32851From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the long preparations at New York and the strong appearances of a large Detachment’s being made from thence—it seems certain from very recent advices, that no Troops have sailed as yet, and that the Enemy hold themselves in collected force. What their designs really are I have not been able to learn, altho I have taken all the pains in my power to effect it. The Southern States...
32852To John Adams from William Elliot, 6 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed small volume and map, relate to a subject in which you took an early and distinguished part: viz. the planning and laying out of this infant Metropolis, and believing that you still feel a deep interest in its welfare, I have sent you this small tribute of my high respect, hoping that you may find some satisfactory information in it, as regards the progress and improvement of the...
32853Leray de Chaumont to Joseph Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 16 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ay eu unne Conversation assez interessante avec M. Adams pour que Son Excellence M. Le Comte de Vergennes en Soit informée, et J’ay L’honneur de vous en remettre Le precis pour que vous ayez la Bonté de le remettre au ministre, Si vous jugéz qu’il meritte Son attention. Je Croyois que M. Adams etant isolé de M. Lée verroit autrement que Lors qu’il etoit inspiré par ce dernier, mais il parait...
32854To James Madison from George Joy, 5 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
Contrary to the information of Mr Adams, the Neptune sailed on the 18th. Ult; and I shall send my letter of the 17th with this to the Isle of Wight; where I have some friends embarking for Boston. As things have turned out I could not but regret in a late conversation with Mr A. that the chance of such an effort had not been tried; and I ought perhaps to say that without giving any...
32855To James Madison from Henry Hill Jr. (Abstract), 27 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
27 June 1805, Havana . “By an opportunity direct to George Town, I have the honor to inclose you duplicates of my letters of the 12th & 14th Inst. with their several accompanying documents. Except no. 4 refered to in my letter of the 12th, another of which I have not been able to obtain. “Since I had last the honor of addressing you, I have waited upon His Excy the Captain Genl. and with...
32856Tarlton Saunders to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have seen Mr Edward Bolling on the Subject of Col o John Bollings debt to Mr Lyle , and the Bond assigned by you, he is not disposed to come to any liquidation of these claims, I have therefore directed a Suit to be brought against him in the Superior Court of Chancery for a Settlement of his administration account, on his Fathers Estate, who made ample provision in his will, for the payment...
32857To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 5 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send to your Excellency a Letter for Sir Guy Carleton, which I beg you would forward to him by the first opportunity. I beg you will send with all possible speed to the chevalier de La Luzerne, the inclosed packett for business requiring great diligence. I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d inst. and I am going to send to Mr De Vaudreuil that which you write...
32858To James Madison from Thomas FitzSimons, 26 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas FitzSimons. 26 February 1806, Philadelphia. “The Ingenuity of British Vice Admiralty Judges has Lately discovered, a pretence for Condemning the property of American Citizens, which if Persisted in may have most Ruinous Consequences to a very Important Branch of our Commerce—of late, most of the Vessells met with on this passage from France to New orleans have been Carryd into...
32859To George Washington from Robert Hunter Morris, 31 October–1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Good Intelligences being of the utmost Consequences at this Juncture, and Mr Gist knowing more of Indians and of the Nature of the Country than any man here I have availd myself of his coming and desird him to go by Mr Weisers & consult with him in what manner to obtain true Accots of the Motions of the Enemy & to settle a Correspondance with You at Fort Cumberland. He will not be long detaind...
32860Thomas Jefferson to Bradford & Inskeep, 17 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Apr. 7 . was recieved Apr. 22. the books never got to hand, or were heard of by me till the day before yesterday. I deferred remitting the amount in the hope of acknoleging their reciept at the same time. having to make a remittance to mr Dufief , bookseller in Philadelphia , I have included in it 68. D 75 C for you, for which I must ask the favor of you to call on him for within...
32861From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 11 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit herewith by direction of the President copies of certain acts of the Executive authority, bearing date in the years 1794 and 1795. These acts resulted from the circumstances which then existed, and from a just solicitude to maintain the laws and the rights of neutrality within the jurisdiction of the United States. The intervention of other circumstances rendered...
32862From Thomas Jefferson to Parent, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Si vous croyez, Monsieur, que le vin de Voulenayé et le vin de Meursault de la qualité nommée Goutte d’or peuvent etre transportés à Paris pendant les chaleurs actuelles, je vous prierai de m’envoyer une feuillette de chacune de ces deux especes, en bouteilles, des meilleures crues, et de la recolte qui est la meilleure pour etre bu le moment actuel. Vous aurez la bonté de m’indiquer la...
32863From Thomas Jefferson to Katherine Sprowle Douglas, 10 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In your letter of June 21. you asked ‘my opinion whether yourself or your son might venture to go to Virginia to claim your possessions there’? I had the honour of writing you on the 5th. of July that you might safely go there, that your person would be sacredly safe and free from insult. I expressed my hopes too that they would in the end adopt the just and useful measure of restoring...
32864To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 10 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 23d. ultimo Copy of which you have herewith; I now have the pleasure to inclose you a Packet received from Charles Pinckney Esqr. at Madrid, a General List of all the arrivals in this Port since the first of July 1800. untill the 30th. June ultimo, Copy of the Circular received from Mr. John Gavino of Gibraltar, and to advise you of the rumour spread...
32865To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 16th instant is just come to hand: Our Transports set sail this morning, but their Destination is not for France, they are bound to Hispaniola; the Surveillante convoys them and the Hermione is bound to Philadelphy. I’ll be obliged to keep your Excellency’s Letter for Mr Laurens, untill we have some occasion to send it from Boston or some of the Neighbouring...
32866To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Garrett, 4 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Thomas not having returned from Richmond, I have not been able to get his report (relative to the state of the subscription) corrected as you desired, I return it to you least it may be wanted at the meeting of the Visitors, On the return of M r Thomas I will get him to report anew as directed, and forward it to you I hope in time to answer all purposes. Not having time to get from the...
32867From Thomas Jefferson to New Hampshire Legislature, 2 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In the review, fellow citizens, which, in your address of the 14th. of June, you have taken of the measures pursued since I have been charged with their direction, I read with great satisfaction, and thankfulness the approbation you have bestowed on them; and I feel it an ample reward for any services I may have been able to render. The present moment is certainly eventful, and one which...
32868From George Washington to Captain Robert Smith, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
As you are furnished with a Copy of the instructions given to Capt. Stith, you will easily discover my design in ordering him to retire with the remains of the Regiment —but as he appears in every instance to have gone counter to them, & has crossed the Delaware without advising me of it, in that case, I would have you fix on some place in the state of Pennsylvania consistent with the...
32869From George Washington to William Herbert, 10 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The only unsettled matter in my administration of the estate of Colo. Thos Colvill, is a bond of one Sidney George, of Maryland. A Mr Chalme⟨rs⟩ (now of London) who was directed to institute a suit in chancery in this case, & who has been written to on the subject, thinks, as he was in the habit of corrisponding with Colo. Carlyle about that time (1774) there may be found some letter of his,...
32870To Thomas Jefferson from Peder Blicher Olsen, 22 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The emotion Your extraordinary goodness and offer have produced on me, is to strong to allow me, at the present moment any other expression, but that of admiration and gratitude. I respectfully accept and thank—Sir Yours very humble and obedient servant RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Dec. Peder Blicher Olsen (also Blicherolsen) arrived in the United States in July 1801 as consul...
32871From John Adams to William Phillips, Jr., 1 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
Mr John Marston has requested me to write your Honour on a Subject in which I am very sensible I have no colour of right or pretentions to interfere, and on which I am not qualified to form a judgement.— All that I can say is, that I was acquainted with his Father, who had been an Officer in the Conquest of Louisbourg in one thousand seven hundred and forty five, that Mr Marston was himself in...
32872To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 7 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
My being detain’d two days Longer at Home on acct of two Trickey Tenants Ocations my business To Prevent my Seeing you as I intended —I am oblige to Leave Alexandria on Satterday next in order to be ready For Loudoun Court. I doubt not but that you always want money, if you Can make it Convenient to Send to Mr A. Waleses on Friday Evening—I will Endeavour to raise Thirty Pounds —your accts are...
32873From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Spotswood (Son of General Spotswood of this State) will have the honor of presenting this letter to you. He means to offer his Services in the Naval line. He has been long accustomed to a Sea faring life—is a good Navigator—and for many years has been Master & Commander of Vessels. He is sober. His wishes can be best expressed by himself—& you will be the best judge of their...
32874From James Madison to Daniel Parker, 23 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1813. “J. M. has recd. Mr. Parker’s communication of the 21st. inst: He has written to Secretary Jones, on the subject of it, & refers Mr. P. to him for further information.” RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). JM to William Jones, 23 Sept. 1813 .
32875To Thomas Jefferson from William Booker, 17 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a drawing of the threshing Machine I promised you by Mr. Buck. I hope your Liberallity will Excuse me, for the delay. My Situation has been Such as rendered it almost Impossible with any Tolarable Convenience to have done it Sooner. I have been but Little used to drawing. What blunders you See I trust you will Excuse. I hope however with it and the Information you got by Mr. Buck...
32876To James Madison from James Taylor, 9 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
I do my self the pleasure to introduce to your acquaintance, Chapman Coleman Esqr Marshall of the State of Kentucky, a particular friend of mine & one of our worthiest citizens. Mr Coleman is a Native of your County, but left it when quite young & has not visited it since til the present trip. You will find him able to give you much information, both as to your friends & acquaintances, as well...
32877Resolutions Reaffirming American Rights to Navigate the Mississippi, 29 December [November] 1786 (Madison Papers)
The issue of the free navigation of the Mississippi had long occupied JM’s mind, and his concern had been aroused in the summer of 1786 when Monroe had kept him informed of the proceedings in Congress on the Jay-Gardoqui negotiations in an almost continuous stream of letters. By August JM was deeply disturbed at what the consequences would be of Jay’s negotiating away the Confederacy’s rights...
32878From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 28 April 1806 (Adams Papers)
We are again permitted to return home in good health, after having passed as pleasant a winter as the times would permit. Mr Cushing was confined to his room three weeks with a great cold, attended with a slight fever, but his spirits were good even at that time, & he saw company every day. He attended Court 19th. Feby & on the 22nd. sat near seven hours without once leaving the bench, with as...
32879To John Adams from William MacCreery, 4 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Last night arrived here from Baltimore the Brigantine Saratoga, Captn. Murray, who has brought 2 Packets from Congress for the Honble. the Commissioners, and as many for Yourself. My Letters are of the 28th. May, at which time it was generaly understood there, that the Enemy were about embarking from Philadelphia with all haste, and that Genl. Washington was advanceing towards the City in...
32880From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of Feb. 8. and 21. have both come to hand. The former not till 4. or 5. days ago. I am made happy by learning that my daughter is so well as also the little stranger . According to your desire expressed in the letter first mentioned, tho’ last recieved, I take the liberty of proposing for her the name of Anne , a name which must be very dear to you, and belongs also to Patsy’s...
32881From George Washington to Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Army will move to Ver Planks Point in the course of this week—a provision of Forage must be made for the Riding Horses of the Army & others which will be necessarily employed there with the Artillery, Stores, Baggage &c. The number will be small—but as the Hay as well as grain must be brought from some distance, it behoves you to make your Arrangements accordingly under the direction of...
328821772. Feby. 2d. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Have omitted now for 3 months almost to keep any “Note of Time or of its Loss.” Thomas Newcomb dined with me. He says that Etter, the Stocking Weaver, told him about a fortnight ago, that he saw the Governor within these 3 Months, and told him, he hoped the People would be contented and easy now they had a Governor from among themselves. The Governor said, “there were some Discontents...
32883Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favours of the 19 th 23 & 26 of Nov’ br came safe to Hand, together with the pamphlet. the writer appears to have ransakd Pandimonium, & collected into a small compass the iniquity and abuses of Several generations, “sitting down all in Malice & Naught extermating.” If the representations of our Democratic Societies both of Men and measures, for these two years past, were to be...
32884To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 31 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith forward another Portion of our News Papers. You will observe that I have dropt the Freeman’s Journal, and substituted the Evening Herald in its place. The former grew intolerably stupid and uninteresting. The latter gives the Debates in our Assembly, which I doubt not will afford you amusement and knowledge of our affairs. The Arrival of Dr. Franklin has given a Spur to our...
32885To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In conformity to your circular Letters of the 14th. of April and 25th of May, I now enclose an Account of all the Fees and Commissions received, and the Expences paid, by the Officers of the Customs in this District, the latter in detail, and the former as much so as, I hope, will prove satisfactory. By the Statement in the Tenth page, it will appear how the Account stands at the end of the...
32886Thomas Jefferson to John Steele, 27 July 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved a letter of Apr. 29. from mr Appleton of Leghorn informing me he had shipped by the brig Free Ocean Cap t Bartholomew , sailing that day for Philadelphia 2. cases of Florence wine of Montepulciano, containing 84. bottles for me addressed to your care. as I presume the letter came by the same vessel, & that she is arrived, I take the liberty of requesting you to forward the...
32887To Alexander Hamilton from John Browne Cutting, 16 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 16, 1796. “You were good enough to offer me last Decr. what I little thought I should have occasion to accept in May—letters to any of your friends in Congress. Business of greater moment than my claim has incessantly occupied the Secretary of State ever since the documents that support it have been in his possession.… I therefore presume to request of you a single line to...
32888To James Madison from George Johnston, Jr., 31 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to receive in March last from the President of the United States, a Commission appointing me Consul for the port of Glasgow in Great Britain. On its receipt I proceeded to arrange my business, and close my concerns in this quarter as speedily as circumstances would admit, in order to depart for that Consulate, and was about to proceed, when the unfortunate outrage was...
32889[To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, 9 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 9 Apr. 1781 . War Office Journal (Vi) contains the following minute under this date: “Letter to his Excellency the Governor proposing Mr. Gilbert to superintend the public carpenters.” Not found. A virtually identical entry appears some pages later in the War Office Journal, under the same date but among the May entries; it may be a mere repetition by a careless clerk or it may...
32890Thomas Jefferson to Littleton W. Tazewell, 22 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have still to acknolege the reciept of your letter of Sep. 27 . the preceding one covering the bonds had been previously recieved. your mention of what you recollected from Herodotus put me on examining that author more particularly than I had before done, and this led again to the investigation of the case of the Nile through all the authors I possessed on the subject. the result has been a...
32891From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at Middle Brook I shall furnish you with Instructions for the command at this post and its vicinity, at which you are to remain with the Jersey Brigade. I have at present to desire that you will take every measure to prevent an intercourse between the Country and New York and that no persons, inhabitants of these States, may be permitted to go thither or into the Enemy’s lines...
32892[Diary entry: 4 February 1760] (Washington Papers)
Monday Feby. 4th. White Frost & So[uther]ly Wind. Sometimes cloudy & sometimes clear. The Frost seemed to be getting out of the Ground. Dispatchd Foster to Occoquan, to proceed from thence in Bailey’s Vessell to Portobacco for 100 Barrls. of Corn wch. Captn. Possey purchased of Mr. Hunter the Priest for my use. Sent money to pay for the Corn viz.—37 pistoles and a Shilling, each pistole...
32893To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is paragraph of a letter from Mr Foot, receiver of Cattle at Fish Kill, to Mr Watrous Superintendant of Cattle at this place; the contents of which are very alarming. Instead of haveing large Quantities of beef salted in bulk at this place, the Connecticutt, & New-Hampshire Hutts, as was intended, or pretended; about 200 head of small Cattle only have been salted here, & none on...
32894From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 26 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you were pleased to favor me, dated the 15th of August last year, accompanying sevl pamphlets on interesting subjects, came safe; though long after its date, as you will perceive by the enclosed note from a Mr Callender; which serves as a wrapper of six guineas which I send for the vols. of the Bee (15 in number) which have come to my hands. As you have never authorised...
32895From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 6 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
My Son would go home, very improperly without a Letter to M rs Warren, whose Virtues and Accomplishments his Father has so long admired. The Time is at length come in which the United States of America are to have a Minister at the Court of Great Britain. a time foretold by the Prophets and Seers, and Dreamers of Dreams but never, untill very lately Stedfastly believed by any to be so near at...
32896From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Monsieur Fanueil, who sometime ago laid a plan before you for raising and officering a Corps of Frenchmen, waited upon me yesterday. His success, as I expected, has been small in inlisting or rather engaging Canadians, I cannot find that he has met with more than thirty or forty who would be willing to serve with him. He is now upon another Scheme, that of raising, arming and cloathing a...
32897From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 2 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 29th Ult. reminds me of an omission which I should be ashamed of, did I not conceive that my apology will be as satisfactory as it is just. The omission alluded to, is not acknowledging the receipt of your former favor which accompanied the Books, and thanking you for your care of them. The apology is, the hourly expectation of seeing you at this place on your return to...
32898Memorandum from Henry Knox, 16 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the Attorney General yesterday in pursuance of your direction an equal division of opinion took place upon the question herein stated. It appeared that certain privateers commissioned on the part of the French Nation by Mr Genest at Charleston equipped and manned at that place partly by Citizens of the United States, have brought prizes taken from...
32899To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 14 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If the following proposed arrangement, for executing the Office of Surveyor General of the United States, should coincide with your ideas upon that subject, and come within the meaning of the law , I shall have no objection to the appointment. First , The Surveyor General shall determine every geographical position necessary for forming a chart, or map, by which the vacant lands belonging to...
32900Daniel McNeill to the Commissioners, 15 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
On my Cruize in the Ship Genl. Mifflin of Boston, and on August the 22 Instant being about fifty Leagues West and North of the Island Oshant att 9 AM saw Three Sail of Vessells bearing ENE from us about five Leagues Distance Standing to the ENE, which I took to be Enemies by the Course they Steared. I gave them Chase, as soon as they found I was in Chase of them, they spoke each other, and one...