501Motion on Point of Order, [3 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 297). The manuscript is in JM’s hand. Charles Thomson entered “Madison, Bland” at the top to signify who made and seconded the motion, and “Madison” at the bottom to indicate that JM demanded a roll call. Below the second “Madison,” Thomson recorded the vote on the motion. On a cover addressed by a clerk of the War Office to “His Excellency, The President of...
502To George Washington from William Pearce, 20 March 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 20 March 1796. On 27 March, GW wrote Pearce: “Yesterday brought me your letter of the 20th instant.”
503[Diary entry: 6 May 1772] (Washington Papers)
6. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run, and Ferry before Dinner. In the Afternoon Doctr. Rumney and Mr. James Adam came here & lodged. James Adam’s visit today and Matthew Campbell’s calls during the next four days must have concerned GW’s current business with Robert Adam & Co.: the sale of 929,700 herring and 10,894 shad for a total price of £184 17s. and the purchase of three slaves for £185 (...
504To Thomas Jefferson from Ephraim Pentland, 30 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In behalf of the committee of Young Republican citizens, appointed at a numerous and respectable meeting, held on the 24th. ult. in this place, I forward you their address, under cover to our representative in Congress.—Hoping that this small tribute of their respect will not be unacceptable. Very Respectfully, Your obt. huml. Sert. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
505From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 16th ulto that you had nearly surmountd the difficulties attending the march of the troops from Petersburg —I have no objection to you proceeding yourself to the southward, which I hope will afford that releif to your disorder, which you expect—You will give the most pointed orders to the Officer who shall be left to bring on the Rear, not to lose a moments...
506To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The services of Captain Elliott, who is with a Company of Artillery drawn from Fort Mifflin, and now in Northampton County, being indispensable to make draughts for Cannon and to superintend a laboratory, which it is intended to commence without loss of time, I pray you to direct Capt McClellan, or any other Captain of the Corps you may think proper, to relieve him as soon as possible—Captain...
507George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Describes sufferings at Camp because of lack of food and clothing. Asks Clinton to do all that is possible to forward supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
508From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Reibelt. he understands from mr Reibelt’s letter of the 16th. inst. that he still has two copies of the Sentimental journey sur petit papier Velin. it is the Petit format size which Th: Jefferson regards rather than the quality of the paper, because he happens to have all the works of Sterne in petit format, except his sentimal journey. if therefore...
509To John Adams from James Warren, 30 April – 1 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Were I as Ceremonious as I suppose the Ladies will be about their Tea visits, after the late Indulgence of Congress, I should hardly have taken up my pen at this time to disturb your repose, or Interrupt your Business. Are you Sensible how seldom you write to me or does it proceed from Choice or Necessity. My writeing at this Time is mearly to discharge A Duty of Friendship. I have scarcely A...
510To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 5 February 1750 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have so many Obligations to my kind Friend, that I dedicated a time to Visit all the Booksellers in London to search for foreign Electrical Books and could only find Two in French. One I take to be the same I sent for thy perusal but could not be certain which Elce [I] had not bought both for I sent it away just as I received it from France. I have many...
511From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d. came to hand yesterday morning. I shall be happy to hear of the arrival of the groceries &c. in Richmond, as we are much in want of them: so also of the glass when shipped from Philadelphia—a mr Andrews , who lives near the former post office in Washington & works on ornaments for architecture, was to make for me some Doric ornaments, which should be ready before this time. he...
512Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 10 March 1787 (Adams Papers)
Tho I have already acknowledged all your Letters, I will not let captain Scoet sail without a few lines from me, I had not time to write you by Barnard, but Cushing had Letters for you I write now to inform you, that the more quarrelsome and turbulent you grow, the more anxious I am to be with you, not that I think it pleasent fishing in troubled waters, but because immagination paints higher...
513To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 26 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am honour’d with yours of the 19th. Inst. I received a Letter from Capt. Jackson dated at Bilbao the 12th. in which he mentions nothing of his departing thence for America, so that I should have continued to expect him here, if he had not written positively to you of that Intention. Mr: Barclay, the Consul, too, I thought would have been here before this time, and I know not what detains him...
514To George Washington from John Allison, 26 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Officers of the Continental line in October last to appoint officers of the State Society of Cincinnati; It was there resolv’d, that no officer not holding a Continental Commission should be entitled to become a member —As I saw it in a different light from the Gentlemen that compos’d that Body; I beg leave to lay before your Excellency the State & progress, of the Regiment...
515To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 26 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1802, Hamburg. Wrote on 2 Dec. acknowledging receipt of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter “together with those for the Consuls in this neighbourhood which have been forwarded to them.” Has written U.S. minister at Paris about accounts for 1802; encloses those for 1801. Has drawn on JM for $600.72 to cover expenses, which are heaviest during the winter. Also encloses list of U.S. ships...
516To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 2 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Cadiz, 2 Jan. 1793 . Contrary winds having detained the vessel by which he intends to proceed to Setúbal on his way to Lisbon, he may go by way of Ayamonte. He encloses “a letter of some Consequence” he has just received from Gibraltar and hopes to reach that place this month. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ); 1 p.; endorsed by TJ as received 25 Feb. 1793 and so recorded in SJL . FC (disassembled Lb in...
517To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 7 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society Your mind is too enlarged, as well as your Genius too extensive for your Mind to be wholy absorbed in public cares, hence I dare hope that the woes of your Amelia will be listened to;— They shall not detain you long. My dear Mr. Barry is no more!— he died at this Place (whither we came for the recovery as we hoped, of his health,) the 15th of Octr. and has...
518To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, [18 March 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
John Dickinson accepts with many Thanks the Copy of the late Resolution of the Legislature of Virginia. It is an inestimable Contribution to the Cause of Liberty; and, if it was possible, that any thing could be justly compared with the Importance of Truth, it might be said, that the Manner is equal to the Matter. How incredible was it once, and how astonishing is it now, that every Measure...
519Thomas Jefferson to Louis H. Girardin, 17 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 12. is duly recieved, covering the letter of mr Reynolds and some printed sheets containing solutions of Mathematical questions by him. these last I re-inclose presuming he would wish to keep possession of them. on the subject of Professors we are unable to say a word. the University has contracted a great debt, by permission of the legislature , for the repayment of which...
520From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 1 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 23rd and have forwarded to the Secretary of War Capt: Babbits resignation the acceptance of which I shall no doubt be shortly enabled to inform you of. The Post[s]cript of your letter has been communicated to the Deputy Paymaster General; he informed me that the delay in sending on the money was occasioned by some perplexity as to the mode of remittance,...
521From John Adams to William Tudor, 28 August 1774 (Adams Papers)
I received your obliging Letter at New York, and it was peculiarly acceptable to me and my Companions, and of great Use to Us among our Friends at New York. We all intreat the Continuance of your Favours, you can have no Idea of the Pleasure We take, in the Letters of our Friends and especially in yours because the Contents of it were very usefully particular and interesting. The Generals...
522From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you a report of the Secretary of state on the case of the Danish brigantine Henrich, taken by a French privateer in 1799. retaken by an armed vessel of the US. carried into a British island, and there adjudged to be neutral, but under allowance of such salvage and costs as absorbed nearly the whole amount of sales of the vessel & cargo. indemnification for these losses occasioned...
523Proclamation on Insurrection in Pennsylvania, 12 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, combinations to defeat the execution of the law for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses within the United States, have existed in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, and have proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the government, by misrepresentations to render the laws odious, be deterring the officers of the...
524John Crookes to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a Versification of the Speech of Logan , which I have just published. The knowledge that it had your approbation would be more gratifying to me than to have the applauses of “the million.” RC ( MHi ); dateline adjacent to signature; addressed: “Hon. Mr. Jefferson, Montpelier, Virg a ”; franked; postmarked New York, 20 July; endorsed by TJ as received 31 July 1814 and so recorded...
525Wednesday. May 22. 1771. (Adams Papers)
At Plymouth. Put up at Wetheralls, near the County House—lodged with Mr. Angier, where we had a Chamber wholly to ourselves—very still and retired—very serene and happy. Mrs. Howland and her Family, I hear are very much grieved, and hurt, and concerned about my passing by their House. But my Health is my Excuse of all my Removals. I am not strong enough to bear the Smoke and dirt, and Noise,...
52614th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Lincoln, and immediately after dinner we again proceeded on our journey and by 5 o’clock, got to Cambridge, which is 12 miles: we came through Concord , and Lexington which 12 years ago were of no note, but which have been since rendered ever memorable, by being the place, where the first martyrs in the glorious cause of American Liberty, bled, (April 19th. 1775). Posterity will...
527[Diary entry: 17 February 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 17th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 48 at Night. A thick fog till 9 oclock A.M. when it dispelled; was clear and pleasant till towards Sunsetting when the western horison seemed to cloud & lower. Wind Southerly all day but the ground very wet—Snow all dissolved where the Sun had access. Rid to my Mill, and the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run & ferry. Sent for...
528To Thomas Jefferson from John Lamb, 20 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received your Excellency’s letter concerning the Cyphers . The Vessel that I am in here, and bound to America, Doth not take pradick and all papers are so Defaced with Vinager, that it will be Imposible to get the Cypher sound, to hand’s where it is ordered. Therefore must Deliver the Same to Congress, whom can Dispose of the Same at their pleasure . I am unhappy that it is so surcomstanced:...
529From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By advices just received from Col. Brodhead, dated at Fort Pitt the 10th Ulto I am informed there are strong indications from several quarters, that Hostilities will be committed pretty extensively on the frontiers by the Savages, at the Opening of the Campaign—that the Troops under his command are very much distressed for want of Provisions, that they have been at half allowance of meat ever...
530Advertisement, 1 November 1750 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , November 1, 1750. Whereas on Saturday night last, the house of Benjamin Franklin, of this city, printer, was broken open, and the following things feloniously taken away, viz. a double necklace of gold beads, a woman’s long scarlet cloak, almost new, with a double cape, a woman’s gown, of printed cotton, of the sort called brocade print, very remarkable,...
531To Thomas Jefferson from William Plumer, 22 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail I received your respectful note of the 3d instant, with a volume of documents respecting our foreign relations. For these interesting communications be pleased to accept my grateful acknowledgement. I have commenced the compilation of my history of this country. I have thought it necessary that the introduction should contain a concise view of the state of the world,...
532To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Letter came to hand about seven OClock last Night at this Place. Colonell Hubley will set out to Day, and by him I shall write to Governour Reed about the Appointment of the necessary Officers after having consulted with the Gentlemen commanding Regiments; I believe they find some Difficulty in getting such Persons to serve as they would wish to recommend, which is the Reason...
533To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 10 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It has for some time past that I have promised myself the pleasure of paying you a Visit, yet the situation of my family and the interests of the Museum has not allowed me that indulgence. My Son Titian has not only great skill in preserving all kinds of Animals, but also he has acquired an abundance of knowledge in Natural history, I mean of animated nature. And my Son Franklin is possessed...
534To Thomas Jefferson from William Strickland, 13 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 30th: of June, I received on the 22d. of October, since which time I have been waiting for a safe conveyance for my answer. I am highly flatter’d by your recollection, particularly at a period when you must be occupied by so many momentous engagements; an unwillingness to interrupt which has been the cause of my long silence . I have many times wished for an opportunity of...
535John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, 23 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
The Sun is just making his appearance for the first time these five days, during which we have had a cold North-East Storm, and almost continual rains— In the midst of this gloom, which has confined us closely to the house, I received your letter of the 10 th: with the account of our dear child’s illness— It has distress’d me much; and though I hope it is only the previous indisposition to the...
536To James Madison from Thomas L. McKenney, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you this morning you desired to know how we had succeeded in procuring horses for the Rifle corps. The answer which I gave you was founded on the progress that was made previous to my having left the Camp last night, to aid in detaching 300 men for Com. Rogers; also to select the artificers of the navy yard to report to Com. Tingy. This occupied me ’till late...
537From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Pasteur to the S of War— I understood from G. Wilkinson that there existed some arrangement between him and the Spanish Commandant in the Floridas relative to deserters. If you know this arrangement you will have it conformed to in the present case; if not, the deserters will remain with Captain Pasteur untill the order of G. Wilkinson can be obtained— You...
538From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 18 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 18 Aug. 1777. When writing to GW on 11 Sept. , Custis says: “Your kind Favour of the 18th Ult. came safe to Hand.”
539[February 1754] (Adams Papers)
This winter, we had a vacation. In the winter of 1754 we had no snow at all save a smattering or two, But perpetuall rains and warm weather thro’ought the whole. In the academic year 1752–1753 there had been no winter vacation at the College. This was because during 1752 the number of instructional days had been greatly diminished, in the spring by the closure necessitated by a smallpox...
540To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel McDowell, Sr., 20 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel my Self happy in the hope that you will Shortly be at the head of the General Government of the United States. And formerly having the honour of an acquaintence with you , Imboldens me to Say a few things on a Subject on which delocasy forbids my Saying much. The Subject is with regard to my Son Samuel who has acted as Marshal in the Kentucky District from the commencement of the...
541James H. McCulloch to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February [1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I received this morning a letter from Coll o B Peyton of Richmond , enclosing a check on the Bank of Baltim o , for thirty five dollars thirty five cents, duties & expences on a box of books consigned to my care for you, & shipped hence in the schooner Spartan to Richmond
542To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Alexander J. Dallas. 3 June 1806. “It gives me great pleasure, to comply with the request of the friends of Mr. Maurice Rogers, in stating to you, that he is a gentleman of commercial talents, amiable manners, and approved integrity. The merchants of our City are desirous to procure for him, an appointment as the Agent of the United States, at St. Iago de Cuba. I believe that the...
543Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 3 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
Since Mrs. Adams’s Departure I have revolved within myself, whether you would not have an Inclination to purchase the piece of Land on Pens Hill (belonging to the Estate of the Honle. James Verchild late of St. Kitts deceased) which you have for some years past improved. His Heirs, I am informed, are now in England, that the Estate in the West Indies is under Mortgage, But that part of it...
544From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was fortunate that a duplicate of your letter to Mr. Jefferson went so soon from Alexandria. The copy in My hands did not find a conveyance fit to be trusted for a very long time—it cannot have reached him yet. I was determined to await a secure opportunity, and the intermission of the French Packet left such an one extremely rare. I was compelled at last to put it into the hands of a...
545To James Madison from Jared Sparks, 22 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
After my return to Mount Vernon I looked through the letter books, and noted down the dates of all the letters recorded as having been sent to you by General Washington. The list is enclosed. Should you find upon inspection, that you possess letters of importance not comprised in this list, I hope you will have the goodness to furnish me with copies of the same. The letter dated Jany. 1789,...
546From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
Last week I sent you a number of the Monthly Theological Repository, containing some Speculations of Mr Van der Kemp and Mr Jefferson—With this Letter I enclose to my Father the numbers just published of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews—Presuming that you know the History and Character of those Publications from Cobbett, you will sufficiently understand them to be in the Nature of Lawyer’s...
547To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 17 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write your Excellency when at Monticello in this state, on the subject of the Establishment of a Cross Post from this to Staunton, informing that I expected in a few days from that date to complete the Contract, which was done the 8th. instant, except to executing the Bond, which cannot be effected until David Ross, Esqr. returns to this place, who is one of the Undertaker’s...
548To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Jersey Historical Society; draft: Library of Congress I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a...
549John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 12 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). The inclosed extracts appear as sufficiently interesting, to induce us to forward them to you. The reiterated information we have lately received from different quarters leave little room to doubt, that the Southern States, will be the grand theatre of war this ensuing winter and spring. The Waggons with stores for the army under your...
550John G. Robert (for Patrick Gibson) to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 11 th ins t last night & hasten to reply to it—tho’ I regret to say in not so satisfactory a manner as I could wish— At the time of Co l Nicholas ’ failure I knew you were indorser on some notes of his & should have informed you of his being protested, but doubted not Co l N would (as he has done) write you himself —I this morning called at his house & there...