54001From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 29 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknowledge the honour of your letter of the 18th. I had before that received Mr. Plowden Garvey’s of the 16th. in which he informed me you had been so kind as to express your willingness to assist me in the purchase of a pair of horses such as I had described to him. He observed to me that the horses to be bought at Rouen were considerably larger than what I desired (4 feet 8. or 9...
54002From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 26 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening favd with yours of the 22d and the day before with that of the 21st. I should have concurred with your Excellency in the propriety of keeping the Militia embodied for the reasons and under the circumstances you mention, had I not last night received dispatches from Count Rochambeau, from which I think it more than probable that the 2d division will not arrive before the...
54003To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 13 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of Confirming you my last of the 2d. ulto. inclosing a State of the American Vessels Entered and Cleared out from this district to the 30th. last June with a General account of my disbursements on account of the United States Government down to That day amounting to Frcs. 900. On the 4th. inst. arrived in this Road the Und. States Fregate Boston under the Command of Danl....
54004From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 15 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received the Letter which you did me the honor to write on the 2nd Instant; and also the Act for raising the quota of Troops assigned to your State. As every thing depends upon having our Regiments compleated to the Establishment; I hope this mode will be efficacious, and that the exertions of the State will not be remitted untill the full complement of Men is raised, and...
54005From John W. Green to Thomas G. Watkins, 14 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand that M r John Gray who keeps a tavern in Fredericksburg wishes to keep one of the boarding houses at the University, I have long known M r and M rs Gray as well in their profession as individually. they have always kept a neat plentiful and perfectly orderly house—They are highly respectable and amiable. I feel interested in their prosperity and wish they could be gratified in...
54006To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 27 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote on the 23d.—Will now trouble you with only a few words, & these I should spare you if it were not for my anxiety as to the vessel on which I am to go. Since my last I have seen Mr Erskine on his return from Washington—In the course of conversation he mentioned in my presence, that Government had some intention he understood of sending the next time one of their armed vessels—As it is...
54007To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be surpris’d to hear that I am yet in this city, and that I Could never get out till this time—My own business were immediately done, and I Receiv’d from Congress all possible Marks of kindness and affection—but public affairs do’nt go quite so fast, and I am detain’d for the expedition of projects, instructions, and Many papers which I am to Carry with me—the zeal for the Common...
54008To Thomas Jefferson from John Conrad & Co., 16 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Beleiving that it will afford you pleasure, to see that we may soon expect to rival any European nation in the elegance of one of our principal manufactures, and proud of what can be done in our country, we have taken the liberty of forwarding to you (as the person who has done most for the encouragement of our manufactures) a specimen in Mr Linns poems , of American Type foundery, Paper...
54009From John Adams to William Bentley, 18 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for your favour of the 14th. I expect with patience the History of the Mecklinboug Resolves. But the Testimony must be Strong to convince me that a blazing brand can be thrust into a Magazine of Powder without producing a Leyden explosion. But “Majora Canamus.” La Fayette and Religious and phylosophical liberty have arrested my Attention. Oh! that I lived near You, Modern publications I...
54010John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 20 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
In Answer to your Favour of Yesterday, I have to inform you, that I have received my Trunks, brought by the Express, and approve of your paying him the Sum of an hundred Ducats for all Charges and charging the Same to the United States of america. You will please to mention in your Article of Charge that it is for an Express Sent to Paris to carry a Quantity of Bills of Exchange to M r Barclay...
54011To George Washington from Charles Carter, 21 October 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Charles Carter, 21 Oct. 1787. On 14 Dec. GW wrote Carter apologizing for the delay in answering his “favor of the 21st of Octr.”
54012From George Washington to William Russell, 28 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 8th instt is received, and I thank you for your obliging attention to the articles promised me, when I had the pleasure of seeing you at this place. I will direct twenty of my best ewes to be reserved for the Ram you have kindly promised me; which, with the Chaff machine, I shall look for when an opportunity will allow you to send them. The cause which has prevented their...
54013From James Madison to William Jones, 16 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter of the 6th. inst: from the Secretary of war, in which he states that an addition of half a Million to the Monthly allotment of 1½ Millions for war expenditure, is indispensable to the completion of the campaign; and that he has written to the Paymaster, to furnish a sum amounting to about $400,000 called for by the estimate of paymaster Lee, as will be seen in the...
54014From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pleasants, [27 August 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] the establishment of the plan of emancipation if it should precede I am not prepared to decide. If it should precede, I would refer to your consideration whether the plan you propose is adequate to the object. I apprehend that private liberalities will never be equal but to local and partial effects. I venture therefore to suggest what alone can, in my opinion, accomplish the general...
54015From James Madison to Joseph Coolidge Jr., 8 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favour of May 28. with the printed & manuscript papers of Mr. Grund. The communication, with whatever other documents interesting to him may come to hand will be laid before the Visitors of the University at their meeting on the 10th. of July and will bring him into consideration along with the other men of Science disposed to fill the chair vacated by Mr. Key. The...
54016Resolution Providing for Election of the Governor, 30 October 1786 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1786. JM moved that the House, on 2 November, elect with the Senate a governor of Virginia for the ensuing year, beginning 13 November. JM carried the approved resolution to the Senate ( JHDV Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg. Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun...
54017From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Carter Smith, 14 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
If the sympathy of Friends could alleviate the sorrow of an afflicted Heart, deeply wounded by the loss of a dear child, how readily would I Strive to pour the balm of consolation into yours. your trial has been great, whilst you Sat in Speechless anguish over the languid and decaying Form of your Departed Mary, striveing to obtain that Submission to the divine will, which religion teachs, and...
54018To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 20 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Our enemies at N. York had contrived to distress us a good deal by a publication that the Boston was taken and carried into England. We were at first greatly concerned for our Friend, until we reflected on the lying genius of our enemies, and the improbability that Heaven would permit such a triumph of Vice over Virtue. Now we are made happy by an account from Boston that you are safely...
54019From Thomas Jefferson to Gideon Granger, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return yesterday from a journey to New London, I recieved your favor of July 23. and now return Govr. Claiborne’s letter & map. as far as one can judge from these documents I should conclude the best route to be by land to the river Chef menteur, then by water to Bois-doré & thence Northernly along the Indian path; because this reduces the water transportation to about 20. miles of still...
54020[Diary entry: 17 May 1760] (Washington Papers)
Saturday May 17th. Mulatto Jack returnd from King William with 3 Yoke of Oxen & lost Punch the Horse he rid. Sent up 16 Hydes to Mr. Adams at Alexa. viz. 12 large & 4 Small ones to be Tan’d. Brought a Pipe of Wine from there wch. Captn. McKie brought from Madeira also a Chest of Lemons and some other trifles. Began weeding my Trefoil below the Hill. The Great Bay was coverd. Got an Acct. that...
54021To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Colley, 9 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Received your favour of the 9th. Feby with an Enclosd note of 70 Dollars which is Considerable above the Amount of the Account I sent to you as I never meant to Charge freight or Commission: and I Earnestly Entreat youll never think you give any trouble in Collecting any thing of the sort that you may want at any future time as I shall be always happy to be honourd with your Commands in...
54022Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
After an absence of nearly three weeks I return’d to town yesterday, and among other letters found yours of the 11 th Ins t —I am extremely concerned to learn that you are involved with Col l Nicholas and to so serious an amount; I also am a sufferer having had to pay 3200$ on his account; I wish it were in my power to give you any advice which could tend to your advantage, but I believe...
54023From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 12 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
As your drawing for the whole sum of 123,750. florins placed in the hands of our bankers at Amsterdam for the purpose now committed to your care , would, if done at short notice, leave a void for the ordinary purposes of our foreign legations, I must beg the favor of you to draw your bills for the last half of that sum, at so many days sight as may give them time to provide themselves by...
54024To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 2 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 August 1803, Gothenburg . Wrote last on 6 Apr. , in answer to JM’s circular of 26 Aug. 1802, begging to be advised how he should act in support of distressed U.S. seamen, “the Sum stipulated by Congress being inadequate to their support in this Country.” Has since received the act of Congress of 28 Feb. 1803, “which makes the necessary provision required.” Reports that since the commercial...
54025Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
This is the first fair morning we have had since you left me. you must have had an unpleasent journey Sunday the afternoon was pleasent, but Monday & twesday very rainy. I was anxious to learn how the Election went in Boston and sent to inquire last Evening of mr Black if he had heard from Town, and to my great Satisfaction learnt that mr Ames was chosen there; by what majority I did not hear....
54026To James Madison from William Thornton, 20 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1810, Washington. Encloses a letter from Mr. Eccleston that arrived in the U.S. some time ago. Has heard rumors of a change “in the Situation of the Post Master General” and mentions that his friend Mr. Fairfax, a gentleman of integrity and “firmly attached to the Government,” would be gratified to receive the appointment. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Fairfax”). 1...
54027Extract from the Diary of Nathaniel Cutting at Le Havre and Cowes, [28 September–12 October 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
Monday 28th. Sept. Walk’d out to Mr. Barber’s before noon. Soon after I had return’d home, busied in my Chamber packing up cloaths, &c. His Excellency Mr. Jefferson was announced to call on me. I find he arriv’d in Town this morning; with a view of passing from hence to Cowes, there to embark for Virginia. I accompanied him to ‘Change, afterwards to the Pierrée head, and then din’d with him...
54028Frank Carr to Thomas Jefferson, [received 18 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
M r Jefferson will oblige F. Carr by giving the enclosed letter to M r Terrell i t s proper direction & placing it in the channell by which it may most speedily reach its destination. F Carr asks M r J. to accept assurances of highest respect. RC
54029To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 23 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the 19th of January an embargo was laid on all Vessels i n this port, except the french. About 15 days since the spanish vessels were suffer’d to depart, and in the course of the last week the Neapolitans were free to sail. With respect to ours, notwithstanding my repeated applications and remonstrances to the french authorities, I could obtain no other satisfaction, than that such were...
54030To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
54031From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment arrived here from Elizabeth Town upon receiving intelligence of the Movement of the Enemy up the River. I have halted Genl Wayne at this place. Colo. Morgan with Woodfords Brigade is at Pompton, Colo. Clarke with the Carolina Brigade at the Clove and Baron Kalb with the two Maryland Brigades on the other side the Mountain. All these troops have orders to hold themselves in...
54032From Thomas Jefferson to George Logan, 11 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night a letter from mr Thomas Brannagan. 163. S. Waterstreet Philadelphia, asking my subscription to the work announced in the inclosed paper. the cause in which he embarks is so holy, the sentiments he expresses in his letter so friendly that it is highly painful to me to hesitate on a compliance which appears so small. but that is not it’s true character, and it would be...
54033From John Adams to John Jay, 24 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
The Letter you did me the honour to write me on the 11 th. of February last, containing the Ratification of my last Loan, of two million Guilders, having been properly addressed to me as Minister at the Hague, by a mistake in the Post Office at Paris was Sent to Holland, from whence it returned to me last night. This Loan is long Since full, as my first Loan of Five million Guilders is nearly...
54034From George Washington to James Keith, 8 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Colo. Hooes letter to me on the subject of Mr Bennett’s claim on Colvils Estate. I can only again express my wish that you would do in this case what, in your own judgment, is perfectly legal & just; or in points which appear doubtful, that which able Council shall advice you to as proper. I want most exceedingly to close this business. and am perfectly willing that Mr Bennetts...
54035From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 6 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised Henry Williams to send him by this day’s post 87 D. 13 C for William Stewart. I therefore now inclose you 90. D. out of which you will be so good as to pay him immediately. I expect to be on in a fortnight with what may be necessary the demands still remaining on you. I offer you my best wishes. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
54036To Thomas Jefferson from George Clinton, 9 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My Nephew Mr. DeWitt Clinton will have the honor of delivering you this Letter . permit me to recommend him to your friendly Notice—He was this Day appointed a Senator from this State in the Congress of the United States (in the Room of Mr. Armstrong—who had recently resigned his Seat in that Body) and will immediately set out for the Seat of Government—It is reasonable to conclude that I feel...
5403714th. (Adams Papers)
We had a philosophical lecture at 11. A Class meeting was called this evening, to determine, whether the Class should take any further measures, upon the ill success of our petition for the overseers: it was proposed that the whole Class should refuse to perform the different parts that may be allotted to them for Commencement. A Committee of three was appointed, (Barron, Freeman and Packard,)...
54038[Diary entry: 10 July 1798] (Washington Papers)
10. Clear morning—Wind, tho’ little still No. Westerly, Mer. 64—Southerly afterwards & at Night 74. Doctr. Craik, Wife & Son—a Mr. Craig of Alexa. & Mr. Hunter of Baltimore—Mr. Jno. Herbert—Mr. de Bourg Presid. of the College at George Town another of the Professors & two of the Studts. Viz.—a Son of Mr. Laws & a Neph. of Barrys dined here & all retd. Mr. Craig is probably Samuel Craig, who in...
54039From George Washington to Horatio Sharpe, 26 March 1762 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to pardon the liberty I presume to take in recommending to your Excellency’s notice the Revd Mr West; a young Gentn lately entered into Holy Orders, of a good Family, and unexceptionable Morals—this with truth I can venture to certifie as he is a neighbour of mine, and one of those few of whom every body speaks well. At present he is engagd to oficiate as Curate to the Revd Doctr...
54040From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 25 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of your’s of the 19th. instant. In mine of the same date, I had that of stating to you the matter of fact of the President’s requisition to the privateers in question. The development of it’s terms, and the inferences from them will, it is conceived, be most properly referred to the occasion which shall call for them. Such occasion may never happen; but, if it does, the...
54041To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1803, Natchez. “This day having proved fair, I embarked, a Company of the Natchez Artillery, another of Riflemen, and one Company of Militia Infantry, in all about one hundred Men, on Board of a Vessel at the Natchez Landing, with orders to Sail immediately for Fort Adams.” Impressed a schooner into public service; this schooner will assist in transporting troops and stores to New...
54042Franklin: Certificate for Gustavus Conyngham, [7 August 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Joseph Kleiner, Trenton, New Jersey (1968) I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that the Commissioners of the United States of America at the Court of France, did issue on the first Day of March One thousand seven hundred & seventy seven, to Captain Gustavus Conyngham a Commission of Congress appointing him a Captain in the Navy of the said States and to command a Vessel then fitting...
54043From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 20 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclosed you on the 17th. the alterations I had made in my report in consequence of the Bp. of Autun’s proposition which had come to my hands two days before. On the 18th. I received from Mr. Cutting in London a packet of newspapers, among which were the two inclosed, containing the speech in parliament of Sr. John Riggs Miller on the subject of weights and measures. I observe he states the...
54044To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Gabriel Montaudoüin de la Touche, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je profite de L’occasion de Mr. Blanchet qui va a Paris et qui a grande envie de vous rendre ses hommages pour me rappeller dans l’honneur de vôtre souvenir. Mr. Blanchet est eleve du celebre Agriculteur Tull. Il parle Anglois. Il a traduit le Commun-Sens , il est fort zelé pour la cause Ameriquaine. C’est un homme sans faute. Il a les moeurs et la candeur...
54045To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 21 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1801, Treasury Department. Has just received a letter from Messrs. Bird, Savage, and Bird notifying him that “William Hustlers bill on Van Dyck & Givens for £1000 Sterling—remitted by this Department to the said Bankers in August last, on account of the Treaties with the Mediterranean powers, had been noted for Non-Acceptance.” Points out that “it is very common for bills under...
54046To George Washington from Matthias Ogden, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose your Excellency the latest accounts I have from the Enemy, with some New Papers; which I should have sent the 21st Inst., but was disappointed by the Person engaged to carry my Letter. In a line from Col. Smith, I was advised that your Excellency, has been in great measure disappointed; in not receiving so frequent information from this quarter, as from circumstances you had a right...
54047To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 26 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. came to my hands this moment with the welcome news of Mrs. Church’s trunk. I shall probably find it at the Bureau de Diligence this evening. I have written from Boulogne and this an account of our suite of adventures. The moment we have any account of the Count de Moustier I will communicate to you. There is however no reason even yet for anxiety. A Ship, which left...
54048David Humphreys’ Thoughts on Garrisonning the Western Posts, July 1783 to August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Thoughts respecting the Minuter Arrangements necessary for garresoning the Western Posts. Congress having left the Arrangement of the subject entirely to the discretion of the Commander in Chief; and the primary Plans for possessing the Posts on the western Waters by a Detachment of the Army; for transporting them thither; and for supplying them with Provisions, having already been adopted—it...
54049Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 18 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11 th came to hand last night. supposing that mr Gibson will have sent on the former sum of 89.11 as mentioned in my letter of the 16 th before I could advise him to enlarge it, I have thought it best to inclose to you directly the additional sum of 6.60 D in Richmond bank notes which we understand to be at par in N. York , or if not exactly so the fractional cents on the...
54050To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 14 April 1804 (Adams Papers)
Received of Hone John Adams Esq. by Cotton-Tufts one Hundred Thirty five Dollars Six Cents in full for one years Interest on his said Adams’s promissory Note to me bearing Date March 29th 1802. MHi : Adams Papers.