3901The American Peace Commissioners to Richard Oswald, 7 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
In answer to the letter you did us the honor to write on the 4 th. ins t. we beg leave to repeat what we often said in Conversation, viz. that the Restoration of such of the Estates of Refugees, as have been confiscated, is impracticable; because they were confiscated by Laws of particular States, &, in many instances, have passed by legal titles through several hands— Besides, Sir, as this a...
3902[Diary entry: 6 March 1797] (Washington Papers)
6. The wind Shifted to the No. Wt. and turned Cold M: 24.
3903To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 22 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society What excuse can I make for delaying to answer so kind so wise so delightful a Letter as I recievd from my ever honour’d Friend two Months ago? I spent the Summer at my Diocese, where I heard but little & could find no channel of correspondence. The Consequences of Ld Rockinghams Death I doubt not, were sooner & more circumstantially known to You than to me:...
3904From Thomas Jefferson to William Branch Giles, 23 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved two days ago your favor of the 16th. and thank you for your kind felicitations on my election; but whether it will be a subject of felicitation permanently will be for chapters of future history to say. the important subjects of the government I meet with some degree of courage & confidence, because I do believe the talents to be associated with me. the [honest] line of conduct we...
3905From John Adams to James Warren, 11 February 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Archibald Buchannan, and Mr. Walter Tolley both of Maryland, and hearty Friends of America, introduced to me by my Friend Mr. Chace Chase , are bound to the Camp, and Mr. Chace requested a Letter from me. Chace is a Man of common sense. I received your Packett. I am obliged to you for opening the Letter from our Friend Mr. Adams, and if you had opened all the others, you should have been...
3906From Thomas Jefferson to Dabney Carr, 26 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your letter, covering an order of J. Perry for £108.15. to be paid in May, and I hold it subject to your direction without acceptance, but on such modifications as you & mr Perry shall agree on. by my agreement with him I am to remit him, or pay to his order 100. D. a month. I have paid an order of his of 50. D. for this month & hold the other 50. at his order. you must...
3907To George Washington from William Fairfax, 31 March 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday by the Return of Capt. Ouchterlony I had the Pleasure to enquire of Him concerning your State and Welfare, but He said the Uncertainty of his coming hither prevented his acquainting You with it: however left You well. Lieut. Baker setting off with about Sixty of the Nottoway & Tuskarora Indians equipt with Arms &c. to joyn the Tribes of Cherokees & Catawbas before Sent under the Care...
3908From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 9 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favors of Oct. 28. Nov. 20. 23. Dec. 18. 26. 31. and Jan. 30. By Chiappe’s letter inclosed in the last I am in hopes the difficulty respecting your character will be got over by verbally announcing yourself under some character more acceptable than that of Consul, which I suppose to be what Chiappe has in view. I wish the crisis of affairs in Marocco may...
3909Thomas Jefferson to Isaac A. Coles, 18 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
At our last court it was settled with the county surveyor that he should attend to make the survey in the case of Col o Monroe & mr Short on Wednesday next the 21 st inst. he will come here the overnight, so as to be ready to begin it early the next day, that he may finish it in the day. I must ask the favor of you to come and let us make a close of this business. I wish you could come the...
3910To James Madison from William Croghan, 7 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
In Consequence of the Death of Your Brother Ambrose, Colonel Richard Taylor & myself were under the Necessity of bringing Suits in Chancary against You & Nelly Madison for Lands we bought from Your Brother belonging to you & he, when he was in this Country in March 1792 he Sold us those lands. I gave him my Bond for the payment of 104½ Acres of the land I bought from him, which Bond he lost on...
3911From Thomas Jefferson to John Brown Cutting, 28 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honour of writing you on the 24th. inst. the transactions on the Black sea were but vaguely known. I am now able to give them to you on better foundation. The Captain Pacha was proceeding with succours to Oczakoff as is said by some (for this fact does not come on the same authority with the others), the authentic account placing the two fleets in the neighborhood of each other...
3912From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
We have proceeded thus far on our journey as well and with as much pleasure as we could possibly have expected and the day I have passed at this place will ever be remember’d by me with gratitude and pleasure from the very polite and kind attention of the Governor and his Lady to whom Mr Harris gave me letters of recommendation they are a charming couple exact suited to please me as they are...
3913General Orders, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is happy in the opportunity of congratulating the Army on our further successes—By advices just received, Colonel Brodhead with the Continental troops under his command and a body of Militia and Volunteers has penetrated about one hundred and eighty miles into the Indian Country lying on the Allegany River—burnt 10 of the Muncy and Seneca towns in that quarter containing...
3914Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 14 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your desire in your Letter of the 9th. Inst., I have endeavoured all in my power to persuade Messrs. Sweizer Jeanneret & Co., from the pursuit of their plan, & have communicated your Letter to them, in which it appears you do not consider yourself as authorized to accept it, but all without effect—for I find they have determin’d to raise, as they say, every obstacle which can...
3915From Thomas Jefferson to John Thomson Mason, 12 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day recieved your letter of resignation , with regret altho’ not unexpectedly; and have in consequence written to propose the office to mr Jones. as his acceptance is uncertain, and we have no time to lose in making the appointment, will you be so good in the meantime as to give me your opinion between mr Sprigg recommended by you, and John Bowie Ducket who has been recommended by...
3916To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Canfield’s Regiment at Stamford was raised to serve untill first of April next, he hath lately been instructed to remove and form our lines near Byram river. I am desired by our Assembly to apply to your Excellency, and request some of your Troops to be sent down to supply the place of that regiment at the expiration of its time, in part at least. I have mentioned the matter to your...
3917General Orders, 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The good of the service requiring at this time, the attention of officers and soldiers to duty, the General orders, that no furloughs be granted to officers above the rank of Captain, but from himself; nor to those below rank, but from the Major General, or Officer commanding the division, they belong to: Non-commissioned Officers and privates may be furloughed by their respective Brigadiers,...
3918To John Adams from Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, 31 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
While I feel with keenest anguish the late Dispensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournfull Tribute of respect and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased Husbad—and as his best services, and most anxious wishes were always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country—to know that they were truly appreciated and greatfully remembered,...
3919To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 3 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
May I begg leave to inform yoúr Excellency of the invitation I have gott on a súdden to vizit Paris for a few days, where I had the honoúr to wait on His Excellency B Franklin, who did me the honoúr to receive and treat me with the utmost politeness. I have mentioned again the Bill which yoúr Excellency had projected that we should Accept, as belonging to the former parcell bútt Mr. Franklin...
3920William Temple Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received my dear Friend, your Letters of the 19 & 14 Inst. The Bills contain’d in the Letter shall soon be return’d you. Those contained in former Letters I have regularly sent you back, accepted or barr’d. More underwent the latter Fate than I believe you expected. It is yourself only that is to blame, for instructing me in registring the Bills in so good a method,...
3921Daniel Brent to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Daniel Brent presents his respectful Compliments to m r Jefferson , and has the Pleasure to transmit to him the enclosed Letter, just received at the Dep t of State from m r Rush . He takes advantage of the occasion to acknowledge the receipt of a note which m r J.
3922To James Madison from William Bushby, 24 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Bushby. 24 September 1805, “Washington Navy Yard.” “Last summer I waited on you with a line from Mr. George Hite wishing your favour with Mr. Latrobe to obtain for me employment as a Painter on the Publick buildings in the City. As Mr. Latrobe was then absent, and you observed might return when you was not present—you advised me on his coming to show him my recommendations—(as...
3923Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 13 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had a mantua makaker & a Tailor last week which keept me so fully imploy’d that I had not time to write I receiv’d your kind Letter by the Post a thursday & rejoice that you have got into such good order so soon. I do not rise quite so early as you but I should if I could get all my folks to Bed in season you do well to devote so much of the day to riding I hope the difficulty the bad roads...
3924To George Washington from William Grayson, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have the Honor of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter from Genl Greene, respecting the necessity of a Resolution of Congress, declaring that all Prisoners of War who engage in the Enemy’s Service, from whatever pretence shall be treated as Deserters on which they request you to favor them with your Sentiments. The Board are unhappy to inform you, that nothing is yet done in...
3925[Diary entry: 21 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 21st. Attended Convention. Dined at Mr. Pragers, and spent the evening in my Chamber. Mr. Prager is probably Mark Prager, Sr., a member of the Jewish mercantile family that came to Philadelphia shortly after the Revolution. The firm, at first called Pragers, Liebaert & Co., was some time before 1791 changed to Pragers & Co. GW had written William Fitzhugh on 23 July 1784 introducing...
3926To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 16 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just returned from my Northern trip, & am sincerely thankful for the facilities you afforded me, by the letters enclosed to Washington, they ensured me a warm reception every where, & were, in other respects, of real value to me—I have no doubt my business will be much improved by it— I called on the collector of New York, & paid the small sum you were due him, mentioned in one of your...
39274th. (Adams Papers)
Eliza, spent the day at Mr. White’s. Mr. Thaxter was here in the Evening. The weather very mild: a farmer, who was here in the Course of the day, said the river was very ticklish.
3928To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 18 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The several appropriations made at the last session of Congress for the progress of the work on the Public Buildings, have, during the late recess of the Legislature been applied to their specific objects in the manner which I now beg leave to report to You. 1. South Wing of the Capitol In this wing all the wood work & the covering of the Roof have been painted,—the Iron railing of the...
3929[Diary entry: 3 November 1797] (Washington Papers)
3. Calm, Clear & pleasant—Mer. at .
3930John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all. Sullivan came here from Lord Howe, five days ago with a Message that his Lordship desired a half an Hours Conversation with some of the Members of Congress, in their private Capacities. We have spent three or four days in debating whether We should take any Notice of it. I have, to the Utmost of my Abilities during the whole Time, opposed...
3931To John Adams from William C. Somerville, 8 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to forward you by mail a volume of Letters on the past & present State of France, which I beg you to accept as a testimonial of my high sense of the services you have rendered to the cause of real freedom—I cannot flatter myself with the belief that their perusal will afford you any information since they relate to a period of history with which you are perfectly...
3932From James Madison to Louis-Marie Turreau, 12 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 June 1805 . Calendared in the index to the State Department notes to foreign legations as “relative to the capture of the Huntress” ( DNA : RG 59, Notes to Foreign Ministers and Consuls, vol. 1).
3933To Thomas Jefferson from Frederic Herlitz, 2 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The first lines which run out of my pen, are pardon of taking the liberty to trouble you with a few lines. I will give you at first a description of my birth and situation, I was born at Newyork in a very respectable family , but my parents being reduced, were obliged to send me to Germany to one of their acquaintance, for my education, where I staid nearly 17 years and as soon as I had...
3934Drafts of Messages to Congress, 6 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter &c it is sent in a separate & confidential message because it’s publication may discourage frank communicns between our ministers & the govmts with which they reside. for exploring the waters of the country ceded by the Convention with France of Apr. 30. 1803, & the Indian nation’s inhabiting the same for the purpose of establishing commerce with them. DLC : Papers of...
3935To George Washington from George Lux, 29 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am now emboldened to pay my Compts to Your Excy in discharging a duty of common humanity—Mr Jesse Bussy Junr of this County went out in the Matilda of this Port, which Vessel is taken & Mr Bussey has lost his Leg—he is a fine Young Fellow, his Father a firm Friend of American Independence & a Magistrate of this County, & all his Connexions are firm Whigs & worthy Men—An Uncle of this...
3936From George Washington to Patrick O’Flynn, 15 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
About the middle of August, the term of my present Miller will expire, and it is not probable the agreement will be renewed; first, because he wants to have his wages raised, next, because the work of the Mill will not afford it; & lastly, because though a good Miller, he is far from being an industrious man. The wages, & allowances I now give, and am willing to continue, are $166⅔ pr Ann:...
3937To Thomas Jefferson from Rodolph Vall-Travers, 29 May 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Having left mÿ Papers in Holland, when I was called over, to settle my deceased Spouse’s Succession; I cannot commemorate the several Letters, I had the Honor to address to your truely-venerable President, to your worthy self, and laudable philosophical Society, to Mr. Adams, your respectable Vice Presidt. and to my good Friend and Relation, Conrad Zollikofer, Merchant at Baltimore; at sundry...
3938From James Madison to Jacob Brown, 10 June 1825 (Madison Papers)
Captain Glassel heretofore of my neighbourhood, supposing that a trip to Scotland may aid an object in which he has an eventual interest, wishes me to drop you a line on the occasion. Of his present standing personal & official, you have or can readily obtain a sufficient knowledge; and it does not belong to me to estimate the considerations on which a grant of absence must depend. What alone...
3939Orders, 14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Williams for the Day. Parole Abington. A Return to be given in immediately of the Smiths belonging to Captain Waggeners Command; who are to assist in cleaning the Publick Arms here in Store; the Officer of the Day is to visit the Smiths at work on the arms, and to see that they do not neglect their Business—He is also to visit the Guard and Recruits, and see that no irregularities...
3940To James Madison from Robert Troup, 26 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to solicit the renewal of my former Acquaintance with you, and to ask the favor of your good offices, in a matter which I presume to be within the sphere of your department. For several years past, I have had charge of the estate, lying in the Western parts of this state, and now belonging to the family of the late Sir William Pulteney, of London, an estate exceeding two...
3941To Thomas Jefferson from B. Contée, 18 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Bayonne, 18 July 1785. He had written on 28 June, stating that he was offered by Moracin (receiver of the Farmers-General at Bayonne) only 35 livres per quintal for 450 hogsheads of tobacco landed there, though he had previously been led to expect a higher price than that of 44 livres already refused. Since such a breach of faith is detrimental to sound commercial relations, he had urged that...
3942From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the report of the march of yesterday, it appears there was to your baggage a guard of a serjeant and four men, contrary to the regulations and to General orders. I am persuaded this must have happened by mistake; but as it is of the greatest importance that the General officers should set an example of regularity to the army I mention the matter to you that you may take effectual care to...
3943To James Madison from John Gavino, 30 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I crave refference to my last dispatch No. 94. Since then I have been honourd with yours of 11t. May last, being well. My accos. had been sent to the Treasury Department to be adjusted. It inclosed a Letter for Consul OBrion and another for Consul Eaton. The former goes forward this day. Consul Simpson returnd to Tangeir the 26th. Inst. to conferr with the Bashaw who had then sett out for...
3944From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters of the 10th came to hand last Night—In mine of the 11th I informed you as fully as it was prudent to do upon paper, that there was at present little or no prospect of an operation in the quarter you seem to wish—The Contingencies appeared to me so remote in the Conversations I had with Count Rochambeau that I could not justify myself in withdrawing a detachment already so far...
3945Record: Suffolk Court of General Sessions, Boston, November 1768 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Brookline in the county of Suffolk, setting forth that on the thirtieth day of January 1767 the worshipful Joseph Williams Eqr. issued a warrant in these words, vizt., Suffolk Ss. Complaint being made to me the Subscriber, one of his Majestys Justices of the peace for said county, by Mesrs. John Child, Aaron Davis, and Eleazer Weld, Gentlemen and...
3946To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas G. Watkins, 3 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Secretary Crawford left W:City early yesterday morning on a visit to his connections in Va. & I heard him say he wou’d call at Monticello—having several calls to make on the way I think it probable he may not reach you till the 11 th perhaps earlier if his horse and driver are good I am much better of my Rheumatism—& sincerely hope that you continue to improve in your own health—with my...
3947From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you, I expect, by Colo. Thruston; from whom you will be able to receive a more circumstantial Acct of the situation of Affairs in this Quarter than can be conveyed well, in a Letter. We have been kept in an anxious state of Suspence respecting the designs of the Enemy; nor are we able, at this time, to form any precise Ideas and judgment of their ultimate...
3948To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Williams, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Gentlemen composing the Corps of Engineers thinking that, besides the Duties prescribed to them, as such, it would be the most acceptable Service they could at present render to their Country to collect and preserve, as far as possible, the military Science which must still exist, in a different State, among the Veterans of our revolutionary Contest, and those of our fellow Citizens who...
3949John Adams to Hendrik Fagel, 1 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
When I was in London last November & December I amused myself often, by running into Booksellers Shops, and purchasing now and then a Book, which I had occasion for. My Son who was lately in London had them embarked for Rotterdam, where, I was last night informed they are arrived. It was said that they must be entered at the Custom House, and that a Value must be set upon them by the owner,...
3950From George Washington to James Madison, 10 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 30th Ult. It came by the last Post. I am better pleased that the proceedings of the Convention is handed from Congress by a unanimous vote (feeble as it is) than if it had appeared under stronger marks of approbation without it. This apparent unanimity will have its effect. Not every one has opportunities to peep behind the curtain; and as the multitude often...