41501To Thomas Jefferson from the Committee of Congress at Headquarters, 19 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We inclose you a copy of General Washingtons letter to us of this day (see page 214). We have in our former letters dwelt so forcibly on the several matters contained in the generals letter, that it is now become almost unnecessary for us to say any thing more on them . But when we consider the season for operation wears fast away; the small force we now have in the field, being still fed in a...
41502Lacépède to Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
je saisis avec bien de l’empressement, une nouvelle occasion de vous remercier de la lettre honorable que vous avez bien voulu m’adresser le 14. juillet dernier. l’un des secrétaires perpétuels de la première classe de l’institut , a du vous exprimer, Monsieur, combien tous mes confrères ont été flattés de recevoir de leur illustre associé, une marque de souvenir, et une collection précieuse...
41503From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [31 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I had written the inclosed and left it to be sent by the last post; but by mistake it was not sent. Col Hay just calls and asks me for my commands. Do you think I could let him go without charging him with a letter for you? In yours by your papa, you say you will expect a visit from me before the close of the campaign, and that you will think me unkind if I do not come. How will you have the...
41504To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 8 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had flattered myself that Chevalier Jones would have been prepared to go in the french Packet which is to sail the Day after Tomorrow, but certain Circumstances make it necessary for him to postpone his Departure to some future Opportunity. It seems also that Mr. Jarvis who had given me Notice of his Intention of taking his Passage in the Packet, finds it convenient to remain here until the...
41505To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 23, 1788. Requests information respecting Forman’s claim against the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman was a former New Jersey Loyalist and at this time was practicing law in Philadelphia.
41506Observations Extracted from the Private Papers of Congress, 14 April 1783 to 22 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
Observations Extracted from the private papers of Congress. Commercial Treaty with G. Britain of great importance J ohn A dams 14th Apl 1783. Interior disorders in Holland Alarmg Do. No prospect of a Commercial Treaty—Ministry affraid to venture upon one—Schemes to exclude our trade with Ireland—J.A. June 23d—An American Minister a formidable being in London—The French see with pleasure the...
41507To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16–17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honourd with your Excellencys favours of the 11th Instt, one of them Reach’d me on the Evening of the 14th, the o⟨ther⟩ Early in the morning of the 15th. I had received informations Similar to yours and had written to your Excellency upon the subject and was just Sending off by Express whe⟨n⟩ your letter arrived and render’d his goi⟨ng⟩ un[n]ecessary. I had also written to Governor...
41508To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 4 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers were transmitted as a ground of complaint against Mr Hollingsworth district attorney of Maryland. I see clearly enough that he kept for some months money received on account of revenue bonds, and which he ought to have paid immediately to the collector of Oxford: and the question arising from that fact is whether it be sufficient ground for removal or some other step. But...
41509From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 5 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May. I do not observe that it is stated how the Officers who were absent came to be so; so that I am at some loss to judge whether the absence was justifiable or not. I am however rather of opinion that their compensations follow their commissions, as public Officers , and that so long as they are retained in...
41510From Robert Morris to United States Congress, 10 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Subscribers, taking into Consideration the important Situation of Affairs in the present Moment, and the Propriety & even Necessity of informing the People and rousing them into Action; considering also the Abilities of Mr Thomas Paine as a Writer, and that he has been of considerable Utility to the common Cause by several of his Publications. They have agreed that it will be much for the...
41511[Diary entry: 10 May 1787] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 10th. Very great appearances of rain in the morning, & a little falling, induced me, tho’ well recovered, to wait till abt. 8 Oclock before I set off. At one Oclock I arrived at Baltimore. Dined at the Fountain, & Supped & lodged at Doctr. McHenrys. Slow rain in the Evening. The Fountain Inn, which GW had visited several times before, was now in its new location on Light Lane ( Md....
41512To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, 15 September 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have done myself the pleasure of Answering your letter of July the 19th. several weeks ago, if I had not wished to have made a through enquiry after the workmen you want to Employ previous to my writeing to you on that Subject. Ben Randolph professes an Inclination to Accomodate you with an House joiner and tells me that he has been Constant in his researches after one since I...
41513[Diary entry: 24 June 1773] (Washington Papers)
24. Mr. Digges & Mrs. Tracy came here to Dinner also Mr. Hoops & his Wife the latter of whom went away afterwards as did Mr. Digges. Miss Calvert came in the Afternoon. mrs. tracy : GW means Miss Tracy Digges; see main entry for 26 June . David Hoop’s wife was his bride of seven months, Mildred Syme Hoops, daughter of Col. John Syme (1728–1805), of Hanover County, who was a half brother of...
41514To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Soon after I had dispatched my Letter of this Morning by McKlosky—the Secretary sent in the Inclosed Act of Congress dated 2d Inst. for raising two Regiments for the protection of the Western frontier & for authorizing your Excellency to appoint a proper Officer to the Command of Fort Pitt—a Copy of the Letter mentioned in the Act will also be inclosed. I likewise transmit about 100 Copies of...
41515To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 16–17 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Last evening I received Major Harrison’s Letter of the tenth Instant, and agreeable [to] your desire have directed Lieut. Machin to be ready as soon as possible to set out for New York. The thirteenth Instant at evening I order’d five hundred men with proper officers, a detachment of the Train with a thirteen inch Mortar, two eighteen pounders, and some small Cannon, under the command of Col....
41516To George Washington from George Mason, 16 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
I am favour’d wth Yrs of the 8th Inst. ⅌ French Mason, & am perfectly satisfied wth the Justice of Yr Reasons for not providing for him in Yr Regiment at this Time[.] I am convinced, from Yr State of the Case, that it cou’d not well have been done without prejudicing the Service—He tells Me You were kind enough to promise him a Commission the next Vacancy that happens. I shou’d have been very...
41517From George Washington to Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson, 1 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wish I could with propriety grant the Request contained in yours of the 29th Sepr: A permission for Mr Ferguson to come out and remain at Græme park thirty days implies his intent to return at the expiration of that time into the quarters of the Enemy. I confess it appears to me very odd that a Gentlemen who has been so long absent from his family should wish to remain so short a time with...
41518[Diary entry: 3 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
3. Lowering with some sprinkles of Rain.
41519To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 12 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letters are more likely to renew a worn down constitution than the recipe you give, for making my way to it by wrangling & Disputation in a Convential diet (if I should ever get there) tho I shall expect to see a good many coxcombs in politicks & constitution makers as will produce to my feelings what you describe When the yeas, & nays wch. were tried in this Town, several of the...
41520To Thomas Jefferson from Caesar Augustus Rodney, 21 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter from my father comes down as late as the 26th. ulto. Government are perhaps in possession of official information to the same period, or indeed to a later; for I think I have seen in the newspapers a statement that our affairs were for the present amicably adjusted. The letter serves to shew, that the genuine American spirit animates the people of that new country, & must...
41521To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 7 [December] 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Vous ne serés pas étonné mon bon papa de l’humeur qui me tourmente lorsque je ne reçois pas de vos nouvélles: je suis malade depuis 69 jours, et l’amitié les preuves de l’amitié ont seules le pouvoir d’adoucir mes meaux; je vous aime, il est naturél que je désire d’éstre aimée de vous; tout ce qui augmente et confirme ce sentiment de vous a moi m’est chér,...
41522From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26–30 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th. Various circumstances have prevented my being ready to make the Report you desire. The Survey of the Port made while I was at Philadelphia was but partial; not extending beyond the Narrows. A survey of the lower part of the Bay, which presents some objects worthy of Consideration, was effected by some of the Commanders of the British Army—And is in the...
41523To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received with great Pleasure yours of the 4th. February, because it brought me the Assurances of your own good Health, of the Welfare of our Friends in Philadelphia, and of your affectionate Remembrance of my Family. This will be delivered to you by a young Gentleman a Countryman of mine, bred to Physick, who comes to Paris for Improvement in his...
41524From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 1 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
After mature reflection upon the communications handed you by the Supervisor of this District, from the Inspector of Survey No 4, I am of opinion, that it is adviseable for the Supervisor immediately to repair in person to that Survey. The Objects of his journey will be— I To ascertain the real state of the Survey in its several subdivisions. II To inquire carefully concerning the persons,...
41525From Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Timothy Pickering, 14 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order B. Dandridge respectfully returns to The Secretary of War the several papers respecting the site on the Potomac most proper for establishing an arsenal; and informs the Secretary that after an attentive consideration of said papers & viewing all circumstances The President is of opinion that the site on Conogocheague is the most advantageous & proper, & requests that...
41526From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
If I could have omitted to welcome the return of this day, and to renew my prayers for many happy repetitions of it to my father and you, I should still have been charged with the obligation of acknowledging the receipt of your two letters of 1. and 14. July which I received last week from Gothenburg—They were brought to that City by Mr Story, who writes me that he had a long passage from...
41527To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [March 1767] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to beg that You would come as soon as You can to the Duke of Ancaster’s in Berkeley Square, as His Grace and the Duchess are in the greatest distress about their daughter, who has been long in a most Miserable condition with spasms and convulsions. After all that we have done the distemper remains obstinate, and therefore the Parents have...
41528George Washington to Colonel Otho Williams, 9 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 9, 1779 . Orders Williams to the “Furnace of Dean,” New York. Gives Williams the following instructions: “… you are to send Picquets on the roads leading to Fort Montgomery, Kings Ferry &ca. and to use every precaution which your force will enable, and the utmost vigilance requires, to prevent surprizes, and oppose any Troops which may be moving against this Army...
41529From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 31 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Some days past it was requested in Genl Orders that you would have the Waggons & horses in the most perfect readiness to use at the shortest notice. I am now to request you will let me know the state they are in at present & that the utmost attention may be paid to them hereafter, keeping the horses constantly shod and every thing in perfect order to move, as it is impossible for us to know...
41530From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 14 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Without preface, or apology for propounding the following question to you—at this time—permit me to ask you with frankness, and in the fullness of friendship, whether you will accept of an appointment in the Supreme Judiciary of the United States? Mr Rutledge’s resignation has occasioned a vacancy therein which I should be glad to see filled by you. Your answer to this question by the Post...
41531To James Madison from George Graham, 16 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since I wrote to you on the subject of the appointments, another vacancy in the 6th. Infantry has been occasioned by the death of Capt. Murdock. As this is a vacancy by casualty, it is a question to be decided, whether it ought to filled up by promotion, or by reinstating one of the old Officers. If the decision is in favor of the latter mode, General Parker has strongly urged the claim of...
415321779. Feb. 2. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Last Tuesday, I dined in Company with the Abbe Raynal, and Mr. Gebelin, and asked them to dine with me, on the then next Sunday. Accordingly the day before Yesterday, they both came. M. Raynal is the most eloquent Man, I ever heard speak in French. His Voice is sharp and clear but pleasant. He talks a great deal, and is very entertaining. M. Gebelin is much less addicted to talking. He is...
41533To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 29 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The letter Inclosed with this that is without date was Sealed the 24th Instant. And on the 27th I received your Excellencies letter of the 18th Inst.— I could wish if possible that the troops may be in readiness to begin their march from Fort Herkimer (which is our advanced post) by the 8th or 9th of February—In answer to your Excellencies desire of knowing the latest period the expedition can...
41534To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 13 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General of Prisoners begs leave to report to his Excellency, that he has attended to the Letter deliver’d him from General Howe of the 6th Inst. With regard to the Complaint made therein against the Commissary of Prisoners, Mr Boudinot is greatly surprised at a Charge as unexpected as it is unjust: Mr Boudinot assures his Excellency that since his Appointment he has never...
41535To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been gratified by the reading of the abstract of those Ethical and religious doctrines, which by peculiar indulgence have been submitted to my perusal . Accept, Sir, of my sincere thanks, for this token of confidence & attention, to me so personally pleasing & flattering. It was impossible, from the examination to repress the wish of having a copy of the valuable compendium. Supposing...
41536[Diary entry: 28 February 1760] (Washington Papers)
28. Little or no Wind till Night then No. Et. & Wet.
41537From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke and Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Information, being of the highest Importance, I thought it proper to transmit it to you with all Dispatch. I am Sir yr mo. Ob. Servt LB , in Edmund Randolph’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The letter-book copy is addressed to Cooke and is followed by a note reading “A Letter in the same Words was written to Governor Trumbull of Connecticut.” Trumbull’s letter book...
41538From George Washington to David Bell, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
To Captain David Bell. of the Virginia Regiment. You are Hereby Ordered to proceed immediately to Conogochege; and are there to take upon you the Command of the Troops now stationed there, for defence of the Stores, &c.—You are to endeavour with all possible expedition, to procure a sufficient number of Batteaus and Canoes (assisted by those which are already gone up with Captain Gist) to...
41539[Diary entry: 21 October 1773] (Washington Papers)
21. Rid to my Plantation at the little Falls. Dind & Supd at Colo. Lewis’s.
41540Enclosure: Drawing of a Threshing Machine, 6 April 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
a.a.a.a. is the axis of the great spur wheel, and is at the same time the upper of the two cylinders for drawing in the grain. these cylinders are fluted b.b.b.b. is the under cylinder. they are fluted, and the under one has a small cast iron wheel toothed on the edge (like those in a wheat fan) having a broken joint in it’s axis (like those in Martin’s drills) which permits the under cylinder...
41541James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the extract which you were so kind as to give me the perusal of, with an assurance of my thorough conviction that it cannot fail to have a good effect. The sentiments expressd in favor of an American interest & policy, extended in the first instance to the preservation of order, along our coast, & in our seas, is are sound, and will in all probability ripen into a system, at no...
41542Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 15 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
If anything would awake the sleeping Muses or Call Back the Wandering Deities the Imagery of this Delightful Morn (when the hand of Nature has Decorated Every twig with spangles of peculiar Brilioncy) joined with the Repeated Request of my friend would not fail to do it. The subject you point out Requires Heroics. But Alas, Clio is Deaf, perhaps irrecoverably stunned till the Noise of War...
41543C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Last Saturday I had the honor to receive your letter of 10 October. It is exactly as it should be. The Grand Facteur is very satisfied with it. I went the same day to read it to our friend and gave him a copy, attested by my signature. He was extremely pleased and assured me, several times, that it would make a very good impression on the Burgomasters of his city, who were anxious to know your...
41544To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 5 March 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The Farmer Bank Charter extension Bill came back from the Senate today with an amendment authorizing the Members & officer of the Board of Public Works to loan 50.000$, the amt of the Bonus, for one year, to the Rector & Visitors of the University, upon assurance, to their satisfaction. that a like sum which is given to the U. would be paid by the U.S. for farther reimbursement of the War...
41545From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 8 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the method you propose for applying to the court of Denmark for the compensation due for the prizes taken by the squadron you commanded in Europe, is a proper one: therefore I will undertake to write to Mr. Adams on the subject, and have no doubt he will support Doctr. Bancroft in his sollicitations to the Danish minister at London for this purpose. I have the honour to be with the...
41546Enclosure: Memorandum to Robert Cary & Company, 21 July 1766 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Scythes to be sent to Potomack Rivr for the use of George Washington. 2 dozn Corn Scythes—all of them to be exactly 3 feet 10 Inches from Heel to point—to be pretty strait in the blade, and not one more than another, but equally alike so, that one Cradle (the fingers of which as they must always have the same curve of the Scythe) may sute them all—To be stout and strong at the Heel,...
41547From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 15 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I deferred making another application to Potter till Doctr. Griffin had so long overrun the time of his arrival that I thought it desperate and then went to Potter and shewed him Dr. G.’s letters. He expressed his astonishment and assured me in the most pointed terms that he had no property of his in his hands but the wine mentioned before, and that he did not know in whose hands his...
41548Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Delaplaine, 30 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23 d is recieved, in which you enquire whether there is an approved portrait of myself, by whom painted, & in whose possession? mr Stuart has drawn two portraits of me, at different sittings, of which he prefers the last. both are in his possession. he also drew a third in water colours, a profile in the medallion stile , which is in my possession. mr Rembrandt Peale also...
41549From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I received yours of the 10th. Instant. I Shall be glad to learn how the taking of the Dutch Ships has been accommodated. We have yet no News of the alliance: but suppose she is cruizing. We are more in Pain for the Confederacy, who Sailed the 28th Oct. from the Capes of Deleware. There is some Hopes that She went to Charlestown to take in Mr....
41550To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Cuttings note accords with all the information I have received respecting Capt. Ingraham as Navy Agent. Beleiving him to be in all respects well qualified for the duties of the appointment I have given him the Office. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.