321To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 22 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
I Have Been Honoured with Your favour By Mr̃ Joy to Whom I Will Readily Render Every Service in My power, and am also to thank You for the Valuable Books You took the trouble to Collect for me—in the Cause of My Black Brethren I feel Myself Warmly interested, and Most decidedly Side, so far as Respects them, Against the White part of Mankind— Whatever Be the Complexion of the Enslaved, it does...
322To George Washington from James Mease, 18 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing your Excellency, the 12th Inst., which missing the post, was delayed some days, Since which, your Excellencys favors of 9 & 12, are come to hand, The former of which surprized, & paind me very much, The paragraph from Mr Youngs letter to Mr Kemper, respecting the sending forward some Shirts & stockings, which seems to have given your Excellency cause of offence, I...
323From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 8th Instant. I hope General Clinton is now moving by the Routes and according to the Orders he has received from General Sullivan, under whose command he has been entirely placed for some time past—and of which I advised him by Two different conveyances, besides writing to him through the hands of General Sullivan: As it was conceived best, that the...
324From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 16 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I can but love & thank you, and I do it sincerely, for your polite & friendly letter of the 11th of November, which came to my hands only the day before yesterday. The sentiments contained in it are such as have uniformly flowed from your pen and are not more pleasing than they are flattering to me. The present Congress can sit no longer than the 3d of March; and should it not be found...
325From James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The occasion which led to your favor of this morning merits all our congratulations, and I heartily join in those you have expressed. The terms of the peace will I hope be satisfactory to our Country. With the events of the war, they can not fail to command the respect of every other. … Be so good as to return the two papers after a leisurely perusal. The newspaper is the latest that has...
326To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 24 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote You on the 22nd & 23rd. I now set myself down to trouble You once More. As neither Cols. Meades or Harrison’s Depositions may ever reach me & if they do, As they will contain no Information respecting the Papers taken in Andre’s Hand I am to beg you, to be so Obliging, as to send me Your Deposition, by the first Conveyance; Of what my Conduct was, or appeared to be to You, from the...
327To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 15 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
Desirous as I am of returning you my thanks for the very honorable proof you have given me of your esteem; I cannot wish that this may find you in Port. I am not under the least apprehensions of their succeeding for any time against us personally; but I am afraid they will injure the public and introduce a system of faction and corruption which it will be very difficult to change. For me the...
328To George Washington from Colonel Armand, 2 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Complaints made to you against my Corps, are the more personal as I derive the Command of it from Your Excellency, as I love and respect this Corps in the light of a Gift which comes to me from you, and as it is my constant Attention to render it as well as myself worthy of your Favour; if Your Excellency previous to casting Reproaches upon me, with respect to which from my Ignorance of...
329Clement Biddle to GW, 30 August 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 30 Aug. 1797. On 6 Sept. GW wrote Biddle : “Your favor of the 30th Ult. was received.”
330To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
331Enclosure: La Luzerne to the Continental Congress, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The underwritten Minister of France has the Honor to inform Congress, that the King in pursuance of his affection and friendship for the United States, and the desire he has to put an end by effectual measures to the calamities of the present War, has resolved to send to this Continent a supply of Troops to Act against the Common Enemy and a Fleet to second the Operations of the Land forces....
332To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 11 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit to you inclosed the Copy of a Letter which, though dated yesterday, has just been sent to my House by Mr Henry Suttle, the Person named in the Representation which I had the Honour to make to you on the 4th of this Month. In Consequence, Sir, of this Letter, it is now necessary that I should trouble you farther by stating that on the Day (the 2nd Inst. now Nine...
333Obituary of Susanna Boylston Adams Hall, 29 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
On Friday the 21 st. inst t. departed this life, in the 89 th. year of her age, M rs. Susannah Hall, the venerable Mother of John Adams, President of the United States of America. And on Monday following her funeral was attended from the President’s house to the Meeting-House in this place, by a large & respectable assembly of the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring Towns, who came to pay...
334To Thomas Jefferson from W. Jennings, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The leizure hours of a few months residence in the United States have enabled me to prepare for the Press ‘The Foundling of Belgrade’ a tale intended as a series to ‘The memoirs of Charles Westcote’ published by me about a twelve month since in Great Britain. Apart from the honor of receiving a dedication to the first magistrate of a free people the liberty of placing this volume under the...
335To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza Caile Scott Rankin, 25 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you pardon my presumption in addressing a few lines to you, for the purposes of soliciting your aid on obtaining an appointment for my Son in one of the public Departments,—it is so long since I have had the pleasure of seeing you, & my acquaintance even then was so limited, that I cannot but feel the temerity, of my present application, I rely Sir, on your well known Philanthropy.—My...
336Eulalie Cathalan to Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Jai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire en date du 10. aout pour vous annoncer le malheur que j’ai eu de perdre mon pere . depuis lors j’ai reçu vos honorables lettres , & jai acheminé a nice celles que vous m’aves adressé pour expedièr. Jai aussi reçu de la part de M r John Vaughan un effet Sur paris de ƒ 1312.50—Cequi Servira a effectuer vos commissions. N’etant pas trop au fait de Ces Sortes...
337John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
This is one of my fortunate days. The Post brought me, a Letter from you and another from my Friend and Brother. The particular Account you give me of the Condition of each of the Children is very obliging. I hope the next Post will inform me, that you are all, in a fine Way of Recovery. You say I must tell you of my Health and Situation. As to the latter, my Situation is as far removed from...
338To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 18 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The time Draws near for my Leaveing this place I Expect whe Shall be at Graves End about the Second of august I find Capt Barney is arived in France and hope he has Brought Dispatchs for you Mr Bingham I understand has wrote you the Gazet I Sent you hope Got sauef to hand Mr Silas Dean is hear he paid me a viset and I find from him Self that he wrote Some...
339[From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 11 November 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 Nov. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “N. Lewis. Country along Seine—abjection of people—war in Europe—pears, goose berries, apricots better; cherries and grapes equal: peaches, nectarines, apples, strawberries, raspberries inferior to ours—Anthony to graft Balyal’s peaches, white, red, and yellow plumb and the fine soft and supply vacancies now and future. To take up such peach trees as...
340Littleton W. Tazewell to Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
A long absence from this place, occasion’d by my attendance on the Court of Chancery in W ms burg , prevented my receiving your letter of the 12 th Ult o until within a few days past— I embrace this earliest occasion (since it has been in my power) to acknowledge its receipt, and to tender you my thanks for its inclosure. The remuneration you have made me for my professional services in...
341To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 17 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The want of Subject say no intelligence from the American States in any of the ports on this Coast keeps me from giving more frequent advices. It cannot be many Days before some arrives. Many Sail were preparing at Philadelphia for Europe and particularly the Deane Frigate— the difficulty to procure Seamen I apprehend the principal obstacle to their...
342From John Adams to William Plumer, 28 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
You enquire, in your kind Letter of the 19th. Whether, “every Member of Congress did, on the 4th of July 1776, in fact cordially approve of the declaration of Independence”? They who were then Members all Signed it, and as I could not See their hearts, it would be hard for me to Say that they did not approve it: but as far as I could penetrate, the intricate internal foldings of their Souls, I...
343From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Two of your Letters, viz No 24. Dup: & 25. Origl came to hand on the 16th: inst: These are the latest dates of any received from you, although the vessel that brought them had an uncommonly long passage from Gottenburg. We are happy to hear of your health and that of your family, as we have done more frequently than we could reasonably have expected. My Letters to you, thought not much behind...
344Thomas Jefferson to Joseph McCoy, 6 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr M c Coy & his thanks for the poem he was so kind as to send him some time past the reciept of which he has not been able sooner to acknolege. too old now to catch the glow of poetry, he is illy qualified to become a judge of it’s merits, other than that of sentiment. in this respect there is much to commend in mr M c Coy’s little poem. the...
345To George Washington from William Goddard, 16 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Removed to the humble Vale of rural Life, it was but recently that the “Memoirs of the Life of Charles Lee, Esquire,” &c. &c. fell under my observation—and as I once announced a Design of publishing a Work nearly similar in Title, though far different in Contents, I am impelled by the most unfeigned Respect to your Character, as well as Justice to myself, to address you on the Subject,...
346To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Preble, 26 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Having established myself at this Port; and finding that Mr. Peter Dobell who was some time since appointed Commercial Agent of the US. at Havre, intends to resign that office, I beg leave to solicit the same when vacant; it would be particularly valuable to me, as I shall most probably pass great part of the remainder of my life at this Place. I have thought it needless to trouble you with...
347Farm Reports: Statement of Crops for 1789 (Washington Papers)
AD , DLC:GW . For background to this document, see Farm Reports, 6–12 Dec. 1789, source note . A balk is a ridge or strip of ground left unplowed as a boundary between two furrows. Root of scarcity ( Beta vulgaris or mangel-wurzel) is a coarse beet grown primarily as cattle fodder. For additional information on GW’s cultivation of this plant, see Diaries Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds....
348To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 25 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 13th Current did not come to hand till the day before Yesterday, I fear I shall fail in geting you the Poland Oat —some have been Offered, but they were so much degenerated that they Appeared no better than the Common Oat, & the price 25 ⅌ Ct higher I have procured 200 Bushels of the Common Oat of the best Quality & well Cleaned & You may send for them or any part you Want,...
349To George Washington from Alexander White, 24 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th instant a bill passed the House of Representatives appropriating 200,000 dols. for compleating the Public Buildings in the City of Washington, and on the 21st having been twice read in the Senate was committed to Lloyd[,] Tazewell, Stockton, Sedgwick and Goodhue —I attended them on Friday Morning—no resolution was agreed to or proposed, but appearances were less favourable than I...
350To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 11 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing, that the President intended to answer your letter , relative to the shares in the two rivers, I did [not] think it necessary to trouble you with an assurance, that I would remind him of it. He tells me, that he has stated to you fully the arrangements, which he meditates. Mr. Short mentioned to me in his last dispatches, that he had proposed to you some time before your resignation a...
351To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 12 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you yesterday & finding a safe opportunity of a gentleman going this morning to Corunna or to Ferrol I avail myself of it to repeat to you the intelligence I sent yesterday which is that they are fitting out for sea immediately there three sail of the Line two frigates & some transports to join others at Cadiz as it is said to go to strengthen their forces in Cuba & Florida. I have...
352To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Benezet, 8 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote a few days past, by a french Gentleman, but now my dear friend thy daughter having procured me an oppertunity, which appears more sure, I make use of it to inform, that in my last was inclosed an earnest petition to thee from Francis Geay de la Gaconniere, the person to whom an Estate is fallen at Fontenay le Vicomte in Poitou, which I think thou...
353Enclosure: Alden Partridge’s Table of Altitudes of Northern Mountains, [before 6 September 1815] (Jefferson Papers)
A Table. Containing the Altitudes of Mountains calculated from Barometrical Observation, by A Partridge Captain in the US. Corps of Engineers. Names of the Ranges Names of the different Peaks Altitudes in feet. Remarks. above their Bases above the Sea. White Mountains Mount Washington . 4885.— 6634— The White Mountains are situated in the northeast part of the State of New Hampshire
3541772. Novr. 21. (Adams Papers)
Next Tuesday I shall remove my Family to Boston, after residing in Braintree about 19 Months. I have recovered a Degree of Health by this Excursion into the Country, tho I am an infirm Man yet. I hope I have profited by Retirement and Reflection!—and learned in what manner to live in Boston! How long I shall be able to stay in the City, I know not; if my Health should again decline, I must...
355To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter of Short’s for perusal, & one of Edgar Patterson asking what is already I presume provided for. One of General Armstrong which I do not well understand because I do not recollect the particular letter which came by Haley. I presume the counsel he refers to is to take possession of the Floridas. This letter of June 15. is written after the cession by Carlos to Bonaparte of...
356[Diary entry: 25 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
25. Dined at the Palace & attended a Committee of the Association at Hayes. Spent the Eveng. there. A general meeting of the Virginia nonimportation association had been held in Williamsburg 22 May, and a committee of 20 gentlemen, including GW, had been appointed to revise the agreement that the associators had signed the previous year ( Va. Gaz. , R, 3 May 1770; carter [3] Jack P. Greene,...
357To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 3 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19 du mois dernier par la quelle vous me marquez que plusieurs Americains qui, après avoir été pressés en Angleterre, ont été pris sur des Vaisseaux de cette nation et conduits dans les Prisons de France desireroient entrer au Service des Etats unis. J’ai deja accordé au Capitaine John la...
358John Jay: Account of Conversation with Franklin, September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AD : Columbia University Library Dr. Franklin lived at Pha. in the Neighbourhood of Mr Boudinot the Father of Elias Boudinot the present Presidt. of Congress—the Father was a Silver Smith who had come from NYork to settle at Pha., a man much devoted to Whitfield, by whom his Son was baptized Elias after the Prophet of that Name— Dr. Franklin remembers Elias coming to his Father’s Door with...
359Report of the Georgia Land Commissioners, 14 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 February 1803, Washington. Describes the land in the Mississippi Territory disputed by South Carolina and Georgia and the land grant practices of Spain and Great Britain in the region. Defines the criteria for confirming grants as given in the articles of agreement and cession between the U.S. and Georgia. Lists the classes of claims derived from Spanish or British land grants, or from...
360To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1820 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ From Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 2 June 1820 . Enclosed in Dolley Madison to Lewis J. Cist, 4 July 1842 ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers).
361From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 7 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
This will accompany a joint letter inclosing the draught of a treaty, and my private letter of June 22, which has waited so long for a private conveiance. We daily expect from the Baron Thulemeyer the French column for our treaty with his sovereign. In the mean while two copies are preparing with the English column which Doctr. Franklin wishes to sign before his departure, which will be within...
362To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Mes dernieres sont du 25, 28, 29, & 31 Oct. & 2 Nov. Celleci ira demain par voie de Rotterdam. Voici copie de la permission de mettre à terre les blessés prisonniers de la commission expediée par le Commodore en conséquence au L. Col. Wuibert; & de la convention entre les Commodores, Américain & Anglois. Notre Ami m’a...
363General Orders, 21 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Patterson[,] Lieutenant Colonels Littlefield[,] Olney[,] Brigade Major Oliver. For Guard[:] Major Leavensworth The regimental Paymasters will bring their Payrolls and Abstracts made up to the 1st Instant to the Deputy Paymaster General for Examination They will also call on him for the amount of the Pay and subsistence for the respective...
364To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 12 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In my answer to Sergt. Dunbau I observd that there would be an impropriety in giving him a discharge at present, but that if his fears were such as to render it painfull to to join his Company he might be transfered to an other Company, and that he might remain with the guard in this City the ensuing winter.—I think Capt. McComb would be a suitable charactor to attend any experiments that Mr...
365[Diary entry: 4 March 1760] (Washington Papers)
4. High Westerly Wind—clear & cool.
366To Thomas Jefferson from David Bailie Warden, 15 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of sending you through mr Sheldon, three great volumes and two letter s. The greeks have lately gained some advantages, and anticipating freedom are now preposing a constitution, or form of government adapted to their situation. The more enlightened Spaniards, motivated by the same feelings, still manifest a vigorous resistance: but the lower class, it is said, generally...
367To Thomas Jefferson from John Syme, 27 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having Several Matters to lay before your Excellency, I fully intended to Have Waited on You Yesterday; My indisposition prevents me, and I Know not Certainly when I can go Out. Reflecting on the Business of Moving the Stores and from a thorough Conviction of being Right, as to Not Water bearing them, I wrote the Inclos’d Letter to Mr. Claiborne; He being on a Jorney, I immediatly Communicated...
368George Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 7 th inclosing Mess rs Shoemaker & Son’s conditional dft on G. & J. for 200$.— As we have heard nothing of their flour, have never transacted business for them at all, and know nothing of them, except of their bad manageme n t at your mill, we of course cannot become responsible even for this small amount, until we have something actually in hand.— As...
369From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed came to my hands by the last Post. The Enemy have been very busy since their return from the Jerseys in Imbarking Troops—Nine Regiments are compleated to their full establishment by drafts from some others which are reduced, & these I am perswaded are destined for the West Indies—Whether the rest of the Troops will remain in New York—return to England—or go to Hallifax is yet...
370From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A reply is due to some points in your letters of the 25 & 30 of June. It was foreseen that the narrowing of the description of characters who might be enlisted might would impede the progress of the recruiting service; but it is deemed better to submit to this inconvenience than to mingle in the mass of our force elements of disaffection & disorder. The plan is therefore to be sincerely &...