31451From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): National Archives I have the Pleasure of informing you that it is propos’d to give you the Command of the great Ship we have built at Amsterdam. By what you wrote to us formerly, I have ventur’d to say in your Behalf, that this Proposition would be agreable to you. You will immediately let me know your Resolution: which that you may be more clear in taking, I must inform you of...
31452Thomas Jordan to Thomas Jefferson, 13 May 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I took the liberty of applying to you for the above am t by Letter dated some weeks back, requesting you would have the kindness to remit me the am t to the care of Doctor May of this City, but as I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you, I presume it must have escaped your recollection, therefore beg leave to remind you, which hope you’ll pardon Having received all the Subscriptions...
31453General Orders, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington[,] Colonel Bradford[,] Lieutenant Colonel North—Major Wylley[,] Brigade Major Woodbridge A regiment from the second Connecticut brigade to take post at the Notch and relieve Major Parr who is to join the light corps of the army. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Continental army chaplain Joel Barlow wrote Ruth Baldwin, his eventual...
31454From James Madison to William Patterson, 24 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Isaac Briggs being desirous of having an agency in carrying into effect the manufacturing plan instituted at Baltimore, I cannot refuse his wish that I would make him known to you. Mr. Briggs has a just & high reputation as a man of science, and with a general turn for mechanical subjects, has paid I understand some particular attention to the ingenious machinery used in the Cotton...
31455To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favor of the 22d of February inclosing the Memorial of Mr. Stodder and Kerr with the protests and affidavits annexed, we communicated the matter to Congress, and have obtained an instruction to the Hon’ble Mr. Adams to represent the same to the States General of the United Provinces, and to claim such redress for the Memorialists as justice and the law of Nations...
31456Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ladd, 20 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 8 th was recieved on the 14 th inst. and I now inclose you fifty Dollars, my portion of the fee for your report, with many thanks for your patient & candid attention to this case, and great satisfaction at the prospect of seeing it terminated in my time. Accept the assurances of my great esteem & respect. PoC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “M r Thomas Ladd”; endorsed by TJ. Ladd’s...
314574. (Adams Papers)
Went to Boston with Mrs. Cranch. Returned.
31458To John Jay from Silas Deane, 9 October 1780 (Jay Papers)
This is my fifth Letter since my arrival, and having received no Acknowledgment from you of the Rec t : of any one of them I am a little uneasy for the Fate of them in particular for that which inclosed a Letter from Don Juan to the Minister;—my last was of the 18 th Ult o . in which I wrote you my Sentiments on political Affairs, nothing New has since occurred to induce a Change. Letters are...
31459To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 3 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 30th ultimo, from Baltimore—and was happy to learn that you had proceeded that far on your journey without any material accident. I have seen Mr De Barth, who informs me that he is not able to discharge his bond—and that it is impossible for him to say, with any precision, when he shall be able to do it. The reasons which he offers for his want of...
31460To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 16 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The present will be handed you by Mr. Edward Fell Bond. Mr. B has resided during the last three years at St. Genevieve he Speaks the French & Spanish languages appears Sensible & well informed—he has purchased land in the territory of Orleans where he means to Settle.—he was born in Harford County, of respectable connexions, his politicks republican.—I am (personally) not Sufficiently well...
31461From George Washington to Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 31 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The particular care which you have taken in furnishing horses to bring Mrs Washington from Virginia to this place—and more especially the very polite attention which you were so good as to pay her personally through the most dangerous and difficult part of the journey, has made a grateful impression upon her—and she desires you will please to accept of her warmest acknowledgments and best...
31462From James Madison to George Washington, 11 November 1785 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your favor of the 29th. ulto. on thursday. That by Col. Lee had been previously delivered. Your letter for the Assembly was laid before them yesterday. I have reason to believe that it was received with every sentiment which could correspond with yours. Nothing passed from which any conjecture could be formed as to the objects which would be most pleasing for the appropriation of the...
31463To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 10 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the opportunity by Judge Irdell to write you this short Epistle, and to apologise in Some measure for the liberty lately taken upon two Occasions: viz of two Short letters of introduction by A Mr. Campbell and a Mr. Maitland to be delivered by their respective bearers and a liberty I am conscious ought seldom or ever to take place but between friends on the most intimate footing. I hope...
31464To James Madison from Unite Dodge, 3 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1803, Cap Français. “As probably there will be Many erroneous reports and publications in the American Papers, respecting a forced Loan of money, made a few days ago upon the american Citizens in this city,” hastens to send JM, for the president’s information, copies of his letters to General Rochambeau on the subject and Rochambeau’s reply. Will return to the U.S. “as soon as I can...
31465To Benjamin Franklin from Moses Young, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The bearer of this letter is Mr. Cephas Dawes a Gentleman of a very respectable family in Pennsylvania, he was settled as a Merchant in the West Indies previous to the commencement of the war, and is a warm friend to the cause of America, which I hope will be my apology for taking this liberty with Your Excellency. Mr. Dawes will Carry with him some of the...
31466From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 28 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Anthony Merry. 28 August 1806, Department of State. “You will receive herewith Duplicate Copies of a Protection, proving the Citizenship and describing the person of Robt Smith , which was granted to the said Smith by the Collector of the Customs at Philadelphia on the l9th May 1797. From a late Communication to this office, it appears that this man had been recently impressed into the...
31467From Thomas Jefferson to William Brown, 18 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received by Mr. Carroll your favor of March 1. inclosing accounts of John Morton Jordan & co. and Perkins Buchanan and Brown against me. I am happy that claims, stated to be 18. and 19 years old still find me among the living to answer them. With respect to John Morton Jordan & co. I never had a connection of any kind, nor ever exchanged a word or letter, nor ever demanded or received...
31468From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 14th. found me deeply immersed in researches, not astromical or mineralogical or metaphisical; but after old Papers, Trunks Boxes Desks Drawers locked up for thirty Years have been broken open because the Keys are lost. Nothing Stands in my Way. Every Scrap Shall be found and preserved for Your Affliction for your good. I am now employed very anxiously and laboriously,...
31469Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 5 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library This Oppertunity by a French Vessel permits me to Acquaint you, that I am at present on my passage with the Boston and Ranger, have Captured a Brig laden with Provisions for the British forces at Pensacola, Ordered her for America Cargo, Beef Pork Flour, Butter &c. &c. The Ships Crews are in general healthy and Officers and Mens in high Spirits. Capt. Hinman who...
31470Christopher Clark to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable diversity of opinion, has prevailed and Still continues to prevail about the he i ght of the Peaks of Otter the calculation generally adopted has been taken from your notes on Virginia whether this Standard was the Result of an actual admeaseer admeasure is not known but I have heard that yourself have had some doubts of its accuraccy and contemplated making a more correct one...
31471To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 16 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having some business to forward you for and by direction of my brother James—which I could not get done untill a few days past, has prevented me from writing you before now. I called to see yr Mother on my [way] in. I sincerely regret that [it] is not in my power to see you while in Virginia, I leave this place on the 24th. for Kentucky—where it will ever give me great satisfactin to hear from...
31472To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Brent, 27 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, January 27, 1794. Encloses a “letter for Mr Jones” and states: “Whenever I may be useful to you in Virga, I beg you to have no scruple about honoring me with your commands.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Brent had been a clerk in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury until January 5, 1794. See Brent to H, December 27, 1793 . Edward Jones was one of two...
31473From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph-Léonard Poirey, 22 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Memoire d’argent payé pour M. le Marquis de la fayette. sterl. 1786. Presse a copier £15–11- Transport &c 48₶ - 5 Aug. 3. Capper’s Travels. De Londres 5 Andrew’s history 1 - 8 413₶ 2. Moitié du Madeire 537₶-15 Moitié du transport &c. 50 -19 Sep. 14. Petite presse a copier 145 -10
31474I. Tench Coxe to John Jay, 25 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
An ingenious Artist of this City has informed me within a few days that he has made a discovery which has been for some time a desideratum both in Science and Commerce. It is connected with the Uniformity of weights and measures, and as that object has been refered to the Secretary of State whose Duties I presume you discharge till you enter on those of your judicial station I do myself the...
31475To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Pattersons brigade and Sprouts regiment will be in readiness to march this afternoon, and will halt at the Furnace of Dean this night. Two peices of artillery will be at Stoney point in order to commence their march from thence tomorrow morning. part of one of General Pattersons regiments has not yet joined from the Lines & it will be difficult to make up the Deficiency. The Connecticut...
31476Thomas Jefferson to Isaac H. Tiffany, 26 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your enquiry as to the merits of Gillies ’s translation of the Politics of Aristotle , I can only say that it has the reputation of being preferable to Ellis ’s, the only rival translation into English. I have never seen it myself, and therefore do not speak of it from my own knolege. but so different was the state of society then, and with those people, from what it is now & with...
31477From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 12 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
In my answer of the 21st. Ult to the part of your letter of the 7th. which refers to a declaration made by a Sergeant Frodsham, that certain British Deserters from the British Ship of war Chichester, had been enlisted into the American service, having on, at the same time, their British uniforms, it was signified that enquiry would be made into the fact. I have now the honor to inclose a copy...
31478To George Washington from James Gray, 10 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Orders to me of the 11th Ulto came to hand the 19th, on which I immediately forwarded a proper person to Co’os, in Order to have a survey taken of the Provissions at that place, and Charlestown; and orders to Mr Lyne the Issuing Commiss’y, for his Punctual compliance with your Excellency’s orders, But the exceedeing heavy snows which have fallen and block’d up the roads, puts me in fear,...
31479To Thomas Jefferson from Abner Ritchie, 15 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am wholly unacquainted with matters of the kind in question—My wish is that the subject may be inquired into by intelligent Characters, and also that I may be enabled to withhold the young Gentn. the Sons of Colo. Beatty from going to Law I will on application furnish Mr. Munroe the Patent and every other Page within my Power—I know nothing of the justice of the Claim more than the papers,...
31480From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Walker Gilmer, 6 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ our institution has been successful in the main, yet in some of it’s details fortune has thwarted our views very sensibly. had your letter of May 28. been recieved one day sooner, all our chairs would have been now filled according to our first wishes. on the 30 th of May I recieved a 5 th vote in favor of Judge Dade, and on the 31 st I conveyed to him the offer of our Law-chair. the...
31481To James Madison from Samuel Cotting, 2 January 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Cotting. 2 January 1807, Worcester. “Please to pay, the bearer the amount for publishing the laws of Congress in my gazette agreeably to your honor’s order of April 4th. 1806 and this shall be your receipt for the same.” RC ( DNA : RG 217, First Auditor’s Accounts, No. 18,983). 1 p.; with Wagner’s signed note: “The Bearer was Honble. James Elliot.” Filed with this letter is...
31482From George Washington to John Stanwix, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you by Express last night, I have received a letter from Capt. Dagworthy (a copy of which I enclose;) and have had an opportunity of examining the Indians, who brought him the last intelligence, myself. They unanimously agree, there is a large party of french and indians marched from fort du quesne; but, whether they are destined against the frontiers of virginia, maryland or...
31483Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 24 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 18 th is recieved, and informs me how much the quality of my tob o falls short of what I had been given to expect. this afflicts me not merely as to the first loss, but also as it injures the reputation of that tob o which has heretofore commanded high prices. the present loss too is very inopportune sensibly felt. short as my crops both of flour & tob o turned out the last...
31484From James Madison to Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 2 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his best respects to Mr. Dupont de Nemours, and requests that he will be so obliging as to take charge of some despatches for the American Minister at Paris, which are forwarded by the present mail to the post-master at Philada. They are to be handed by him to Mr. Dupont. Should a failure happen, Mr. M. will take it as a favor, if Mr. Dupont will please, before he embarks,...
31485[Diary entry: 14 December 1772] (Washington Papers)
14. Clear and very pleasant, with little or no wind & that Southerly.
31486From Thomas Jefferson to Angelica Schuyler Church, 17 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The urn is well worth acceptance, my dear Madam, on it’s own account, for it is a perfect beauty: but it is more flattering to me to accept it on account of the giver. I shall preserve it as sacred as I would the urns of my forefathers, had I all of them from Adam to the present day, and with this difference of estimation that it recalls to my mind a living friend. The memorial of me which you...
31487From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [5 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you, My beloved Eliza, by the Monday’s Post. You will be glad to hear that your dear boys & myself continue in good health & that they thus far behave well. I hope they will continue to do so—for in our mutual love & in them consist all our happiness. I trust you are by this time arrived & shall impatiently look out for a letter from you. Our public affairs continue to march in a...
31488To George Washington from the Board of War, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from the Board of War, 26 March. GW wrote the Board of War on 29 March : “I have the honor to receive your favours of the 25th and 26th with the Commissions mentioned for the Connecticut Officers.”
31489To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 17 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Berkley and Frederick where I have been in order to receive your rents; and as they are low, and the land very good, I am generally very successfull in my collection’s in that quarter. I wish I cou’d say as much for the tenants in the County I live in. I have not collected one shilling of the arrearage money which I gave you an account of in my last Rental —Justice is...
31490To George Washington from Lewis Morris, 1 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lewis Morris, 1 June 1777. GW wrote Morris on 12 June : “Your favor of the 1st Instant has been duly receiv’d.”
31491From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yr favor dated 27th inst. was handed to me to day by Capt. McLane, inclosing your proposals for the incorporation of his company with your Corps —The measure is desireable, & I should be happy were it in my power at once to authorise you to proceed on the business, but not being vested with sufficient powers to change the establishment of a Corps —the plan must be referred to Congress In doing...
31492From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice Consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his Commission has not been recognized by that Government, because it is a Port at which no foreign Consul has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him, that his Appointment to the Port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of...
31493From John Adams to M. Detournelle, 16 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America have experienced so much Friendship from the French Court and Nation, and I have myself as their Representative heretofore received so many Civilities from many Gentlemen of your Nation, that those I had the Honour to receive from you at Ferrol and Corunna, Instances of Politeness and Attention from a french Gentleman were nothing new to me: But the particular...
31494To George Washington from John Hancock, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have only Time to enclose you the Resolves of Congress passed yesterday and to request your Attention to them. As I am not acquainted with the Name of Count Polaski, I must beg you will give orders for his Commission to be made out; and delivered to him. As he is at Head Quarters, it may be done with Exactness by consulting him as to his Name and Titles. Your Favour of yesterday I was duely...
31495To James Madison from Dolley Madison, 23 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
A few hours only have passed since you left me my beloved, and I find nothing can releave the oppression of my mind but speaking to you in this only way. The Doctor called before you had gone far and with an air of sympathy wished you could see how much better the knee appeared. I could only speak to assure him it felt better. Betsey Pemberton and Amy are sitting beside me and seem to respect...
31496John Adams to Joshua Johnson, 4 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
A Letter from my Nephew, M r: William Cranch of the City of Washington, informing me of your arrival, gives me an opportunity of congratulating you and M rs: Johnson and the young Ladies, on your good fortune in seeing your Native Country, after so long an Absence and so tedious a Voyage— I have at the same time to thank you for an amiable daughter, and to congratulate you, on the acquisition...
3149726 Monday. (Adams Papers)
A sharp piercing Air. Sat out for Uxbridge, arrived 2’o clock.
31498To Thomas Jefferson from Martin Dawson, 19 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
From the friendship which you have entertained for Major General Harrison and the patronage which you extended towards him during your administration of the Government of the United States, all of which appears by certain documents put into my hands,—I have taken the liberty of dedicating to you “A Historical Narrative of the civil and military services of Major General Harrison and a...
31499Thomas Jefferson to Pascal Etienne Meinadier, 12 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Oct. 30. is recieved. age, it’s ordinary infirmities, and frequent attacks of illness have rendered me unable to attend to my own affairs, which I have in consequence committed to the care of a grandson . the same causes render it impossible to undertake those of others, and indeed to maintain any correspondence which is not of indispensable necessity. I hope you will be so good...
31500Zabdiel Adams to John Adams, 19 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
The great Distance that separates us occasions that we can hear of each others welfare but seldom. This therefore ought to induce us, as we were formerly much acquainted, to embrace every opportunity to write in order to perpetuate that friendship and regard that once so eminently subsisted between us. It would to me be highly acceptable could Letters be conveyed backwards and forwards...