5101To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 12 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The laborious, tho’ pleasing task of mounting the Mammoth Skeleton being done, gives me leisure to attend to other Interests of the Museum. The constant accumulation of articles not only of this but also of other Countries—increasing my imbarrisments to know how to dispose them for exhibition and public utility—these difficulties I expect will be greatly encreased after my Sons have visited...
5102From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 10 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging favours of the 28th Ulto & 1st Instt are now before me, & claim my particular thanks for the polite attention you pay to my wishes, in an early, & regular Communication of what is passing in your Quarter. If my dear Sir, you conceive that I took any thing wrong, or amiss, that was conveyed in any of your former Letters you are really mistaken—I only meant to convince you, that...
5103Orders, 3 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
5104To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 8 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you my dear sir on your safe return to your native country and to that domestic ease and happiness you have so long earnestly wish’d for. Your disinterested virtue and patriotism have raised you to a height of glory which no human being can exceed, and stamp’d a value on your character superior if possible to the laurels you have gaind in the field, and the glorious independence...
5105To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1801, Natchez. Reports his arrival on 23 Nov. after a journey made unduly difficult and dangerous by low rivers and high winds. Describes the land on the Mississippi as “pretty well adapted to Cultivation” but notes that “this extensive Country has been greatly forsaken, or rather, neglected by man,” there being only three small settlements on the Spanish side between the mouth of...
5106Enclosure: Virginia High Court of Chancery Decree, 1 October 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Virginia In the high court of chancery Between Thomas Jefferson Plt and John, William, Sally, James, Charles, Isham, Bennett, Killsborough, Eliza, Francis Lucy, and Nancy Crawford Henderson children heirs and parceners of Bennett Henderson deceased Defts. In this cause, the court, on this first day of october, in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety...
5107James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 9 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday’s Post brought me your Favour of Sepr. 26th. Your dear Boy Charles should most certainly have had half of the Bed of one of his Father’s devoted Friends here, if the Winds had so directed the Ship’s Course in which he is a Passenger; but I am told she is arrived at Falmouth in Casco Bay. I wish you an happy Meeting with him. I shall be rejoyced to find that the Voyage has been...
5108To George Washington from James Blanchard, 13 Feb. 1795 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Blanchard, 13 Feb. 1795. On 13 Feb., Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., wrote Timothy Pickering: “By the President’s order B. Dandridge respectfully transmits to The Secy of War a letter from Jas Blanchard to the President, of this date; & informs the Secy that the President desires an enquiry may be made into the complaint stated in the sd letter, & the result reported...
5109To John Adams from Joshua Winslow, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to inform you that Colo. Robert Rowan the Commissioner of Loans for the district of North Carolina, died on the 26th. Inst. It is, Sir, in consequence of this event that I presume to address you and humbly solicit that appointment in his place. I do not ascribe to myself any uncommon merit on which I might found a claim to such a favor:—A consciousness of being fully...
5110To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 27 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with your favor of the 17 Instant also with the Observations of Monsieur St. Victouer, to the Contents of both I shall pay every attention. If the Cases arrive the next month they will be in time to go by the Ship Comte d’Artois bound to portsmouth and will be a perfect good safe conveyance. I have to Acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24 January, buissness having soon...
5111Charles Burrall to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the removal of M r Granger , there will be many efforts made to remove the subordinate officers in our Dep t especially where their offices are worth having, and already have individuals began to practice their insiduous arts to obtain mine—From, your personal knowledge of me, and from an opinion entertained by myself, that your sentiments have been favorable to me I have...
5112To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt présente Ses trés humbles rêspects et répéte Ses adieux a Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin, il est trés mortifié d’être obligé de l’incommoder encore car il n’aime pas d’être a charge à quelqu’n, mais se trouvant dans la plus grande peine par le refus que M. Le Docteur lui fit hier, il L’invite d’avoir la complaisance de dire seulement au...
5113Patrick Henry in Council to Henry Laurens, 8 July 1778 (Madison Papers)
Some Resolutions of Congress & proceedings of the Board of War, have been lately transmitted to me, by which it appears that an Expedition against Fort Detroit is resolved on. In order to effect the purposes of it 2000 of the Militia together with Amunition, provisions, Horses, military Stores, Cloathing &c. &c. are requested to be furnished by this State: I should most chearfully exert myself...
5114To George Washington from Col. William Malcom, 7 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 7 June 1779. GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Malcom on this date: “His Excellency has been favoured with Your Letter of to day & thanks you much for the information transmitted. He hopes he shall have the pleasure of seeing Governor Clinton to morrow, when he will speak to him, respecting the Militia. The General is exceedingly obliged...
5115From John Jay to Francis Ley, 26 January 1797 (Jay Papers)
I was by the last post favored with yours of the 23 d . ult mentioning that you purpose to publish, by Subscription, a work on the Subject of preserving Houses from external Fire, and the Means of removing Goods from such as may be in Danger from it. That you would bestow one half of the Subscription money on the Sufferers by the late Fire at Savannah, and that one Copy shall be sent to those...
5116To Thomas Jefferson from David S. Franks, 11 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had received your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th. I had made up the inclosed Packet and had given it to Mr. Limousin who had promised to send it by the first safe hand but as you desire the papers may be sent by Post I now forward them to you; I mean the Copy ratified of the Treaty with the letter to Taher Fennish. That intended for Mr. Barclay is not among my Papers. I have made the...
5117The Secret Committee to Richard Harrison and Adrien le Maitre, 3 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We wrote you the 2d Ultimo by the Sloop Fanny Capt. Wm Britton which we hope will get safe, at that time we directed how you were to dispose of the Net Proceeds of the Cargo Consigned you by said Sloop and probably you may have complyed with those orders before this reaches you, if so its well, but if those orders are not executed and you remain possessed of...
5118From George Washington to John Moylan, 19 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Smith has orders to Inspect the clothing of a detachment now assembling at Peeks Kill and to make a return of its wants to you or your deputy on the other side—agreeable to which the Issues are to be made with out delay, and forwarded to the detachment at the above place or at Pompton; on this, or the other side of the river, as circumstances may point out. Independent of these, one...
5119To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 10 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty of writing to you about 2 Weeks ago from Bath —At that time I expected my Wife wd have came there to me, but, she was then so sick she cd not, and I came down to her. We are now all at these Springs wch are only abt 8 miles from Colo. Washingtons & shall remain abt 10 days longer—Fanny is mendg but as to myself, ’tho I sometimes appear so, upon the whole I fear I do not. Our...
5120Introductory Note: First Report on the Further Provision Necessary for Establishing Public Credit, [13 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
There are two drafts of this document in the Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The final version, which was submitted to the House of Representatives, is the National Archives. The first draft, which is in Hamilton’s handwriting, is printed below in essentially the same form in which it was written by Hamilton. In the margin of the first draft are queries and insertions in the text which...
5121To George Washington from John Palsgrave Wyllys, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Jabez H. Tomlinson of the third Connecticut Regiment being desirous of resigning his Commission in the service of the United States, is recommended for a discharge from the same. DNA : RG 93—War Department.
5122From the Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 26 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most cordial warmth we recommend our Countryman Mr. Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. This young Gentlemans abilities, natural and acquired, his extensive connections, and above all, his desire to serve his Country in this arduous struggle, are circumstances that cannot fail to gain him your countenance and protection. You will readily discern Sir, how important a...
5123To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Bacon, 17 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We this day start the box of Harness for Washington, I find we shall have dirt enough to raise the second Levil of the Garden nearly as high as the one done. I am Going on fast as possople With the Garden. Mr. Maddox begins on munday with the stone stable, I dont recollect Nothing more at Present but Remaine your Obedient St. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
5124From George Washington to Major Thomas Forrest, 16 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 16th of March and 10th instant. My letter to you at Valley forge expressed the opinion which was at that time received in the Artillery, though I believe it had not been practiced upon. For some time past, a contrary idea has prevailed in that corps conformable to the general principles of promotion in the army and to the practice in the cavalry, which...
5125From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 20 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
you have done very right, dear Sir, in not publishing my letter of Apr. 24. I should have had immediately a whole kennel of Scriblers attacking me in the newspapers, insisting on their right to use a public building for any public exhibition, and drawing me into a paper war on the question. let us avoid cheapening ourselves in the newspapers. If there were any certainty that exchange would...
5126From George Washington to James Anderson, 8 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington passed a good night—is clear of a fever to day—and is taking the Bark—which I hope will prevent a return of it. I am much hurried, and pressed with one thing—or another, but do what humanity requires for Roberts: who ought not to have engaged, in the situation he is in, without first informing me of it. Doctr Craik is not now here, nor expected if Mrs Washington should not...
5127To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 24 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time ago the Secretary of State, Mr Madison, requested of me information in regard to the method of ascertaining the boundary between the United States, on their northern angle, and the British dominions. He was lead to this by my having been the agent of our nation in the settlement of the St. croix line. I readily complied with his wishes; and now observe in the Presidents communication...
5128From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have received from Mr. Titcomb Cadet in the second regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Major Jackson speaks very favorably of this Gentleman, and, I doubt not, you will consider the letter as a handsome not an ill specimen of his abilities. The occasional appointment of Cadets to vacancies that occur is necessary to the end of their establishment. Without it...
5129To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at Camp Fort Edward the 21st Instt and should have done myself the honor of writing your Excellency imediately on my arrival, but was informd by Genl Schuyler that he had communicated every intelligence in his Power, by an Express sent off the day before my Arrival; The day after my coming here the Army was divided into two divisions & Head Quarters moved to Moses Creek three Miles...
5130To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 16 June 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I some days ago receive a number of packages for you from Mr. Barnes, and likewise a cask & two boxes which were not mentioned in the bill of loading; the whole of which I forwarded by Thos. Priddy’s boat a few days afterwards. I also sent you a cask of molasses at the enormous price of 4/6 ⅌. bill inclosed. I am Dear Sir Your Very humble servt. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thos. Jefferson...
5131To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de Charmois, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 29 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le nommé francisque Sube, ci devant Soldat au regiment d’agenois, compagnie de peyre, á servi dans vos guerres, et á Recû plusieurs Blessures au Siege d’yorc; il est actuellement dans sa patrie à Tours, ou on lui á envoié avec son congé absolû les certificats les plus honorables. Ce Brave Soldat auroit envie de retourner dans vos Etats, et il le desire...
5132To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had this day an opportunity to examine our Town Records. In May 1765 the representatives chosen were James Otis, Thomas Cushing, Oxenbridge Thacher and Thomas Gray. In May 1766 were chosen James Otis, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. I am very respectfully PS. I have read Mr. Wirt’s sketches of Mr. Henry and also a review of them in the North American Review for this month....
5133To James Madison from Jonathan Elliot, 21 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the fifteenth instant, has been duly received, kindly furnishing a reply to my proposition, for which I beg leave to tender you best thanks; and at the same time to say that the suggestion, that it may be regarded as a “private explanation” will be most scrupulously complied with on my part. You have been so good as to mention, that you believe you possess all the proceedings of...
5134From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 15 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am afraid you will be offended at my freedom; but you are, in your hand writing, at Such an immense distance behind your two Brothers that I cannot abstain from urging you to force your Attention to that elegant usefull and indispensible Accomplishment. In order to diminish that ardor and abate that hurry which will inevitably force you into a Slovenly habit; accustom yourself to a critical...
5135To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 7 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft) and transcript: National Archives I am honored in due Course with your esteemed favor of the 22d. Ult.— I send this by an Express that has given me no warning, but sets out immediately; so that I have not time to be very particular— The Ariel is in the Road, nearly ready for the Sea— I have taken on Board 146 Chests of Arms and 400 Barrels of...
5136[John Stille’s Bill for Clothing.] (Adams Papers)
John Adams Esqr. To John Stille Dr. 1775 June 24th. To makeing Suit of Nankeen 0: 6: 0 3 3/4 Y ard s of Linnen @ 3/6 0: 13: 1 1/2 Buttons 0: 2: 7 Thread 1/6 Silk 3/ hair 2/ Buckram /3 Staying 1/6 0:
5137Thomas Jefferson to John Coles, 5 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
In the hope you may be returned from Richmond , I send to ask the favor of you to attend for examination on Tuesday next, the day after court , at Milton where I have given notice that I should examine some witnesses, tho’ I have none now to examine but yourself & Col o T. M. Randolph who is just returned from Richmond . it is of capital importance to me to prove that while the jury were...
5138To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, [22 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Robinson’s House , Highlands, New York, October 22, 1780. On October 24, 1780, Varick wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote You on the 22nd.” Letter not found. ] Varick, a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, was admitted to the bar in New York City in 1774. On June 28, 1775, he enlisted as a captain in the New York Regiment and in June, 1776, became a military secretary to General Philip Schuyler, H’s...
5139To Benjamin Franklin from Nathan Rumsey, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yrs. of the 6th Instant by Mr. Penet, and of the 11th. by Mr. Williams I safely rec’d. I am happy that Messieurs Morris and Penet are safely arrived. The papers respecting the Prizes I have put in Mr. Morris’s hands. Nothing material has been agitated with respect to a reclamation since I had the Honor of writing to You last. Cap. Cod has offered to...
5140To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Some time since, I applied to the honble the Minister of War for his advice, or orders in a Case of Capt. McCurdey of the Pennsylvania line, who I had Arrested on a complaint of Captain Charles Asgill of the British Guards, and a prisoner of war—In answer to which I was favored with your Excellencys orders of the 23rd of June, disaproving of the sentence of the Court Martial held at Carlile on...
5141Thomas Jefferson to Samuel J. Harrison, 26 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th came to me by post, & not by mr Griffin as it would seem to infer. the new method of selling tobacco by the hogshead renders it difficult for me to sell mine in Lynchburg , as it would require a journey & considerable stay in an inclement season: and if to be sent to Richmond the earlier it goes off the better. I h therefore left orders to hurry it down. another reason,...
5142To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform Your Excellency that I have last night received intiligence from New york that may be chiefly depended on. Viz. that yesterday and the day before about 28 Sail came into the Hook Mostly Transports from England, at same time landed at New york a Hessian Coll with between 3 & 400 English Troops, last from Hallifax. Governor [General] Clinton is returned to New york...
5143To John Adams from Jacob Rahm, 28 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
Although we are but a handful, compared with the aggregate body of the citizens of the United States, at whose head, as Chief Magistrate you deservedly stand—although we inhabit a Village of inconsiderable consequence, compared with the numerous towns and cities, which chequer the face of the Country, over whose rights and interests you have been chosen to preside, yet feelingly impressed with...
5144From George Washington to Major Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 4 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have reciev’d your favor proposing a plan for the formation of a corps of light infantry. It wou’d be difficult for you to recruit such a Corps, & experience has fully taught us that it will never answer to employ deserters or Prisoners. Generally speaking no confidence can be placed in them. Deserters are for the most part without principle sufficient to insure their fidelity, and prisoners...
5145[Diary entry: 8 September 1763] (Washington Papers)
8. Agreed with Thomas Nichols a farmer to Overlook my People at Home & work wt. them for £20.
5146To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 20 December 1770 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favor of the 14th and now inclose a copy of my Last Letter to Mrs Savage, wherein I have told her my Sentiments very freely —and if you desire we should write a joint Letter when we have the pleasure of meeting I shall be agreeable to it. I can’t conveniently go down till the middle of January so that at present I can’t appoint any place of meeting even Mr Montgomerie—I...
5147From George Washington to James Welch, 1 December 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your proposition to Lease my several tracts of Land on the Great Kanhawa, containing by the Patents 23216 acres, being handed to me by Mr James Cooper while I had company, and was just going to dinner, allowed me scarcely time to make a few hasty remarks then; nor am I much better enabled now I have considered them, to answer your propo[sa]l —first, because I do not understand the principle...
5148From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 21 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
On Monday I received your Favor of the 16th inst. with Its several Inclosures. The Time You were in Treaty I can readily conceive, was sufficiently irksome & disagreeable. However, If the Good Consequences Which You meant should be produced from It, You will think It was extremely well spent. General Carlton’s Orders for their Indecent, Illiberal Scurrility, are equal If not superior to any...
5149From Thomas Jefferson to Edmond Charles Genet, 25 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you the Exequaturs for Messieurs Pennevert and Chervy and to return therewith the original commissions: and am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Min. Pleny. of the republic of France.” FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 59, DL ). Enclosures: (1) Exequatur for Citizen Chervi as French vice-consul at Alexandria, 24 Dec....
5150To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 16 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Merry has the Honor to present his Respects to Mr Madison. The bad Weather having prevented him from carrying into Execution his intended Journey to Philadelphia, he deems it proper to apprize Mr Madison of his Detention at Washington in case any Thing should occur on which he might wish to communicate with Mr Merry, who will have the Honor to take Mr Madison’s Orders afresh when he shall...