56451From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is a road leading from King’s ferry to Junes through the Mountains, by which it is possible the enemy may intercept our line of march—You will be pleased to send a good subaltern and a party down that road to find his patroles as near the enemy as he can with safety and communicate the earliest intelligence of any movement— You will for this purpose furnish him with a few horse. If some...
56452To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 25 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit to you the Copy of a map drawn by Capt. Arthur Sinclair, the original of which is filed with the archives of this Department. I am very respectfully your ob. Servt Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). The enclosed copy may have been of a map of Presque Isle Bay that Sinclair enclosed in his 6 May 1814 letter to William Jones ( DNA : RG 45, Captains’ Letters),...
56453From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 11 Instant was handed me by the Two French Gentlemen, for which I am exceedingly Obliged to you—I have heard their proposals and plan for Supplying the Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appear plausible and to promise Success; But not thinking myself authorized to enter into any contract respecting the same, and being not fully acquainted with the measures Congress...
56454[Fryday August 23. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 23. 1776. A Letter of the 21. from General Washington inclosing a Copy of a Letter from him to Lord Howe, together with his Lordships Answer was read: Resolved That the same be referred to the Board of War, with orders to publish the General’s Letter to Lord Howe, and his Lordships Answer.
56455From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, 20[–24] July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Bibliothèque de l’Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris; AL (draft): Library of Congress I received the Letter you Sometime since did me the Honour: of writing to me, accompanied with a Number of the Pieces that were distributed at the last publick Meeting of the Royal Society of Medecine. I shall take Care to forward them to different Parts of America, as desired. Be pleased to present...
56456Petition of Samuel Huntington and Others, before 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The undersignd. Inhabitants of The State of Ohio beg leave to Represent that at the Mouth of Cuyahoga River (the Boundary line between the Settlements in the County of Trumbull and the lands where the Indian Title is yet Unextinguished) there are Annually large Assemblages of Indians Cheifly Ottowas Wyandotts Shawanoes Chipawas & Senecas Amounting from three hundred to five hundred. that it is...
56457From James Madison to the Senate, 3 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, John Mullowny, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States for the Island of Tenneriffe. Nathaniel G. Ingraham Jnr, of New York, to be Consul at Plymouth in England. George Read Jnr, of Delaware, to be the Attorney of the United States for the District of Delaware. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . On 5...
56458To James Madison from John Graham, 2 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Graham. 2 September 1805, New Orleans . “A White Man by the Name of Le Grand, who is from St Domingo has lately been taken up in this City and is now confined in Jail here, for having endeavoured to bring about an Insurrection of the Negroes in this and the adjoining Territories. “The details of his Plan, and of the measures persue’d by the Mayor of the City to arrest him, & to...
56459From George Washington to Warner Lewis, 14 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
After returning the you my most sincere, and grateful thanks for your kind condolance on my late indisposition; and for the too generous, and give me leave further to say, partial opinion you have entertaind of my military ability’s; I must express my concern for not having it in my power to meet you, and other Friends, who have signified their desire of seeing me (in Williamsburg). Your...
56460To Thomas Jefferson from John Vaughan, 9 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
On receipt of your favor I called on M r Strickland relative to Fresco painting, there is no professed Painter of that Branch, but he believes that the Brother of W P Warren Scene Painter of the New Theatre is the only one to be got who is capable of doing it. He recommends your sending immediately a Description of the work wanted—dimensions, what ornaments, how disposed &c. together with any...
56461From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 11 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Virginia Library Mr. Franklin’s Compliments to Mr. A. Lee; sends him two Papers containing Facts relating to the Treatment of Prisoners; and begs to be excus’d waiting on him to day at dinner, as he shall be necessarily employ’d at home in preparing Dispatches for England, otherwise the Gentleman cannot set out this Evening nor to-morrow if they are not ready to day, as we...
56462Thomas Jefferson to Edmund M. Blunt, 19 October 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Blunt , and returns him many thanks for the copy of his edition of the Nautical Almanac for 1814. which he has been so kind as to send him. it is a very acceptable present as his inland situation renders it difficult to procure the English edition, to which mr Blount’s is made entirely equivalent by it’s exact conformity with the original. he...
56463To Thomas Jefferson from John A. Graham, 2 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that certain Individuals have said, or written to the Executive of the United States, things which have called in question my want of attachment to the present administration, so derogatory to my honor and feelings—. I here take the liberty to forward the enclosed letter, which I procured to be published in Vermont more than three Years since: as by the affidavit hereunto...
56464To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, 4 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Je répond Monsieur sur le champ à votre lettre . Je suis dezollée de l’accident que vous avés eprouvé. Il faut que la chute que vous avés faite aye été bien viollente. Que j’aurois desirois etre a paris pour pouvoir vous tenir quelque fois compagnie. Ma qualité de votre compatriote m’aures donnés des droits Monsieur a vous servir de garde malade et j’aurois jouie avec delices de cette...
56465From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 22 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of Nov, might have been sooner acknowledged, if I had been younger, my eyes brighter, my fingers steadier, and if I had less writing to do, and fewer letters to answer. I have the honor to coalesse in the “consolidated” opinion of your neighbourhood, that the Presidents Message and the documents attending it do honor to the Government to the President his Ministers and...
56466From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 1 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 3d of last Month came to me by the Post of yesterday with the George Town mark of the 27th of November. What caused such delay in forwarding it, you better than I, can explain. For the reason mentioned therein it is to be regretted. I shall not lose a Post in transmitting the enclosed Order (to you) and wish it may be in time to produce the desired effect at the Treasury of...
56467To James Madison from Stephen Pleasonton, 18 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have to ask your pardon for opening your letter to Mr. Graham of the 13 inst, relating to business mostly private. Mr. Graham being absent in Kentucky, and the Secretary also absent; and supposing the letter might relate to public business of importance, were reasons which induced me to take that liberty. I shall however take great pleasure Sir, in placing the money it inclosed to the credit...
56468To George Washington from David Forman, 22 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
from the dificulty the Quarter Master at Morris Town informs me he finds in forwarding letters to Your Excly through the scarcity of Money has induced me to defer informing your Excly of the arrival of the southern fleete, presuming your Excly would probably receive more certain Accts from New York and with in a few days as soone. Enclosed Your Excly has the diaries as kept on the Highlands of...
56469To George Washington from James Vaughan, 11 December 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Vaughan, 11 Dec. 1789. In a letter to GW, 15 Oct. 1791 , Vaughan stated he sent a letter to GW “the 11th Decr 1789.”
56470To George Washington from John Jones, 20 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
I do not conceive it necessary to use any Arguments that I am master of, in favour of Liberty, in addressing myself to One who has recived the distinguished Appellation of being the Chief supporter and defender of it; throughout a large extent of the known parts of the World. But I feel desires thou mayest so pursue it, as to feel an Evidence that thou art deserving of that Character, in the...
56471From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 5 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress drawing to a close, I must trouble you with a bundle of little commissions We have now had about 4. weeks of winter weather, rather hard for our climate—many little snows which did not lay 24. hours, and one 9. I. deep which remained several days. We have had few thawing days during the time.—It is generally feared here that your collegue F. Walker will be in great danger of losing...
56472From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letters from Mr. Cabell are herein returned. I just see that he has succeeded in defeating the project for removing the College from Williamsburg. I hope your concurrence in what I said of Mr. Barbour will not divert your thoughts from others. It is possible that the drudgery of his profession, the uncertainty of a Judicial appointment acceptable to him, and some attractions at the...
56473From George Washington to William Peachey, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, as soon as you arrive in Town with your Recruits, to put yourself under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Adam Stephen, or the Field Officer appointed to that Rendezvous: and you are to be strictly obedient to such Lawful Commands as you shall from time to time receive from him; and particularly to observe, that the Muster Roll of your Men is regularly called three...
56474To James Madison from Flanmand Dusar, 3 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Observing by the Publick Prints that a Vessel is to sail from this Port under the Orders of Government for France & England the 15th. of this Month and finding by Enquiry at the Custom house that none is yet appointed for that Service, I take the liberty of addressing you, to offer my Schooner Matchless, a new Vessel of a Hundred Tons coppered and equal to any of her description in the United...
56475I. Draft Cipher Table, [April 1803?] (Jefferson Papers)
The man whose mind on virtue bent ujh qft epxbp yvas dd maknpa zcmu the equivalent of the 1st. lre is taken from the 1st. col. of the 2d from the 2d
56476To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 16 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter containing one for the Secretary of the Treasury will be sent by an American vessel that is going down to Texel where she will wait only for a change of the wind. She will find there all the other vessels by which I have written since my arrival here, constant contrary winds having prevented any vessel from leaving that place since the month of November. I wrote also by the English...
5647717th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons held a court this forenoon at ten; and at the same hour I attended at Mr. Atkins’s, with several actions, brought before him. Mr. Parsons in the afternoon went from home to return to Boston. I pass’d the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s. Play’d quadrill as usual. JQA adds, in his line-a-day entries, “Townsend unwell” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 16).
56478From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Purviance, 27 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States having been pleased to pardon and remit to Munnikhuysen & Sadler, Owners of the Schooner Martha the Offence and Penalty incurred by them by the Captain’s permitting certain goods to be laden on board the said Schooner in the Island of St. Domingo, contrary to the intent and meaning of an Embargo Bond given by them to your predecessor in Office —I have to...
56479[Diary entry: 13 May 1799] (Washington Papers)
13. Clear & calm all day. Mer. at 47 in the Morning and 60 at Night. Mr. White went away before breakfast.
56480Notes for Books Borrowed from the Library Company of Philadelphia, [1775–76?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society These two notes for borrowers from the Library Company demarcated the sheep from the goats. The sheep, who were the members, promised to pay for books not returned on time and in good condition; the goats put down a refundable deposit. The requirement of a promissory note from a member went back at least to 1732, and a note to accompany a nonmember’s deposit...
56481To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 14 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
A parcle of Philad. News Papers came to hand some days ago to forward for you. I have sent those of this City till todays date. I hope they will get safe to hand. I wrote you and Colo. Humphreys, which I presume you receved. If I can render any acceptable services here you will be pleased to Command Sir your obd. Hbe. Serv., RC ( MHi ); endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 22 July 1785 “by...
56482To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Maseres, [1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr: Maseres presents his compliments to Dr: Franklyn and sends him two more copies of the collection of Quebec instruments and the draught of a toleration-act; of which he desires the doctor to transmit one set to his son, Governour Franklyn of New Jersey, and the other to Mr: Galloway, of Philadelphia, the speaker of the house of Assembly, with Mr: Maseres...
56483To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 14 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
You very well know that for Many and Many Reasons Both on account of the Country and on that of the french, I think it very important, Nay I might Say politically Necessary that Some thing Brillant Be at this time perform’d By our troops—to those Motives Which are very strongly impress’d on My Mind, and which I Might More fully explain in A Conversation, I will, add, My dear General, that I...
56484To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Day before yesterday it was announced to the Bey that an American frigate had captured four Coasting Vessels belonging to his Subjects, bound to Tripoli, laden with wheat, barley, oil and other provisions. I was called to the Palace. Immediate restitution of Vessels and cargoes were demanded by the Bey. Yesterday and to day have been consumed in discussion on the subject—detail of which would...
56485To Thomas Jefferson from John Watkins, 4 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the house of Representatives of the territory of Orleans, entered into in consequence of advice received from His Excellency the Governor, that there was a vacancy of one member in the legislative council, I have the honor to transmit to you an extract from the journal of the said house by which it will appear that Julien Poydras & Dominique Bouligny were duly...
56486To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Harrison Smith, 22 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Although withdrawn from the political scene, and for some time, merely a spectator of passing events, I have not felt indifferent to their influence on the welfare of the human family. This feeling, with the impression that your fortitude, on the same subject, remains unabated, & as previous to this communication, which, whatevers its fate may be, I am satisfied you will take in good part. The...
56487Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Agreement with John Harvie, [ca. 17 February 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
M r Harvey’s sale of Belmont to Taylor is at 12½ D £3–15 p r acre. his deeds & patents call for about 2300. a s but a survey he had made makes but about 2000. a s . he is to recieve 2000 £ in July & 1000 £ a year after till the whole is paid the whole will be from 7500.£ to 8625 £ to obtain this price he gave up stock & rent of about £500. value as he supposes. Rogers is to fix this value, &...
56488From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th inclosing a Resolve to extend the Embargo and to prevent forestalling provision. I hope the latter will have the desired effect, for unless that most infamous practice of raising the prices of the necessaries of life can be stopped, it will be impossible for any Funds to subsist the Army. Inclosed you have the Copy of a petition from the Refugees in New York...
56489To George Washington from Johann Paul Golling, 4 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
Translation. Sir. Nueremberg [Germany] Febr. 4. 1794 At the pressing Instance of my Son-in-Law John Benjamin Erhard, Doctor of Physic I take the Liberty to forward to Your Excy’s Address his Letter relating the melancholy Circumstances of a late unfortunate Event concerning him, that involved me in the deepest sorrow as also my Daughter his wife and his own father. We are all honest people and...
56490To Thomas Jefferson from David Gelston, 22 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 12th instant with its enclosure I have had the honor to receive. Many of the circumstances related in the anonymous communication are within my knowlege—the Gentleman therein mentioned I am acquainted with, and tho’ I feel disposed to render him all the assistance in my power, I do not think it would be prudent in me to appoint him to a more important office.— I am, Sir,...
56491[Diary entry: 31 August 1769] (Washington Papers)
31. Clear and warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly.
56492[Diary entry: 3 February 1775] (Washington Papers)
3. Calm, warm, & pleasant all day—being also clear.
56493From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your kind favour of the 4th. of March and thank you for your kind rememberance of me, but I am overwhelmed with an oppressive correspondance at an age when I can neither write nor read; and this must be my apology for making so unequal returns to you for your goodness. I rejoice that your energies are so usefully employed. Your translation I am convinced will be useful to the...
56494To George Washington from South Carolina Line Officers, February–March 1790 (Washington Papers)
To the President of the United States. The Memorial of the underwritten, late Officers of the South Carolina Line, on the Continental Establishment Sheweth That in the year 1781, the honorable the Congress made arrangements, whereby every Officer in the American Army, was to have received four months Pay in Specie. That in the year 1782 they again made arrangements for two months more Pay....
56495From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 24 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
For the benefit of exercise, I left the City at 5 Oclock on Sunday Morning, and did not return in time to write by the Post on Monday. I now acknowledge the receipt of your letter and report of the 15th & shall observe upon such parts of them as may require it. I would not wish you to ask Mr Lund Washington for Dows Bond—but when you see him you may tell him that I had directed you (if it was...
56496From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 August 1813, Montpelier. Listed in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record as received the same day (DLC: Jefferson Papers).
56497From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 27 March 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a workman of the name of David Watson, who has lived with me some time, and whose wife, Margaret Watson, is remaining in Scotland. He is extremely anxious to get her over as she is to come, and I am to indulge both. But I have no correspondent in that country, and on advising with Mr. Reeves, he encourages me to do, what I was before strongly disposed to, to ask your aid in bringing her...
56498From Josiah, III Quincy to John Quincy Adams, 23 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am duly sensible of your polite attention in your letter of the 13. Inst. and its inclosure. It is doing me a very acceptable and important service, to provide me, as you propose, with the documents of the expiring Congress and will lay me under many obligations. Should any of them be too voluminous for your franking power to cover you need not hesitate to inclose them, on that account, by...
56499The Commissioners to Bersolle, 3 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 1778 May 3. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:88 . Bersolle, a merchant at Brest, was informed that his bill drawn on the Commissioners’ banker had not been paid immediately because he had drawn it without permission and had failed to submit his accounts, the implication being that...
56500From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 12 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Polygraphs for mr Volney, Commodore Preble and the President’s Secretary have been all recieved in good order and are found good. the portable one for myself is also recieved, and is approved in every respect except perhaps in one part, on which I have not had trial enough to decide. it seems to copy the first 4. or 5. lines of the page with defects of nearly half the lines: sometimes...