3101To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 1 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last night received by express your Excellencys letters of the 26th and 30th of January, as, also, the letter from the President of the American Congress and the Resolve of that Body on my subject. I have been delayed at this place unavoidably, but the Susquehana is now open and I shall pursue my journey to Virginia. You are pleased to mention, Sir, in your letter of the 26th of January that...
3102To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 13 August 1773 (Washington Papers)
I have Just time to inform you I have paid Mr Hill one hundred and ninety five pounds, and one hundred & ten dollars in the whole two hundd & twenty eight pounds. I am sorry that I cou’d get no more but am in hopes the whole sales will be paid at the next meeting. I have not been home since I received yours for examining the seconds but will follow your direction’s and make the most of them...
3103To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have reconsider’d the several Questions your Excellency propos’d last evening, and am of Opinion that we ought by no means to risque a General Action—I don’t think it would be proper to move this Army, or any part of it, from this strong ground untill the Route of the Enemy is certainly ascertain’d. I have not the most distant Idea of having it in our power to annoy the Enemy on their March...
3104Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
This case throws some light on the conduct of business in Boston in the middle 1760’s, but it is primarily of interest for the pleading problem which it presents. James Apthorp, younger son of a leading Boston mercantile family, and William Gardiner, in the course of breaking up their business partnership in 1763, had made an agreement under seal which provided among other things that Apthorp...
3105From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 18 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your friendly letter of the 12th. which shall be answered the first practicable moment. in the mean time I send you Latude which I happen to have here. affectionate salutations. RC (Swann Auction Catalogue, sale 2058, New York, 2005); address clipped: “Doctr. Benjamin [Rush]”; franked and postmarked.
3106To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall set out for New-Orleans in two Days, & expect to arrive there on or before the 18th. Instant. Tyler who stands charged with the Crime of Treason, is said to be in the Opelousas District; I have given orders for his Arrest, & will have him conveyed to the Hon’ble the Judge for the District of Orleans, who will I presume order him to be sent to Richmond. John Smith of Ohio, is at Batton...
3107C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 24 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
In order to keep my promise of sending you all essential news, to save time, and to spare me the sometimes intolerable task of copying the same things too many times, I decided to send my letter to Congress to you, so that you can read it, and then be kind enough to enclose it with your next letter to America. If this arrangement meets your approval, I will continue to do it from time to time;...
3108To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, [ca. 23 December 1782] (Adams Papers)
Being without any of your favours, we take the liberty to addres you these few lines, on occasion that we are informed by M r. Grand, that M r. Morris has again furnish’d some drafts on him, to the amount of about £400,000— tourn s. , for which M r. Grand desires our remittances. We did not receive from M r. Morris any information nor disposition about those drafts. however it seems to us very...
3109From George Washington to Jesse Root, 7 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the most authentick intelligence that Genl Clinton with his whole Southern Army—1000 Hessians & a number of Highlanders have within these few days joined General Howe—that 11,000 more foreign Troops are hourly expected having been left on the Banks of Newfoundland a few days ago—An attack is now therefore to be expected which will Probably decide the Fate of America—The Levies from New...
3110To George Washington from William Brown, 7 October 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Brown, 7 Oct. 1785. GW wrote Brown on 24 Nov. : “I am really ashamed, at this late hour to have the receipt of your favor of the 7th of Octor, to acknowledge.”
3111Presidential Proclamation, [19 June] 1812 (Madison Papers)
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whereas the Congress of the United States by virtue of the constitutional authority vested in them, have declared by their act bearing date the 18th day of the present month, that war exists between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependences thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories;...
3112From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 22 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of the 19, & 20 inst. the first communicating the orders of His Catholic Majesty for restoring the operation of the Treaty with the United States interrupted by the Intendant at New Orleans, the other communicating the clause inserted in the retrocession of Louissiana to France expressly saving all rights stipulated to other nations by the said Treaty; have been laid before the...
3113From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 6 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly respects to Mr. Rittenhouse. He has two young ladies at his house whose time hangs heavily on their hands, and the more so, as their drawing master cannot attend them. If Mr. Rittenhouse then does not take his Camera obscura with him into the country, Th:J. will thank him to permit them the use of it a few days, that they may take a few lessons in drawing...
3114To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have no doubt you have occasionally been led to reflect on the character of the duty imposed by Congress on the importation of books. Some few years ago, when the tariff was before Congress, I engaged some of our members of Congress to endeavor to get the duty repealed, and wrote on the subject to some other acquaintances in Congress, and pressingly to the Secretary of the treasury. The...
3115To Benjamin Franklin from James Mathews, 19 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sir I have taken this oppertunity of wrighting These few lines to let you know the sewerahson [situation?] that i am in i belong to a meracahn ship belonging To the congres my ship left me behind i had the Misfortune of looseing my Cloathes the ship Left me at haver de grass and i went down to belone for to get a shipe and the comeserey Wou’ld not let...
3116To John Adams from James Warren, 8 – 9 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Since my last we have the formidable Accounts of the Exertion of the powers and Malice of Britain which I suppose have reached you by this time or will tomorrow. It is reported here that the Fleet and Army are arrived at Hallifax and are determined to Attack this Colony again. This is Confirmed by some deserters from the Ship below who say that they have heard the Officers talk of their...
3117[Diary entry: 11 July 1769] (Washington Papers)
11. Rid to Muddy hole and returnd to Dinner. Found Mr. & Mrs. Ramsay & Mr. Stedlar here.
3118From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, [14 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an account of pay &c due to myself my Secy and Assistant Secretary down to the last of September inclusively which I request you to put in a Train of Adjustment without delay in order that the money which is wanted may be received. The last item not being within the establishment may require the sanction of the Secy of War to whom I have written on the subject. It may be proper to...
3119To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 20 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Nous avons appris avec beaucoup de satisfaction que vous etiés heureusement arrivé à New-york, et nous voyons encore avec un plaisir plus sensible s’approcher le tems où nous devons vous revoir et vous offrir de nouveaux et foibles temoignages de notre reconnaissance. Je vous apprendrai avec doulleur que je n’ay point encore reçu de lettres de ma Tante Bellanger, ny même de Mr. Mazzei, et que...
3120William Peck to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit a plain stranger to thank you sincerely for lending your name in countenance of the Massachusetts Peace Society . Those men opposed your election to the presidency, I hope from good motives, tho: I thought they did wrong, especially in representing you as an enemy to the Christian Religion. They are now engaged in a work I ardently approbate, and sincerely rejoice to find “the sage of...
3121To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 8 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Je joins ici, Messieurs, un Manuscrit en six cayers, ayant pour titre, lettres de plusieurs Membres du Congrès &c. que l’on desire de faire imprimer. Je n’ai point voulu y donner mon Consentement sans vous l’avoir communiqué auparavant. Je vous prie en consequence d’en prendre lecture et de me marquer, en me le renvoyant ce que vous en aurez pensé. J’ai l’honneur...
3122To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Jefferson Lewis, 19 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now take up my pen to bid you adieu, supposing I nevar shall have the pleasure of again seeing you tomorrow we shall be on our way to the mouth of Cumberland River, you may think very strange that Oald people take so great a Journey, Nearley all my children remove to that place and their desire for there parents to go appears very great. this is my only inducement to go, for I have seen more...
3123Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I received this morning your favor inclosing a note for $2000 . I have had your seven hhd s Tobacco inspected, and am sorry to inform you, they turn out wretchedly three were refused and four passed, but not without hesitation—I set them up to the highest bidder—the refused brought $15. 1 passed $16 and 3—$16 55 /. as p r Statement at foot—This article is on the decline— As to flour I know not...
3124From James Madison to Rufus King, 30 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a protest by Capt. Newell of the American Schooner Sea Flower, which shews that the habits of the British Commanders in impressing our Seamen have not ended even with the State of War which was made a pretext for the outrage. The spirit lately manifested by the British Government, and which the Government here is sincerely desirous to meet and to cultivate justifies our confidence,...
3125To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 7 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Frenchman’s Bay [ District of Maine ] May 7, 1794 . “I beg leave to inform you of the particulars of two seizures made in this District. The first was eleven Grindstones part of a Cargo landed at Mount Desert out of a Nova Scotia vessel contrary to the Revenue Laws from there transported to Union River where they were siezed. The other seizure is a Vessel & Cargo found proceeding to Sea during...
3126From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Bentley, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty sixth of August has been delivered to me. The contents have been duly attended to, and the result when known will be communicated. I have just received your letter of the fifth of this month, and am satisfied with the explanation which that it contains. The desire which you express to cultivate harmony is highly praiseworthy, and I hope the present which the last — it...
3127[From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the Senate, 4 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “A. Cary. Proceedings of Congr. on Western cession—execution of deed—refused commit Indiana—Kentucky petition—further cession to meridian mouth Kanhaw.—paiments and arrears of states on requisition of Oct. 30. 1781. for 8. million—ratification sailed Feb. 17—Turks and Russians—Fox and North resigned—Pr. Wales against E. Ind. bill—Pitt-Adams and...
3128To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 19 September 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your favour of the 10th of June I duly received note the Contents. When I wrote you of receiving the Money of Hall in august I thought I might depend upon it as I not only had his Promise, but a mighty good Character of him from some Gentlemen Who Were aquainted With him. I have Since inquir’d into the Circomstances of the Bondsman Edward Thurston Junior....
3129To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Madrid, 14 Aug. 1788. After examining his accounts with Congress, he has taken liberty of drawing on Willink & Van Staphorst at Amsterdam for 4614ƒ. 3s. 6d. in accordance with TJ’s advice of 3 June. “I transmit you the first setts of Exchange in favor of Messrs. Etienne Drouilhet & Cy. who have constantly supplied me with Money for my necessary expences while they have refused credit to others...
3130To Alexander Hamilton from John Scott, 25 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Chester, Maryland, May 25, 1790. On June 3, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Scott : “I have received your letter of the 25th Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Scott was collector of customs at Chester.
3131Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Nelson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor covering the letter from mr Sullivan and have addressed the answer to himself directly. if his plan of applying the steamboa d t to the upper navigation succeeds it will be of great advantage to us. For political news we look to your quarter, and our neighborhood offers nothing worth communicating. we have had near a month of very hard weather, the thermometer...
3132To George Washington from William Livingston, 19 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of yesterday; & have the pleasure to undeceive you in the Information you had received concerning the draft from our Militia to serve for the Campaign. By the two Acts which I do myself the honour to inclose your Excellency, you will perceive that the Act for raising the 624 men upon the plan you mention has no connection with the Act for compleating...
3133From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 April 1811 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by your favour of 28th March. Is it a proof that Manilius has not been read by any of the learned Men in Europe for thirty Odd years, when We See that the discovery of the Prophecy, or prophetic History of the Progress of human Reason, was reserved for 1811 and the retired Philosopher of Olden barneveldt? How many Questions and Reflections are excited by the Lines you Send...
3134From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, [18? March 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
It is recommended to the Board of Trade to procure for Colo. Bufords Officers now under orders to march to Charles Town 50 yds. Cloth blue and white Cloth, 16 Suits Tremings, 40 Shirts with buttons, 30 ⅌ of Thread Hose, 40 Handkerchiefs, 44 Summer Vests and Breeches. Also for the Officers of Colo. Bland’s Regiment 60 Shirts 45 Summer Vests and Breeches, 30 Handkerchiefs, 30 ⅌ Thread Hose. Also...
3135To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th June and 3rd July Came to hand by this Days Post. where they have been so long detained I cannot Conceive, as they Contain Several Peices of Intelligence of the then motions of the Enemy—had they Come to hand in the Usual Time would have gratifyed the Publick exceedingly; be pleased Sir to accept my warmest acknowledgements of Gratitude and Thanks for the Honor Done me in...
3136George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 11 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1780 . Requests “detail of the land and Sea forces arriv’d at Martinique.” Reports arrival of Lafayette with news from French court. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
3137To George Washington from Joseph Buell, 18 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Advertisement I have Explored your tract of land lying on the bank of the Ohio five or six Miles below the little Kenhaway the situation of which pleases me. I will Give you five dollars pr Acre for the tract and make the payment agreable to the mode prescribed in your advertisemt. I am Sir your Excelences Most Obedient humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Joseph Buell (1763–1812),...
3138James Madison to the Visitors of the University of Virginia, 9 July 1829 (Madison Papers)
It is with much concern that I find myself agn. detained by the infirm State of my health from the duty of being in my place at a Meeting of the Visitors. I had not been without hopes, that the obstacle wd. have been removed, but the remains of a bilious indisposition, with the feebleness produced by it, do not permit my wishes on the occasion. I can only therefore assure my Collegues, that no...
3139To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 27 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the spiral springs you desire in yours of the 19th. instant The loop is easily made—thus, cut off the spring to the length desired with cutting-nippers—with a knife open two rings, and then with Plyers twist them to a right angle. I am much pleased by your approbation of this invention, and hope that others will also find the utility of it. The wire netting is certainly an...
3140From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I cannot suffer Colo. Gemat to leave this City—for France—without a remembrancer from me, to you. I have remained at this place ever since you left it, and am happy in having discovered the best disposition imaginable in Congress to prepare vigorously for another Campaign. They have resolved to keep up the same number of Corps, as constituted the Army of last year and have urged the States...
3141To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency lately on a very confidential subject and shall be anxious to know as soon as convenient whether the letter got safe to hand. The bearer Shattuck thinks he can point out the means of apprehending Wells & Knowl ton the two persons whom Your Excellency was authorised to have taken into custody. I have desired him to call upon you to disclose the...
3142From George Washington to Thomas Bedwell, 7 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th ulto with the patterns enclosed, I have received. I am sorry for the misfortunes which you have met with in the course of your business, & heartily wish that your future attempts to carry on any useful manufactory, may succeed; but I think Sir, that it would be presumption in me to recommend to any Gentleman in the State of South Carolina, a person from Philada with...
3143To George Washington from William Carter, Sr., 4 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
William Wray, a Youth of a Reputable Family, & a Nephew of mine by Marriage, having lived with me from August 1784. in Order to study Physick & Surgery, is now very desirous of entering into the Army with a View of serving his Country & improving himself in the practical Part of his Profession & wishes to be appointed a Mate under a Surgeon for that Purpose; But in Case there is no Vacancy for...
3144From James Madison to James Kidd, 20 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some months ago your letter of the 29th. of March last, with the Books* which accompanied it. I delayed an acknowledget of these favors, in the hope that I might find time to look into works, the subjects of which are so well calculated to excite attention. In this hope I have been disappointed, by a crowd of public occupations greater than was foreseen. And as the epoch approaches,...
3145From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 14 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
I transmit herewith a copy of the laws enacted by the governor and judges of the Mississippi Territory, for the inspection of Congress. There being but this one copy, I must request the House, when they have made the requisite examination, to send it to the Senate. Printed Source--A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897. 10 vols. (Washington, 1896-1899)..
3146To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Perrault and Other Applicants for Emigration, 24 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The number of people applying to Franklin for help in emigrating to America increases markedly during the months following the signing of the preliminary peace treaty. Those letters for which no responses have been located are summarized here, with Perrault’s letter published as a sample. Johann Philipp Breidenstein writes in Latin from Giessen on February...
3147From John Adams to the President of Congress, 27 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Major Jackson has been sometime here, in pursuance of Instructions from Colo. Laurens, in order to dispatch the purchase of the Goods, and the shipping of the Goods and Cash for the United States, which are to go by the South Carolina. But when all things appeared to be ready, I recieved a Letter from his Excellency Dr. Franklin informing me, that he feared his funds would not admit of his...
3148From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 29 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time of my settlement with Mr. Hanson and yourself, I had flattered myself that those demands were so modelled that I might provide for a punctual discharge of them by sale of property for the later payments and, for the earlier, from the profits of my estate. Two flattering crops had made me count on the latter resource too sanguinely, and the importunities of the other creditor have...
3149To James Madison from James Holmes, 18 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 October 1802, Belfast. Has received JM’s circulars of July and August 1801 and will pay them every attention. Has been as economical in expending government funds as if they had been his own. “I am of opinion that if the Consuls had in their power to punish in a limited degree Captains or Seamen who might be guilty of misbehaviour and that the former were uniformly on arrival at the Port...
3150To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Du Mourier with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 18 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’etais dejà penetré depuis longtems de veneration pour vos connaissances, votre patriotisme & vos vertus. Mr. Nixon Eclesiastique vient de me confier sa position & votre generosité, je luy ay payé sur le champ la lettre de Change qu’il tire sur vous. Mr. Le Mis. de Clarac qui se trouvait chez moy vous la remettra, & recevra de vous le comptant, il a voulu...