53701From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit you an Extract of a Letter from Genl Ward which came to hand by last nights post containing the agreable Intelligence of their having Obliged the Kings Ships to leave Nantasket road, and of Two Transports more being taken by our Armed Vessels with Two hundred and Ten Highland Troops on board. I sincerely wish the like success had attended our Arms in another Quarter, but It...
53702From George Washington to William Henry, 24 June 1758 (Washington Papers)
Orders for Mr Henry Armourer [Fort Loudoun, 24 June 1758 ] Sir, So soon as you have Compleated Colo. Byrds Regiment, and Captn Stewarts Troop of Light Horse with Arms, you are to set about cleaning and putting all the Virginia Arms in the best repair you can, till further Orders. Take care that they are well packd up in cases, 25 in each, and deliverd into the Magazine now under the care of...
53703Memorandum of Conversations with Edmond Charles Genet, 26 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Note given to the Presidt. Mr. Genet’s declaration to the President at his reception, that France did not wish to engage the US. in the present war by the clause of guarantee , but left her free to pursue her own happiness in peace, has been repeated to myself in conversation, and to others, and even in a public answer, so as to place it beyond question. Some days after the reception of Mr....
53704From James Madison to Congress, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, Washington. “I lay before Congress copies of Resolutions entered into by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which have been transmitted to me with, that view, by the Governor of that State, in pursuance of one of the said Resolutions.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of...
53705To James Madison from Thomas Barclay, 22 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 December 1802, Washington. “Being out of business for a length of time it is much my wish to be employed in your Office as a Clerk, if there should be a vacancy and you should think me deserving.… I have been unfortunate in trade and have a large family to support I am therefore obliged to solicit your assistance.” Would be happy with any situation and could give satisfaction “in a short...
53706From William Pinkney to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
Mr Pinkney presents his Complements to Mr. & Mrs. Adams and accepts with great pleasure the honour of their invitation to Dinner on Friday this 2d. March. MHi : Adams Papers.
53707To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Baron de Holzendorff not having been happy enough to obtain the Service which he expected and I doubt not Merited is returning to France. Permit me to Thank you for your favours of the 23d. of January 1777 per Mr. Lutterloh who as I understand is much esteemed, also for yours of the 7th of October last respecting Mr. McCreery and his Loan Office...
53708Anthony Charles Cazenove to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I improve the opportunity of Doctor Watkins to forward you a paper bundle I have just received for you from my friend M r J. J. Vanderkemp of Philadelphia & am very respectfully RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1817 and so recorded in SJL . RC ( CLjC , 2002; photocopy in
53709From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 19 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved your favor of the 8th. informing me that the board of Trustees for the public school in Washington had unanimously reappointed me their President. I pray you to present to them my thanks for this mark of their confidence, with assurances that I shall at all times be ready to render to the institution any services which shall be in my power. Accept yourself my salutations...
53710From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely considered the questions raised by your letter of the 21 of January with the aid of such lights, as memory or inquiry could furnish with regard to usage. The truth is that the articles are so obscurely worded as to preclude a very clear construction. The second article of the 18th section of the original code seems to me to be repealed by the first resolution of the 31 of May...
53711From John Adams to Abiel Holmes, 14 November 1807 (Adams Papers)
I am Sorry it is not in my power to give you much information relative to General Oglethorpe in complyance with your desire in your favour of the Eleventh of this Month. Recovering from a great Sickness in Paris in the Fall of the year after the Signature of the Definitive Treaty of Peace in 1783 I was advised by my Phesicians to take a Passage to Bath in England, for the purpose of Using the...
53712To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 13 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
There are great exertions making to get the people to petition against the incorporation; several persons are employed to go about with petitions, and the people are deceived by the most absurd false-hoods. The only mode I thought of to counteract them, was to have petitions drawn, and hire a person calculated for the purpose to go round with them, and I am in hopes it will answer the purpose...
53713To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 27 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
In the afternoon of the day after your departure from Philada I went on board the vessel bound for Alexandria & did not reach the chesapeake ’till Saturday last & landed at Hampton yesterday morning. Owing to calms & head winds the passage was unusually long. On my arrival at Hampton I determined, as you thought it best, to visit my friends in New Kent in my way to Mount Vernon, & am...
53714[Diary entry: 2 February 1768] (Washington Papers)
2. Lowering Morning—but Wind Westwardly & clear afterwards.
53715George Washington to George Clinton, 27 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] June 27, 1779 . Has sent men from infantry and cavalry to replace the militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
53716General Orders, 6 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Brigade returns, regimentally digested to be made by the 10th instant at the Orderly-Office of the blankets which have been received by the troops since the 1st day of October last: Of the number now in possession of the men, distinguishing the good from the bad and of the deficiencies to complete each man with one, in such manner that the good bad and wanting will amount exactly to the number...
53717To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you, Governor Blount’s report, relative to the treaty with the Cherokees, which he formed on the 2d instant—and also his request for leave of absence. I shall have the honor to wait upon you personally relative to this business, after you shall have read the papers. I have also the honor to submit Copies of the Instructions and Letters to Major General St Clair,...
53718To James Madison from the Chevalier Pierrugues, 2 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Chargè par mon gouvernement de preparer la rectification et l’embelissement de la 2e. ville de france, je crus devoir Saisir cette occasion pour poser les bases d’un traité complet Sur l’art de Bâtir les villes. C’est de ce ier essai, Monsieur le president que j’ose vous offrir un exemplaire; veuillès bien ne pas dedaigner cet hommage dictè par ma haute admiration pour le peuple des etats...
53719James Madison to R. Meade, 3 June 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 27. inclosing letters from Dr. Cooper & Mr DuPonceau, all recommending Mr Tracie for the Classical professorship in the University of Virga. The recommendations with several others in his favor will be duly laid before the Visitors at their meeting in July where it is probable that the Chair of Professor Long will be vacated & refilled. As there will be a number...
53720From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 23 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Lord Cornwallis claims with great earnestness the accomplishment of the article of the Capitulation which engages to provide Transports for conveying the General and Staff Officers to New York. Mr de Grandchain was of opinion that Yr Excelly would probably destine to this service two of the Vessels surrendered to the Marine—but that there would be a difficulty in manning them. In these...
53721To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 15 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to your Enquiry I can scarce say whether I am alive or dead: I have been so long disorder’d both in Mind and Body that I am really between both. Disappointments in Love & repeated Colds have reduced me much; however tho’ I am sensible of the Follies of this Life I am no ways desirous of leaving them: I had rather bear the Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune than venture upon the...
53722To George Washington from William Jackson, 6 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to address Your Excellency on the 28th ultimo. I beg leave to inform you that the territory in dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut has been decreed by the Judges to Pennsylvania—and the decree is placed among the records of Congress. The enclosed copy of a letter from the Clothier General specifies the state of the clothing destined for the Northern Army—every possible...
53723From George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Conway, 16 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to your Favor of this date: It remains with Congress alone to accept your Resignation. This being the case, I cannot permit you to leave the Army, till you have obtained their consent. When that is done, I shall not object to your departure, since it is your inclination. I thank you much for your wishes for the liberty of America & the success of our Arms, and have only to add, that...
53724From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 22 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will be furnished from the Department of State with copies of the translation of the letter from the Dey of Algiers, and of the answer to it; with the letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Shaler, and the instructions to him & Commodore Chauncey as Commissioners to accomodate matters with the Dey. As their negotiations may issue in a commencement of hostilities on the part of Algiers, it...
53725To George Washington from Lieutenant Benjamin Gates, 31 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Whereas Your Petitionner Suddently Entred the service and in his Zeal for the Publick Safety of my Country Not thinking but the Service would have been at an End before this time I Freely Undertook the Duty of a First Lieutt in Capt. Black’s Compy in Colo. J. Brewer’s Regt and am Still Ready to Assist in the Cause on any Sudden Emergency But the Circumstances of my Family are Such as to...
53726To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 4th. & 7th. were recieved by the last mail. I now inclose you the rough draught of the letter to the emperor of Russia. I think there must be an exact facsimile of it in the office, from which mr. Short’s must have been copied; because that the one now inclosed has never been out of my hands appears by there being no fold in the paper till now, and it is evidently a...
53727Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 13 December 1779 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed I return according to your direction a duplicate Number of the journals. Number 29 is missing. I do not fully understand you when you say that I must not keep any of the pages 78. Do you mean that I must return them to you or forward them to Mr. Adams. I have no journals left but part of 75 and 76. All that Mr. Adams could find or procure of a later date he took with him; I read the...
53728From Alexander Hamilton to William MacPherson, 26 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secy of War has instructed me to digest & propose a plan for the organization and arrangement of the volunteer corps throughout the United States. As this subject has particularly occupied your attention, I shall be glad to be assisted with your ideas at large concerning it. You will be sensible that it is necessary to order that every part of our military system should as nearly as may be...
53729To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris , 7 June 1791 . Introducing M. Kellerman, nephew to De Marbois, who goes to America with De Ternant and who carries two letters to the Secretary of the Treasury to be given to De Ternant at Rochefort, also a packet of newspapers for TJ. Other papers and journals were sent by De Ternant and Dupont, who left Paris successively. They are to meet at Rochefort. His public letter begun...
53730Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 19 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 11 th is just recieved, and I repeat the sincere pleasure it has given me to see you once more come forward on the stage of the nation. I have ever thought the post you now occupy the most agreeable one the nation can give, & very far preferable to that which it’s highest favor confers. and I have hoped that, within three days journey of one another, it would afford some occasion...
53731To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 30 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, November 30, 1792. Announces “the completion of the light House, Keepers house, oil Vault, and platform on Cape Henry in the state of Virginia.” States that extra work has compelled the contractor to submit a bill in excess of the original contract. Asks Hamilton to secure the President’s approval of this bill. LC , RG 58, Letters of Commissioner of...
53732From George Washington to George Clinton, 23 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 17th instt has been duly received. My enquiries after your health have been constant—and my concern for the ill-state of it—has been sincere. I beg you will not suffer the business, in which I am jointly interested, give you a moments concern; for I can assure you it has never occupied a thought of mine. But in order to make the transacting of it as easy to yourself, and as...
53733To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 20 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters I have presumed to intrude on you have been too much filled with egotism, and I rely on it that they are reduced to a state of illegebility soon after you have the trouble of them; and you may rely on it that you will have no more trouble in this way. A man of strong feelings wounded with the poisoned arrows of malice and calumny will be troublesome, but it ought to be restrained....
53734To John Jay from John Drayton, 29 January 1794 (Jay Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity which I have had since my arrival at this place, of performing a promise which I have never forgotten; it was to send you some nankeen cotton, being the growth of Carolina. Pray, do me the favor of accepting it. Perhaps the young ladies may manufacture some thing out of it, with the assistance of their spinning wheel; while taking advantage of the first...
53735[Diary entry: 27 April 1760] (Washington Papers)
Sunday Apl. 27th. Went to Church. In the Afternoon some Rain, & a great deal of severe Lightning but not much Thunder. church: probably Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg.
53736From Thomas Jefferson to John Ledyard, 16 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Baron de Grimm yesterday at Versailles, and he told me he had received an answer from the Empress, who declines the proposition made on your account. She thinks it chimærical. I am in hopes your execution of it from our side of the continent will prove the contrary. I thought it necessary to give you this information that you might suffer no suspence from expectations from that quarter....
53737From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of this date before me. If the waggon which Col. Armands party has taken was in the employ of the enemy with the consent of the owner it should be sold for the benefit of the captors. But if it was forced into service by the enemy it will be no more than a common act of justice to restore it to the proprietor. I thank you for the news-paper and am dear Sir. P.S. You will be...
53738Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 19 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
You mention in yours of last evening, the blanks for the commissioners to run the Cherokee line will be filled by the names agreed upon this day. The following characters were mentioned by me to Mr Hawkins yesterday, who seemed to think them entirely suitable for the purpose, to wit, Judge Campbell. Daniel Smith—the Secretary of the territory. and, Colonel Landon Carter. Will you be so good as...
53739To George Washington from William Pearce, 22 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 22 April 1794. GW wrote Pearce on 27 April that “Your letter of the 22d instant with its enclosures came duly to hand.”
53740To John Adams from John Jay, 27 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
On the 20th. Inst’ I recieved, and for the first Time saw, the fifth volume of Franklin’s works, published at Philadelphia. I was surprized to find in the 293d. page, a note of the Editor (Mr. William Temple Franklin) which contains a Paragraph in the following words—vizt.— “Mr. Adams and Mr. Jay had previously arrived, and in Time to share in the arduous and momentuous duties of the Mission....
53741Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter is just come to hand which his Excellency orders to be forwarded to you, that you make proper Enquiry into the truth of the Facts mention’d therin; & Issue such orders as you find necessary for the Reformation of those or any other Abuses or irregulariti⟨es⟩ you find to be committ’d in Lancaster, York, or other such places as you go to whilst absent from Camp. One Step the...
53742From George Washington to James Welch, 15 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The first of January is past, and February half gone, without my receiving any money from you; seeing you; or even hearing any thing from you, on this subject. I am in real want of it, and depended upon your repeated assurances of punctual payment at the time the first Rent became due. I hope I shall not have occasion to remind you of this matter again. I am—Sir Your Very Hble Servant ALS...
53743Enclosure: Nathaniel Falconer to Thomas Mifflin, 29 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Letter of this Morning, I have seen Mr Jacob Shoemaker, one of the Owners of the Ship Delaware; he informs me that they intend their ship for Cape Nichola Mole, and expected to take a Number of passengers, if they Offered; but they Assure me, only one person has as Yet engaged his passage in the Ship Delaware; I have requested of Mr Shoemaker and Captain Art,...
53744From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
Mr Hary Grant was some years ago appointed Consul for Leith; but it is understood that he has spent but little of his time at that place and that he is now most probably in France. The President would before now have superseded him had a suitable successor been found. It is however deemed improper that he should longer hold the Office and you will accordingly signify to the British Government,...
53745To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 22 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 11th. & 15th. Inst. were duly recieved, the former on the 18th. inst., the latter on this day. For my pocketbook I thank you: the dirk could not well come by post, nor is it of any moment to me, the knives that were made at Harper’s ferry will answer my purposes equally as well and perhaps better; it can therefore be taken care of untill my return: the bridle is of no consequence...
53746To Thomas Jefferson from Harry Innes, 2 March 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
The other day being in the county of Shelby I was shewn a letter from Doctor Saml. Brown of Lexington to Doctor Knight, requesting information respecting the murder of some Indians at Yellow Creek on the Ohio in the Spring of 1774, supposed to have been committed by Colo. Cresap which caused the Indian War of that year. Doctor Brown in his letter stated that [he] wished to collect facts...
53747John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for forwarding the Seeds from M r Rodney .—I rec d them safely a few days ago. and hasten to send you herein the few Sea Kale seed I have left.—I am sorry you did not make known your wish to get this seed until I had reduced my stock so low.— I shall make a point of attending the special meeting of the Visitors at the time proposed RC ( CSmH: JF ); endorsed by TJ as received 22...
53748From George Washington to John Mitchell, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I should have answered your Letter of the 21st Ulto before this, if a good oppertunity of forwarding the Ball e due you, had presented, as I intended that both the letter & money both should go together—By the statement in your letter, there appears to be £42.08 due you, which I now send by Colo. Steward—Arising from the old Ballance of £3, & £48.4. for the paint, lately sent; credited by...
53749Meteorological Imaginations and Conjectures, [May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society The “dry fog” that blanketed much of Europe during the summer of 1783 had occasioned much scientific speculation, but its cause was as yet unknown. In this paper, written nearly a year after the fog first appeared, Franklin was less concerned with its cause (though he did propose a theory that would turn out to...
53750From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 26 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by the Comander in Chief to transmitt to you the inclosed Copy of Charges made against Majr Moreman, by Capt. Billings—upon which His Excellency desires you will order Majr Moreman under an Arrest—At the Same Time the General desires that Majr Moreman’s Charges against Capt. Livermore may be transmitted to the Adjutant General, who has Order to have Capt. Livermore put into...