4021From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 27 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my solicitation of July 22. at your request the ground on which I stand is entirely changed, and it is become impossible for me to ask any thing further from the govmt. I cannot explain this to you, and even request you not to mention the fact. I should not have sent it to you, but that I cannot offer you false excuses. my frdshp for you is the same , but this method of proving it is no...
402218th. Monday. (Adams Papers)
This morning we set off from Varsala in a boat and went 5. miles as far as Kůmlinge. Fine weather.
4023John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Weather still continues cloudy and cool and the Wind Easterly. Howe’s Fleet and Army is still incognito. The Gentlemen from South Carolina, begin to tremble for Charlestown. If Howe is under a judicial Blindness, he may be gone there. But what will be the Fate of a scorbutic Army cooped up in a Fleet for Six, Seven or Eight Weeks in such intemperate Weather, as We have had. What will be...
4024Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing the interest, you take in the state of our foreign relations and the solicitude, you feel for your old and sincere friends, I hasten to transmit to you a copy of the documents, which accompanied the late message of the President . They shew the Course, we have been steering in a sea of difficulties. As the principles, which I have feebly endeavoured to maintain, are, in truth, but a...
4025To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newport, Rhode Island ] January 23, 1792 . “Yesterday I recd. your Circular Letter of the second of this month, and shall observe your directions.…” LC , Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
4026From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 16th I hasten to ansr. it as I have by the same post receivd a Letter from our dear Caroline from Schnectady giving an account of the safe arrival of the Party there in improved health they go on to Ballstown to try the Springs & from thence proceed to Quincy; where I now have no doubt but they will arrive safe—I have addressd the paper of the day to Caroline by which...
4027To John Adams from Rufus King, 27 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
I intended to have written to you previously to my departure from New York— M r. Jay has undoubtedly transmitted to you the late Acts of Congress permitting your return to America after the expiration of your Commission to the English Court, and giving you the unequivocal thanks of the U.S. for the diligent, faithful, and able discharge of your various public Duties since your Residence in...
4028[Diary entry: 8 November 1773] (Washington Papers)
8. But little wind in the forepart of the day. In the Afternoon it got to So. East & much rain fell.
4029From John Jay to Bernardo del Campo, 1 February 1782 (Jay Papers)
M r Jay presents his Compliments to M r Del Campo, and requests to be informed whether he has as yet rec d . the Instructions necessary to enable him to execute his appointment relative to the Affairs of the United States, at this Court. M r . Jay begs Leave again to mention his being ready & anxious to enter with M r . Del Campo, into the Discussion of those affairs, at any Time & place that...
4030To Thomas Jefferson from Mustafa Baba, Dey of Algiers, 17 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
We Salute and pray for your health and happiness. Your Consul OBrien in your name demanded The favour of us to seek and Obtain, The release from Slavery of your Subjects , in the possession of The Pascha of Tripoli. we wrote and Obtained The Same and gave them to your Consul to send to you as a present, and we pray you to receive the same and be assured of our friendship— We have been much...
4031To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the Charleston recommendations. In a conversation with General Sumpter respecting the qualifications of the four persons named, it appeared to me that he considered Simeon Theus and Paul Hamilton as the best qualified, and that it was believed that neither Mr Hamilton nor Mr Freneau would accept. He seems to give a decided preference to Mr. Theus, and assured me that the other...
4032From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 50, 23 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 23 April 1780. LbC ( Adams Papers ). Although a note to the Letterbook copy of Adams’letter of 3 May to the president of Congress (No. 58, calendared, below) indicates that this letter was sent and the Journal of Congress shows it to have been received on 19 Feb. 1781 ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , Washington, 1904–1937; 34...
4033To George Washington from Peyton Short, 22 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 16th inst. directed to the care of Genl Spotswood, on last Evening. Be assured, Sir, I will pay the strictest attention not only to the execution of the power to be vested in me by Genl Spotswood, but to the object also of your request respecting your two tracts of Land on Rough Creek. I will communicate with Colo. Marshall, who is a near...
4034From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 17 January 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
This serves to advise you that I have this day drawn on you for [150]. Doll. at three days sight in favor of Mr. Charles Johnston & Co. of Richmond, which please to honor. Several little disbursements which you have made for me, of unknown amount, render it desireable to recieve a continuation of your last account. Yesterday came to hand a box of Segars, which I presume is from you. I expected...
4035To James Madison from Simon Lynch, 1 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1804, Nantes. “Confirming my last respects of the 26th. September, I have now the satisfaction to inform you that from the strong representations made by me the fishermen of the U: S: who during the continuation of the war will bring their fish to this Market will no further be troubled and perplexed for certificates of Origin, and Obliged to give Bond for the re-exportation of the...
4036To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 13 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Dr. Priestley était parti depuis plusieurs jours, pour se rendre à sa terre, lorsque j’ai reçu l’honneur de la vôtre du 9. Avril—Je suis d’autant plus fâché ce cette circonstance qu’aucun des Libraires de Philadelphia, ne peut me procurer ceux de ses ouvrages que vous demandez—Je tâcherai de découvrir quelques particuliers qui peuvent les avoir et ferai mon possible alors pour vous les...
4037Margaret Allison Caldwell McHenry to Abigail Adams, 8 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
It was with the greatest concern I heard of your late illness, since which time I have felt very sollicitous to hear of your recovery, & hoped before this to have had that gratification— I therefore was greatly disappointed, when M r M c Henry told me a day or two since, that you were still indisposed.— this information so contrary to my wishes is the cause of my troubling you with this letter...
4038To James Madison from Elijah Sparks, 23 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Unbend your mind for a few Moments, from national, and vastly more interesting considerations; and look over a candid address, from a former acquaintance. The acquaintance being very partial, as to personality, is now without doubt, in every trace, effaiced from your recollection. A knowledge of your own candour, induces me to write, for which I have a claim on your Goodness, for Pardon. This...
4039From Hannibal Dobbyn to John Adams, 28 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Hannibal William Dobbyn humbly sheweth That Memorialist came to America in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine; to purchase a Tract of Land in the Western Territory of the United States for a Number of respectable Families from Ireland & for himself; that your Memorialist upon his arrival presented a Petition to Congress to be permitted to buy said Lands, which...
4040From James Madison to John Steele, 24 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have lately shipped to your care in the Sloop John Hand Junr. Master, Twenty six Boxes, containing Volumes of the Laws of the United States, 1st. Session, 10th. Congress, addressed to many of the Governors of the States & Territories, which you will be pleased to forward to their respective places of destination, as opportunities may occur, paying the expenses from Philadelphia, which will...
4041To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne de Frëý, 18 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Cest Madame de Fréÿ epouse de Mr le baron de fréÿ premier Capitaine de la légion de pulauswki au Service des etats unis de l’amerique, qui a l’honneur de vous ecrire pour vous prier Monsieur de vouloir bien faire parvenir à Son mari la lettre cy jointe. Je prends Monsieur la liberté de m’adresser à vous parce que de 6 a 7 lettres que jai ecritte à mon mari...
4042To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 12 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
We rec’d. your two letters of the 22d. Feb. on the 3 inst. and that of the 2d. on the 10th. I have not been able to procure horses for George and Page yet tho’ I have taken very considerable pains myself and they as far as the hurry of the season would permit them have been looking about. There are none worth having in the neighbourhood but many pass along the road from Kentucki, for sale, and...
4043Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by the stage under care a friend of mine, your bundle Books rec d from M r Gibson — They are directed to be left with M r Ja s Leitch Charlottesville , & hope they will reach you safely— I understand from Governor Randolph that M
4044Term of the Senate, [26 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Read moved that the term be nine years. Mr. Madison. In order to judge of the form to be given to this institution, it will be proper to take a view of the ends to be served by it. These were first to protect the people agst. their rulers: secondly to protect the people agst. the transient impressions into which they themselves might be led. A people deliberating in a temperate moment, and...
4045From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan, 22 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
By my letter of Jan. 13. I took the liberty of praying you to send me Hayes’s newspapers to the care of N. Jamieson of New York, by post if free, or otherwise by other opportunities. I have not yet received any: but pre[suming] on past experiences of your goodness I suppose some may [be] on the way. In the mean time experience proves to me that the French postage is exorbitant beyond...
4046[Diary entry: 20 February 1797] (Washington Papers)
20. Cloudy with a little rain in the forenoon—variable afterwards. Wind So. West. Mercury 39. Another third of the Penna. Reps. dined here.
4047To James Madison from John Gavino, 17 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last No. 113 under the 11: Inst., orders is come to the Emperours Agent here to get the Ship in question ready for Sea and he further tells me Expects the Commander every moment from Tetuan with a Crew, and that She is at all events to go to Sea. I have the honor to be with respect Sir Your most obedt. and most he. Servt. Three french Ships the Line are aback of the Rock with Troops...
4048To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Harrison Smith, 13 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 2 d of August in reply to mine of the 22 d of July. I did not then, as, perhaps, I should have done, return you my thanks for the candid expression of your opinions; opinions w h I cordially respect, although they are not, on one point, so explicit as I had hoped they might be. Notwithstanding frequent and flagrant misrepresentations of your sentiments I have...
4049[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...
4050From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 22 April 1783 (Jay Papers)
I wrote to you so lately by M r Mason and there is such a Dearth of news that I now write less to give you Information, than as a mark of Attention. There are several of your Letters which on acc t . of their Length, the Importance of their Subjects, and the Manner in which those Subjects were treated, demanded of me more minute answers than my Situation admitted of. M r Hartley is not yet...
4051To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Brookes, 21 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am at this time scarcely Able to sit up, yet hope My Leg is on a good way of recovery—I have inclosed Docr. Wm. Beanes certificate, respecting My Confinement which I Trust will fully satisfy Genl. Hamilton, that it was impossible for me to Come on before this period—the Moment My situation will permit It I shall be on My Way to New York with due Consideration I am Sir your Obt. & Huml Sert....
4052Novr. 14th. 1760. (Adams Papers)
Another Year is now gone and upon Recollection, I find I have executed none of my Plans of study. I cannot Satisfy my self that I am much more knowing either from Books, or Men, from this Chamber, or the World, than I was at least a Year ago, when I wrote the foregoing Letter to Sewal. Most of my Time has been spent in Rambling and Dissipation. Riding, and Walking, Smoking Pipes and Spending...
4053To Thomas Jefferson from Dr. John Vaughan, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will Mr. Jefferson be so obliging as to accept the little pamphlet on fever , per mail of the day. The importance of the subject is the best apology the writer can offer for submiting his observations to the better judgements of others. The origin & nature of the malignant disease which has afflicted various parts of our Country for some years, is a common object of interest & inquiry. Be...
4054Christian Lotter to John Adams, 30 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
The orders I have lately reicived from Your Son M r: J: Q: Adams for packing up his goods, on purpose to be Shipped to another End of the World, gave me very great concern, I rather like to unpack, then to pack up, especially for Such for whom I maintain the greatest Esteem and am proud to Serve; I am in this point alike the Hollander, all under een dak van’t huÿs, but changes will and must...
I am so much concerned my Dear George to learn from your last letter what a state of suffering you were in that I have been anxiously looking for a second letter to assure us of your recovery—We learn from the newspapers that the cold has been intense and I fear you do not take precautions to guard against its extreme severity— We are here in the midst of the busy bustling scene of a session...
4056Notes on Debates, 25 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison observing to Congs. that he found a settled disinclination in some of the delegations to concur in any conciliatory expedient for defending the Missippi agst. the operation of the vote of seven States , and that it was hence become necessary to attack directly the validity of that measure to the end that the adversaries to it, and particularly the instructed delegations, might at...
4057From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 July 1807 (Adams Papers)
Though your last Letter was not immediately answered, I offer no apology but my own frequent infirmity. It was, my dear Mrs Adams, a very pleasant circumstance to me, to receive an account from your own hand, of your appreciated health, nor did I find in your late letter, any marks of the shattered condition of your head, of which you complain.—Indeed, I think the bough that bends to the gale,...
4058To Thomas Jefferson from Larkin Smith, 3 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In justification to my own feelings I cannot pass through your neighbourhood without paying to you that tribute of respect which you are so justly entitled to, from your preeminent services to your country. it was fully my intention to have done this in person, but returning from the upper country (where I have been in pursuit of health) in a very enfeebled state added to my anxiety to return...
4059To George Washington from Landon Carter, 9 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
If ever friendship gave vigor to the nerves of declining Age it will do it now—to enable me to acknowledge the receipt of your Favor March 27. I assure you I endorsed it the history of the evacuation of Boston. A mere Magnum in Parvo; and I read it with great pleasure to all our friends around. Permit me to say that you have made good the Prediction of my first acquaintance with you. A...
4060To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
From every thing I can hear Mr. Merry is a worthy candid man, & I hope you will find him reasonable & have an easy time with him. I think it will have a good effect to apprize him of the manner in wh. I have spoken of my reception here, as of the sincerity of my desire to promote the objects of our govt. in promoting peace &ca. A like course may be equally useful with Mr. Pichon to whom I...
4061From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
4062To Alexander Hamilton from Francis A. Vanderkemp, 15 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oldenbarneveld [ New York ] September 15, 1800 . Recalls Hamilton’s kindness to him on his arrival in the United States. Proposes that the Society of the Cincinnati establish archives for “all what might be of any worth to Posterity” and that the archives include “all Orations Eulogys Sermons on Solemn occasions—all remarkable incidents anecdotes &c.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
4063Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 25 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be presented you by mr George Ticknor , a gentleman from Massachusets whose father is of distinguished standing in that state. this gentleman has been 4. years travelling and and sojourning in the different countries of Europe for the purposes of instruction, and with the same views will pass the approaching winter in Edinburg , Oxford , Cambridge and London
4064From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [10 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Compliments to the Secretary of State. He has signed the Counterpart; but for the present leaves in the words as a privateer to consider jointly of some substitute the kind of vessel not being wholly indifferent & there being a doubt whether the general words would be descriptive enough. The letter supposed to have been received from the Commissioner...
4065To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your Excellency’s Letter of this Date. Colonel Innes informs me of some Vessels Being on their way up. Till we know their force, which side they Mean to Act, we can Determine nothing, and till then I approve the Different Rendezvous you have Named. I am only afraid if their Movements are Rapid, they will get here Before the militia. I shall Communicate to your Excellency...
4066Thomas W. Gilmer to James Madison, 31 August 1830 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject of some interest to the public, & I feel assured, that the solicitude which you have always manifested for the public good, will induce you to excuse me, if you do not approve my suggestions. It has occurred to me, that a favorable period is at hand, for the friends of the University, & of our system of public education, to adopt to the extent,...
4067To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 2 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last hasty letter, I engaged to write you soon after my arrival in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the legislature (of considerable magnitude) which respect the orginization of the government. There is a party of federalists, who are of opinion that the electors should ⟨be chosen⟩ by the people, and the rep⟨resentatives⟩ not in districts but at large. These ⟨will⟩ be...
4068To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to inform your Excellency that there is a general uneasiness among the New-Commissioned officers of the Connecticut Line grounded principally upon the inequality of the rewards to the officers and Soldiers. They say the rewards ought to be in a strict proportion, and if the officers receive five years pay as a reward for services the same rule ought to extend to them,...
4069To George Washington from the Board of War, 20 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to inclose copies of some letters which they have recd on the subject of the Supplies of the Army. They are exceedingly concerned that the prospects from some of them, are so unpromising. And are much alarmed for the consequences; nor can they conjecture what may be the event, unless the late regulations in the finances produce a favorable change in our...
4070[Diary entry: 27 September 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Clear, calm, and warm all day. Colo. Bassett his Son & George Washington took a ride to Alexandria. I rid into the Neck, by Muddy hole, to measure a piece of ground intended for Corn another year & to new model my fields. Took up the flax that had been spread to rot at the latter place. Engaged at every plantation in...