541James H. McCulloch to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February [1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I received this morning a letter from Coll o B Peyton of Richmond , enclosing a check on the Bank of Baltim o , for thirty five dollars thirty five cents, duties & expences on a box of books consigned to my care for you, & shipped hence in the schooner Spartan to Richmond
542To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Alexander J. Dallas. 3 June 1806. “It gives me great pleasure, to comply with the request of the friends of Mr. Maurice Rogers, in stating to you, that he is a gentleman of commercial talents, amiable manners, and approved integrity. The merchants of our City are desirous to procure for him, an appointment as the Agent of the United States, at St. Iago de Cuba. I believe that the...
543Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 3 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
Since Mrs. Adams’s Departure I have revolved within myself, whether you would not have an Inclination to purchase the piece of Land on Pens Hill (belonging to the Estate of the Honle. James Verchild late of St. Kitts deceased) which you have for some years past improved. His Heirs, I am informed, are now in England, that the Estate in the West Indies is under Mortgage, But that part of it...
544From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was fortunate that a duplicate of your letter to Mr. Jefferson went so soon from Alexandria. The copy in My hands did not find a conveyance fit to be trusted for a very long time—it cannot have reached him yet. I was determined to await a secure opportunity, and the intermission of the French Packet left such an one extremely rare. I was compelled at last to put it into the hands of a...
545To James Madison from Jared Sparks, 22 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
After my return to Mount Vernon I looked through the letter books, and noted down the dates of all the letters recorded as having been sent to you by General Washington. The list is enclosed. Should you find upon inspection, that you possess letters of importance not comprised in this list, I hope you will have the goodness to furnish me with copies of the same. The letter dated Jany. 1789,...
546From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
Last week I sent you a number of the Monthly Theological Repository, containing some Speculations of Mr Van der Kemp and Mr Jefferson—With this Letter I enclose to my Father the numbers just published of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews—Presuming that you know the History and Character of those Publications from Cobbett, you will sufficiently understand them to be in the Nature of Lawyer’s...
547To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 17 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write your Excellency when at Monticello in this state, on the subject of the Establishment of a Cross Post from this to Staunton, informing that I expected in a few days from that date to complete the Contract, which was done the 8th. instant, except to executing the Bond, which cannot be effected until David Ross, Esqr. returns to this place, who is one of the Undertaker’s...
548To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Jersey Historical Society; draft: Library of Congress I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a...
549John Mathews, for Committee of Congress, to Nathanael Greene, 12 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). The inclosed extracts appear as sufficiently interesting, to induce us to forward them to you. The reiterated information we have lately received from different quarters leave little room to doubt, that the Southern States, will be the grand theatre of war this ensuing winter and spring. The Waggons with stores for the army under your...
550John G. Robert (for Patrick Gibson) to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 11 th ins t last night & hasten to reply to it—tho’ I regret to say in not so satisfactory a manner as I could wish— At the time of Co l Nicholas ’ failure I knew you were indorser on some notes of his & should have informed you of his being protested, but doubted not Co l N would (as he has done) write you himself —I this morning called at his house & there...
551From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I find it necessary to be more fully informed as to some particulars attending the case stated to me by Messrs. Warder & Co. on the 6th. Instant. It is said in your Notes and additions to their statement that the Teas were surveyed by the Wardens with the consent of the Collector. I wish to know, if the appointment was made by you according to the directions of the 16th. Section of the then...
552To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Small, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The most upright Intentions cannot command Success. The Shallow Ken of Man cannot penetrate into futurity; and cannot therefore ascertain what is, or is not most beneficial to Societies. What we have here to do, is to act the most consistently with our Judgment of Circumstances. I know you have done this. Britain is most certainly hurting herself by an...
553Samuel J. Harrison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
your Letter of the 2 Ins t was rec d in due course, & this answer defered So as to meet you at poplar Forest . your Reasoning has produced no change in my opinion, as to your Right to call for the last payment of the Land—nor can I forbeare Remarking that your Letter Seems not to have been written in that Temper of which you are so charracteristick. I assir’d you that Scott had Sued both you &...
554From John Adams to William R. Williamson, 23 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Address and a Copy of your association, by the Hand of the Speaker Mr Dayton. Your Feelings of the keenest Sensibility on account of the many and deep Wounds which have been inflicted on your Country by the Republic of France, must be approved by the coolest reason of every honest Man and faithful American. The Dedication of yourselves to the service of your Country, in...
555[Diary entry: 3 July 1797] (Washington Papers)
3. Clear in the forenoon with a slight shower for a few minutes about 2 Oclock; afternoon Wind Southerly Mer. 81.
556To John Adams from John Adams To Jeremy Belknap, 26 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received your favour of the 19 th. and learn with Pleasure your design to pursue your valuable History of New Hampshire. The Anecdote of “Positive Proof from Holland that military Stores, to the amount of 400,000 £ st. were ordered and purchased from N. America,” is wholly unknown to me. that Col Lee of Marblehead ever “rec d or dispersed” any stores I never heard nor that he was...
557To George Washington from William Gordon, 3 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I had proposed writing by the present opportunity, before I received your letter of Jany the 1st on tuesday last. Return you my most sincere thanks for your good wishes. The second volume will be printed off I expect by the end of the week after next. The first begins with the settlement of the several colonies, & comes down to & takes in the Lexington engagement. The second finishes with the...
558To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [1 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hammond starts three to one against you. RC ( DLC : TJ Papers, 79: 13729); undated; endorsed by TJ as received 1 Dec. 179[1]. Recorded in SJPL under that date. Washington’s note was a commentary on George Hammond’s 30 Nov. 1791 letter to TJ on alleged American violations of the Treaty of Paris.
559To James Madison from Daniel Brent, 7 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Wagner not being yet returned from Bale., I do myself the Honor of forwarding to you such letters as I have thought might be interesting to you, and a large package of News-papers. Among the letters, you will find two from Genl Armstrong and the Copy of an answer to that of the oldest date, which I took the liberty of writing to him yesterday. I have just written to him again, acknowledging...
560From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
561From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed case of Thos. Norris I first observed in the Aurora, and consider it a duty to have it enquired into,& on obtaining credible testimony, to make it the subject of representations to the British government. as I imagine he must have applied to you with his papers, could you find means to invite him to send me his own affidavit in due form, with as many others as he can procure to...
562Card Playing Expenses, 1772–1774, 1 January 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cards—& other Play Dr 1772 Feby 28— To Cash lost at Fredericksburg 2. 3.6 Mar. 2— To Ditto lost in Williamsburg . 8.9 13— To Ditto lost in Ditto 1. 0.0 16— To Ditto Ditto 3.10. 17— To Ditto Ditto .15.
563John Payne Todd to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I very reluctantly enclose you the list of Medals furnished by D r Mease from a fear that the answer to his enquiry may prove of some inconvenience. M r Madison will carry with him the Volume of plates of which I Spoke to Monticello , together with a print of the lately finished and much admired front of the Louvre in Paris . RC (
564To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Brock, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will receive the proceedings of a General Court Martial, of which I had the honour to preside. Should you discover, in our proceedings, too much lenity; I hope you may ascribe it to the peculiar Situation that Recruiting Officers are placed in; and not want of a due Sense, that crimes of Such magnitude, Should be punished, in the most exemplary manner In the Instance of Trusler...
565From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 10 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Having understood from you, that it was your intention, to appoint a person as Quarter Master to the detachment of Militia of this State, about to assemble, and march, and confiding that the person whom you may choose will be both capable and trustworthy, I propose, as a matter of simplicity and convenience, to commit to him the procuring of Waggons for the transportation of every thing...
566To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 3 April 1784 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from the clerk of the H. Delegates will inform you that the marquess’s thanks to the assembly have been presented. The resolution directing the Bust was order’d to be carried into execution by the commercial agent who was soon after dismiss’d from office, it never came to my hands till I sent for it yesterday, I will endeavour to have it comply’d with tho’ like other...
567From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address you on the fourth instant, another letter from the Commissioner of Loans for the State of North Carolina has been received, of which a copy will be found in this inclosure. From this last communication it appears, that he is disposed to make an experiment of the office, which, I beg leave to observe, is a pleasing circumstance, both as it insures the...
568To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My Brother has gone this Morning to Baltimore, he has taken with him his Eldest Son, not quite recovered from a Violent Cold, and Swelling in his throat. he will find his youngest Son dead, (he died on Saturday night.) and his only Daughter, extremely Ill, without a hope left of her Recovery. a Dropsy in the Brain is Suspected. her head has been Shaved & Blisters were applied—His Distress &...
569From George Washington to Robert Adam, 13 January 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Robert Adam, c.13 Jan. 1774. On c.13 Jan. 1774 Adam wrote to GW : “I am favoured with yours.” GW’s missing letter of c.13 Jan. was in answer to a letter from Adam dated 12 January .
570From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
⟨The⟩ Critical Situation of our Affairs ⟨and the move⟩ments of the Enemy make some ⟨further & im⟩mediate Exertions absolutely ⟨necessary—In⟩ order that you may have the ⟨fullest Repre⟩sentation and form a perfect ⟨Idea of what is⟩ now necessary, I have desired ⟨Colo. Reed to w⟩ait on You, and must refer ⟨You to him for⟩ Particulars. I am with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt & Very...
571[Diary entry: 25 February 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 25th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 46 at Night. Calm and clear Morning. Wind Southerly afterwards which occasioned a considerable thaw. Mr. Fairfax going away directly after breakfast I rid to the Plantations in the Neck—at Muddy hole and Dogue run. At the first (that is the Neck) the Women were grubbing & fencing along the Creek. At Muddy hole doing the same. The...
572To James Madison from H. Potter, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed that Mr. Francis X Martin has been named to the President as a proper character to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Orleans Territory, and am desired to commmunicate to Our Senators in Congress such knowledge as I Possess of his Character. He is a frenchman, as you know, but I think him a correct Lawyer & a man of honesty & integrity. His standing at the bar has been very...
573To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you, the pleasing information of a treaty with the Wabash indians; and which appears to have been a general one. After you shall have perused them, they shall be copied, to be laid before the two houses. Mr Bradshaw says, there were upwards of seven hundred indians present —He came by the way of Kentucky, and says that he understood that about twenty people had...
574To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 27 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; Your exaltation, has so perfectly fulfilled my wishes, and gratified the strong feelings of my heart, I cannot suppress the sentiments which it inspires: Having long indulged a belief of “the high destinies of our country,” this event seems an additional omen, and brightens the glorious hope.—The ruling characters of the world have...
575To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 9 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The following gentleman are proposed to your consideration, as Candidates for military Agencies : (viz) For the Northern Department Peter Gansevoort , of Albany. For the middle Department William Linnard of Philadelphia. For the Southern Department Abraham D. Abrahams of Savannah. I have the honor to be, Sir, with high consideration, Yr. Obt. Servant RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
576To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 24th. since which yours of the 20th. is recieved. I must begin by correcting two errors in my last. It was false arithmetic to say that two measures therein mentioned to be carried by majorities of 11. would have failed if the 14. absentees (wherein a majority of 6. was ours) had been present. 6 coming over from the other side would have turned the scale, and this was...
577To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 27 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
We refer to what we had the Honour to write yoúr Excellency the 24 th. of this month. Since we received your much esteemed favoúr of the 19 th. Inst t: whereby yoú Excellency was pleased to sent ús half a dozen Passports to be used by ús. we are much obliged for yoúr Excellency’s attention, & Shall make the needfull use of ’em, if it happen we want any more we Shall be free with the permission...
578From George Washington to Louis Guillaume Otto, 5 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 16th of October only came to hand the 28th of last month. My particular acknowledgments are due to you for your recollection of and attention to me; and I pray you to be assured of the pleasure I felt at hearing that the place lately filled by Mr de Marbois, near the Sovereignty of these States, was so happily supplied—On this...
579To George Washington from Charles Washington, 7 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
I labour under Many Afflictions On Acct of the Orphans, Money is Such a Scarce Article amongst us, that there are scarcely coming at any, the Rents & profits of the Estate wou’d (could they be Collected) plentifully Answer all demands—but Fortitude & Patience is my only resource—However in the space of two or three Months I hope to be able to remit £200—I have Sent a Small Supply at present of...
580Memorandum to George Washington, 22 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Taking them up in their order, they appear susceptible of answer in the following way. The 1st. and 2d. by a concurrence of sentiment for the maintenance of the constitution, and preservation of peace, and the pleasure with which the President recieves their assurances of support in these objects. 3. Notice of the expressions of their personal respect . 4. Approbation of their expressions of...
581To James Madison from William Lambert, 8 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose two printed copies of a report relative to the latitude and longitude of the Capitol in this City; one of which is intended for your own use, the other for the use of the University or Seminary of learning near Charlottesville. With great respect, I have the honor to be, Your most Obedt. servant, RC ( DLC ). Addressed by Lambert to JM, and franked. Docketed by JM....
582To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 8 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks docket and cover. Although Joseph Jones clearly dated this letter “8th June,” he either wrote portions of it on 7 June or else mistakenly used the term “yesterday” to date certain proceedings of the House of Delegates which had taken place on 6 June. Thus at the outset of his third paragraph he mentions as happening “Yesterday” an election which had occurred on...
583From John Adams to Thomas Cushing, 24 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had, by yesterdays Post, the Honour of your Letter of the 15th. instant. I Should esteem it an Honour, and an Happiness, to discharge the friendly Trust of Executor to Mr. Quincys Will, (because I have a great Respect to his Memory and a great Regard for his Family,) if my Situation and Circumstances were such that I could possibly accomplish it, with Advantage to the Interest of the Family....
584To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Dean, 5 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed by Mr Robert Moss that Coll. Danl. C. Brent the present Marshal of the District of Columbia is about to Resign that appointment and that he is an applicant. with due Respect I have taken the liberty to State that he is a Gentleman of Integrity and Respectability in my estimation well Qualifyed to fill that office. haveing acted as Deputy Marshal for some time past with Honor to...
585The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 18 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received, sir, the letter which you did me the honor to write to me the 13th of this month. It was owing to the confidence I placed in your judgment and zeal for your country that I entrusted to you the propositions of the two imperial courts and requested that you would make such observations as you might think them susceptible of. Things are not yet sufficiently advanced to admit of...
586To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 23 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favor’d wth. yours of 20th Inst. and with Respect to the Cloathing for the Companies at Bennington, I will immediately attend to the Same— Should you think Proper, I should like you to direct that the Artillery Vests be composed of Red Cloth (instead of present fashion of White) and Blue Pantaloons with half Gaters, instead of White overalls My Reasons for this is, that white cloth is...
587Observations upon [Thomas Pownall], State of the Constitution of the Colonies, [1769?] (Franklin Papers)
MS (copy): American Philosophical Society In December, 1769, or possibly in the following month, Thomas Pownall attempted to formulate general principles of law that applied to the issues in dispute between Britain and her colonies. He composed a short document in two parts; the first set forth six principles, and the second adduced corollaries from them. This document he had printed but not...
588General Orders, 28 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Hubley. Major James Moore[,] Brigade Major Bradford The Picquet on the right to be increased with the Addition of a Captain Sub. Serjeant Corporal and twenty nine privates. A Sub., Two Serjeants two Corporals and twenty five men to be Posted at the Mill on the left. A jill of Rum ⅌ man to be issued to the troops this evening. The...
589From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 31 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , II . I wrote a line to you yesterday, and having this opportunity, write another, just to let you know that we all continue well, and much the better from the refreshments you have sent us: in short we do very well, for though there are a great number of things, besides what we have, that used to seem necessary to comfortable living, yet we have...
590To George Washington from Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 28 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
I received the 25th instant, late in the evening, your letter of the 23d. Early in the morning of the 26th, the post left this place, so that I had not Sufficient time to make up my mind respecting the acceptance or refusal of the commission mentioned in your letter, nor to inform you by last Saturday’s post of my determination. I have seriously weighed the reasons urged to induce me to accept...