3051From John Jay to Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 22 October 1798 (Jay Papers)
It is painful to say disagreable Things to ones Friends, and yet and it is not without Reluctance that I apprize You, that your pecuniary Embarrassments have excited apprehensions that are considered as being incompatible with the Attention and Independence with which the Duties of your office should be executed. This opinion has for some time past been gradually becoming more strong and more...
3052To Thomas Jefferson from the Rev. James Madison, [ca. 28 March 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Oster, an agreable and amiable, but unfortunate French Lady will deliver this. And tho’ I have Nothing worth communicating, I could not refrain, on so favourable an opportunity, of once more testifying the sincere Wishes I always entertain for your Happiness whilst so remote from your native land, and also Acknowledgments which are due for past Favours. I sent, some Time past, a small...
3053Report of Thomas Story to the Committee of Secret Correspondence and the Committee’s Memorandum upon It, [1 October … (Franklin Papers)
DS and copy: National Archives “On my leaving London Arthur Lee Esqr. requested me to inform the Committee of Correspondence, that he had several conferences with the French Embassador who had communicated the same to the French Court, that in consequence thereof the Duke De Vergennes had sent a gentleman to Mr. Lee, [who informed] him that the French Court could not think of entering into a...
3054[Diary entry: 24 August 1768] (Washington Papers)
24. Warmer, but still cool, with the Wind from the Eastward.
3055From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the immediate communication contained in your letter of the 24th of the agreeable intelligence of the success of the naval detachment in Chesapeak bay—& I am happy to find at the same time that Mr Destouches was preparing a second detachment for an ulterior cooperation. I have renewed my orders to the Marquis De la Fayette who Commands the Corps sent from hence to push forward...
3056From George Washington to Abner Nash, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency’s favr of the 19th ulto and am glad to find that the State have at length adopted measures for filling their Battalions which you think will prove effectual. You may be assured that every exertion not only of the States immediately interested but of those more at a distance will be necessary to prevent the progress of the Enemys Arms in the quarter where...
3057From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard McMahon, 6 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved duly your favor of June 28. with the gooseberries in good condition. they were certainly such as I had never seen before in any country, and will excite strenuous efforts in me to endeavor to raise such. for this purpose early in the next year I shall ask of you some cuttings of your bushes, and before that shall send a pretty copious list for a supply of the best kinds of garden...
3058To George Washington from the Board of War, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d. We will report the Affair of Genl Irvine to Congress. He will doubtless think it hard that because he was taken Prisoner & could not be promoted in Season he should suffer as to his Rank. But the Reasons your Excellency offers are so forcible that it should seem impracticable to comply with Genl Irvine’s Wishes without very...
3059From George Washington to William Thornton, 18 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th inst: came duly to hand. I am now making arrangements at the Bank of Alexandria for obtaining money. When this is accomplished, I will forward a check, on that Bank, for the $1000 required by Mr Blagden, & hope it will be in time to answer his purposes. I have no objection to Mr Blagden’s frequent calls for money; but I fear the work which is not ennumerated in the...
3060From Thomas Jefferson to Jones & Howell, 22 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Gibson & Jefferson in Richmond which will inform you of the reciept of only 70. instead of 80. bundles of nail-rod, which you will doubtless have rectified wherever the error has happened. when you forward on the 10. bundles deficient, I shall be glad if you will send at the same time 3. sheets of sheet-iron 5 f. 9 I. long, and of whatever width above 16. I. they...
3061Proportional Representation, [22 November] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution limited the apportionment ratio to no more than one representative to every 30,000 persons. With the 1790 census completed, reapportionment became necessary. On 15 November 1791, following a debate in which such lower ratios as 1:34,000 and 1:40,000 were proposed, JM voted with the majority in the House for a 1:30,000 ratio. On 22 November the Committee of the Whole debated...
3062To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Iznardi Consul of the U:S—has arrived in Baltimore from Cadix, the Old Gentle[man] on his arrival wrote you, to which having no Answer [he] Concludes his Letter has miscarried either in the us [ ual ] Way, or for want of proper direction—He informs me from Philadelphia, that he brought with him from Cadix some particular Wine for his friends among Others two Casks for your Use which he...
3063Alexander Keech to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been solicited by several Gentlemen of considerable influence and standing in this section of Maryland , to solicit information relative to “the University of Virginia .” I have therefore, taken the freedom to request of you, information as to the time, when it is probable, the u University will go into operation , the nature of its government , who have or will be selected as...
3064To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne de Bourdic, [1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Son excellence daignera telle Se rappeller dune femme qu’elle a Comble de bontes a passi et qui a eu lhonneur de La voir asses Souvent pour etre autant ladmiratrice de Ses vertus que de Ses talents; elle Conserve avec Soin La medaille qu’il lui donna Cest Le gage precieux d’un Sentiment dont elle Shonore et dont elle jouit; elle a porte avec elle Le petit...
3065VIII. American Commissioners to William Carmichael, 12 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barclay will deliver you this letter in his way to Morocco. We have appointed him to this negotiation in hopes of obtaining the friendship of that State to our country, and of opening by that means the commerce of the Mediterranean, an object of sufficient importance to induce him to accept of the trust. We recommend him and Colo. Franks who goes with him to your attention and assistance,...
3066From John Adams to Charles G. Haines, 23 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honour to write me on the 18th. I have not yet received your pamphlet but doubt not it is on its way. The great western Canal does honour to the state of N. York and her govenor I sincerely wish & fully believe that the success will equal the grandeur of the conception. Accept my thanks for the Pamphlet though not yet / received & for the politeness of...
3067From James Madison to Horace Holley, 20 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Holley, and encloses a few lines as requested, to Mr. Gallatin. He has no acquaintance in Paris with whom he could take such a liberty, excepting those to whom Mr. Holley is personally known. RC ( KyLxT : Horace Holley Papers); draft ( DLC ). RC addressed and franked by JM to Holley at Lexington, Kentucky, “via City of Washington”; docketed by Holley. JM...
3068From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 5 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
After a year’s absence I came yesterday to make a visit to my friends for three days. Our anxiety to hear from you, led me to send to the office this morning for letters; there I found yours of May 31st, containing tidings that my fears had anticipated, as you will find when you receive my last letter. My dear child, you will be again called to severe and afflictive scenes; may you be...
3069To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The foregoing is a copy of my last respects covering a report of the vessels that entered and cleared from this port the first six months of the present year, copy of which is also inclosed. The political situation of France is at present an obstacle to the commercial intercourse with America. The difficulty of procuring specie, its high price, the very low exchange with the neighbouring...
3070To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Rasquin, 12 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Gerard Rasquin Negociant a charleville sur meuse, et ancien Reviseur a La manufacture Rojàle de tulle a lhonneur de vous Representer humblement, que d’ans L’année mil Sept Cent Soixante Dix Sept ajänt accépte La Commande faite a Monsieur Mercier Controleur Dans Le tems En Cette manufacture dans Le mois de juin même arnée, et une autre plus Considerable...
3071Arthur S. Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two letters p r the last mail is this moment rec d (5 OClock P.M) the one enclosing a Df t on the President of the literary fund for eight hundred and forty dollars shall be attended as soon as possible, I should have been with you ’ere this but for the hope and expectation of the arrival of M r Ware and his hands, at any rate I shall be with you by the 8 th RC
3072To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 7 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day the Honour of receiving your Letter of the 1st. inst. Upon my entering into Office I found the Light house at this Port furnished with Oil for three or four days only and no Provision made for further Supply. I immediately purchased a little for temporary use and have since laid in a Stock for the Winter. The Light House is built of Stone & the walls are good but the Roof was...
3073Agreement between the American Commissioners and Louis-Guillaume-Servais des Hayes de La Radière, 17 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft) : American Philosophical Society Whereas le Sr. Laradiere Major du Corps Royal du genie, in the Service of his most Christian Majesty, not having obtain’d his Leave of Absence when the Agreement between us and Messieurs le Chevalier du Portal, de Laumoy, and Gouvion, was concluded, viz. on the 13th of this Instant, could not become a Party by signing the said Agreement, but having...
3074To George Washington from Henry Dearborn, 2 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lt Hubart Carter, and Ensn Saml Wells, of the 1st New Hampshire Regt being very desireous for retireing from the service, I am induced from many circumstances to give my consent to their resignations, and beg your Excellency to be pleas’d to grant them their discharges, they having settled their accounts with the Pay Master. I have the Honr to be with highest sentiments of respect. your...
3075Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman, 16 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so kind, some time ago, as to send me a copy of Scott’s works (a miniature edition) which came safely to hand. the price was not mentioned, but I have desired mr Barnes to pay it out of a sum which will be remitted him on my account within a few days after your reciept of this. Accept the assurance of my respect PoC ( MoSHi : TJC-BC ); date enhanced by TJ; at foot of text: “M r...
3076To George Washington from John Gerar William de Brahm, c.1 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
c.1 March 1795 . “For want of opportunity to approach” GW, Brahm is “confined to this public conveyance [newspaper publication] to trust a public concern of great moment in the eyes of thousands.” “Euphratia, impiously called America, after an arrogant European, is inhabited ever since one century after the Deluge by a people originally called Dehutes, descending from one of the ten sons of...
3077General Orders, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Paterson[,] Colonel Bradly[,] Lieutenant Colonel Robinson[,] Major Hamilton[,] Brigade Major Moore The Issuing Commissaries are to deliver all their sheep and Calve skins to the field commissary of military stores with the Park of Artillery who will have them properly dressed for Drum heads. In the present divided State of the Army the...
3078January 1st. 1783. (Adams Papers)
We found here Mr. Schiebe a gentleman who left Stockholm about a week before us. Norrkiöping is distant from Stockholm eighteen swedish miles or 120. English. Its situation is exceeding fine, at present every thing is covered with Snow; but it is in the midst of a plain which is bordered all round at about 6. or 8 English Miles from the town by high mountains from which you at first discover...
3079From John Adams to James M. Hughes, 5 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
No testimonials of personal respect to me, or of Attachment to the Government could be more acceptable to me, than those in this Address, which breaths the genuine Sentiments of Americans attached to their Country by every tie of Nature and Affection. I am happy in your Opinion that those, who insult and injure Us, are left without excuse, because every thing on the part of our Government has...
3080To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 21st instt. I assure you sir, the subject matter of it being entirely new to me, afforded much surprize. Mr Washington having unfortunately lost his charger, I supplyed him with one belonging to the Corps. This horse is very elegant, and still in his service. I have since communicated your Excellencys letr, and am informed, that the request is...
3081C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 20 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of your letter of the 17th and respond to it here. According to the Constitution the president has neither the right to suppress papers addressed to Their High Mightinesses nor the right to deliver them to anyone else. But Their High Mightinesses themselves can, if they deem it appropriate, refrain from, or delay responding to such papers. Now you no doubt remember, sir, that...
3082Enclosure: Alden Partridge’s Observations on the Use of Barometers to Compute Altitudes, 20 August 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Extract. The rule for computing altitudes from Barometrical observation is as mathematically demonstrable as those for trigonometrical calculation; the accuracy of the results deduced from either method of calculation must therefore depend wholly upon the accuracy of the data obtained. In order to calculate the altitude of a mountain by trigonometry (where the angle of ascent is not a right...
3083From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 3 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dandridge for reasons which he can better explain to you than I, have requested that the enclosed Bonds may be put in Suit. I beg it may be done accordingly. Upon so great a change as has lately taken place in your career of life I ought, possibly to have begun this letter with compliments of congratulation but as they are not less sincere on account of there being made the second Paragraph...
3084To James Madison from the Pennsylvania Legislature, 10 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From the Pennsylvania Legislature. 10 March 1814. “The people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, to promote the general welfare and secure the blessing of Liberty to themselves and to their posterity did ordain and solemnly adopt a constitution for the United States. “‘This government,...
3085From James Madison to Rufus King, 13 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 29th. ult. enclosing one to the Auditor which was handed to him. The President having directed that your charges for presentation and Christmas presents and for stationary be admitted to your credit in the books of the Treasury, the letter of which a copy is inclosed was transmitted to the Auditor as his guide. The enclosed extract from the...
3086[Diary entry: 21 November 1768] (Washington Papers)
21. Went up to Court and returnd in the Evening with my Brothr. John. GW was attending the Fairfax County court as a justice for the first time since taking his oaths of office 21 Sept. The Fairfax court by law convened on the third Monday of every month except when there was no business to be considered, and it continued to meet, beginning daily about 9:00 A.M. , until the docket for the...
3087To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Anti-Bonaparte", 4 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed receive a true Statement of the feelings of your Subjects & after due reflection if you have not remorse of Conscience thou hast none. Thy Friend The Ship Packet has just arrived Passage 34 ds. from Liverpool DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
308816. To Hendrik Calkoen, 26 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Sixteenth, Inquiry is, “Who looses most by desertion? Do the English and German Deserters, Serve voluntarily and well in the American Army? How, can those who do not enter into the Army subsist?” These Questions, I answer with great Pleasure. There has been, from the Beginning of the War to this day, Scarcely an Example of a native Americans deserting from the Army to the English. There...
3089Enclosure: Extracts from Orders, 17 October–4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
Note The orders issued previously to the march of the troops and militia from Fort Washington and until they arrived at the Miami Village relate to the arrangement of the troops the order of march, of encampment, and of battle, and the discipline necessary to be observed, all of which are particularly detailed, General Orders Camp at the Miami Village, about 170 miles from Fort...
3090To George Washington from John Connolly, 28 May 1774 (Washington Papers)
The infinate confusion into which this country ⟨ mutilated ⟩ by our disagreement with the indians, has heretofore put it ou⟨ mutilated ⟩ power to continue a desirable correspondence with you, but a⟨ mutilated ⟩ importance of the Subject urges, and your interest may be par⟨ mutilated ⟩ Servicable; together with the pleasure I feel in maintaining an ⟨ mutilated ⟩ctive intercourse with you, I...
3091Remarks on the Situation at Great Falls, [post 14] January 1789 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the spott at the great Falls of Potowmack, and the value of the property including it appear from the following considerations— First: The singular fitness of the situation for every species of water works. Merchants Mills, Forges, Slitting & Plating Mills, Saw Mills &c. &c. may be erected here with greater advantages from nature than at any place perhaps within the whole...
3092To James Madison from Jonathan Russell, 18 October 1819 (Madison Papers)
My particular friend, Samuel Eddy Esquire, who has recently been chosen a representative from Rhode Island to Congress, has requested of me a letter of recommendation to you for Mr. Bernon Helme of that state. He informs me that this young gentleman graduated at Brown University the present year & that Doctor Messer, the President of that University, declares “that he possesses an amiable...
3093To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 28. du mois der [dernier]. Le Roi à qui j’ai rendu Compte de la demande que vous me faites de permettre au Batiment parlementaire destiné à l’Echange des Prisonniers Americains et Anglois, d’aborder dans le port de Morlaix, a bien voulu consentir à lui accorder cette permission; J’ai...
3094From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
At Philadelphia on my way here I received your favor of Nov. 19. and since my arrival here, those of Nov. 3. 25. 30. Dec. 25. and Jan. 12. have come at different times. My last private letter to you was from Alexandria. I shall send a duplicate and triplicate of it because of it’s importance to me. On delivering my letters of leave I will beg the favor of you to make the accustomary present...
3095To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I reported to you that I had contracted for the Cutter to be built in this State I mentioned that she was to be compleated fit for the sea that is with riging sails boats &c for 1440 dollars. After Captain Williams was appointed master he suggested to me his wishes that there might be some deviation from the plan I had given and on which the agreement was founded. On this I wrote to the...
3096To George Washington from John Sullivan, 12 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will (I doubt not) forgive my Neglect in not writing you when I assure you that I have had nothing to communicate which Could give you pleasure or avoid giving you pain—& that I was unwilling to add to the pressure which your mind has been so Long Accustomed to—to Enumerate the Evils which have flown from party Spirit from inattention and from other Sources would fill a volume in Folio. we...
3097From Alexander Hamilton to William Gardner, [22 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 9th inst. on the subject of your salary as Commissioner of Loans. I am fully sensible of the inadequateness of your compensation, and I assure you that it will not be for want of my exertion if something is not added in the course of the present session of Congress. With great consideration, I am, Sir Your obedient servant, [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s...
3098To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Leiper, 26 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am given to understand that George Ingles the Military Storekeeper at this Arsenal is going to resign—I most acknowledge I am not sorry at it because it gives an oppertunity for a much better man being appointed in his place–Ingles’s unfeeling and I may add unjust treatment to Mr. Irvine I shall never forget for he a very few days after the Generals’ death sent a Common Carter with an order...
3099Alexander Duke to James Madison, 9 May 1832 (Madison Papers)
When I shall have enumerated the many, and concurring motives, which have induced me to obtrude myself, thus uncerimoniously on your notice, I hope I shall escape the censure of presumption, and be pardoned the act. I will give you my history, as laconically, as possible; I am the son of an old Revolutionary Soldier, who expended almost the whole of his slender fortune in the education of his...
3100To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 6 May 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Short being just sitting out for Monticello I am happy to take the opportunity to assure you how sincerely I thank you for the late instance of your kindness and attention to me, which I particularly value as a testimony of your regard for me, and at the same time to assure you that nothing but a series of disappointments in the vessels I had appointed to sail in deprivd me of the...