27101From Benjamin Franklin to William Knox, 26 January 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Craven St., Jan. 26, 1771. Is directed by the Georgia Assembly Committee of Correspondence to request the plan of the lands in that province claimed by the estate of Sir William Baker. Please deliver the plan to the bearer, Thomas Life.> See above, XVII , 139 n. Knox’s reply is below, Jan. 29.
27102To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Fournier, 4 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pour répondre a l’honneur de votre demande des cinquante livres de caracterres d’imprimerie que vous m’avez faites le jours de la st. Louis lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler étant avec mon épouse et ma fille, je n’ai pas fait la reflexion de vous repondre que vous ne pouviez pas faire grand choses avec si peut du caracterre dont vous avez gardé...
27103IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
27104[Diary entry: 22 February 1769] (Washington Papers)
22. At Court again & home in the Eveng.
27105George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Du Portail to assist Major General Nathanael Greene in drawing up a report on the defense of the present Army encampment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27106From George Washington to Baron de Frey, 12 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday’s date. After your application to Congress and their acceptance of your resignation, I do not conceive myself at liberty to recommend you to the Rank of Major by Brevet in the American service, because that would imply a new introduction into the Army. Congress have in their Resolve of the 28th November expressed their sense of your Merits and have...
27107To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 24 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteem d of the 21 st has been rec d , covering bill lading for 11 Cases &c: from New York, which have just arrived, & 8 of them already forwarded by a Waggon, to J & Raphael Charlottesville, the other three will follow by first chance. The money you request remitted to J. Thompson, collector of New York, shall go by tomorrow’s mail. Jefferson is here, & I trust will accomplish all his &...
27108From George Washington to Ségur, 4 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I received with much satisfaction the information of your having made an acquisition in this Country, & of your intentions to take up your residence among us. Your letter of the 30th of Sepr giving me this information, did not get to my hands ’till some time in the last month. The United States opens, as it were, a new World to those who are disposed to retire from the noise & bustle of the...
27109George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 3 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1777. Accepts Ward’s resignation. Appoints Major General William Heath to succeed Ward. Df , in writings of H and John Fitzgerald, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27110From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of your two favors of Ocr. 23 & 24. The business of the Treaty with G. B. remains as it stood. A copy of the British ratification has arrived; but the Executive wait, it seems, for the original as alone proper for communication. In the mean time, altho’ it is probable that the house if brought to say yea or nay directly on the merits of the treaty will...
27111Presidential Proclamation, [6 February 1815] (Madison Papers)
Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of...
27112To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Honor of writing you a few Posts since. I now inclose you a Letter which will communicate something agreeable. The Grand difficulty being removed I have now some hopes of seeing you in this part of the World. Personal motives engage me strongly to wish it but public ones which are of more weight seem to require it. By the Vessels, arrived at L’Orient are Letters as late as the...
27113From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
A counter post to Kingston if it can be made sufficiently safe, seems to be a natural provision for the case. But ought not the State of N. Y. to turn its attention to such a call from its exposed Citizens, & to co-operate at least in arming them? Few States are probably more able to do it. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
27114Enclosure: Recommendation of James Leander Cathcart [ca. July 1818], enclosure no. 1 in James Leander Cathcart to Thomas … (Jefferson Papers)
We the undersign’d having a satisfactory knowledge of James Leander Cathcart Esq r either personally, or by character from Gentlemen in whom we place confidence, & from his public character, do recommend him to the President of the United States , & to the heads of Departments, & especially to the Secretary of the Navy , as a fit candidate for the office of Purser or Paymaster of the naval...
27115[November 1782] (Adams Papers)
We were obliged to wait about 2 hours at a Dram Shop out of the city waiting for the gates to be opened. And there Mr. Gummer overtook us. He had left St. Petersbourg the same day with us, at about 4 o’clock. P.M. At seven o’clock the gates were opened and we went and stopp’d at the tavern. Mr. Gummer dined out. I was very unwell. The Count and Mr. Gummer spent the evening out: I was so unwell...
27116To Benjamin Franklin from Bonnefoux, 16 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avés, Sans doute, entendu parler de la Maladie épidémique qui a affligé et qui afflige encore la ville de Toulouse. La frayeur a été Si grande que tous les etudians de l’université ont disparu. La these dont vous aviés bien voulu accepter la dedicasse n’aura donc pas lieu pour Cette année. J’espere que vous voudrés bien nous Conserver pour un meilleur...
27117General Orders, 31 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Every officer commanding a troop or company is immediately to make out his muster-rolls to the first of september, that the whole army may be mustered with the utmost expedition—Officers commanding corps not annexed to any particular division, or brigade, will apply to the muster Master of the nearest division who will muster all such corps. A General Court Martial is to sit to morrow at 9...
27118To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 7 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover missing. In my letter of last week, I mentioned, I believe, the great probability of Mr. Henry’s return to active legislation and my communication to him of the awful crisis, in which America seems to stand, but which his aid might tend to dissipate. As yet I have not received an answer: but I suggested to his recollection the...
27119Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favor’d last evening with yours covering chk: on Farmers Bank for $1059–66 which is at your credit in ℀ as directed— Any dfts: you may have occasion to draw will be honor’d as heretofore— I have this morning procured the 8 Boxes Tin, 3 Bundles spike Rods, & 1 Box Glass 12/18, but could not find, at Smith ’s, or any where else, 12/12 Glass, he is good enough to say he will order it...
27120To John Adams from George Washington, 15 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today. Our want of Men and arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourned the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the General Court) on these heads. They meet again...
27121To James Madison from Edward Coles, 12 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have been shown the original, and permitted to take a copy, of a Power of Attorney, devised with a view of obtaining Soldiers bounty lands, in despite of the provisions of the law, which withhold from the soldier the power of disposing of his land until after he shall have received his warrant, which I take the liberty of enclosing to you, with the hope that you may thereby be enabled either...
27122To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 1 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permitame V.E qe por la Ultima ves, le moleste lleno de Sentimientos; y represente mi desgracia pues no tan Solamente, he venido á este Pais, para Sufrir persecusiones de sus Naturales, sino es de mi paisanos El Cavallero de Irujo á cuyo favor tengo dicho, y hecho lo qe V.E mismo save, y lo qe el tienpo declará, despues de Aver sido Reelecto, me ha reconpensado en perseguir mis pasos, en los...
27123From William Smith Shaw to Joseph Barlow Felt, 28 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had proposed to come & see you on Saturday last but hearing of the dangerous sickness of my Aunt Adams I was induced to visit Quincy. She has been afflicted with a violent bilious fever, which has left her almost prostrate. I came to town last evening. This morning Dr Welsh who stayed there yesterday came to town & informed me that the symptoms were little more favorable but I fear the...
27124From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
It is with no small Concern that I find the Arrangement of General Officers made by the Honourable Continental Congress has produced Dissatisfaction. As the Army is upon a general Establishment, their Right to controul & supersede a Provincial one must be unquestionable: and in such a Cause I should hope every Post would be deemed honourable which gave a Man Opportunity to serve his Country. A...
27125Dabney Carr to Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d by the last mail your letter of July 30 th . The notice now, seems to be perfectly correct—The Deposition shall be taken agreeably to it, & forwarded to you—you were certainly right to leave nothing to Michie s honesty— with respect to the $60. I knew I could get it, at any time; & never finding myself particularly in want of it, did not think it worth while to mention it. We, of the...
27126To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Worthy of your Attention", 16 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paragraphs will manefist to you that the Marquis Yrujo has receivd from his sovereign a confirmation of his appointment, as minister of spain near the U.S.; tho no official accounts have been seen as yet: but this measure may be only a regular and natural proseeding of the spanish Court in favour of the personal honor of their minister and by his humble requests without any...
27127Septr. 20. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Mrs. J. B. Smiths. The old Gentleman, his Son Thomas the Loan Officer, were here, and Mrs. Smith’s little Son and two Daughters. An elegant Break fast We had of fine Hyson, loaf Sugar, and Coffee &c. Dined at Williams’s, the Sign of the Green Tree. Drank Tea, with Mr. Thompson and his Lady at Mrs. Jacksons. Walked with Mr. Duane to General Dickinsons House, and took a Look at...
27128From Thomas Jefferson to Quesnay de Beaurepaire, 6 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never expressed an objection to the part of your plan relative to the theatre. The utility of this in America is a great question on which I may be allowed to have an opinion, but it is not for me to decide on it, nor to object to the proposal of establishing one at Richmond. The only objection to your plan which I have ever made, is that contained in my letter to you. I feared it was...
27129To John Adams from Elias Boudinot, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Being on a Visit at this place, I am solicited by Mr John Pintard to introduce him to your knowledge. He means to apply for the office of your private Secretary in the room of Mr Malcolm, who he is informed has resigned— I am well acquainted with Mr Pintard and have been so from his Infancy, and can with pleasure recommend him in the strongest Terms— His liberal Education, knowledge of several...
27130[Diary entry: 25 September 1771] (Washington Papers)
25. Dined at Doctr. Stewards and went to the Play and Ball afterwards. Dr. George Steuart (d. 1784) was a member of the Maryland council and one of the two judges of the proprietary land office who issued land warrants and decided land disputes. A Scotsman, he had been educated at the University of Edinburgh and had immigrated to America in 1721. His wife was Ann Digges Steuart, sister of...
27131To Thomas Jefferson from Theodore Foster, 1 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been informed that you have appointed or are about to appoint Pierpoint Edwards Esqre. of Connecticut, Minister from the United States to the Court of Spain.—I have Reason to beleive that it would be agreeable to him that Thomas Lloyd Halsey Junr Esq. of this Town should accompany him as Secretary of the Embassy;—and being well acquainted with Mr. Halsey, I hope not to be considered as...
27132To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 26 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
In a letter addressed to Col. Monroe, then Secretary for the Department of War, in February last, I took the liberty of recommending the propriety of calling the Indians, North-West of the River Ohio together in council and the distribution of some presents among them. The object, was two fold, first to conciliate them and secondly to keep them together as long in the season as possible for...
27133To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have inclosed for Your Excellency papers of Intelligence No. 1 & 2, the former via Kingsbridge, the later from Long Island—On Wednesday I expect to see a Person from below, whose information I think will be important, & very shortly I hope to have the Cantonments of the Enemy on Long Island. With respect to the paper No. 2, I beg leave to make a few Observations for Your Excellency’s...
27134To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Gibson, 9 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We have to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 5th. Inst. inclosing B.notes for Three hundred & fifty dollars—We have paid Mr. Murchie Two hundred & forty three dollars 28 Cents being the Amount of the two sums mention’d in your letter with Int. for the amount paid on Account of McGehee we enclose you Mr M’s duplicate receipt—We received a few days ago advice from Philada. of the Nailrod...
27135To Thomas Jefferson from Jean François Briet, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur d’écrire à Son Excellençe le 15 Court. relativement à Mr. Peter Dischong, et elle apprendra directement de Nantes par mon ami à qui j’ai écris le même jour, de quel païs il est natif. Mais comme j’apprends aujourd’hui que Mgr. de Calonne vient d’ordonner la restitution de la Marchandise suivant et Conformément à l’ordonnançe qu’avait rendu Mr. L’Intendant de la provinçe, mais...
27136From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I know not whether you are acquainted with the Bearer of this Letter Samuel G. Perkins Esqr, or his Lady a Daughter of the aged and Honourable Stephen Higginson Esqr. Mr Perkins was one of my Associates in the Board of Trustees and Visitors. We have thought it, a fortunate Opportunity, Politicks apart, to Send your Sons with Mr and Mrs. Perkins, and their Son about Johns age, and especially as...
27137From Thomas Jefferson to Chiefs of Nations, 11 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My Friends and Children, Chiefs of the Osages, Missouris, Kansas, Ottoes, Panis, Ayowas, Sioux, Poutewattamies, Foxes and Sacs Your visit to us at this place has given me great pleasure and I am very thankful for your having taken the trouble of so long a journey for this purpose. But I hope it will turn out as useful to your own people as to us. I lament indeed the loss of several of your...
27138To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In order the better to Satisfy my self with regard to the Strenght and number of the Enemy’s fleet I came here about an hour ago, I find from a very Intelligent person formerly <a> Captain <of> a merchant Ship, that the Number of Ships at the Hook this morning was about 130. fifteen of their Capital Ships 10 or 12 frigates, they began to Weigh Anchor about nine oClock this morning. when I came...
27139To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 11 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
It is, in my mind, an Age since I had the Honor and the real pleasure of a Letter from you—on my part, nothing shall interrupt a Correspondence, that I so highly esteem, but my Dissolution, or your deeming me unworthy of it. The situation we are, & have been, in, for these three last years, in this Kingdom has partly altered my Line of public Conduct, particularily as the People had obtained...
27140From John Adams to John Jay, 28 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
An Agent from South America, was not long Since arrested, at Rouen in France, and has not Since been heard of.— another Agent, who was his Associate, as I have been told is here, and has applied to Government, for Aid. Government, not in a condition to go to War with Spain declines having any Thing to do with the Business. but if Application Should be made to rich Individuals, and profitable...
27141From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have transmitted you a letter to Samuel Adams Welles Esqr. in Boston as you desire This gentleman is a singular character he is I believe the only surviving male of his Grandfather the late govenor of Massachusetts Samuel Adams who never had but two children a son and a daughter; his son who bore his name died early a surgeon in the army of the Revolution—without issue; his daughter married...
27142To George Washington from David Stuart, 11 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
As I have at length made an agreement with Mr Alexander, which will be binding, if it meets with your approbation, I shall endeavour to give you every information in my power, to enable you to judge of the propriety or impropriety of it —I informed you in my last, that I had little expectation of effecting any with him, as he had receded so far from his original proposals, as to demand a...
27143To James Madison from William Jones, 21 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the court martial in the case of Lieut Sevier and upon reflection I think it will be better to remit than to reverse the Sentence and will be in conformity with General Pinckneys letter. Indeed as he has confirmed the sentence though stayed the execution I believe there is no other regular course but to remit. If you think to please say at the foot of the...
27144From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry: Secret as the Grave., 18 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Looking over your Letter again, I find several Things unanswered. I should be Sorry to think that Mr. D. was the only vote against me. I had rather believe it was Some other State, than that this Gentleman voted vs. from a personal Pique founded on so futile an Affair, So innocently intended and so unlukily divulged, as the only semblance of anything personal between me and him. In public...
27145From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 28 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 15th: instt. came to hand last Evening and I thank you for the remarks it contains—Shortness of time, now prevents me from replying to them so fully as I should wish—My principal object at present is to inclose for your perusal a bill, which has pass’d the House of Representatives, and is now before the Senate “to regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels”—The...
27146Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 15 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
After your having been three months in the City of Philadelphia at this season of the year I think our good Friend the President and you must want some relaxation, and the sea air for a few weeks will be gratefull to you. as we are agreeably situated near the river I dont feel the want of it. where ever you are I wish health and happyness to attend, and hope you will return perfectly recovered...
27147[Diary entry: 22 December 1771] (Washington Papers)
22. Raining in the Night and most part of this day being tolerably warm. With but little Wind and that Southerly. At home all day alone.
27148To George Washington from Wills Clift, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I think it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with an unlucky circumstance, Since my Command at this Post, which has Produced the greatest Anxiety and most disagreeable feelings of Mind, I have ever experienced Since my being a Soldier. Mr Abram Lott having obtain’d Permission from Governor Livingston, to go to New York, apply’d to me for a Flagg, which was granted—Agreeable to your...
27149To James Madison from James Simrall, 29 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 July 1812, Shelbyville, Kentucky. Is authorized by the Kentucky volunteer cavalry regiment to offer their services to march as soon as possible “to Canada or any other point where our Services may be wanting.” This regiment “is upwards of 400 strong they are well acquipt in everry thing but arms.” Has been informed by Col. John Allen that his regiment was named in Allen’s letter to JM. He...
27150To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 11 November [1785] (Jefferson Papers)
11 Nov . [ 1785 ]. Extend dinner invitation to TJ and David Humphreys for that day on the part of Chalut de Verin of the farmers-general; they are to be at the Place Vendôme at two o’clock. D’Estaing will also attend. The Abbés are grateful to TJ for forwarding the letter from Adams. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; dated “Vendredi lle. 9bre.”; addressed.