £14. à £14.5s. de Nice Le cantare qui est composé de 150. lb soit de 6 Rubs de 25. ℔ chaque. Le Rapport du poidt de Nice à celui de Marc doit etre calculé sur le pied de 25.℔ de Nice pour 16 ℔. de Marc de manière que le cantare soit quintal de Nice de 150 ℔. est equivalent à 96 ℔. de Marc. Le louis d’or de france de £24. vaut £25 de Nice en marchandise. Estimate of...
26809To George Washington from Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 14 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 5 de ce mois avec l’intelligence que vous avez recue de Newyork. Je serois infiniment obligé a Votre Excellence si vous voulies bien prendre la peine de vous informer quel est le nombre et la force des Vaisseaux qui restent a Newyork, quels sont les 14 qui ont mis a la voile, la quantité de provisions dont ils sont...
26810To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798. On 4 July GW wrote Lear : “I have received your letter and A/c of the 2d Instt.”
26811To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 March 1806, New Orleans. “The Carrier of the Mail of the United States, from hence to Fort Stoddart, by the way of the Lake, is now in my office, and reports—that, on his arrival at the Town of Mobile, he waited upon Governor Folche, who informed him that the mail would not be permitted to pass by water—upon which the Carrier asked and received permission to...
26812From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 20 October 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11th . has come duly to hand. Before it’s receipt I had carried the purchases of James river shares, for Mr. Short nearly to the extent intended, and had determined to go no further, as I learn that the company is aground and will not have funds to complete the canal, without raising a very large sum (£10, 000 it is said) either on the old shares or by selling new ones, which...
26813To James Madison from John Henry Purviance, 19 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you a short letter on the 10th. instant, merely to acquaint you with Mr. Monroe’s departure from this on the 8th. and of the favorable prospect of his landing speedily in Holland. I have not yet received that intelligence, tho’ I hourly expect it. I am now to inform you of the receipt this day of your dispatch of the 20. of July, enclosing various correspondences,...
26814From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
26815From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 21 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. was recieved on the 18th. and this goes by the return of the first post, that which brought it not affording time for an answer. No. 2. in the draught mr King was so kind as to send me is exactly what Dr. Thornton explained to me as the original design except that he did not mention the two middle rows of trees, but only the two outer ones on each side: and, omitting...
26816Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 13 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
but I was thinking so much of Quincy, that I mechanically dated from thence; when I sent Letters for Louissa Mrs Brisler &C by yesterdays Mail; I could not get time to add a line of my own; being engaged in writing to Berlin by the British packet. Since my last to you, I have received a Letter from mrs Johnson inclosing Letters to her, both from mr & mrs A—at which I rejoiced. she has thought...
26817To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 21 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I suppose Majr Lewis informed You that the Valley at the mouth of Pattersons Creek did not extend above 800 yards from hill to hill. I went up to Ashby’s and Saw Mr Boyd pay the men—He sold us some Liquor for our Detachmt as the weather was Cold, and we found that three months pay was due to some of his Men whilst others were paid off to the 4th inst. I really do not like the mouth of the...
26818To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with your instructions, William Liddle was indicted, in the Circuit Court of the United States, for an assault and battery, upon Don Ignacio Peres de Lema (a gentleman discharging the duties of the Secretary of the Legation from Spain) under the 28: section of the Act of the 30. of April 1790. At the trial, the Counsel for the Defendant urged, 1o. That, on the evidence, Don de...
26819To Thomas Jefferson from William Linn, 8 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel honored & obliged by your communication of the 5th instant. I have lately formed a table of the Indians within the territory of the United States, in which I have followed yours as to the arrangement, spelling, & lists of the numbers of the warriors. I have added an anonymous list published 1797, & a column marking their languages. I have inserted the Weeas & Eelriver, finding them...
26820Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 27 June 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Instead of the unintelligible sketch I gave you the other day, I send it drawn more at large. mrs Monroe & yourself may take some hints from it for a better plan of your own . this supposes 10.f. in front, and 8.f in flank added to your sills. a flat of 12.f. square is formed at the top, to make your present rafters answer, & to lighten the appearance of the roof. Affectionate and respectful...
26821Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Tis almost four Months since you left your Native land and Embarked upon the Mighty waters in quest of a Foreign Country. Altho I have not perticuliarly wrote to you since yet you may be assured you have constantly been upon my Heart and mind. It is a very dificult task my dear son for a tender parent to bring their mind to part with a child of your years into a distant Land, nor could I have...
26822To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Girault de Kéroudou, 12 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dans Le recueil de M. Le President Rolland, que J’ay eû L’honneur d’envoyer à votre Excellence, il Se trouve une dissertation sur L’emplois de La Langue française dans Les inscriptions, Les traités, &c. L’autheur desirant y faire Les Changements et Les additions Convenables, me Charge de recourrir à vos Lumieres pour Sçavoir si Les delibérations de votre...
26823To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 31 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 15. de ce mois; Le développement quelle renferme des idées que vous aviez bien voulu me communiquer de bouche, m’a paru très interressant, et je n’ai pas différé à la transmettre à Mr. le Controleur Général, au département de qui la matiere ressortit. J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincèrement, Monsieur, votre très humble...
26824From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 11 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 12th. of March, and again on the 17th. of the same month, since which I have received your favor of January 24th. wherein you refer to copies of two letters, also to a paper No. 1. supposed to be enclosed in that letter: but there was nothing enclosed. You speak particularly of several other letters formerly forwarded, but not a single one was ever received of later date...
26825John B. Colvin to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg you to accept the accompanying volume of “ Historical Letters .” I confess I am ashamed of the typographical execution of the work, the badness of which is chiefly to be attributed to its being published to the South of the Potomac . It is a reproach to that part of the United States that so useful an art as that of printing, should be there so much neglected, in point of embellishment,...
26826To James Madison from William Jarvis, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last respects of the date of the 26th. Inst. covering a dispatch from Mr. Pinckney was ⅌ the Brig Washington, Captn. Dyer via Provincetown in Massa ts. I have now the honor to inclose another from him which I recd. at the same time. The following is an extract of a letter from Mr. Gavino dated 9 Novr. “You will have heard of the American Ship Prosperity of Philada. being ordered out of...
26827To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 10 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance my brother Robert, who is one of the representatives of the county of Nelson in the next Legislature. He is on a visit to the University, to inspect the plan & condition of that noble establishment, & will be much gratified in the opportunity, which a personal interview will afford, of learning the views of it’s patron & founder.— MHi .
26828To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Castaing, 30 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Lorsque Je partis de L’amerique, Il y a pres de deux ans, Monsieur le general Gates M’honnora d’une lettre pour votre Excellence, laquelle J’ai differé de vous faire parvenir par le desir que J’avois d’avoir l’honneur de vous la presenter Moy-Même; Mes esperances Sont vaines, et Je suis a present sur mon depart pour Saint Domingue. Monsieur Du Portail, et Monsieur le Chr. de la Luzerne,...
26829To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment recd a letter from Majr Lee who has been on the Lines for several days in order To make what Discoverys he Could. his letter Your Excellency has Inclosd togather with two Nuse papers. I have Accounts from long Island Last evening. that very Nearly agree with that of majr Lees. but as it was not through the proper Channil from whence I expected it I did not give Credit to it,...
26830To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary that you should be acquainted with the following information received this day from Doctor Hutchins who set out from Fort Washington on the 17 of February and arrived at George Town in Kentuckey 12 Miles from Lexington on the 19th and remained in several parts of Kentucky among which two days were passed in Lexington which he left on the 24th of Feby. From the best of his...
26831To Thomas Jefferson from James Jackson, 9 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying on your goodness to excuse this intrusion on your time, I beg leave to interest myself in behalf of Brigadier General Wilkinson—That Gentleman by his conduct on the Frontiers of Georgia and at the late Creek treaty, has won the affections of I may almost say, all the Citizens of that State—Had the other Commissioners acted with the same Zeal and candor which guided the General, there...
26832To John Adams from James Ronaldson, 16 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
In the generation that follows the Heroes and statesmen of the Revolution, General Andrew Jackson is a most distinguished character, one who has laid aside all personal consideration when the interest of his country required the sacrifice. Under the belief that there exists a fellowship of feeling between strong minds; men who acted on the theatre of War & politics; when , life and reputation...
26833Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 25 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
As I passed through Nantes in my way to Bordeaux I received a letter from M rs. Barclay wherin she mentions your Intention of going to England Next Month, and that you wish’d to see me before you set out. I have three public accounts of Consequence to settle at Bordeaux, and shall the Moment they are finish’d proceed home. you will oblige me by letting me Know by a line, addressed to the Care...
26834To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 11 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
Although I formerly had the Honor, of being personally presented to your Excellency, when an officer of the army of the United States—I apprehend my Charecter was not Sufficiently distinguished; to entitle me to your recollection at this distant period—I must therefore rely on your Benevolence, to pardon the liberty I now take, in offering to introduce myself to your Excellencys notice and...
26835To George Washington from William McWhir, 24 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Patronage and Bounty has so very essentially contributed to the growth and respectability of our school, that it would be highly blamable and imprudent in me, who am supported by it, to think of undertaking any thing which might have the smallest probability of injuring it, without taking the liberty of consulting you. Especially as your approbation or disapprobation of the measure, would...
26836[Diary entry: 6 October 1795] (Washington Papers)
6. Do. N. Wt. clear cooler.
26837From George Washington to William B. Harrison, 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
It has often been in my mind to ask, (if your tenements near my Mill are not under leases already) whether you would be inclined to let them to me, for a term of years? for what term? and at what Rent? I can assure you, most sincerely and candidly, that it is not because I want these tenements, that I make this enquiry; but to be relieved from Neighbours who are really a nuisance; and who...
26838To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After several little turns in the mode of conveying you notice of your election, recurrence was had to the precedent of leaving the matter to the Senate, where on the casting vote of Mr. Adams, the notification was referred to the President of the U. States, in preference of the President of the Senate. You will see in the papers the state of the votes, and the manner of counting and...
26839To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 8 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 February 1805, London . No. 49. “I had the honor to receive in due course your letter of Novr. 24th. 1804 directing me to make application to the British Admiralty for the discharge of Joseph Trowbridge and inclosing regularly authenticated Documents to prove his Citizenship. “I am sorry to inform you that the ship on board of which he is detained having sailed on a foreign station, their...
26840To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 5 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a communication from General Cocke, enclosing Mr. Shorts letters, on the subject of Doctr. Jones, also your letter with Mr. Browns and Mr. Bruces. I wrote to you a few days since, from this place, informing you, that doctr. Patterson had declined being a candidate to for the chair of Nat. Philosophy, in our University, and giving you an extract from his letter,...
26841VI. Committee Report on Petition from Nova Scotia, 9 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
Proposals. That two Battallions of Marines be raised consisting of one Collonell, two Lt. Collonells, two Majors &c. (officers as usual in other Regiments) that they consist of five hundred Privates each Battalion, exclusive of Officers. That particular Care be taken that no Persons be appointed to office or inlisted into Said Battalions but such as have actually Served in the Merchant Service...
26842From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 December 1806 (Adams Papers)
Last Evening I received your’s of the 14th: which makes me anxious to hear from you again—Your sore throat and George’s cough will keep me upon thorns untill I hear better tidings of you—I am perhaps the more susceptible on this subject from the heavy calamity so recently befallen the family here.—It is vain to lament or to anticipate—and would be vain to attempt expressing what I feel. The...
26843To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 20 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
G. Jefferson sends the box of hinges &c by the Stage agreeably to Mr. J’s direction. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
26844To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of my letter, Chevalier de Lambert, a French gentlemen, will do himself the honor to wait upon you, and I beg leave most earnestly to recommend him to your Excellency’s kind patronage.—You know, my dear General, I have ever been averse to the introduction of foreigners in our army, and since I am in France I have been deaf to every application of that sort. In the present instance,...
26845To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Milet l’aîné, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, and Other Applicants for Emigration … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Beginning in March, 1784, Franklin was able to send would-be emigrants copies of his “Information to Those Who Would Remove to America,” which he had printed in English and French versions. The draft reply to Milet l’aîné, which he wrote at the top of Milet’s letter and presumably gave to L’Air de Lamotte to translate, is our earliest evidence of his having...
26846From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 3 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Dr. Edwards, a citizen of the US. proposing to visit London, I take the liberty of presenting him to you. Tho I have not the honor personally of a particular acquaintance with him, yet his reputation, and the recommendations I receive of him from several persons and particularly from Colo. Burr and Doctor Rush authorise me to ask your attentions and good offices to him with...
26847To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1803 , “ Frigate Adams at Sea .” No. 11. Wrote in his last letters (nos. 9 and 10 [ 24 and 25 July ]) that he was drawing on the State Department for $20,000 “in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli.” Believes “it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit.” Also...
26848Charles Adams to John Adams, 13 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the eleventh yesterday. M rs Smith has quite recovered from her illness and is doing very well Our electioneering campaign was opened in due form last monday that is to say that The Freeholders of this City were called together to hear who were the men whom Ric d Harrison Rob t Troup and Josiah Ogden Hoffman would chuse to have made Gov r and L t Gov r of the State....
26849From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
26850To James Madison from John Armstrong, 6 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have but two motives in transmitting to you the enclosed papers: 1st. to prevent you from suffering, as I have done, by a mis-placed confidence; & 2d. to justify myself against the insinuation that I acted, in the case of Mr. W. with unreasonable severity. Beyond yourself however I do not wish this evidence to go, because I do not desire to take from him that degree of character which may be...