58151To James Madison from George Joy, 15 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have just crossed the Sound in much better Health than when I left this place. You will perceive, in the concluding Paragraph of my letter to my Brother of the 21st. ultimo, that it was not my intention to cross the Atlantic very soon. Some Murmurs that have reached me have induced serious thoughts however of making the Voyage from this place; and further consideration, to take England in my...
58152To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I can Scarce persuade myself, that I Staÿ’d with you So manÿ daÿs—and conversed on So few, Subjects onlÿ, upon which I did want your information. I could onlÿ glance at your Librarÿ—had no time to Satisfÿ my greedy curiosity—and forgot even to look at the consolato del mare and other rare Publications in your possession but I am apprehensive, this would have been the case had I protracted my...
58153To Benjamin Franklin from Joachim Reallon, 26 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope your Exelency will Excuse me if I take the Leberty of writting you this few Lines for to Lett you Know that I agreed with Richard Graham & Compy. to take the Commander of the Sloop Canister from Dunfrise potomack river in virginia For a Voyage to France, which I have had the misfortune to be taken and Carried to England and from there Exchangéd, and...
58154Thomas Jefferson in Council to Thomas Whiting, 26 June 1779 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the directors of the public Buildings in Richmond, I am to desire that you will provide for them locks of different kinds fit for house doors, hinges for do., window glass, putty, lathing nails and shells. For the quantities I must refer you to the Directors themselves. I am Sir Your Humble Servant, Memod. for the Board of Trade. 800 feet of Glass—10 by 12. 300 lb Putty 500...
58155Leray de Chaumont to Joseph Mathias Gérard de Rayneval: A Translation, 16 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have had a conversation with Mr. Adams that is of sufficient interest that it should be brought to the attention of His Excellency M. the Comte de Vergennes. I have the honor of sending you a summary that you would have the goodness to place before the minister if you judge that it merits his attention. I thought that Mr. Adams, being isolated from Mr. Lee, would see things differently from...
58156Thomas Jefferson to John H. Cocke, 25 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his compliments to Gen l Cocke regrets much the having missed him both in going & coming from Charlottesville ; he hopes he will do him the favor of coming here this evening, or tomorrow, as business of extreme urgency depends on it. he salutes him with friendship & respect RC ( ViU: TJP-Co ); written on a small scrap; dateline at foot of text; addressed: “ Gen l Cocke .”...
5815711th. (Adams Papers)
Finished in the forenoon, the second Book of the Cyropaedia; which I began, the 2d. of this month, and in the afternoon I began upon the book of Luke, in the Testament. I finish’d Matthew, last Thursday, and passed over Mark, in which it is supposed there is no difficulty, and which I may go through, in case, I have leisure. Miss Nancy, went in the afternoon with a large Party on slaying; and...
58158IV. Unknown to Francis Van Dyke, c. 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Eight or teen Ships of war the Largist twenty four guns. a Rainforce ment of three thousand men gon to Cannada to keepe the inhabbatance undur. Very few trups in the City and adjasint placis not more then Six & Sevin thousand[,] betwise three & four thousand fit for Duty. The Channal in the E[a]st rivur Block up[.] 15 Ships gon downe the Narrows redy for Sinkkng[.] 15 more Redy for the Same...
58159Thomas Jefferson to Charles L. Bankhead, 10 June 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved a letter from mr Short authorising me to sell his lands in our neighborhood, and particularly desiring me to offer them to yourself and D r Bankhead . the I think it an excellent tract and well worth 12. Dollars. the times of paiment will be made entirely easy on paiment of interest. should D r Bankhead fulfill our wishes in providing himself a retreat here, I do not think...
58160To George Washington from William Heath, 18 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Just come to hand with the person who was Sent up a few Days Since a Deserter from the Enemy on their late excursion to Haverstraw. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Sert MHi : Heath Papers.
58161From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Wolcott the auditor of the Treasury. The information which he wishes to obtain being essential to the proper settlement of several accounts of considerable moment, as they affect both the character and interest of the United States; I request the favour of you, Sir, if there be any document in the office of...
58162To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 24 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had this honour on the 30th. October, duplicate of which, with vouchers accompanying my last Account against the United States, were inclosed with a few lines under date of the 14th. instant, by Mr. V. Dupont in the Benjamin Franklin, to which I beg your reference. I must express my regret at not being favoured with a line from the Department of State since the 31st. March 1800. My situation...
58163To George Washington from Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 25 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The fear I am in, lest the Little notice taken of General de Rochambeau’s Secretary, in comparison of those who fill that honorable place about your Excellency, should be misconstrued in your Excellency’s mind, shall be my Apology for this Letter. The Little regard shewn for a man, who by his post, should Seem intitled to some consideration, must be ascribed to the customs of a monarchical...
58164[Diary entry: 21 March 1768] (Washington Papers)
21. Went to Court. Colo. Carlyle & Family also went up. Mr. Stedlar stay’d—& Sally Carlyle.
58165From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 23 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Horace Howard Furness Memorial Library, University of Pennsylvania I have been waiting here near Six Weeks for the sailing of the Pacquet, and know not yet when that will be. From London I will send you the Account you desire of the Verification of the Meridian of France; and one of the best Thermometers I can procure. If in any thing else I can do you pleasure, signify it by a Line...
58166To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 31 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the great Concerns of the Army must engross your Excellency’s Attention at this Time, it is with the greatest Reluctance that I trouble you with a Matter of a more private Nature. An Expectation of a new Arrangme⟨nt⟩ of the Army, of which I had the fullest Assurance from the Committee of Congress last Winter, and a Wish not to trouble your Excellency on the Subject, have hitherto kept me...
58167To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 18th. and 20th. inst. I will immediately make arrangements to have the experiments made on the proper measure of the pace recommended, and report the result— With respect to the relative rank of the officers of the 12th. I have always acted upon that which I received from you, as decisive, making the subsequent alteration of...
58168To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 16 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send you by this opportunity the Act of Assembly passed in 1772, by which yourself, with me and others, were appointed Trustees to manage the sale of the Land held in Tail by Mr Wm Booth and his Lady, and to purchase and settle other lands to descend as those in Tail would have done. Mr Booth did long since sell the Intailed Land to Squire Lee of Maryland, and purchased...
58169General Orders, 18 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ the General is very sensible that the great fatigue duty of this Army (which he is highly pleased to see the officers and men go through, with so much cheerfulness and zeal) does not allow much time for manœuvring and exercising the troops; yet it is a matter of so much consequence to have them as well practiced, as time and circumstances will admit, that he earnestly recommends it to...
58170To Thomas Jefferson from Dennis Griffith, 31 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been engaged for almost two years past in measuring all the principal Waters and Public Roads in the State of Maryland and am laying down a Map thereof: upon measuring the Sea coast very carefully from the line which divides Delaware and Maryland, (the Latitude of which has been, I believe, very accurately ascertained by Messrs. Mason and Dixon) to the place where we were shewn as the...
58171To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 7 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I take up my Pen to communicate to you in Writing, what I had the Honour of expressing to you verbally the Day before yesterday. I shall begin by calling your Attention to the Act of Congress published in the enclosed Gazette, entitled “An Act for laying and collecting Duties on Imports and Tonnage within the Territories ceded to the United States by the Treaty of the 30th. April One thousand...
58172To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 3 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Our little one continues in good health and I feel no apprehensions about Maria. The hardness in her breasts has gone off entirely and as the milk flows freely there can be no danger of return. We have considerable apprehensions about the whooping cough which rages in every part of this neighbourhood. At Charlottesville & Milton we know that they certainly have it, & I have just learnt that...
58173James Madison to P. Mortimer Fitzwilliams, 5 January 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received Sir your letter of Decr. 27th. requesting autograph names to repair the loss of a collection you had made for a gentleman of distinguished standing in the British Parliament. On recurring to my files, I find they have been so far exhausted by applications of a like sort, that I can promise from them no aid for your purpose. With respect FC (DLC) . Addressed to Fitzwilliams in "...
58174To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Assembly of this State has pass’d an act for raising three thousand men, which I think can not fail producing them; it gives a bounty of twelve pound specie to the recruit and forty shillings to the recruiting officer for each Man he enlists, the country is laid of into 3000 districts, each of which is to produce a man or the above sum of fourteen...
58175Enclosure: Owen Reynolds to Louis H. Girardin, 10 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Having once mentioned to me, that that, you thought, there would be an eligible situation open shortly for a mathematicians mathematician , in the new university of Virginia .—As, I have devoted the greater part of my time to the study of those abstruse and difficult sciences, the Mathematicks, and have been employed in teaching them in Ireland , for many years, and also, since my arrival in...
58176To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 27 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of sending you a deposition inclosed which Your Excellency cannot doubt the truth of as it corresponds so exactly with the reports made to you, Sir, from Virginia, from Brigadier General Hamilton’s letters to me which went to Your Excellency and from that British Officer’s letter to you, Sir, of which I have a Copy —It is quite unnecessary for me to enlarge upon this...
58177From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 30 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 30, 1790. On May 31, 1790, in a letter to Hamilton , Whipple referred to “your letters of the 30th January & 24th March last.” Letter of January 30th not found. ]
58178From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 29 September 1809 (Adams Papers)
1781, February 1st—wrote to Congress: “One of the most brilliant events which has yet been produced by the American revolution, is the following TREATY OF MARINE, Concluded at Copenhagen, the 28th of June, 1780, Old Style, between her Majesty the Empress of Russia, and his Majesty the King of Denmark and of Norway, for the maintenance of the liberty of neutral mercantile navigation , and in...
58179To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 1 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
On yesterday I was told by Mr. Desforgues the french Consul, that General Moreau had taken his passage for Charleston, and would sail on the 4th. of this month; But on this morning I have understood, that his voyage is postponed for twenty days. It seems by the Northern papers, that Moreau’s visit hence, has excited some uneasiness, and late private letters from Washington state, that even the...
58180From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 9 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Peyton Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army there to receive and issue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line all Cloathing and Stores for them that shall be put into his hands either by the Continental Cloathier General or the Continental State Agents. If the salary annexed to his Office by the Assembly is insufficient, to them the application must be made....
58181George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 30 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 30, 1779. Regrets that negotiations for exchange of prisoners must be delayed. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58182[Notes for an Oration at Braintree, Spring 1772.] (Adams Papers)
The Origin, the Nature, the Principles and the Ends of Government, in all Ages, the ignorant as well as the enlightened, and in all Nations, the barbarous as well as civilized, have employed the Wits of ingenious Men. The Magi, the Mufti, the Bramins, and Brachmans, Mandarines, Rabbies, Philosophers, Divines, Schoolmen, Hermits, Legislators, Politicians, Lawyers, have made these the subjects...
58183From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 9 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Instructions for Mr King, herewith returned, appear to me to be proper. To them, however, I think might be added a desire that he should attempt to remove any doubts which may arise in the construction of the [ ] article relative to our Trade ⟨with⟩ the East Indies; and to get relieved if it be practicable from the restrictions on our Vessels going from thence with their Cargoes to China....
58184To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Burns, 4 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a passage I saw some time past in the National Inteligencer: Wherein it appears that Congress had Directed your Excellancy to send some suitable Person to Louisiana to survey the Lead Mines of that Contry: also to ascertain the Lattitude and Longitude of them. Together with the Quantity and Quallity of the Oars—I wrote to General Meriweather Member of Congress from the State...
58185Cash Accounts, April 1771 (Washington Papers)
Cash Apl 13— To Cash for Corn and Fish £0. 7. 5 23— To Ditto for a Whipsaw 2. 5. 0 To Ditto for Fish 1. 0. 0 Contra 6— By John Langfit Balle Acct for 300 flour Cas[k]s 5. 0. 0 7— By Thos Bishop 2. 0. 0 8— By Miss Custis 1.10. 0 9—
58186From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 30 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favr of the 28th. The Queries mentioned are so extensive that it will not be in my Power to be prepared with satisfactory Answers to all, at our first Meeting. I shall do myself the Honor to attend the Comittee at the Hour specified—and Am with much Sincerity of Esteem & Regard Sir Your most Obedient Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
58187From Philip Sturtevant to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 1 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to Say the Composit Capitals Cant be Cut for 30 Dollars Each as I wrote you, its impossible and I Hope you will take it in to Consideration and allow me my first Price which was 4/6 per inch in Girthing the Collum or Capital at its Diminished Diametre which will amount to 37 or 38 Dollars Considering my former Letters &c its all I can ask and I will be satisfied with that sum 4/6...
58188To George Washington from Estéban José Martínez, 14 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Supposing that Y[our] E[xcellency] is acquainted with the services which I rendered to the Bostonian expedition commanded by Capt. John Kendrick at the time when I was commander in chief of another on the North West coast of America, I take the liberty of troubling Y. E. to the end that interposing your influence with Congress, they may distinguish me with the order of Cincinnatus, for which I...
58189To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 29 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed a few astronomical observations ; they are principally intended to determine by practice, what dependence may be placed in the lunar theory , for the determination of the longitude.— If I could have found leisure, the observations should have been more numerous, but the duties of my office require so great a proportion of my time, that I have none left for the pursuit of any...
58190Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
owing to an accident your Letter of April 1 t did not reach us till the 14 th I have got the power compleated and inclose it to the dr. I hope your trunk & the Porter which accompanied it came safe to Hand. I put in an article or two upon the top of the Trunk which if any opportunity offers you may send to Braintree. the Porter was directed to the care of mr Smith but I did not as I ought...
58191To James Madison from George Nicholas, 6 November 1795 (Madison Papers)
Since my last to you I have been favored with one or two of your friendly letters, for which I am much obliged to you. The want of such matter as I suppose would be agreeable to you, is the only cause of my not writing oftener: for it is very much my wish, to receive your part of the correspondence, as often as I can. Our western and local politicks, have all been swallowed up by Jay’s treaty:...
58192From John Adams to Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 28 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I recd in due Time your Favour of the 13. The inclosed Account of 13f.14s. I return with my Request that you would be So good as to pay and charge it to my private Acct with your Society, which I will pay when I come to Amsterdam. Inclosed also is another little Account of f.7.16s due to a Copper Smith, which I pray you to pay and charge it in the Same manner. Inclosed also is a third Account...
58193To George Washington from Sidney Lee, 5 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your very obliging Letter of October 20th I had not the pleasure of receiving before the last month was pretty far advanced, when I was extremely ill, occasion’d by a cold I brought out of the Country with me, that at first seemed very insignificant, but afterwards brought on a severe indisposition, that prevented my presenting my sincere thanks by the last packet for the many acts of kindness...
58194From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Intention of yesterday’s order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good oppertunity of making choice of such of their Arms as shall be found fit for the use of the New Army. I am not without my fear that if they are appriz’d of the Intention, some of the best Arms will be Secreted; for this reason I desire you will say nothing of the matter till the...
58195[Diary entry: 4 March 1760] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday Mar. 4th. Rain without Intermission till Noon—thence at Intervals till Night, with strong So[uther]ly wind the whole time. Plows Stopd—but the dividing fence finishd. Gave up the Horse Cart, & the Dun horse and Jack to R. Stephens.
58196To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 September 1802, Tunis. Has suggested in former communications that “when these regencies prevail on a tributary national Agent to state a demand to his Gov. they raise an assumpsit on this compliance. I have consequently been uniform in refusing to state their demands. Steady to this resolution I now refuse to write for a thirtysix gun frigate.” The bey decided to write demanding the ship...
58197To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 27 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mon prédecesseur m’a remis la lettre que vous lui aves ecritte le 15 de ce mois en lui communiquant differens mémoires de l’envoyé du roi d’ angleterre et les décisions que le Gouvernement americain s’est empressé de prendre d’après les plaintes de ce Ministre. Le premier de ses griefs que vous rapportes dans votre lettre, Monsieur, porte sur un fait faux; Je n’ai aucune connaissance des...
58198To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jany. 31, 1783,” and further docketed, in an unknown hand, “Ths. Jefferson 31. Jan. 1783.” The italicized words are those written by Jefferson in cipher. The present letter makes clear that Jefferson, before leaving Philadelphia for Baltimore, had “concerted” with JM in preparing a code for the greater security of confidential portions of their...
58199Thomas Jefferson to William H. Keating, 18 July 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Sir, for the Account of the new Mineral discovered by yourself and mr Vanuxem , of which you have been so kind as to send me a copy, and more particularly for the honor done my name by the appellation given it. age and a decayed memory have very much weakened my attention to the physical sciences, but nothing can ever weaken my affection to them, and the pleasure with which I...
58200From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 5 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am under Such Restrictions, Injunctions and Engagements of Secrecy respecting every Thing which passes in Congress, that I cannot communicate my own Thoughts freely to my Friends, So far as is necessary to ask their Advice, and opinions concerning Questions which many of them understand much better than I do. This however is an inconvenience, which must be Submitted to for the sake of...