49101James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 15 June 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11th., and will not disguise the fact, that notwithstanding my sympathy with the considerations, which might have deprived the University of your valuable services, I learn with satisfaction, that the danger has not been realized; and I hope experience will prove, that the mountain climate is less charged with rheumatic tendencies than occurred to you in your...
49102’Tis Never Too Late to Mend, 14 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Public Advertiser , September 14, 1773 Although Franklin was delighted with his satire, “Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One,” he was not confident that the public shared his opinion of it. To draw attention to it, presumably, he inserted the following letter in the Public Advertiser . But the essay needed no such publicity; it was making its own way, and...
49103Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 6 October 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Sollicited by a poor man in an adjoining county who states his case in the inclosed letter, & truly, as far as I can learn, I take the liberty of putting it under cover to you, in the hope you will be so good as to put it into the hands of the proper clerk, that whatever is right may be done, &, if nothing can be done, that the clerk may certify the grounds, so as to inform the applicant & put...
49104From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 30 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration a letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments, which have arisen to the coinage of the precious metals at the mint. As also a letter from the same Officer relative to certain advances of money, which have been made on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been done, or be of opinion that any thing more...
49105[Diary entry: 25 August 1771] (Washington Papers)
25. At home all day. Mr. Jno. Smith came here to Dinner on his return from the Springs.
49106General Orders, 18 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Irwin[,] Major [ ] Thayer[,] Brigade Major from Maxwell’s Brigade A Surgeon and Mate from General Maxwell’s brigade to join the detachment under command of Major Moore immediately. A Serjeant Corporal and twelve men from General Maxwell’s Brigade to mount at Baron Steuben’s Quarters this afternoon and to be relieved daily from the same ’till...
49107To George Washington from Bernard Moore, 11 May 1772 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of April the 27th came to hand; I am to inform you that my Estate was sold on purpose to discharge the debt due to you, and others that my friend Colo. Baylor was bound for me, Young Mr Edmund Pendleton has all the Bonds to collect for all the Negroes that was sold, by the particular desire of Colo. Baylor before his death, and if you will be so kind to write to him, or his Unkle...
49108To James Madison from John Appleton, 20 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have to inform the Honorable Secretary of State, that I left france last Autumn, with the approbation of General Armstrong, to return to America, that since my arrival here, I find many circumstances that induce me to remain in my Native Country. I have now to ask leave to resign the Commission I hold, of Commercial Agent at Calais. The continual Blockade of that Port, has for several years,...
49109[July 1785] (Washington Papers)
July 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 80 at Night. Clear with but little Wind and warm. Went to Alexandria to a meeting of the Board of Directors, who by Advertisement were to attend this day for the purpose of agreeing with a Manager and two Assistants to conduct the Undertaking of the Potomack Navigation—but no person applying with proper Credentials the Board gave the...
49110From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 22 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
I stand indebted to you for two letters, one of the 8th of September—the other of the 9th of Feby—the first should not have remained so long unacknowledged, but for the expectation I had of the second—the second led me to expect a third, upon the receipt of which I meant to give you but one trouble by replying to them all at the same time. Permit me to thank you Sir, for your attention to my...
49111To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 14 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day received your esteemed letter of the 9th—The Alliance arrived here the 12th. and the Sensible is this day arrived at Port Louis (at the entrance of this Harbour)—There is also this day arrived here a Cutter of 18 Guns from Cherbourg—this last I hope will be added to the Armament—the Pallas with the rest of the small Vessels from Nantes have...
49112To James Madison from William Eustis, 9 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to represent, that the additional duties which have devolved on this Department by the late acts of congress, render it indispensably necessary, that the business of the Indian department, together with that of issuing military land warrants, should be transfered from this to some other Department or Officer of Government. I would also invite your attention to an alteration or...
49113To James Madison from John Dawson, 2 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1803. “The Danish claim is referrd to Morris, Tracy and Jackson, and I suspect will be lost if not explaind by you to some of our friends.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Dated “Wednesday.” Date here assigned on the basis of internal evidence. On 2 Mar. Gouverneur Morris, Uriah Tracy, and James Jackson were constituted a Senate committee to report on the act allowing restitution to the owners of the...
49114To James Madison from Thomas Read, 1 November 1820 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed by Mr. Helme a late Graduate of Brown University in the state of Rhode Island, who at this time lives with me in the Character of a family teacher of the languages &c. Mr. Helme, has at this time a small Vacation & he & my young son Landon C. Read are visiting the upper country for amusement and instruction. Any civilities which you may please to shew them sir, will be...
49115David Gelston to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received under cover from M r Cathalan the enclosed letter, and also bills of lading for some wines for you, Presuming the letter enclosed contains a particular account, I omit describing them, and Shall agreeably to what I believe to be your wishes, do the needfull here and ship the whole by first proper opportunity to Richmond as heretofore, unless in the mean time, different...
49116To Thomas Jefferson from Abner Watkins, 21 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit us (as a Committe in the name & by the direction of the society of people called Baptists constituting the district of the appomattox Association within the County of Prince Edward & the Counties adjacent) to present you this address acknowledging our approbation for your judicious & wise administration during the time you have occupied the presidential Chair & that as a grateful People...
49117Thomas Jefferson to Alden Partridge, 2 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am but recently returned from my journey to the neighborhood of the Peaks of Otter , and find here your favors of Nov. 23 & Dec. 9. I have therefore to thank you for your meteorological table and the Corrections , of Col o Williams ’s altitudes of the mountains of Virginia which I had not before seen; but especially for the very able
49118To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, [18–25] March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] March [ 18–25 ] 1794 . “On the 17th. instant the Sloop Hannah of New york an enrolled and licensed vessel James Underhill master arrived in this Port from Long island in ballast only; but without a Manifest or Permit, and by his neglect has incurred the forfeiture of fifty dolls. As he lived out of the State, I issued a Writ against him, and he has petitioned the Judge...
49119To Thomas Jefferson from William North, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Without place, 2 Feb. 1781. “The Baron’s [Baron Steuben’s] Sentiments with regard to the sick Militia are” that competent surgeons ought to be with Generals Muhlenberg, Lawson, and Nelson, and that sufficient quantities of medicine should be furnished each surgeon to enable him to treat the slightly sick. Those whose disorders “render them fit objects for the Hospital” may be sent to...
49120To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 25 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Diligence which leaves this tomorrow morning you will receive from Stockdale a Box with books, and the paper &c. from Woodmason’s. I said in a letter of last friday that the paper would come with Mr. Parker, but this conveyance will reach you probably as soon:—In that letter I told you of a Carriage for £70 which had attracted my wishes, because its goodness could be depended upon: in...
49121From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive Your Letter of the 22d Instant. The exertions of the Board to relieve our distresses and the good Offices of the Merchants were most timely. The Army never stood in greater need of them. On several days the Troops have been entirely destitute of provision of this kind—and at best they have only received for a considerable time past, but an Eighth—a...
49122Enclosure V: Frederick County Poll Sheet, 1758, 24 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
Colo. T. B. Martin Colo. G. Washington Thos Swearingen Hugh West Lord Thos Fairfax Fairfax Revd Wm Meldrum Meldrum Colo. Jas Wood Wood Colo. Jno. Carlyle Carlyle Adam Hunder Hunder Fielding Lewis Lewis Charles Dick Dick Alexr Woodroe Woodroe
49123From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 19 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the arrangement of the Army. Be pleased to draw off Sherburns, S. Webbs and J. Livingstons Regiments to Kings Road or somewhere upon your left flank with orders to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moments warning; and whenever Baron Kalb with the front division of the Army arrives near your Camp be pleased to order Enos’s and McClenachans [McClellan’s] Regiments to...
49124From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of Sepr containing a plan for recruiting the army for the next campaign, which I have attentively considered—Many parts of it correspond exactly with my ideas and with the proposals I have made and am making to Congress—Such parts of it as are new and appear to me calculated to promote the service shall be added. I have the honor to be With much esteem...
49125[Diary entry: 15 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 15th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning—42 at Noon And 39 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, and abt. Noon pretty fresh. Ground hard froze all day. No plowing. A little after Sun rise, in company with the Gentlemen who came yesterday—Colo. Humphreys, Majr. Washington & Mr. Lear, went a hunting; but did not get a fox on foot nor is it certain we ever touched on the trail of one. The...
49126James Madison to James Barbour, 18 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of duly receiving your interesting favor of Sepr. 29. The agricultural scenery which charmed you so much has had the same effect on other strangers surveying it with an equal taste for such improvements. I wish you may have as much reason to be pleased with the countenance of the Cabinet when your objects are presented to it. We think here it is high time for a...
49127Notes on Reply of White Hair, 16 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
July 16. 04. White-hairs replies. very content with speech will do every thing to satisfy long since he wished to have a great chief he is glad to see him he will go home as soon as we are ready. wishes some goods could go this year. I have long since be sold as negroes are sold. I hope that is done, and that we shall not have at all times petty Frenchmen coming to our villages to give bad...
49128To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 27 May 1760 (Washington Papers)
I this day Recd a Letter ⟨ illegible ⟩ hand of Mr Nicholas⟨;⟩ have also Recd a Letter from him to ⟨you⟩ which I send ⟨off⟩ immediately to you by George from King Wm who I think ⟨is the⟩ safest hand I Can send it By —I also Recd your Letter the 18th sent by melato Jack and will do my ⟨truest⟩ endeavours to get an over seer to sute you —Ass to Colo. Johnson I Cant get one farding of money from...
49129From George Washington to Peter Muhlenberg, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your Letter of the 13th of Janry and have written to Governor Harrison that it was much to be wished, the Obstacles mentioned by you might be removed, & that measures might be taken during the Winter for forming the Troops now in the State with the Detachment, which I imagined would be send back by General Green from So. Carolina, into a compleat Regt or Regts, in...
49130To George Washington from Brigadier General John Cadwalader, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
whether the army under your Excellency’s command should continue in the field this winter; and whether it is expedient to call to your assistance a great body of militia to make an attack on the City, are very important Questions—the determination of which may decide the fate of America—They therefore require our most serious consideration. It is certainly usual with all nations, in every cold...
49131To James Madison from John Cotton Smith, 23 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of recommending to your notice the Reverend Mr. Gallaudet, principal, and Mr. Clerc his Assistant, in the “Asylum for the instruction of deaf and dumb persons” lately established in this state. I am persuaded they will receive from the First Magistrate of our country, that favourable regard, to which their distinguished exertions in the cause of humanity so eminently entitle...
49132To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Edwards, 12 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your favors of 7 Inst. & 18 April. taken together they contain all Information necessary to our driving on the work with Spirit. I am particularly gratified to find what I have done has given you so much satisfaction. & I have full hopes it will please you in the End—the whole shall be attended to as you direct— I repeat again that I hope you will feel no...
49133Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 6 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Altho I was at a stupid Route at the sweedish ministers last Evening, I got home about 12 and rose early this morning to get a few thinks ready to send out by Lyde. When a Body has attended one of these parties; you know the whole of the entertainment. There were about 2 hundred persons present last evening, three large rooms full of card tables. The moment the ceremony of curtsying is past,...
49134[Diary entry: 22 November 1771] (Washington Papers)
22. At home again. Mr. Jenefir went away after breakfast as Mr. Washington &ca. did yesterday.
49135The American Commissioners to S. and J. H. Delap, 24 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 24, 1778: Please send us an accounting of the prize money mentioned in the enclosed letter. > Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 142. That from John Paul Jones above, June 10. The commissioners’ request finally produced results. JW informed them on July 16, below, that he had received the...
49136To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 9 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I am in sentiment with you and the Director of the Mint, respecting the purchase of the Lots and Houses which are offered for sale in preference to Renting—as the latter will certainly exceed the Interest of the former. That all the applications may be brought to view, and considered, for Coining &ca.; Mr. Lear will lay the letters and engravings before you, to be shewn to the Director of the...
49137To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Villequier, [8 July 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. le Duc de Villequier a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur Franklin de la perte qu’il vient de faire de m. le marquis de Courtanvaux Son beaupère. Le convoy se fera à St. Roch aujourdhuy Dimanche 8. Juillet 1781. à Sept heures du soir. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy Who had written BF in 1779 about lightning rods: XXX , 425n. The...
49138[Diary entry: 22 October 1761] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 22d. Began Captn. Posey’s Barn with Turner Crump & Six Carpenters. Turner Crump was hired by GW in Dec. 1760 to oversee GW’s slave carpenters at a wage of £30 per year. This construction project apparently marked the first time GW contracted Crump and his slave carpenters out to do work for others.
49139From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 21 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your letter of the 14th. instant. The recommendations of Captains Taylor and Blue will not fail to be considered when the situation of things is mature for the appointment of Brigade Inspectors. Inclosed you will find a general abstract of the recruiting Returns, which at its date were received at the Office of the Adjutant General. Other Information induces me to...
49140Boston Town Meeting Committee Report on Measures for the Vindication of the Town, 18 October 1769 (Adams Papers)
Boston, 18 October 1769. MS ( MB ). Printed: Boston Record Commissioners, 16th Report City of Boston, Record Commissioners, Reports , Boston, 1876–1909; 39 vols. , p. 299–300, 303–325. On 4 Oct., JA was named to a committee “to Consider what Measures are proper to be taken to vindicate the Character of the Town” from charges made by Gov. Bernard and others in letters to Lord Hillsborough...
49141To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received Mr. Pissott’s Proposals for printing English authors and agreeably to your desire immediately offer’d them to Dr. Franklin, a few Days ago. I call’d just now for his answer. He told me a Gentleman going to France would call upon him Tomorrow for Letters and that he should write to you on the Subject but he did not tell me whether he would engage for his Grandson or not. There is a...
49142The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Since ours of Octr: 31st. the enemy have by repeated efforts at last overcome our defences on the Delaware below Philadelphia, and we hear they have got up some vessels to the city; but we incline to think they will be interrupted much in their opperations on the river by the Cheveaux de Frize and the cold...
49143Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, [18] September 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th has been recieved & I thank you for having forwarded the book to mr Adams as desired. in the Aurora of Sep. 7. I see a book advertised as under publication at N. York under the title of ‘the American brewer & malster ’ which, as teaching the method of malting Indian corn I should be very glad to get. could you procure it for me if published or when published. I would...
49144From George Washington to William Pearce, 7 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter, begun on the 31st of last month, and ended the 2d of this, came, with the Reports enclosed, duly to hand yesterday; together with the list of Dower Negros which are taken exactly as I wished. I now wish you would forward to me a list of all the remaining Negros on the Estate; distinguishing French’s from the others; & both made out in the manner of the last—giving the ages &ca....
49145To Thomas Jefferson from William Harris Jones, 22 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
W m Harris Jones presents his most respectful Compliments to M r Jefferson, & begs the favour, (if Mr J’s health will permit), of his viewing the fine paintings by Van Derlyn, which W. H. J. has brought up to Charlottesville As they have stood the test of criticism in Paris—as well as in most parts of the Union W. H. J. is sure M r J would be much gratified by the inspection—M r Van Derlyn...
49146To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 3 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 Oct. 1780. Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 29 Sep. requesting the states “to supply their Delegates with Money for their Support by other Means than drawing on the Treasury of the United States.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Huntington. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 15). Enclosure ( Vi ): copy signed by Charles Thomson of...
49147To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
La présente parviendra à Votre Excellence par Mr. le Cte. Coëtloury, Ami de Mr. l’Ambassadeur, du Ms. De la Coste, du Rhingrave de Salm, et qui m’honore aussi de son amitié. Il reviendra ici vers Noël. Nous attendons d’un moment à l’autre Mr. De Raineval, qui trouve que cette Republique, dans ces circonstances surtout, mérite qu’on l’étudie de près. Permettez que je place mes respects pour Mr....
49148Thomas Mifflin to Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, and Richard Varick, 17 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 10th: instant, and laid it before Congress; but as seven States only have met, the Subject of it cannot be taken up so soon as its Importance requires. I will transmit to you an authenticated copy of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty the moment that Congress shall put it into my power. I am with much Respect &...
49149General Orders, 25 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The baggage of the Maryland line to be embark’d very early tomorrow morning and sent to New-Windsor—The troops to march immediately after their baggage is embark’d, by the route assigned them. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For earlier directives related to the march of Maryland troops to winter quarters, see General Orders, 17 and 20 Nov.; see also GW to Nathanael Greene, 17 Nov. , n.7, and...
49150From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the enclosed letter & papers a reading between this and dinner—and come an hour before it, that he may have an opportunity of conversing with him on the subject of them. Mr Walker of George Town is in this City—from him, if Mr J——could contrive to get him to his house, he might learn the sentiments of the people of the place, Carrolsburg &ca—with respect...