47491[Diary entry: 18 August 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wd. still at No. Et. and raining more or less, moderately, all day. Remained at home.
47492From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(Private & confidential) Yesterday, I was informed by a Gentleman from Richmond, that Mr Dawson was gone on to Philadelphia in order to embark for France; and about an hour ago, I received a letter of which the enclosed is an extract from a well informed acquaintance, & a stanch frd to his country. What, or whether any thing can with propriety be done in consequence of this information, must...
47493To George Washington from Thomas Hutchins, 20 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been sufficiently informed of the temporary Difficulties which our Finances labour under to defer an Application for Pay as long as I could; and I would not trouble your Excellency at this Time, if my Necessities were less urgent. The great Losses which attended my Escape from England, reduced me to Want on my Return to my native Country; and I can no longer depend on the Loans of...
47494To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By Two Persons who Came from Long-Island this morning (who we have Employed for the purpose of Secret Intelligence) we are Informed That the Enemy are Encamped in three Divisions, One at Newtown which is Head Quarters, One at Flushing, and One at Jamaica The Hessians are at Newtown, That 1500 waggons are Employed in Bringing aCross the Boats &c. That an Attack will Soon be made Some where East...
47495To George Washington from James Randolph Reid, 22 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
22d Feby 1783 I have been informed that a reduction of General Hazen’s Regt to the establishment of the Army is about to take place, which must eventually derange me. I take this early opportunity to inform your Excellency that I shall retire with infinite pain from a service, wherein a few virtuous and perservering Soldiers have (to the astonishment of the world) effected a glorious...
47496To Thomas Jefferson from David English, 11 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your old friend & my very worthy neighbour John Barnes Esq. closed his mortal course about 5 Oclock PM of this day. He was taken this day week with a chill followed by a fever he gradually weakened but came down stairs for 3 or 4 days & then was confined to his Bed—He will be long remembered by the poor towards whom he exercised extensive charity compared with his means. He was in his 96 year...
47497To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 17th Inst. I troubled Your Excellency by the hand of Messenger Jones. Under this Cover Your Excellency will receive two Acts of Congress of Yesterday’s date respectively—one for regulating & restricting the terms of payment for past unliquidated & future supplies of provisions & other necessaries for British Prisoners. The other requesting Your Excellency to inform Congress the intended...
47498[Diary entry: 29 May 1771] (Washington Papers)
29. Stayed at Mr. Washington’s all day. Good deal of Company dining there.
47499From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 16t[h] inst. I sincerely hope that the intelligence which has been communicated to you of a War between France and Spain being inevitable, is not founded in truth. It is my intention to commence my Journey to Philadelphia on Thursday next. I shall stop in George Town one day, and proceed on from thence without further delay, unless my...
47500From Thomas Jefferson to James Cheetham, 17 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 29. was recieved in due time. although it is all important for public as well as personal considerations, that I should recieve information of every interesting occurrence, yet it is little in my power to entitle myself to it by regular correspondence on my part. in fact it is rare I can answer a private letter at all, being for the most part obliged to leave even my best...
47501Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I am somewhat surprized by the information given in your letter of the 23 d: Dec r: viz. that you have not received a single line from me since my Father left you. Certainly there must have been some fault in the Post Office, or some person who has taken the letters therefrom has neglected to deliver them. I wrote the first week after my Fathers arrival, informing you of several circumstances...
47502To James Madison from Mark Pragers and Company, 3 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
We recd. yesterday a Letter from Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman a[t] New York, requesting to settle a claim you have against him for Mr. Philip Mazzei, we beg therefore to be informed when you will be at leisure and one of our house will do him self the pleasure to call on you, to converse on the subject. We are respectfully Sir Your most Obedt. Servts. RC ( NN ).
47503[Diary entry: 23 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
23. At home. Captn. McCarty & Wife, Mr. Chichesr. & his dind and stayd all Night.
47504To James Madison from Anonymous, 14 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Thomas Gamble of this place, at present a Merchant at St. Thomas, has acquainted me that, the Office of Consul for the United States at St. Thomas being vacant, he intended to apply for being appointed there; and as Mr. Gamble brought me a letter from a very respectable friend at said Island, stating that the community entertained universal regard for him, and he also communicated me a...
47505General Orders, 29 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General having estimated the value of the different Species of Provisions, which constitute a Ration under the Continental Allowance, and finding it to amount to seven pence, half-penny lawful money—The General having seen the said Estimate, approves of it, and orders that they be settled with accordingly. The General was in great hopes that a sufficient Sum of money, would have...
47506Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). In hand of Theodorick Bland, Jr., except for the signatures of the other delegates. Cover franked by Bland and addressed by him to “His Excelly. Benjn: Harrison Esqr. Govr. of Virginia.” Docketed, “Letter fr. Virga. Dels Apl 1. 83.” Your Excelly. will have received by our Express the important Intelligence brought by the Triomphe. That Intelligence (together with...
47507To Benjamin Franklin from Jno. McGill(?), 20 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The particular Civilities shewn me by You a little time since at Passey, when I did myself the Honor of paying you my respects, merits my warmest & sincerest acknowledgments, the acceptance of which, beg leave to offer; hoping some time hence to have the satisfaction of seeing you again.— In consequence of Your esteemed Commands, soon after my arrival here...
47508To James Madison from William Simmons, 30 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secy of war informs me that the Interrogations & answers relative to the extortion practised upon the Cadets at West Point in the prices of the articles furnished to them, and the degrading manner in which they are treated for trifling offences have been referred to you, The case of my son who is one of the Cadets & who has been pricked with bayonets and other ways inflicted with degrading...
47509[Diary entry: 18 November 1769] (Washington Papers)
18. Morning clear and pleasant but Wind Eastwardly—after which it grew Raw Cold & Cloudy threatning Rain.
47510To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I thank you for your very friendly and prudent consideration of my situation in this Country with respect to correspondencies on the subject of the unfortunate differences between the Country and America. Free communications on this subject are by Law interdicted which I think to be one of the greatest misfortunes of the present times. If those who are lovers of...
47511From Thomas Jefferson to William H. Cabell, 7 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of July 31. & Aug. 5. were recieved yesterday. the ground taken, in conformity with the act of Congress, of considering, as public enemies, British armed vessels in, or entering, our waters, gives us the benefit of a system of rules, sanctioned by the practice of nations in a state of war, and consequently enabling us with certainty & satisfaction to solve the different cases...
47512[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7? November 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 7? Nov. 1780. JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , Oct. 1780, 1827 edn., p. 10 (7 Nov.): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others addressed to the executive, and sundry resolutions of Congress, with other papers, and stating several matters for the...
47513From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [7 April 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscriber having observed his name included in some of the lists of persons proposed for the ensuing election, and being sincerely desirous of declining public office at the present juncture, thinks it proper to declare his wishes on this head, to prevent the attention of any of his fellow-citizens being diverted from persons, whose convenience and abilities will be better adapted to...
47514To George Washington from William Pearce, 30 November 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Pearce, 30 Nov. 1796 . GW wrote Pearce on 11 Dec. : “I have received your letters of the 30th of Novr and 4th inst.”
47515From John Adams to John Marshall, 10 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Newbury Port Herald in which is quoted “A letter from John Adams dated Amsterdam 15 of Dec. 1780 to Thomas Cushing Lieutenant Govenor of Massatts.” This letter has been for some years past reprinted & quoted in many American pamphlets & newspapers as genuine & imposes on many people by supposing & imputing to me sentiments inconsistent with the whole tenor of my life & all the...
47516To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 5 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
As we have not yet received your order for the Sales and the Time is near at hand, we think it proper (least it should have escaped you) to remind you of it —A few of the Plans executed, in Boston have Arrived, which we have dispersed, we have some expectation, that tomorrows Post may bring us some of those executed in Philaa—We take the liberty to send you one of the former. We are Sir &c. LB...
47517From James Madison to John Lee, [ca. 26 April] 1797 (Madison Papers)
I find by your letter to my father within acknowledged that you have not discontinued your obliging attention to my little matters committed to your care. My father has already informed you that one of the patents is not to be found, if it ever issued. It seems probable, I think as it is not [to] be found or any account of it obtained in the office at Richmond that no proceeding in the...
47518From Thomas Jefferson to Mustafa Baba, Dey of Algiers, 9 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14th of October last and in it assurances of the continuance of your friendly dispositions towards the United States, and of your attachment to the Treaty which binds us together. These assurances are the more satisfactory as we also are disposed to a faithful observance of our Treaty; which, settling, as between friends, a fixed measure of what the one is...
47519To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 10 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to your favorable consideration Colonel John Livingston for the office of Marshal for the Northern district of this State which I am told is vacant. As it is desirable that the situation should be filled by a gentleman of respectability in whom are united the wishes of the friends of the Administration together with that of his having served in a Military capacity during...
47520From John Adams to Jeremiah Allen, 2 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of 26. Dec r. is come safe to hand, & I thank you for your Care of my dispatches. M r. Storer will write to M r. Williams to pay You the ten Louis for the Expence of the Express which You sent, and I shall pay the Money to M r. Storer. It is not in my Power to give you any Information, whether there will be Peace or War.— I am afraid the English will be again overseen, so far as to...
47521To George Washington from Brigadier General William Heath, 27 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
There not being water in the River Sufficient to float the Transports over the Bar with the Troops on Board, to new London, I therefore marched, the Brigade Down by Land, and Ordered the Transports to fall Down, Three of the Transport got a Ground, and are not yet off; Heaven favours us this morning with a fine Wind I have Ordered, the Brigade to Embarque Immediately, and proceed for Newyork,...
47522To George Washington from John Pray, 30 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I send with the bearer of this the mast of the Garland Man of War. Who deserted from her the day before yesterday in York. likewise yesterdays paper. I am inform’d the fleet sailed last Saturday, and Wednesday last. a fleet of Transports arrived from England about 18. in number the most of them Empty. I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem Your Excellencys most...
47523From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Stoddart, Secretary of the Navy having early in this month informed me by letter of his desire to resign that office, and having continued in it ever since, on my request only, I hereby authorize & appoint you to recieve the charge of the department from him, and to perform the duties of it until a Secretary of the Navy shall be formally appointed. Accept assurances of my high...
47524To James Madison from Theodore Anderson, 14 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having been in the navy Yard at New York as Clerk to the naval Store-Keeper there from the 1st. of January 1815 and being on the Purser’s Books at the Small Sum of $400 per Annum I have taken the liberty (though perhaps incorrectly) ⟨o⟩f writing to you, to Request that you would have the Goodness to allow a Small addition to that ⟨w⟩hich I now get; if it were but $200 more it would be...
47525To George Washington from Edmund Affleck, 30 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I intend not either to deny or to assert for it will neither facilitate business nor alleviate Distress. The Subject of your Letter seems to turn upon two Points, viz: the Inconveniencies & distresses which the American Prisoners suffer from the Inadequacy of Room in the Prison Ships which occasion the Death of many of them as you are told. The other is that a Commissary General of Prisoners...
47526To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 16 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation John W. Guion to be appointed Military Agent for the Southern Department of the United States vice Abraham D. Abrahams Accept Sir assurances of my high respect & consideration [ Note by Jefferson :] Feb. 16. 09. Approved T h : Jefferson DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
47527George Mercer to Thomas Waggener, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you, with the Detachment under your Command, make all possible Dispatch to Winchester: The Times are such as require your presence with your command, very much. He makes no doubt, but you have complied with his Orders, as to the Arms and Ammunition; as well as in every other Respect, So orders me to conclude, Recommending Dispatch to you. I am, &c. LB ,...
47528From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 28 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 10th. of March. The preceding one of Jan. 23. had conveyed to you your appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of France. The present will, I hope, find you there. I now inclose you the correspondence between the Secretary of the treasury and Minister of France on the subject of the monies furnished to the distresses of their colonies. You will...
47529To James Madison from the Republican Committee of Essex County, New Jersey, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809, Newark. Congratulates JM on becoming president and anticipates “the same moderate, prudent, & pacific course” as that pursued by Jefferson. Expresses regret that the times are “fraught with great peril” brought on by “the folly and arrogance of one belligerent, & the commercial cupidity of the other.” If the choice comes to “honorable war or tame submission, we hesitate not, to...
47530To James Madison from David Humphreys, 21 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1801, Madrid. No. 273. Reports Czar Paul of Russia murdered, allegedly by his eldest son. Conveys word that Hamburg has been occupied by Prussian troops, British fleet has drawn near Copenhagen, and French troops assigned to the invasion of Portugal have now entered Spain. In postscript of 23 Apr. encloses copy of official Spanish complaint of piracy committed by vessel flying British...
47531[Diary entry: 8 July 1770] (Washington Papers)
8. Clear and pleasant with but little wind and that Southwardly.
47532From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 7 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have been with my friend Charles, and spent two days with General La Fayette, at his Country Seat of La Grange, about forty miles distant from this City—He resides there with his Children and Grand Children, forming a numerous and very amiable family. His son married a Mademoiselle de Tracy and has three daughters—His eldest daughter married a Mr de la Tour Maubourg, and has also three...
47533[Diary entry: 5 November 1763] (Washington Papers)
5. Finished Sowing Wheat at C[ree]k Qr. in all 32½ Bushls. Finished sowing Do. at River Qr. in all 47½ Bushels.
47534From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 17 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate having advised & consented to the ratification of a Convention between the US. & the Cherokee Indians concluded at Washington on the 7th. day of January last for the cession of their right to the tract of country therein described. it is now laid before both houses of Congress for the exercise of their constitutional powers towards the fulfilment thereof. DNA : RG 46—Records of the...
47535From John Adams to John Manners, 15 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
As every Candid inquirer after truth whether personally known, or unknown to me, is very dear to me; I cannot forbear to acknowledge my obligations to you for your kind favour of June 30th.— The field before you is very intensive; it would be arrogance and presumption in me, to pretend tantas Componere lites, when such names as Ellsworth Washington, Peters, and Cooper, are arrayed on one sid,...
47536To George Washington from James Walton, 29 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
I humbly beg liberty to present your Excellency the small ship Pastime which accompanies this—It is the production of Liesure hours which hard fortune deprived me the priveledge of employing to better advantage—I never studied the mechanical art for any other purpose but to pass a lingering moment, & to keep disagreeable reflections from encroaching on my mind, which my unfortunate situation...
47537From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 16 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 February 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 23 Feb. 1792 . Reports on congressional business and politics—the prospects of the apportionment bill and the candidates (including John Jay) for the governorship of New York.
47538To James Madison from Edward Hartt, 6 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 September 1813, Boston. “While you have extreme publick cares to perplex your mind, I can hardly expect you to pay attention to the sufferings of an individual; but if you have any leisure I shall be gratified if you will just read these lines, not expecting your valuable time will admit of your answering them. Understanding that the Navy Department wanted a copy of the draft of the Brig...
47539From John Adams to the President of Congress, 10 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 10 July 1781. RC and signature in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 268–269. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:556–557. John Thaxter wrote this letter during John Adams’ absence at Paris. It contains an English translation of an article that...
47540To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 26 February 179[1] (Jefferson Papers)
My last was on the 1st December by the British Packet; since then, I have deferred writing you for several reasons; the first, I was anxious to have the power to say, whether this Court really meant to send out Mr. Elliott or not; but I am still in the same state of suspense, the Minister, not denying, or confirming the report. The second reason, was my wish to make trial of the conduct of the...