29401John Melish to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering the late pretensions set up by the British at Ghent , to be of such a nature as to set aside all the ordinary principles of reasoning, I was of opinion that the best mode of exhibiting their nature and tendency was to publish a map representing the proposed Boundary, which I have the honour to enclosed enclose accompanied by the Documents relative to the negotiation, and remarks on...
29402To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Dunham, 9 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 19th of June I wrote a Circular letter to such Gentlemen in the Different parts of this State, as I conceived would be likely to give me the best information respecting Manufactures of every kind carried on Within their knowledge. The letter inclosed is the only one as yet received in answer; as they come to hand shall forward. I am Sir, with all due respect your Very Humb Sert. ALS...
29403From John Jay to Richard Peters, 9 January 1811 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . your Letter of the 25 Nov r — Altho the Privations you voluntarily submit to, exceed the “ne quid nimis” of the wise men, yet they evince a sound mind, and will I hope tend to preserve it long in a sound Body. My Inquiries respecting Speltz were in Terms too general. To sow wheat here, is like taking a Ticket in a Lottery—more blanks than prizes—the Fly destroys more than we...
29404To Thomas Jefferson from Burrill Carnes, 23 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 23 Aug. 1787 . In accordance with TJ’s letter of 9 Aug. , has procured from Dobrée one each of the muskets, bayonets, and sabres; has had them cleaned and will send them to New York, together with TJ’s letter to the Commissioners of the Treasury and an estimate of the value of the muskets if sold locally. The muskets should be worth from 6 to 8 livres each, the sabres about 40 sols...
29405To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 8 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Toutes reflexions faites, je crois que les vaisseaux de nantes nous offrent plus de sureté et de commodités pour notre passage que le paquebot. Ainsi je choisis le premier moyen à moins que vous n’ayèz vous même fait des observations contraires; auquel cas je vous prierois de vouloir bien m’en faire part. J’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler de quelques...
29406To George Washington from Isaac Burge, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A warm but humble wellwisher to the rights of humanity, and consequently of thy Country, begs thee would oblige him so far as to accept of this small token of his esteem for thee, on account of thy very laudable and unblemishd conduct in the cause wherein thou hast been engaged. Thy friend DLC : Papers of George Washington.
29407From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 10–11 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd yours of the 7th. I fancy your information of the enemy’s having been at Sufferans was without foundation—at least I have heard nothing of it, and I think such an occurrence could not have escaped the Officer who commands the party at paramus. I take it for granted that General Heath has furnished you with a Copy of the instructions which I left with him when I removed from...
29408From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 28 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Accountant for the departt. of War having mentioned to me as on your part that it was requisite immediately to furnish to the officers on the recruiting service, a further sum of money for that service and having suggested that some arrangement was necessary in relation to the transmitting of it to them—I have the honor to propose the following. Let warrants issue by the Secy of war...
29409To George Washington from William Pearce, 22 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I Receved your letter of the 15th Inst. Since I wrote to you Respecting Mr Washingtons Intention to Survey his Land that a Joins yous, I have Receved a note from him Informing me that he shall Git an order at March Court for surveying it—and he wishes to Mark and set bounds—I would have attended to this Business before but I never Can find a day to spare from the business here. the oats will...
29410From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 December 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will receive by this post our approbation of the Confederation . It passed the house of Delegates on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday last. Tho’ our house of delegates is almost wholly of those who are truly zealous, yet there have ever been a few who have endeavored to throw obstructions in our way. Objections to this important instrument came therefore not unexpectedly. The most...
29411From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 November [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here last night from Albany. Having given General Gates a little time to recollect himself I renewed my remonstrances on the necessity and propriety of sending you more than one Brigade of the three he had detained with him, and finally prevailed upon him to give orders for Glover’s in addition to Patterson’s brigade to march this way. As it was thought conducive to expedition to...
29412From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received yours of yesterday—I am happy to hear of the spirited behaviour of the Militia. They have certainly done themselves great honor; if the opposition they give is not absolutely effectual, it serves to discourage the enemy and make them sick of such excursions—I shall be glad to learn they have met with a proper reception at Norwalk. Before this reaches you, you will have...
29413To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 22 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment arrived, and find your orders to march, which shall be Complyd with; tho’ The President gave directions for refreshing the men and Paying them off here —As soon as the men are on their March I will come on, and hope the pleasure of Seeing you thursday night; in the mean time; I am with Respect, Sir, your most Obt Hube Sert ALS , DLC:GW . Lt. Col. Adam Stephen and Capt. George...
29414From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the p⟨lea⟩sure of yours of the 25th but a⟨m⟩ sorry to h⟨e⟩ar that your Wound is so troublesome to you⟨.⟩ I have sent Colo. Biddle up purposely to see the Baggage properly ⟨di⟩sposed of, and I must beg of you to pay as much attention as your health will admit of to the conduct of the Baggage Guard, who will probably be licentious and distressing to the Inhabitants. Make my Compliments to...
29415To James Madison from John Glendy, 18 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
The bearer Mr. N. Andrews purposes setting off to-morrow for Washington City, in hope of obtaining the office of Chaplain, on board of a frigate or seventy four Gun Ship, in the service of the U.S. If ministerial talents, and literary acquisitions—If loyalty to the Government of this Country, and ardent zeal in the cause of pure Republicanism—If heroism in days of peril, and courageous...
29416To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas, 8 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
Were I not apprehensive that I should appear rather late in doing it, I am sure none of your Countrymen could with greater Sincerity congratulate you on your Promotion to the very important & honourable Post you now fill. You will no doubt have heard the distressful Situation this unhappy Country is now in. We have too much Reason to apprehend that our Enemies will exert every Effort to annoy...
29417To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 11 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
We have put in the frames of the Pannel lights on the whole of the West side of the dome and are now engaged in putting in those on the East. I find it impossible to save the Center light on the South side, and indeed it would have been better to have sacrificed the two next east & West of them,—for the roof in that part is so flat, that I fear we must cover it with Lead. I will endeavor so to...
29418From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
This, my dear friend will be handed you by Tho s Jefferson Randolph who goes with his fellow citizens to welcome you among us. he is my grandson and as such I am sure you will recieve him kindly, and the more so for his moral merit and the high veneration with which from his cradle he has been taught to entertain for you.—I am just recovered from an illness of some weeks, have been able to...
29419To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Instructions, 28 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: South Carolina Historical Society; draft: National Archives These instructions do not reveal that in conjunction with them various members of Congress had opened a campaign to undercut Franklin’s authority as minister to the French court. This was the first concerted attack upon him since the failed recall attempt in the spring of 1779. On November 22 Congress had resolved to appeal to...
29420Thomas Jefferson to Felix Pascalis, 2 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved on the 26 th only your letter of the 15 th of December p r oposing to our University the purchase of the collection of Natural curiosities recommended by you; and I regret that that institution is not yet in a sufficient state of forwardness to avail ourselves of the advantage. our buildings are not yet half finished: and, until they are compleated, our whole funds must be applied...
29421John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Pleasure of yours of from Boston, and am happy to find that you have been able to do so well, amidst all your Difficulties.—There is but one Course for Us to take and that is to renounce the Use of all foreign Commodities. For my own Part I never lived in my whole Life, so meanly and poorly as I do now, and yet my Constituents will growl at my Extravagance. Happy should I...
294221779. May 9. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
The Pilot came on Board this Morning from St. Nazare, and pronounced it unsafe to go out, with this Wind. F. this Morning, fell to talking.— “Above half the Gentlemen of Paris are Atheists, and the other half Deists. No Body goes to Church but the common People. I wish I could find one honest Man among their Merchants and Tradesmen” &c. &c. Mr. F., says I, let me be so free as to request of...
29423Report of the Committee of the Corporation and the Military Committee to the Common Council of the City of New York, [31 … (Hamilton Papers)
The adjoining account shews the expenditures & Nearly all the responsibilities of the Fortifying Committee. In addition to the fifty thousand Dollars already advanced by the Corporation, Ten thousand Dollars more is requisite to pay off the pressing demands for unsettled accounts; they therefore solicit the Corporation to advance them this further Sum, not doubting but the Legislature will in...
29424The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Johns Hopkins University Library; copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress, University of Virginia Library This letter is intended to be delivered you by John Paul Jones Esquire an Active and brave Commander in our Navy, who has already performed signal services in Vessels of little Force and in reward for his Zeal, we have directed him to go on board...
29425Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 24 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of adding a the name of Nicholas B. Pryor of Tenessee to the probably long list of candidates for military appointment, and inclose the documents he has furnished me with as to his character, and a letter from Col o W. P. Anderson whom I suppose to be Col o of the 8 th regiment, in which it is mentioned that there have been some recommen resignations. I believe mr
29426From George Washington to John Rutledge, 1 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 18th ulto and Mr Jay’s resignation of the Office of chief Justice of the United States, both came to my hands yesterday. The former gave me much pleasure, and without hesitating a moment, after knowing you would accept the latter, I directed the Secretary of State to make you an official offer of this honorable appointment. To express to you my wish that it may be...
29427From Abigail Smith Adams to George Washington Adams, 15 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
It is better to go to the House of mourning than to the House of Feasting, or dancing, for the living lay it to heart. you my dear Children are now calld to the House of mourning and Sorrow, by the death of your dear Aunt Smith and the only daughter of your Grandparents, the only Sister of your Father. your Aunt died last night, to the deep affliction of the whole Family—her pure Spirit I...
29428To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 16 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this Packet I had not the Pleasure of one Line from you: I am sorry I am so displeasing to you: As I never knew the Gentleman’s Name before, to whom I owe the Place in the Custom House, I could not return him Thanks by Name: therefore only did it to you. Will you be pleased to make my Humble Complements to him, and sincere Thanks for the Favour, which is...
29429[Diary entry: 22 November 1773] (Washington Papers)
22. Clear warm and pleast. with but little Wind.
29430To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 22 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eû le plaisir, de recevoir ce Matin Vos ordres du 20 relat. aux Livres que Vous desirès pour le Moment—ils seront strictement executès. Vous avez eû la Grace, de m’honorer tout a la tete de cette Lettre d’un adjectif, qui me porte au Comble du bonheur— Apprendre, que je suis cher a l’homme, pour le quel je me suis—depuis tres longtems, et d’un moment a l’autre plus intimement (a tous...
29431From George Washington to Major Samuel Jordan Cabell, 26 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Harrison has laid before me Two Letters, which he had received from you, and also a Certificate signed by Colo. Davies and Generals Muhlenburg and Woodford respecting your right to promotion to a Lieutenant colonelcy. I have considered the matter, and, from the high opinion I have of your merit and services, I am sorry to find there are difficulties in your case; and that the principles &...
29432[Diary entry: 18 April 1770] (Washington Papers)
18. Ball and his Apprentice set abt. the shaft for the Mill &ca. Jowler lined Singer & Ringwood Truelove again. The shaft was the large wooden axle on which the waterwheel was to turn.
29433[Diary entry: 2 March 1763] (Washington Papers)
2. Seven young Pigs at R[iver] Side Qr.
29434From George Washington to Charles Fenton Mercer, 25 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter with its enclosures have been received; whether in the ordinary course of the Mail I am unable to inform you, as you have omitted to give it a date. From the copies of yours to Doctr Smith, and his to the President, which are dated the 9th & 10th of June, It is to be feared that there has been much delay in the case. From the very sincere regard I entertained for your deceased...
29435[Diary entry: 1 July 1768] (Washington Papers)
July 1st. Went over to Stafford Court House to a meeting of the Missisipi. Dined and lodged there. With another change of ministers in England, and because of the new Indian treaties in progress which opened large parts of trans-Appalachian land to white settlement, the Mississippi Company’s hopes were quickening. Dr. Arthur Lee, brother of the company’s treasurer, William Lee, was taken into...
29436From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, [7 February 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of Jan. 24. and Feb. 3. are both recieved. We have had a very fine winter a few days only excepted about the middle of January. This day sennight was the coldest morning ever known in this country as far as my observations have gone. The mercury was at 1¾°. I never before saw it lower than 6°. in Virginia.—From what I hear of the state of the three notched road I am sorry I...
29437From James Madison to David Gelston, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, Department of State. “I have recd. your private letter of the 12th. Octr. [not found] and beg leave to inform you that the 3d. instalment of your claim will not be received from the British Government until the 15th. July next; and that if drawn for upon Mr. Erving before the 1st. of Sepr. next, it will not be transferred to the United States.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59,...
29438From Thomas Jefferson to William, Benjamin, and W. L. Bakewell, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 8. came to my hands only a few days ago and yesterday the barrel of ale therein mentioned was delivered here. I am to return you thanks in the first place for the indulgence with which you view my character & administration, and the dispositions you express in favor of those political principles which have made this country what it is, & the abandonment of which, whenever...
29439[July 1784] (Adams Papers)
May not the Ascent of Vapours be explained, or rather accounted for upon the Principle of the Air Balloon? Is not every Bubble of Vapour, that rises, an Air Balloon? Bubbles are formed at the Bottoms of Canals, Rivers, Ponds, rise to the Top, and mount up. These Bubbles are particles, or small quantities of inflammable Air, surrounded with a thin film of Water. Champaign Wine, Bottled Porter...
29440To James Madison from John George Jackson, 27 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your last letter & the accompanying papers were well calculated to support the opinion which I have long entertained that the British pretensions would be supported at the risque of a War; & that like an angry infuriated Lioness when robbed of her Whelps, her Ministry would attack indiscriminately all the Neutral rights in the way of her contemplated greatness- wound & destroy her friends, her...
29441To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 23 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M De sarsfield Envoie Savoir des Nouvelles de Monsieur franklin et le prier de lui faire Lhonneur de diner demain chez lui avec Made la duchesse d’Enville. Elle n’est a paris que pour fort peu de Jours et Monsieur franklin aura peu d’occasions de la voir parce qu’elle y est Sans Sa maison. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire...
29442From Thomas Jefferson to Carlos Martínez de Irujo, 23 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to the Chevalier d’Yrujo, and asks the favor of a passport for Thomas Kanberg , a friend of his who is going to Europe on private business. he is a native of the North of Europe (perhaps of Germany) has been known to Th:J. these twenty years, is a most excellent character, and entirely out of the political line. whether he will take his passage from...
29443Edmund Bacon to Thomas Jefferson, [before 1 August 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a list of my own family. Mr Meeks ’s & Carden s with the age opposite each name age Edmund Bacon 35 . years old Edmund Meeks 28 years old Ann Bacon
29444Analysis of Loyalists, [1783?] (Franklin Papers)
D : Library of Congress Two hundred & eighty eight persons called Loyalists, & specified by Name in the Morning Post, classed in the following Manner.— Persons residing in Great Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32. Deceased Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34. Apostates , that is to say, persons who had conformed to the American Government, &...
29445To James Madison from Jonathan Thompson, 30 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I rec’d your letter of the 21st. inst. in relation to the Box of Seeds—there being no opportunity to Fredericksburg, have forwarded it as per enclosed Bill of Lading to Norfolk to be forwarded from thence to the care of Messrs. Mackay & Campbell, Fredericksburg Va. No charge has been made to me for it. I am sir with respect Your Obt. Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC in a clerk’s hand,...
29446From Thomas Jefferson to Frederick Winslow Hatch, 12 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson sends to mr Hatch the inclosed order more tardily than he wished, but as soon as he could. he hopes mr Hatch experiences no ill from the storm to which he was exposed yesterday. a night’s rest has restored Th: J. from the exhaustion produced on him by the violence & continuance of the efforts of strength he was obliged to exert. he presents to mr Hatch his friendly and respectful...
29447From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 26 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Franks has occasion for money to carry him to London. As we propose that all the money for this business shall be procured by draughts on Mr. Adams, will it not be better for you to draw on him at present for enough to cover the last journey of Colo. Franks, to defray the present one, to pay for the articles to be purchased here, the expences of the future journey Southwardly &c.? All...
29448From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 6 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of April 7. on the subject of Mr. Wayles’s responsibility for his joint-consignee in the case of the Guineaman. I have never considered this subject methodically, and therefore have not absolute confidence in the opinion I have formed on a superficial view of it. My ideas however I will hazard to you, however informal. It is a principle in law that...
29449William DuVal to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 20 th of April last in which you express a desire to obtain from the Henderson Family a conveyance for the Land you bought of them under a Contract made by their mother and Guardian wh ; that you want some Friend in that Kentucky to act for you & obtain a Title—My Son William P. DuVal
29450From Benjamin Franklin to James Woodmason, [10 January 1780] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I have lately receiv’d yours, without Date, acquainting me that the Paper I ordered is at length finished, & will be sent by the first Ship to Amsterdam, which I am glad to hear. If not already gone, please to insure it, and send me your Account. Present my affectionate Respects to your good Father, and believe me to be Sir, Your assured Friend &...