52601To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Zebulon Butler, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persuent to Orders reced from your Exelency by the Hand of Majr Genl Lincoln I have Marched with the three detachments from Connecticut Regiments; Part of the Westmoreland Independant Companies have Joined me as was Ordered and more will be in this day. I am Now Encamped upon the Heights between Chatham and Springfield—Genl Stevens had Left this Place before my Arival & I am destitute of any...
52602From George Washington to John Jay, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
It gives me infinite pain, that the circumstances of the service oblige me to trouble Congress with a frequent repetition of the same subjects—But every hour distracts my attention with fresh instances of the inconveniencies, that result from the want of system in a department which I have frequently mentioned. These compel me again to intreat that Congress will be pleased to take decisive...
52603To John Adams from James Lovell, 1 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor of Octr. 17th. came this day to hand by the Post and contains such flattering Sentiments in regard to my subserving your Mission as almost to intoxicate me into a Wish that I had not spurned much personal Honor and family Emolument in pursuing a comparitively evident public Interest. But, nearly drunken as you have made me, depend upon it I am sober enough to distinguish between the...
52604To George Washington from Jason Hand, 27 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
You will doubtless remember an address which I wrote to you dated the 28th of December 1797 (if you ever received it) for as I have never received an Answer I have had some doubts whether it ever came to your hands, but how ever that may be I shall suppose at this time that you did receive it, and the intention of this letter is more fully to explain what was there hinted at and to develope...
52605To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 14 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Carlos Martínez de Yrujo. 14 October 1805, Philadelphia. Has the honor to send JM the attached copy of a letter just received from the governor of Puerto Rico, to the effect that the American brigantine Neptune, which was supposed to have been captured by a French or Spanish cruiser called Resource, Captain Janet, has not come to his port nor any of the others in his district. Asks JM...
52606From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 15 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have written to you the last Sunday in turn, but business required my allotting your turn to Mr. Randolph, and putting off writing to you till this day. I have now received yours and your sister’s letters of Nov. 27. and 28. I agree that Watson shall make the writing desk for you.—I called the other day on Mrs. Fullerton, and there saw your friend Sally Cropper. She went up to Trenton...
52607To James Madison from Charles Pettit, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, Insurance Office of North America, Philadelphia. “I do myself the honour to transmit to you the inclosed extract of a letter from Paris, of the 12th. of February last, as it contains information which it appears to me ought to be made known to Government; and this mode of communication is preferred as being more likely to be acceptable than thro’ the channel of a Newspaper. And...
52608Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 15 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Letter from worcester since that I have heard by the papers you have arriv’d in new-york. I hope Safe. you must have had bad weather some part of the way if Such as we had reach’d you. last Sunday evening we had a terrible Tempest of thunder Lightning & wind & rain the Lightning struck the house of cap n. J o. Baxter & every person in it reciev’d a Shock there were many...
52609To James Madison from James Fenner, 3 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am informed that Judge Barnes of this District, in consequence of a severe malady under which he is now suffering without hope of recovery, has sent forward his resignation as District Judge. Presuming the report to be true, I take the liberty of nominating the Hon David Howell, at present our District Attorney, as the Successor of Judge Barnes. Your knowledge of Mr Howell renders it...
52610To Thomas Jefferson from Eleazar Wheelock, 8 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear to intrude upon the Great, &, nothing but imperious necessity can apologize for this address—As the political Father and Saviour of a great Family, permit me prostrately, at your Feet, to place the impotency of a numerous and promising Family.—Soon after the termination of the revolutionary War, I imported Goods to a large amount, sold them on Credit, and thereby have become a...
52611From Thomas Jefferson to William Munford, 6 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 28 th ult. and lose no time in acknoleging the honor you do me in proposing to submit to my judgment your translation of Homer. but of all men living I have the least exercisised myself in the office of criticism. I never had the qualifications, the taste or talent of a reviewer. I have uniformly also declined giving opinions on the merit of books, to be...
52612Thomas Jefferson to Fernagus De Gelone, 3 November 1819 (SJL description) (Jefferson Papers)
[ Monticello , 3 Nov. 1819 . SJL entry reads “2. cop. Blount’s Naut. Alman. 1820.” Letter not found.]
52613John Adams to Isaac Smith Sr., 20 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
In an Hand Bill printed at Baltimore the 17th instant is as well made a Lye as ever I read. It is in these Words viz. “last night Mr. Charles Cook, arrived here in 12 days from Newbern, in North Carolina, and brings the following important Intelligence, vizt. “That the day before he sat out, Capt. Charles Stedman, of the North Carolina Forces, a Gentleman of Credit, just returned from...
52614From Benjamin Franklin to François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Courier de l’Europe , XIV (November 4, 1783), 290. This letter has puzzled editors for years. Its subject is the silver medal that Congress ordered Franklin to have struck for Lt. Col. de Fleury. Fleury himself delivered the congressional resolution to Franklin in early 1780 when he was on leave, but he was called back to America before Duvivier, the engraver, completed the...
52615To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have digested and put on paper a plan for the Hutting of the 12th. 11th. & 13th. Regt. and am ready to carry it into execution—but I feel a great diffidence, in consequence of the unbounded thirst for gain, which is shewn by some, to make a little more out of the poor public, whom they appear to conceive fair plunder—You will do me a favour by ordering Genl Stevens, or some authorized...
52616[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Shore, 29 January 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 29 Jan. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Thos. Shore. Information that powers are given to treat with pyratical states but not ultimate orders.” Not found.]
52617Charles Blagrove to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have examined the Record of patents from the years 1772 to 1783 and can find nothing of the one supposed by you to be in the name of John Wayles . neither do I discover among the surveys which were deposited in the late Secretarys Office any paper answering the description of the one in question. By recurring to your letter of the 27 th of May I discovered that the error alluded to yo by you...
52618[1780 January 14. Fryday.] (Adams Papers)
1780 January 14. Fryday. We rode from Ezpexo to Orduña, four Leagues. The Road had been made by Art, all the Way, at a great expence: but the descent of the Mountains of Orduna was a great Curiosity. Those Mountains are chiefly Rocks of a vast height: but a Road has been blown out of the Rocks, from the Pinnacles of the Mountains, quite down into the Valley. After winding round and round the...
52619From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 12 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your ideas are accurate. The conduct of the faction now styling themselves Federalists, has in 1812 been consistent with their manœuvers in 1800.1. when they voted 37 times for Burr. I never saw Mr Clinton. By all I have heard or read, I suppose him to be a man of the World like Burr. Both, I presume, have thought themselves, all their lives, in pursuit of honour. Ambition and Avarice, as a...
52620From John Adams to Benjamin Vaughan, [ante 2 April 1787] (Adams Papers)
I am very much mortified to loose the Pleasure and Advantage of an Excursion to Windsor, to see M r Herschell in Such Company: but the State of my Family is such that I cannot justify leaving it.— M rs Smith is in Travel and the Anxiety occasioned by this Event has made M rs Adams so much worse, that I should be very bad Company at Windsor, and what is more decisive, it becomes my Duty to stay...
52621To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 15 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am duly favor’d with yours of the 8th., and shall endeavour to dispose of your Tobo. to the best advantage. I have not yet been offered more than 5 dollars, but shall not now be satisfied with that, as it is in rather more demand than it was when I last wrote to you on the subject. Whether it is sold or not however, you are at liberty to draw for the sum you require. In consequence of the...
52622From John Adams to Joseph Gardoqui & Sons, 1 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have but this Moment received, yours of 19 of Feb. and am very glad to learn that you have shipped the few Things I desired, and for the Invoice. I wrote you on the 25 Feb. requesting you to send Duplicates and Triplicates of the same Things by other good opportunity, which Request I now repeat, with this Addition that you charge your Commissions in future because there is no Reason that I...
52623Sunday 24th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went to Pappa’s to go to meeting with him. We Went first to Mr. Dana’s but he could not go with us and we went and heard a Sermon. The text was. Then he which had received the one talent came, and Said Lord, I Knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed. Matthew. c. 25 v. 24th. After Church we came home and at...
52624To George Washington from James Hill, 30 August 1772 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Letter from the Post office dated August 3d & it did not Come to me in Several days after & yr Directions in respect to the Tobo coud not be complyed with for I was informd that Capt. Easten Had his Load so that I never Heard from him after yr Letter came to hand & our Tobo in New Kent happend not to be Inspected & I have had more Trouble to get it Inspected then I ever had abt any...
52625To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 25 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ conscious that the Sermon which accompanies this, is in no degree worthy of your acceptance, yet, while distributing the copies of it among those I most esteem and honor, I cannot resist soliciting permission to offer one to you. With most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, I have the honor to subscribe myself Sir, Your mo. obedt hble Servt ALS , PHi : Gratz Collection. GW replied...
52626XIV. Reading Copy of Second Inaugural Address, 4 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Proceedg. f. c. to yt qualfcn ′ wch ye Constn reqres. befre. my entrnce. on ye charge agn. conferd. on me † it is my duty t. exprss. ye deep sense I entertn. ′ of ys new proof of confidce. frm. my f. c. at large † & ye zeal wth. whch. it inspires m. ′ s. t. condct. myslf. ′ as m. best satsfy yr just expectns. ″ on takg. ys station on a formr occn, ′ I declrd. ye princples. on wch. I belv.d. it...
52627From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 July 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
We have had no letter from you since your arrival at the Warmsprings, but are told you are gone on to the sweet springs. Not knowing how to write to you by post, I take the opportunity of sending this by Dr. Currie.—He has mentioned to me the home-less situation of Nancy Randolph . She is now with Mrs. Carrington. I do not know whether she is on such a footing with Mr. Randolph and yourself as...
52628To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter dated ‘Virginia August 28th.,’ reached me on the evening of the third instant. “A number of Spanish Officers are yet in Louisiana, and there is no doubt with me, but they encourage the Discontents which arise here. I shall take an early opportunity to intimate to the Marquis of Cassa Calvo, that the continuance of these Officers in our Territory, ‘so...
52629To James Madison from William F. Gray, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 24th. and the Books returned by you, came to hand together. I showed your letter to Mr. Withers, and have obtained from him Nos. 43 and 44 of the North American Review to complete your set, which I send to you by this days Mail. Very respectfully, Your obt. Svt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM .
52630From Thomas Jefferson to Hore Browse Trist, 4 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Carmichael , the Collector at Fort Adams, having absented himself from his post great part of a year, and never yet returned a single account, which calls for an immediate removal under a general rule, he is accordingly removed. this place is at present believed to be worth more than the Secretaryship of the territory , but from it’s singular position must in a very short time become...
52631To James Madison from Robert Patton, 15 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
After having had three good tryals of the Grey horses, I mentioned in my former letter, & finding them to be good travelers, very gentle & well broke, I have ventured to purchase them for you. I have Sent them forward this morning by young Mr. Vanarsdale, the Son of the person from whom I purchased them. He has had great experience in driving. I would therefore advise you (unless you have a...
52632To Benjamin Franklin from the Crew of the Drake, 24 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or L : American Philosophical Society The Humble Petition of the remaining part of the Drake Sloop of War’s Crew, Sheweth— That whereas your Honour truly Sensable of the Miseries attending the said Ships Company at there being taken and during their Imprisonment, did Vouchafe of your Goodness to Order them Cloths and other Necessaries in Order to proceed in a Carteel to England which Order...
52633To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François-Hyacinthe Esmangart, 6 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Ce n’est que depuis peu de jours que la lettre que vous m’avés fait lhonneur de m’écrire le 8. 8bre. m’est parvenue. Dès Sa réception j’ai pris, Monsieur, Sur le compte du nommé John Hammon, les éclaircissements que vous desiriés. L’Amérique n’est point la patrie de ce Matelot. Il est né en Irlande; mais en 1773 il S’est rendu à Philadelphie et a passé...
52634To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 7 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have for some time past intended writing to inform you that the Injunction fild by Cary’s Executors against us is dissolv’d. The Executor has promisd me in very pointed terms to pay a considerable part of the debt in January next, as there are but few claims here against Mr. Wayles’s Estate and those very inconsiderable. You will be so obliging as to inform me what you wish to have done with...
52635From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 11 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1803, Department of State. “In addition to the despatches from the Spanish Minister here to the Government and the Intendant at New Orleans which you will herewith receive, I am requested by Mr. Pichon, the French Charge d’Affaires to forward a letter to the Governor of that place on the same subject. With his approbation it is left under a flying seal, that, you may have an...
52636To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 December 1820 (Madison Papers)
The question as to the admission of Missouri into the union, which is still depending, will probably not be decided untill after the holydays, & the decision is then quite uncertain. You have I presume seen a proposition of Dr Eustis, for admitting her, after a certain day, provided, in the interim, the obnoxious clause in her constitution shall be stricken out. Should this fail, it is...
52637To James Madison from William Lambert, 19 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your perusal, the last letter I have received from bishop Madison, by which you will perceive the strong interest that truly valuable man takes in the object and completion of my undertaking to fix a first meridian for the U. S. Other communications having a similar tendency, are now before the Select Committee of Congress to whom my papers have been referred....
52638[Diary entry: 18 July 1771] (Washington Papers)
18. Dined and Supped at Mrs. Campbell’s.
52639To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 29 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; two copies and transcript: National Archives Previous to the appearance of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th: Current, I had forwarded thro’ the hands of M. Dumas the Certificates which you required respecting Captain Landais; And the Serapis was ready for Sea when the French Ambassador sent for me a Second time to meet him at Amsterdam.— I hope my...
52640Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 6 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved a letter of Dec. 28. from Francis to which I had deferred an answer until I could speak with more certainty of the prospects of our central college . he describes his situation as neither agreeable nor advantageous. Doct r Cooper had engaged with us as professor of the Physiological sciences, and had moreover offered to take charge of our classical school, until we can get for that...
52641From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 25 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 16th. was recieved by last post. I should certainly prefer Walnut for the Bedford sashes, because well rubbed on the inside & unpainted it has a richer look than a painted sash, and I believe no wood is more durable but if you cannot get it good, then certainly good pine will be preferable to bad walnut. it must therefore depend on your being able to get good walnut & without...
52642[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 5 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ In Council, 5 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under 5 Feb.: “Sent in to Council Mr. Milton Fords proposals for Building at the Fork of James River”; and on the following day the Journal enters the Council’s answer of 5 Feb.: “Agreed to; Mr. Ford making due allowance for waggons, provisions or any other things furnished by the public, to be valued by the same...
52643Thomas Jefferson’s Account with John H. Craven, [after 9 May 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
John H. Craven in acc t with Th:J. 1809. To rent for this year 350– 0– 0 To amount of appraisem t at beginn g of lease 261– 10– 0 To nail account from Dec. 19. 07
52644To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received at the same time the two letters that Your Excellency did me the honor to write me the 21 & the 22. My thanks are often delayed by the little obstacles that occur in the navigation of boats. The Expressions of what I owe you cannot be as extensive as my gratitude. ’Tis with the greatest sensibility, I experience every instant how useful and easy it is to act in concert with a great...
52645To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captn Hyde arriv’d here on the 26th Instant from Loftus’s Heights, on the Mississipi, with instructions from Brigadier General Wilkinson, to procede to the Atlantic States, to settle his public Accounts. Captn. Hyde being so far on his way, and not knowing any Agent for the Pay Master General in the Country, or acquainted with any Officer, competent to make a settlement with him without going...
52646From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
52647From Thomas Jefferson to John Brown, 23 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Dufour called on me yesterday , with the wine. his object seems to be to get my own opinion & that of others on it’s merit, in order to decide on the expediency of continuing the pursuit. but it should be observed that no wine on earth was ever drinkable the spring after it was made. country people may indeed drink it, as ours drink new cyder from the press. but I mean that no judgment can...
52648From John Adams to John Adams, 28 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter, of the 21st. sprightly and entertaining like all the rest, has been recieved. I participate in all your apprehensions concerning the election. The odium, which has been conjured up against the family, is indeed a formidable motive of national action. Not a reason, not an argument even original; it is a prejudice! and it is a consolation to see that it does not prevail in...
52649To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
The intelligence gain’d by a Miss Myer, respecting a Certain John Robinson who has undertaken Secretly to conduct a body of Tories from this part of the Country to Genl Howe, has been sent me by the Board of War, with a request to endeavour to take him &c. Robinson is but little known to the Whigs in these parts; I have however Sent out an Officer with instructions which may probably have...
52650From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 24 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 19th. and with it the pamphlet of Naval architecture for which I thank you. it may be of use in our navy office where I shall deposit it. I am extremely glad to hear that the infection from the vaccine matter I sent has succeeded. but my great anxiety now is to know whether it prevents the small pox: and my anxiety arises not from any doubt that it would...