28701William Barret to Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with yours of the 5 th ins t handing me an order on Cap t Bernard Peyton for $750 which has been paid and will be placed to your credit on the bond— I am very sensible of the difficulty experienced thro’ out the Country in raising money at this time, and feel much obliged by the arrangement you have made to place me in possession of the balance due on your bond—Nothing I assure...
28702From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th came to my Hands Yesterday. The Want of some very necessary papers, which were expected from Philadelphia, by yesterday’s post, puts me under the necessity of proposing to your Excellency, that the meeting of the Commissioners may be postponed, until Wen ’s day of next Week; at which time, I hope, we cannot fail to be ready to proceed to Business. I am...
28703From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Yale University Library M. Franklin a l’honneur de faire mille Complimens à Monsieur Vicq-d’azir, et le prie de vouloir bien lui envoyer le Rapport de Messrs. Andry et Thouret sur les Aimans présentés par Mr. L’abbé le Noble, il lui en sera infiniment obligé. Il desireroit aussi savoir si la Société Royale continue toujours à faire imprimer chaque Année la Collection de ses mémoires, qu’il...
28704From John Adams to Stephen Moore, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
An Address from Seven thousand two hundred and Ninety four Men, a Number Sufficient to compose a respectable Army, giving Assurance of their Approbation of Public Measures, and their Determination as Men and Soldiers to Support them, with their Lives and Fortunes, must be a pleasing Appearance to every Lover of his Country. There is no Part of the Union from which, such Sentiments could be...
28705[To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Necks, 17 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ London, 17 Apr. 1786 . Entered in SJL as received “while in London.” Not found; see entry for TJ’s reply, 18 Apr. 1786.]
28706Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tessé, 8 December 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
While at war, my dear madam and friend, with the Leviathan of the ocean , there is little hope of a letter’s escaping his thousand ships; yet I cannot permit myself longer to withold the acknolegement of your letter of June 28. of the last year , with which came the Memoirs of the Margrave of Bareuth . I am much indebted to you for this singular morsel of history which has given us a curtain...
28707To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 10 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Two Bills which I have the honor to inclose you for Acceptance were sent me by Edward Bird Esqr: of Philada: with orders to procure payment for the same, unless I had advice that Major Peter Scull was arriv’d in France.— The firsts of these Bills were deliver’d to Major Scull & the seconds were forwarded by the Diana, which Vessell I understand is...
28708Thomas Jefferson to Burgess Allison, 29 November [1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Sir , for the pamphlet you have been so kind as to send me on Naval architecture. retired from the business of the world, enfeebled in body by age & relaxed in mind I cease to interest pay attention wherever I can be excused from it. the improvement appears probable and beautiful, and I wish well to every thing which may better the condition of man, and to nothing more than what...
28709The Warning No. II, [7 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Independent of the commands of honor, the coolest calculations of interest forbid our becoming the instruments of the Ambition of France, by associating with her in the War. The question is no longer the establishment of liberty on the basis of Republican Government. This point, the enemies of France have ceased to dispute. The question now is whether she shall be aggrandized by new...
2871014th. (Adams Papers)
Spent the day very much like the two former. We have destroy’d almost all the birds within five miles about: I am reduced to neglect the improvement of the mind for the sake of the body. This is as dull and insignificant a manner of doing away a man’s life, as any that could possibly be invented.
28711Memorandum to John Trumbull, 5 February 1795 (Jay Papers)
M r . Sibbald of upper Harley Street, is sollicitous to obtain Information of relative to M r . Hesilriggs late of Boulogne in France, sent to arras by order of the Convention with other English Gentlemen— Endeavour to learn whether he be dead or alive Deliver M r . Collets Letter to M r Dubignon Endeavour to learn whether the wife and Family of M r the Swedish Consul at Marseilles are well— M...
28712To Thomas Jefferson from Goltz, 2 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Cte. de Goltz reçoit tout à l’heure les exemplaires de l’Acte de La Virginie, que Monsieur Jefferson a La bonté de lui envoÿer et s’empresse de Lui en faire tous ses remerciemens et de renouveler les assurances de Sa consideration distinguée pour Lui. RC ( MHi ); without indication of the year, but presumably 1787, since TJ was at this time still distributing copies of the Virginia Act for...
28713From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 3 October 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in Benjamin Vaughan, ed., Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces . . . Written by Benj. Franklin . . . (London, 1779), pp. 555–6; copy: D. A. F. H. H. Hartley Russell, on deposit in the Berkshire Record Office (1955); copy: Library of Congress I wish as ardently as you can do for peace, and should rejoice exceedingly in co-operating with you to that end. But every...
28714[Diary entry: 10 June 1798] (Washington Papers)
10. Morning—Wind pretty fresh from No. Et. but clear—Mer. 70. Very lowering in the Evening—Mer. 66. Doctr. Stuart returned, & Mr. Lear dined here.
28715Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tessé, 27 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had last the pleasure of writing to you, I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of 1809. June 12. & Oct. 9. & 1810. March 24. with the first came the seeds of the Paullinia or Koelreuteria, one of which has germinated, and is now growing. I cherish it with particular attentions, as it daily reminds me of the friendship with which you have honored me. yours of Octob. 9. mentions...
28716To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 6 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received at this place your letter dated from Philadelphia of December the 25th for which and allowing Lieutenant Campbell going to New York I return you, Sir, my very sincere thanks. I lament from the bottom of my heart at there being so little likelyhood of an Exchange of Prisoners of War, the cause of humanity is deeply interested in it, and the injury both sides receives should urge...
28717From George Washington to John Sullivan, 4 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Armand deliver’d me your favor of the 29th Ulto last Evening & I thank you for the sevl communications contained in it —The measure adopted by Congress of appointing a Minister of War—Finance—& for Foreign Affairs I think a very wise one. To give efficacy to it, proper characters will, no doubt, be chosen to conduct the business of these departments. How far Colo. Hamilton—of whom you...
28718To George Washington from John Kilty, 23 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave once more respectfully to present myself to your Excellency among the Candidates for the Collectorship of the Port of Baltimore, made vacant by the death of General Williams, and to lay before you the enclosed Letter from the Chancellor of Maryland, which with the Testimonials I had the honour to transmit on a former occasion, must form the whole foundation of my hopes on this...
28719To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 13 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to acquit myself of my duty, in congratulating you, upon your appointment to the honourable charge of Secretary of State, of the United States of America, and which I do with so much the more Satisfaction, our new worthy President having fixed his choice, upon a Man, who has already for a long time so laudably employed his abilities in the service of his Country; I do at the same...
28720From John Adams to Richard Price, 20 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I last night received your friendly letter of March the fifth: and am happy to find that I have a place in your remembrance. There are few portions of my life that I recollect with more entire satisfaction than the hours I spent at Hackney, under your Ministry, and in private society, and conversation with you at other places— The approbation you are pleased to express of my Speculations on...
28721To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 28 July 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society During the short stay my mother made here I could not find time to write a letter, therefore I hop’d my verbal acknowledgments would be accepted, yet I did not intend my pen should neglect it’s duty. I really am much oblig’d to you for the trouble you took to gratify me, and notwithstanding the frequency of my obligations to you I always have great pleasure...
28722To Thomas Jefferson from Inhabitants of St. Albans, 21 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At a numerous Meeting of the inhabitants of St. Albans, (Vt.) duly warned and holden, May 21st, 1808, for the purpose of adopting such measures as should be thought proper relative to the all of Congress of the 12th of March last, prohibiting all commercial intercourse between the Citizens of the United States, and the adjacent territories of foreign powers: and also, relative to the...
28723To George Washington from John Hancock, 17 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit you sundry Resolves of Congress of a very important Nature, to which I beg Leave to solicit your Attention. The Congress having had your Letters of the 1st and 6th Inst. under Consideration, have come to the enclosed Resolve on the Subject, by which you will percieve they decline making any Alteration in the Resolve of the 6th January, and that it was not their...
28724From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly handed your favor of the 5th Inst. this morning. When the pay masters come up here, they will be ordered to be paid up to the 1st of April. I have taken measures with the quarter master general, to prevent any delay in the execution of my orders of march. I inclose you answers to the questions; which you will put into the hands of your spy. He may be instructed to say, that he sent...
28725Indenture with Thomas Green, 9 November 1790–14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and enterd into this ninth day of November Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety between Thomas Green Joiner & House Carpenter of the one part and George A. Washington for and in behalf of the President of the United States on the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Green for the wages and other considerations hereinafter expressed doth agree and...
28726From George Washington to Robert Cary & Co., 1 May 1759 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosd is the Ministers Certificate of my Marriage with Mrs Martha Custis—properly as I am told—Authenticated, you will therefore for the future please to address all your Letters which relate to the Affairs of the late Danl Parke Custis Esqr. to me. as by Marriage I am entitled to a third part of that Estate, and Invested likewise with the care of the other two thirds by a Decree of our...
28727From Benjamin Franklin to Giuseppe Doria Pamphili, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Archives of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide Mr. Franklin assure de son Respect son Excellence le Nonce, et lui envoye Copie de L’Instruction du Congrès qu’il a eu l’honneur de lui communiquer hier—avec une Traduction qu’il a paru desirer. Written by L’Air de Lamotte. BF enclosed a copy, made by BFB , of the second paragraph of the May 11 congressional instructions ( XLII , 222) and a...
28728To James Madison from the Citizens of Ashtabula County, Ohio, 26 April 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1813, Austinburg. “At a meeting of a respectable number of the inhabitants from Several towns in the County of Ashtabula State of Ohio, holden in Austinburg on the 12th day of April 1813. The Hon. Eliphalet Austin was called to the chair, and Joseph M. Case Sec’y. “Resolved, unanimously, that we consider the declaration of war, under the then existing circumstances, unwise and...
2872925. Monday. (Adams Papers)
At Colledge, a very rainy, morning, at 11 o’Clock Disputed from the question assigned us last tuesday But on which we Did not then Dispute By reason of Mr. Mayhews Being employed in taking an account of the Books and other things, Contained in the Library in order to the Printing a new Catalogue thereof. Joseph Mayhew (1710–1782) , Harvard 1730, tutor to the Class of 1755, had served as tutor...
28730From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 31 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The two last letters received from you bear date on the —— and 30th September, so that we have been now four months without hearing from you. The last from me to you was dated on the 16. day of January, giving you information of the transfer of Louisiana on the 20th of December by the French Commissioner Mr Laussat to Governor Claiborne and Genl Wilkinson the Commissioners appointed on the...
28731From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 25 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
The great question was “Whether Writs of Assistants, were legal, or illegal; constitutional or unconstitutional”? “Writs of Assistants”! You will indignantly say. “What are Writs of Assistants”? “I understand no more about Writs of Assistants, than about ‘ The great question ’.” I believe you; and will endeavour to give you Some hints. When the British Ministry received from general Amherst...
28732To James Madison from Richard Riker and Others, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
The Corporation of the City of NewYork have caused medals to be struck to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation influenced by a deep and profound respect for those citizens who by eminent public services have secured the confidence of our Country, and attained the highest office in the gift of the Republic,...
28733From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Daily Advertizer of this date contains several important articles of information, which need only be referred to. I inclose it with a few other late papers. Neither French nor English packet is yet arrived; and the present weather would prevent their getting in if they should be on the Coast. I have heard nothing of Consequence from Massachussetts since my last. The accounts from New...
28734John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 2 November 1834 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Edwd. C. Delavan Esqr. Chairman of the Executive Comtee of the New York State temperance Society. Mr. Delavan has visited our State, to be present at the temperance Convention which has taken place here—He anticipates some advantages to this great cause, if he can obtain the assurance of your countenance in its favour—He is more-over desirous of...
28735Bill for Purchase of Butter, [by 22 April 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
Gross — Tare — Nett 16 8 8 l bs @ 1/6. MS ( ViU: TJP-RFP ); written in an unidentified hand on a small scrap; undated; endorsed by TJ: “ Walker sent 2.D. by Gill Apr. 22. 19.”
28736From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 16 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave through you to inform the Senate that pursuant to the second Section of the Act establishing the Treasury Department which expressly makes it the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury “to digest and prepare plans for the improvement and management of the Revenue and for the Support of public Credit ” I have digested and prepared a plan, on the basis of the actual revenues , for the...
28737From George Washington to Colonel John Lamb, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I would willingly dispense with your attendance agreeable to your request if the Court did not deem it necessary. But as the case is capital and the prisoner insists on your presence, our military laws require it. I am sorry for your indisposition; but I wish you may find yourself able to be here on thursday or friday. The want of your testimony will otherwise be the only delay to the...
28738From George Washington to William Heath, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Order of this day you will see the Army is to go into Tents as soon as conveniently may be—The ground of Encampment for the different Corps ought to be as contiguous to their present Cantonments as the Nature of the ground will admit. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant MHi : Heath Papers.
28739Thomas Law to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
For several months I did not think the Baltimore printers “ family anecdote ” of consequence enough to send home, but in May I forwarded it, & my B r Lord Ellenborough says that “ Fox never did or would have used the expressions quoted as his,—it was not his manner of acting” — I am induced to intrude with this, out of justice to so worthy a man, & not to convince you that the Federal...
28740To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am unable to express the sense I have of your kindness, in the instance of your writing to General Lincoln, on the 6th of last June respecting an extra allowance from the Publick, as head of the ordnance, and during the time I have been in the command of these posts. Your letter to him, was so full, and complete, that I did not think another word, would have been necessary to have obtained...
28741From George Washington to David Forman, 4 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 1st Inst. I perceive by a letter from you, of the same date, to Colonels Blaine and Steward, that you had collected about two hundred Cattle more, and that a further number might be obtained, if you were furnished with parties to cover the collectors. You may apply to the Officer commanding the detachment of the State Regiment in Monmouth for this purpose, and...
28742To John Adams from Charles Lee, 10 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have attentively considered the letter of the judge of the United States for the district of Pennsylvania, dated the 8th instant, relative to the act of Congress entitled “An act for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt,” which he thinks deficient in many particulars. 1st. He states it as doubtful whether the act vested judicial power in the judge relative to the discharge of...
28743To James Madison from John Stokely, 31 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the Senate yesterday I saw a message delivered from the President of the United States and heard its contents. It related to the Indians & British in uper Canada. If I recolect well I signified to you Sir some weeks ago that overtures would be made by the British to the Indians to engage them & in case of a war in order to have them ready to let loose on our Frontiers. I am too well...
28744To George Washington from Colonel Christian Febiger, 4 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Order of Generall Woodford I have been in philadelphia and gott made up and procured for the Virga Troops a Quantity of Cloathing Viz. 2194 pair of Breeches, 2068 Vests, 2200 Shirts 1294 Blanketts some Caps, Shoe Buckles etc. etc., which I have brought on with me, Those Goods the Governor of Virginia has order’d either to be sold to the Troops at the Reasonable Rates mention’d in the...
28745[Diary entry: 17 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 17th. In Convention. Dined at Mrs. Houses, and made an excursion with a party for Tea to Grays Ferry. On this day Jacob Hiltzheimer went “in the afternoon . . . to Mr. Gray’s ferry, where we saw the great improvements made in the garden, summer houses, and walks in the woods. General Washington and a number of other gentlemen of the present Convention came down to spend the afternoon”...
28746From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Gunning Bedford, 9 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Haslet having been unfortunately killed in the late Engagement at princetown, and the Congress having invested me with powers to fill up Vacancies, I am ready to confer the command of the 1st Delaware Battn upon you, if you determine to continue in the Service. I am also desirous of promoting Major McDonnaugh to the rank of lieutent Colonel in the same Regiment. As the Majority will...
28747Cash Accounts, July 1769 (Washington Papers)
Cash July 5— To Cash for 40 Barls of Indn Corn @ 10/ £20. 0. 0 18— To Cash of Mr Edwd Payne 3.12. 0 To Ditto of Colo. Richd Lee for a Spin[nin]g Wheel 0.16. 0 Contra July 2— By Mrs Washington 2. 0. 0 3— By Ann Knowland for delivering D[ogue] R[un] Moll 0.10. 0 5— By Captn Burch for 562 Bls la: Salt @ 1/3 £35.2.6 1 Cotton Line .3. 40 Yds Platt .2. 35. 7. 6 6—
2874811th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting, with Townsend, the whole day at Dr. Tucker’s: much pleased with this gentleman as a preacher. Little came home with me: in the evening Williams came in: from Salem yesterday. We went with him to Putnam’s, and finished the evening.
28749General Orders, 7 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial of the Line whereof Brigadier General Poor is appointed President to sit tomorrow nine ôClock at the Presidents quarters to try such persons as shall be brought before them, Coll Stewart, Lieutt Coll Burr, Major Peters and a Captain from the Corps of Artillery, Woodford’s, Scott’s 1st Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania, Glover’s, Paterson’s Muhlenberg’s, Maxwell’s,...
28750To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1804, New Orleans. “On this morning, I received the enclosed letter from the Commandant of the District of Ouachitas and returned the answer of which the paper marked B is a copy. “You will have discovered, that some time had elapsed after the delivery of Louisiana to the United States, before the posts of Nachitoches and Ouachitas were taken possession of by our troops; This delay...