31651George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township, New Jersey, June 24, 1778 . Orders Scott to Allentown to harass enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31652To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Je Vous prie, d’agreer mes remercimens, de ce, que Vous m’avez bien voulu accuser l’arrivèe des Caisses. C’est une Satisfaction particulière pour moi—non pas comme Negociant, car je n’ai pas d’Ame pour çe metier, mais comme Litterateur—d’apprendre, que Vous y avez trouvè quelque Chose, qui Vous convienne. Je ne suis pas pressè ni pour le retour des Caisses, ni pour le montant de ce, que Vous...
31653[Diary entry: 22 February 1771] (Washington Papers)
22. Wind still in the same place but not so fresh nor so cold.
31654From George Washington to Stewart & Campbell, 4 September 1766 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 25th of March came safe to my hands, but not till lately. My Tobacco Consignments to London, has been confin’d in a great measure to one House, and where there is no essential causes of complaint I have generally held it inconsistent with the rules of good policy & common justice to be always changing. True it is, my Tobacco has fetch’d less than I think it ought to have...
31655From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 26 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
Your two Letters have arrived safe and as we are all about as well as usual I shall appropriate this morning to writing you although our lives are so very quiet that it will be difficult to find a subject for your amusement— Your disappointment in not seeing Miss Peter must have been provoking enough. It will however be a Lesson and induce you to be always so far beautified as to be ready on...
31656To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Wagner, 31 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
On Saturday evening arrived in this city Capt. Rogers of the Maryland, accompanied by Mr. Purviance, the bearers of dispatches from Messrs. Murray and Dawson. I have forwarded them to the Secretary of State, after they were perused by the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Treasury being absent in the country with his sick child. The latest letter from Mr. Murray is dated 9th. July,...
31657Thomas Brand Hollis to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1788 (Adams Papers)
It is an ill wind blows no body any good owing to that I received your favor with the greatest sense of gratitude & love for the distinguishd regard you have always showed me which is returned & cherished with increasing interest I was sensible how much you avoided an explanation as to your departure & I was equally unwilling to enquire. I shall always rejoice to hear from you & esteem it...
31658[May 19. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 19. Tuesday. 1778. We dined with Mr. De Challut, one of the Farmers General.... We were introduced into the most superb Gallery I had yet seen. The Paintings, Statues, and Curiosities, were as rich and costly as they were innumerable. The Old Marshall Richelieu, and a vast number of other great Company dined with Us. After dinner Mr. De Challut invited Dr. Franklin and me to go to the...
31659To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have to acknolege yours of Aug. 27. & Sep. 2. The fever in town is become less mortal, but extends. Dupont the Fr. Consul is dead of it. So is Wright the painter. His wife also. Lieper is said to be dead, but that is not certain. J. Barclay ill. Ham. and his wife recovered. Willing on the recovery. The banks are not shut up, as I had been falsely informed when I wrote you last. I have some...
31660From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 2 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Favour by the Marquis, I have received, and it touched a thousand tender Springs, in my heart. You suppose I am informed of every Thing that passes at Philadelphia, but I am not: I never was and never shall be informed of any Thing that passes there but the Results in the Journals &c. I am very happy to learn that you are acquainted with my good Friend Mr De L’Etombe, who is a very...
31661From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 5 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
As you pass by, Mr Lund Washington will put a sheep or two on Board your vessel in aid of your Sea Stores—My best wishes for a pleasant voyage & happy meeting with Mr Rumney & your friends attend you. I am with esteem Sir yr most Obdt Servt L (photocopy), DLC:GW . In October 1911 Goodspeed’s catalog, no. 88, advertised an “autograph letter written and signed by Washington,” with several words...
31662To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 2 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that as it is a cloudy day the Indians decline doing business . Their meeting is therefore put off till monday 12 O’clock. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Feb. 1793. The business that brought a delegation of Wabash and Illinois Indians to Philadelphia is described in Minutes of a Conference with the Illinois and Wabash Indians ,...
31663To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 4 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I had the honor last of waiting on your Excellency at Passy, you were pleas’d to promise to give orders at Nantes for the Release of Captain Kinnear in Exchange for Captn Bell. The Death of Mr: Schweighauser no doubt is the Cause that nothing has hitherto been done in this affair, and unless your Excellency will please to give fresh orders to the...
31664From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 September, 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed by JM to “Edmund Randolph Esqr Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “JMadison Sept: 11. 1782.” Accompanying this manuscript in the Library of Congress is a copy of the letter, apparently made by a clerk, with a few corrections and comments in the hand of William C. Rives, author of the first major biography of JM. The Gentleman by whom I wrote this morning...
31665Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 23 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I receive here your favor of the 15 th and am gl ad you approve of the course proposed for Francis to confine his pur s uits to the important sciences exclusively. he may in the present year make such progress in them as to be able to pursue them to ad v antage th ereafter by himself. and if he can, for 2. or 3. years avoid the common error of premature marriage, he has s t ill time to make...
31666To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 21 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th instant, and the estimate enclosed. I sent yesterday to the 6th Regiment in north Carolina 15.000 dollars in drafts on Wilmington—these drafts will probably arrive in time to enable the paymaster of that Regiment to pay off the officers and men before the 15 June 1800. I have also, paid the balance in full to the paymaster of the 8th Regiment who was to...
31667[Diary entry: 11 September 1769] (Washington Papers)
11. Continued my Journey and reached Chas. Wests Ordinary after baiting under the Ridge at the blacksmiths shop.
31668From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Littlepage, 8 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 12. has been duly received, and in exchange for it’s information, I shall give you that which you desire relative to American affairs. Those of Europe you can learn from other sources. All our states acceded unconditionally to the new constitution except N. Carolina and Rhode island. The latter rejects it in toto. N. Carolina neither rejected nor received it, but asked...
31669To John Adams from Charles Lee, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The trial of Fries for high treason which was commenced on monday the 6th. instant and which from that period has alone occupied the court was concluded yesterday at 10 oclock at night. The prisoner had the assistance of able counsel Dallas Lewis and Ewing and after a fair & patient trial before an impartial court has by an unexceptionable jury been found guilty. During the trial of the...
31670Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The dangers of our country will be my apology for troubling you with this letter. I wish to draw your attention to the important subject of our financial difficulties, & particularly those which will present themselves to the Gen l Assembly at its next session: and to sollicit the favor of you to put me in possession of any hints, or plans which you may think adapted to the crisis. I went to...
31671From Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Lambert, 6 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’adresser le 11me. Juin, et aussi les 283. bouteilles de vin que vous m’avez expedié par la messagerie royale. Je leur trouve toutes les bonnes qualités pour lesquelles vos vins sont si renommés et j’en suis parfaitement content. Je me ferai un devoir et un plaisir d’en payer le montant 374.₶14s à telle personne que vous aurez la...
31672To George Washington from Sergeant John Cambridge, 20 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The petition of John Cambridge Serjt Colo: Henry Sherburne’s Regiment, in your Execellency’s Army as my Colo: is Absent and on Furlow at present and before he want away, I want unto him, and he told me, he Could not do it, without your Excellency Approbation. Which Causeth me at present to Apply to your Execellency for a Discharge. I have hired one Of the Soldiers that belonge to the Same Regt...
31673To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 9 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In my endeavours to forget my friends at Washington, & to transfer and fix my attention to objects within the reach of my influence and agency nearer home, I fear you will think I have succeeded too well. This is the first letter I have directed to the seat of Govt since I left it. A few days, after my arrival at Worcester, where I met my family and friends, generally, in health & spirits,...
31674From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 16 November 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Your Favours of Augt. 26. with the Books for the Library Company, &c. came safe to hand; and all turn out right; excepting that D’Argens Philosophy of Common Sense is not come, but another thing of his instead of it. The Life of Boerhave sent is an old and small Book; what we intended was a new Life lately published in (I think) 4 Vols. 8vo. Condamine’s Figure of...
31675To Thomas Jefferson from Ahmad Qaramanli, 12 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
La mancanza delli Commodi per l’interrotto commercio delle lettere cagionato dalle critiche circostanze delle Guerre mi fará credere ingrato, ed incivile per avere tardato finora a compire il mio dovere di ringraziare vivamente la Serenissima Republica, e principalmente V.E. per la grazia accordatami di obligare mio fratello a restituirmi, e mettere in libertá la mia Moglie, e li miei Figli,...
31676To Thomas Jefferson from John V. Kean, 6 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your servant left me the other day before I had an opportunity of sending you the more particular account of the last arrival of books, which further examination afforded. We still recieve duplicates lastly “Herrara decadas de Indias ocid. ‘4. V 4 to and Gibbon’s Roman Empire 12 V. 8 vo I suppose this to originate from some mistake in the catalogue furnished to Mr Hilliards. Las casses Journal...
31677To Thomas Jefferson from James Powell, 7 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I Canot suffer my self to entertain a doubt but that you wil be pleased to excuse this adress, with the same chearefulness you would acknowlidge a like obligation, Information assures me, Sir—That you are an ageid resident of Virgenia, and doubtless of extensive information—I shal ever be readey to acknowlidge it as a singular favour dun me—if it is in your power to afford me aney information...
31678Arthur Sinclair to William Jones, 21 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the satisfaction of stating to you that I have succeeded in geting the Detroit and Queen Charlott⟨e⟩ within the Bar, and they are now safely moored, which circumstance has relieved me of much anxiety. I had to pass them over in 3½ feet less than they drew, with sweept’ holds. The Charlott⟨e⟩ past over, on Friday last, without difficulty. Saturday and Sunday it blew a gale on shore,...
31679To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 11 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Fynje having communicated us his conversation with your Excellency last evening, we beg leave to assure you, that we’ll gladly do all what lays in our power to give you Satisfaction; We therefore to convince you of our inclination in this respect do without any hesitation Accept of the terms you proposed of 4 1/4 pct. for the Remedium and other Charges. The other point we’ve proposed to...
31680[Diary entry: 12–13 May 1765] (Washington Papers)
12. 13. } Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole by Swamp. Sowed Do. above the Meadow at Doeg Run.
31681To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Henry Brackenridge, 19 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Did not expect an answer to my note , not meaning to draw a person engaged in affairs into a correspondence: Cum tot sustineas , et tanta negotia— —In publica commoda peccem, Si longo sermone morer— But it may be useful to you in your present and approaching responsible situation to have hints, or indicia of the public mind on occasional subjects. With a view to inform and from a zeal for the...
31682Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 10 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson has informed you that he accomodates me with 3000.D. I counted that this would be recieved very certainly this week, but it seems it awaits some paper which he sends by this mail. I proposed that of this sum you should first take for yourself the balance I owe you, and then pay the curtail of 500.D. to the Farmer’s bank and my note of 350.D. to the Virginia bank ; and I still hope...
31683From James Madison to George W. Erving, 3 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To George W. Erving. 3 July 1806, Department of State. “At the request of Govr. Claiborne, I have the honor to introduce to you Mr. Merricalt, as a respectable citizen of New Orleans. He is proceeding to Madrid with a view to obtain payment of a debt from the Spanish Government. Should you approve of his demand and its nature admit of your patronage, I request the favor of you to afford it...
31684Reporting of House Debates, [26 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Burke moved that the House no longer permit reporting of the debates, but he later withdrew the motion. Tucker then moved that the House sanction an accurate and impartial publication of the debates. Mr. Madison Thought it improper to throw impediments in the way of such information, as the house had hitherto permitted from the purest motives; but he believed it equally improper to give the...
31685From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 18 August 1817 (Adams Papers)
This Evening my dear Daughter, will give you a Son, and me a Grandson, whom I have no doubt will prove himself worthy that Relation—He has plead So hard, and appeard so anxious and distrest, that it Should be so, before he again went abroad that I could no longer withhold my assent, and hav Susans Grandfather also joind with me, altho my former objections Still remained the Same. Tomorrow they...
31686From Thomas Jefferson to James Somerville, 1 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknolege the receipt of your favour covering one of Keith’s pamphlets on Weights and measures, which contains a great deal of information on the subject. With my thanks be pleased to accept assurances of the regard with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt, PrC ( MHi ). Somerville’s letter of 22 Nov. 1791, recorded in SJL as received 22 Nov.1791, has not been...
31687To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 20 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous connaissez, bon et Venerable Protecteur! par ma derniere Lettre de la Nouv. Orleans—le Motif, qui m’a engagè de revenir ici avec la permission du Gouverneur dont j’ai supposè Votre Approbation. Je suis arrivè hier soir—ou j’ai appris, que mon Epouse m’a ecrite bien souvent, qu’elle s’etoit même embarqueè avec ses enfans, son Compagnon de Voyage, ses effets et ses provisions—pour me...
31688To James Madison from Wyllys Silliman, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Marietta. Trusting in his belief that the administration wishes the laws of the national legislature to be generally promulgated, suggests their publication be extended to the Northwest Territory, even though the strict letter of the act of 1798 does not cover territories. Owing to expense of importing books, a newspaper is the main source of information for the populace, and...
31689From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit, Baltimore, 2 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I find that my letter of the 23d ultimo, (which was written in haste,) proposing an arrangement for the accomodation of merchants who are indebted to the custom-house, does not correctly express the idea which was contemplated. I therefore request that the following mode may be pursued: The directors are to judge of the safety of the notes which may be presented for discount for the respective...
31690William Jay to Peter Augustus Jay, 28[–29] March 1827 (Jay Papers)
I wrote to you by the Mail this morning to acquaint you with the illness of our dear Father, & it is with sorrow I again write to you, to inform you that his situation is very alarming. Till 11 Oclock this morning he suffered extreme pain from his hand. An Anodyne was then given to him, & his hand has been dressed every two hours since with yeast poultice. Since the anodyne he has not seemed...
31691To Thomas Jefferson from Moustier, 3 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Au moment de partir, Monsieur, puisque tout est disposé pour mettre à la voile demain matin, il me vient un scrupule sur la negligence que j’aurois eûe de profiter de votre complaisance pour obtenir du vin de Frontignan. Comme je le destine aux Dames Americaines à qui je desire, en tout honneur, de plaire ainsi qu’à Messieurs les Americains, je voudrois bien n’en etre pas depourvu. J’ai...
31692To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is with peculiar satisfaction that I prent to you, at the request of the Officers & privates of a Troop of Horse, organised and equipped at this place, their resolutions and Address Rendering their Services to the united States; and they are equipped, Sir, in a manner that would & do honor to any Troop of Horse in the World. Their offer, Sir, is the effusion of pure patriotism, and may be...
31693To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 14 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your letter of the 8th. inst. and have presented a copy to each of the heads of Departments.—I think there can be no doubt of the propriety of directing the commanding Officers of the respective posts in uper Louisiana to remove any persons who have set down on lands without titles since the twentieth of Decemr. last, and to prevent by all the means they...
31694To John Adams from C.W.F. Dumas, 23 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je puisse & doive être certain que V e. Exc e. a régulierement connoissance de mes Dépeches à l’hon ble. Départment des Aff. Etr., j’ai néanmoins cru devoir prendre la liberté de m’adresser directement à Elle, pour Solliciter, Monsieur, votre Attention Spéciale à un Article dans celle du 14 au 23 de ce mois, & aux annexes, où il est question de l’honneur qui nous est fait par...
31695From George Washington to William Smith, 8 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Captn Barney has just arrived here in the miniature Ship called the Federalist; and has done me the honour to offer that beautiful curiosity as a Present to me, on your part. I pray you, Gentlemen, to accept the warmest expressions of my sensibility for this specimen of American ingenuity : in which the exactitude of the proportions, the neatness of the workmanship, and the elegance of the...
31696From George Washington to John Jay, 5 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
It is with singular pleasure that I address you as Chief Justice of the supreme Court of the United States, for which office your Commission is here enclosed. In nominating you for the important station which you now fill, I not only acted in conformity to my best judgement; but, I trust, I did a grateful thing to the good citizens of these united States: and I have a full confidence that the...
31697To James Madison from Joseph Watson, 11 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 January 1813, Washington. “Candour and the respect that I entertain for R. Attwater Esquire compel me to state unequivocally that were I not impressed with the idea that his merits are destined for a higher circle of action, the recommendation which I now present would have been withheld; Should my expectations in this respect not prove fallacious I would beg leave to mention that I shall...
31698To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 30 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have had a severe Fit of the Gout which has confined me six Weeks; but it is now going off, and I flatter myself that it has done me a great deal of Good. I have just received a Letter from Dr. Ezra Stiles, of which the inclosed is an extract. Please to communicate it to Mr. Searle, and then give it to M. Dumas if you judge it proper for Publication. I have also a large and particular...
31699From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 1 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate George Hodges of Massachusets, now Surveyor of the port of Salem, to be also Inspector of revenue for the same port. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
31700Abraham Livingston to the Commissioners, 20 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Pleasure to write you 10th and 22d June, to which please be referred; I therein acquainted you that the Honorable Commercial Committe of Congress had ordered several Vessels to this Port for Cargoes for France. The Officers and Mariners of the Ship Flammand absolutely refused to proceed to this Place from the Massachusetts State. The Mellish was destroyed by the Enemy at...