53351To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lomax, [before 27] February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
You will no doubt, be surprised at receiving a Letter from one, whose Name you will scarcely be able to recollect; but who frequently thinks of you, with great Esteem, & Pleasure. I have always thought it wrong to intrude upon the Time of a Person importantly engaged in public-Affairs, by a trifleing private Correspondence; and should not trouble you now, was it not at the paticuler Request of...
53352Thomas Jefferson to Frederick A. Mayo, 16 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by this mail the last volume of the Register and inclose in this letter the title page and index of the preceding volume which had been mislaid. I shall hope soon to hear that the whole are delivered to Capt Peyton and to recieve your account. I salute you with respect. PoC ( MHi ); on verso of a reused address cover from James Madison to TJ; at foot of text: “ M r Mayo ”; endorsed by...
53353Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 21 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I should have wrote before according to promiss, but have been prevented the use of my Eyes by a Cold fixing there and Even now believe I had better not write, but unless I do your Excelency may think it too Great Condesention to inquire after the Cottagers, at Plimouth. You have spent a week at Boston, and what think you of affairs now. I dare say you have Collected many Curious annecdotes,...
53354From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
On the 27th I received your favors of the 22d The address from the volunteer company of riflemen of Christiania Hundred in the county of New Castle and state of Deleware, I shall transmit to the Secretary at war to be answered according to laws, rules and usages. The regulations proposed in your letter to Otway Bird, the collector at Norfolk, are prudent and judicious, and ought to be...
53355[From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 22 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ London, 22 Apr. 1786 . An entry in SJPL under this date reads: “Gen. Clarke. Sentiments here.” Not found and not recorded in SJL .]
53356[Diary entry: 16 June 1798] (Washington Papers)
16. Morning—Calm, clear & Warm. Mer. at 72. Clear all day & calm till the afternoon then a brisk Easterly Wind. Mer. 80 at N. & 72 at N.
53357From John Jay to Adrienne Noailles de Lafayette, 13 August 1785 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . y e Letter w h . you did me y e Honor to write on the 15 Ap. last. Few Circumstances could have given ^ me ^ more Pleasure than the Discovery that such Evidence of my having a place in the Remembrance & good Opinion of a Lady, whose Esteem derives no less value from her Discernm t . than from the Delicacy of her Sentiments. accept therefore Madam of my sincere and cordial...
53358To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I recieved your favour dated the 1st Inst., and in pursuance of your Order have directed Lieut. Hugoe of the fifth Maryland Regiment to repair to, and take Command of the Soldiers in the Shoe Factory at New Ark, and have given him proper Instructions for this purpose, he Marches down Twenty of the Nine Months Men, who have inlisted in that Regiment, as they are altogether from the...
53359From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote to you on the 9th. of March. I have not since heard from Boston. This is just to let you know I am well, and to cover a Newspaper containing one of my Scribblings, which please to give to my Sister with my Love: I have not now time to write to her. Love to Cousin Grace and your Children. I am ever, Your affectionate Uncle Undoubtedly the essay...
53360From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have attentively considered the matter in discussion between Col. Pickering and yourself —You will find my opinion in the following articles: 1st The Staff departments established at Fishkill have always been considered by me as one of the dependencies of West Point—of course subject to the direction and controul of the Officer Commanding there, in the same Manner as the Heads of Departments...
53361To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter to Governor Matthews, will be prepared by the Secretary of State or myself, in pursuance of the late intelligence. I now submit you another letter just received from Mr Elholm, the Adjutant General of the Militia of that State, which would appear to have some reference to the intrusions. I have the honor to be Sir, with perfect respect Your obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW...
533621765. Tuesday. Decr. 31st. (Adams Papers)
Went to Mr. Jo. Bass’s and there read Yesterdays Paper. Walked in the Afternoon into the Common and quite thro my Hemlock Swamp. I find many fine Bunches of young Maples, and nothing else but Alders. Spent the Evening at Home with Neighbour Field. The national Attention is fixed upon the Colonies. The Religion, Administration of Justice, Geography, Numbers, &c. of the Colonies are a...
53363To Thomas Jefferson from Gustavus B. Horner, 23 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the Benné seed by the post, and am very much gratified by having it in my power to attempt the propagation of it—I have already sowed it in a place I had fortunately prepared for other seed—I shall pay particular attention to the cultivation of it according to the directions you have given me; and if an opportunity offers, at the end of the year, will inform you correctly of the...
53364To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 18 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Under date of the 21 st July, I had the pleasure of addressing you; since when I am honored with your letter of April 26 th. forwarded by your good Son—who has obliged myself and family by passing a day with us here, in company with his neice Miss Cranch—& some friends from Haverhill— I was much pleased with your Son— He frequently brought full to my Mind the Days of our Youth—and— caused an...
53365To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 18 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favours of the 1st and 3d instant have been duly received, and will be laid before the General Assembly, at their Meeting next Week. This State from it’s early and continued Exertions hath been greatly exhausted of Arms. Of all those furnished to the Continental Troops raised by us, and to the Numbers of Seamen raised for the Fleet, none have been returned, excepting from...
53366Charles Somerset Woodham to Samuel Soumain, 22 July 1762 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My long Silence has no doubt made you conclude, I had quite forgot my old acquaintance, but the Motive of this cessation has not been owing to disrespect, but rather Idleness, therefore hope you will Excuse it; I some time ago Sent you a Power of Attorney to recover Some plate of mine in the hands of Mr. Franklan but you have never been kind enough to write...
53367To George Washington from Nicholas Rogers, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Tho conscious of the necessity of my apologizing for being too dilatory in a performance which I have undertaken with so much pleasure, am still sorry to confess, I have no better apology to offer than assuring my General how sensible I am of my inattention, & how sincerely I wish it otherwise. I would by no means be so unpolite as to disapprove of the present modes; yet my fancy has led me...
53368To George Washington from Cottineau de Kerloguin, 4 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
Ever Since the Glorious Peace which fixt the American Independance, have I wished for a favourable Opportunity to address Your Excellency, which I have at last obtained through My good Friend Mr J. C. Zollickoffer who has the Honour of presenting this Letter. So Conspicious a part, as Your Excellency has had in this perilous affair, in Conducting the same Under so many Difficulties, will be...
53369To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I send you by this mail, a small box containing military figures for the practice of tactics, being one of a few sets I ordered from London. Perhaps they may occasionally serve as a substitute for the chess board. Mr McAlpin called this morning to inform me that he had procured a sufficient quantity of gold thread and a person to work it; but that he was by no means certain he could have the...
53370From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 28 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 14th. of July; since which I have recieved your several favors of July 8. Aug. 11. Sep. 10. Dec. 5. & Jan. 11. this last has been a sincere affliction to me. my knolege of the extraordinary worth of our deceased friend, her amiable & excellent character, her value to yourself, your family & friends, and the void it would make at the house of La Grange, sufficiently...
53371Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 7 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
To a written Letter, one of you was civil enough to return me a verbal answer, that Doctor Bancroft was appointed to transact business for us in England, and that his instructions shoud be sent to me. Why you shoud think that in the choice of a person to represent us, I shoud have no voice; I am at a loss to conceive. The notorious character of Dr. Bancroft as a Stockjobber is perfectly known...
53372From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Since Captain Jordan has received an appointment it will be needless to enquire his Character of Mr Thatcher. both he and Lieutt. Soper must be have with enjoy the privileges of their stations untill they shall behave in such a manner as may justify some public notice of their conduct unless you may think it expedient, should the relative rank of your officers not have been finally made known,...
53373[Diary entry: 6 March 1774] (Washington Papers)
6. The rest of the Company remaining.
53374From Benjamin Franklin to [John Calder], 21 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress Understanding that my Letter intended for you by General Melvill was lost at the Hotel d’Espagne I take this Opportunity by my Grandson to give you the purport of it, as well as I can recollect. I thank’d you for the Pleasure you had procur’d me of the General’s Conversation, whom I found a judicious, sensible, and amiable Man. I was glad to hear that...
53375To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Porter, 8 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
An Indented Servant-Man of mine run away, and was taken up coming on Shore from the french Frigate, with the enclosed Letter. Altho’ I am again in possession of my property, yet I Judged it necessary, that the Officers of Government should be enformed, of the easy Access our Indented servants have to enter on Board their Vessels of War. I am with every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem Dr Sr. Your...
53376To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1804, Leghorn. No. 2. Enclosed his accounts with the U.S. up to 31 Dec. 1803 with his 28 Jan. 1804 letter . “At present I send you a copy of a negotiation with Mr: Anthony Dugan for bills upon you for 5000 dollars at 5 ⅌C: discount on the ammount receiv’d which makes a considerable difference between the terms of this negotiation & that for 20,000 dollars negotiated by Messrs. Degen...
53377To John Adams from Leslie Combs, 8 April 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to send you by mail two books—Kentucky Productions, for your perusal and thro you to be presented to the “ Boston Atheneum ”— “The philosophy of the human mind,” is thought by some to possessess merit— “The History of the late war in the North West” contains a correct detail of facts & may give some idea of the true Indian character & manners—The distinction which it...
53378Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I received by the last post, Your Letters of the 14 th. 16 th 18 th & 19 th . The frequent and repeated fires in the various capitals of Savanna Baltimore and N york are really shocking, but renderd vastly more allarming from the opinion that they are the effect of design, and not accident. I fear America will be the harbour and assilum of the Dissolute and abandoned of the Nations of Europe,...
53379To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 15. Novr. last—and beg you to accept my acknowledgments for your obliging attention to the Circumstances, which though merely of a private nature, to myself had made it my duty to decline the highly honourable office, to which you had called me, and had prevented my return to the United States, on receiving your permission to that...
53380John V. Henry (for Patrick Henry [of Rockbridge County]) to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
by request of my Brother Patrick Henry I write to inform you of his Dissagreeable situation respecting the house in which he lives. by your permision after your land was run by M r Grahan & M r Douthat he built him the house mention within a hundred & fifty yards of the Bridge and is now theatend by oltletree ea ares of haveing it
53381Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, with Adams’ Letter of Transmittal, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had wrote you several posts before my hearing you was returned. I should be very glad if you and Mrs. Adams could take a turn this way before you return to Philadelphia again. I had lately a schooner arrived, with some powder, at Barnstable, rather better than three hundred pounds, which was disposed of there, as the people wanted it much. I understand that any person importing powder shall...
53382James Madison to Littleton Dennis Teackle, 28 February 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favor enclosing a Copy of your plan for a "National Bank." Having outlived the period, within which I could venture on the task, of examining & appreciating, the comparative merits of such Institutions, I must limit myself to the remark that the plan you have struck out argues a familiarity with the principles and modifiable materials of Banks, of which you have given...
53383From David Cobb to Coggeshall Olney, 22 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief has no other objection to your proposals for reinlisting the Recruits, than your offering a bounty before you have the permission of the State to do it; but when you have obtained that permission—he has no objection to giving furloughs for one or two months next Winter; for those you reinlist. Those Recruits who have been furloughd from the Connecticut Line, reinlisted...
53384Thomas Jefferson to Melatiah Nash, 15 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your letter of Oct. 24. on the publication of an Ephemeris. I have long thought it desirable that something of that kind should be published in the US holding a middle station between the Nautical, & the common popular almanacs. it would certainly be acceptable to a numerous & respectable description of our fellow citizens, who, without undertaking the higher astronomical...
53385To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
By some bad arrangement of the post, which has been detained two days upon the road, I did not receive your excellencys dispatches of the 23, and 25 ultimo untill last night. I will attend to your directions to discharge the invalids and those whose times of service will shortly expire. If 3000 men or any number near it, should be absolutely necessary for a considerable part, or the whole of...
53386To John Adams from Henry Guest, 20 January 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have not had the pleasure to receive a Line from you in Some time—Did you know what pleasure your letter gave me and how they Chiered my Old heart in these Drary times of Our Country your humanity and friendly disposition Would Often raise My Druping Spirits—for lete Me assure you Sir, they have been Sadly Depressed Since your Son gave up his year in the Senate. Especially this Season when...
53387From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 16 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter and congratulate you on your Success, in obtaining a Loan from the State of Maryland of one hundred thousand Dollars. I have considered the other Representations in your Letter, and upon the whole agree with you in opinion, that it will be most prudent for your Board to prepare a full and candid Statement of the whole in a Memorial to Congress to be Signed by you,...
53388From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 19 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
Before the Arrival of your kind Letter by Wingrove I had heard, from various quarters, of your Marriage and had received the most agreable Accounts of the Character of the Lady. give me leave to congratulate you, on this happy Event. Nothing can be more pleasing than the Transition from the Turbulence of War and Politicks to the Tranquility of domestick Life, in the Arms of a Lady of so much...
53389To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 5 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Considerable time has elapsed since the Executive of this State addressed the Commissioners of the City of Washington, pressing the payment of the Interest due on several loans made for the use of the City and repayment of the principal sum of fifty thousand Dollars, forfeited by a neglect to pay the Interest: your Communications on this subject to Congress and the subsequent proceedings of...
5339017th. (Adams Papers)
I set out for Haverhill between 3 and 4. this afternoon, and arrived at Mr. White’s, a little after 5. Leonard was at my lodgings last Tuesday, and made me promise I would stay with him the next time I should go to that town. I was inform’d of Mr. Thaxter’s marriage. Last tuesday was the day, when he departed the life of a bachelor, and was ushered into a new kind of existence. His friends had...
53391To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 13 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
A promise to Spend two days with Mr Brent: delaid my arriveal in Frederickburg until the Seventh Inst., when I got from the post office your favr of the 23d of August covering your advertisement for a house keeper, or household Steward. Shortly after and on the same day I had the Pleasure of Being in Company with Mrs Corbin, and enquired about the health and good Character of the person who...
53392From Thomas Jefferson to Certain District Attorneys, 29 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France, complains that the Consuls of his Nation are exposed to insults, and their persons to danger from the numerous French Refugees, chiefly of the Islands, who are in and about the places of their residence, and are understood to be ill-disposed to the government of France, and those in authority under it. The Consuls are liable to the ordinary laws of the...
53393To James Madison from Joseph Carleton, 16 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1804, Office of Discount and Deposit, Washington. “The Letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 24th. Ultimo respecting certain funds in the hands of Mr. George W: Erving in London, having with your concurrence been referred to the Bank of the United States; the Board have been favored in course with an answer from that Party, empowering them to take immediate order for...
53394To James Madison from Matthew Livingston Davis, 14 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a letter recd. two days since from Mr. Nathl. W. Strong. You will perceive, Sir, that it is a private letter, and not intended for the inspection of any person but myself. I have, however, deemed it the most correct and honorable mode, to let you understand explicitly and frankly, how far I am interested in the appointment of Mr Strong. Should our affairs be settled with Great...
53395To Thomas Jefferson from James Dinsmore, 30 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I writ to you some time ago for a gallon of Copal varnish and two Doz of brass pulleys, which have not yet come to hand: if you have not forwarded them; Mr Barrey wishes you to add another Gallon of varnish & forward them by the next Stage as he is in great want of the varnish. we have finished the Shutters & Sashes of the Hall Parlour & Dineing room, and are now engaged at the venetion work...
5339616th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went with the Count and Mr. Schiebe to see the royal Cabinet of curiosities which is vast; but not much in order; there are some very curious things in it; but there are others which are not worth looking at. There are two pieces of silver just as they came out of the mines in Norway, one of which is worth 5,000 Rxdallers, Danish and the other about 3,000. One would think seeing...
53397From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville, 28 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Western Reserve Historical Society; copies: American Philosophical Society (two), Library of Congress On February 19 Franklin told Dumas he had begun discussions about a new American loan in the Netherlands. The present letter hints at their difficulty. Almost two years later Franklin described for John Adams what had transpired. Jean de Neufville had proposed that in exchange for a loan...
53398From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 23 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society; copy: Sächsisches Hauptstaatsarchiv This will be delivered to you by M. Thieriot, who goes to Philadelphia by order of his Court as Commissioner of the Commerce of Saxony, in order to establish a Correspondence between the two Countrys, that may, it is thought, be greatly advantageous to both. We have all along had many well-wishers in that Electorate, and I...
53399To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. Suggests that if the president consents to his return to the U.S., the same public ship could bring his successor and return King home. Realizes it is unlikely a frigate from the Mediterranean would be convenient, since “coming from that Quarter she might be liable to perform Quarantine which would occasion a long detention, as well as great Expense.” Requests to be...
53400To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I send you within two papers which will give you the most full & correct information of the views of the allies respecting So. America, that we possess; I mean more particularly that which bears date at Moscow. Its authenticity may be relied on, as we are assur’d, by Mr Erving, by a later letter, than that which accompanied it. You will keep both till we meet, but when that will be, I cannot...