53121To Benjamin Franklin from [William Franklin], [December 1766] (Franklin Papers)
AL (fragments): American Philosophical Society [ Top part of first surviving sheet is missing. ] Side the Water. But, if we [ torn ] late Publications in Virginia [ torn ] still remains a considerable Spirit [ torn ] and Opposition. They have been told, and [ torn ] must know, that tho’ the Parliament have solemnly [dec]lar’d their Right to tax America, they do not mean to exercise it in...
53122From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
This day Genl Wayne marched down towards stoney point to take a view of the enemy & if an opportunity offered to attempt something serious; I therefore wish you to put your Brigade in motion about midnight & march that way in order to act as his situation may make it necessary—You will make your movement as secret as possible & march perfectly light, taking such of your guards as may be in...
53123To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 22nd Inst. I Receiv’d your Excellencys two Letters of the 20th. They found me at Farmington, to which place I had March’d from Hartford with Pattersons and Learneds Brigades. On making enquiry I found that Genl Poor, with his Brigade, had not reach’d the front of the Convention Troops, but had only fallen in with the fifth and last Division, which on the night of the 22nd Inst. Lodged...
53124To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I thank you my dear Sir for your favor of the 10th of last month which I duly received. The constitution has labored in Massachusetts exceedingly more than was expected. The opposition has not arisen from a consideration of the merits or demerits of the thing itself as a political machine, but from a deadly principle levelled at the existence of all government whatever; The principles of...
53125To James Madison from John Armstrong, 23 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 23 March 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A2); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list...
53126From James Madison to Dudley Porter Jr. and Company, 17 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 July 1804, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 9th. inst. representing the loss you have sustained from the capture and detention at Dominica of a vessel and cargo belonging to you, and requesting the aid of the Executive to procure restitution. In answer I have to inform you, that as the British laws provide for damages to be judicially awarded in cases of illegal and...
53127[Diary entry: 13 June 1774] (Washington Papers)
13. Wind blew very hard at So. West in the Night. Morng. lowering. Fine Rains abt. Mid day.
53128To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Olmsted, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to inclose a pamphlet as it may be Deverting to read at a leasure hour in looking back, 30 years at the tyme your Ex y were in Congress I think it must be a pleasure that the Honorable Congress got a long as well as thay Did when the Legislator of one of the states had it in thare power to Debas the Congress of the UN States doing justis to thare Cittizens— Sir with grate...
53129From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 4 July 1774 (Washington Papers)
John has just delivered to me your favor of yesterday, which I shall be obliged to answer in a more concise manner, than I could wish, as I am very much engaged in raising one of the additions to my house, which I think (perhaps it is fancy) goes on better whilst I am present, than in my absence from the workmen. I own to you, Sir, I wished much to hear of your making an open declaration of...
53130To James Madison from Hudson Muse, 22 February 1789 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. Urbanna, 22 February 1789 . A follow-up to Muse’s letter of 13 Feb. soliciting JM’s aid in procuring the customs collector’s post at the Rappahannock River port of entry. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM.
53131James Ronaldson to Thomas Jefferson, 1 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
With sentiments of respect & esteem, I beg you to accept a bust of Gen l Andrew Jackson , the hero of New Orleans , a citizen whose devotion to his country has proved him worthy her highest confidence. It is the chef d’Oeuvre of Rush , and an evidence of this nation being destined to not less celebrity in Arts than in Arms. The progress of manufactures is to me astonishing; when I recollect...
53132Enclosure: Resolution on the Garrisoning of the Northern and Western Posts, [27 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas upon the Conclusion of a general Peace, between the several belligerent Powers in Europe and these United States, the Posts at present occupied by the British Troops in the Northern and Western Parts of this State, will be evacuated by them, and may be seized by Savages inimical to these United States; whereby the inhabitants of the Frontiers may be exposed to great Danger and...
53133Thomas Jefferson to Thomas C. Flournoy, 1 October 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 29. is just now recieved, having lingered long on the road. I owe you much thankfulness for the favorable opinion you entertain of my services, & the assurance expressed that they would again be acceptable in the Executive chair. but Sir, I was sincere in stating age as one of the reasons of my retirement from office, beginning then to be conscious of it’s effects, and now...
53134To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 21 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May we begg leave to troúble the attention of your Excellency, and ask his assistance for oúr selfs and oúr American frinds, in a misfortúne the last English maill Acquaints ús With: Those are the Circúmstances by extracts oút of a letter from Capn. Moses Grinnell fm. Boston to oúr adress. “On the 17 Sept: I was drove on shore at shetland in a violent gaill...
53135From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, [5 September 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his compliments to Mr. Lear and sends the two commissions for south Carolina. He would wait on the president to day but is prevented by a slight attack of a disorder common to him at the change of weather usual at this season. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. See Lear to H, September 3, 1791 .
53136To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 13th with one enclosed from the Marquis de la Fayette. I have desired the Officer commanding at Fish Kill, to give me notice, should the Officers mentioned, take that route, which I shall communicate; and the Officer at Kings ferry to have an Express ready, in case they pass there, to push forward & give notice of their approach to Head Quarters. If they pass at...
53137To Thomas Jefferson from Roger Nelson, 28 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The president will be so good to pardon the Liberty I take in recommending to his consideration, William H Dorsey Esq of George Town as a proper Character to supply the Vacancy in the Circuit Court of this District occasioned by the Resignation of Mr Kilty— I Know Mr Dorsey well, I have been intimately acquainted with him for five and Twenty Years,—I know him to be a Man of Honor and...
53138James Madison to Lawrence T. Dade and Others, 29 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my friends, your letter of the 25. instant, inviting me, in behalf of a portion of the Citizens of Orange, to be a guest at their proposed festive celebration on the 4th. of July. The respect we all feel for that great anniversary would render the occasion of meeting them highly gratifying to me; but the very feeble state to which I am reduced by a tedious indisposition, does...
53139To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 3 October 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Payment has been some time order’d for the rent of the House you lived in whilst Governor of the State and Colo. Turpen may receive the Money whenever he pleases to apply to the Agent. Should Mr. Nathan, Mr. Smith or any other person bring a Suit against you for any Contracts or Acceptances made by you on behalf of the State, whilst chief Magistrate, the Executive will take your defence on...
53140From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 7 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 9th 10th and 15th January with their several inclosures, which I have not had an opportunity of answering before. Count Pulaski’s Legion being ordered by a Resolve of Congress of the 2d instant (Copy of which you have inclosed) to repair to South Carolina, be pleased to direct the Officer commanding the Infantry of the Legion to march immediately by the...
53141From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an Information which was given in Yesterday, by a Man who was in Newyork on Monday last, & which from a variety of Circumstances, I believe to be in a great measure true; therefore transmit it to you, that you may be prepar’d in case their Destination should be up North River, which at this time is not generally expect’d—I could wish you would give a Copy of this to Genl...
53142To George Washington from John Vardill, 20 September 1773 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the Liberty of addressing a Letter to you, on a Subject extremely agreeable to me, & which, I am sensible, must be particularly so to you. The Conduct of your Son, during his Residence at this Seminary, has been such, as that it would be injustice to deny him the Tribute of Approbation he deserves, & you Sr the Satisfaction which a generous Parent must receive from the Reputation...
53143To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the lines, the main body of the Enemy lay at Mountholly, their Picket is advanced about one Mile on this side, I was within three hundred yards of it—but could get no intelligence from the Inhabitants, as all those who remain at home, are disaffected—General Clinton is at Holly—their Waggons extend above two Miles—they march now in one Column—were delay’d many...
53144To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman to whom the within letter is addressed was in March 1799. appointed a Second Lieutenant in the first regiment of Infantry. No information of his acceptance or non acceptance has been received at this Office. It appears that he was recommended by you and Mr. Egbert Benson. Be pleased to have this letter conveyed to him I am Sir Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Libary of...
53145To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Sayre, 22 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately wrote to the Secretary of State , requesting him to favour me with a reply, so far, as to releive me from doubt & anxiety; whether I may, or may not depend on the justice, or friendship of administration—I require no reasons, or apology—let him but inform me, that he can find others more deserving, & better qualified for any office in his department, & I shall then know what...
53146From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 8 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 6 Instt and am happy to find the Nomination I made of Genl Clinton in consequence of your request to appoint an Officer to the Command of the Levies on both sides Hudson’s River, has met the approbation of your Honble body. His acquaintance with the Country, abilities and zeal for the cause, were the motives that Induced me to make choice of him....
53147From George Washington to Thomas Cushing, 26 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
The last Post gave me the honor of your favor of the 7th inst: for which & your care of the Jack and his Keeper, I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. As the Jack is now safely landed, & as I am unwilling to hazard him again at Sea, I have sent a man in whom I can confide, to conduct him & the Spaniard to this place by Land. The person I send has not the smallest knowledge of the Spanish...
53148From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 16 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; copy: Library of Congress I have this Day received your Favour of the 2d Instant. Every Information in my Power respecting the Balloons I sent you just before Christmas, contain’d in Copies of my Letters to Sir Joseph Banks. There is no Secret in the Affair, and I make no doubt that a Person coming from you would easily obtain a Sight of the different Balloons of...
53149To James Madison from Rinaldo Elville, 25 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1812, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Was preparing to travel to France “to follow under the Imperial and Victorious Standard—that road of Glory my Ancestors have trod before me” when the declaration of war was made public. Now considers his own country “to have the prior claim to [his] Services.” Introduces himself as a Virginian of French parents; his father served with Lafayette and...
53150To James Madison from Rufus King, 1 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 May 1803, London. No. 95. Reports that according to the certificate of the accountant general of the Court of Chancery, the fund claimed by the state of Maryland consists of bank stock, 5 percent stock, and cash amounting to £187,567 12 d . sterling. Suits in chancery were instituted “many years back” against Russell and other fund trustees by Chase as agent for Maryland, by Barclay and...
53151To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 9 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to inform the British Minister that the privateers Petit Democrate and Caramagnole sent into New London as a prize the Brig Nancy of Jamaica, That the Governor of Connecticut having possess’d himself of the said Brig by a party of Militia was ready to deliver her up to her Master or Owner at the time of her capture, but that no such persons have appear’d, and that in...
53152From James Madison to Joseph Wheaton, [ca. 30] October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. instant. You will be sensible that I cd. not know sufficiently the value of the particular extra services rendered by you during the late war, to decide on the amount of compensation equitably due for them. I can therefore only mention to the gentlemen you have named, my general impression of the zeal & activity with which you promoted the public service as far...
53153To Benjamin Franklin from James Pearce, 29 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I call’d on Mrs Stevenson and Mrs. Hewson at Kensington this Day— Mrs. Stevenson is in so poor a way that they dont think she will live long. Mrs. Hewson informed me that you had been so kind as to enquire after me in the last letter that she received from you— I am very sorry to send you the melancholy news of my Dear Wife’s Death. She died 22 Oct 1781 and...
53154To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 27 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I find by your Letter of 16th. Instant that you had no Expectation of the disagreable News from Canada. Our Accounts from thence are not very perfect. According to these, A Reinforcement for Quebec came up the River before the City on 6th. of this Month. Our Army suddenly retir’d, leaving good Part at least, of Cannon Baggage, and their sick. They had determin’d it is said, in a Council of...
53155[Diary entry: 31 July 1769] (Washington Papers)
31. Set out with Mrs. Washington & Patcy Custis for the Frederick Springs. Dind at Wm. Car Lains, & lodgd at Mr. Chs. Wests. The family was going to Warm Springs in order to test the efficacy of the waters in relieving Patsy’s epileptic fits ( GW to John Armstrong, 18 Aug. 1769 , PHi : Gratz Collection). GW had intended to leave on 27 July but had been delayed by other matters ( GW to Jonathan...
53156From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 25 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
No letter from you yet, my dear Maria. You now owe me four, and I insist on you writing me one every week till you shall have paid the debt. I write to you every three weeks, and I think you have quite as little to do as I have, so that I may expect letter for letter. The account stands at present as follows. Maria Jefferson Dr. to Th: Jefferson Cr. April 11. To letter of this date 1 April 25....
53157Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about to take a liberty with you, that I hope you will pardon. Before I do, I beg you to understand, it is sincerely my wish, that you shou’d not comply with the request, I am ab o ut to make, if it shou’d be either inconvenient or unpleasant to you, in any respect. I want the use of a sum of money for a short time, I can obtain it from one of the Banks, but to do so, I Must have an...
53158To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [15 December 1778?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Si votre françois n’est pas trés pur, il est au moins trés clair! je vous donne ma parolle d’honneur de devenir votre fémme en paradis, a la condition pourtant que vous ne lorgnerés pas trop les viérges en m’attendant; je veux un mari constant, quand je le prendrai pour l’étérnité; entendés vous mon papa: je ferai part a maman ce soir de vos bonnes...
53159To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 23 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit you a list of promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States made during the last recess of Congress. Accept Sir, assurances of my high respect & consideration DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate. List of Promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States made during the last recess of Congress Regiment of Artillerists First...
53160To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 13 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Confirming our last respects of 2 Instant, We have now but to advise receipt from the Treasurer of the United States of a Bill drawn upon us by the President of the Bank of the United States for Hd. Cy. f 590,000. which We place to the Credit of the United States. We acquainted You under date of 24 Februy. that the Bill no. 463 of the Bank of the United States on us to order of Saml. Meredith...
53161From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have declined, upon the principle, mentioned to you stated in a former letter, I have declined taking any to take measures with respect to the Hospitals on Goat or Rose Island, not having received in the mean new any fresh instructions from you on the subject. I think it proper to mention this that there may be no misapprehension as to the situation of the business. It appears from your...
53162[Diary entry: 10 October 1774] (Washington Papers)
10. Much Cooler than Yesterday. Wind Northerly.
53163To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your consideration the following papers. Letter from James Seagrove—4th June 1794. Letter from Israel Chapin—7 June 1794—recd this day— Narrative of Mr Ewing enclosed in Israel Chapin’s letter of the 12th June 1794— Depositions of Peter Tuttle and Charles Evans. Letter from Governor Mifflin, 14th June 1794, to the President of the United States—The copy of a...
53164[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 15 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “B. Harrison junr. Acknol. receipt of bills 433⅓ and 333⅓—glad to receive remittances thro’ him—state of Congr.” Not found.]
53165To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Noble, 11 November 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An old friend of Franklin rarely makes his appearance so late in these volumes. But Samuel Noble was clearly such a friend; he has not hitherto come into the correspondence and, as far as we now know, reappears only once. The information about him is almost nonexistent. The connections that he speaks of in Burlington indicate that he was the son of Joseph...
53166From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 1 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith you have Copy of the Act for the establishment & support of Light houses, Beacons, Buoys and public Piers. Amongst other things contained in it, you will percieve that it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide by Contracts to be approved, by the President of the United States, for rebuilding when necessary & keeping in repair the Light Houses, Beacons, Buoys &...
53167Charles K. Mallory to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 1 st of Sept r last I do myself the pleasure to inform you that there have arrived here, via Charleston , consigned to my care, two cases of Tuscan wine sent to you by our Consul at Leghorn in the Brig Saucy Jack, which, according to your directions, I shall have forwarded by the first good opportunity to Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson...
53168General Orders, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Major General Greene will for the present Command the advanced Corps of the Army consisting of Maxwell’s and Stark’s brigades, the Light Horse and Militia. The officers and men of other Corps on the lines are to be relieved tomorrow morning by such detachments as General Greene may think proper to order and are to rejoin their respective Corps. This order is to comprehend any Guards which may...
53169From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 18 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
As my object is to deposit as much about information concerning an interesting period of our history, as remains in my possession, and that they may not be scattered like the season’s leaves and like my friend Samuel Adams’ papers, I think it proper to send you some other copies which happen to be in my power.— To B Franklin, Esq. Paris, 5th June, 1782. Sir—Mr. Laurens, while under confinement...
53170To Thomas Jefferson from J. M. P. LeGras, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
L’équité avec Laquelle votre honnorable assemblée Rend Justice aux fideles Sujets des Etats m’enhardit a vous Réprésenter le tord que les papiers dont Mr. Simon Nathan Est Chargé, Vá nous faire Si votre Bonté n’en ordonne le payement; les Domicilliers de st Vincenne Et pays des Uinois ignorant l’ordonnance du Congrés ont Vendû Leurs Darées [denrées] a L’armée de Mr. le Colonel Clark et ont...