4141[May 1761] (Adams Papers)
I am myself an Inhabitant of Boston, and have I think an honest affection for the Town, and a sincere Concern for its Honour: for which Reason I cannot reflect upon the late prevailing Humor of attributing our own follies to the Country without Regret. The late Engagement in your Paper, between two litigating Scribblers, about the Clergy of this Town, and their lawdable Conduct, at the late...
4142[Draft of a Letter to the Boston Gazette, May 1761.] (Adams Papers)
I am myself an Inhabitant of Boston, and have I think an honest affection for the Town, and a sincere Concern for its Honour: for which Reason I cannot reflect upon the late prevailing Humor of attributing our own follies to the Country without Regret. The late Engagement in your Paper, between two litigating Scribblers, about the Clergy of this Town, and their lawdable Conduct, at the late...
4143Draft of a Letter to the Boston Gazette on the Evils of Licensed Houses, May 1761 (Adams Papers)
Braintree, May 1761. Printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 1:212–215 . Fourth and last in the series of newspaper communications on this subject. See entry for the earliest draft in the series, 29 May 1760 , above, and references there. Printed : ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and...
4144To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 1 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have been so very Unwell all this last Winter, and the Early part of this Spring that my Attendance on the Assembly has been Very Inconvenient and Troublesome to me, and if my ill state of Health Continues and I have no Reason to Expect much Alteration I must be oblig’d to quit all close Attention or attendance on publick Affairs. This I...
4145To Benjamin Franklin from John Rice, 4 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Agreable to your Orders I have bought for to morrow £5000. 3 per Cents Consolidated at 87½ per Cent, which I hope you’l Approve off, the 4 per Cents are at a 100½ but in my Opinion they will come down to your price, being oblige to attend Sir Thomas Robinson on particular Business to morrow hope you will accept of my friend Mr. Trigg, if not back in...
4146To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Potts, 6 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Letter which you left with me last Week I read to my Lord Bessborough who Orderd me to Acquaint you he desired Mackrath might be removed Directly and that you would appoint the Person Post Master at Charles Town that was recommended by Governor Littleton some time ago, I shall Acquaint the Governor on Friday next with this Nomination. I am Sir Your most...
4147To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 6 May 1761 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday about noon we arriv’d at this place where the loss of some Waggon Horses, want of Provisions for the Waggoners, and Forrage for the Horses oblig’d me to remain last night, I this morning sent to Reconnoitre Cedar Creek which is found immensely swell’d by the heavy Rains and deem’d impassable so that we are likely to remain here at least for this Day. I flatter myself that the Success...
4148To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wilmot, 8 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am informed by Mr. Penn, that the £100,000 Act passed by Mr. Hamilton, has been transmitted to you under Seal. This I presume is with an Intention to be presented to the Councill. If You have any thoughts of presenting it, I should be very glad, if before you do it, you wou’d allow me a Quarter of an hours Conversation with you on this head, and I will...
4149From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Penington, 9 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I inclose you a Letter from your Kinsman Mr. Springet Penn, with whom I had no Acquaintance till lately, but have the Pleasure to find him a very sensible discreet young Man, with excellent Dispositions, which makes me the more regret that the Government as well as Property of our Province should pass out of that Line. There has, by his Account, been...
4150From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Wilmot, 9 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received the Act you mention, and if tis convenient to you to call at my House on Monday morning any Hour before One, I shall be glad to see you and converse with you on the Subject; being with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant. As in the case of Wilmot’s letter of May 8 (above, p. 314), to which this is a reply, I. Minis Hays...
4151From George Washington to Van Swearingen, 15 May 1761 (Washington Papers)
At the Cock fight on Saturday last I promis’d to be at a Wedding at Mendenhall’s Mill Yesterday, which together with an Affair that I had to settle on Bullskin (that detain’d me a day longer there than I expected) prevented my taking Shepherds Town and your House on my Way, I intend this day to pass along the North Mountain, and to morrow attend a Meeting at McGills on the Cumberland Road, and...
4152To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 19 May 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and draft: American Philosophical Society In my last I communicated what occurr’d to me upon first reading your Letters. I receive so much Pleasure from what you say or write, and it is with such Facility I comprehend, or fancy I comprehend, what you mean, that attending to you is my Darling Amusement. I have not many Opportunities of conversing personally with you, but I make up that...
4153[May 1761] (Washington Papers)
May 24th. Betty from Riverside Quarter came home Sick & did not again in a Condition to work till the 13th. July fol. Riverside Quarter, or River Quarter, a newly developed part of the Mount Vernon crop land, was in the 1,806 acres of land GW had bought from William Clifton in 1760. Most of the remaining cleared land in the Neck owned by GW was, in 1760, being worked by tenants. Riverside...
4154[Diary entry: 24 May 1761] (Washington Papers)
May 24th. Betty from Riverside Quarter came home Sick & did not again in a Condition to work till the 13th. July fol. Riverside Quarter, or River Quarter, a newly developed part of the Mount Vernon crop land, was in the 1,806 acres of land GW had bought from William Clifton in 1760. Most of the remaining cleared land in the Neck owned by GW was, in 1760, being worked by tenants. Riverside...
4155[Braintree Lawyer, 1761] (Adams Papers)
On the 25 of May in this Year 1761, my venerable Father died in his 71st Year, beloved, esteemed and revered by all who knew him. Nothing that I can say or do, can sufficiently express my Gratitude for his parental Kindness to me, or the exalted Opinion I have of his Wisdom and Virtue. It was a melancholly House. My Father and Mother were seized at the same time with the violent Fever, a kind...
4156To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 1 June 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Your Favour, by Captain Hammit, came safe to hand last Week, for which I am obliged to you. Inclosed you have the first Copy of a Bill of Exchange for One Hundred Pounds Sterling, drawn by Lieutenant Thomas Vaughan on John Calcroft Esq; Westminster, for which, as usual, please give me Credit, and Advise of its coming to Hand. Should be mighty...
4157To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 2 June 1761 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 2 June 1761. On 12 Oct. GW wrote to Robert Cary & Co. : “Your Letter of June the 2d I receivd.”
4158Memorandum List of Tithables, 4 June 1761 (Washington Papers)
A List of Tithables in Fairfax County given in June 4th 1761 George Washington Ho. Servants: Breechy, Schomberg, Jack, Nat, Doll, Jenny, Betty, Phillis, Moll, Sall. Carpenters: Turner Crump, Jno. Askew, Will, Morris, George, Anthony, Michael, Tom, Sam. Smiths: Peter, London. Home Plantn: George, Ned Holt, Ben, Will, Will, Jack, Jack, Charles, Kate. Muddy ho. Pln: Edw Violette, Grig, Dublin,...
4159The Society of Arts: Notice of Committee Meeting, 10 June 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society In the Franklin Papers there are a number of printed notices of committee meetings at the Society of Arts (above, VI , 187 n), an organization to which BF was devoted as his attendance record—some fifty-odd appearances at meetings between 1759 and 1762—attests. At various times he sat on the Committees of Agriculture,...
4160To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 10 June 1761 (Washington Papers)
I had the extreme pleasure to receive your most affectionate Letter containing the Joyous accot of the Election, than the pleasing circumstances of which nothing could have afforded more solid satisfaction[.] Two days preceedg the 18th the Adjutant applied to me for leave to return to Winchester which I absolutely refus’d, however in about 20 hours an Express brought me a positive Order for...
4161[June 1761] (Adams Papers)
I have been for a Week or fortnight engaged in a Project. Have remarkably succeeded hitherto. Mr. Niles approved in all Things. Major Crosbey approved in all Things. Deacon Palmer approved in all Things. They have given under their Hands a very full and handsome Character and Recommendation of my Brother—much more ample than I expected. They have really Spoken in Hyperbole. They have expressed...
4162June 11th. 1761. (Adams Papers)
I have been for a Week or fortnight engaged in a Project. Have remarkably succeeded hitherto. Mr. Niles approved in all Things. Major Crosbey approved in all Things. Deacon Palmer approved in all Things. They have given under their Hands a very full and handsome Character and Recommendation of my Brother—much more ample than I expected. They have really Spoken in Hyperbole. They have expressed...
4163To Benjamin Franklin from [John Peter Miller], 16 June 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Princeton University Library Extract of a Letter from one of the People called Dunkards, dated Ephrata June 16th. 1761, to Benjamin Franklin Philadelphia. The respect you was so kind as to send to the father and to the Societies, was received very well, as it came from an old Friend who was acquainted with the society from its Infancy. The father has now reached 70 years; according to...
4164Enclosure: Account with Thomas Lawson, 19–28 June 1761 (Washington Papers)
Dr Colo. George Washington in Accot with Thos Lawson March 18th To 5 Barrs of Iron sent you at this date Wt 160 @4d. £ 2.13.4 June 19th To 88 Barrs of Iron now sent Wt 1T. 0C. 0Q.4W. 30/ 30. 1.3 £32.14.7 E. Excepted pr Thos Lawson June 28th 1761 Then Recd ⟨the⟩ above Sum of Thirty two poun⟨ds⟩ 14 & 7 for the use of M⟨r Tho.⟩ Lawson. D , ICHi . The receipt is written in GW’s hand and signed...
4165To George Washington from Thomas Lawson, 19 June 1761 (Washington Papers)
I shoud have sent you a Ton of Iron before now, if I cou’d possibly have induced the Skippers of sundry Vessels I have seen in Occoquan & going towards Alexandria to have carried it up for you —And rather than you shou’d want it any longer, have caused one of our Neabsco Skippers going up to Alexandria to call here for it, and by him have sent you Eighty Eight Barrs weighing T. 1 C.o Q.o 4 W....
4166June 20th. 1761. (Adams Papers)
I have latterly arose much earlyer than Usual. Arose at five and at 6 O’clock, instead of 8 and 9. The Mornings are very long, and fine opportunities for Study. They are cool and pleasant. But I have not improved my Time, properly. I have dozed and sauntered away much of my Time. This morning is very fine. The clear sky, the bright sun, the clean Groves and Grass, after so fine a Rain are very...
4167Saturday June 20th. 1761. (Adams Papers)
I have been interrupted from Reading this Institute ever since Feby. Amidst the Dissipations of Business, Pleasure, Conversation, Intrigue, Party &c. what mortal can give Attention to an old latin Institute of the Cannon Law? But it is certainly worth while to proceed and finish it, as I have already been 2/3 thro it. This second entry so dated is from D/JA/4, JA ’s desultory record of...
4168To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 26 June 1761 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 26 June 1761. On 28 May 1762 GW wrote to Robert Cary & Co. : “Your unacknowledged favours of the 26th June . . . and the 19th of Octr following now lye before [me].”
4169From Benjamin Franklin to [Springett Penn?], 30 June 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Detroit Public Library I have not yet obtained the Opinion of my Lawyer on the Title &c. and am to be out of town tomorrow and next Day, but on Friday purpose to be in the City and to call on you. I am Sir, Your humble Servant The reference to the opinion of BF ’s lawyer “on the Title” provides a clue to the possible identity of the addressee. As the result of a recent interview with...
4170Record of Stock Purchases, July 1761–August 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1761 July 5th. paid for £10,000 Scrip of 1761 the preceeding Payments being made £4,800: —: — 28 paid for this Monthly Payment 1,000: —: — Augst. 14 paid the Remaining Payments 3,000: —: — £8,800: —: —
4171From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 5 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
The Fleet is arrivd but some Ships are missing, among which number Captn Jno. Johnston happens to be one, and a report prevails that he is taken, but from whence it arises I really cant say. I believe it is conjecture only, but at the sametime I must observe it is a conjecture founded upon very probable Circumstances since the Fleet has been in 14 or 15 days and no accounts of him. Receiving...
4172[July 1761] (Adams Papers)
Dined at Deacon Hills, with Sam Quincy and his Bride, and with Mr. Cushing a Representative of Salisbury. Cushing seems a fair minded Countryman. Some free and friendly Conversation passed between Henry Hill and his father, about Advancement, and stock and setting up, and giving £1000 a Year. Henry said You ought to give me £1000 a Year or 10,000 right out, and then I maintain myself. You must...
4173July 7th. 1761. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Deacon Hills, with Sam Quincy and his Bride, and with Mr. Cushing a Representative of Salisbury. Cushing seems a fair minded Countryman. Some free and friendly Conversation passed between Henry Hill and his father, about Advancement, and stock and setting up, and giving £1000 a Year. Henry said You ought to give me £1000 a Year or 10,000 right out, and then I maintain myself. You must...
4174From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 7 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is just to acquaint my dear Polly, that her good Mama, Mr. and Mrs. Strahan, and her Friend Franklin, purpose to be at Bromley on Tuesday Morning next, to have the Pleasure of seeing Dr. and Mrs. Hawkesworth and the agreable Miss Blunt’s, dining there and returning in the Evening. They carry down with them Miss Peggy Strahan, and leave her there...
4175To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 7 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the great pleasure to write you by Mr Jo: Watson from the Camp near Staunton from which we mov’d the day following, and after a tedious and fatigueing March we arriv’d last week at this our most advanc’d Post, about three hundred Miles from Winchester. Major Lewis March’d from hence yesterday with 3 Compys to open the Road leading to Holston’s River, the Colonel myself and 5...
4176To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 8 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Soon after my Eyes were open this Morning they were blest with a Letter from my dear and honour’d Friend. Mrs. Hawkesworth (for I have not seen the Doctor, but they seem to have both one Soul) bids me tell you they approve all your Scheme except that part of it which relates to me; and they shall expect to see all their Friends, who design them that...
4177[July 1761] (Washington Papers)
11th. July. Edward Violette compleated his Planting at Muddy hole Quarter—that is, he planted 25,000 hills on the East side of the Plantn. & replanted all. The same day Jno. Foster at Dogue Run Quarter finishd his, having 40,000 to plant besides replanting—18,000 of which lying at the south Extreame of the Plantn., 8,000 in the Orchard abt. the House, & the Rest around the New Tobo. House on...
4178To Benjamin Franklin from James and Ann Overall: Assignment, 11 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Commissioner of Records, City of Philadelphia July 11, 1761 Abstract: Ann Overall, wife of James Overall of Wellingborough [England], clockmaker, is niece and heir-at-law of Thomas Hine [here spelled “Hind”] late of Philadelphia, shoemaker, deceased, she being the only child and heir-at-law of Janes [ illegible ], her late mother, deceased, who was only surviving sister and heir-at-law...
4179[Diary entry: 11 July 1761] (Washington Papers)
11th. July. Edward Violette compleated his Planting at Muddy hole Quarter—that is, he planted 25,000 hills on the East side of the Plantn. & replanted all. The same day Jno. Foster at Dogue Run Quarter finishd his, having 40,000 to plant besides replanting—18,000 of which lying at the south Extreame of the Plantn., 8,000 in the Orchard abt. the House, & the Rest around the New Tobo. House on...
4180From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 14 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 20th March came to my hands 3 days ago. I have never receivd any Letter from you by the Industry unless that of the 15th of last September (acknowledg’d in mine of the 3d of April from Williamsburg) prooves to be it. I gave you my Reason in the 3d aforesaid how it came to pass that you were without a Bill of Loading for the Tobacco in the Deliverance, and at the sametime...
4181From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 14 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
This serves to address a copy of my last, and at the sametime to inform you that I have just receivd advice from my Steward of the Tobacco which he has put on Board the Argo; amounting in the whole to Seventy Hhds; Thirty of which belongs to me, and the rest to my Ward Jno. Parke Custis. You will please to make a proper Insurance thereon, and as you may readily perceive how much the usual...
4182From George Washington to Richard Washington, 14 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
Since my last by Mr Fairfax I have had the pleasure of receiving your obliging favours of the 16th October and first of January following. A Mixture of bad Health and Indolence together; has kept me from paying that due respect to your Letters which I am sure they much merited at my hands, till this time, and now having nothing to relate that coud in any wise claim your attention I think I was...
4183To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 20 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Your Favour I received relating to Scott and McMichael’s protested Bill, for which am obliged to you, and much approve of your Conduct in that Affair. Bills, at present, are so very high, that I do not know what to do about remitting you; they ask now Seventy-seven and a Half; however, if I don’t hear quickly of your embarking for this Place,...
4184To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 20 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
Camp at Stalnaker’s on Holstein River My dear Colo. 20th July 1761 Two days after the Date of my last we March’d from Fort Chiswell (where Stephen, Woodward & their Compys remain) and after a March of six Days we Joind Majr Lewis at this place where I understand a Post is to be Built. On the 16th two runners from the little Carpenter came into Camp, the Day following himself with 42 of his...
4185To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 21 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of the 27th of febry, and 14th of April, with my Account Current, the Articles of which Agree with my Remittences, and I return my Acknowledgments for Your Care in transacting them, the Sence of the House Could not be Depended Upon in Relation to the Province Mony in your hands, Till their last...
4186From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Preston Moore, 24 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library I have the Pleasure of sending you enclos’d the Royal Approbation of your Act. What the Expence of the Solicitation will be, I cannot yet tell you, not having yet receiv’d the Bills. But I shall discharge it, and acquaint you per next Opportunity. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant The Pa. act of Sept. 27, 1757, empowering...
4187From George Washington to Andrew Burnaby, 27 July 1761 (Washington Papers)
Dear Sir,—Your obliging favour of the 14th of April I had the pleasure to receive about the 10th inst. The news of your safe arrival in London was often confirmed to me by the Governor and others, or else I should have felt a very singular pleasure in the account of it from yourself. If apologies are necessary, I certainly have the greatest reason to make one, for my silence till now, a...
4188From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 27 July 1761 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 27 July 1761. On 30 Oct. Fairfax wrote to GW : “Your favors of the . . . 27th of July and first of Augt came very safe to hand.”
4189To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 30 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot return your Book without making some little Acknow[le]dgment of my Obligation. You did me great Honour by entrusting me with it, and I receiv’d a high Pleasure in the Perusal. Give me leave to say the Pleasure I receiv’d proceeded not wholly from the Merit of the Writings, but from my Esteem and Affection for the Author; yet I will so far...
4190[Diary entry: 31 July 1761] (Washington Papers)
Friday July 31st. Sowd Turnips—upon which fell a heavy Rain immediately—so that they were neither Rakd nor harrowd in—the seed I mean. In a few days they came up very thick and well.