52851From John Adams to the President of Congress, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
As I am to remain in Europe for sometime longer, I beg Leave to take a cursory view of what appears necessary or expedient to be further done in Europe, for I conceive it to be not only the Right but the Duty of a foreign Minister to advise his Sovereign according to his Lights and Judgment, although the more [extensive Information], and Superior Wisdom of the Sovereign may frequently [see]...
52852To George Washington from Samuel Seely, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It gives me no small pleasure to see your Excellanacy once more place’d in the first office in this country, well knowing it is the just reward of a virtious life mainly spent in its service and defence. At the same time your excellancey will permit an Old Soldier, (although a young man) to look up to you as his pattron As he is sensible, that it will ever be pleaseing to a heart of...
5285313 Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Returned to Amsterdam, having dined at Haerlem, at the Golden Lion. Went in the Evening to see Ingraham and Sigourney and C ommodore Gillon. Chez la V euv e Wynen, dans le premier Wezelstraat, à main gauche. Address of Cerisier. “There are three Gentlemen, in the Mercantile Way, Mr. Sigourney, Mr. Ingraham and Mr. Bromfield, who are now in this City, and propose to reside here and establish a...
52854From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I hereby request you on the 1st of June, or whenever Mr. McHenry shall leave the war office, to take upon you the charge of that office, and I hereby invest you with full power and authority to exercise all the functions of secretary of the department of war, and charge you with all the duties and obligations attached by law to that officer, until a successor regularly appointed and...
52855To James Madison from Eliza House Trist, ca. 13 April 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 13 April 1784. Mrs. Trist was at Fort Pitt awaiting transportation down the Ohio for a reunion with her husband. She wrote Jefferson regarding a misunderstood report that Virginia had “reward[ed] merit by making our friend Madison Governor.… I have wrote to him, but before I got your letter, which I beg you to forward” ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al.,...
52856To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, 20 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I must not look back to the date of our last Correspondence it would alarm & discourage me from taking the pen up this Moment. Your kindness to me has been of all times, & your friendship & mine took its date from its beggining: Circumstances, not your will I am sure have deprived me of the pleasure I used to value so much of receiving your letters. Many Many times my thoughts […] towards you,...
52857For the National Gazette, 20 December 1792 (Madison Papers)
Republican .—The people themselves. The sacred trust can be no where so safe as in the hands most interested in preserving it. Anti-republican .—The people are stupid, suspicious, licentious. They cannot safely trust themselves. When they have established government they should think of nothing but obedience, leaving the care of their liberties to their wiser rulers. Republican .—Although all...
52858From John Adams to Samuel Freeman, 6 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had the Favour of your Letter of 23d Ultimo by this days Post. As to the Petitions you mention, the Congress have made good no Losses , to any Soldiers—nor any Accounts for Sickness, more than Pay, Rations, and Mileage. I am much obliged to you, for your Account of the Several Acts passed by the Assembly. It is very necessary that We should know here, the Proceedings of our Assembly. We...
52859To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 12 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I send this letter in the hope of its overtaking Mr. Sterrett in London by whom I had the honor of writing to you on the 9th. I then informed you how long the French post had been interrupted and that it was supposed to be owing to the operations of the Austrian army in Flanders. It must now be attributed to some other cause, as we are officially informed of the raising of the siege of Lille,...
52860To James Madison from the Indiana Territorial Legislature, 21 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1809, Vincennes. Forwards resolution urging the reappointment of William Henry Harrison as territorial governor. Printed copy ( National Intelligencer , 8 Dec. 1809). Signed by Gen. Washington Johnston, Speaker of the House, and Thomas Downs, president of the council. JM reappointed Harrison for a second term of three years on 19 Dec. 1809 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the...
52861To James Madison from John Gavino, 14 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1801, Gibraltar. No. 71. Encloses duplicates of his 8 Aug. letters to Barron and commends Barron’s blockade of Tripolitan cruisers, which has caused fresh desertions from their crews. Tripolitan vessels have struck sails and are in the mole with only about twenty seamen left. The Tripolitan admiral and eight others have sailed as passengers to Malta. At Cathcart’s request, encloses...
52862From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 19 July 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered to you by our ingenious Countryman Mr. Benbridge, who has so greatly improv’d himself in Italy as a Portrait Painter, that the Connoisseurs in that Art here think few or none excel him. I hope he will meet with due Encouragement in his own Country, and that we shall not lose him as we have lost Mr. West: For if Mr. Benbridge did not...
52863Charles Thomson to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 9 of January last which did not reach me till the latter end of April was to me indeed a cordial. It recalled to mind the trying Scenes through which we passed with undessembled confidence, but in a particular manner rejoiced me as it informed me of the firm state of your health and the full enjoyment you have of your faculties both of body and mind and more especially of...
52864[Diary entry: 23 June 1774] (Washington Papers)
23. At home all day. Alone.
52865From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Accordg to the returns from Detroit, there ought to be added to the quantity of Powder there One Tun and a half to complete what would be an ordinary supply in proportion to the Artillery. And if the Stock of Powder in the UStates be ample, that quantity ought to be forwarded. The stock however should govern. Not possessing sufficient information on this head, I have concluded to state the...
52866George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 5, 1778 . Reports that British ships have sailed from Sandy Hook. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
52867[Diary entry: 8 July 1771] (Washington Papers)
8. Very Warm but clear with the Wind Southerly.
52868To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 5 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I received while in Philadelphia, (from whence I am just now returned) a short letter Decr. 21st from Mr Thompson, chairman of the Come. of the House of Representatives on the public buildings, requiring simply an estimate of the sum required to finish the South wing of the Capitol. I promised, by return of post, an answer in a few days. In the mean time, having fortunately all the drawings...
52869[Diary entry: 2 March 1769] (Washington Papers)
2. At home all day with the above Company.
52870To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
14th December. We were all so exhausted that we determined to keep quiet all day at home. Received a Note from a Milliner requesting I would go and look at his things, this is a thing which has happened several times—Am I so much in vogue? I am solicited to take great care of myself this Winter and not to get sick, Are People afraid of closed doors again? What a hollow hearted World How much I...
52871From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 4 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
By a vessel which sails for Fredg. today, I have sent a small box containing the following articles 6 ps. very coarse muslins, 1 ps. of finer. 2 lb. Tea, 3 Books on Medicine, a few pamphlets & a Sett of marking instruments. The muslins were bought as being extremely cheap, and useful for various purposes. If my mother or sister wants any part of them they will make free with them. If the finer...
52872From Thomas Jefferson to John H. Nash, 27 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am a subscriber to the N. American review and understand you are agent for that work in Richmond. it will be more convenient for me to have it furnished from that place because payment there is easier made. I shall be glad therefore to recieve it from you and this letter presented to Col o Bernard Peyton my correspdt of Richmond will ensure your recieving payment for him on my account, once...
52873From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 15 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you honoured me with dated the 4 Inst. & inclosing 4 Setts of Exchange on Boston for the Sum of one hundred and forty six Pounds Sterling, being the Amount of Advances on your Account. Herewith I return your Recet. for the 100. Louis I lent you that Sum being included in your Draft. As you kindly offer to take Charge of any Letters I may wish to...
52874To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Elliott, 6 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Rect of yours of the 21st June is hereby acknowledged. I am heartily sorry that my ill state of health has prevented my joining the Army, and entering upon the duties of my Office untill this day, as I well Know the necessity of Officers being with their Corps at all times, especially at this critical Juncture; but such has been my unhappy situation that it has never been in my power since...
52875From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are very respectable recommendations of Mr George Augustus Cushing to be consul at Havanna. They were presented to me yesterday by Mr. Cushing himself, who appears a genteel man. I told him that I considered Mr. Moreton as appointed. These papers however may be filed in your office & if any thing should happen to Mr. Moreton, Mr Cushing may be considered as a candidate I have the...
52876To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 22 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In my two last letters of the 8th: & 12th: inst. I informed you of the then position of affairs at Antwerp & Amsterdam. Nothing new can have taken place with respect to Antwerp as I then mentioned to you that a loan was to be opened there for three millions of florins at 4½. p. cent interest & 4. p. cent commission. I shall leave this place in two days so as to sign the contract there at the...
52877From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, [10 June 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the ——. Though I do not like in some respects the answer of the house to the Speech; yet I frankly own I had no objection to see it softened down. For I think there is no use in hard words & in public proceedings would almost always unite the suaviter in modo with the fortiter in re . But I much regret that there is no prospect of the fortiter in re . I perceive...
52878From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon receipt hereof you are to proceed with your Regiment to Co’os—You are to March in three divisions for the benefit of covering your Men, at Night—You will see the whole put in motion before you leave your present Incampment, and will appoint one or more Officers, as the case may require, to collect your straglers & bring up your rear. Let your Rout be properly marked & allow a...
52879From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Ten Broeck, 18 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, February 18, 1792. Introduces Captain Charles Williamson. ALS , Davenport Library, Bath, New York. A resident of Albany, Ten Broeck was a lawyer, land speculator, and prominent New York Federalist. The contents of this letter are the same as that of H to John Tayler, February 18, 1792 .
52880To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 20 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
My anxiety has been awakened by the absence of all the expresses, which have probably reached Williamsport, since Sunday the 12th instant. But the general opinion is easy, from a conviction, that you will not encounter hostility, but will rather be occupied with milder arrangements for the restoration of order. Mr Rittenhouse has certified to me the distress of the mint for money; and Mr...
52881[Diary entry: 19 September 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 19th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear, calm, and serene all day. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Took my French Hounds with me for the purpose of Airing them & giving them a knowledge of the grounds round about this place. Upon my return, found a Mr. John Defray here—a Dane from Copenhagen, who had been cast away on the...
52882From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will oblige me by having the inclosed delivered to Major General Howe should he be in Boston, or forwarding it to him should he be in the neighbourhood or in New Hampshire—The letter is of consequence, and I therefore hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing it to your particular care. I have the honor to be with very sincere Regard Yr Excellency’s Most obt...
52883From Thomas Jefferson to Elisha P. Cutler, 6 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Inhabitants of North Yarmouth in legal townmeeting assembled. Your representation and request were recieved on the 5th. inst. And have been considered with the attention due to every expression of the sentiments and feelings of so respectable a body of my fellow citizens. no person has seen, with more concern than my self, the inconveniences brought on our country in general, by the...
52884From George Washington to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer and Nicholas Thomas, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 18th instant inclosing the Arrangement of the Officers of your Seven Battalions as settled by General Assembly 1st April 1777. I hope this arrangement will prove satisfactory to all the Gentlemen in nomination, but should any disputes or difficulties arise, I shall endeavour to have them settled upon the most impartial Scale. The impediments to the recruiting...
52885From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Gregg, 24 February 1772 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Robert Gibb deliverd me on your Account 2 Mahogany dining Tables which I paid him the freight of. You may depend I shall do the best I can with them being with Esteem, Sir Your very Hum Serv LC , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
52886From George Washington to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d met me at this place this Morning. Your exertions and those of the Militia in opposing the Enemy claim my thanks—and I am persuaded that they will be continued, as long as it shall be practicable. This Army is moving towards the North river as fast as possible—and I shall give you every support in my power, that circumstances will admit of. The operations of the Enemy must...
52887From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 15 December 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Charles Pinckney, c.15 Dec. 1791. In a letter to GW of 8 Mar. 1791 , Charles Pinckney wrote that he had received “your obliging letter of introduction which had been previously left by Colonel Trumbull at my house.” GW wrote a letter of introduction for Trumbull to Edward Rutledge on 15 Dec. 1791 and almost certainly wrote a similar letter to Pinckney (and perhaps others)...
52888Proclamation to Pardon Deserters in Louisiana, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is represented that sundry persons formerly engaged in the Military Service of the United States and having deserted from the Same, have become inhabitants of the Territory of Louisiana lately ceded to the United States, have establishments of property and families therein, and are in such habits of industry and good conduct as to give reason to believe they will be orderly and...
52889To James Madison from Benjamin Richardson and Others, 7 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
It is with extreme reluctance that we take the liberty of addressing you, with the view of expressing our feelings on the subject of a promotion lately made in the Marine Corps, which we cannot avoid regarding as reflecting on ourselves. When a Brevet Commission was confered on Captain Miller, who commanded us at the battle of Bladensburg we regarded it as a honour confered on the rest of the...
52890[Fryday June 28. 1776] (Adams Papers)
Fryday June 28. 1776 a new Delegation appeared from New Jersey. Mr. William Livingston and all others who had hitherto resisted Independence were left out. Richard Stockton, Francis Hopkinson and Dr. John Witherspoon were new Members.
52891To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon my Arrival in this Department; I found the main Body of the Army encamped at Van Schaack’s Islands, which are made by the Sprouts of the Mohock River, joining with Hudson’s River; nine Miles North of Albany —A Brigade under General Poor encamp’d at Loudon’s Ferry, on the South Bank of the Mohock River, five Miles from hence—A Brigade under Genl Lincoln, had Join’d Genl Stark at Benington;...
52892From James Madison to Littleton Dennis Teackle, 30 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 21st. covering a copy of your first Report to the Legislature of the State, as Superintendant of public Instruction. The Report contains information of general use. And the System of Education to which it relates, is made particularly interesting to the States analogous in the sparseness and mixt kind of their population, to the difficulties encountered in...
52893[Diary entry: 5 October 1771] (Washington Papers)
5. Went a hunting with Jacky Custis but found nothing. Came home by the Mill. Mr. Rutherford went away after breakfast & Captn. Oliffe dind here.
52894From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 June 1775 (Washington Papers)
Upon my Arrival here this Afternoon I was informd that an Express was in Town from the provincial Camp in massachusets Bay; and having seen among other papers in his possession a Letter directed to you as president of the Congress I have taken the Liberty to open it. I was induced to take that Liberty by several Gentlemen of New York who were anxious to know the particulars of the Affair of...
52895From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 30 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 26th is recieved. I found on going to Bedford that the Overseer had thought it necessary to sell several hogsheads of my tobo. there to answer certain plantation expenditures, and had lost a dollar a hundred on the sale, exclusive of carriage. altho’ I could not approve of this, it could not be altered. I shall certainly adopt your advice in future of having it inspected at...
52896To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 20 July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Short I have the pleasure to forward you a more complete cypher in which we will correspond in future. He will find you I hope safely arriv’d in Paris and recoverd from the fatigues of your voyage, and situated with Miss Patsy agreeably to your wish. In my letters from Annapolis I informd you of the latter proceedings of Congress and as I addressd them to Boston hope you received them....
52897To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Marchant, 25 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I recd. yr Excellencies Letter of the 10th Inst. which has gave me Infinite Satisfaction to find yr Excellency Approves of my Conduct in my last Cruize, I hope I shall Continue in yr Esteem as I mean never to Derogate from the honour of an American Subject having Greaved the Cutter and got every thing Necessary for Sailing I set out from Morlaix Road...
52898From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night the letter you did me the honor to write on the 25th. I had before received those of 30. 31 of July & 3d August & notwithstanding the heat of the weather my own ill health and the dangerous sickness of Mrs. Adams, I should not have failed to answer them, if I had perceived any thing in them to disapprove, or thought of any thing to improve your plans. I am equally well...
52899Thomas Jefferson to Tristram Dalton, 2 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am indebted for your favor of Apr. 22. and for the copy of the Agricultural magazine it covered, which is indeed a very useful work. while I was an amateur in Agricultural science (for practical knolege my course of life never permitted me) I was very partial to the drilled husbandry of Tull , and thought still better of it when reformed by Young to 12.I. rows. but I had not time to try it...
52900From Abigail Smith Adams to William Cranch, 17 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your dear Father has joind the Spirits of the Blessed made perfect, on saturday last he was taken sick, appeared as he frequently has upon former days was wandering in his mind,—but a general prostration of strength took place. He was sensible only for a few moments at a time; exhausted Nature sunk to rest, without pain or struggle, and heaven has been pleased to save him the anguish of...