58101John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been deeply afflicted with the account of your accident—At first your Leg was broke—I shuddered, I feared that I should have no more letters from Montecello —Next came the account that it was only a small bone in the Arm—My hopes revived . the difference between the leg and the Arm was immense. To illustrate this difference, and for your consolation and amusement; I will give you an...
58102Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 14 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your agreable Letter of May. 10. from Auteuil I received by your Son. His Absence You will feel and I do not wonder that you parted with him with Regret as his Ability to relieve his Parents from many Cares and Burdens must have been great. He is now pursuing his Studies with his Uncle Shaw, more especially in the Latin and Greek Languages. In other Respects he was qualified to have entered in...
58103To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
My dear wife is not better, than when I wrote to you last. I expect something determinate in a few days. Inclosed is a copy of my motion. Had it been intended to bring forward a convention immediately, the thing was imprudently worded; because it contains many unpopular points. But as subjects of reflection for the people, they could not, I thought, be too pointed. I give you a duplicate, that...
58104From George Washington to William Dobbs, 31 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the receipt of this, I wish to procure a number of those Pilot s that you formerly engag’d, and who ar e par ticularly acquainted with the Navigation of the Hook & North River, and with them repair, as soon as possible to Capt. Dennis’s at Baskenridge, where you’ll continue ’till you receive further orders from Genel Foreman of Monmouth County; after you have procur’d the Pilots , & sent...
58105To Thomas Jefferson from J.A. Storrow, 18 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to use the name ne of your antient friends—that of Mr William champe Carter whose son in law I am—as my means of introduction. The bearer is a young gentlemen of Fauquier, the son of a particular friend. He is destined for the University & proceeds to charlottesville for specific information respecting his future course—the time when the Lectures are to commence, the requisites for...
58106From Thomas Jefferson to Napoleon Bonaparte, 13 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your Imperial Majesty’s letter of the 29th of March 1807 communicating the intelligence that the Princess Eugéne Napoleon, Vice Queen of Italy, was happily delivered on the 14 of that month of a Princess who had received the name of Josephine. The friendly interest which the United States take in an event so conducive to the happiness of your Majesty and your Imperial...
58107To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 23 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 23 Feb. 1792. For the last three weeks news from Morocco has been various and contradictory. Reports of the dispersal of the army of Muley Ischem and the triumph of Muley Yezid have been succeeded by reports that Muley Ischem has trapped Muley Yezid’s army. The only certain news is that Muley Slema has passed safely from the sanctuary at Tetuan to the sanctuary at Mequinez, though...
58108William R. Gray to Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I anticipated the honor of delivering to you, a letter from the President of the United States; but recent information that you were absent from Monticello , and the advanced state of the season, have induced Mrs Gray and myself to defer paying our respects to you, until our return from charleston . as the letter may not be merely one of introduction, I have taken the liberty of enclosing it...
58109George Nicolson to Virginia Delegates, [ca. 25 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 78, XVII, 139). Addressed to “The Honble the Delagates in Congress for the State of Virginia.” Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Letter from Geo Nicolson Read May 26. 1781 Referred to the board of War.” Articles in the Public Magazine, wanted for the State of Virginia Gentlemen Above is a List of such necessarys now in the Continental Store which are much wanted in our State...
58110From Thomas Jefferson to Brissot de Warville, 27 May 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I now trouble you with my packets for America, which are indeed unreasonably bulky. The larger one addressed to Mr. Jay contains chiefly newspapers, pamphlets &c. so may be disposed of as you please. That addressed to Mr. Madison is of the same nature, as are all the others except the smallest of the two addressed to Mr. Jay which contains my letters, and of which I ask your special care. The...
58111To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have this day received from Govr Blount a letter dated the 9th of August, with sundry inclosures, by which it appears that the Southwestern Territory continues to enjoy perfect tranquility: That the Creeks have desired the Governor to direct General Robertson to send two men into the Chickasaw Nation for the Creeks who are prisoners there; as the Chiefs are determined to bury the hatchet, if...
58112From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
The John Adams is to sail from the Texel on the 25th: of this Month, and Mr Dallas, who is to be the bearer of our Dispatches to the Government is to leave this City on the 21st. I employ the last moments that will be left me previous to his departure, to perform they duty of writing to you, and of acknowledging the receipt of your favour of 1. May. It came by the return of the French ship...
58113To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 23 October 1765 (Franklin Papers)
Four drafts: Yale University Library During 1764 Ezra Stiles had taken a firm public stand against the efforts of some Rhode Islanders to bring about a revocation of the colony’s charter and the establishment of royal government. When news of the passage of the Stamp Act arrived in Newport in April 1765 he was equally firm in his objections to the measure as a matter of political principle,...
58114General Orders, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
58115Notes on Washington Highways, 2 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Washington. Highways. <a bridge over the Tyber> 2. arches of 10. f. each adjg Tyber bridge bed of creek enlarged & B street canalled 1. 1. 3. f. Culvert. 30. f. + 2. of 5. f. each. 50 f. betw. Tyber & Duane’s 2. 1. do. at Duane’s 3. 1. do. opposite Market bridge 4. 1. 4. f. do. opposite the hotel 5. the culvert at the brew house to be arched with brick 6.
58116From José de Jáudenes y Nebot and José Ignacio de Viar y Mendiguren to John Adams, 26 September 1791 (Adams Papers)
The Commission, we are both honoured with by His Majesty, to reside near the United States, being officially connected; affords us the agreable opportunity of acknowledging the honor of your Letter of the 11 th: Instant directted to Don Joseph de Viar; and the uniformity of sentiments that prevails among us to shew our ready disposition towards doing any thing that (being in our power) may...
58117From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to request you will as soon as possible, give me an Estimate of all those things in your Department, (noting the expence of each in the best manner you are able) which will be requisite to enable the Army to take the field and to prosecute vigorous operations, in case the War should continue another Campaign; in this Estimate I would have comprehended particularly, the means of...
58118From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26–27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday morning honored with your Favors of the 22d Inst. I wish the measures Congress have adopted may effectually suppress the disturbances in the Western Department. Should they prove successful & the Savages & wicked deluded Inhabitants receive a severe check, it is probable, they will not be induced again to take a part against us—or at least for some considerable time. Colo....
58119[Diary entry: 13 January 1797] (Washington Papers)
13. Wind still Southerly. Exercised on horseback, on the River Delaware Crossing to Cowpers Tavern & recrossing below. [24] cowpers tavern : probably the ferry house erected by Samuel Cooper (1744–1812) in 1770 at Cooper’s Point in what is now Camden, N.J. Samuel’s son William was running the ferry by this time. There were actually several ferries within a short distance of each other, all...
58120I. Projet of a Treaty Submitted by the American Commissioners, [March–April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Draught of a treaty of Amity and Commerce between her Majesty the Queen of Portugal N. 1e and the United States of America. The Parties being willing to fix in a permanent and equitable manner the rules to be observed in the Commerce they desire to establish between their respective Countries, have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality and...
58121From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 10 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1805, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant for two hundred dollars in favor of Moses Young in virtue of the enclosed draft in his favor drawn by Rebecca Arundel, whose power from Richard OBrien to receive this sum annually from his salary is lodged in the Treasury.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
58122From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Ferris, 8 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Isaac Briggs informed me by letter that he had purchased for me, from you a clock and that the price of it including box & packing would be about seventy dollars. I now inclose you that sum, and will thank you to have it well packed & secure against rain, and sent by a vessel bound to Richmond addressed to the care of Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson merchants of that place. they will pay the...
58123To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 12 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I see with pain by the public papers that the British have burnt several places of no Importance but this Shews they mean to carry on the War to distroy & burn all they can of course we must relatiate, there are 500 Towns in Cornwal, Scotland, & Ireland where the Cheasepeak frigate, might go & burn with as much ease as the British ships now burn our little Towns in Virginia & Maryland, as a...
58124To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 11 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of March last I have but lately received. It was Sent by the Post, I suppose from Newport. When the Gentleman you recom mend in it, Monsr. Petry, comes here, it will give me pleasure to make Boston agreable to him. I wish we could have had more of your assistance in compleating the plan of government. Some of the alterations made in it after you left us, were by no means for the...
58125To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 6 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
At the beginning of the session we cou’d have carried any plan connected with the repeal of the Embargo in the course of it. It has been our misfortune that the various expedients have been offered too late. The only honorable course was from Embargo to non-I ntercourse . We cannot now obtain it, and I fear we must submit to the plan least disgraceful, in which we can unite the greatest number...
58126From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and two press copies: Library of Congress; two copies, press copy and transcript: National Archives; copy: Columbia University Library Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion. As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted...
58127To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Brown, 4 September 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter you did me the honor of writing me, in March last , I intended to have answered long since; & to enable me to do so, the more to your satisfaction, I took the earliest opportunities of informing General Clarke & several other gentlemen, who had been the companions of his youthful campaigns, of the illiberal attack made on you, by the Attorney General of Maryland. I have defered...
58128Edmund Bacon to Thomas Jefferson, 21 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a line informing you that Mr Meeks is not disposed to remaine with us the ensueing Yeare. he has not given me the information himself but his wife informed my family that he intended going away. what proves the thing to me I saw a cart th at his house loading with his cabage yesterday I inquired whare they was carrying them to the reply was to the place that he was to live at the...
58129To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 5 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Honor of your Letter of the 30th. of last Month requesting me to use my good offices to procure the Release of Benjamin Moore, an American Citizen, who is said to have been impressed, and to be on board His Majesty’s Ship Liander. I shall not fail, Sir, to transmit without Loss of Time the Document which your Letter inclosed, proving the Citizenship of the abovementioned...
58130From James Madison to George Washington, 8 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The prospect in Massts. seems to brighten, if I view in the true light the following representation of it. “This day, (Jany. 30) for the first our President Mr. Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on saturday or tuesday next. I can not predict the issue, but our hopes are increasing. If Mr. Hancock does not disappoint our present expectations, our...
58131From John Adams to the Reverend Jacob Bailey, January 1756 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d your favour of Decr. 29. about 3 or 4 Days after it was wrote. The bearer left it at the Tavern and proceeded on his journey, so that I despair’d of ever getting an opportunity of answering it, till this moment. I heartily sympathize with you in your affliction, which I am the better qualified to do as I am confined myself to a like place of Torment. When I compare The gay, the...
58132[Diary entry: 9 August 1781] (Washington Papers)
9th. A Letter from the Marqs. de la fayette of the 30th. Ulto., reports, that the Embarkation in Hampton Road still remained there—that there were 30 Ships full of Troops chiefly red Coats in the fleet—that Eight or ten other Vessels (Brigs) had Cavalry on Board—that the Winds had been extremely favourable—notwithstanding which they still lay at anchor & that the Charon & several other...
58133From Thomas Jefferson to John Macpherson, 28 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your letter of this day with the papers it contained, and gave the hasty perusal which my occupations would permit to so much of them as served to shew me it was the case of a variance between father and son, which I sincerely lament, but wish to be left ignorant of the facts or faults which may have produced it. If my recommendation of mutual forgiveness and union, or at...
58134Thomas Jefferson to Peter Minor, 15 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed act for the assesment of Congressional taxes. I see by that that a pri Collector and principal assessor are to be appointed for our district ( Nelson , Amherst , Albemarle & Fluvanna ). the former officer is of little concern to those who mean to pay punctually; but the principal assessor is all important; because the sum to be paid by our district being fixed...
58135[Diary entry: 19 October 1768] (Washington Papers)
19. Calm, clear, & Warm forenoon, but lowering afternoon.
58136To James Madison from Anthony Terry, 5 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
With particular pleasure & Satisfaction I remit you co py of a letter received this day from our Consul at Gibraltar Mr. John Gavino which contents is as follows. “Gibraltar 3d. October 1803: I refer to mine of the 29th. ulto. Since when have laid before Commodore Preble & Rodgers the Memorial from the Commanders of Merchant Vessels in your Port respecting Convoy. I am told in consequence it...
58137Report on the Petition of Conyngham, Nesbitt and Company, and James Crawford, [2 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the nineteenth Ultimo, relative to the petition of Conynghame, Nesbitt & Co., and James Crawford, of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants; Respectfully reports That he has examined into the facts, stated in the said petition, and has had the same under consideration. That it is admitted by the Collector...
58138II. The Earl of Clarendon to William Pym, 20 January 1766 (Adams Papers)
You and I have changed Sides. As I told you in my last, I can account for your Tergiversation, only on the Supposition of the Insincerity, Baseness and Depravity of your Heart. For my own Part, as the Change in me is not so great, neither is it so unaccountable. My Education was, in the Law, the Grounds of which were so riveted in me, that no Temptation could induce me, knowingly, to swerve...
58139To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Rutledge, 14 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival in this City a few Weeks ago, I was told that you had made some Communications to Congress on the Subject of the Staple Commodity of Carolina; and on application to our mutual Friend Mr. Jay I obtained an Extract of your Dispatch, of the 27th of May last. I think you my dear Sir, for the Interest which you have taken in this Business, and I am persuaded my Countrymen will be...
58140To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 9 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter of Yesterdays date Came to hand Last evening. the letter which I sent You by Cornet Wills was from Sir John Bolton the person whom Majr Talmadge Recommended To Your Excellency Some time ago. there will be no Dainger of his being discoverd. I do not know his Propper name my self, for Nither of those are. Inclosd Your Excellency will receive Some intelligence from Capt....
58141To John Adams from Francis Henderson, 6 April 1822 (Adams Papers)
I did Myself the honor to write you, on the 3d. January last, from Newport,—Rhode Island; with sundry accompanying documents for your perusal, relative to the Claim of Myself & Family on the United States, as the Heirs and Representatives of the late Lieut. Colo. John Laurens. Myself and Son, soon afterwards, arrived here, to spend the remainder of the Winter and Spring, and attend to the...
58142From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Kirkbride, 14 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Smith being ordered to march up to this place with the Jersey Militia and form a Brigade under Genl Dickinson, you are hereby directed to collect as many of the Militia of your County as will mount the necessary Guards at the Ferries where Colonel Smith was posted. You will take particular Care to keep all the Boats, except such as are necessary for the Ferry, drawn up and well guarded...
58143From James Madison to Isaac Winston, 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 18th. but not in time to be acknowledged by the mail of last week. I am not in immediate want of Carriage horses, but probably shall in the course of a year or so. I had contemplated a further use of the pair I have, untill I could provide a large & handsome pair to take their place, and untill I could find in my resources a convenient surplus beyond the...
58144To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The address from Kaskaskias and the petition of Aaron Goff have been duly received.—Mr. W. Clark, having consented to accompany Capt. Lewis, is highly interesting, it adds very much to the ballance of chances in favour of ultimate success.— If any considerations whatever would induce my family to make a Journey, it would be that of visiting Monticello, and especially after the friendly &...
58145To James Madison from William Jones, 1 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters display our military force in the NW in wretched plight; but the judicious arrangements of Captain Elliott have considerable abated my anxiety for the safety of the fleet at Erie but it is extremely desirable that some troops should be ordered to Erie and put in Bay. Unless the latter place is speedily reinforced I have no doubt an attempt will be made and the result will...
58146From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 August 1810 (Adams Papers)
By yesterday mail I received your kind letter. It is indeed a great while since we have heard from each other, I have thought I would write every day, but have not had a moments leisure & I hoped we should be in better health for I did not wish to send you a doleful ditty of our troubles—for every family seems to have as much as they know how to bear—But for this month past we have been very...
58147To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Freneau, 4 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
David R. Williams Esquire, the Member elect from the Districts of Cheraws and George-town, in this State, to the Congress of the United States, which is now on the eve of assembling, will do me the honor to deliver you this. It is with great truth I can say that few circumstances of my life have given me more real pleasure than the opportunity now afforded me of introducing this Gentleman to...
58148From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 2 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Favor of the 21st ulto covering a Letter to the President of Congress; which was sealed and sent on by an early opportunity. I am quite in Sentiment with you respecting the expediency of an Accommodation with the Indians—and that this is perhaps a very opportune time for the purpose, and most sincerely wish it may be in the power of Congress to find the means of...
58149To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 27 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
A day or two ago General Schuyler at my request sent forward to you an express with an account of the adoption of the Constitution by New Hampshire. We eagerly wait for further intelligence from you, as our only chance of success depends on you. There are some slight symptoms of relaxation in some of the leaders; which authorises a gleam of hope, if you do well: but certainly I think not...
58150To James Madison from Henry A. S. Dearborn, [ante–23] August 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of send [ sic ] to you four newspapers containing a defence of my father against the slanders of Genl. [Hull]. Very respectfully Your most obt. St. RC ( DLC ). Day of month not indicated; conjectural day assigned based on JM ’s reply on 23 Aug. Docketed by JM . Jefferson docketed an almost word-for-word letter from Dearborn of the same date as received 17 Aug. The...