5601London July 20. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
“Every Act of Authority, of one Man over another for which there is not an absolute Necessity, is tyrannical.” “Le Pene che oltre passano la necessita di conservare il deposito della Salute pubblica, sono ingiuste di lor natura.” Beccaria. The Sovereign Power is constituted, to defend Individuals against the Tyranny of others. Crimes are acts of Tyranny of one or more on another or more. A...
5602From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Leech and Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 10 June 1758 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; draft (incomplete): American Philosophical Society In mine of May 13. I gave you a particular Account of the Hearing before the Attorney and Sollicitor General, on a Reference of Smith’s Petition; they have not yet made their Report, and would now I hear excuse themselves from doing it, as unnecessary, since they have heard that the Prisoners are discharged. But...
5603To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 18 December 1779–9 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We Know at last, that D’Esteing’s melancholy affair happened in Georgia; that our few regulars there behaved very well; and we hear that it was the militia who did not Keep their ground; and that the pretended treachery did consist in the villany of one of our officers from New-England, who deserted and informed the enemy of Desteing’s plan for the attack. We are convinced that D’Esteing’s...
5604From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 25th. I think you need be under no apprehensions for the safety of your Coast, while the Count D’Estaings Squadron lays off the harbour of New port, as the Enemy will have sufficient upon their hands to prevent their carrying on a predatory War—I took the Liberty of suggesting to the Count, the advantage of sending a Ship of force down the Sound, to...
5605George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 4 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 4, 1780 . Regrets postponement of attack on Detroit. Doubts that Brodhead will have sufficient men for expedition against Natchez, but does not discourage plan if Brodhead believes it feasible. Cautions secrecy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
5606To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your Orders of the Instant I directed Colonels Putnam & Butler to Reconnoitre the Ground from this Camp by Spring Steels to the point of the Dunderberg opposite picks Kill —who Report that a very good road may be made with little trouble from Spring Stells to a Landing about two Miles & a half in a Direct Line above Stoney Point where a Battery may be Immediately Errect[ed] so...
5607From George Washington to John Marshall, 8 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Private In confidence I inform you, that it has become indispensably necessary to recall our Minister at Paris; and to send one in his place who will explain, faithfully, the views of this government, and ascertain those of France. Nothing would be more pleasing to me, than that you should be this Organ; if it were only for a temporary absence of a few months. But it being feared that even...
5608Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 13 March 1829 (Madison Papers)
I send you by the mail which will bring you this, a copy of the pamphlet containing your letters, with the additional documents respecting Mr. Jefferson’s opinions, suggested to me by Mr. Rives. 2000 copies had been printed before these were handed to the printer. He then printed 500 Copies with the extra appendix. And the latter will go with all future copies. I received a letter from Mr....
5609From George Washington to David Forman, 17 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday reached me at 2 oClock this day. I have little doubt but the Fleet which sailed is bound to Europe, but still I should wish to know, with certainty, their destination. It will probably be public in a few days, and if you can satisfy yourself on the subject, I shall be glad to hear from you. Be pleased to enquire particularly whether any reinforcement for the southward...
5610To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 19 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to find by the answer which you have favoured me with that your excellency approves of the demand of major villefranche. but I am sorry that gentleman Has no means of letting the Congress know that approbation. I had hopes that your excellency would be so good as to write it on the memorial it self. I know, sir, that in general you have very little inclination to do such thing. but...
5611General Orders, 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Persons having any passes from Major John Clarke are to pass all guards. The Commander in Chief approves, the following sentences of a General Court Martial, the 22nd November last, whereof Major North was president. Adjutant Ralston of the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, charged with “Making a false return, and signing it; with ungentlemanly behaviour—disobedience of orders, and leaving his...
5612William Pearce to Tobias Lear, 11 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I now have my Machinery &c. at Work, and should be glad to be informed when the President of the United States and his Lady, would be pleased to Honor me with their Company, to take a look at them. Mrs Hamilton has likewise a desire to see them, when the President and his Lady, is pleased to fix the time, I will let her know, if it is agreeable to them. Your answer by the bearer, if convenient...
5613From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have been much disappointed in not hearing from you on the subject of the Chariot; as well as on the enquiries I made respecting my crops of Corn, & the quantity of Wheat sent from my farms to Mr. Dunbar. I have just heard that Mr. Anderson expected to receive a quantity of Clover seed, & have written to Mr. Blair to procure me from 1 to 3 bushls. accordg. to the price, & forward it to...
5614To James Madison from David Easterbrook and Others, 3 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of David Easterbrook, William Taylor—and Paul Bentalou and Cumberland Dugan, Executors of James Clarke deceased, all of the City of Baltimore, Most respectfully Sheweth; That the Schooner President commanded by Clement Cathell was together with her Cargo both belonging to David Easterbrook one of your Petitioners, Seized by the Collector of the Port of Baltimore on her return from...
5615To John Adams from Alexander White, 13 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Being overtaken by a Snow Storm at this place on my way from Washington to Winchester I embrace the opportunity which the leisure of a day affords, to communicate information which may perhaps be useful or satisfactory—In the letter from the Commissioners to the President of 21st Ulo. they express an opinion, that a good house in a convenient situation may be provided at the seat of Goverment...
5616[Diary entry: 5 January 1769] (Washington Papers)
5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gr. appearance of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind comg. to No. Wt. & blowg. fresh dispeld the Clouds toward the afternoon. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill and in the Afternoon went into the Neck.
5617To James Madison from Rudolph Tillier, 12 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Conceiving it to be my duty as a Public Officer I do myself the honor to communicate to you Some facts which it may be useful for the Govt. to know. In Novemr. last, some of the Principal Chiefs of the Little Village of Osage Indians, were here on a visit: during their stay, they informed me that there were white Men in their Village, who were endeavoring to make the Indians believe, that the...
5618To George Washington from William Watson, 23 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Capt. Samuel Jackson comes with six prosoners, a Midshipman & five Sailors put by Capt. Talbot of the Nigar Frigate on board the Brigantne Peter, which Brigtn. was taken by sd Frigate about 18 days ago, near the Island of Barmudas, and orderd into Boston—This Brigantine was Retaken last Wednesday by our people, and was bra’t into this Port—Capt. Jackson the Bearer of this will...
5619From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed, “Edmd Randolph Esqr. per Express. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “Jas. Madison jr. Congress. private March. 24. 1783.” The express by whom I send this conveys to the Governor the welcome event of a general peace. The preliminary articles were signed on the 20th. of Jany. The day to which hostilities are limited is omitted in the abstract of the...
5620To Thomas Jefferson from John Carey, 30 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Encouraged by a Resolution of Congress, of May 25, 1784, allowing Mr. Gordon a free access to certain papers, now in your Office, I beg leave to request a similar indulgence, if you see no impropriety in granting it. If permitted to copy out such of those papers as no longer require Secresy, I would wish to incorporate them, in their proper places, in an abridgment of the Journals of the old...
5621To Benjamin Franklin from Soulavie, [after 12 August 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’Abbé soulavie prie Monsieur francklin de vouloir bien se ressouvenir qu’il est prét de S’occuper aux ordres du Ministre De L’histoire civile des pays montagneux de la france meridionale ou il montrera toutes les operations de la Grande Bretagne pour Le soulevement de ces regions et leur changement en Republique. L’abbé Soulavie est logé hotel de M....
5622To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 21st instant, pressing that measures, may without fail, and speedily, be taken to pay the sums due to the troops of the United States. Observations in your letter, relative to the causes, which have prevented the exhibition of muster and pay rolls, would seem to convey an idea, that in your opinion some delay or failure in this particular is attributable...
5623From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 8 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 21st. of Nov. addressed to Milan poste restante according to the desire expressed through Mrs. Paradise. I have lately received yours of the 19. of Nov. and sincerely felicitate you on your recovery. I wish you may have suffered this to be sufficiently established before you sat out on your journey. The present letter will probably reach you amidst the classical...
5624Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, [21 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee’s Compliments. Mr. Girard appeared much surprizd at the doubt about the frigate, as he had sent the necessary Dispatches to Passi yesterday which made it plain that no alteration had taken place respecting the frigate at Bordeaux. He thinks Mr. Beaumarchais shoud be desird to bring in his Account, and that we shoud send it to Count V. who will...
5625To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Blount, 14 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I act in conformity to my Sense of Duty in presenting to you the enclosed Paper, which was received yesterday as the Subscribers thereto are Inhabitants of the District which I have the honor to represent, although not of the Town, or of a place connected with the Town, in which the is alluded to is held— I am, very respectfully yr. mo. Obt. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and...
5626Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Trist, 25 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Being so much more within writing distance here than at Monticello , and with time freer from interruption, I avail myself of it to renew to you the assurances of my constant friendship, and my wishes for your health and happiness. and as brother Jonathan must have become stale and lost his powers of excitement, I send you a little work of a higher order to make you laugh on a gloomy day. it...
5627From George Washington to George Lewis, 8 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I send you the enclosed Advertisement, that you may perceive thereby, I have restrained myself from selling the Land I hold on Green River in Kentucky, until the first of September; that all who are disposed to purchase may have notice thereof. Between this and then, I would thank you to give me, from time to time, and by duplicates (to guard against miscarriages) such information as you may...
5628From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 1 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
No movement of the enemy since my last has contributed in the least to declare their object. They have left the north side of James river, and taken possession of the Country on the south side as far up as Suffolk. Still we are told they keep a considerable part of their troops on board their Ships. They are making great collections of horses to mount their men on, and taking possession of all...
5629From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 24 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. of Sep. came to hand a few days after a dislocation of my right wrist had disabled me from writing. I only begin to write a little now, and that with pain. Your second letter of Dec. 10. is now received. I should be happy if any arrangements as to my tobacco could produce advantage to you, but having entirely abandoned the management of my affairs to my friends in...
5630To Alexander Hamilton from Neil Jamieson, 10 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 10, 1785. Itemizes amounts of money paid for a house in New York City during the British occupation. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jamieson was the head of the dry goods house of Neil Jamieson and Company located at 933 Water Street, New York City. H wrote on the margin of this letter the names of the various British commanders in New York from 1778 to 1783.
5631To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 10 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honour’d with your Excys favour of the 8th instant. By the act of Congress of this day herewith enclos’d your Excellency will be informed, The party of Colonel Bland’s Regiment of light Dragoons now at Charlotteville are to proceed forthwith to South Carolina & Join the Regiment there, other guards for ⟨the⟩ Barracks being provided from Virgi⟨nia.⟩ That Colo. Bland’s resignation is...
5632To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 20 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received your kind & respected favor of the 16th inst. with much pleasure. No apology, my dear Sir, can be necessary for your not having recollected my having put the Certificate for one hundred Bank Shares into your hands. I only wonder, that, under the multiplicity of important, and often anxious, cares which lay on your mind, you can recollect one half you do. I am rejoiced, however, that...
5633From John Adams to John Graham, 28 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have rec’d and heard y’r favor of Feb 23d and the pamphlet enclosed, it is a free manly & independent argument at the bar—it is quite orthodox in liberty, humanity, & in law—at least I think so as far as the judges express’d their sentiments—“The court agrees with Dr Graham, in most of the points wh’ he has taken on the subject of examinations & confessions taken in the police office;.” A...
5634From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9–12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsa Living in the Vicinity of Philadelphia and near the Delaware River—having suffered much by the Enemy Carrying off their Property without allowing them any Compensation —thereby Destressing the Inhabitants—Supplying their own Army and Enabling them to protract the Cruel and unjust War that they are now Wageing against these States. And Whereas by Recent...
5635From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 6 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The division of Louisiana into districts relating to the military as much as to the civil administration, will you be so good as to consider those proposed by Governor Harrison, and we will then consider the subject. my idea would be not to fix precisely the dividing line between the districts, as we have not information enough for that, but to use such a mode of designation for these as we do...
5636To James Madison from Thomas U. P. Charlton, 5 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
The people of this City, have been as distinguished for their patriotism, as for a consistent uniform and zealous support of republican administrations. They have on no occasion listened to the voice of faction, when the interests of the Country, or the measures of government have called for their services and acquiescence. They believed, the late war to have been just, necessary and...
5637[Diary entry: 30 May 1786] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at in the Morning— at Noon and at Night. Wind tho’ not much of it, was still at East. Morning Misty and threatning till dinner time after which it cleared. Accompanied by Colo. Mead, I rid to muddy hole and Neck Plantations to shew him my experiments in the drill husbandry—with which he seemed to be pleased. G. A. Washington went up to Alexandria on my business & did...
5638To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Evening had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s favor of Yesterday. I am happy that any suggestions contained in my former Letter have met Your Excellency’s Approbation. Since I was at Head Qrs I have paid very particular attention to Your Excellency’s Instructions, & have enclosed two Papers for Purusal. I cannot but flatter myself that the Information is accurate, as several...
5639To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day contracted for a small Brig which I shall send off with all diligence to Philadelphia. She will load only about eighty Tons so that I hope to have her at Sea in fifteen Days. As it is Nessessary on her becoming American property that her papers are conformable I request the favor you will please to transmit me a passport for the said Vessel,...
5640Robert Howard to Alexander J. Dallas, 7 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a Commission from the President of the United States, forwarded from your department, appointing James Horlbeck, James Carson and myself, Commissioners for receiving subscriptions to the National Bank in the City of Charleston. Mr. Horlbeck and myself accept of the appointment, but the precarious state of Mr. Carson’s health requires his absence...
5641From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 4 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an additional estimate of the expense incurred in the Territory of Michigan, and to request that you will be pleased to place it in such a course as will bring it to the attention of the Legislature. You will observe Sir, that no part of it, except office rent for the Secretary is of a permanent nature. I am &c. An additional estimate of expense incurred in the...
5642From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Troops composing the Detat c hment under your Command may, till they are united with the Force in Virginia, be formed into three Brigades—Vizt—The light Infantry, to be commanded by Colo. Scammel, on the Right—The two York Regiments under Brigr Genl Clinton on the Left—& Hazens, Jersey & Rhode Island in the Center. You will march Tomorrow at four oClock in the morning—in two Columns—for...
5643Thomas Jefferson to Peter Minor, 31 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I proceeded according to agreement to make notes of what I understood to be the intention of all parties on the day of our conference, but soon found it would be quite as easy to put them at once into their ultimate form, which I accordingly did & now inclose you , subject to the correction of the recollections of the other gentlemen. according to the best of mine there is but one article in...
5644Memorandum, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
From hence I set out on the 7th to Williamsburgh; and from Todds Ordinary wrote the following, in answer to a Letter I received from Major Lewis. LB , DLC:GW . GW traveled from Fredericksburg to Dr. George Todd’s ordinary in Caroline County, on the stage road. Andrew Lewis’s letter has not been found.
5645Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Delaplaine, 29 June 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to M r Delaplaine & willingly becomes a subscriber to the publication stated in the Prospectus sent him. he presumes there will be some agent within this state who can recieve the subscription money, the difficulty of making remittances of small & fractional sums to a distance & in a paper recievable there being a principal obstruction to these...
5646To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I shall be with you on the 25th. unless health or weather prevent. But if you propose leaving home sooner for Washington, do not let my coming prevent you. Only, in that case, if convenient, lodge word at Gordon’s, or write me by next post, that you will be gone; as I should then wish to lengthen my day’s journey. I have not been able to look yet into my newspapers, but I presume yours contain...
5647From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of putting the inclosed letter under your cover to avoid it’s being opened. It contains one for Mr. Jay which is to go by the packet sailing from Havre on the 10th. You will perceive therefore at the time of receiving this that there is not a moment to lose. I must therefore beg the favor of you to send a Commissioner instantly with it to my hotel: and, if Mr. Short should...
5648To George Washington from Abraham Baldwin, 18 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The office of Marshal in the district of Georgia being vacant by the death of Majr Forsyth, I have been requested to submit to your consideration the names of the following persons as candidates for that office. In Savannah and its vicinity John Berrien Richard Carnes Samuel Hammond In Augusta and its vicinity Amasa Jackson Philip Clayton James Mason Simmons Daniel Gaines Nicholas Bugg George...
5649To John Adams from Peter Stephen Duponceau, 28 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
I feel exceedingly honored as well as gratified by your kind notice of my humble labours. Your Letter, which I shall preserve with Care, will be a proud Testimony to my descendents, that their Ancestor enjoyed the esteem of one of the most illustrious among the illustrious founders of this great Empire. I have not read either Bryant’s Analysis nor Dupuis’ Culte Universal, but Shall read them...
5650From George Washington to Captain Ephraim Anderson, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are directed to proceed from hence to Pluckemin and enquire of Colo. McDaniel by what authority he lately went to Staten Island with a Flag. I am told he produced the Copy of a permit, the original of which he said he obtained from me. As I never granted any such to him it must be a forgery When I was at Colo. Mehelm’s I granted a liberty to send a Flag to an old Gentleman of the Name of...