4751To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, [19 December 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
You will place me under a very great obligation by letting me have, by the bearer of this note, the sum of Sixty Dollars, which, I pledge my honour, shall be returned to you punctually on the 5th day of January next. I am sensible, Sir, that I am taking a very great liberty, but a disappointment of a peculiar nature will, I hope, with your goodness, plead an apology. I am already too sensible...
4752To James Madison from George W. Erving, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, London. Assumes JM is anxious “at this very critical & important moment” to receive all possible information and opinions on the question of war between Great Britain and France. “The general apprehension here, & the vigorous preparations which are going on, would lead one to suppose that the British government Either considered war as inevitable, or were determined upon it; but...
4753To George Washington from Robert Morris, 14 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
In acknowledging your Letters of the fourth & tenth of last month I must pray you to accept my Thanks for the Expressions of Kindness Contained in them. Mr Wright has promised that your Portrait should speedily be Compleated, but hitherto his Promise is unperformed. Whenever it shall be received I will obey your Orders in the Disposition of it. Your Accounts with the Explanation of them, were...
4754To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and Thomas B. Robertson, 19 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1810, New Orleans. The resignation of Philip Grymes as U.S. attorney for the Orleans district has created a vacancy, which must be filled by “a Citizen of competent talents, and correct principles.” They recommend “Tully Robinson (late of Virginia) who has resided in this Territory about twelve months.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Robinson”). 1 p. Printed in Carter,...
4755To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 8 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Harpers Ferry [ Virginia ] February 8, 1800 . Introduces “Mr. Du Pont de Nemours … a gentleman of considerable talents, extensive knowledge, & unblemished integrity,” whom Pinckney had met in France. States: “He … intends to purchase Land for himself, Family & friends. I am apprehensive of his being taken in by some Land Jobbers, and if in your power, I would be obliged to you to give him...
4756From Thomas Jefferson to Indian Nations, 31 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have considered the speech you have delivered me, and I will now give you an answer to it. You have told us on former occasions of certain promises made to you at the treaty of Grenville by Genl. Wayne, respecting certain lands whereon you & your friends live. But when we looked into the treaty of Grenville, we found no such promises there; and as it is our custom to put all our agreements...
4757To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I recieved yesterday from the commissioners at Amsterdam a letter dated the 26th. of february. It came by the way of England & Lisbon, the communication by post between Holland & France being intercepted. They had not therefore recieved the letters I had written to them by that route & they had not had time to have recieved such as had been written to them by precaution by the way of Lisbon....
4758To George Washington from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. William Heath, 24 July 1779. GW wrote Heath on this day: “Your favor of this morning inclosing a letter from Captain Hopkins I have just received.”
4759To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, with a Memorandum by Jefferson, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your excellency and the council probably have not access to Vattel, on whose doctrines this hasty answer is founded, I shall inclose the paragraph from his work, which treats of the right of soldiery to booty. They seem to amount to this: that booty does in strictness belong to the commonwealth; but that late usage has divided it among the captors, military stores excepted. Now I believe,...
4760To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
The case of the Batture has given rise to a warm Newspaper discussion, which for the present seems wholly to engage the public Mind. New-Orleans has so long been the residence of the Governor of the Territory, that the Inhabitants of that City, or rather some of them, think me culpable in taking a short excursion into the Country. But I am persuaded the President will not object to my retiring...
4761From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter respecting Lt. Hoffman . The incident gives me great concern. It is a delicate affair and must be treated with very great circumspection. Inclosed is a letter which has been written to me by his accuser Lt. Livingston . Several respectable Characters (among these Doctor Charleton) have spoken to me of the Character of the accused in high terms—They represent him as...
4762Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Number of Votes Required in Congress to Override a Presidential Veto, [12 … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton added his testimony to the fact that 2/3 in N. York had been ineffectual either where a popular object, or a legislative faction operated; of which he mentioned some instances. Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America. Reported by James Madison (New...
4763From George Washington to William Churchill Houston, 20 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 14th with the Act of Congress to which it refers. As Congress in their instructions to me have not determined whether the settlement and payment of the accounts of the troops of Convention shall be previous to, or be any ways involved in the subject of the proposed negociation—I have taken the liberty, in consequence of your letter, to request their...
4764From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 1 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Robert Williams of North Carolina to be Governor of the Missisipi territory. Daniel T. Tomkins of New York to be judge of the court of the District of New York. RC ( DNA : RG 46, EPEN , 8th Cong., 2d sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. PoC ( DLC ); TJ added a check mark at each entry. Notation in SJL : “Nomns. Williams. Tompkins.” On this day, Isaac A. Coles delivered the message to...
4765Thursday 19th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning we set away from Hannau at 4 o’clock A.M. and arriv’d at Hunfeld (which is distant 75 Miles,) at about 8 o’clock P.M. The roads this day were for the most part mountainous but in some places there was a very good made road. The mountains in general, which we have pass’d over this day are pretty well cultivated.
4766To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 27 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Our convention having, the 12th. instant, adjourned to the first monday in October, I did not receive yours of the 1st. July ‘til I had been a fortnight at home. I am much concerned at the situation of our affairs in Canada, but am not without hope they may yet be retrieved. A thorough knowledge of the sources of human evils, is, generally speaking, a good step towards pointing out effectual...
4767From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 1 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
The frequent and violent attacks of sickness which assail me my Dear George render me a wretched correspondent as the few days of comparative health which I enjoy are attended with a degree of debility which incapacitates me from any exertion of thought or rather of sedentary occupation without reproducing disagreeable sensations in my head and eyes.— We perceive with much delight an entire...
4768From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to you by Count Pulaski, who from a conviction that his remaining at the head of the Cavalry, was a constant subject of uneasiness to the principal Officers of that Corps, has been induced to resign his command. Waving a minute inquiry into the causes of dissatisfaction, which may be reduced perhaps to the disadvantages under which he laboured as a Stranger, not well...
47691783 Feb. 24. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Dined in Company with Mr. Malesherbes, the famous first President of the Court of Aids, Uncle of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and Son of the Chancellor de la Moignon. He is about half Way in Appearance, between Mr. Otis and Mr. A. Oliver. F ranklin this Morning mentioned to me the Voyage de la Fonte, who mentions a Captain Chapley, and a Seymour Gibbons. F. thinks it is translated from the...
4770To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the recommendation in favour of a successor to Mr Bloodworth. Neither of the gentlemen was desirous to make any; but I requested them to do it—as it appeared more than probable that we would be obliged to make the change after they were gone. The gentleman recommended by Macon & Turner is more conspicuous in a political point of view than the other, having been an Elector &a. That...
4771From John Montgomery to John Adams, 22 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
My Brother Rob t in his respects of the had the honour of returning his most greatfull acknowledgments for your kind support of obtaining for him the Consulship of this district and as he on every occation transmits to the Secretary of State such informations as may be usefull to Goverment I have suspended my pen from trobling your Excellency With any letters on Political matters— The Port...
4772To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your two Letters of 20th & 22d Instant. Of the Lead Ore which is raising at Middletown in this Colony but small Quantity is yet smelted—the Work is going on & hope you may be supplied with Lead from thence e’er long—We are not furnished with experienced Workmen as we could Wish—the only Workman whose Experience may be depended on is at present unfit for Duty. Some Arms are...
4773Charles Storer to Abigail Adams, 12 September 1786 (Adams Papers)
So I see by the papers that Amelia has become Mrs: Smith , and this the 12th. of June. The news came by the way of Philadelphia, and the first intelligence I had was from our News-Papers. By Callahan, who is expected here every day from London, I hope it will be announced to us officially. Joy to her and to you all! May it be attended with every blessing and pleasure the sanguine wish can...
4774To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 21 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last Mail carry’d you a few lines from me. By this you will receive the particulars of the sales. I hope we may be ready to proceed Much more effectually in the Spring. There were many persons present who wanted Lotts in Various parts of the City, which cou’d not be gott ready at this Time. Private sales are makg. by individuals much on the same terms with the public. Yrs. &ca PS. I...
4775Thomas Jefferson to Joel Yancey, 2 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved duly your favor of Dec. 22. and felt sincere satisfaction at the assurances it expressed of your continued friendship. of this indeed I never entertained a doubt, nor that this was the governing principle of your endeavors to promote my interests. these I saw plainly were faithful & zealous always and gave me therefore unbounded confidence in your care of my affairs. these were...
4776From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 3 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
John Dover junr, son of John Dover of this city, enlisted under the name of John Thompson between nine and ten years ago. He reenlisted about two years since in Capn. McClary’s company, and is at present at Detroit, still passing under the name of John Thompson. The Father of this person has procured a substitute for him who has been approved. A letter was written some time since to Niagara...
4777From John Adams to Daniel Greenleaf, 9 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, & lady requests the Pleasure of Mr & Mrs. D. Greenleafs Company to Dine, on friday next, at two o’clock. An answer is requested. MHi : Homans Collection; Greenleaf Family Deposit.
4778[Diary entry: 5 February 1770] (Washington Papers)
5. At home all day. In the Evening Sally Carlyle & Betty Dalton came here.
4779Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Lincoln, and Benjamin Lincoln to Virginia Delegates, 1 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
Copy (Virginia State Library). Made by Arthur Lee on a single page and enclosed in Virginia Delegates to Harrison, 2 April 1782 ( q.v. ). The success of recruiting in Virginia will very much depend on the State having Arms & Clothing for the Men that may be raisd. We therefore beg you will inform us, what supply of these Articles the State may depend upon from your department. We have the...
4780To Thomas Jefferson from Joel Barlow, 25 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I should not take the liberty of commending to your notice and protection my excellent friends Mr. and Mrs. St. John were it not that their merit entitles them to more than I can otherwise do for them. Mr. St. John transfers a considerable property to our country with an intention to devote that and himself wholly to Agriculture, of which his accurate intelligence in every part of rural...
4781Thomas Jefferson’s Instructions for Poplar Forest Management, 11 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
1814. Nov. 11. Poplar Forest . The crop here for 1815. is to be as follows Corn in Early ’s field. 80: acres . Wheat in M c Daniel ’s, in the corn field & the oldest tobacco ground South of South Tomahawk
4782From John Jay to Maria Jay Banyer, 23[–24] April 1810 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . your Letter of the 17 Inst:— The Cold you mention has gone off; and I am again much as I have been throughout the Winter— I rejoice that your Health has mended, and that Sally was well. It will give you Pleasure to be informed that on the 17 Inst. Mary was delivered of a Daughter, & that they were both doing will. That Peter should be nominated for Congress, is an agreable...
4783[To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 August 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 19 Aug. 1787 . Recorded in SJL as received 13 Dec. 1787, “(recommendation of Tenche Cox).” Not found.]
4784To Benjamin Franklin from Emma Thompson, 6 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Tho’ your residence in Paris be proclamed in the public papers, (you arch Rebel) yet having left England some months ago, I should have known nothing of you but for a Mrs. Playdell who happened to lodge in the House with you at Paris. Oh tell me I pray you how were Mr. and Mrs. Barrow when you left America? Did you see them were they safe, had they thoughts...
4785From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 7 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 31st of March—enclosing an Extract of a Letter from General Haldimand, accompanied with an Extract of a Speech of the Indians of the Six Nations. The speech I conceive to be rather uncandid—having good reason to believe that the severities the Indians have experienced have been drawn upon themselves by their own barbarous Conduct. But as...
4786To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Stevens, 26 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Charleston, South Carolina, May 26, 1792. On June 16, 1792, Tench Coxe wrote to Stevens: “The Secretary of the Treasury has delivered to me your letters to him of the 22nd. and 26th of May.” Letter of May 26 not found. ] LC , RG 58, Letters of Commissioner of Revenue, 1792–1793, National Archives. See Stevens to H, May 22, 1792 .
4787From George Washington to John Greenwood, 20 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your last letter, with its accompaniment, came safe to my hands on tuesday last. Enclosed you will receive Sixty dollars in Bank notes of the United States. In addition to which, I pray you to accept my thanks for the ready attention which you have at all times, paid to my requests; and that you will believe me to be, with esteem, Sir Your very Hble Servt ALS , DLC:GW , series 9; copy, DLC :...
4788To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
A Resolve of Congress of the 2d Instant relative to the Bills emitted in Pursuance of the Act of the 10th of March 1780 is herewith enclosed for the Information of your Excellency. By sunday Prisoners from Charles Town who are exchanged & just arrived at this Port in a Flag, we have received Information which seems not to admit a Doubt, that Lord Raudon had evacuated Camden and retreated to...
4789From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 26 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
As the work you mention will cost as is supposed not more than 50. D. & is so necessary for the preservation of the wall, I think it may be so far considered as appurtenant to the wall & necessary to it’s duration, that it may be placed to that account. DLC : District of Columbia Papers.
4790From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 11 October 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library I received your Favour of Aug. 23. almost the only one I had by that Packet. It gives me great Pleasure to learn that our Friends keep up their Spirits, and that you have little doubt of the next Election. I have occasionally had several Conferences lately with our present Secretary of State, Lord Shelbourne, and some on the Affair of the Petitions. He was...
4791To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 2–3 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 2–3, 1777 . Describes the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta. Complains of his lack of authority at the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This MS is entitled “Major Fleury’s Journal and Letter to Colonel Hamilton.” Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of...
4792From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday requested you to have the light infantry formed before you marched and leave them behind—I am anxious this should be done as speedily as possible. So soon as they are drawn out, You will be pleased to direct the Commanding officer to send to Head Quarters for orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt Since writing the above I have received yours of this date—I could wish the light...
4793From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 12 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It would be well to recieve from you as early as possible the report you propose to make for Congress as to the progress, state and further cost of the public buildings. I am apprehensive of a more serious opposition to another appropriation than has ever been made. perhaps after you shall have sent me the report, & it is referred to a committee it may be expedient you should come up yourself...
4794To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 13 February 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I return’d him the Reliquiae Bodleianae which he took out of the Library for me, blaming the Editor for not digesting the Letters according to their date, and kept Peter Kalm’s Fauna Suecica by Linnaeus taking notice of his being of Aboae in Finland which as being in that Province I wonder’d he should call their Academy Stockholmiae....
4795To George Washington from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 26 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. David Forman, 26 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Forman on 27 Sept. : “I received your favor of the 26th Inst.”
479619th. (Adams Papers)
Finished the first book of Horace’s Odes. I went in the afternoon, and pass’d the Evening, at Mr. Johnny White’s. Besides his father’s family, there were, in the course of the Evening Sukey Sargeant, Sally Bernard, Debby Perkins, and Ben Blodget. Mrs. White’s Sister Sally also, who is not handsome, but agreeable. I am more pleased with Debby, than I have been, and think, she might be made...
4797To Thomas Jefferson from Elijah Clarke, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of writing you on a subject highly interesting to the Citizens of our state, and perhaps not more so, than to those of Tennesee & Kentucky—An attempt will probably be made at our next legislature, to improve the navigation of the Savanah river, between the towns of Augusta & Petersburg—The intelligent & enterpriseing part of our Citizens, are turning their attention to...
4798To James Madison from Daniel Rodney, 22 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Daniel Rodney. 22 February 1814, Lewes. “Agreeably to a request of the Senate, and house of Representatives, of the State of Delaware I transmit to your Excellency, a resolution of the Legislature relative to an Island in the Delaware River called the Pea Patch.” RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , R-154:7). 1 p. Docketed as received in the War Department in February 1814. The enclosed resolution...
4799From John Adams to James Searle, 20 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
I condole with you most affectionately and cordially in your fresh disappointment. It is to be hoped the Tide will turn. I have recd, Letters for You from Govr Reed, with a desire to open them in case of your being gone. You were gone, and I opened them and read them, with infinite Pleasure. They contain the best Account of American affairs that I have seen. The substance of them, is Advising...
4800From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honour of addressing you in Consequence of an Application from the Commissary General, who is by my Direction taking all proper Precautions on the Approach of Winter. I desired him to commit to writing such Proposals as his Experience & Knowledge of the Country might intitle him to make, which he has done in the Paper which I have the Honour to inclose. The Difficulty of...