5801Editorial Note: Report on Commerce (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson’s report on commerce was his last effort as Secretary of State to achieve his longstanding goal of fundamentally reordering the new republic’s political economy by lessening American economic dependence on Great Britain and fostering closer commercial ties with France. Based upon almost two decades of study and practical experience, it reflected Jefferson’s vision of the United...
5802The American Commissioners to Ralph Izard, 22 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have just now the Honour of a Lettre from M. De Sartine dated the 19, which We suppose is his Excellencys Ultimatum concerning your Effects taken in the Nile, and We therefore take the earliest opportunity to inclose you a Copy of it that you may be able to take your Measures in Consequence of it, in which We...
5803Thomas Jefferson to James P. Preston, 11 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday recieved your favor of Feb. 27. covering the appointment of the 13 th of the same month with which you have been pleased to honor me as a Visitor of the University of Virginia . impressed with the important effect which well conducted education will produce on the character and happiness of my native state, and ambitious for it’s reputa tion and pro s perity, I accept the charge...
5804John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
I have written but once to you since I left you. This is to be imputed to a Variety of Causes, which I cannot explain for Want of Time. It would fill Volumes to give you an exact Idea of the whole Tour. My Time is to totally filled from the Moment I get out of Bed, untill I return to it. Visits, Ceremonies, Company, Business, News Papers, Pamphlets &c. &c. &c. The Congress will, to all present...
5805Thomas S. Grimké to James Madison, 21 August 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your gratifying letter of 10th instant came to hand two days since. I rejoice and am thankful, that the principal surviving Patriarch of the Golden age of 1789 (for with us the Iron age of 1776 preceded the Golden Age), has been pleased to speak so favorably of my efforts in the cause of Christianity and Liberty, of social order, benevolence and education. I have dedicated myself to these...
5806General Orders, 8 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General was highly pleased with the appearance of the first Massachusetts Brigade yesterday under Arms, and was very well satisfied with thier Manoeuvering: the firing might have been better, and he fears the Locks or flints of the Musketts were in bad order, as many of them missed fire—the Officers commanding the Light Infantry should impress upon the men the necessity of taking...
5807From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to find by the Report of the Baron Steuben there is no probability that we shall be put in possession of the Western Posts this fall—in consequence of this information and the late season of the year I have directed the Movement of the Troops to be stopped, & the preparations to be suspended until farther Orders. Major Giles (who is the bearer of this Letter) having occasion to...
5808Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Delaplaine, 25 December 1816 (first letter) (Jefferson Papers)
My general aversion from the presumption of intruding on the public an opinion of works offered to their notice has yielded in the present instance to the merit of your undertaking, and to your belief, well or ill founded, that my testimony in it’s favor may be of advantage to it. I have written therefore, in a separate letter , which you are free to publish, what I can conscientiously say on...
5809To John Adams from Joseph C. Foxcroft, 18 February 1807 (Adams Papers)
The package I had the honor of forwarding to you was from my honored Father Samuel Foxcroft of New Gloucester.—He has had the misfortune to lose his sight one year ago, be reason of an inflamation in the Same his eyes; And by reason of his never having made use of glasses, & his whole time having been spent in reading & writing; the loss has been very sensibly felt by him.—He did not know of...
5810To James Madison from William Lee, 29 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Stephen Ca thalan Esqr. our Consul at Marseilles, enclosing the annexed copy of one he recd from the American Consulate at Naples, containing the disagreeable intelli ge nce of the Algerines having declared war against the United States. I at firs t doubted the news, as some of our Consuls in the Mediterranean deal a l ittle in the marvellous; but on...
5811Horneca, Fizeaux & Co. to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 7 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have just received from Mr. Whitall the book containing the promissory notes from Congress, along with their coupons and your signatures. Now all we require to begin their negotiation is your orders and instructions relative to the expenses and allowances that we may grant the buyers in addition to the stipulated 5 per cent interest. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, gentlemen,...
581273. A Bill against Conspirators, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Be it declared and enacted by the General Assembly, that conspirators be they that do confederate or bind themselves by oath, covenant, or other alliance that every of them shall aid and bear the other falsely and maliciously to move or cause to be moved any indictment or information against another on the part of the commonwealth, and those who are convicted thereof at the suit of the...
5813Cash Accounts, December 1767 (Washington Papers)
Cash Decr 5— To Do of Mr Jos. Thompson on Acct of Rent £ 6. 0. 0 7— To Do of Peter St Clair for weavg 9¾ yds 0. 9. 9 To Do of Captn Posey by Mrs Posey 2.19. 0 To Do won at Cards 5. 3. 6 Contra Decr 5— By my Brother John lent 25. 0. 0 By my Exps. at Snickers 0. 7. 6 6— By Ditto at Wests Ordy 0. 2. 0
5814General Orders, 18 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the trenches tomorrow Major General the Marqs de la Fayette Brigadiers Muhlenberg & Hazen Major General the Marqs de la Fayette’s division will mount in the trenches tomorrow. After Orders. This days relief of the Trenches is countermanded untill further Orders. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
5815From Benjamin Franklin to Filangieri, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri The Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me in August last, came to my Hands when I lay ill of two painful Disorders, which confin’d me near three Months, and with the Multiplicity of Business that follow’d oblig’d me to postpone much of my Correspondence. I have yesterday receiv’d a second Letter from you, and I now without farther Delay sit down to...
5816[Diary entry: 4 July 1770] (Washington Papers)
4. Went into my Harvest field between breakfast and Dinner.
5817Enclosure: Memorial from Providence, Rhode Island, 28 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We the undersigned Citizens of the United States and inhabitants of the State of Rhode Island—having good cause to beleive that great exertions have been made by certain citizens of this state—actuated by local prejudices or perhaps by more sordid motives—to obtain a removal of the office of commissioner of loans from Providence to Newport—and apprehending it to be a duty which we owe to...
5818To George Washington from Rochambeau, 9 September 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour of Sending to you the new promotion Which has been done lately for the order of Cincinnatus according to the resolutions of the last meeting of the general Society. I also inclose in it the copy of a letter from M. le Mal de segur bearing the permission of his majesty for these new aggregated. you will See by it, at the Same time, that his majesty Stops all kind of farther...
5819To Benjamin Franklin from ——— and ——— de Monregard, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Madame de Monregard, et leur fils acceptent avec le plus grand plaisir la proposition de Monsieur Franklin d’avoir l’honneur de diner chez luy samedy prochain 13. de ce mois, et ils s’y rendront avec grand Empressement. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. The only year of BF ’s residence at Passy when the seventh of February was a Sunday.
5820To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 6 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 July 1802, London. “I have this moment learned that the French Government have refused an Exequatur to Mr. Cathalan who was appointed American Consul for the Port of Marseilles. You may, perhaps, recollect the apprehensions I have frequently expressed of the effects of the Climate of Hamburg on my health.… It will be particularly gratifying to me … to be appointed to the Agency at...
5821From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 12 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. has been duly recd. as was that from Mrs. C. to her sister. I thank you for your attention to the Gardiner. Bizet has indicated a disposition to remain with us; and it is probable will suit the place better than a stranger, till we shall be able to avoid the expence altogether. The entire ignorance of our language and of the habits of the blacks wd be serious...
5822To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Mr. W. this morning in which he says. “I have made enquiry respecting the declaration of Mr. Adams while in London in Nov. 1783—it seems he thought negociations could be better conducted there than in a foreign country, and observes—‘Here with the most perfect politeness to ministers we may keep them in awe; a visit to a distinguished member of opposition, even...
5823James Gibbon to Thomas Jefferson, 22 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It happen’d very opportunely, that at the moment I rec d y r letter , a Cap t from Boston appeard at my office with your parcell of seeds of which I had been apprizd by Mr Dearborne ; they have been sent on by Mr Gibson in charge of a boat man who usually takes parcells for you under an injunction to keep it dry as Mr D . dir e cted I hope you will rec
5824To George Washington from William Livingston, 3 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Livingston, 3 Sept. 1779. On 7 Sept., GW wrote Livingston: “I yesterday recd your favr of the 3d Inst.”
5825James Madison to William Lee, 17 November 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. my dear Sir your letter of the 9th. inst: and Mrs. Madison unites with me in offering congratulations on the event which it communicates, and which opens for you the welcome prospect of so much domestic happiness. The friendly feelings we have thro’ a long period entertained for you, will assure you of the sincerity with which we make the offer, and add to it, with our cordial...
5826From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Forsyth, 9 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It being once settled that you are the person to receive the provisions from the commissioners of the provision law, I am perfectly satisfied on that head. I inclose you a List of the posts at which these provisions have been directed to be stored, and the counties which are at liberty to send to each post, as also twenty copies of orders on the several commissioners to make the delivery to...
5827George Washington to Major General William Heath, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Directs Heath to appoint a court of inquiry to examine the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick and Major David S. Franks. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
5828To George Washington from George Reid, 23 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Indisposition of Lieut. Saml Adams of the N. Hampr. Regt is such, that he is renderd unfit for any kind of duty—If your Excellency thinks it Consistent I wish he might be Indulg’d with leave to visit his Friends . Colo. Dearborn will represent his case more particularly. I am Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servt PHi : Gratz Collection.
5829From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency the Extract of a Letter of the 23d Instant, which I received to day from Colo. Vanschaick. This will inform Your Excellency, that the Indians have lately made Two incursions on our Frontiers & taken Five of the Inhabitants of Tryon County & killed one & captured a Guard of Thirteen Militia posted at Skeensborough. I wish I had no other intelligence...
5830From George Washington to John McDonald, 2 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have reced your favor of the 25th feby requesting permission to go to Maryland on a Visit. It will always give me pleasure to grant every possible indulgence to Gentlemen in your situation that can be granted with propriety and I am extremely sorry the request you now make cannot be considerd of that nature. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
5831To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 15 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency (the 10th Ulto) that I had Adjusted my Account with General Burgoyne, & that his paymaster had accepted his Bill, to pay the Amount at his return from Newport which he has punctually Complied with, so far as he was Obligated to pay hard Money; Amounting to £9244. 2s/. which I have sent on, to the Honble Board of Treasury at York Town. £4098 which he was to pay in...
5832General Orders, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The following is the formation of Nixon’s, Paterson’s, Larned’s & the North-Carolina Brigades which is to take place immediately for the present Campaign. R. & F. Greaton’s Regt ⎧ ⎨ ⎩ ⎫ ⎬ ⎭ forms one battalion and furnishes for the Light Infantry–- 24. Nixon’s— forms one battalion and furnishes— 30. Putnam’s— forms one battalion and furnishes— 38. ⎫ ⎬ ⎭
5833To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr. Graham has this moment informed me, that he forwards by this mail, his resignation, and requests that a Successor may be speedily named. I sincerely regret the resignation of Mr. Graham; he is indeed a Loss to the Government; but since his determination is fixed, I felicitate myself with a hope, that I may find in his Successor, as honest a man, and as faithful a public officer....
5834From Thomas Jefferson to James Taylor, Jr., 25 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The pipe of Madeira and box of Champagne have been duly recieved. the latter has been tried and is approved and I shall be glad to take eight cases more, say 480. bottles of it, to be forwarded to this place at any time before the 1st. of May till which time I shall not be returned from Monticello. only be so good as, on reciept of this, to inform me by post if I may rely on that quantity,...
5835To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 14 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote yesterday, intended by Capt. Bosomworth but was out when he sett off. Nothing new Since, only two men have deserted Viz. John Clandinnon a damnable tall fellow & Adam Clandinnon his brother inlisted lately by Lt Charles Smith—I have sent Advertisements through pennsylvania, & have trusted to the Officers of their Companies to send you by this Opportunity. I have thirteen of Capt....
5836[Diary entry: 12 March 1772] (Washington Papers)
12. Dined at the Club and went to the Play. The play was presented by David Douglass’s American Company, which came to Williamsburg for the spring season, from the convening of the General Assembly in early February through the April session of the General Court ( RANKIN Hugh F. Rankin. The Theater in Colonial America . Chapel Hill, N.C., 1960. , 165).
5837From James Madison to David Gelston, 24 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Gelston. Letter not found. 24 December 1805. Acknowledged in Gelston to JM , 27 Dec. 1805 , as containing two bills of exchange.
5838To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By direction of the President, I have the honor to enclose, for your information, a letter addressed to me by Mr Fitzsimmons, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia—and a copy of my answer. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your most obt Servt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr. President elect”; endorsed by TJ as received 25 Feb. and so recorded...
5839Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 6 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your two last Letters by my Dear Eliza received by Capt Calliham which I mean to answer before my Brother departs, and this will be in a very few days. You cannot wonder that is an event that I am not at all gratified with. I think of it as little as possible for tis hard to the that he is to be with us by anticipating the lonesomeness of our situation when he Shall be...
5840From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 23 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Favour, written after your Return from Spa and am very glad you had so pleasant a Tour and found So agreable a Reception. I find that my Friend in Philadelphia, reprinted the Letters on the Spirit and Resources of Great Britain: after which they were again printed in Boston, and much admired. A Gentleman from Boston, tells me, he heard there, that they were written by one...
5841To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 20 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Sir you wish to know when you are to have the ornaments for the Rotunda; I answer that they are all finished, and only wait the Packing and Enshipment, to be on the way for your institution no time shall be lost on my part to get them under way and then the risk of the seas must be yours the Last was mine and I Insured them. I do not see any necessary directions to your People unless it is to...
5842To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [16 January 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Hamilton came so late that I could only broach the subject to him. He will breakfast with me at 8 Oclock, at which time If you can make it convenient I should be glad of your Company, after which we will talk the matter over fully. Yrs., RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Jan. 1792 and recorded in SJPL , where the entry contains this addition: “Colo....
5843Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Robertson, 29 September 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Being now within a day or two of my departure from this place, I inclose you a draught on Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson to reimburse the advances of cash you have been so good as to make for me while here. they stand I believe as follows to Richard Chilton for corn on mr Yancey application 100. D to D r William Steptoe on my ord of Sep. 22 35. 89
5844To Benjamin Franklin from John Willson and Stephen Hamson, 9 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the Undernamed persons being Natives and Subjects of America, take the Liberty to Inform you of our Disagreeable Situation as finding no Redress Elsewhere— We Were on the 15th Octr. 1780 on A Schooner from Marblehead bound to Cadiz Onfortunatly taken by An English Cruizer Called the Albert, the Captn. of Which thought proper to Leave three of Our Ships...
5845From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday about two oClock, the detachment proceeded on its destination. It consisted of one Captain (Henry) Two Leutenants, Two Musicians, Ninety two Non Commissioned Officers & Privates. They had seventeen Tents with them. I send you a plan for dividing Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware into Districts and subdistricts. It appears to me desireable that the recruiting...
5846[Diary entry: 4 September 1770] (Washington Papers)
Septr. 4th. Got on the 2d. Floor (or rather the last Floor the walls being at their Height) of my Mill. The Hound Bitch stately brought 7 Puppies viz 2 dogs & 5 Bitches 1 of the former dead—remaing. 1 dog & 5 Bitches.
5847To Thomas Jefferson from William Gordon, 24 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In a late letter to the Marquis de La Fayette I mentioned my design of writing soon to your Excellency. The reason of my having been so long silent was, that I might be able to acquaint you, that the second volume of the History was printed, which I can at length do. You was pleased generously to offer me your friendly assistance for the procuring a similar consideration for an early copy of...
5848Abner E. Callaway to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Will Mr Jefferson be so kind as to lend me a couple of hundread brick which shall be returned with, those lent to Colo Watts . This favour will be thankfully receaved by yours RC ( ViU : TJP-ER ); dateline beneath signature; adjacent to signature: “M r Tho s Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ: “Callaway Abner.” Abner Early Callaway (1787–1834) and his brother George Callaway inherited land in Bedford...
5849From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you duplicate of my letter of the 19th instant, to which I refer you in answer to yours of the 13th. I shall only add, that it interests the merchants as much as the Public to discountenance such a species of evasion. For could it long succeed, it would render credits for the duties inadmissible. It will be well to let this idea get into circulation among the merchants. I am Sir Your...
5850To George Washington from Bordentown, N.J., Citizens, 10 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
In Pursuance of public Notice duly given, Requesting the attendance of the Inhabitants of the several Towns of Bordentown, Crosswicks, Black Horse, Reckless Town, and their different Vicinities. To take into Consideration the pending Treaty between Great Britain, and the United States; a General and Numerous meeting was held, in Bordentown, on Saturday the Eighth Instant. Colo. Jos. Kirkbride...